MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – Following their huge win over the Argos at McGill, the Alouettes clinched a home playoff game. By notching six straight wins, many proclaim the Als have accomplished the impossible by now, finding themselves as a Grey Cup contender this year.
Having gone from 1-7 to now 9-8, the Alouettes have won eight of their last nine games.
How has this incredible turnaround happened regarding the team’s offensive line?
“To be honest with you, we’ve just played better. We’ve evolved as a unit. It’s only the offensive line either, it’s been a collective effort,” humbly explained offensive line coach Kris Sweet.
To hear Luc Brodeur-Jourdain tell it, it’s all been a question of adapting.
“We underwent a lot of changes to our coaching staff and our roster of players over the past two years. In 2014, it’s been as if the stars have finally aligned for us. We’ve got an excellent quarterback, an offensive style that has defined itself over time and a defence that’s simply exceptional.”
How are you preparing for the next game as a unit?
“Exactly the way we have for our first 17 games. I asked the guy to make sure they’re ready for this game and to be there for their teammates. No matter the game or how important it is, a game is always 60 minutes,” said Sweet.
In Sunday’s victory over the Argonauts, the Als’ o-line took their usual special care of quarterback Jonathan Crompton, allowing no sacks despite how tight the game was.
Statistically speaking, the Alouettes have allowed only 30 sacks this season, placing second in the CFL in that department. Even more impressive is how during their red-hot 9-game stretch, the Als have allowed only a scant seven sacks!
“I think we’ve just discovered how to win, it’s not any more complicated than that!” laughed Jeff Perret who has just been named the Alouettes’ top Canadian and top offensive lineman. “We’ve known each other for a few years, so our chemistry is excellent.”
Another huge game is right around the corner for the Als. A win over Hamilton on Saturday would guarantee a first round a home date in the Eastern Final and a first round bye, which would give the team a well-earned one-week breather.
“We’re the only team in the East that is guaranteed to make the playoffs, the two teams behind us in our conference are still facing games they need to win to order to stay alive. That makes the end of the season that much more exciting for football fans,” concluded Luc Brodeur-Jourdain.
