By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – Alouettes quarterback Chris Leak’s highly-anticipated debut didn’t pan out as well as he or the Alouettes faithful had expected.
Leak struggled in his first career start under centre, completing 15-of-27 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions before leaving the game in the fourth quarter to injury as the Alouettes dropped their third game of the season, 38-17 to the BC Lions. It was the Als’ first loss at McGill since 2008.
Quarterback Ricky Santos was called upon in relief for the injured Leak, and threw two touchdown passes to SJ Green from inside the 20-yard line.
Not alone
Though Leak’s struggles seemed to be the most evident according to the 25,012 on hand Friday night at McGill; he can hardly be entirely blamed for the end result. Leak seemed deflated as the poise and composure that was put on display just two weeks ago against the Blue Bombers was absent throughout the dying minutes of his night.
However, it was very present in the early goings of the game when the Alouette offence as a unit was unable to produce much offensively. Dropped balls and unforced turnovers played an integral role in the loss.
On the bright side
Though few, the Als did deliver some moments of brightness to this otherwise dark night. Green’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns were the slotback’s seventh and eighth of the season. It’s been a tremendous season for the fourth-year Alouette Green, being relegated to the practice roster in his first three seasons he is living proof that good things tend to come to those who wait.
Jamel Richardson also managed to generate offence as the receiver garnered 109 yards on nine receptions.
Defensively, the Als received strong efforts from Etienne Boulay, Mark Estelle, Ramon Guzman and Billy Parker. Estelle and Parker each had an interception, while Guzman contributed with five tackles and a sack – the only one of the night for the Alouettes.
Boulay forced a fumble and picked off a Travis Lulay offering in the fourth quarter.
The Alouettes next play the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium on Sep. 11 at 1 pm EST on RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
