ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – Argonauts.ca takes a closer look at the team on the other side of the ball as the Argos prepare for the first of two games against the Montreal Alouettes to finish the 2010 regular season.
Players To Watch:
QB Anthony Calvillo
WR Ben Cahoon
SB Jamel Richardson
WR S.J. Green
DE John Bowman
LB Chip Cox
DB Jerald Brown
DB Mark Estelle
Storylines:
– How will the Als respond after one of the worst losses in recent memory?
– Will the Als rest any starters with first place wrapped up or try and gain momentum heading into the playoffs?
– How will injuries come into play for a team that has seen their fair share in recent weeks?
Most CFL followers aren’t too sure who the imposters were that took to the field at Ivor Wynne Stadium last Friday. They sported Montreal Alouettes jerseys but they are not the team that currently heads into the playoffs as the defending Grey Cup champions.
The reality is that any Argos supporter that believes that the Alouettes are going to come into Rogers Centre and mimic their performance from a week ago likely has another thing coming.
The Alouettes are simply too talented and well-coached to have a repeat performance, something that should offer up a good late-season challenge for an Argonauts team that looks to take the season series against the Als for the first time since 2007.
The Argos’ defence has been their strength all season long but Anthony Calvillo and the Als’ attack is something that can give even the most seasoned defence fits. Heading into the final two weeks, the Alouettes rank in the top three in 26 of 35 offensive categories and boast arguably the most potent aerial attack in the CFL. Three Montreal receivers: Jamel Richardson, S.J. Green and Kerry Watkins (injured), sit in the top 20 for most receiving yards in the league.
Defensively, weaknesses are just as hard to come by with an impressive pass rush and an active linebacking corps. If there is one knock on the Montreal defence then it’s their propensity for taking pass interference penalties. The Alouettes are the most penalized team in the CFL, accumulating 1,780 penalty yards, with a good portion of them coming off pass interference flags.
Special teams, usually a strong suit for the Alouettes, has been hit with the injury bug as of late. All-star kicker Damon Duval has been sidelined for three weeks with a hamstring injury (but could suit up this week) and returning kick returner Larry Taylor may join the injury list this week before he re-joins his old club on the field.
Regardless of who lines up for the Alouettes, they will not likely take their penultimate contest for granted, even though the East Division is wrapped up. Last week’s effort, combined with a 37-22 loss to the Argos in their last meeting should be enough motivation to ensure that the defending champs don’t struggle heading into the playoffs.