Montreal Alouettes Thread

[Argo]

Well Scott has his QB in place there in Montreal. Drew Willy.

Cruel, but just.

[OV Argo]

Cruel, but just.

I really doubt Scotty is about to come back to the CFL with the success he has had in Jacksonville this year; BUT - love to see that - Mavis hires him as HC for the Als and he installs Drew Willy as his starting QB.

[Argo57]

I'm starting to think Milanovich may be Kavis's man, assuming he would want to return to the CFL and into that particular situation. It seems pretty clear that he has worked miracles with Blake Bortles this season, so his coaching stock is likely on the rise around the NFL.

They could do worse than Milanovich TBH however I can’t see him being interested in going back to Montreal with Reed in charge.

[R.J]

I really doubt Scotty is about to come back to the CFL with the success he has had in Jacksonville this year; BUT - love to see that - Mavis hires him as HC for the Als and he installs Drew Willy as his starting QB.

Kavis as GM, Milanovich as HC and Drew Willy as the starting QB - I think the Alouettes fold within 2 years.

[Argo]

http://3downnation.com/2017/12/19/ri...-coach-report/

The mind boggles, even working in Kavisian space.

[R.J]

Looks like the Alouettes may name their Head coach tomorrow. Gary Crowton many end up getting the job, with Stubler as DC. I would've never thought of that combo, but in a way I'm not surprised Reed and Mack did.

Quick even getting interviewed for the position is just messed up.

[R.J]

Mike Sherman named Alouettes Head Coach
https://en.montrealalouettes.com/201...eal-alouettes/

Surprised to say the least.

[OV Argo]

Mike Sherman named Alouettes Head Coach
https://en.montrealalouettes.com/201...eal-alouettes/

Surprised to say the least.

And i just read that Sherman was the guy that recruited Manziel in college ball - is this true ?

Could Mavis & the Wet-and-alls be going for some sort of package deal there - ex-NFL HC is able to bring in a big-name all-American QB with him and the 2 football super-heroes lead the Als back to the top (should be able to waltz to an easy GC win with those two). And ex- NFL names could - IMO - really help to sell the Als more in Montreal where they have been fading in fan interest for some time; there are lots of NFL fans there and this move might create lots of interest.

That Mavis - he's a genius after-all !

But would the Ticats be willing to trade the rights to Johnny Superstar to Montreal (is that how it would have to work?) - after June Jones said Manziel would be the best CFL QB of all-time ? They could get a huge return for the rights to Manziel from a clown like Mavis; and Jones could roll with Masoli at QB after he did so well in the Jones offence ?

[R.J]

And i just read that Sherman was the guy that recruited Manziel in college ball - is this true ?

Could Mavis & the Wet-and-alls be going for some sort of package deal there - ex-NFL HC is able to bring in a big-name all-American QB with him and the 2 football super-heroes lead the Als back to the top (should be able to waltz to an easy GC win with those two). And ex- NFL names could - IMO - really help to sell the Als more in Montreal where they have been fading in fan interest for some time; there are lots of NFL fans there and this move might create lots of interest.

That Mavis - he's a genius after-all !

But would the Ticats be willing to trade the rights to Johnny Superstar to Montreal (is that how it would have to work?) - after June Jones said Manziel would be the best CFL QB of all-time ? They could get a huge return for the rights to Manziel from a clown like Mavis; and Jones could roll with Masoli at QB after he did so well in the Jones offence ?

[OV Argo]

Yeah. OK - busted.

But i wuz trying to ask some real questions there:

- if Sherman was the guy who recruited Manziel in college ball, and still thinks very highly of him - is Sherman taking the HC job in Montreal contingent on a package of him & Johnny Superstar together ? And do Mavis & the Wet-and-alls believe this move is brilliant to help sell tickets and create way more interest for the Als ? (i believe it would create a big buzz in Montreal - where there are lots of NFL fans)

- do the Ticats having Manziel on their Neg. list mean they hold his rights and can trade them? (wasn't there some sort of Commish imposed dead-line where they had to offer him a contract ?) And would June Jones want to trade away Manziel after saying he would be the best talent to ever play in the CFL ? - or was that all blowing smoke in setting up a sweet deal where they could gouge Mavis - big-time - for the rights to Manziel (and Jones is good to roll with Masoli at QB ) ?

[R.J]

I wouldn't put it past the Wetenhall's and Reed trying to acquire Manziel, but Jones and Austin are quite high on Johnny Football, and I think Young sees the value. Montreal would have to pay a lot, which again I could see Montreal doing.

[AngeloV]

I wouldn't put it past the Wetenhall's and Reed trying to acquire Manziel, but Jones and Austin are quite high on Johnny Football, and I think Young sees the value. Montreal would have to pay a lot, which again I could see Montreal doing.

Could be gamesmanship in Hamilton. Really pumping up Manziel in hopes that someone overpays for him.

[Argo]

Could be gamesmanship in Hamilton. Really pumping up Manziel in hopes that someone overpays for him.

I could see Hamilton having continued success with Masoli (but strictly only by not overpaying him and spending at other key positions).

[AngeloV]

I could see Hamilton having continued success with Masoli (but strictly only by not overpaying him and spending at other key positions).

He seemed to be a perfect fit to June Jones offence.

[R.J]

The hiring of Khari Jones as Oc makes more sense now, everyone else they asked said no.

I’m told both Tommy Condell and George Cortez turned down the opportunity to become #AlsMTL offensive co-ordinator that went to Khari Jones - after Buck Pierce also quashed the offer.

— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) January 5, 2018

[jerrym]

GM Kavis Reed has delivered a take-it or leave-it ultimatum to Darian Durant, who signed a 3-year $1.25 million contract after being traded to the Als last year and is due a $150,000 bonus on Monday.

“We’ve been in contact with Darian’s representative. We’re looking at his situation. We understand very fully that some of Darian’s (problems) have not been Darian’s alone. A number of other things dictated some of the struggles that he had. We’re in conversations with his representative about his future in Montreal,” Reed told the Montreal Gazette by telephone Wednesday from Banff, where he’s attending league meetings.
If the Als have Durant and his agent, Dan Vertlieb, backed into a corner, the same potentially can be said about the team, which has little in the way of depth or experience at the position. ...
In other words, it could be potentially dangerous for the Als to release Durant. And if he requests his release, Durant and Vertlieb will be banking on the belief CFL teams realize the value of an experienced backup. Only Calgary and Saskatchewan, arguably, can remain competitive should their starting pivot get injured.The Als recently put former NFL quarterback Josh Freeman back on their negotiation list, Reed confirming an RDS report by Didier Orméjuste. “That’s the reason for looking at Josh Freeman. He’s at that sweet spot for quarterbacks when they potentially figure it out,” Reed said. “He’s a person that has something to prove.”
Kevin Glenn, who spent 2016 with Montreal but was recently released by Saskatchewan, remains another potential option. Reed said he and the coaching staff haven’t discussed Glenn’s availability, although Jones and Glenn have worked together.
And then, of course, there’s Johnny Manziel. Manziel, the former Cleveland Brown, is on the Ticats’ negotiation list. Hamilton recently offered him a contract, meaning it retains his rights for another year. But Manziel’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, claimed the offer wasn’t satisfactory, while giving him permission to discuss potential trade options with at least one other CFL team. That team is believed to be the Als for many obvious reasons, including the fact Manziel redshirted at Texas A&M in 2011 under Sherman.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-deliver-contract-ultimatum-to-quarterback-darian-durant

[jerrym]

The Als have signed former NFL QB Josh Freeman to a two year contract, giving them an experienced QB (although NFL QBs without CFL experience often don't work out or take time to adapt to the different game), should they drop Durant by Monday in order to avoid paying a 150,000 bonus.

The critics will say Josh Freeman was an NFL failure who hasn’t thrown a pass in earnest for two years. But the Alouettes have risked little by signing the former first-round draft choice and might turn out looking like geniuses should he regain his form.
At the very least, Freeman will provide the Als with some experience and another live arm when the team reports for training camp this May. Now the question becomes: how will Freeman’s signing — rumoured to be close throughout the day on Friday before being confirmed on Twitter by RDS’s Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) — affect others?
At first glance, it would appear to put the future of Darian Durant, the Als’ starter last season, in jeopardy. Durant’s owed a bonus of $150,000 this Monday, a payment that most certainly won’t be made by the team. Instead, general manager Kavis Reed will either tell Durant he must restructure the remaining two years of his contract — or simply release him. ...
Freeman, selected in the first-round (17th overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, already has a brief history with the Als. He was on their negotiation list and worked out for the team last June 13, at training camp, then sat in the stands for the afternoon practice at Bishop’s University. “Josh had a very good workout. He showed tremendous arm strength, an excellent touch on the deep balls and excellent footwork,” Reed said at that time. ...

Freeman, who turns 30 on Saturday, was spotted at the Als’ final exhibition game two days later. But when the two sides failed to negotiate a contract, Montreal removed him from its neg list. He was added by Ottawa on June 17. But the Redblacks subsequently released their rights to him. The Als added him back this week. ...
Freeman, 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, spent five seasons with the Bucs before playing one game each with Minnesota and Indianapolis. His last NFL start came in January 2016 for the Colts. In 62 career NFL games, he has passed for 13,873 yards and 81 touchdowns. He was intercepted 68 times. He also has 946 career rushing yards.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...-year-contract

[Argo]

The Als have signed former NFL QB Josh Freeman to a two year contract, giving them an experienced QB (although NFL QBs without CFL experience often don't work out or take time to adapt to the different game), should they drop Durant by Monday in order to avoid paying a 150,000 bonus.



http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...-year-contract

IMO, this is a good signing, potentially very good.

[AngeloV]

IMO, this is a good signing, potentially very good.

I agree with you. I'm sure the over coaching you often get in the NFL screwed him up. He can come up here, play his game and as long as the original expectations aren't too high, I think he will succeed. Can't believe I'm saying this, buy Als may be better off bringing back Kevin Glenn over Durant while he's learning the game.

[jerrym]

Controversy could be brewing in Alouetteville with Tyrell Sutton having a warning for both Freeman, as well as Manziel if he ends up with the Als. It would have been much wiser if he had left any lecturing to management or taken SJ's approach that Sutton describes Green took to him by advising him privately rather than doing it in the interview, but it nevertheless reflects concerns that must also be in the minds of some other players.

“Hopefully (Freeman) comes up here and has his mind right and understands how to be a professional,” said Sutton. “If you don’t come (to the CFL) with a professional mindset … it can be a very short career up here.”
Freeman, a former first round selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is said to have struggled with balancing preparation time with off-field entertainment during his tenure as the starter in Tampa Bay.

“There’s a lot of free time that goes on here,” said Sutton. “Montreal is a city that can definitely get you into some amount of trouble.”
Sutton elaborates to say that S.J. Green told him, “the Montreal streets will get you,” when the running back first signed with the Alouettes. Sutton claims the night-life in Montreal can be a distraction, saying, “the food, women, music, atmosphere — can really get you.” Freeman will need to lean on his teammates to avoid the temptation of living the high life in a city that offers so much after-hours entertainment. Freeman’s career NFL earnings fall just shy of $30 million USD.
Montreal is also rumored to be the team courting the rights to controversial quarterback Johnny Manziel from the Ticats. “Everybody deserves a second chance,” said Sutton, “I don’t know if it’s going to be here for Johnny. Given his history I think most GMs are maybe paranoid about his off-the-field issues. And we all know Montreal is not one of the cities that is going to deter you from those kind of mistakes.”

http://3downnation.com/2018/01/14/fr...t-life-sutton/


Sutton's TSN interview start at the 5:00 minute mark:
https://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-69...-life-1.967700