Montreal Alouettes Thread

**jerrym** · 06-01-2016, 05:22 AM

What a catch by Kyle Graves at training camp! #AlsMTL #CFLTC pic.twitter.com/XwFKUM3kM3
— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) June 1, 2016

**jerrym** · 06-02-2016, 04:46 AM

Day 4 of Als TC:

In the trenches
Battles along the defensive and offensive lines are amongst the most intriguing to watch at camp in 2016. The depth on both sides of the line means that maximum effort is required in order to lock down a roster spot. The one-on-one drills gave way to some exciting and physical battles, which defensive ends John Bowman and Gabriel Knapton took full advantage of. The veterans looked to be in mid-season form on this fourth day of training camp, as they both beat their counterparts on numerous occasions. Alan-Michael Cash and newcomer Vaughn Martin also gave their offensive counterparts fits all morning, which made their defensive line coach Anwar Stewart very happy. ” Bowman and Knapton had a really good day today. Those guys look really good and they’re in great shape. They’re getting out there and they’re leading by example, and that’s what you want. The scouting department did a great job bringing in talent to push the starters, so I’m happy with what I’m seeing from my players this early into camp.” Michael Klassen and Jesse Joseph, a Laval native, also pulled their weight during practice this morning.
Rapid Fire
One of the nicer catches of the day came from an unexpected position, as fullback James Tuck reeled in a diving catch on a throw from quarterback Dante Djan. The lunging effort drew a loud reaction from his teammates… The catch of the day however belonged to Kyle Graves, who reached behind him with his left hand to tip the ball to himself and bring it in to his body despite the tight coverage by the cornerback in simulated play… Another receiver that stood out on Wednesday was Corbin Louks. The rookie receiver out of Nevada was consistently winning his battles and finishing plays, scoring a deep touchdown and making diving grabs all over the field… On the defensive side of the ball, Bear Woods anticipated and intercepted a Rakeem Cato pass, and proceeded to run it back with some “blocking” from his fellow defenders… Cornerback Greg Henderson made several great plays in coverage, intercepting a Brandon Bridge rollout and knocking down passes in 1 on 1 drills… Perhaps the most noticeable player on the defensive side of the ball today was Jovon Johnson, who intercepted two passes, the second of which was in stunning fashion. As the receiver bobbled a pass thrown behind him, Johnson simply took matters into his own hands and ripped the ball from the receiver, proceeding to take it to the house for six… National receiver George Johnson, who was drafted only a few weeks ago, stood out on Wednesday as he made a few nice catches, including a 40-yard reception off a precise Vernon Adams Jr. pass.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016...eport-day-4-2/

**jerrym** · 06-02-2016, 04:52 AM

WR Mikail Davidson in action:

Wide receiver @mikhaildavidson at training camp.

Lookin’ good! #AlsMTL pic.twitter.com/gmVCInYolQ
— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) June 1, 2016

**jerrym** · 06-02-2016, 04:55 AM

A video interview with LB Winston Venable:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016...nston-venable/

**jerrym** · 06-02-2016, 05:13 AM

NFL veteran DL Vaughn Martin, the first Canadian-trained undergraduate ever drafted by the NFL, is impressing the coaching staff at TC.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...what-he-can-do

**jerrym** · 06-02-2016, 01:25 PM

“He’s like the cook and I’m the waiter,”@qterback5 on his relationship with @acalvillo13 ➡ https://t.co/2RXWx0gucM pic.twitter.com/QJlORZLmyn
— CFL (@CFL) June 2, 2016

**R.J** · 06-02-2016, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by jerrym

NFL veteran DL Vaughn Martin, the first Canadian-trained undergraduate ever drafted by the NFL, is impressing the coaching staff at TC.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...what-he-can-do

Jim Popp, the Als’ general manager and head coach, got the last laugh in February, when Martin signed for two seasons. He’ll earn $175,000 in 2016.

That's a lot of money for a guy who hasn't played much football the last couple of years.

**R.J** · 06-03-2016, 01:07 PM

#AlsMTL' centre @dominicpicard has announced his retirement. #CFL #LCF via @HerbZurkowsky1
— CFL News (@CFL_News) June 3, 2016

Surprised it took this long. He hasn't played well in the last few seasons.

**jerrym** · 06-03-2016, 07:44 PM

Day 6 of Als TC report includes an analysis of how 2015 draftees are doing, as well as information on Saturday's mock game.

2015 Draft: One year later
Year in and year out, the Alouettes scouting department works tirelessly to draft and groom the right players that will help the organization win games and remain competitive for years to come. Canadian talent is key in the CFL.
Despite the draft’s unpredictability, it seems as though the 2015 Canadian Draft is already paying dividends for the Alouettes, who are looking for their second-year players to fill in at key positions. Jacob Ruby is currently auditioning for a spot along the offensive line, where he’s been turning in a solid training camp performance and improving every day.
Linebackers Chris Ackie and Nicholas Shortill showed up to training camp with some added muscle to their respective frames, which they hope can help elevate their play. Selected 4th and 13th overall respectively, Ackie and Shortill are looking to fulfill their potential, as they learn from fellow star linebackers Bear Woods, Chip Cox, Winston Venable and Kyries Hebert. The young backers are currently key cogs of the Alouettes’ special teams units.
Brandon Bridge is also a second-year Canadian who has been turning heads since he entered the league. His imposing figure and strong arm have allowed him to have an impressive camp in 2016. The Alouettes’ 4th round draft pick (31st overall) in 2015 was a risk according to some analysts, but all signs point to yet another draft steal by general manager and head coach Jim Popp. Also among the Canadian draft picks enjoying early success is local wide receiver Mikhaïl Davidson. In one of the strongest wide receiver classes ever, Davidson has found a way to stand out, as he has been making spectacular plays all over the field, while also returning kicks. The quick rise of the Alouettes’ 2015 Canadian draft class is giving Montreal fans tons of hope and optimism for both the near future and further down the line. ...
Intrasquad game – the weekend is finally here!
The Alouettes will play their intrasquad game presented by Telus on Saturday morning from 9:00-11:00 AM at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field. Entrance is free just as it has been throughout training camp, and it provides a great opportunity for sports fans in the Eastern Townships to watch high-quality professional football.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016...eport-day-6-2/

**jerrym** · 06-04-2016, 08:06 PM

S J Green still looking good.

Tout semble si facile pour @SJ19_19SJ au camp d'entraînement ! #AlsMTL #CFLTC pic.twitter.com/e11R7RuDhC
— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) June 4, 2016

**jerrym** · 06-04-2016, 08:11 PM

Day 7 of TC report - the intra squad game.

The contact being somewhat limited on special teams however, speedy returner Stefan Logan had a field day, as he returned the opening kickoff all the way into the end zone. He did the same thing a few minutes later, this time on a punt return, which pleased the Alouettes faithful in attendance.
During the first series, veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn connected with Duron Carter who had easily broken away from his defenders and took the ball to the house on a 60-yard play.
B.J. Cunningham also pleased Alouettes fans when he made spectacular catch at the one-yard line, hauling in a 24-yard bullet from quarterback Tajh Boyd. The team’s young quarterback continued to push each other on Saturday, as Vernon Adams Jr. followed up Boyd’s performance with a 55-yard touchdown pass to national receiver Kyle Graves, good for a major.
For his part, Rakeem Cato showed that he as at his best when the heat is on, as he threw two touchdown passes in four attempts in the red zone. Jewel Hampton and Chandler Jones were on the receiving end of these precise passes.
On the defensive side of the ball, national safety Hayden Peters made the only interception on the day when his unit was working with their backs to their end zone. International linebacker Jared Koster racked up a few tackles, including a touchdown saver when he used his speed to catch up to the ball carrier who had eluded everyone else.
“The guys were excited to come out and see the stands filed up. The intensity always seems to climb up a notch when we play in front of our fans,” said Alouettes linebacker Winston Venable while signing autographs for fans after the game.
“We are fighting to keep our jobs and for a spot on this team, but this event reminds us that the community of Alouettes fans is here and is loud,” added the Alouettes 2015 Most Outstanding Defensive Player. ...
Transaction
Before taking the field, the Alouettes added international running back Cam McDaniel to the roster.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016...&utm_campaign=

**R.J** · 06-04-2016, 08:16 PM

From what I saw at today's scrimmage:

1. Glenn
2. Bridge
3. Cato
4. Boyd - Adams #Als #CFL
— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) June 4, 2016

**OV Argo** · 06-04-2016, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by SnowRogue

Pretty talented / good potential group of young QBs behind vet Glenn there = some tough choices. And IMO they should roll with the 2 best young guys and keep Glenn as vet insurance - they aren't going to win if Glenn is the starter IMO; one or two of the young 3 could surprise and have a great season; I still like Cato from what i saw last season; Bridge has lots of pure talent = big, gun for an arm and can run too; Adams has to learn, but he was super impressive IMO in that US Shrine game this past January.

**jerrym** · 06-04-2016, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by OV Argo

Pretty talented / good potential group of young QBs behind vet Glenn there = some tough choices. And IMO they should roll with the 2 best young guys and keep Glenn as vet insurance - they aren't going to win if Glenn is the starter IMO; one or two of the young 3 could surprise and have a great season; I still like Cato from what i saw last season; Bridge has lots of pure talent = big, gun for an arm and can run too; Adams has to learn, but he was super impressive IMO in that US Shrine game this past January.

Bridge showed great improvement last year between his first appearance and the end of the season. With his arm and provided he continues to develop he could be a starter in the future. Cato has shown a flair and an ability to maximize his talent. Adams has a lot of potential based on his college career, but may have to wait his turn. If the Als let one of their QBs go, it would worth it to give him a good look.

**jerrym** · 06-05-2016, 08:03 PM

Day 8 of TC comments on OL and transactions:

The face of the Alouettes offensive line is not the same as it was a year ago today. The loss of certain players has forced Alouettes coaches to shuffle some pieces of the puzzle around. Veterans Kristian Matte, Jeff Perrett and Philip Blake have showed a lot of leadership since the beginning of camp. They have been working hard at facilitating the transition for the young offensive linemen in the trenches.
“These young players have an incredible chance to display all of their talent early on in their career. These guys are thirsty for knowledge and we want to help facilitate their transition. It’s very encouraging for what’s next, but we need to keep in mind that communication is crucial in these situations,” declared Kristian Matte, who has been muted at centre following Dominic Picard’s retirement and Luc Brodeur-Jourdain’s injury.
Young offensive linemen like Jake Piotrowski, Ryan White, Jacob Ruby, Quinn Lawlor and this year’s first-round draft pick Philippe Gagnon, as well as other 2016 draftees Matthew Toppan and Sean Jamieson, need to take advantage of the situation which is presenting itself in front of them. Like straight-A students, they are all ears to all the good advice which is being thrown their way.
Jeff Perrett’s experience is priceless for his teammates. With two Grey Cup rings and many individual awards on his résumé, he is without a doubt the young guys’ role model. As for Philip Blake, he has been one of the most consistent linemen since the start of camp. No matter the position he has been asked to play, the former Baylor University Bear and Champlain-Lennoxville Cougar has impressed the coaching staff with his versatility and consistence. ...
Transaction
Before beginning the eighth day of practice, the Alouettes added international defensive back C.J. Moore to the roster, as national defensive back Andrew Lue has been placed on the six-game injured list, following the knee injury he sustained during the team’s intra-squad game on Saturday.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016...-report-day-8/

**jerrym** · 06-05-2016, 08:11 PM

The retirement of Dominic Picard could be lead to four changes in the Als OL.

Dominic Picard retired on Friday. Now, the Alouettes could be staring at four potential changes on their offensive line when the regular season begins.
With regular centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain recovering from winter knee surgery that will sideline him indefinitely, the Als signed Picard as a free-agent from Winnipeg — never expecting he would retire six days into training camp.
The obvious move on the weekend was to shift Kristian Matte from left guard to centre. Matte, a former Concordia Stinger entering his seventh season, all with the Als, was Brodeur-Jourdain’s backup.
But that move created a domino effect. When the Als scrimmaged on Saturday morning at Bishop’s University, Matte was at centre; Philip Blake moved from right to left guard; and rookie Philippe Gagnon was starting at right guard. Gagnon was the Als’ first-round (second overall) draft choice last month.
Jacob Ruby, a first-round (eighth overall) draft choice last year, remains at left-tackle. Ruby, who started one game in 2015, is the potential replacement for Josh Bourke, who signed with Toronto as a free agent. For now, only right-tackle Jeff Perrett remains in the same position he occupied last season.
“It is a difference, of course. I’ve been ready for it the last few years,” said Matte, himself a former first-round (seventh overall) draft choice in 2010. “It’s just another opportunity to show what I can do. I’ve done it before, so it’s not a stressful thing. You work on it hard in practice. If you have to use it, you do. If you don’t, it’s in your back pocket.”
Not only does the centre touch the ball on every play, he must be more conscious of the defensive looks, since he’s the lineman responsible for making the calls, depending on what he sees from the opposition.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...offensive-line

**jerrym** · 06-05-2016, 08:16 PM

Veteran Marc-Olivier Brouillette is not taking his job for granted in TC.

The level of competition is very high: even veterans like Marc-Olivier Brouillette need to prove themselves at camp.
After one week of training camp, Marc-Olivier is satisfied with the defense’s progress. “We’re progressing faster than the offense, which has to learn a new system and become familiar with new faces,” said the Alouettes safety. ...
Although Brouillette is an experiened veteran, he still needs to prove himself at training camp. “Even if some players at my position succumb to injuries, I don’t take anything for granted. Each day when I take to the field I commit to going all-out so that our coaching staff continues to have confidence in me.”

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016...r-brouillette/

**R.J** · 06-07-2016, 02:13 PM

Young Als quarterbacks leaning on veteran leadership
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/young-al...dership~885438

**R.J** · 06-07-2016, 04:09 PM

#Als HC/GM Jim Popp says the team threw away the their playbook and started from scratch with OC Anthony Calvillo. #Bombers #CFL
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) June 7, 2016