ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – Many have been quick to question the Montreal Alouettes early in this 2010 CFL campaign. The perennial powerhouse and defending Grey Cup Champions have been open to criticism since the regular season began because they have failed to dominate teams like they usually do.
That being said, they are winning. Perhaps not in the same fashion that CFL fans are accustom to, but winning nonetheless. Sporting a 3-1 record heading into this week’s matchup with the Argonauts, the Als may not be jumping out to commanding leads but their offensive production does not necessarily warrant the criticism and panic it has been receiving.
Reigning MOP Anthony Calvillo enters Thursday’s matchup with one more touchdown toss and only 71 yards less passing than at the same point last season. In addition to leading the league, Calvillo’s completion percentage is not astronomically different than that from last year, sitting only 6.96% lower than the first four games of 2009.
In addition, for an offence that has been criticized for not finishing drives, the Als rank tops in the league (tied with Winnipeg) for most points scored and average points scored per game.
Perhaps the Als most crucial stat is where they rank in the turnover department. The Als have given up the least amount of yards off interceptions, 14, in the CFL and rank second, behind Toronto, for most passes interceptions with five (5).
Heading into Week 5, the Als will look to build on their aerial attack which came together in the second half of their battle with Hamilton last week. They put up 27 second half points en route to a 37-14 victory. They will be going up against an Argos secondary that has really come together after poor tackling performances in the first few weeks. The last line of defence has picked off a league-leading 8 passes in the first four games and have yet to take a pass interference penalty thus far.
» QB Anthony Calvillo
» RB Avon Cobourne
» DB Jerald Brown
» DB Etienne Boulay
» SB Ben Cahoon
» P/K Damon Duval
» DE John Bowman
» WR Kerry Watkins
» Will the Alouettes finally have a breakout performance for all 60 minutes?
» How will the experienced Alouettes’ front seven handle rookie Argos’ RB Cory Boyd?
» Can RB Avon Cobourne record his first 100-yard game of the season?
» Will Als’ SB Ben Cahoon move into third place on the CFL’s all-time receptions list?