MONTREAL – After the crushing defeat in Vancouver, coach Jason Maas chose to stay positive. But the last duel of the season, Saturday against Winnipeg, aims to regain the hoped-for momentum for the playoffs.
Because no, the Montreal Alouettes did not look like a team ready to fly to a second consecutive Gray Cup during this 27-3 loss to the Lions. On Wednesday, Maas preferred to say that four games ended up sinking his team in this loss against the Lions.
On Thursday, wide receiver Austin Mack spoke more with his emotions.
“We want to finish the season by sending the message that we remain the best team in the CFL,” said Mack.
“We didn’t see our true identity in Vancouver. It’s a big game coming up and we need that momentum,” added Mack, who found it difficult to watch the game against the Lions as a spectator with the goal of being in good shape for the rest.
At the end of the last practice of the regular season, Maas spoke to his players for a few minutes, expressing a “friendly reminder”.
“The reminder is that three teams will be returning home after this weekend’s games. We are lucky with our status, but we deserved it. Everyone must understand that we need the whole team to win the championship. Last year, we lost players down the stretch and we needed others. The same scenario could arise,” the coach explained to the media.
The three teams – which Maas was referring to – are obviously Edmonton, Calgary and Hamilton who will not participate in the playoffs.
As for the Alouettes, they will host the Eastern final on November 9, but they must regain their composure. To put it another way, the game against Winnipeg becomes important even if it will have no meaning in the standings for the Alouettes.
“We want to finish in a good way, that’s for sure. It’s our goal to play our best football, we don’t want to play in a bad way. Recently, we have had good training sessions without playing perfect football in the matches. We continue to progress in preparation for the match and, then, we will push hard for the match on November 9,” summarized the coach.
The Alouettes have proven that it is never easy to excel after having already acquired a playoff privilege. The club will want to turn things around and it should help, in terms of motivation, that this match is crucial for Winnipeg in the standings.
“Yes, the match is more important for them, but we are not going to change the way we play. We have 45 players who will work hard for the team and their fans. We are still talking about it, this effort will be there,” Maas promised.
Excel in all three facets
Last year, the Alouettes managed to capture the Gray Cup thanks to an unstoppable rise for their opponents. The defense was at the heart of this success and the attack won the final match.
This season, the Birds have acquired a fabulous 12-4-1 by virtue of a more dominant performance. The problem is that the offensive unit was slowed down in its flight. Even the defense showed weaknesses against the ground game in particular.
Without saying that time is running out, since the Alouettes already have their ticket to the Eastern final, the players want to correct the situation on Saturday against the Blue Bombers.
“We need this match. Not for the ranking, but to deploy great execution in all three facets. This is the objective we are aiming for on the eve of the playoffs,” said Marc-Antoine Dequoy who praised the mental strength of his club.
“A victory, with the week off that follows, would propel us forward. In addition, it is about living up to the standards that we establish and the mentality that we apply on a daily basis,” he clarified.
McGloster must leave training
In Vancouver, the Alouettes lost the services of right tackle Josh Donovan and he was replaced by Jamar McGloster. This position belonged to McGloster before he was injured.
Bad luck hit McGloster as he was unable to complete Thursday’s practice due to a right hand injury.
“He’s gone for tests, fingers crossed for good news. Otherwise, the next one will have to answer the call,” Maas reacted.
“It sure would hurt especially since Josh is injured. If he is not there, we have confidence in others and communication is good in the group,” commented guard Pier-Olivier Lestage.
Donald Ventrelli, who did well in relief on August 25 against Edmonton, finished the session as a right tackle.
