Game Thread: BC at Montreal Saturday Sept. 2nd

[jerrym]

Is BC, who started off so well, but has lost its last couple of games, in decline or can they come back for a win against the Als, who were beaten badly by Winnipeg and eked out a one point win at the end of their game against a weak Ottawa team?

[AngeloV]

I predict a third straight loss for the Lions. Montreal is a good home team, and BC's O-line has been showing holes lately.

[Mocha]

I predict a third straight loss for the Lions. Montreal is a good home team, and BC's O-line has been showing holes lately.

I have a feeling you're right about this one, though with BC's arsenal, you never know. Pressure from the Montreal D-line could make the difference.

----------------------

PFF preview:

BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS VS. MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Last week was tough for both of these teams. The Alouettes were hammered by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a game where they scored just three offensive points. The Lions were also crushed by the then 3-6 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. They’re both looking to bounce back this week and get back on track. The Alouettes will need a big game from QB Cody Fajardo if they want to take this win. Fajardo hasn’t had the best season, with a 72.9 overall grade that ranks 11th out of 17 qualified quarterbacks. The Lions defense is incredibly tough, led by elite cornerback Garry Peters (86.1 overall grade, highest defensive grade) and top-notch edge rusher Mathieu Betts (league-leading 50 total pressures). If Fajardo can’t move the ball against them, it’ll be tough for the Alouettes to come out on top.


MATCHUP TO WATCH:
LG ANDREW PEIRSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA VS. DI MUSTAFA JOHNSON, MONTREAL

It has not been the greatest season for BC’s Peirson. He is the lowest-graded left guard in terms of overall grade, and his 36.7 pass-blocking grade ranks second lowest among all starting offensive linemen. He’s allowed 35 total pressures, the third-most in the CFL. He’ll have his work cut out for him this week against Johnson, the CFL's highest-graded pass-rusher (87.7 pass-rush grade). Johnson has been an absolute beast from the interior this year. His 42 total pressures rank first among interior defenders, and it's 10 more than second place. Johnson is capable of completely wrecking a passing offense. If he can do it here, it might swing the game in Montreal’s favor.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
QB VERNON ADAMS JR., BRITISH COLUMBIA

The CFL has had its fair share of no-risk-it-no-biscuit style quarterbacks over the years. This year, Adams is leading the charge in that regard. His 26 big-time throws lead the league, but so do his 16 turnover-worthy plays. He leads the league with 80 deep attempts (20-plus yard throws), and that number is 24 more than second place. His average depth of target of 13.0 yards is first in the CFL. Adams is your classic chuck-it-deep quarterback and that makes him a must-watch every week. It’s why his 85.1 passing grade ranks him third among qualified CFL quarterbacks, just barely trailing Toronto’s Chad Kelly and Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros.

[ArgoRavi]

I predict a third straight loss for the Lions. Montreal is a good home team, and BC's O-line has been showing holes lately.

I am going with the Lions in this one, as I feel like they are the better team, Vernon Adams Jr. will have a strong game in his return to Montreal, and they will have a strong bounce back game after the embarrassing loss to Hamilton last week but I am least confident in this pick this week. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Als win this one.

[Mocha]

Als were executing very well on that first drive, until they hit the red zone anyways.

[Mocha]

Decent first half. I'd like to see more Stanback from the Als in the second half.

[jerrym]

Close game back and forth with score 25-24 thanks to Stanbacks TD run early in the fourth quarter, which also reveals the Als weakness. Montreal should be way ahead but had to settle for 5 FG attempts, making 4 of them so far. Fajardo has only been able to put one TD on the board himself by passing and also missed two two pointers on passes, despite repeatedly moving the Als down the field with passes. In most games blowing so many opportunities would be deadly.

[kellynjk]

What's the deal with the bad audio on the BC / Montreal game - it's muddled and unclear and has been that way for the last 5 minutes!! Doesn't anyone at TSN check to make sure the sports they are covering have good visual and audio on them? GEEZ!!

TSN finally fixed the audio - only took them 10 minutes to do so!!

[jerrym]

After Antwi has a big gain on a fake kick to the BC 22, Fajardo again fails to take advantage of the situation and instead throws an interception.

[Mocha]

After Antwi has a big gain on a fake kick to the BC 22, Fajardo again fails to take advantage of the situation and instead throws an interception.

Yup, they really need to practice red zone conversions.

Fun game, though. Still lots of time for a few more scores.

[jerrym]

And another poorly thrown INT by Fajardo kills the Als. Game story - Adams finishes most drives into the Als territory with TDs, Fajardo fails to do the same.

[gilthethrill]

Total atrocious RTP on Sewell sack of Adams at the 3 minute warning to aid BC scoring that late TD. There was absolutely nothing illegal about that form tackle. Hate to see plays like that decide the outcome of close games.

[kellynjk]

BC really does have a fabulous variety of good receivers!!!

[OV Argo]

Total atrocious RTP on Sewell sack of Adams at the 3 minute warning to aid BC scoring that late TD. There was absolutely nothing illegal about that form tackle. Hate to see plays like that decide the outcome of close games.

Agreed - bad call; they also missed a clear fumble by Fajardo - why that could not be reviewed and corrected is beyond me.

Fajardo over-loads to his fave receiver Mack and it results in 2 late picks; why their offence could not stick with more diversity & patience? = that's on Maas, IMO.

[Mocha]

Fajardo over-loads to his fave receiver Mack and it results in 2 late picks; why their offence could not stick with more diversity & patience? = that's on Maas, IMO.

I was thinking the same thing during the game. I mean, Mack has been playing very well, but there are other talented guys to choose from. Gets way too predictable. Hopefully another week of practicing with Ellingson will help with that a bit.