ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – On Thanksgiving Monday Anthony Calvillo will look to continue his assault on the CFL record book. The Montreal Alouettes’ pivot needs 258 yards to surpass former Argonauts quarterback Damon Allen’s career passing yard record (72,381).
The future hall of famer is averaging just over 304 yards per game. He has passed for at least 258 yards in 11 out of 13 games this season. Once Calvillo overtakes Allen’s career passing yardage mark it will solidify him as the CFL’s greatest quarterback, statistically speaking.
Players To Watch:
QB Anthony Calvillo
RB Brandon Whitaker
WR S.J. Green
WR Jamel Richardson
KR Tim Maypray
DE John Bowman
DE Anwar Stewart
LB Chip Cox
DB Billy Parker
DB Dwight Anderson
P/K Sean Whyte
Key Injuries:
DB Ettiene Boulay
CB Mark Estelle
DB Jerald Brown
LB Shea Emry
Storylines:
– Will Anthony Calvillo surpass Damon Allen as pro-football’s all-time leader in passing?
– Can Brandon Whitaker continue to dominate opposing defences?
– Can the Alouettes battered and bruised defence hold onto a lead should the jump out early?
In two previous games against Toronto in 2011 Calvillo broke two of Allen’s major passing records. On July 15th in Montreal he threw his 394th touchdown pass to overtake Allen as the all-time touchdown pass leader. Then, on August 4th at the Rogers Centre, Calvillo completed his 5,159th pass to become the CFL’s all-time completions leader.
The 38-year-old has enjoyed a marvelous career and, once again, has the Alouettes in first place at Thanksgiving. Under his guidance, the two-time defending Grey Cup champion Alouettes boast the league’s top offence. The team leads the league in points per game (31.2), yards per game (415.2), and total passing yards per game (326.5).
Jamal Richardson, an eight year CFL veteran, has been the biggest beneficiary of Calvillo’s brilliance the past few seasons, and this season is no different. The Alouettes’ wideout leads the league in all major receiving categories with 83 catches for 1,318 yards, and 10 touchdowns. S.J Green gives the Alouettes receiving core another deep threat, and the 6’2” slotback sits fourth in the league with 893 yards.
Making Montreal’s offence even more dangerous is the presence of running back Brandon Whitaker. The Als’ tailback was named the CFL’s Offensive Player of the Month for September. The first year starter has eliminated any doubts about the club’s decision to let Avon Cobourne walk to Hamilton. Whitaker leads the league in rushing yards (981), and has added 55 catches for 497 yards.
The Alouettes have outscored the Argonauts 76-40 this season, holding Toronto to four touchdowns in two games.
Montreal, winners of two straight, have five games left in the season and are tied with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for first place in the CFL’s East Division with a record of 8-5. With their next three games all coming against division rivals, the Als are looking to lock down home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Alouettes square off against Toronto on October 10th, Hamilton October 16th, and travel to Winnipeg on October 22nd, before closing their season with matchups against Calgary and B.C.
The team has represented the East Division in the Grey Cup six of the past eight seasons, and with Calvillo at the helm they understand the importance of home field advantage in the playoffs. At such a critical junction of their schedule the Alouettes know that if they take care of their own business, the rest will fall into place.