Jul
Als ready for Cup rematch
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
Seven months have passed since the Grey Cup was played; the championship game the Alouettes believe they should have won, if only because they were playing at home, in Montreal, at Olympic Stadium.
That the Als lost to the Calgary Stampeders – the same team they happen to be launching their new season against Wednesday night (10 p.m., TSN, RDS, CJAD Radio-800) – is nothing more than a coincidence to some.
Not, however, to veteran rush-end Anwar Stewart, one of the few who believes in telling it like it is.
“Of course there’s motivation,” Stewart said Tuesday afternoon, shortly following the team’s arrival in this city. “I couldn’t eat or swallow for three days (following the Cup). We have to get (the new players) to understand that feeling. Plus we want to start the new season off strong. We’ve been hearing the hooting and hollering … about how the West (is better than the) East. That starts to get under your skin. So, yeah, we’re ready and motivated.”
Three times last season the Als and Stamps met; each time Calgary prevailed, including 22-14 in the title game. That also meant three times Montreal head coach Marc Trestman lost to his Stamps counterpart, John Hufnagel. Both came into the Canadian Football League at the same time as rookie head coaches, and both entered the league with impressive résumés following stints as NFL offensive co-ordinators.
“We’re just trying to figure out who we are,” Als slotback Ben Cahoon said. “If, in the process, we send a message that we can compete with Calgary, good for us. But we’re not worried about last year, East vs. West or sending a statement. We’re still trying to figure out if we’re even going to be able to send a statement.
“Still, we’ve got to find a way to prove to ourselves we can beat (a West Division opponent),” he added. “It’s important to know deep down you can beat somebody. Psychologically and mentally, you’re trying to justify they’re no better than us.
“The core of our team is back, although we’re a little older. Will that translate into more experience, maturity or that we’re just over the hill remains to be seen.”
If ever the defending champs were potentially susceptible, it could be now. Calgary developed a rash of injuries coming out of training camp, especially along the offensive line, where Jesse Newman (ankle), Jeff Pilon (knee) and Derek Armstrong (torn bicep) were all sidelined. Hufnagel claimed Newman will dress against Montreal.
It also appears receiver Ken-Yon Rambo, nursing a hamstring injury, will be replaced by Titus Ryan. Rambo led the league in receiving yards last season, with 1,473. And expect Ryan Thelwell and Jabari Arthur, both injured, to be replaced by Markus Howell and Teyo Johnson, respectively.
“Nothing will change. We’ll run our offence,” Stamps quarterback Henry Burris insisted. “If we don’t have Rambo, Titus has a lot of ability. He’s not just a rookie.”
Defensively, the Stamps appear to be in transition. Three starters – Charlston Hughes, Eddie Freeman and Howard Hodges – are gone, while linebackers JoJuan Armour and Saleem Rashid were released. With defensive-backs Brandon Smith and J.R. Ruffin injured, they’ll be replaced by a pair of rookies, Ronnie Amadi and Davanzo Tate.
The Als, of course, have their own issues defensively to deal with heading into the opener. They, too, will be starting a pair of rookies – Jerald Brown and Billy Parker – in their secondary. But the most profound change occurs at linebacker, where sophomore Canadian Shea Emry starts the year in the middle following the release of Reggie Hunt. Also, Chip Cox, a former defensive back, moves to strong-side linebacker, replacing T.J. Hill.
“I’m sure there will be nerves,” Emry admitted. “All I can do is fill my responsibilities and not try to be Superman. I want to go out and do my responsibilities. Stuff’s going to happen. I have to stay focused and keep things in perspective.
“I came to camp to prove myself. Obviously I did something for them to take a leap of faith in me. I’m happy with their decision and hope they don’t regret it.”
Trestman said no decision on Emry, good or bad, will be made following just one game. “It’s not a one-night dress rehearsal,” the coach said. “He’s going to make mistakes and there’s going to be adversity.”
Emry’s job will be easier if his defensive teammates can put some pressure on the mobile Burris while negating his effectiveness. Burris frequently has used his feet to defeat the Als, including the Cup, when he gained 79 yards on nine carries.
“It’ll help if we can disguise our coverage up front,” Stewart said. “If we can get to him early, without blitzing, it could be a long day for him. We have to play quick, fast and nasty. We have to have that attitude, along with a sense of urgency.”
