The Montreal Alouettes have been the talk of the Canadian Football League since day one of the season. For three weeks, they’ve had company in that regard, and they will see that club up close this weekend.
In a rare Sunday night game at Percival-Molson Stadium, the Alouettes (9-1-0) will host the Edmonton Elks (3-7-0), who have won their last three games by a combined score of 122-69.
Montreal head coach Jason Maas identified several positives about the Alberta team that, according to him, help explain their recent success.
“We talked about it; you could flip their record and I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me they had seven wins. The way they’re playing football, protecting the ball and being able to control the lines of scrimmage, it’s no wonder they’re having success,” Maas added.
At first glance, it seems obvious that the Elks are “on fire.” But when Noel Thorpe, the Alouettes’ defensive coordinator, makes the remark, he sets the record straight, so to speak.
Especially since the Alouettes had to work hard to earn a 23-20 victory on the Elks’ field on June 14.
“Over the past three games, I think you’ve seen them find ways to win whereas before they were trying to find themselves,” the Alouettes defensive coordinator added.
Elks’ Explosive Offense a Cause for Concern
Before the games this week, and even including the one played Thursday night between the Toronto Argonauts and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Elks lead the CFL with 296 points scored in 10 games, eight more than the Alouettes, who are second.
In his assessment of the Elks’ offense, Thorpe repeatedly used the word “explosive.”
“We know how good they are on offense. They’re explosive at key positions. Two quarterbacks (McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Tre Ford) have played for them and they’ve both had success. They’ve both been able to move the ball and get it to their key players,” Thorpe analyzed.
“But what’s been most notable in the last three games is how explosive they’ve been on the ground. When they moved Javon Leake from special teams to the offense, he was explosive. Against Saskatchewan (on August 3), he had two runs, maybe three, that were spectacular and got their offense going,” Thorpe also pointed out.
Alouettes Emphasize Limiting Explosive Plays
Safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy painted a picture of the Elks that resembles Thorpe’s description.
“It’s an offense that produces a lot of points. (The Elks) are first in points per game. We knew it when we played against them and we’ve seen their games. We know they’re going to try explosive plays and for us, it’s about limiting those plays.”
The Alouettes have a history of dominance against the Elks
The Alouettes have a long and storied history against the Elks. The two teams have met in the playoffs multiple times, with the Alouettes coming out on top more often than not. The most recent playoff meeting between the two teams was in 2014, when the Alouettes defeated the Elks 35-28 in the East Division semi-final.
The Alouettes are looking to continue their strong start to the season
The Alouettes are currently in first place in the East Division, and they are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. The team has a number of key players, including quarterback Cody Fajardo, who are capable of leading the team to victory.
The Elks are hoping to make a statement against the Alouettes
The Elks, on the other hand, are looking to pull off an upset against the Alouettes. The team has been playing well recently, and they have the potential to make a run for the playoffs.
The Alouettes are looking for a strong finish to their regular season
The Alouettes are looking to finish the regular season strong in order to secure a top seed in the playoffs. The team has been playing well recently, and they are confident that they can finish the season with a strong record.
The Elks are looking to make a push for the playoffs
The Elks are looking to make a push for the playoffs in the final weeks of the season. The team has been playing well recently, and they are hoping to make a late run for a playoff spot.
The Alouettes and Elks have a storied rivalry in the CFL
The Alouettes and Elks have a long and storied rivalry in the CFL. The two teams have met in the playoffs many times, and they have always provided their fans with exciting and entertaining games. This weekend’s game is sure to be no exception, and fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating the matchup.
It's a game that could have huge implications for both teams
The Alouettes are looking to maintain their dominance in the CFL, while the Elks are looking to make a statement against one of the league’s top teams. This game could have huge implications for both teams, and it’s sure to be a hard-fought battle.
The game will be a test for the Alouettes' defense
The Alouettes’ defense has been one of the best in the CFL this season, but they will be tested against the Elks’ explosive offense. If the Alouettes can limit the Elks’ big plays, they will be in a good position to win the game.
The game will be a chance for the Elks to show their progress
The Elks have been making progress in recent weeks, and they will be looking to prove that they are a legitimate playoff contender. If the Elks can pull off an upset against the Alouettes, it would be a major statement for the team.
The game will be a chance for the Alouettes to show their mettle
The Alouettes have been one of the best teams in the CFL this season, but they will face a tough test against the Elks. If the Alouettes can overcome this challenge, it will show that they are truly one of the league’s elite teams.
The Alouettes are looking to make history this season
The Alouettes are looking to make history this season by winning the Grey Cup. The team has a talented roster and a passionate fan base, and they are confident that they can achieve their goals.
The Elks are looking to return to their glory days
The Elks are looking to return to their glory days by winning the Grey Cup. The team has a history of success, and they are hoping to recapture that success in the near future.
The Alouettes and Elks will provide their fans with an exciting game
The Alouettes and Elks are two of the most storied franchises in the CFL. The two teams have a long and passionate rivalry, and their games are always exciting and entertaining. This weekend’s game is sure to be no exception, and fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating the matchup.
The Alouettes and Elks have a rich history in the CFL
The Alouettes and Elks have a rich history in the CFL, dating back to the early days of the league. The two teams have been rivals for decades, and their games are always highly anticipated. This weekend’s game is sure to be no exception, and fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating the matchup.
The Alouettes and Elks are looking to make a statement this season
The Alouettes and Elks are two of the most storied franchises in the CFL, and they are both looking to make a statement this season. The Alouettes are looking to continue their dominance, while the Elks are looking to return to their glory days. This weekend’s game is sure to be a hard-fought battle, and it’s sure to be a must-watch for CFL fans.
