By Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – In my three decades as an Alouettes fan, there haven’t been too many years when I could honestly say the team exceeded my expectations.
It might be my worst habit as a fan, but I spend most of my off-season studying the roster and schedule looking for reasons why the Als will bag 13 or more wins. And with the success the club’s enjoyed since returning to Montreal, high standards and expectations have been par for the course in my book.
This year was no different. I fully expected the Als to come out of the gate hungry and fast. But 7-1 heading into bye week? Not even I could’ve hoped for that kind of start against the tough schedule the Als had the first two months of the season.
Coming off an impressive Week 8 home win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Als are now enjoying their bye with a 3-0 record against the rest of the East and hold a four-point lead in the standings. They’ve also posted a 4-1 mark against West Division opponents, avenging the one criticism of last season’s performance Out West.
Even more impressive than the team’s record, though, has been the variety of ways they’ve gotten the job done.
Some weeks the Ws have come off superb offence. Some weeks Larry Taylor and the special teams unit have carried the day. And all season long, the defence has been setting the pace with great QB pressure and excellent coverage.
So, I’m thinking it’s time to take a little stock in the Als’ season to date and to offer up a few “South of 49” awards at the bye.
Top Offensive Performer
Anthony Calvillo. AC leads the CFL in every significant passing category at the bye. And to my eyes, he’s been even better than the numbers show.
Top Defensive Performer
Hard to single anyone out in this monster unit, so I’m going with the entire defensive line. The Als lead the league in sacks at this point, and the D-line has just been relentless all year.
Top Special Teams Player
As solid a pick as Damon Duval would be here, I just can’t overlook the impact Larry Taylor has had so far. As TSN’s Chris Cuthbert said during last week’s game against Saskatchewan, it’s really rare to find a kick returner who’s upset every time he doesn’t take it all the way to the house. Taylor is exactly that kind of threat to score whenever the ball’s in his hands.
Best New Starter: Shea Emry. He’s been omnipresent on defence and special teams.
Most Impressive Offensive Performance: Anthony Calvillo vs Edmonton in Week 2.
Most Impressive Defensive Performance: Anwar Stewart vs the Argos in Week 6.
Mr. Clutch Award: Ben Cahoon
Best Rookie Performance: Tough call, but I’ll go with Ramon Guzman in Week 6.
Most Entertaining Game: Week 2 vs Edmonton. The team was simply clicking on all cylinders against the Esks in that game.
