Montreal Alouettes Thread [Archive]

jerrym

04-28-2016, 12:31 PM

Duron Carter may be back but he doesn't seem to have changed.

Carter is talking up a storm when it comes to the topics of loyalty, regrets and of promise. He’s spinning like a top about being back in Montreal on both the football and civic levels, looking forward to living in Old Montreal and to having Nik Lewis as a teammate. Looking forward, as well, to once again playing for Alouettes head coach and general manager Jim Popp. The 2014 CFL All-Star is buzzing with anticipation as training camp pops up on the horizon and he is not giving regret a place to stay in his psyche.
“Montreal gave me my first opportunity to play professional football and I will always remember that,” he says. “You can’t forget your roots.”
“I love the city for real. It’s really progressive and forward and fresh. I love the food, I love the art galleries, the music festival… it’s just a really happening city.” ...

After a year spent in the NFL, the 25-year-old receiver from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. is looking to reboot his CFL career in a fashion that resembles what it was in 2014. That’s when his tour of the friendly nation of Canada was in its second season, with Carter gathering in 75 passes for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns. It was a breakout year for him and it was a performance that drew plenty of interest south of the border. He eventually signed a contract with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
After a season on the Colts’ practice roster and being released in January, Carter quickly signed a deal with Montreal as opposed to taking a wait and see attitude over the remainder of the winter.

“Jim Popp trusted in me when nobody would when he put me on the practice squad,” Carter says. “So, for me to come back and help the Alouettes and help Popp, it was a no-brainer.”
“For me, it’s always about being comfortable and having people around that I can trust when they tell me something and that’s what’s gonna happen. I’ve always been able to trust Jim Popp.”
If you perceive there might be a little shot at the Colts and the way business is done in the NFL with that last line, it’s an inference you’ll have to make without confirmation from Carter.

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/04/28/landry-back-als-duron-carter-wouldnt-change-thing/

DanoT

04-29-2016, 09:00 PM

AngeloV

04-30-2016, 02:16 PM

Thumbs up to Carter for deciding to return to the CFL and play instead of another season on an NFL practice roster waiting for an opening to play if someone gets injured but probably still not start, just dress.

I agree. He makes their receiving core way better, and SJ Green will also benefit as a result. Their receiving core looks a lot more dangerous this year with the return of Carter and Kenny Stafford. I can never count the Als out.

jerrym

05-01-2016, 12:42 AM

The Als think they have found another talented receiver in Jerry Rice Jr. (yah - that Jerry Rice).

One might say the Alouettes are stacked at receiver, and all of their top pass-catchers were in Florida this week to flash their skills catching passes from veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn. But one young receiver, a familiar name in football, turned heads this week and showed he could belong in the CFL: Jerry Rice Jr., the son of football’s all-time leading receiver.
Rice Jr. spent 2014 with the NFL’s Washington Redskins before joining the Als’ practice roster in 2015, where he’ll now hope to take the same route Duron Carter took with the Als just a few years ago. He’s not known for his size, standing under six feet tall, but his athleticism stood out this week after making a number of electrifying big plays.

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/04/30/breaking-camp-turned-heads-mini-camp/

jerrym

05-01-2016, 09:05 PM

The Montreal Alouettels think they have found another talented receiver in Jerry Rice Junior (yah - that Jerry Rice's son).

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/04/30/breaking-camp-turned-heads-mini-camp/

R.J

05-05-2016, 01:28 PM

doubleblue

05-05-2016, 02:56 PM

AngeloV

05-05-2016, 06:27 PM

Alouettes to retire Cahoon's number on July 29th.
http://www.tsn.ca/alouettes-to-retire-cahoon-s-number-86-1.483593

The Als have way too many retired jerseys IMO. I recall the last couple of pre season games a bunch of players with the same number due to the team running out of non retired numbers. Now I'm not saying that Cahoon and others don't deserved to be honoured by their franchises, but I like the way the Leafs honour their greats as opposed to retiring numbers.

Never been a fan of retiring numbers. Honour them, and make them all time members of your team, but retiring is not necessary. I can't stand watching the Montreal Canadians (well I could have just stopped there) with so many players wearing numbers in the 60's and 70's.

R.J

05-05-2016, 07:21 PM

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/door-is-open-for-ben-cahoon-to-return-to-alouettes-as-coach-gm-jim-popp-says
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I would love to coach back in the CFL and maybe someday I’ll get that chance,” Cahoon - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/StuCowan1">@StuCowan1</a></p>— CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/728353399398338560">May 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Though not an Als fan; I would love to see this happen. I recall reading quite a few stories where it was pointed on how involved Cahoon was with the younger guys on the roster. I believe he's coaching down South at his alma mater - receivers IIRC.

jerrym

05-05-2016, 10:30 PM

Yes he was receivers coach at BYU until 2013 and had some success there. Cahoon was just rehired this year.

Coaching career[edit (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ben_Cahoon&action=edit&section=6&editintro=Template:BLP_editintro)]On February 1, 2011, Brigham Young University head football coach, Bronco Mendenhall (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronco_Mendenhall), announced Ben Cahoon would join the BYU coaching staff as the wide receivers coach.[8] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Cahoon#cite_note-8) He served in that role through the end of the 2012 season, after which the school re-hired its former offensive coordinator Robert Anae (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Anae), leading to Cahoon being released on January 15, 2013.[9] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Cahoon#cite_note-Call-9) Cahoon returned to the coaching staff for the 2016 season under new head coach Kalani Sitake (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalani_Sitake) and offensive coordinator Ty Detmer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Detmer). [10] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Cahoon#cite_note-10)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Cahoon

Coaching Highlights

Coached BYU all-time leading receiver Cody Hoffman to his best collegiate season with 100 receptions, 1,248 yards in 2012
Hoffman finished career with 260 receptions, 3,612 yards and 33 receiving touchdowns
Had five receivers in 2011 with at least 25 receptions and four receivers with at least 200 yards receiving in 2012

http://byucougars.com/staff/m-football/ben-cahoon

R.J

05-06-2016, 04:33 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/cahoon-honoured-and-humbled-to-have-number-86-retired~863814

jerrym

05-07-2016, 02:27 PM

Alouettes to retire Cahoon's number on July 29th.
http://www.tsn.ca/alouettes-to-retire-cahoon-s-number-86-1.483593

The Als have way too many retired jerseys IMO.

The Als may have too many retired jerseys, but Cahoon's jersey is one that deserves retirement IMO.

jerrym

05-15-2016, 05:21 PM

A discussion and videos of Alouettes second overall pick, University of Laval OL Philippe Gagnon.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/10/alouettes-select-philippe-gagnon-with-their-first-pick/

R.J

05-19-2016, 04:19 PM

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/montreal-alouettes-sign-five-draft-picks-two-canadian-quarterbacks

The Montreal Alouettes signed five of their draft picks on Thursday, inking A-Dre Fraser and Matthew Toppan to four-year deals and George Johnson, Emmett Tims and Maiko Zepeda to two-year contracts.

The Alouettes also signed Canadian quarterbacks Drew Burko of the Saskatchewan Huskies and Jimmy Underdahl of the Calgary Dinos to two-year contracts.

The 6-foot-4 Burko played four seasons at Saskatchewan, completing 572 of 951 passes for 7,549 yards and 50 touchdowns. Underdahl, 5-foot-11, played 28 games for Calgary Dinos over four seasons, amassing 872 passing yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for 413 yards on 76 carries.

Defensive-back Dominique Termansen, who helped British Columbia to a Vanier Cup last season and who Montreal protected after the draft, signed a two-year deal.

Fraser, a receiver, was drafted in the sixth round, while offensive-lineman Toppan was an eighth-rounder.

The Alouettes also got permission for St. Francis Xavier University quarterback Dante Djan to practise with the team in training camp until the team’s first pre-season game.

ArgoRavi

05-20-2016, 01:40 AM

Alouettes are certainly focusing on the Canadian QBs.

KCargosfan

05-20-2016, 04:19 AM

Alouettes are certainly focusing on the Canadian QBs.

Is this bad news for Bridge? How many of those guys actually make it out of camp? 1?

I mean, what are the Als going to do with 7 QBs in training camp?

R.J

05-20-2016, 11:06 AM

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/17/2016-alouettes-training-camp-schedule/

jerrym

05-24-2016, 08:57 AM

Duron discusses what happened to him in the NFL.

Duron Carter is back in the CFL for a simple reason: To play football.
The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter spent last season on the practice roster of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. Carter says while he enjoyed his time in Indianapolis — and the challenge of facing Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis daily — he rejoined the Montreal Alouettes to be more than a practice player.
“I loved Indy, they gave me a great opportunity and I learned a lot,” said Carter, in town recently to participate in a CFL promotional photo shoot. “They just had a different plan for me than I wanted.
“There was a lot of politics and everything that I didn’t realize existed. I just wanted to play football and Montreal allows me to do that.”
The six-foot-five, 220-pound Carter began his pro career in Montreal in 2013, amassing 124 catches for 1,939 yards and 12 TDs over two seasons. He had 75 receptions for 1,030 yards and seven TDs his final season before signing a three-year, US$1.575-million deal with Indianapolis, although just $25,000 was guaranteed and there was no signing bonus.
Carter finished the pre-season with nine catches for 126 yards but landed on the practice roster. He became a free agent in January when Indianapolis didn’t offer him a future contract.
“In practice, I was taking a lot of the earlier reps, the first-team reps, and then when we got to pre-season it seemed like I was being sort of held back,” Carter said. “The Colts didn’t have anything against me or anything, they just felt I was a future plan.
“It wasn’t my time, I guess.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/carters-top-priority-with-alouettes-is-helping-team-win

R.J

05-24-2016, 11:58 AM

http://www.tsn.ca/als-bring-stacked-qb-depth-chart-into-training-camp-1.494559

jerrym

05-24-2016, 09:27 PM

I'm not a big Kevin Glenn fan, but he is so often dumped on, I believe that he is underrated and will improve last year's woeful offence. He will also help develop the backups with his experience.

When a team loses 12 of 18 games and misses the playoffs — the Alouettes’ 2015 epitaph — it’s clear the ship has taken on water at various levels. While there might be numerous holes to fill, Montreal’s immediate mandate is finding a way to score more points.
How simple that onerous task becomes remains to be determined, but general manager and head coach Jim Popp believes his team will take on new life now that it finally has a veteran quarterback — Kevin Glenn — heading into the season. Glenn was acquired from Saskatchewan at last year’s trade deadline and dressed for three games.
“A lot of things go hand in hand. We’ve had several coaching changes, four offensive coordinators … a rotation of quarterbacks. That surely affects the capability of scoring points,” Popp said Tuesday, during a Canadian Football League-mandated conference call. “The tools are there. The consistency of putting points up has not been. We didn’t get the ball in the end zone, but when you’re playing eight different games with (various) quarterbacks, it’s difficult to do.
The Als were limited to 388 points last season. Only Winnipeg, another non-playoff team, scored fewer. Even Saskatchewan, which went 3-15 without Darian Durant, produced 430 points.
Offensively, the Als averaged 19.7 points in a league where Popp said a team requires 30 per game to win consistently. Montreal was last in passing yards in a league where a team must be successful in that category. The Als passed for only 24 touchdowns, adding 10 more rushing. To put that into perspective, Toronto passed for 37 touchdowns alone.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-banking-on-quarterback-stability-to-generate-more-offence

R.J

05-25-2016, 01:06 PM

From the same article.

In off-field news, Als president Mark Weightman said the team has sold slightly more than 11,000 season tickets. While that’s a decrease of about 1,000, he said he doesn’t expect overall attendance to suffer a significant drop. He said sponsorship has increased by 13 per cent, with the organization anticipating a 25-per-cent improvement on its 2015 total.

Montreal has to be a concern for the League - 8 years ago they had over 18,000 STH and lead the league in corporate sponsorship.

ArgoRavi

05-25-2016, 01:45 PM

From the same article.

Montreal has to be a concern for the League - 8 years ago they had over 18,000 STH and lead the league in corporate sponsorship.

Did they really have 18k STH? I don't recall ever hearing exactly what they had in terms of season ticket holders until they released yesterday's numbers. I do recall that their corporate sponsorship dropped off substantially at one time and at least that seems to be trending upwards again.

R.J

05-25-2016, 01:59 PM

Did they really have 18k STH? I don't recall ever hearing exactly what they had in terms of season ticket holders until they released yesterday's numbers. I do recall that their corporate sponsorship dropped off substantially at one time and at least that seems to be trending upwards again.
The old url doesn't work, but i found this.
http://www.riderfans.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-107299.html?

Corporate sponsorship, which totalled more than $6 million as recently as the 2007 season, now hovers at about $2.5 million. Major sponsors, including Subway, Nissan and Discount, have deserted the team. Companies were paying $150,000 each to have their logos painted on the field at Molson Stadium, but Lalonde decided those markings cluttered the field unnecessarily.

Season-ticket sales once were in the 18,000 range, higher when including corporate tickets. Today, they’re slightly over 14,000.

KCargosfan

05-25-2016, 05:39 PM

From the same article.

Montreal has to be a concern for the League - 8 years ago they had over 18,000 STH and lead the league in corporate sponsorship.

I've been saying this for a few years, and some laughed at it. Including Calvillo's last year, IMO the Als have trended down since. Montreal and Vancouver are now the trouble spots for the CFL.

R.J

05-25-2016, 07:36 PM

I've been saying this for a few years, and some laughed at it. Including Calvillo's last year, IMO the Als have trended down since. Montreal and Vancouver are now the trouble spots for the CFL.
I agree that Montreal and BC are currently the big trouble spots, but a watchful eye still has to overlook Toronto.

R.J

05-25-2016, 08:02 PM

Alouettes sign their top 3 picks.
http://www.tsn.ca/als-sign-first-round-pick-ol-gagnon-1.495631

jerrym

05-26-2016, 03:42 AM

The Alouettes key hope for TC and the season is stability in all phases of operation.

In 2016, stability will be the operative word for the Alouettes. “We have stability with our coaching staff and we also have an experienced quarterback. As well, over-and-above looking for impact players, experienced coaches and excellent draft choices, Jim did a great job keeping the core of the team intact. Jim did everything possible to ensure that our loyal fanbase will be happier this year,” said the president and chief executive officer of the Alouettes. ...
Regarding season ticket holders, Weightman and his staff are pleased with the numbers: “We exceeded 11,000 season ticket holders and this number continues to grow. We are very happy and grateful to have such a passionate fanbase who come to the games regardless of weather conditions to cheer the team on,” he said.The 2016 season also points to an outstanding year for the team’s partners. “With the renewal of our partnerships with Lesters and TELUS, and the arrival of new partners such as Famili-Prix, Mise-O-Jeu and L’Aubainerie, we are expecting to surpass last year’s results by 25 per cent by the end of 2016,” said Weightman, who is entering his third season as president and CEO of the Alouettes.

“These results are due to our rejuvenated client base which is very interesting to our partners. Our efforts on our digital platforms – like our website and our social networks – allow us to better reach that clientele,” said Weightman.
Several new initiatives at McGill’s Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium will be unveiled when the 2016 season kicks off. “First off, the Fan Zone will be revamped and will be accessible two hours before kick-off with a ‘Happy Hour’. Also among our new features will be cushioned seats with chairbacks available in certainsections. A new terrasse will also be available at the stadium, with tickets in this area priced at $25 for adults and $20 for students. As well, a new screen has been added – above the existing screen – ensuring that fans can easily see statistics pertaining to the players and the game. Finally, a ‘Game Day’ section will soon be launched on the team’s website: This will include information pertaining to the day’s game such as weather reports, traffic around the stadium and exclusive pre-game interviews,” said Weightman, who is originally from Saint-André-d’Argenteuil in the Laurentians.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/24/previewing-the-2016-alouettes-season/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 01:15 AM

In a video interview National QB Brandon Bridge discusses Als TC.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/26/brandon-bridge-is-ready-for-training-camp/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 01:19 AM

Today is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Montreal Alouettes. Bonne Anniversaire! (Video is in French)

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/20/happy-birthday-to-the-alouettes/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 01:25 AM

Tyrell Sutton discusses his gym workout, the Als situation this year, and how he helps in the fight to keep kids in school in this video.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/18/the-intense-work-out-of-tyrell-sutton/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 02:52 PM

Here is the Montreal Alouette Cheerleader website:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016-cheerleaders/

Will

05-28-2016, 07:52 AM

I hope the Alouettes finish 0-18.

jerrym

05-28-2016, 08:54 AM

Here is the Montreal Alouette Cheerleader website:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016-cheerleaders/

I hope the Alouettes finish 0-18.

I hope its not because of the cheerleaders in the previous post.

jerrym

05-28-2016, 03:33 PM

Duron Carter says he is determined to show he is a team player in his return to the Als.

When Duron Carter hits the practice field as the Montreal Alouettes open training camp Sunday, he will do so carrying a little extra baggage.During his first go-round as a CFL receiver, Carter made quite an impression in his first two seasons (http://www.covers.com/pageloader/pageloader.aspx?page=/data/cfl/players/player40369.html). He was known for his speed, moves and hands that allowed him to become one if the most feared receivers in the CFL.
But there were also whispers behind the scenes that the son of NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter wasn't exactly a team player -- the kind of guy who calculates his receiving average as he's running down the field.
But that baggage might be a lot lighter than people think after Carter returned from a frustrating failed tryout (https://espn.go.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/13530/indianapolis-colts-cut-21-players-including-duron-carter)with the Indianapolis Colts.
``When we're talking about the season, team just keeps spilling out of his mouth," says Kevin Glenn, who heads into training camp as the Als starting quarterback. ``Talking to other people, I got the impression he was kind of a `me' guy. I've never once got that impression in the conversations I've had with him. He wants to win. I'm happy to hear that from him."
Whether he's now a team-first guy or not, there's no doubt that Carter is heading into his CFL Career Redux with a positive attitude. He practically gushes thinking about his return to Montreal.
``I loved Indy and they gave me a great opportunity and I learned a whole lot," says the 25-year-old Florida native. ``They just had a different plan for me than what I wanted.
``I felt to get into a better situation ... playing is my best bet and not betting on other people and how they feel. It's a whole lot of politics and things I didn't realize existed. I just wanted to play football and Montreal allows me to do that."
While the reference to politics might lead one to believe that Carter's a tad bitter about his not-so-excellent adventure in the NFL, he says it has made him a better receiver.
Going up against the likes of Pro Bowl defensive back Vontae Davis every day during training camp and getting high-level coaching will pay off, he insists. So will carrying an extra 20 pounds from his CFL days, up to 220 on his 6-foot-5 frame.
``I feel I'm a lot better player," he says. ``I'm older, I feel like I'm faster, I'm bigger ... I feel pretty good about what's going to come this season. Everybody tells me I've gotten taller, too.
``I do like being a little bit slimmer and faster, but I think it hurt me as far as being durable and lasting a whole season."

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-55-yard-line/alouettes-duron-carter-out-to-prove-he-s-no--me--guy-in-his-cfl-return-190525592.html

jerrym

05-29-2016, 01:29 PM

Here are changes to the Als TC roster.

The Montreal Alouettes announced the following transactions on Saturday.

<tbody style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">
Players added to roster

Ethan Davis (I)
DB
Troy State

Jordan Dewalt (I)
DE
Duke

Mitchell Jeter (I)
DL
The Citadel

Jared Koster (I)
LB
New Mexico Highlands

Jonathon Mincy (I)
DB
Auburn

Hayden Peters (N)
DB
St.Francis Xavier

</tbody>

<tbody style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">
Placed on retired list

Andrew Smith (N)
WR
Manitoba

</tbody>

<tbody style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">
Placed on injured exempt list

Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (N)
C
Laval

Jonathan Crompton (I)
QB
Tennessee

</tbody>

2016 seventh-round draft pick defensive back Maïko Zepeda suffered an injury prior to training camp which will require season-ending surgery.
Also, international receiver Cody Hoffman did not pass his physical and has been released.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/28/alouettes-transactions-3/

R.J

05-30-2016, 05:04 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's still early, but here is the QB depth chart from what I've seen on the field. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <br><br>1. Glenn<br>2. Bridge<br>3. Boyd<br>4. Adams<br>5. Cato</p>— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS/status/737384278833651712">May 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Interesting. I've also seen a few say that Adams is the worst of the bunch; though adams being the new kid/project and traded for a 1st rounder he'll be given time and opportunity. I really don't see Cato sticking with this team - I'd also be surprised if Boyd is kept once Crompton is healthy.

jerrym

05-31-2016, 12:16 AM

Als TC Day 1

Difficult choices to come
Saying that the Alouettes offence is filled with talented and dangerous players would be an understatement. The team’s receiving corps, comprised of established veterans and dynamic rookies stole the show during this first day of camp, lifting fans off their feet on numerous occasions.
Back in Montreal following a year with the Indianapolis Colts, Duron Carter set the bar high right off the bat, making a spectacular one-handed catch on a 50-yard pass from quarterback Rakeem Cato. He struck again a few moments later, hauling in another 50-yarder from Vernon Adams Jr. in the end zone. A few moments later, the Kevin Glenn-Sam Giguère tandem made some noise, when the Sherbrooke native scored a touchdown on a nice pass from the veteran pivot.
Rookie receiver Corbin Louks also scored points. The former Denver Bronco started off his 2016 training camp on the right foot with two great catches. Adams Jr. connected with him in the end zone on a 60-yard play.
Offensive coaches Anthony Calvillo and Jacques Chapdelaine most likely enjoyed what they saw from their protégés on this first day, but difficult decisions will need to be made in the near future.
Defensive Coordinator Noel Thorpe and his staff will also have tough decisions to make, as the veterans from their squad showed up in great shape, hoping to prevent the young guns from stealing their jobs. Dominique Ellis was responsible for the first interception of the day, diving to get his hand under a falling ball. Andrew Lue also pilfered a pass during the first practice.
The defensive line, now under Anwar Stewart’s tutelage, showed many promising signs on this first day, as they got to the quarterback in hurry on numerous occasions during simulated play. The defensive squad’s depth will without a doubt be one of the team’s strenghts in 2016.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/29/training-camp-report-day-1-2/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 12:19 AM

Als TC Day 2

The perfect mentor
Entering his 16th CFL season, veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn is at his first training camp with the Alouettes, where he’s quickly become the leader of Anthony Calvillo’s offence. The stability within the coaching staff, coupled with the acquisitions made by the front office during the offseason seem to be paying immediate dividends.
Although we’re only two days into training camp, Glenn is making his presence felt both on and off the field. On the field, he seems to be in mid-season form, threading the needle to his receivers on several occasions. On the sidelines, Glenn is seen working closely with the younger quarterbacks, imparting his wisdom between plays. For the oldest brother of five, the quarterback’s leadership qualities have been evident throughout his illustrious career. ...
The secondary firing on all cylinders
Jovon Johnson was locked in throughout the day, drawing several reactions from the crowd thanks to his tight coverage. The former Ottawa REDBLACKS defensive back had 2 interceptions during simulated play, as well as multiple great plays on the ball in 1 on 1 drills. Despite his smaller stature, the 5’9, 180-pound defensive back stood out in a big way on Day 2 of training camp.
Johnson wasn’t the only defensive back who impressed at Coulter Field, as Mitchell White had 2 interceptions of his own in one on one drills. The first was a deep ball in which White made a leaping catch over Corbin Louks, and the second was a diving grab where he anticipated the comeback route thrown by Vernon Adams Jr.
The defensive backs weren’t the only defensive position excelling on Day 2 of camp. Veteran defensive end John Bowman and his crew got to the quarterback on multiple occasions, applying consistent pressure and getting their hands on several thrown balls during simulated play.
A learning period
After playing left tackle during the first day of training camp, Jacob Ruby made the transition over to right guard on Monday morning. Philip Blake filled in for Ruby at left tackle, as the coaching staff is looking to mix it up along the offensive line in order to experiment with different combinations. Flexibility along the offensive line is a little thing that can help certain players crack the roster during training camp.
“It’s only the second day of camp. We want to move guys around and see where they can play. If an injury occurs during the season, it’s better to find that out now than it is during the season,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach, Jim Popp.
Rapid Fire
On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Mike Davis got open on numerous occasions due to his crisp route-running, allowing himself to reel in multiple targets… Jerry Rice Jr. also displayed his combination of quickness and catching ability, making several tough grabs throughout the day… Although Davis and Rice Jr. stood out at wide receiver, the catch of the day belonged to Mikhail Davidson, who made a diving, full-extension grab across the middle during simulated play. The first player to congratulate him was none other than S.J. Green who has made those types of catches for quite some time now… Rookie defensive back Victor Hampton also stood out on Monday as he pilfered two passes during skelly competition.
Transactions
Before taking the field, the Alouettes added cornerback Greg Henderson to the roster. The 23 year-old recently finished his college career as a member of the University of Colorado Buffaloes.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/30/training-camp-report-day-2-2/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 12:46 AM

Chris Schultz believes the Als have good replacements for Josh Bourke. I'm not so sure they can do this with inexperienced players.

While nothing’s carved in stone — most certainly not following two days of training camp — Chris Schultz believes the Alouettes can compensate for the departure of offensive-tackle Josh Bourke. And, in assistant coach Kris Sweet, Schultz believes they have the man who’s capable of bringing out the most in what most certainly will be the inexperienced player who must attempt to replace Bourke.
“The coaching’s critical, and Sweet’s good. He pushes his guys hard. He’s a good technique coach. He can get the most out of his players. He yells a lot, but he’s very demonstrative in the way he educates his players,” said Schultz, a TSN commentator and former offensive tackle with the Dallas Cowboys and Toronto Argonauts over 12 seasons. “If the guys hang in there and buy into what he’s selling, they’re going to improve.”
Replacing left-tackle Bourke, who signed with the Argos last February as a free agent, figures to be easier said than done. Bourke spent nine seasons with the Als, was named the Canadian Football League’s outstanding lineman in 2011 and was a two-time league all-star.
The Als — and by extension Sweet, who coaches the offensive line — will be trying numerous scenarios throughout training camp — not only to see who can replace Bourke, but determine what other positions players can handle in the event of injuries.

On Sunday, when the Als opened camp at Bishop’s University, Jacob Ruby played left-tackle during both practices. Ruby had the position again Monday morning, but when the players returned following a brief respite,
Montreal has used an all-Canadian line for years, but has a pair of returning imports — Forrestal Hickman and Vincent Brown — available if necessary. Both were activated for the final game of the season against Saskatchewan. Ruby started for Bourke that afternoon against the Roughriders.
Schultz believes both Ruby and Blake are physically capable of playing the position — provided they concentrate on their own body mechanics. “The big thing to understand about the position — sometimes you get so wrapped up about your opponent and what he’s going to do,” Schultz explained. “You have to concentrate on your own mechanics. If you’re worried about his pass rush and spin move, his upfield, inside and power move, you’re living in anticipation. The battle is mental. “For a young guy, the battle’s against himself. If your technique and body positioning are good, if your hands and feet are always good — a nice wide base, and you maintain that, you’re going to be OK.”
While it’s too premature to determine which player has the inside track, Ruby can at least claim to be playing the position at college. Redshirted as a freshman, he was a four-year starter at the University of Richmond (Va.), a Division-IAA school. In the NCAA, it’s rare for any player, let alone a Canadian, to start four years. Ruby, a converted tight-end and former defensive-lineman, thrived on his athleticism. The Als selected the 6-foot-7, 315 pounder in the first round (eighth overall) in the 2015 Canadian college draft.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/als-camp-day-2-replacing-bourke-not-easy-but-ruby-says-hes-ready

jerrym

05-31-2016, 12:56 AM

Rumours are that Cato is considered the fourth QB at the start of TC. He could end up being traded. On the other hand, Popp appears to be high on National Brandon Bridge.

His passport issues behind him, Rakeem Cato made it to Bishop’s University and was on the field Sunday as the Alouettes began training camp.
But much like last season, when he arrived at camp late, was an afterthought on the depth chart and ended up dressing for 11 games, the second-year quarterback appears to have tremendous odds stacked against him in his attempt to earn a roster spot.
“Every year’s going to be the same, whether I’m a starter or backup or seventh on the roster,” he said. “I’m going to compete and come out with positive energy … push the starter.
“Most definitely, I’m used to overcoming the odds. It’s fun.”
Cato denied he lost his passport as the Montreal Gazette reported. Instead, it was stolen, along with his backpack, while he was working out at a Miami high school. That aside, the Als engaged in recent trade talks concerning Cato — the news of which, he admitted, found its way to southern Florida. And, he stated emphatically, didn’t bother or upset him.
Nonetheless, it appears, at least following one day of workouts, Cato could be fourth on the team’s depth chart, behind Kevin Glenn, Canadian Brandon Bridge and even Tajh Boyd, who was on the Als’ practice roster late in the season but never played.
General manager and head coach Jim Popp denied Bridge, or any other quarterback for that matter, is the backup for now — although it’s known the organization is bullish on the non-import. Popp said the team could retain as many as five pivots, and definitely will carry four. Teams can dress three per game.
The Als won with Cato last season. He completed slightly more than 69 per cent of his passes, throwing for 2,167 yards. He had nine touchdowns and as many interceptions. Cato clearly was at his best in his first start, against Calgary, completing 20 of 25 for 241 yards and three touchdowns.
But then teams started to catch on to him. Cato appeared to struggle reading defences and continued to make glaring rookie mistakes, sometimes repeatedly.
“I’m just trying to find a spot and compete and try to earn my job, just like last year,” Cato said. “My job’s to push Kevin Glenn to the limit and make sure he becomes better; keep the coaches’ head scratching.”
Does Cato believe he’ll be given a fair chance to compete for a roster spot. That, he said, is out of his hands. “Last year, I wasn’t given a fair chance,” he charged. “I didn’t get one rep. The first one came in the pre-season. Reps mean nothing. When my number’s called, I have to make a play for the team.”
Meanwhile, Bridge played little for Montreal as a rookie, but displayed poise when given the opportunity under trying circumstances. He came off the bench in the season-opener, following injuries to Jonathan Crompton and Dan LeFevour, playing the second half against Ottawa. And then he didn’t play again until the finale, against Saskatchewan, without most of the veteran receivers. Nonetheless, Bridge went 21 of 30 for 220 yards and two touchdowns in defeat.
“I’m ready whenever the coaches think I’m ready,” said the 6-foot-5, 235 pounder, who played collegiately at South Alabama. “I think they see that I’m a big-time playmaker who can make plays with my feet. And I have a big, strong arm.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/rakeem-cato-faces-long-odds-to-earn-qb-roster-spot

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:00 AM

As always there are questions about Kevin Glenn.

Is Kevin Glenn the quarterback the Alouettes have determined can lead this team out of the wilderness, at least in the short term? Or is he simply the best of the lot they have at their immediate disposal until someone else emerges?
These are legitimate questions, based on the messages coming from general manager and head coach Jim Popp.
As training camp began with two practises Sunday afternoon at Bishop’s University under, at times, a somewhat steady sprinkle of rain, Glenn said he “most definitely” is the team’s quarterback. But on a conference call last week, and again Sunday, Popp reiterated it was Glenn’s job to lose.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement, it could be argued. Just as the argument could be made Glenn, who turns 37 on June 12 and is entering his 13th Canadian Football League season, deserves better.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/qb-kevin-glenn-is-confident-hes-the-man-as-alouettes-open-camp

R.J

05-31-2016, 09:03 PM

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-camp-day-3-lb-nicolas-boulay-bristles-over-pay-cut-proposal?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Boulay won't be the last because of Popp's mismanagement.

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:10 AM

interview with Kevin Glenn on Day 3 of TC.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/31/training-camp-interview-with-kevin-glenn/

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:12 AM

Recap of Day 3 of TC:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/31/training-camp-report-day-3-2/

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:15 AM

With all the change in the last several years within the Als organization, the team is focusing on attaining stability this year.

http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=881621

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:22 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a catch by Kyle Graves at training camp! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/XwFKUM3kM3">pic.twitter.com/XwFKUM3kM3</a></p>— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes/status/737805911977304064">June 1, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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/2016/06/01/training-camp-report-day-4-2/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:52 AM

WR Mikail Davidson in action:

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wide receiver <a href="https://twitter.com/mikhaildavidson">@mikhaildavidson</a> at training camp.<br><br>Lookin’ good! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> <a href="https://t.co/gmVCInYolQ">pic.twitter.com/gmVCInYolQ</a></p>— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes/status/738048073180516352">June 1, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:55 AM

A video interview with LB Winston Venable:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/06/01/training-camp-interview-with-winston-venable/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 05:13 AM

jerrym

06-02-2016, 01:25 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“He’s like the cook and I’m the waiter,”<a href="https://twitter.com/qterback5">@qterback5</a> on his relationship with <a href="https://twitter.com/acalvillo13">@acalvillo13</a> ➡ <a href="https://t.co/2RXWx0gucM">https://t.co/2RXWx0gucM</a> <a href="https://t.co/QJlORZLmyn">pic.twitter.com/QJlORZLmyn</a></p>— CFL (@CFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL/status/738369928772878336">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

R.J

06-02-2016, 02:50 PM

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/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/als-camp-day-4-vaughn-martin-ready-to-show-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

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a>' centre <a href="https://twitter.com/dominicpicard">@dominicpicard</a> has announced his retirement. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LCF?src=hash">#LCF</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1">@HerbZurkowsky1</a></p>— CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/738765466999611392">June 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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/2016/06/03/training-camp-report-day-6-2/

jerrym

06-04-2016, 08:06 PM

S J Green still looking good.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Tout semble si facile pour <a href="https://twitter.com/SJ19_19SJ">@SJ19_19SJ</a> au camp d'entraînement ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/e11R7RuDhC">pic.twitter.com/e11R7RuDhC</a></p>— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes/status/739200095137214464">June 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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/2016/06/04/training-camp-report-day-7-2/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

R.J

06-04-2016, 08:16 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From what I saw at today's scrimmage: <br><br>1. Glenn <br>2. Bridge<br>3. Cato <br>4. Boyd - Adams <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS/status/739147136135204864">June 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

OV Argo

06-04-2016, 10:29 PM

jerrym

06-04-2016, 11:28 PM

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/2016/06/05/training-camp-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/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/surprise-retirement-forces-big-shift-on-alouettes-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/2016/06/05/i-dont-take-anything-for-granted-marc-olivier-brouillette/

R.J

06-07-2016, 02:13 PM

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

R.J

06-07-2016, 04:09 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a> HC/GM Jim Popp says the team threw away the their playbook and started from scratch with OC Anthony Calvillo. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bombers?src=hash">#Bombers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottBilleck/status/740256029842120704">June 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

R.J

06-08-2016, 11:21 AM

TC Report Day 9
http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/06/06/training-camp-report-day-9-2/

Football was a way out for rookie Alouettes rusher Wayne Moore
http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/football-was-a-way-out-for-rookie-alouettes-rusher-wayne-moore

Alouettes FlightDeck - Episode 2 (Podcast)
http://alouettesflightdeck.podbean.com/e/alouettes-flightdeck-episode-2/

Neely2005

06-08-2016, 06:48 PM

Apparently the Alouettes are dressing 8 Quarterbacks tonight!

ArgoRavi

06-08-2016, 11:57 PM

Apparently the Alouettes are dressing 8 Quarterbacks tonight!

And three Canadian QBs played for them including two CIS ones.

KCargosfan

06-09-2016, 01:36 AM

And three Canadian QBs played for them including two CIS ones.

I think OVA just did a keg stand.

AngeloV

06-09-2016, 09:19 AM

Apparently the Alouettes are dressing 8 Quarterbacks tonight!

Yeah, that was a stupid decision. They need to get Bridge, Cato and Adams as many reps as possible.

ArgoRavi

06-09-2016, 12:13 PM

Yeah, that was a stupid decision. They need to get Bridge, Cato and Adams as many reps as possible.

I was surprised that Glenn played more than a quarter. I would not have brought him along at all or used him for a maximum of two series if it was determined that he needed to play. The one QB who didn't play last night was another promising youngster in Tajh Boyd. Bridge only played two or three series as well.

jerrym

06-10-2016, 01:22 AM

OL Philippe Gagnon has had a steep learning curve in TC.

Last week marked the beginning of the first professional training camp for offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon. With his sights set on a spot in the line-up, the Alouettes’ first choice in the 2016 CFL draft has an opportunity to show off his skills to the coaching staff during camp as well as the two upcoming pre-season games.
He feels privileged to be attending his first CFL training camp. “I am very happy to be here. I have always had a very competitive nature, and I would like to have a spot on the team, even though the calibre of play is better when compared to the university level. As well, the playbook and the techniques are not the same, so there is a lot of learning that I have to do in a short period of time. It’s really a terrific challenge!” said Gagnon.
The 311 pound player immediately saw the big differences between the university level and the professional level. “Everything is very fast. The speed of the game and the players are not the same as in university. It is all much quicker! We also have to learn the playbook and adjust to any corrections that the coaching staff give us. Fortunately, I have been able to get help from the veterans who have the best interests of the team at heart. And the other linemen like Kristian Matte and Phillip Blake have been able to answer my questions,” said Gagnon, a former guard at the Université Laval.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/06/06/its-really-terrific-challenge/

KCargosfan

06-10-2016, 02:37 AM

Yeah, that was a stupid decision. They need to get Bridge, Cato and Adams as many reps as possible.

No doubt. Maybe Popp is losing his mind?

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:43 AM

No doubt. Maybe Popp is losing his mind?

I don't have any other explanation.

jerrym

06-11-2016, 03:30 PM

Despite the loss to Winnipeg, the Als feel they had some positives in terms of performance and the future.

Since it was an exhibition game, does it really matter the Alouettes squandered a 13-3 lead, Winnipeg scoring 33 unanswered points in a 36-13 victory Wednesday night at Investors Group Field?
All it means is the Blue Bombers rookies — for now at least — are better than Montreal’s. Play the game at Molson Stadium, and perhaps the outcome is reversed.
Since it was an exhibition game, does it really matter the Als were penalized 17 times for 144 yards or turned the ball over four times — albeit twice on downs? Defensive-back Raymon Taylor, who struggled mightily, was called for pass interference. Greg Henderson, another rookie in the secondary, had the daily double, pass interference and illegal contact. Linebacker Nick Temple took a pass interference call but also was active, recording five tackles.
Will any of them even still be with the team when the regular-season begins in two weeks?
On the other hand, starting quarterback Kevin Glenn completed 14 of 19 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. That matters, even though it was an exhibition game. He was replaced by Rakeem Cato, who completed all but one of his six attempts, for 46 yards and a touchdown on his opening drive. That matters, too. Cato had what’s expected to be the Als’ starting offensive line blocking for him, but his receivers were the second-stringers.
“We’re in a much better place than we were last year — starting with Kevin Glenn,” said slotback Nik Lewis, on the receiving end of Glenn’s four-yard touchdown pass. “I think he missed one throw, to S.J. (Green) when he ran a great route. Other than that, I think he did well. I think we’ll be okay, and we’ll keep our defence off the field more.
“To have him as a veteran … to lead this offence … he garners the respect. There’s not going to be a lot of people yelling at him for the ball,” Lewis added. “If we run the amount of plays we did in the first quarter, everybody’s going to be happy.”
The Als controlled the ball for nearly 10 minutes in the opening quarter and ran 24 plays. By the time Glenn and the starters departed, the team had run 39 plays. He took them on a 10-play drive in the first quarter to the Winnipeg 31 before Brandon Rutley was stopped on a third-down gamble. Undaunted, Glenn then engineered a 15-play, 88-yard touchdown drive — although it took Montreal four tries from the Bombers’ eight-yard line before scoring.
Of the starting receivers, only Kenny Stafford failed to catch a pass — and he would have scored the touchdown that ultimately went to Lewis had he run the correct route. Green caught five passes for 43 yards, while Duron Carter had three receptions for 25 yards. Lewis had a pair and even Samuel Giguère, often overlooked in 2015, had two catches.
“The biggest thing was to come out and try to get some rhythm as an offence in a game-type atmosphere. I think we accomplished that,” said Glenn, who turns 37 on Sunday. “We wanted to see how we did against another defence. I think we did a good job.
“I think we did move the ball well. We moved the ball around to different receivers and kind of got everyone involved. It’s just building. We have a lot of guys who understand.”
General manager and head coach Jim Popp certainly saw what was required before he started to substitute players.
“We moved the ball. We had 30-some plays. We ran a lot of plays — whether we got the ball in the end zone or not. That was good,” he said. “We turned the ball over and gave them some touchdowns … kept drives alive with penalties and let them back in the game when we were up 13-3.
“But Glenn executed the offence. We completed a number of passes.”
It was a surprise to everyone but Popp and his offensive coaches when Cato — and not second-year Canadian Brandon Bridge — replaced Glenn. But Popp continued to maintain the Als don’t have a depth chart at training camp when it comes to quarterbacks or any players.
Still, Cato had said — up until Tuesday — he wasn’t scheduled to play. Instead, it was Tajh Boyd who drew the short straw among the pivots, making the trip to stand on the sideline, in uniform.
Cato denied he sent any profound message to management. “Just understand that I can really play football,” he said. “I want to be here and play for them for a long time.”
The game also marked the first time what’s expected to be the Als’ starting offensive line faced another team — and the results were lukewarm, at best. Glenn was sacked twice, Cato once, with the starters on the field. Early in the game, Jamaal Westerman breezed untouched past Jacob Ruby, attempting to replace Josh Bourke at the all-important left-tackle position.
“I think we did pretty well,” said Ruby, a first-round (eighth overall) draft pick in 2015 who started the final game last season. “For this group, that was the first real game we’ve played together. It’s only going to get better. We’re all comfortable playing beside each other.”
Ruby believes he’s going to start the season at left tackle. “I definitely do. I think these guys feel comfortable with me there. I feel comfortable working with them.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/plenty-of-positives-to-take-out-of-alouettes-preseason-loss-wednesday

jerrym

06-11-2016, 03:37 PM

The CFL continues its tradition of weird decisions and scheduling.

The Canadian Football League, historically, has been known for making some decisions that, from a distance, appear bizarre to say the least.
Welcome to the league’s exhibition schedule, which begins Wednesday night with the Alouettes meeting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field (8 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio-690).
Not only are the Als – and Bombers, for that matter – forced to play three days before other teams, and only after nine training-camp practice days, Montreal players and management are being forced to fly halfway across the country.
Of course, such anomalies in the schedule are hardly unique. This Monday, on five days’ rest, the Bombers conclude their exhibition schedule at Ottawa. It’s the Redblacks’ first exhibition encounter. After that game, Winnipeg has a long break before it begins the regular season at home – again against the Als – on June 24.
Montreal general manager and head coach Jim Popp said Wednesday’s game comes with an expenditure of approximately $100,000. That’s a lot of money for a meaningless game that serves as an audition for the rookies.
“One team from the East Division has to do it every year. It would be much simpler if we kept things in our own division,” Popp said. “Let the round-robin be out west. It would cut a lot of costs. This is an expensive deal for our team that nobody else in the league has to go through. Financially, it would be much easier if we played Ottawa back-to-back. At some point these things need to be discussed.
“It’s strange you’re going on the road to play a team. Two weeks later, you open your season and go on the road there again. I don’t think that was thought out very well.”
Ya think?

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/the-snap-alouettes-notebook-24

jerrym

06-11-2016, 03:54 PM

Als TC report on Day 13:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/06/10/training-camp-report-day-9-3/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

jerrym

06-12-2016, 11:56 PM

Boris Bede makes a 57 yd FG in TC.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A 57-yard field goal made by none other than <a href="https://twitter.com/BrizzyUL17">@BrizzyUL17</a> at training camp! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUqKRiq4MA">pic.twitter.com/uUqKRiq4MA</a></p>— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes/status/742016108249632769">June 12, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-14-2016, 06:19 PM

Gagnon, Koster and Carter comment on the first preseason game and how it impacts the rest of their TC.

Philippe Gagnon’s first professional game
Philippe Gagnon was quite pleased with his performance against the Blue Bombers. “I was very happy! I know that I did some very good things. Obviously, there are aspects of my game that need work. However, after studying the game film, I believe they are things that are easy to correct,” said the offensive lineman.
Philippe felt like he was on cloud nine when he put on his Alouettes uniform for the first time in Winnipeg. “I still can’t believe it! That being said, I had to keep both feet on the ground and get ready as I normally would, not feeling too much pressure, even though I knew the Winnipeg defensive line was strong. It was really only after the game that I realized I was a member of the Montreal Alouettes,” said the team’s newest recruit.
For the rest of training camp, Philippe wants to continue along the same lines as he did for the first part of camp. “I am approaching the second half of camp just as I did the first half, meaning to be ready each day, to give it my all and to improve as best I can. I also want to learn as much as possible from the coaching staff and to have a spot in the line-up by the end of camp,” Gagnon said.
The Alouettes rookie is also looking forward to play at McGill’s stadium. “I am really excited to get on the field. I’m trying hard not to think too much about it and to concentrate on the task at hand. That being said, as we get closer and closer to the home opener, I’m thinking more and more about it. I know that members of my family as well as a lot of my friends will be there,” said the L’Ancienne-Lorette native.
Jared Koster’s first CFL game
The linebacker’s first CFL game ended with five tackles and a quarterback sack. As the game went on, Koster became more comfortable: “During the game, I knew I was playing well and that really helped me with my confidence on the field,” Koster said.
Jared will devote the second half of training camp to preparing for the second pre-season game. “For the second half of camp, we’ll continue to work on improving upon what we did during the first game. For the second pre-season game at home against Toronto, our fans will see a team that really has the bit between their teeth!” said the linebacker.
The June 17 pre-season game in Montreal is one that Koster circled on his calendar. “I am really looking forward to the game. I feel honoured to be part of the Alouettes. Montreal is a beautiful city and our fans are incredible. It’s a great situation!” said Koster.
Duron Carter’s return to the Alouettes
The game against Winnipeg was Duron’s first since returning to the Alouettes and after the game, he confirmed that pre-season games are a way to get ready for the regular season. “We’re always learning and working to get better during pre-season games so that we are ready for the regular season.”
Duron is looking forward to his return to McGill’s stadium. “I’m really excited to play again in Montreal before my friends and fans on June 17. And I am also happy to put on an Alouettes jersey with my old number!” said the Alouettes’ wide receiver.
Carter sees only positives for 2016: “It’s going to be a very good season for us. We have a great team, the best in the CFL. We want to win the Grey Cup this year.”

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/06/14/i-was-very-happy-i-know-that-i-did-some-very-good-things-philippe-gagnon/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

jerrym

06-14-2016, 06:43 PM

Chandler Jones continues to fight for a WR job in TC.

We know Chandler Jones has no shortage of patience and persistence. The wide receiver spent all of last season on the Alouettes’ practice roster and might have been the only one in that capacity not to dress for a game.
And we know the Als think enough of Jones to invite him back to training camp this year. And we learned during last Wednesday’s exhibition game in Winnipeg that Jones can make plays. Despite having three Blue Bombers defenders in the vicinity, he caught a 12-yard touchdown reception from Rakeem Cato in the second quarter.
What remains to be determined is whether the 24-year-old Jones, only 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, is ready to take the next step in his pro career and dress for a game? Or even whether he’ll still be around when the Als declare their roster this weekend?
“I’m confident in myself and my abilities,” Jones said following Montreal’s practice at Bishop’s University, knowing the team must release up to 10 players by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, pairing its roster to 65. “I’ll be ready for tomorrow and, if it happens today, it happens.
“As a player you’re always nervous about things like that — especially in my career. I’ve been cut three times now. When cuts come around it’s something I don’t look forward to. I know it happens and it’s part of the process.”
Jones has enjoyed a solid camp and clearly is more at ease and somewhat more comfortable during his second act with the Als. Although Montreal scored only two touchdowns against Winnipeg and was held without a point in the second half Jones caught three passes for 25 yards. Only S.J. Green had more receptions for the team.
“I think he has a tremendous amount of upside,” Als receivers coach Jacques Chapdelaine said. “He did some good things in the Winnipeg game. We’re hoping to manufacture opportunities for him again in this game.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/jones-hoping-patience-persistence-pays-off-with-alouettes

jerrym

06-14-2016, 08:08 PM

Chip Cox, despite being 33, is still a major cog in the Als defence.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-chip-cox-shows-versatility-on-defence

jerrym

06-14-2016, 10:53 PM

Als TC on Day 17:

Clash of the Titans
Alouettes fans who have attended practices since the beginning of training camp have had the privilege to witness something that won’t happen during the regular season: wide receiver Duron Carter and cornerback Mitchell White battling each other for every inch of space and every ball thrown their way. Both players excel at their respective positions, and they face each other day in and day out in both one-on-one drills and simulated play. The Alouettes are the beneficiaries of these battles, as both players push themselves to become better every day.
“It brings out great competition, said Carter. “Having us go up against each other brings out the best in one another.” The good news for Alouettes fans is that the players will be teaming up on game days in 2016.
Stepping up
With the minor injury suffered by Kenny Stafford during Monday’s practice, first-year Alouettes receiver Mike Davis stepped in as his replacement. The former Texas Longhorn standout is looking to make the best of his opportunity. “You never know what can happen. You’ve got to be ready, and my mindset is to come out here every day, compete and make sure I get my assignments done.”
Davis is also doing his best to soak in as much information as he can from veteran S.J. Green and roommate Nik Lewis. “I talk to them all the time, always trying to find ways to make myself better every time I come out on the field. You’re never perfect, so I’m always asking questions to see what I can do better.” Time will tell if Davis is ready to make the leap, but early signs are pointing in the right direction, as he made a number of plays at practice on Tuesday morning.
Rapid Fire
With the regular season inching closer, situational play calls and short yardage plays have been heavily emphasized during these last few practices. Tyrell Sutton took advantage of his numerous reps, finding holes in the defense and running with power and conviction… S.J. Green, Nik Lewis and Duron Carter were their usual selves on Tuesday, as Kevin Glenn found each of them several times throughout the day, especially during two-minute drills… The catch of the day belonged to Duron Carter once again, as he leaped over his defender and attacked the ball at its highest point before coming down with it on the near sideline… On the defensive side of things, C.J. Moore had an impressive day, batting down balls and intercepting Rakeem Cato during simulated play.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/06/14/training-camp-report-day-17-2/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

R.J

06-18-2016, 09:14 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> release several players, including QB Tajh Boyd. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/mHC9Y0tF5I">pic.twitter.com/mHC9Y0tF5I</a></p>— CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/744334342613245953">June 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Not surprised at all by the Boyd release - his accuracy issues weren't getting any better. A little surprised to see Ellis released - he's a good player IMO.

OV Argo

06-18-2016, 10:46 PM

Bridge did not play and Cato did - and apparently is impressing in TC. Doubt they are going to cut Adams who they just traded a 1st round draft choice for. Bridge cut or stashed on IR?

Als would be wise to give the reins to Cato and get rid of old, mediocre Glenn - they aren't going anywhere except last in the East if he is their starter all year, IMO. They should live with 3 young QBs with great potential - give all of Cato, Bridge and Adams some chances and whoever wins out with most production, roll with - until next up happens.

Their D is good in places - except in the D-backfield, which has lots of question marks = not a good thing in a mostly pass league. Wayyyy over-rated there IMO. I get a kick out of CFL TV commentators constantly lauding the Als D - the one that looked like a joke in being shredded by Burris' record passing performance last year - sorry, very good Ds just do not go to sleep like that. Call them decent to average or with potential - "good" or "great" = ummm, no and not even close.

Bede is an excellent young dual kicker though.

KCargosfan

06-18-2016, 11:29 PM

Their D is good in places - except in the D-backfield, which has lots of question marks = not a good thing in a mostly pass league. Wayyyy over-rated there IMO. I get a kick out of CFL TV commentators constantly lauding the Als D - the one that looked like a joke in being shredded by Burris' record passing performance last year - sorry, very good Ds just do not go to sleep like that. Call them decent to average or with potential - "good" or "great" = ummm, no and not even close.

Bede is an excellent young dual kicker though.

Didn't they play that game on 3 days rest coming off a road game? If that was the case, the 1985 Bears would have gotten shredded as well.

ArgoRavi

06-19-2016, 02:14 AM

Didn't they play that game on 3 days rest coming off a road game? If that was the case, the 1985 Bears would have gotten shredded as well.

They had played the Sunday in Regina and then the Thursday night in Ottawa so that was a very tough schedule. They also had several injuries for that Ottawa game as well. That game truly was an aberration for the Als.

OV Argo

06-19-2016, 10:03 AM

Didn't they play that game on 3 days rest coming off a road game? If that was the case, the 1985 Bears would have gotten shredded as well.

Ummm, no - and that's the point; the 85 Bears D could have played 5 games in consecutive days and they wouldn't get shredded by anybody = great defences do not get the $hite beat out of them - period! That excuse for the Als has been tried by Ravi before - doesn't wash with me. ;o)

The Als have some good talent in their front 7; they are however nowhere close to a "great" defence. IMO

argolio

06-19-2016, 11:53 PM

Ummm, no - and that's the point; the 85 Bears D could have played 5 games in consecutive days and they wouldn't get shredded by anybodyOr we can look at actual history. The '85 Bears got shredded with an extra day rest on a Monday night with a perfect season on the line.

KCargosfan

06-20-2016, 12:33 AM

Ummm, no - and that's the point; the 85 Bears D could have played 5 games in consecutive days and they wouldn't get shredded by anybody = great defences do not get the $hite beat out of them - period! That excuse for the Als has been tried by Ravi before - doesn't wash with me. ;o)

The Als have some good talent in their front 7; they are however nowhere close to a "great" defence. IMO

I think you are lacking common sense here. Human beings can't be expected to play 2 solid football road games in 5 days, let alone play average football in the second game. It physically isn't possible. A D-II college team could have shredded the '85 Bears defense on the 4th game in 4 days.

I bet against the Als that game precisely because of that reason and won an easy couple of hundred bucks.

As argolio points out, Marino picked apart the Bears when they had 7 days rest.

OV Argo

06-20-2016, 10:27 AM

I think you are lacking common sense here. Human beings can't be expected to play 2 solid football road games in 5 days, let alone play average football in the second game. It physically isn't possible. A D-II college team could have shredded the '85 Bears defense on the 4th game in 4 days.

I bet against the Als that game precisely because of that reason and won an easy couple of hundred bucks.

As argolio points out, Marino picked apart the Bears when they had 7 days rest.

Just FYI - the Bears were without starting QB McMahon that game against the Dolphins, and the game was marked by some flukey, weird bounce plays that benefited the Dolphins; Marino was a great passing QB though. That game had ZERO to do with rest or tired football teams; but you should perhaps become a professional gambler by betting on football games based on a study or average hours of rest the 2 teams involved have accumulated.

Just FYI - in days of football past & CFL history - teams sometimes played 2 games in a few days period - you should tell some of those football old timers still around that what they did was "physically impossible" - maybe it was faked or made up ? And maybe a study would show that every team that had the smallest amount of rest surrendered record offensive numbers to their opponents. The Als got slaughtered by Burris because their defence was absolute $hite that game (and because Burris is a great passing QB at times); the - oh they were so tired & exhausted and physically incapable that game excuse is kinda cute though. ;o) FYI also - your mighty Als defence gave up 40 points to the Esks late last year - in a game where they had 9 days rest and were fighting for a play-off position - I'm sure there is some convenient excuse available to splain' that and still claim they have such a fine defence.

R.J

06-20-2016, 10:57 AM

OV Argo

06-20-2016, 09:44 PM

Mitchell White was cut by the Als today. If Lue can stay healthy; maybe he gets his shot. White is rumoured to have been asked to take a 30% pay cut; which was obviously declined. Another DB for the Ticats to pick up.

Lue will get zero shot to start at corner on a Poop/Als team, IMO - i'll gladly say I wuz out to lunch if it happens.

KCargosfan

06-20-2016, 10:11 PM

but you should perhaps become a professional gambler by betting on football games based on a study or average hours of rest the 2 teams involved have accumulated.

Just FYI - in days of football past & CFL history - teams sometimes played 2 games in a few days period - you should tell some of those football old timers still around that what they did was "physically impossible" - maybe it was faked or made up ? And maybe a study would show that every team that had the smallest amount of rest surrendered record offensive numbers to their opponents. The Als got slaughtered by Burris because their defence was absolute $hite that game (and because Burris is a great passing QB at times); the - oh they were so tired & exhausted and physically incapable that game excuse is kinda cute though. ;o) FYI also - your mighty Als defence gave up 40 points to the Esks late last year - in a game where they had 9 days rest and were fighting for a play-off position - I'm sure there is some convenient excuse available to splain' that and still claim they have such a fine defence.

Bitter I won the bet on that game? That was easy $ due to simple logic. Sorry you don't have that logic. Maybe you should ask what games I'm going to bet on beforehand, then you can profit along.

Actually I didn't say it was physically impossible to play, but physically impossible to play well. The fact is that playing football in Regina on a Sunday, then flying to Ottawa and playing Thursday would be extremely tough on the body. I'm sorry you don't have the common sense to see that.

OV Argo

06-20-2016, 10:46 PM

Bitter I won the bet on that game? That was easy $ due to simple logic. Sorry you don't have that logic. Maybe you should ask what games I'm going to bet on beforehand, then you can profit along.

Actually I didn't say it was physically impossible to play, but physically impossible to play well. The fact is that playing football in Regina on a Sunday, then flying to Ottawa and playing Thursday would be extremely tough on the body. I'm sorry you don't have the common sense to see that.

Don't be sorry ole buddy - I'm not much on common or cliched sense, as you can see; not much on sports gambling either, but I wish you luck there.

Taking the Argos first game of the season? - surely they would be big favorites with Ricky Ray going against back-up Ticat QBs? - simple, easy, big pay-day bet? - like the East semi last year ? ;o)

Argo57

06-20-2016, 11:02 PM

Don't be sorry ole buddy - I'm not much on common or cliched sense, as you can see; not much on sports gambling either, but I wish you luck there.

Taking the Argos first game of the season? - surely they would be big favorites with Ricky Ray going against back-up Ticat QBs? - simple, easy, big pay-day bet? - like the East semi last year ? ;o)

Good point regarding last years ESF OV.
The eastern conference is wide open this year IMO, wouldn't surprise me if Montreal makes a lot of noise this season.

argolio

06-21-2016, 12:38 AM

Just FYI - the Bears were without starting QB McMahon that game against the Dolphins, and the game was marked by some flukey, weird bounce plays that benefited the Dolphins; Marino was a great passing QB though. That game had ZERO to do with rest or tired football teams; but you should perhaps become a professional gambler by betting on football games based on a study or average hours of rest the 2 teams involved have accumulated.You said "the 85 Bears D could have played 5 games in consecutive days and they wouldn't get shredded by anybody." Well they had more than a week's rest and got shredded. The Dolphins had a 31-10 lead at the half, and were full value for the win.

McMahon actually came in for mop-up duty that game after being out for injured for a month, during which they didn't miss a beat under Steve Fuller. Not like the Bears were a passing team anyway. McMahon only had one 300-yd game as a Bear.

1argoholic

06-21-2016, 11:02 AM

I still have an old Argo pencil with their schedule. Holy crap did they play games close together. It's still tucked away in a box from our move of almost three years ago.
Todays athletes seem a wee bit more babied.

OV Argo

06-21-2016, 12:14 PM

You said "the 85 Bears D could have played 5 games in consecutive days and they wouldn't get shredded by anybody." Well they had more than a week's rest and got shredded. The Dolphins had a 31-10 lead at the half, and were full value for the win.

McMahon actually came in for mop-up duty that game after being out for injured for a month, during which they didn't miss a beat under Steve Fuller. Not like the Bears were a passing team anyway. McMahon only had one 300-yd game as a Bear.

Bears D in that 85 game against a very good Miami team that season with an all-time great QB in Dan Marino at the helm: Marino goes 14 for 27 (just over 50%) for 270 yards; and the Miami ground attack nets 24 carries for 90 yards (under 4 per carry average).

Als D last year in that game in Ottawa: Burris goes 43 for 53 for 504 yards (CFL record setting single game completion #)

Let's maybe conclude we have slightly different definitions of what "shredded" means for football defences.

argolio

06-21-2016, 11:50 PM

How is giving up 31 points in a half not being shredded? The Dolphins racked up almost as many yards in that half as the Bears gave up per game. That decided the game since the second half ended up being anti-climactic.

Marino's completions also went for over 19 yards per catch, which is a rare number in the modern era, never mind against a legendary Bears team.

R.J

08-09-2016, 04:43 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alouettes add international kicker Anthony Fera to roster<br><br>DETAILS -> <a href="https://t.co/Cb0ReNNW8q">https://t.co/Cb0ReNNW8q</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> <a href="https://t.co/y9PtGmbqww">pic.twitter.com/y9PtGmbqww</a></p>— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes/status/763101143459360768">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Also added QB Greg McGhee

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">International kicker Boris Bede was added to the six-game injured list. - <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes">@MTLAlouettes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a></p>— CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/763110097191112705">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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I really dislike how the 6 game (even the old 9 game for that matter) is being used to hide players - IMO the League needs to fix it.

Argo

08-09-2016, 05:35 PM

Alouettes add international kicker Anthony Fera to roster

DETAILS -> https://t.co/Cb0ReNNW8q #AlsMTL (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash) pic.twitter.com/y9PtGmbqww (https://t.co/y9PtGmbqww)
— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) August 9, 2016 (https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes/status/763101143459360768)
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Also added QB Greg McGhee

International kicker Boris Bede was added to the six-game injured list. - @MTLAlouettes (https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes) #CFL (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash) #AlsMTL (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash)
— CFL News (@CFL_News) August 9, 2016 (https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/763110097191112705)
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I really dislike how the 6 game (even the old 9 game for that matter) is being used to hide players - IMO the League needs to fix it.

I hear that Natasha said that Boris has been Badenov that he won't be in hiding once Anthony demonstrates that he's a Fera-enough kicker.

ArgoRavi

08-09-2016, 11:20 PM

Shipyard

08-10-2016, 12:25 AM

Maybe they should just rename it the "injured/reserve list".<iframe style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none;" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no" id="rufous-sandbox" frameborder="0"></iframe>

most teams carry low-50s "fully paid players", so more than 46. This is how they accomplish this.

Actually all teams salary spend is $7-$8 million range due to this and injury-exemptions under the cap.

At least the 46 allows you to predict who will play on the 44 game roster. If it was 52, you could never predict the scratches.

PullTogether73

08-10-2016, 06:33 AM

So, is Bede actually injured or not?

He has been absolutely dismal the past few games.
I figured that he would be cut soon.
Is this the start?

AngeloV

08-10-2016, 10:49 AM

So, is Bede actually injured or not?

He has been absolutely dismal the past few games.
I figured that he would be cut soon.
Is this the start?

You don't cut a young kicker with such a big leg coming off a great rookie season because he's slumping. He will at some point regain his confidence and be a great kicker for many years in this league. Osbaldiston, McCallum and our own Lirim H are all good examples of patience needed for a young kicker.

Personally, I would have just brought in someone to place kick and kept him for kickoffs and punting. Let him concentrate on those for now, and next year give him the opportunity to do everything again.

Argo

08-10-2016, 10:56 AM

You don't cut a young kicker with such a big leg coming off a great rookie season because he's slumping. He will at some point regain his confidence and be a great kicker for many years in this league. Osbaldiston, McCallum and our own Lirim H are all good examples of patience needed for a young kicker.

All kidding aside, this is certainly true: young kicker + big leg + great rookie season = second chance. Historically, most (virtually all?) kickers in any football league seem to hit a psychological roadblock at one time or another. AFAIK, Bede isn't otherwise injured.

ArgoRavi

08-10-2016, 04:30 PM

All kidding aside, this is certainly true: young kicker + big leg + great rookie season = second chance. Historically, most (virtually all?) kickers in any football league seem to hit a psychological roadblock at one time or another. AFAIK, Bede isn't otherwise injured.

I completely agree. When you think of any of the great kickers in this league, it seems like they hit a slump at some point early in their career - usually after an excellent rookie season - before getting back on track. Dave Ridgway is one such kicker who comes to mind. Bede has a great leg and will eventually return to form if given the chance.

One of the things working against keeping Bede in the lineup to do only some of the kicking duties is that he is considered to be an import or international. Under the old rules, Bede would have non-import status as he never played organized football in the U.S. The same holds true for the Dutch player that the Lions have - Boldewijn (sp?). I believe that Josh Bartel, because he came into the league under the old rules, is still considered to be a non-import (i.e. grandfathered).

Fumblitis

08-10-2016, 08:58 PM

You don't cut a young kicker with such a big leg coming off a great rookie season because he's slumping. He will at some point regain his confidence and be a great kicker for many years in this league. Osbaldiston, McCallum and our own Lirim H are all good examples of patience needed for a young kicker.

Personally, I would have just brought in someone to place kick and kept him for kickoffs and punting. Let him concentrate on those for now, and next year give him the opportunity to do everything again.We all know what happened with Chtis Milo when he was jettisoned...he's been absolute money for the REDBLACKS (his chip shot miss last Saturday notwithstanding).

AngeloV

08-10-2016, 09:14 PM

One of the things working against keeping Bede in the lineup to do only some of the kicking duties is that he is considered to be an import or international. Under the old rules, Bede would have non-import status as he never played organized football in the U.S.

I was actually not aware of that, Ravi. I thought he was a National. Even still, they can still keep him in the line-up and bring in a National to do the place kicking (Where is Hugh O'Neil these days?), and it would do nothing to hurt the ratio, seeing as how they brought in an international kicker to replace him.

ArgoGabe22

08-10-2016, 09:18 PM

Jim Popp sure upset a lot of players by saying something to them. Seems like the locker room is getting a bit toxic. I can't see the team going up anytime soon and I think Popp really needs to stay away from coaching.

Unrelated but did Josh Bartel lose his national status. His situation is similar to Bede's.

R.J

08-10-2016, 10:23 PM

Popp not happy.
http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/jim-popp-tore-into-alouettes-players-after-loss-sources

ArgoRavi

08-10-2016, 11:23 PM

I was actually not aware of that, Ravi. I thought he was a National. Even still, they can still keep him in the line-up and bring in a National to do the place kicking (Where is Hugh O'Neil these days?), and it would do nothing to hurt the ratio, seeing as how they brought in an international kicker to replace him.

O'Neill was brought in by the Als for a workout recently but I guess that they preferred Fera.

Jim Popp sure upset a lot of players by saying something to them. Seems like the locker room is getting a bit toxic. I can't see the team going up anytime soon and I think Popp really needs to stay away from coaching.

Unrelated but did Josh Bartel lose his national status. His situation is similar to Bede's.

Bartel, I believe, has been grandfathered in as a National since he joined the league under the old rules.

ArgoGabe22

08-17-2016, 12:23 PM

Vaughn Martin expected to be released. Popp is rumoured to be using that extra cap space to go after Swayze Waters.

R.J

08-17-2016, 12:23 PM

Alouettes set to release Canadian DT Vaughn Martin
http://3downnation.com/2016/08/17/alouettes-set-release-canadian-dt-vaughn-martin/

Not surprised at all - Looks good on Popp though.

AngeloV

08-17-2016, 01:59 PM

Vaughn Martin expected to be released. Popp is rumoured to be using that extra cap space to go after Swayze Waters.

10 year contract baby!!

Argo

08-17-2016, 02:08 PM

Vaughn Martin expected to be released. Popp is rumoured to be using that extra cap space to go after Swayze Waters.

Although Waters might turn out to be a good signing, that is currently not a given. Waters would be relatively expensive and he carries question marks, IMO.
So signing him doesn't seem to represent the best allocation of resources, because the Als need to upgrade their offence and score more points.
The current new kicker, Fera, seems like he can kick FGs (and his punting average was ~ 44, IIRC, in his first and only game).

R.J

08-18-2016, 12:25 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After agreeing on a pay cut three weeks ago, the Alouettes asked Vaughn Martin to reduce his salary to the minimum of 52K this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@CFL</a></p>— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS/status/766038097809268736">August 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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I know it'd never happen, but I'd love to hear Jim Popp to just admit he's having major issues with the cap. It'd help him to just stop giving out ridiculous contracts lol.

R.J

08-29-2016, 03:17 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/arbitrator-upholds-carter-s-one-game-suspension-1.557276

This took way too long.

AngeloV

08-29-2016, 04:15 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/arbitrator-upholds-carter-s-one-game-suspension-1.557276

This took way too long.

Agreed. Somehow I think they purposely delayed the outcome in order to take him out against the RedBlacks, and avoid any late game shenanigans should the game be lopsided, this being their last game against each other.

OV Argo

08-29-2016, 09:35 PM

AngeloV

08-29-2016, 09:53 PM

Als former draft pick - Olineman David Foucault - cut by the Panthers; hung around their roster a couple of years and even had one NFL start for them; might be a nice addition to the Als all NI O-line - not sure he would displace Ruby right away at OT, but maybe. Poop probably could only offer CFL minimum wage though with his $M$ cluelessness, and Foucault might tell him to F-off there; ex-NFLer Vaughn Martin did not work out well for Poop

Martin was a bad signing, plain and simple. He is not in good enough shape to play in the CFL. Why would anyone spend big bucks on a run stuffer in this league?

Foucault would be a great get.

OV Argo

08-29-2016, 11:08 PM

Martin was a bad signing, plain and simple. He is not in good enough shape to play in the CFL. Why would anyone spend big bucks on a run stuffer in this league?

Foucault would be a great get.

Maybe on Martin; not so sure there though; guy is maybe more a big NFL DT run stuffer type, but he is also a strong and quick athletic specimen in terms of athletic testing #s - i'd bet his Combine testing #s were quite a bit better than Ted Laurent's were, and Laurent is a league best CFL DT type and not just a run stuffer. Maritn might find a CFL home somewhere still, but not for big buck$ that his NFL resume might have him think he could get (like out of Poop at first?)

Foucault would be a great get? - maybe, but you are basing this on what? Martin arguably did way more in the NFL based on playing time alone. But he might give the Als great depth on their all "national" O-line (former starter at C Luc Brodeur-Jourdain is apparently healthy again but cannot displace current starter Kristan Matte; and this year's draft pick Phil Gagnon seems to be doing pretty well as a rookie starter at guard).

Poop might be able to continue to start an all- NI O-line for some time - he's drafted to that purpose and it is working - and is CFL top notch there - Foucault or not, but yep, he might be a great get. They lost perennial league best type OT Bourke to the Argos, but are still doing quite good on the O-line seems to me - trying to protect the great Kevin Glenn at QB - LOL

AngeloV

08-31-2016, 03:50 PM

Maybe on Martin; not so sure there though; guy is maybe more a big NFL DT run stuffer type, but he is also a strong and quick athletic specimen in terms of athletic testing #s - i'd bet his Combine testing #s were quite a bit better than Ted Laurent's were, and Laurent is a league best CFL DT type and not just a run stuffer.

How many years ago were his combine testings? At this point they are irrelevant. He did nothing in his time with the Als. He has either let himself go, or he was just a run stuffer type as you mention.

R.J

09-05-2016, 12:27 AM

Was bound to happen

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm told Kevin Glenn is no longer the starting QB. He's replaced by Rakeem Cato. Corbin Louks has been released. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash">#Alouettes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@CFL</a></p>— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS/status/772620679657259009">September 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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PullTogether73

09-05-2016, 04:57 AM

Argo

09-05-2016, 10:14 AM

Was bound to happen
I'm told Kevin Glenn is no longer the starting QB. He's replaced by Rakeem Cato. Corbin Louks has been released. #Alouettes (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash) @CFL (https://twitter.com/CFL)
— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) September 5, 2016 (https://twitter.com/DidierRDS/status/772620679657259009)
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Before next season Als fans can look forward to seeing Popp finally be cut loose.

Jayahre

09-05-2016, 10:43 AM

Yup.
I said in the Ottawa game thread that several of his passes were just brutal.
Still, slightly surprised by this.

With Cato they are just getting more of the same thing except with a younger guy.
A brutal schedule for the Als, in BC on Friday and they have to play Hamilton twice, the Stamps twice and the Esks, maybe 1 win against the Riders?
With 3 wins I can't see them getting too many more. They likely end up with 4 wins max.

R.J

09-05-2016, 12:28 PM

LMAO!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rakeem Cato just lost his cool with Duron Carter. Had to be separated by Kevin Glenn and Anthony Calvillo.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/772830620049346561">September 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rakeem Cato is in the end zone and isn't practicing. Vernon Adsms is now working with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a>' starting offence. Quiet time for Cato.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/772832437122596864">September 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Argo

09-05-2016, 01:06 PM

LMAO!

Rakeem Cato just lost his cool with Duron Carter. Had to be separated by Kevin Glenn and Anthony Calvillo.
— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) September 5, 2016 (https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/772830620049346561)
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rakeem Cato is in the end zone and isn't practicing. Vernon Adsms is now working with the #Als (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash)' starting offence. Quiet time for Cato.
— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) September 5, 2016 (https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/772832437122596864)
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That organization is in some deep poop! "Poop", "Popp"... it's all the same.

PullTogether73

09-05-2016, 02:05 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see a serious overhaul in Montreal in the off season.
Popp definitely out as head coach and possibly as GM.

I just hope that they aren't able to pry Steinauer from Hamilton as their next HC.
I'd like to see him back with the Argonauts.

jerrym

09-05-2016, 06:25 PM

Popp, if he is going to save his job as GM which is also iffy, should fire Popp the coach.

As for Steinauer, I'd love to see him as the next Argo HC.

R.J

09-06-2016, 11:18 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">According to colleague Rejean Tremblay a group of Montreal entrepreneurs led by <a href="https://twitter.com/rspeer">@rspeer</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/AttractionMedia">@AttractionMedia</a> want to buy the <a href="https://twitter.com/MTLAlouettes">@MTLAlouettes</a></p>— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyMarinaro/status/773149785058574336">September 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Big potential news if true. Personally, I've always hoped that the Molsons would be the Als, they run a class act with the Canadiens, and I think the potential synergies between the two franchises could be a huge boost for the Als. In saying that, I think the Wetenhall's have taken the Alouettes as far as they can, and it's time for a new ownership group to breathe life into that franchise.

doubleblue

09-06-2016, 11:52 AM

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Big potential news if true. Personally, I've always hoped that the Molsons would be the Als, they run a class act with the Canadiens, and I think the potential synergies between the two franchises could be a huge boost for the Als. In saying that, I think the Wetenhall's have taken the Alouettes as far as they can, and it's time for a new ownership group to breathe life into that franchise.

That's interesting. The CFL doesn't need Montreal to regress like the franchise did before. The Wetenhall's have made the franchise fairly stable along with the move to McGill Stadium. But if the deep pockets at Molsons were interested in buying the Als that would give the Team a more local appeal. I think the biggest problem right now is that Popp the GM is much better than Popp the Coach. The Players may not respect his Coaching ability which generally has a way of ending badly. Montreal needs a Coach with a strong personality like Don Mathews who won't put up with Jim Popp looking over his shoulder. Maybe the Als could hire Milanovich away from the Argos as Coach and assistant GM so it would be a promotion and not a lateral move. Maybe it is time Milo moves on if the Argos continue to falter this year.
<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

R.J

09-06-2016, 02:13 PM

That's interesting. The CFL doesn't need Montreal to regress like the franchise did before. The Wetenhall's have made the franchise fairly stable along with the move to McGill Stadium. But if the deep pockets at Molsons were interested in buying the Als that would give the Team a more local appeal. I think the biggest problem right now is that Popp the GM is much better than Popp the Coach. The Players may not respect his Coaching ability which generally has a way of ending badly. Montreal needs a Coach with a strong personality like Don Mathews who won't put up with Jim Popp looking over his shoulder. Maybe the Als could hire Milanovich away from the Argos as Coach and assistant GM so it would be a promotion and not a lateral move. Maybe it is time Milo moves on if the Argos continue to falter this year.
<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>
I just think NHL owners owning CFL and NLL teams work. Would love to see True North buy the Bombers, Molsons buy the Als, etc. Doesn't always work though, ex. if Melnyk were to buy the Redblacks lol.

Speer would be a local owner, and from what I've heard via TSN 690, some of the other investors would be local as well, which is good news. The Als really do need some new blood, and while Popp isn't helping with the on field product, the business side of the Alouettes has been on the down slide since it's peak in 2008.

ArgoRavi

09-06-2016, 02:53 PM

I agree that the Wetenhalls have hit a wall in Montreal and it is time for committed, local ownership with capital to take over. As far as Jim Popp goes, he may be nearing the end of the line there.

R.J

09-06-2016, 03:26 PM

The biggest potential wrench in all this is that Andrew (Bob's youngest son) has wanted control of the Alouettes for quite some time, and Bob Sr. (owner) has stated in the past that the plan was to keep the franchise within the Wetenhall family for years to come. I suppose if the offer is good enough, we could see a change, and IMO it's sorely needed.

R.J

09-06-2016, 08:12 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690/marinaro-alouettes-could-use-a-change-1.561915

Argo57

09-06-2016, 08:36 PM

R.J

09-06-2016, 09:32 PM

Don't think much of Popp as either coach or GM.
Still think it's hilarious that when Popp was asked why he was a good choice to return to the sideline, Popp responds by saying "We've made the playoffs every year that I've taken over as Head Coach" (or something along those lines). Popp completely overlooked the fact that he had a losing record, and barely made the playoffs each time lol.

Argo

09-06-2016, 09:41 PM

Still think it's hilarious that when Popp was asked why he was a good choice to return to the sideline, Popp responds by saying "We've made the playoffs every year that I've taken over as Head Coach" (or something along those lines). Popp completely overlooked the fact that he had a losing record, and barely made the playoffs each time lol.

Popp hasn't been a competent GM in a long time, and he has never been a competent head coach.

ArgoGabe22

09-06-2016, 11:39 PM

Rumours that Thorpe will be named interim HC soon and that Danny Macocia will take over next season are circulating.

R.J

09-07-2016, 12:14 AM

Rumours that Thorpe will be named interim HC soon and that Danny Macocia will take over next season are circulating.
Maciocia as HC wouldn't be a bad idea, but if the Als were smart they'd hire a GM. Just please not Sunderland.

jerrym

09-11-2016, 06:15 PM

I agree that the Wetenhalls have hit a wall in Montreal and it is time for committed, local ownership with capital to take over. As far as Jim Popp goes, he may be nearing the end of the line there.

Yah, the Wetenhall ownership is going stale. Love to see the Molsons buy the Als.

jerrym

09-11-2016, 06:25 PM

Carter is complaining once again. The question is whether his talent outweighs his mouth and overrules his brain.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm tired of this and y'all 😂I'm mad every game because everybody is calling a chess game and we playing checkers‼️ it's very frustrating 🤔</p>— Duron Carter (@DC_CHILLIN_8) <a href="https://twitter.com/DC_CHILLIN_8/status/774706003518623748">September 10, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Argo

09-11-2016, 07:12 PM

Carter is complaining once again. The question is whether his talent outweighs his mouth and overrules his brain.

I'm tired of this and y'all I'm mad every game because everybody is calling a chess game and we playing checkers‼️ it's very frustrating 樂
— Duron Carter (@DC_CHILLIN_8) September 10, 2016 (https://twitter.com/DC_CHILLIN_8/status/774706003518623748) <script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What Carter says is true. I have no problem with his statement.

jerrym

09-11-2016, 07:55 PM

What Carter says is true. I have no problem with his statement.

I'm not disputing what he says. The problem is he is always complaining and in his opinion it's never his fault. It wears thin over time with teammates and coaches, creating divisions with the team. Complaining has its place at the right time and in the right place but overdoing it is counterproductive.

Argo57

09-13-2016, 07:00 PM

ArgoRavi

09-13-2016, 11:36 PM

And the saga continues, cancerous mix of personalities in Montreal!!
Maybe Barker got the wrong QB?? LOL.

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/09/13/alouettes-qb-goes-ballistic-at-practice-escorted-out-of-facility

Cato doesn't have the reputation of being a bad team player so I am inclined to back him against Carter and his cousin here.

Ron

09-14-2016, 12:29 AM

Argos should just take Carter off their hands.

AngeloV

09-14-2016, 01:29 PM

Argo

09-14-2016, 04:53 PM

I have been one to defend Carter on here, especially regarding the incident with that weasel Rick Campbell. Having said that, I wouldn't touch Carter with anything. His constantly fake perma-smile is annoying as hell, and no matter how good a receiver he is (and he is VERY GOOD), I would say good-bye to him. Their season is over, they may as well bring in a couple of new receivers and build towards 2017.

It's a tough call in this case - talent vs terrorism - but I am inclined to agree with you. "Perma-Smiles" yech. Also, on the Ti-Cats forum someone was of the opinion that Carter "disappeared" when he was covered by Breaux.

argolio

09-14-2016, 04:56 PM

Cato seems too high-strung, and Carter comes across as a phony. Good luck to Popp trying to deal with this mess.

Argo57

09-14-2016, 07:12 PM

Cato doesn't have the reputation of being a bad team player so I am inclined to back him against Carter and his cousin here.

Carter is an asshole plain and simple, however Cato as the QB needs to show more professionalism and control over his emotions.
Bad mix of personalities which falls on the moronic architect who put it all together .

OV Argo

09-14-2016, 08:48 PM

Carter is an asshole plain and simple, however Cato as the QB needs to show more professionalism and control over his emotions.
Bad mix of personalities which falls on the moronic architect who put it all together .

Bang-on (as usual with 57)

Poop needs to be punted out of town there along with Bobby Wet-and-all, and maybe the Als could build again - local owners hire some Quebec football people for management & coaching might be a very good thing.

IMO Cato has some real QB talent but needs to be given time and patience to develop; Adams might also be a very good young QB talent (was super impressed in seeing him play in the US Shrine all-star game); they should have kept Bridge too, instead of dreaming an over-rated, old stiff like Glenn would take them anywhere. And the Als still have a very solid O-line and 3 good RBs IMO (should be using Logan more as a change of pace back) - but they are too typically CFL clueless to have diversity on offence and will expect the young QBs to go mostly pass to a sub-par receiving corps, They ain't going anywhere with this offence, even though their D is good at times (but still very weak in the secondary).

AV likes to pump Carter's tires as such a great receiver talent - but IMO he is quite over-rated - yes, some big play ability and a deep threat, but questionable hands and not sure he is much of a route runner; not even close to as good an overall receiver talent as the Esks came up with in their gold mine find of last year. Combine that with Carter being an ego-head clown = teams can do without this guy, unless they are desperate for a name/faux star that they are sold on feeding tons of passes to (son of NFL HOFer Chris - don't ya know Poop) - not at all surprised Carter could not stick in the NFL - while lots of less hyped CFL receivers can play there IMO (see D. Inman) when they get a real shot.

Argo

09-14-2016, 08:58 PM

...son of NFL HOFer Chris...

Son of NFL HOFer Chris is quite a contrast to Son of Steve Tasker.

argotom

09-14-2016, 10:11 PM

I have been one to defend Carter on here, especially regarding the incident with that weasel Rick Campbell. Having said that, I wouldn't touch Carter with anything. His constantly fake perma-smile is annoying as hell, and no matter how good a receiver he is (and he is VERY GOOD), I would say good-bye to him. Their season is over, they may as well bring in a couple of new receivers and build towards 2017.

Agree with you he seems to be the cancer on this team.
Regardless, the Als are a train wreck.
Popp definitely has to go as HC and maybe even as the GM.

KCargosfan

09-15-2016, 12:37 AM

Does Popp not understand simple math?

I read a few days ago from the Montreal beat writer that they are still on pace to be $300K over the cap? Where is the money going on that s*** team?

AngeloV

09-15-2016, 01:23 PM

Does Popp not understand simple math?

I read a few days ago from the Montreal beat writer that they are still on pace to be $300K over the cap? Where is the money going on that s*** team?

Wonder how much money he spent on the human eating machine Vaughan Martin? Trading Glenn helps them out to likely over 100k cap wise. Guys like Hebert, and Giguere are also likely giving them considerably less than value for what they are being paid.

gilthethrill

09-15-2016, 03:29 PM

I hope Montreal can put all that anger towards Hamilton on Friday night. Boy do they miss SJ Green.

Argo

09-15-2016, 04:59 PM

I hope Montreal can put all that anger towards Hamilton on Friday night. Boy do they miss SJ Green.

Given Montreal's extreme disfunction and Hamilton's doubtless strong desire to get back on track, I will take Hamilton in this game.
In order to avoid beatings and so to win, don't be surprised to see Collaros working outside of the pocket.

Argo57

09-15-2016, 06:51 PM

AngeloV

09-15-2016, 07:47 PM

Sorry Angelo, I think you meant Nik Lewis in regards to your first sentence?😛

Oh, you know they fought over the last McNugget at the buffet table.

OV Argo

09-15-2016, 09:32 PM

Oh, you know they fought over the last McNugget at the buffet table.

Gotta give Thick Nik credit - having a great season - good hands, smart receiver who knows how to get open and a load to bring down.

Butt of lots of jokes, but his all-time CFL receiving production #s do not lie !

Too bad the Als lost SJ Green this year - him as the main go to guy + Thick Nik as a possession receiver + Carter used less but still a big-play deep threat = a pretty good trio - if their collective egos (Carter mostly) could accept this role; Giguere & whoever else could fill the 4-5 receiver spots adequately.

TOO MANY injuries this CFL season - robbing teams & fans of some very good players; but it is part of football to deal with.

Argo

09-15-2016, 10:31 PM

TSN video: "Als get back to work after Tuesday's fireworks"

Well said, Cato.

KCargosfan

09-16-2016, 02:25 AM

Wonder how much money he spent on the human eating machine Vaughan Martin? Trading Glenn helps them out to likely over 100k cap wise. Guys like Hebert, and Giguere are also likely giving them considerably less than value for what they are being paid.

Good point on Martin. The funny thing about Popp being so far over the cap is most of SJ Green's salary doesn't count against it due to his injury. Seriously overpaying work by Popp.

Hebert is over the hill and Giguere has been stealing money in this league for years with his lack of production. It's funny looking at the Als, roster, they have to have the most guys over 30 in the league by two-fold.

Will

09-16-2016, 11:45 AM

Sounds like a good friend of Cato's was shot to death in Miami this week, which might explain why he has been acting the way he has been acting.

AngeloV

09-16-2016, 11:53 AM

It's funny looking at the Als, roster, they have to have the most guys over 30 in the league by two-fold.

I think that says a lot about the lack of confidence Popp has in himself as a coach. He really should have just stayed as GM and made either Kavis Reed of Noel Thorpe the H/C this year.

Argo

09-17-2016, 08:41 AM

I think that says a lot about the lack of confidence Popp has in himself as a coach. He really should have just stayed as GM and made either Kavis Reed of Noel Thorpe the H/C this year.

I doubt Thorpe will be back next season.

Calvillo is remarkably poor as OC.

ArgoRavi

09-17-2016, 12:57 PM

I doubt Thorpe will be back next season.

Calvillo is remarkably poor as OC.

The only way Thorpe comes back is if he is promoted to head coach.

gilthethrill

09-17-2016, 03:45 PM

The only way Thorpe comes back is if he is promoted to head coach.

Gary Lawless reported on the Argo pregame show is that Popp won't be the HC after the bye week. Kavis Reed gave out the game balls last night apparently.

ArgoGabe22

09-17-2016, 03:48 PM

Gary Lawless reported on the Argo pregame show is that Popp won't be the HC after the bye week. Kavis Reed gave out the game balls last night apparently.

Later corrected by Lawless that it was taken out of context. Popp will remain HC. Reed gave him the gameball because of a personal issue he's been dealing with.

gilthethrill

09-17-2016, 04:06 PM

Later corrected by Lawless that it was taken out of context. Popp will remain HC. Reed gave him the gameball because of a personal issue he's been dealing with.

Thanks Gabe...either way Montreal is done.

paulwoods13

09-19-2016, 02:06 PM

Popp stepping down as HC, staying as GM. Chapdelaine now head coach.

http://www.tsn.ca/popp-steps-down-chapdelaine-named-als-interim-head-coach-1.569696

jojoheath

09-19-2016, 03:45 PM

It makes sense that Chapdelaine was named head coach. The Montreal Canadiens would never hire a HC who could not speak French and the Alouettes should do the same.

AngeloV

09-19-2016, 04:48 PM

It makes sense that Chapdelaine was named head coach. The Montreal Canadiens would never hire a HC who could not speak French and the Alouettes should do the same.

Problem with that is that you are limiting yourself as to who you can hire, and may end up with an inferior candidate.

ArgoGabe22

09-19-2016, 05:19 PM

This would confirm Thorpe will be leaving at seasons end, I would think. I can see him taking over from Benevides in Edmonton.

AngeloV

09-19-2016, 07:43 PM

This would confirm Thorpe will be leaving at seasons end, I would think. I can see him taking over from Benevides in Edmonton.

To that I say...Bababooey!!

Argo

09-19-2016, 08:11 PM

The only way Thorpe comes back is if he is promoted to head coach.

I think he'll be promoted to unemployed!

Argo57

09-19-2016, 08:13 PM

I think he'll be promoted to unemployed!

He won't be unemployed long, pretty good DC IMO.

AngeloV

09-19-2016, 08:36 PM

He won't be unemployed long, pretty good DC IMO.

Agreed, but he has a lot of team leader type vets on that team, which is very helpful. There was a time when Gary Etcheverry was considered a great DC, but sometimes a change of scenery isn't always for the better.

argotom

09-19-2016, 09:19 PM

It would not surprise me if Wettenhall cleans house for next year.
From Popp as the remaining GM to the new HC with a new staff.
Maybe keeping AC as either the OC or QB coach.

Ron

09-19-2016, 11:59 PM

You're all assume Thorpe even wanted the HC job.

KCargosfan

09-20-2016, 12:09 AM

It makes sense that Chapdelaine was named head coach. The Montreal Canadiens would never hire a HC who could not speak French and the Alouettes should do the same.

Being able to speak French, English, Spanish, Chinese, etc. does not make one a good football coach.

ArgoRavi

09-20-2016, 12:13 AM

The Als have said that Chapdelaine is only interim at this point and that he and the coordinators, including Thorpe, will be encouraged to apply for the full-time position at the end of this season.

Argo

09-20-2016, 12:40 PM

Being able to speak French, English, Spanish, Chinese, etc. does not make one a good football coach.

Indeed, it's not enough to be a linguist - a cunning linguist is required for the head coaching position.

jojoheath

09-20-2016, 03:16 PM

OV Argo

09-20-2016, 03:46 PM

I am not a proponent of someone having to speak French to get a job in pro sports, but in Quebec it matters. You can bet if Jacques has any success this year, he will be named head coach next year. Huge win from a public relations standpoint, and the Als need it.

Have to agree - it would help in the Quebec pro sports scene to have a HC or others on the staff who can speak French - if only for PR.

We'll see how Chapdelaine does the rest of this season - still time to rally the troops to win the ultra mediocre East this year ? And if he does well, maybe he will get named HC (without the interim) - anything would be better than Poop who is clueless as a HC; though a lot of the BC fan forum did NOT like Chappy when he was their OC; but he is only going to run same old, standard, basic, simple CFL offence - with an inexperienced coach of an OC in AC.

I wonder if the Garden Gnome Danny Macocia is going to get another CFL call ? - didn\t think much of him as an HC with the Esks (but hey - won a GC !); but he has built the Montreal Carabins into a CIS football powerhouse - 2 straight Vanier trips and looking strong again (inspite of losing lots of star players from those Vanier years).

Poop punted out of town; new local owners would be ideal IMO. New GM ? Chappy as HC - names Macocia as DC (Thorpe moves on, and maybe best Calvillo does too) - 2 French speaking but very experienced Canadian football guys running the Als (and they could maybe hire some quality coaches from the Laval or Carabins staffs - i believe ex-Esk fullback/Laval QB Matt Bertrand is coaching there for example) - might be a nice fresh change for Montreal football after years and years of deep in Poop there, and some lagging CFL interest maybe. No more need to sign Michael Sam or Ochocinco or other washed-up/has-been over-rated ex all-American/NFL heroes; maybe sign or draft some more young Quebec football talent instead (they have some already - might not hurt to add a few more).

Argo57

09-20-2016, 10:20 PM

You're all assume Thorpe even wanted the HC job.

You may be correct, he wanted the job 2-3 years ago but tried to leave and go to another organization after that, (Can't recall who)??

PullTogether73

09-21-2016, 12:04 AM

Indeed, it's not enough to be a linguist - a cunning linguist is required for the head coaching position.

Seriously?
What grade are you in at school right now?

PullTogether73

09-21-2016, 12:12 AM

It makes sense that Chapdelaine was named head coach. The Montreal Canadiens would never hire a HC who could not speak French and the Alouettes should do the same.

Why?

AFAIK, the Alouettes have never had a French speaking head coach in their long history.

Argo

09-21-2016, 12:13 AM

Seriously?
What grade are you in at school right now?

You'll be less perturbed if you avoid commenting on every post you disapprove of.

OV Argo

09-21-2016, 12:30 AM

Why?

AFAIK, the Alouettes have never had a French speaking head coach in their long history.

Yeah - so what ?

R.J

10-14-2016, 04:47 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Continue hearing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a> are $300,000 over the salary cap - money that can't be made up this late in the season. Time will tell.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/786991980764991488">October 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Not the first time I've heard/read about this. If true Wetenhall could end up playing a lot of money ($2 for very dollar between $100-300k and $3 for anything over $300k), plus potential loss of draft picks. Interesting to see what could happen there as Popp traded their first rounder in 2017. Maybe 2nd rounder in 2017 and 1st rounder in 2018 ?

PullTogether73

10-14-2016, 06:49 PM

Yeah - so what ?

Just saw this.

My point is that, if the Alouettes have made it through their entire history, including periods of separatist referendums, separatist terror bombings, and government by a separatist party, without having a french-speaking head coach, apparently without any attendance or PR consequences, why do they need to have a french-speaking coach now?

It is a bonus if they do have one imo, but it has never been a requirement.
If they appointed another english-speaking head coach instead of Chapdelaine, I don't think there would have been any comment anywhere about the spoken language of that coach.

R.J

10-17-2016, 04:39 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> HC Jacques Chapdelaine says Vernon Adams Jr will be starting QB vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Riders?src=hash">#Riders</a>. Cato will back him up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/JGuayJDM">@JGuayJDM</a></p>— CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/788109861926019072">October 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

May as well give Adams some reps, not like Cato was lighting it up, and it's not as if the Als are fighting for a playoff spot.

OV Argo

10-17-2016, 05:22 PM

Just saw this.

My point is that, if the Alouettes have made it through their entire history, including periods of separatist referendums, separatist terror bombings, and government by a separatist party, without having a french-speaking head coach, apparently without any attendance or PR consequences, why do they need to have a french-speaking coach now?

It is a bonus if they do have one imo, but it has never been a requirement.
If they appointed another english-speaking head coach instead of Chapdelaine, I don't think there would have been any comment anywhere about the spoken language of that coach.

Ummm, the old Montreal Als folded back in the 80s due to sagging attendance and lack of fan interest in Montreal.

Nope - a billingual coach is not required there, and agreed it could be looked at as a bonus - but a very big bonus perhaps - in both marketing the team and getting along with the media there; AND, maybe in identifying with some of the very good football players coming out of that province/right in their back-yard for some time now, and getting them to sign perhaps (Als draft pick of a couple of seasons back - David Foucault - comes to mind - spent some time in the NFL and now a FA - maybe Chapdelaine has a better shot of convincing him to play in Montreal?)

PullTogether73

10-17-2016, 09:29 PM

Nope - a billingual coach is not required there, and agreed it could be looked at as a bonus - but a very big bonus perhaps - in both marketing the team and getting along with the media there; AND, maybe in identifying with some of the very good football players coming out of that province/right in their back-yard for some time now, and getting them to sign perhaps (Als draft pick of a couple of seasons back - David Foucault - comes to mind - spent some time in the NFL and now a FA - maybe Chapdelaine has a better shot of convincing him to play in Montreal?)

Completely agree, especially the latter point about drawing French Canadian players to the Alouettes.
I wonder if the relatively recent success of schools like Laval and Montreal may supply French Canadian coaches in the future?

doubleblue

10-18-2016, 09:34 AM

You never know sometimes about people until they get in charge. Chapdelaine to me just has the look and demeanor of a HC who is in charge and knows what he's doing. That he is French is a big plus in Montreal IMO. Give him a good QB and things could turn around very quickly for the Als.

R.J

11-06-2016, 12:49 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jim Popp was supposed to meet the media today. Now, it'll be tomorrow with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a>' president Mark Weightman. Must be big news.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/795312786905714690">November 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Argoknot

11-07-2016, 02:19 PM

Big news all right. Jim Popp is history. (http://www.cfl.ca/2016/11/07/alouettes-announce-jim-popp-will-not-return-2017/)

R.J

11-07-2016, 02:27 PM

Good move by the Als IMO - Popp's ego, cap mismanagement, and lack of backup plan for AC (After Calvillo) was his undoing. I hope that if Barker is fired, our new owners don't go after Popp because he's a big name. Maciocia and Sunderland will probably receive phone calls from the Wetenhall's.

R.J

12-09-2016, 02:36 PM

Kavis Reed ???

http://www.tsn.ca/reports-reed-darkhorse-for-als-gm-1.627861

gilthethrill

12-09-2016, 03:11 PM

Kavis Reed ???

http://www.tsn.ca/reports-reed-darkhorse-for-als-gm-1.627861

I like it!

R.J

12-09-2016, 04:22 PM

http://3downnation.com/2016/12/09/alouettes-considering-unique-structure-football-operations-report/

Similar structure that Lawless believes Copeland is looking into - Football "czar"/President of football operations to over see coach and GM.

R.J

12-10-2016, 01:02 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It has been confirmed. Danny Maciocia will not join the Alouettes and will remain as HC with the Carabins. <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@CFL</a></p>— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS/status/807637590228828160">December 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Danny Maciocia has decided to remain head coach at Université de Montreal. Spurns <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a> in the process.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/807624797274382337">December 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

R.J

12-10-2016, 01:22 PM

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/carabins-head-coach-danny-maciocia-turns-down-offer-to-be-alouettes-president-of-football-operations

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Until the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a> can get their act together, I'm afraid more and more executives won't want to work for them. Players, too.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/807648333464358912">December 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

argotom

12-10-2016, 03:05 PM

This has to be good news to the Als and fans as Maciocia is not well regarded.

argolio

12-10-2016, 05:25 PM

This has to be good news to the Als and fans as Maciocia is not well regarded.He won a Grey Cup and a Vanier Cup, the second one arguably harder because he had to overcome Laval and its many advantages. He at least deserves to be considered for an open job, assuming he's interested.

AngeloV

12-11-2016, 12:07 AM

This has to be good news to the Als and fans as Maciocia is not well regarded.

Not well regarded by whom? Fans on forums? Or do you have open dialogue with other GM's and team presidents around the league?

jerrym

12-11-2016, 03:34 PM

Growing evidence that Kavis Reed will be the choice.

It wasn’t unusual this week when Kavis Reed accompanied Alouettes president Mark Weightman to Canadian Football League meetings in Winnipeg. Montreal’s special teams coordinator has represented the organization before at the league level.
Nonetheless, numerous sources have told the Montreal Gazette they expect Reed, who never appeared to be part of the equation, to replace Jim Popp as Als’ general manager — although Reed has no experience at that level.
“I can’t say much, but I’d say you are on to something,” one source said. Added another: “My gut feeling says it’s Kavis.”
But a source indicated no contract has been signed, Reed having only a verbal agreement with lead governor and director Andrew Wetenhall, whose family has owned the team for 20 years. Another source indicated the agreement’s only for one year.
Reed, who has spent two seasons with the Als, was promoted to assistant head coach — along with defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe — in November 2015. He also appeared to be the leading candidate to replace Popp as head coach last September. Instead, the organization named assistant coach Jacques Chapdelaine, who guided Montreal to a 4-2 record, 7-11 overall, although the Als missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/gm-plan-murky-as-alouettes-consider-kavis-reed-and-danny-maciocia

ArgoRavi

12-11-2016, 07:02 PM

Not well regarded by whom? Fans on forums? Or do you have open dialogue with other GM's and team presidents around the league?

Maybe Argotom is referring to OV who hasn't been a big fan of Maciocia's in the past?

R.J

12-12-2016, 03:16 PM

https://twitter.com/DidierRDS

- Maciocia said the Wetenhalls didn't say what would happen to Mark Weightman if he would have accepted the president position #Alouettes @CFL

- It seems like the Alouettes only wanted Maciocia for his name and to sell tickets among other things. @CFL

- According to Danny Maciocia, the Alouettes would not have let him have a say in picking a head coach either. @CFL

- According to Danny Maciocia, the Alouettes weren't willing to let him have a say in the player personnel decisions.

- The Alouettes offered the position of president to Danny Maciocia but they would not have let him pick the new GM.

Welcome to the "new" Montreal Alouettes run by Andrew Wetenhall - This is only the beginning.

KCargosfan

12-13-2016, 04:46 AM

https://twitter.com/DidierRDS

Welcome to the "new" Montreal Alouettes run by Andrew Wetenhall - This is only the beginning.

The Als are a mess.

Argo57

12-13-2016, 07:41 AM

https://twitter.com/DidierRDS

Welcome to the "new" Montreal Alouettes run by Andrew Wetenhall - This is only the beginning.

So you would hire a President who would basically have no say in anything?
What a joke!!

doubleblue

12-13-2016, 08:47 AM

https://twitter.com/DidierRDS

Welcome to the "new" Montreal Alouettes run by Andrew Wetenhall - This is only the beginning.

Didier Ormejuste seems to have out found a bit of what's going on with the Alouettes from Maciocia after Danny apparently turned down their President offer. Brendan Taman would have been his assistant and they would have gone after Durant for QB next year. I have thought all along that The Als would target Durant to be their starting QB for the next two or three years while they keep grooming their young QB's. So I could see that happening no matter who becomes the GM and Coach as it probably is an Owners decision. Looks to me that the Owners have decided on Jacques Chapdelaine as their Coach but are having a little difficulty finding a GM who will come in under those circumstances. I also saw an article somewhere that Adam Rita was a possible OC for Chapdelaine with Cavillo reverting to QB Coach. Sounds possible I guess, Adam has the experience. Don't know what to make of Kavis Reed going to the CFL meetings with the current President, sounds like a GM in training. Given a chance maybe Kavis will do a good job, keeping in mind he will have to do what Andrew Wetenhall says.

OV Argo

12-13-2016, 11:28 AM

Another clown act ownership/management group that the CFL has to put up with. Faterik and the Stamps come to mind - maybe one of Bobby Wetandall\s grand kids can play QB for the Als.

Too bad the Wet&alls couldn\t be punted wayyyyyyyy out of town there, and get some local owners to take over the Als. The Poop-less Als could get even worse now with Mavis Reed in charge. Add Adam Rita ??? to the mix - what a classic joke of CFL GOB/recycled proportions.

Bleeds Double Blue

12-14-2016, 01:57 AM

So you would hire a President who would basically have no say in anything?
What a joke!! Where do I sign up for that gig?

R.J

12-14-2016, 01:48 PM

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/12/14/the-montreal-alouettes-announce-new-leadership-team/

GM: Reed, HC: Chapdelaine, and Weightman resigns as Pres and CEO (probably fired by Andrew), Boivin (who looks to have a good resume) is the new Pres and CEO.

argotom

12-14-2016, 05:17 PM

The Als are a mess.

Say what you will as the results will be evident next year.
At least they are making changes versus the silence here, oh I forgot Copeland is still evaluating?
That's a joke and more of a mess.

PullTogether73

12-14-2016, 09:58 PM

Say what you will as the results will be evident next year.
At least they are making changes versus the silence here, oh I forgot Copeland is still evaluating?
That's a joke and more of a mess.

Don't equate making changes with making improvements.

R.J

12-15-2016, 03:42 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This might sound preposterous, but I've been told Kavis Reed will hire Joe Mack as his assistant GM in charge of finding imports.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/809210091094343680">December 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If true, very good move by Reed IMO. Mack was a terrible GM, but was very good at finding young players from the States.

AngeloV

12-15-2016, 11:57 AM

ArgoRavi

12-15-2016, 06:56 PM

R.J

12-15-2016, 07:50 PM

I said something similar on Twitter as it was in finding Canadian players where Mack struggled.

<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>
That and Mack had this weird idea that players who were cut by other CFL teams were no good. Bombers were also always one of thee if not thee youngest team in the CFL during Jow Mack's era.

jerrym

12-28-2016, 12:20 AM

Another of the old management guard leaves.

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that Assistant General Manager Joey Abrams is therefore stepping down from his position and is leaving the Alouettes.
Abrams, who was promoted to the Assistant General Manager position a year ago, had previously occupied the role of Assistant Director of Football Operations and Player Personnel for three seasons. He spent 12 seasons with the organization. He began his career with the Alouettes in 2005 as a Football Operations Intern and has held several different titles on his way to becoming Assistant General Manager.
“We would like to thank Joey for all of his hard work and devotion over the past 12 years,” declared Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. “Through his hard work, Joey helped build the 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup champion teams, which allowed him to progress to different positions within the organization. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/12/20/joey-abrams-to-leave-the-alouettes/

jerrym

12-28-2016, 12:22 AM

The Als have signed two Nationals.

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that the club has signed two former Université de Montréal Carabins, as fullback Jean-Samuel Blanc and defensive back Maïko Zepeda have both signed two-year deals.
Blanc (6’1″, 245 lbs.) has proved his versatility since joining the Alouettes in 2015, as he played at the fullback and defensive end positions. In 11 games last season, the 26-year-old recorded five special teams tackles and one defensive tackle, while forcing a fumble. In his first two professional seasons, which followed the Carabins Vanier Cup championship in 2014, Blanc registered 14 special teams tackles.
Zepeda (5’8″, 200 lbs.) will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities to the Alouettes’ top brass, after suffering a season-ending foot injury during the team’s 2016 rookie camp. The 24-year-old defensive back was selected in the seventh round (56th overall) by the Alouettes in the 2016 CFL Canadian draft. Zepeda had a senior year to remember with the Université de Montréal Carabins, intercepting four passes in 2015, while making 34.5 tackles and defending six passes. In 2014, he was a key contributor to the Carabins’ Vanier Cup victory at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium over the McMaster Marauders.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/12/22/alouettes-sign-two-former-carabin-in-blanc-and-zepeda/

jerrym

12-30-2016, 10:31 PM

Here are three videos the Als have recently put out on Bear Woods. Maybe the Argos should do some in depth videos to help fans get to know players and build interest during the part of the year when it's lowest.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/12/28/meeting-up-with-bear-woods-part-1/

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/12/29/meeting-up-with-bear-woods-part-2/

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/12/30/meeting-up-with-bear-woods-part-3/

1971GreyCup

12-31-2016, 11:11 AM

Mark Weightman "Swap to French2016 is coming to an end, and my 21 year old adventure with the Alouettes too. The decision to leave was heartbreaking, but the timing was good. During these 21 years I have had the privilege of working with exceptional people, and I will be friends with several players, coaches, staff, media, and sponsors forever.
I am proud of what my team has accomplished; Expansion of the Molson Stadium, Grey Cups 2001 & 2008 with 65,000+ fans, Vanier Cup in 2014, the Alouettes Foundation which encourages school perseverance, and three championships ... these are some of the achievements to which I am proud to have contributed.
Good luck to the Alouettes and thank you all, I look forward to seeing you again!"

Montreal has plenty Alouettes have plenty to be proud of since returning to the CFL.

jerrym

01-06-2017, 10:18 PM

Nik Lewis has resigned with the Als through 2018.

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that international slotback Nik Lewis will return with the club in 2017 as he has signed a two-year deal.
Lewis, a 5-foot-10, 240-pound slotback, continued rewriting the CFL record book in 2016, having finished first on the team with 102 receptions and 1,136 receiving yards. This marks the second time in his illustrious career that he has reached the 100-reception plateau in a single season, his total being the third highest in the CFL this past year.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/04/nik-lewis-back-for-two-more-with-als/

jerrym

01-09-2017, 01:02 AM

GM Kavis Reed sees the rebuilding of the Als offence as his primary task.

Reed, and to a lesser extent Chapdelaine, have three major areas of concern as they embark on a new era for the franchise.
Reed has identified the quarterback position as his top priority. It’s not that the organization’s brain trust doesn’t believe Vernon Adams and Rakeem Cato are capable of performing — and if they don’t think so, they’re not saying. Instead, Reed and Chapdelaine have spoken about the importance of having a veteran presence at the position, if not to necessarily play, to at least groom the young pivots.
All eyes will be focused during the coming months on Saskatchewan’s Darian Durant, and whether he reaches free agency on Feb. 14. Durant has experience with Reed and Chapdelaine, most recently the latter, in 2015, when he was the Roughriders’ offensive coordinator. ...

The Als’ offensive line allowed a league-high 64 sacks and must be strengthened. One immediate solution would be to play a pair of imports on the outside, at tackle, but that would require changing the ratio — potentially replacing two Americans with Canadians. That might be easier said than done.
And while Reed still has 24 potential free agents to re-sign, should he choose, he’ll be alarmed the majority — 16 — are on defence, the team’s strength the last two seasons.
He has his work cut out, as does new president Patrick Boivin, who must make this team relevant again. Of course, winning usually cures all.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/upgrading-alouettes-offence-is-top-priority-for-gm-kavis-reed-in-2017

jerrym

01-11-2017, 02:22 AM

Pat Sternberg argues in the article below that the extending of Nik Lewis for two more years helps build stability for the Als. While I've always admired Nik, at 34 years of age and two so-so years in Calgary followed by two good years in Montreal, I'm not so sure. He may continue his good play but at his age the question mark about when will his skills drop off sharply remains.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/09/steinbergs-mmqb-montreals-first-order-of-business/

KCargosfan

01-11-2017, 03:13 AM

Pat Sternberg argues in the article below that the extending of Nik Lewis for two more years helps build stability for the Als. While I've always admired Nik's, at 34 years of age and two so-so years in Calgary followed by two good years in Montreal, I'm not so sure. He may continue his good play but at his age the question mark about when will his skills drop off sharply remains.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/09/steinbergs-mmqb-montreals-first-order-of-business/

Agreed. And it's not like he's someone who is in good shape, either. There aren't too many Geroy Simons out there who can be effective at ages 35-37.

jerrym

01-14-2017, 10:22 PM

The Als have added three players to their roster.

Defensive-back Desmond Cooper, running-back LaVance Taylor and defensive-lineman Reuben Frank joined the CFL team.
Cooper, a 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, played for two seasons at the University of North Carolina. In 22 regular-season games, Cooper had 89 tackles, three interceptions, nine knockdowns and three forced fumbles playing mostly at the safety position. The 24-year-old also spent time with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. ...

Taylor, a 5-foot-10, 194-pounder, finished his college career at Central Missouri University in 2014. He recorded 3,941 rushing yards and 6,231 combined yards while scoring 44 touchdowns. He has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Ottawa Redblacks, B.C. Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Frank, a 6-foot-4, 246-pounder, started his collegiate career as a fullback for the University of Connecticut Huskies before moving to defensive lineman, recording 50 tackles and three sacks in 24 games. The 24-year-old played for the Edmonton Eskimos in 2016, registering six tackles and a sack in seven games.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/montreal-alouettes-add-two-defenders-and-a-running-back

jerrym

01-15-2017, 12:16 AM

Duron Carter is close to signing a deal with the Riders being the most likely team.

Duron Carter is close to signing a contract with a new CFL team, with the Saskatchewan Roughriders the frontrunner for his services according to a report from TSN's Gary Lawless. ...
Carter, 25, was released in October by the Alouettes after a slew of disagreements with coaches and teammates. He recorded 938 yards receiving with five touchdowns in 2016 before the release.
In parts of three CFL seasons, all with the Alouettes, Carter has amassed 2,877 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.

http://www.tsn.ca/report-carter-close-to-deal-roughriders-the-favourite-1.649873

jerrym

01-19-2017, 07:47 PM

The Als have signed Durant to a three year contract.

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thrusday that the club has signed quarterback Darian Durant to a three-year deal. ...
“We are extremely happy to have reached an agreement with Darian and we are looking forward to see him lead our offence out on the field,” Alouettes’ general manager Kavis Reed said in a statement. “The negotiations came to this rapid conclusion because both parties were anxious to get a deal done and start working together to bring a championship to the city of Montreal.”

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/19/als-ink-durant-three-year-deal/

jerrym

01-19-2017, 07:54 PM

While Vernon Adams knows Durant is the starting QB,

Although Vernon Adams, a rookie at the time, completed the season with three successive victories after replacing Rakeem Cato, he knows last Friday’s acquisition of veteran Darian Durant in a trade from Saskatchewan, in all likelihood, will relegate him back to the bench. ....
“I don’t believe it’ll be an open competition,” Adams told the Montreal Gazette in a telephone interview from his winter home in Boulder, Colo. “I heard he asked for $350,000 and Saskatchewan offered $300,000. Obviously Montreal’s going to give him that $350,000.
“Nobody’s coming in to get paid $350,000 and not going to play. Therefore, I already know he’s going to start in Week 1. No matter how good I do — unless he gets hurt. He’s a vet and the No. 1 guy, but this is professional football. I’m not going to let him just come in.
“I’m going to try to be the starter, but I know it most likely will be him. I’m going to work hard and push him.” ...
Adams did admit he was told by Reed that Durant would be the Als’ starter, although Reed quickly advised Adams he’s the quarterback of the future, considering Montreal traded a 2017 first-round draft choice to British Columbia for his rights. ...

“I’m going to make sure I’m behind him, I’m learning from him and have his back. But I’m still going to fight for that starting job.”
Adams has two years remaining on his contract — and it certainly behooves Reed and the Als to sign Durant for at least two seasons, if not longer. How that might potentially impact Adams moving forward remains to be determined, although it’s unlikely he’ll want to re-sign with Montreal if he’s relegated to the bench for extended periods or seasons.
“I’d probably ask for a trade. I’d probably want to get out of there,” Adams said. “I don’t know. It’s a tough situation.”
While Adams posted impressive collegiate numbers at both Eastern Washington and Oregon, he was unable to stick with both the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins before coming north. At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Adams isn’t the prototypical NFL quarterback. But his mobility and leadership qualities make him ideally suited for Canadian football.
“So many people don’t believe in me because of my height, because of the way I play quarterback,” he said. “But I know I can get it done. Once I get my real shot, my real opportunity as a starter, I promise you it’s over from there. I won’t give up the starting spot.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/vernon-adams-says-hell-fight-for-job-as-alouettes-starting-qb