Jack B. Bedell
MontrealAlouettes.com
Week 10: B.C. Lions
Turnovers have a way of tilting the field quicker than any other element in a football game. Last weekend’s matchup between the Calgary Stampeders and the B.C. Lions was a perfect example of that fact.
What to expect
Three second-quarter interceptions by the Lions turned what should have been a big Stampeders’ halftime lead into a very tight 27-20 affair at the break. By taking points off Calgary’s total and posting them on B.C.’s side, the turnovers affected a double-digit swing in the game, and kept the Lions in the match when time of possession and offensive productivity stats would’ve painted a much different picture of things.
Two of those picks came courtesy of halfback Stanley Franks, while Dante Marsh snagged the third. Both players will be lurking in the B.C. Lions’ secondary this Friday night when Chris Leak makes his first start at QB for the Montreal Alouettes.
Leak’s ability to maintain ball security, while still pushing his passes downfield against an aggressive B.C. Lions’ secondary, will be absolutely key to the Alouettes’ chances of keeping their home winning streak alive and well.
In limited playing time for the Als, Leak has completed 19 of 28 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. His only interception came in the Als’ last home game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when he came on in relief of an injured Anthony Calvillo.
It’s going to be very interesting to see how Leak performs given extended preparation and playing time against a Lions’ defence that boasts playmakers like Marsh and Franks, not to mention former Alouette Davis Sanchez and Ryan Phillips.
Heading into week 10, B.C. ranks second in the CFL in interceptions with nine (behind three teams tied for first with 10 INTs). And coming off their performance against the Stampeders, the Lions’ secondary is sure to be primed and ready to make plays against a young quarterback.
Translating Success
Having watched Chris Leak throughout his NCAA career at the University of Florida, I’ve always been impressed with his ability to distribute the ball from the pocket. In his four-year career as a Gator, he threw for well over 11,000 yards, racking 88 TDs with only 42 picks.
As an Alouette, Leak has changed his physical stature a good bit, putting on some quality weight, and has added the extra dimension of being able to escape the pocket for yardage when needed, something he didn’t do often in college. Both of these attributes should serve him well against B.C.
Leak’s biggest weapon against the Lions’ secondary, however, will be the Alouettes’ deep, talented receiving corps. With Kerry Watkins, S.J. Green, and Brian Bratton threatening the defence vertically, and with Ben Cahoon and Jamel Richardson working in traffic on short and intermediate routes, Leak will have no shortage of quality targets.
With good protection and the support of a productive rushing attack, Leak should have a great opportunity to show off his skills.
The Alouettes next play the BC Lions at the McGill Stadium on Sep. 3 at 7:30 pm EST on RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
