Montreal Alouettes Defence Continues To Make Statement

The Montreal Alouettes defence single-handedly led the Alouettes to a playoff berth last season and this season, with an improved offence and struggling East division, it may just lead them all the way to first place.

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The Alouettes went another game without allowing a touchdown in their 20-12 win over the Toronto Argonauts to move into a tie for first place with the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

The Alouettes now have one game remaining against each of their Eastern opponents to close out the season, with only one of the games at home. That will be November 2 against the Argonauts. Next week they go to Ottawa to face the last place RedBlacks.

The defence has been led by pressure on the quarterback – led by John Bowman and Chip Cox – and a great defensive secondary. The defence hasn’t even missed a beat with Kyries Hebert out. Winston Venable, who has been great in spot duty this year has continued to thrive in more action.

And, believe it or not, the offence is pulling its weight. They are limiting turnovers – Jonathan Crompton lost a fumble but did not throw an interception, and the receiving corps is doing enough to make the big plays needed. After Duron Carter last week, this week S.J. Green was able to be Crompton’s target of choice.

That’s where the Alouettes can hurt you. Focus too much on one guy, and someone else – Brandon London, Green, Carter or Tyrell Sutton – will hurt you.

The Alouettes who started 1-7 are 6-1 in their last seven games, all started by Crompton. Who would have thought.

It’s easy to see why. The defence is playing lights out and the offence isn’t giving the ball away. If they continue like that, it’s hard to see anyone beating the Alouettes this season.

After losing 33-16 to Edmonton on September 12, the defence has allowed an average of 10.75 points per game in their last four games. If the offence keeps the ball, it’s hard to lose those kinds of games.

And, you can say what you want about limiting a team led by Drew Tate, Tino Sunseri and the Ottawa RedBlacks, but to limit Ricky Ray without a touchdown, that’s saying something. Especially after the Argonauts beat the Alouettes 31-5 in August.