In exactly one week, our Alouettes will finally be hitting our home field for the first time of the 2019 regular season!
But before celebrating the Home Opener with you, the guys will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in Hamilton. Here are three things to look out for during the first of two consecutive matchups against the black and yellow crew:
1. Protecting the QB is EVERYTHING
The situation couldn’t be any more different for the two teams.
Ours is 0-1, coming back from a bye week with a new leader under centre.
Theirs is 2-0, probably feeling more optimistic than ever after a crushing victory in Toronto.
The Ticats have an extremely physical team, certainly amongst the most physical squads in the league. The type of team that isn’t afraid of being called out for roughing or interference as long as it sets the tone. Considering they obliterated the Argonauts last week (the final score was 64-14), they could be particularly pumped coming into this week’s matchup. Not to mention that Simoni Lawrence will be playing. The linebacker who is known for his aggressive style appealed the league’s two-game suspension for hitting Roughriders QB Zach Collaros to the head in Week 1. Since the hearing will take place on July 9, Lawrence will be competing until then. Knowing that, our oline has to be especially good at protecting Vernon Adams Jr who will be starting at pivot. Tony Washington, Trey Rutherford, Kristian Matte, Sean Jamieson and Tyler Johnstone (making a comeback!) will be lining up in front of our very mobile QB.
Cool fact: the last time Vernon started against the Ticats, he had the most productive game of his career, stacking up 257 passing yards and three touchdowns. Pretty good sign.
2. Cutting their deep plays short
Defence Coordinator Bob Slowik told the media this week that he was aware he still had to get accustomed to certain aspects of the Canadian game.
“The biggest adjustment for me as a coach is how quickly you go from one series to another. You have to make your changes rapidly. That’s something that I will grow into.”
Tomorrow, it will be crucial for Coach Slowik’s unit to deliver a solid performance against a Ticats’ offence that tends to favour deep gutsy plays. According to the DC, rushing Masoli will be key to cut our opponents pass game short, but it all starts with good coverage.
“Most of time, if they’re going to throw deep, they’re going to make sure they bring in the extra guy. It’s not like they will put Masoli in danger. We mostly have to make sure we’re solid in our deep coverage. Good coverage, good rush. Bad coverage, bad rush.”
All eyes on the secondary tomorrow. A Loffler-less secondary as the safety is out with a knee injury. The starters: Tommie Campbell, Greg Reid, Canadian Ty Cranston, Ciante Evans and Ryan Carter.
3. Shutting down the ground game
Despite the passing game being Hamilton’s biggest threat to our defence, their ground game shouldn’t be underestimated. Montreal-native RB Sean Thomas Erlington gained 109 rushing yards alone against the Toronto Argonauts last week and it goes without saying that Masoli is also pretty quick on his feet.
Glenn Love who just returned with the team will be filling in for Bo Lokombo at Will to complete the linebacker trio with Henoc Muamba and Patrick Levels.
Tune in at 7:30 pm tomorrow night on TSN, ESPN 2 or TSN690! The game will also be shown in the Zone at Casino de Montréal. Our Alouettes will finally be back at McGill Stadium on Thursday, July 4 for the 2019 Home Opener!
