First game in enemy territory
Last week’s home opening win at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium certainly had plenty of excitement. A close game and a finale to take your breath away – we were spoiled! After an up-and-down 2016 season, the Alouettes showed that change can, indeed, be a good thing.
Now it’s on to the next challenge: the Edmonton Eskimos. And it’s going to be quite the test! This Friday, June 30, at 10:00 p.m., the second game of the season pits the Als against one of the most well-balanced offences in the league.
The defence goes on the counter-attack
We know that Edmonton is above all else Mike Reilly’s kingdom. The quarterback tortured opposing defences in 2016 with 5,554 passing yards, as well as finishing second in the league in both TD passes and rushing touchdowns. Adarius Bowman, his primary target, was equally impressive. The slotback’s 120 receptions, and 1,761 receiving yards, led the CFL in both categories. It’s obvious that the Eskimos are not lacking in star offensive players.
Adarius Bowman
The best way to stop such a potent offence? Quite clearly, with a tough defensive unit. On June 22, Noel Thorpe’s men will once again have to prove that they are more than capable of standing firm. There were many stand-out performances last week, but it was Jonathon Mincy who stole the show. The least we can say is that the 24-year-old defensive back started his second CFL season in style. Five defensive tackles, two knockdowns and one interception – – that’s what we call neutralizing your opponent! The Alouettes will be counting on him as well as teammates Jabar Westerman, Gabriel Knapton and John Bowman to snuff-out the Eskimos powerful attack.
Jonathon Mincy
Finish, finish, finish
Seventeen points were enough to beat Saskatchewan, but more than that will likely be required to notch a victory against the Eskimos’ high-octane offence. The pressure and nerves that the players felt before the home opener should be behind them. Darian Durant beat his former team and put a nail in the coffin regarding that “moderately successful” comment. The offensive line, reinforced by the arrival of behemoths Jovan Olafioye and Brian Simmons, showed that they aren’t going to let anyone come close to their respected quarterback. Now that the ice has been broken, the gameplan should be impeccably-executed and the offence should seize every opportunity to finish its strikes in the end zone.
The Eskimos do have flaws. On Friday night, if Darian Durant and his sure-handed teammates – Cunningham, Underwood and Jackson to name just a few – find a way to gash their opponent’s defensive front, they will undoubtedly be able to succeed… and also be able to capitalize upon an Edmonton team that’s vulnerable due to season-ending injuries to linebackers JC Sherritt and Cory Greenwood. The key to success will be to finish. The team knows what it has to do. It’s time to execute.
We’re also looking forward to a strong game from our very own bulldozer, Nik Lewis, who only needs 10 yards to surpass Ray Elgaar for 7th spot in career receiving yardage in the CFL.
Nik Lewis
Everything’s going to work
On Friday night, the Alouettes will be in enemy territory at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium, but just like our general manager Kavis Reed, we have supreme confidence in the team. “Everything’s going to work,” he assured the assembled media while the team he painstakingly put together practiced indoors at Olympic Stadium on Monday. Yup, we’re starting to get a very clear picture: this year, your Alouettes are determined to make their way to the top of the summit.
The game will be televised on TSN and RDS and broadcast on TSN 690 and 98.5 FM. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to know the game score in real time.
