MontrealAlouettes.com
LENNOXVILLE – In today’s Alouettes Mailbag, GM Jim Popp dishes on the Alouettes’ kicking situation, shares an update on AC’s life after football, and ponders the return of the Canadian QB.
Got a question that you’d like answered? Submit it during training camp by clicking here, or via the form below.
Yves (@Julyves) from Montreal, QC asks:
Q: Will we have a real kicker and punter this season?
A: We have a real punter and kicker. Sean had his struggles down the stretch but don’t forget that Sean was also the second-most accurate kicker in the CFL last year and has been for the last three years. He has worked hard this off-season adding between 10-15 pounds of muscle. We also have two other men who will be challenging for the job at camp. Import Delbert Alvarado (very strong leg) and non-import Nick Boyd. Should be a great battle!
Richard from Saint-Hubert, QC asks:
Q: Can the CFL survive a prolonged work stoppage? Is Troy Smith the real deal?
A: Personally, I don’t see it happening, but if it does, then I do not see it lasting long. Neither party wants it and I do not know very many players who want to miss a pay cheque. Everyone wants to be playing on time and for the fans. Let’s all continue to think positive and get ready for the season.
Troy is the real deal! He’s still learning the CFL game but is determined to master it and should only get better with each game played. He has done a great job representing the team off the field and usually says the right things when interviewed. His biggest hurdle is the one that he has already overcome: the players trust him.
Frédéric from Saint-Jean, QC asks:
Q: Anthony Calvillo was a fantastic but static quarterback (he needed a very strong pocket and a lot of time to launch a missile). What type of pocket should we expect this year? A running QB, a moving pocket? How many seconds will you be asking of your offensive line?
A: Prior to last year, a system was developed to help Anthony get the ball out quick in order to prevent him from getting hit and to help prolong his career. Obviously it was effective and a number of teams in the CFL started trying to mimic the system. Coach Trestman’s system wasn’t to push the ball downfield but to move the ball in the hands of the receivers and backs, no more than 15 yards at a time. It was a precision passing game and it wasn’t easy for new players learn. Once a transition started happening last year, the attempt was to teach the new staff the same concepts and carry it forward with the team, but we know that didn’t end up happening.
This year, we will run an offense that is build around the skills of Troy Smith and Tanner Marsh. We will continue to run plays that have worked for us over the years but we will add new material that OC Rick Worman is coming up with in the new offence. The ball will be pushed downfield with the emergence of Duron Carter and the addition of Chad Johnson. We will also see more scrambling and plays that are more play action like in the days of Tracy Ham. This play action offence should bide time for our QBs and take some pressure off the OL. Expect big plays and fun action for the fans.
Anthony from Montreal, QC asks:
Q: Hi Mr. Popp, we’ve spoken on Facebook, is Mrs. Popp doing better? And how are contract talks going between you and Mr. Wetenhall? You are the best GM in the CFL & NFL. Can I meet players after the game for autographs?
A: Thanks for asking about the wife, Kim Popp! She is doing better but has 3 months of extensive rehab ahead of her. She still can not walk and has very limited movement of the foot.
Not much has happened on the contract front. Just grinding and doing my job!
Thank you for the kind comments!
You can meet players and get autographs at every practice during training camp and the regular season. All of our practices are open to the public.
Sunil from Montreal, QC asks:
Q: How’s AC handling his job off the field?
A: I believe Anthony enjoyed watching film and scouting the CIS for the Draft. He was amazed at how much film had to be watched on each individual and was shocked at some of the quality of film we sifted through. It’s a learning process but he did a great job.
Anthony from Montreal, QC asks:
Q: How’s your relationship with Tom Higgins? Great coach, great addition. Do you think our QBs will be more mobile this year? I hope so. How’s Jamel Richardson’s health, and also Brandon Whitaker’s?
A: Tom and I have worked fine together. We both have a clear understanding of the business.
Yes, we will definitely have more mobility in the offensive system. The system will be built around Troy and Tanner. You will see more of an offence similar to Tracy Ham’s back in the day.
Jamel is getting better but is not projected to play at the start of the season. Brandon is a full go and looks great in training camp!
Jessica from Chateauguay, QC asks:
Q: With the re-signing of most of our key players, the change of coaching staff, and you as a veterant GM, my question is: what is our identity as a team this year and what goals are we striving for in 2014? (Other than the Cup!)
A: To maintain excellence. Only 3 wins were the difference between 2012 and 2013 with 4 different QBs starting. The winner of the East Division the last two years won 11 games. Small tweaks, big results! The talent is in place and now we just have to stay healthy and the coaches and players have to get it done on the field.
Mario from Fayetteville, NC asks:
Q: Will I be invited to training camp? I was jersey #61 at the May 24 tryout in Mooresville, NC.
A: I’m not sure if you are referring to offence or defence, but either way, #61 did well on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, other players at your position did slightly better and might have been invited in. We had approximately 9 players from the NC camp that have participated here at Bishop’s over the last week at camp.
Frank from Montreal, QC asks:
Q: Ventrell Jenkins played very well for us before getting injured. He had personal issues afterwards. What is his present situation?
A: Unfortunately, I can’t answer this question very precisely. I did have an Arena Football League team inquire about him, as though they were bringing him in to play or for a tryout.
David from Petawawa, ON asks:
Q: Will we ever see Tim Tebow with the Alouettes?
A: That is up to Tim Tebow. Although we have never spoken to Tim Tebow directly, his representation gives the same answer in that he is concentrating on getting back in the NFL and has no interest in the CFL. We would welcome the opportunity for him to come practice and see what he has or if it is a good fit.
James from Charlotte, NC asks:
Q: Mr. Popp – I’m a huge CFL fan from your home base in the USA. Got hooked many years ago after watching a game in Winnipeg. The only position I’m aware of not being represented by a Canadian in the CFL is the QB position which I feel is really a shame since the CIS QBs never get a chance to fulfill their dream of playing in the CFL. Various Canadian-born QBs have played in the NFL so the talent is there if a team was willing to give them a REAL chance. Do you foresee this changing in the near future? It would surely ramp up the interest of the fans if all teams could have one Canadian QB on their rosters.
A: Although there have been a couple Canadian QBs (such as Jesse Palmer) who have played at a very high level in the NCAA and in the NFL, those who have played in the CFL over the last couple decades are few and far between. We (the Alouettes) have actually drafted more QBs that have played in the NCAA or the CIS than any other team over the last two decades. Some competed at QB and some eventually converted to another position. Opportunities have been given, but few have excelled. The question is why? There are a couple of reasons: 1) The Canadian QB does not have a non-import status when being drafted in the CFL Draft so most teams opt not to, so called, waste a pick in the non-import draft. 2) Most QBs that come out of CIS schools do not run the sophisticated systems that most QBs coming from a program south of the border or the NFL do. 3) The development time in most cases would be long-term while most teams and coaches are in the business to win now, and do not feel they have the time to develop. The CFL has allowed teams over the last few years to bring underclassmen CIS QBs to camp and not have to account for them in the camp limit numbers. This was implemented to help the development of these guys and to help bring the knowledge back to their CIS teams. These players are not allowed to play in a game however, because it would affect their eligibility. Until special rules are put into effect to force teams to have to carry a CIS QB, then most teams will not invest into the long-term project and costs that may occur. But if one of these players is viewed as being capable of competing at a high level, then most teams will give that chance to them.
Edward (@edwardleslie1) from Edmonton, AB asks:
Q: Jim, I’ve noticed that the Alouettes have kept more players on the suspended list than other clubs. Examples include Rafael Priest and Kyle Quinlan, among others. Is this so that you won’t have to use a NEG list spot on them? Do you think Kyle Quinlan might reconsider trying to play in the CFL, and if not, are there any plans to give a chance to someone like Myles Gibbon, a Montreal-native who’s played QB in the NCAA and the CIS.
A: Perception is not always reality, as we only have one player suspended (Quinlan). Players get suspended for not showing up to medicals, meetings, or practices. These players are not eligible to be on a neg list. Kyle Quinlan told us that he had no interest in returning to play football. He would be the only one who could answer that question. We will continue to evaluate all QBs and if we feel they are good enough, then we will attempt to sign or work them out.
Christopher (@Chris_Penguins) from Terrebonne, QC asks:
Q: What are your expectations for this season?
A: We enter the season with high expectations. We have a talented team returning and just hope that the coaches and players can mesh and we stay healthy. We expect to win! We expect to play physical defence, explosive offence, and exciting special teams.
Zack (@HabsAddict25) from Montreal, QC asks:
Q: As a teen who has been playing football for a long time and loves the sport, are there any summer job opportunities that the Alouettes offer which don’t need a certain degree or experience in the field? If so, who do we contact?
A: Zack, I love the attitude! Put together a CV / Resumé and forward it to the Alouettes downtown office attention Mark Weightman or to Olympic Stadium attention Jim Popp. You never know, the timing might be right for a full-time, part-time, internship, or volunteer job. Tell us what your interests are and maybe it will be a good fit. If you visit www.montrealalouettes.com, you will be able to find the proper information for forwarding your details.
Corey asks:
Q: Thanks to your amazing scouting talent and that of your staff, we have an incredible receiving corps. How many Wide Receivers and Slotbacks can a team carry into the season? And how will the delayed return of Jamel Richardson factor into the plan?
A: Thank you for the compliments! Our scouting staff does an incredible job. We usually keep approximately 8 receivers (both N-IMP and IMP) but this year there will be one additional receiver, if not two, kept while Jamel is out. Great opportunity for a new young receiver to make his debut.
Bailey (@thebaileyhein) from Regina, SK asks:
Q: Hey Jim, big Alouettes fan here coming from the middle of Ridernation! I had met you and Anthony Calvillo at Regina airport last year and just wanted to say that it was a true honour! I’m looking forward to cheering on the Als from the middle of the sea of green again this year! Anyways, my question is what does it take to make it on the business side of a sports team? I’m starting university for a business degree and I’d love to be a head businessman for a pro sports team! Thanks for all the years of dedicated and amazing service!
A: Thank you very much for the kind comments. I started my career with the Roughriders back in 1992 and lived in Regina for two years. To answer your question, you have to be a team player, be passionate about what you do, be a great listener, and know what you are taking about before you start speaking up so you gain respect. Working in pro sports is like working any other job. You have to learn the business from the ground up. Volunteering or interning will get you started off on the right foot. You will find people who like you and you give them a reason to believe in you, and then you will make it! Again, thank you and thanks for being such a great supporter of the Montreal Alouettes!
Andre from Ottawa, ON asks:
Q: Although I am a big fan of both Bear Woods and M-O Brouillette, they are both small to play MLB and are injury-prone, so why not bring Robert McCune to camp as an insurance policy?
A: The type of defensive system that Coach Noel Thorpe runs is not conducive to a traditional MLB position. Bear Woods and Marco are similar in weight but proportioned differently, Bear having a bigger lower-body than Marco. Bear has been a MLB throughout his career while Marco hasn’t played the position in almost two years. The position calls for the MLB to drop, cover RBs, and to make tackles outside the box to the flat. The WLB (Kyries Hebert) really plays more like a MLB in this system. Whether you play MLB or WLB, the front 4 keep the blockers off the LBs, so they can chase and make tackles. Robert is a good football player and we discussed Robert as a possible free agent signing but did not think he would be a good fit for the system. If we run into problems later on, Robert would definitely be considered.
Phillip from Laval, QC asks:
Q: I know this will be a bit dicey for you to answer, however I came across a suggestion by a CFL fan that the CFL will in time become a development league for the NFL with a full partnership. Personally I can see this happening given the nbumber of CIS atheletes getting NFL looks and being drafted. I do not want to put you in any conflict of interest but any thoughts?
A: I have worked in the CFL for 23 years and have always heard this comment made or that the CFL was already a developmental league for the NFL. Here’s the fact: The CFL is not and has no desire to be a development league for the NFL. Each league is unique and has its own players that fit its style. There are players who can play in all leagues and there are players who are league-specific. Believe it or not, there are a lot of players that play in the CFL that could easily be playing in the NFL and there are players in the NFL that could never play in the CFL. All the two leagues really do is swap players back and forth upon need, more coming to the CFL versus going to the NFL, due to the NFL Draft. The NFL takes a lot of younger players that are up and coming, that are cheap to the NFL cap and the CFL gets a lot of players that are 3-year vets that never quite got the amount of games in to earn a pension. A number of the players get too expensive for the NFL and they are replaced with Draft picks and lesser-priority free agent rookies. The CFL gets a player who isn’t ready to stop playing and comes to Canada to notch a nice career. Due to the CFL’s rules, especially the Non-Import / Import rule, there is a game inside the game, which is great for creativity and why the interest level in the CFL is at an all time high. This is why the TV deal is bigger than ever. I wouldn’t hold you breath on this subject. The CFL is its own commodity.
LeStaf from Drummondville, QC asks:
Q: Aside from S.J. Green, Alouettes receivers have had rather ordinary seasons in 2012 & 2013, but especially in 2013. David Clowney was with the team since 2012 and has been released. Duron Carter has been a pleasant surprise, but for the rest of the receiving corps, we sometimes get the impression that they aren’t well enough prepared on game days. Lots of dropped balls, missed routes and difficulty breaking free. Will something change in how our receivers practice and prepare this year?
A: In 2012, we never had our starting receiving corps back together from game 3 onwards. In 2013, injuries again occurred with receivers but more telling was the poor offensive scheme complimented by the 4 different starting quarterbacks. This was reason enough for the receiving corps to look down compared to years when no one could crack the lineup because of the receiving corps and quarterback staying healthy. We feel we have the best receiving corps in the CFL, but we do need to be more creative than we were in 2012 and 2013 to help these guys be their best. There are no excuses for dropped balls and the ability to not be able to get open. We will get better.
Gary from Toronto, ON asks:
Q: How are the draft picks doing at practice?
A: All of them are doing pretty good. Competing hard. Beaulieu – versatile, Sarro – hands, Smith – crafty, Lue – intelligent, Tuck – Quadzilla, Finley – power, Boyd – Boom!
Alex from Ormstown, QC asks:
Q: Any chance of V. Martin coming north after being cut by the Detroit Lions?
A: Alex, let’s hope so, but prior to him signing with Detroit he had no interest in coming to the CFL. His agent repeated numerous times that he had several NFL opportunities. We will approach again, and see if his interest has changed.
Ludovic from Saint-Narcisse-de-Beaurivage, QC asks:
Q: Will Chad Johnson spend the entire season with Montreal?
A: That is the plan. We would not have brought Chad to Montreal if we didn’t think he had a great chance of playing for us, which yes, means the entire season. Still in camp though… Nothing given, everything earned.
