By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hamilton – Though it was quarterback Adrian McPherson who came off the nine-game injured list and led the Als to a 27-6 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after just five days of practice, label this one as an overall team effort by the Alouettes.
Not only was McPherson the game’s most prolific passer, but was also the field’s top rusher in the Alouettes’ Saturday afternoon win over the Ticats, completing 21-of-37 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 121 yards on 16 carries as well.
As dominant as the third-year Alouette may have been, he was surrounded – as usual – by a solid supporting cast on both sides of the ball.
All-around effort
McPherson received exceptional blocking when needed, thanks to an offensive-line that allowed just one sack this afternoon after allowing four last week in a loss against the BC Lions.
On the other side of the ball, the Als brought down quarterbacks Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter on three occasions on Saturday, compared to the lone sack by Ramon Guzman last week against the Lions. Jermaine McElveen had a pair of quarterback takedowns, while Diamond Ferri had the other in today’s win.
Also on the defensive side of the field, the Als received strong efforts from Billy Parker, Mark Estelle and of course, Chip Cox.
Cox had six tackles to bring his team-leading total up to 46, while Parker and Estelle each had timely interceptions that led to points. Estelle’s allowed McPherson to find Kerry Watkins for the Als’ lone passing touchdown of the day, while Parker’s allowed Damon Duval to connect on one of his four field goals on the day.
While it was McPherson who stole the show on the ground, running back Avon Cobourne wasn’t too far behind. Cobourne rebounded from a relatively quiet week by rushing for moderate 52 yards and a touchdown.
McPherson wasn’t the only Alouette to come off the nine-game injured list, receiver Andrew Hawkins played his first game since suffering a devastating ankle injury in last year’s 2009 East Final against the Lions. Hawkins had two receptions for 17 yards and helped Tim Maypray return kicks on special teams.
Still the beasts
The win gives the Als seven wins on the season and sole-possession of first place in the East Division for at least another week.
Expect reports on quarterback Anthony Calvillo’s health sometime next week. Should he be unable to play, the Als are once-again in good hands – and legs – with McPherson.
The Alouettes next play the Edmonton Eskimos at McGill on Sep. 19 at 4 pm EST on RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
