The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are blowing behind the Montreal Alouettes. And if they get the win on Friday at Percival-Molson Stadium, they’ll have a chance to catch up with them in the East Division standings. As a result, Danny Maciocia’s cast want to make sure they have no regrets.
“I don’t like the expression ‘do or die”, but it’s definitely an important game,” explained the Alouettes’ head coach and general manager earlier this week. “At the moment, we are two points ahead of Hamilton, there is the tiebreaker which is at stake, and we also have a game in hand. This is a great opportunity that presents itself to us, and we must take advantage of it. »
The tiebreaker that Danny Maciocia is talking about is the second victory against the Tiger-Cats (4-8) that is at stake, as the two clubs have each won a meeting against the other so far. A possible victory would also allow the Alouettes (5-7) to join the Saskatchewan Roughriders, fourth in the West with a 6-8 record, and avoid being victims of the crossover rule at the end of the calendar. .
“We talked about all that at the start of the week,” said the Montreal point guard. “I think we had a good week of training. The guys are aware of what is at stake. I hope that we will present ourselves at the level that we are able to play, at our level. If we do, we will increase our chances of going for a win. »
The Alouettes haven’t received much help from other teams lately: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers could have given the Montrealers a good boost by beating the Tiger-Cats last week, but they instead signed a unequivocal victory of 48-31, thanks in part to the brilliant performance of their quarterback Dane Evans. Evans completed 25 of 32 passes, including five for touchdowns, for 327 yards and an efficiency rating of 158.3.
“The thing with Evans, when he’s successful is because he’s found his rhythm and the ball doesn’t stay in his hands long,” noted Danny Maciocia. “Our challenge will be to get him to keep the ball in his hands and get to the quarterback with pressure at three, four, five or six, depending on our defensive patterns in coverage. When he keeps the ball and he has to look for his options further, that’s when we can be opportunistic. It will be important to disguise our covers so that we can join him behind the line. »
A newcomer
One of those who could contribute to this goal is newcomer Jamal Davis II.
Arrived this week after having had a very good camp with the Los Angeles Chargers, he intends to pick up where he left off last season. “I think I can contribute in many ways to this club,” said the author of 17 tackles and four sacks in nine games in 2021. “Whether in terms of leadership, or with my versatility. I just want to be a good addition to the team and contribute from day 1.”
“Several people told me that I had known a good camp. It’s clear that I want to prove that I’m a good player, but that’s what I want to do every day of my career. That’s the kind of mentality I’ve always had. I can’t wait to reconnect with the fans on Friday and show them that I’m still the player I was before,” continued Jamal Davis II.
“Physically, he’s a beast! added Danny Maciocia about him. “He’s going to come out on top, he’s able to cover ground, he’s able to get to quarterback, he’s going to bring a lot of depth. […] Other teams will need to have a plan in place for him. For us, it gives us a good rotation with excellent defensive linemen. In the short term or in the long term, it will help us. »
Davis isn’t coming backwards to the CFL either. “I received a few offers to participate in training sessions, which I refused,” he said. I wanted to come back to a place where I am wanted, with people I trust, but above all, I wanted to be able to play now. »
The Alouettes will also be able to count on linebacker Tyrell Richards. The very first selection of the last draft has missed the last six games with a knee injury. Offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon, bothered by back pain, should give way to Pier-Olivier Lestage, who would then get a first start.