The Montreal Alouettes aim to snap a three-game losing skid on Sunday night when they return from a bye to host the Calgary Stampeders.
The Alouettes (2-3) have been idle since dropping a 35-27 decision to the Toronto Argonauts on July 14.
“During the bye week, we had a chance to sit down with our coaching staff and we had the opportunity to spend the week evaluating ourselves at the five-game mark,” Montreal general manager Danny Maciocia said. “We looked at our offense, special teams and defense, and throughout the week we talked about our play along the line of scrimmage. We talked about the fact that even though we’re happy with our performances on defense, we have to find a way to get to the opposing quarterback.”
The Alouettes addressed that area by signing former Stampeders defensive end Shawn Lemon, who registered 14 sacks and five forced fumbles last season. By comparison, Montreal has recorded just seven sacks in five games this season.
Calgary (2-4) ignited its offense in a 33-31 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on July 15 before coming up just short in a 43-41 setback to the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday.
Stampeders quarterback Jake Maier threw for a season-high 450 yards and four touchdowns, however his two interceptions and a fumble led directly to three scores for Ottawa.
“I think I’ve turned the ball over every game that we played in and whether I’ve responded or not, eventually we’ve got to eliminate those so that we can give ourselves some more breathing room and not feel like we have to overcome ourselves,” Maier said.
Marken Michel had four receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns against the Redblacks, and Tre Odoms-Duke had six catches for 101 yards and a score.
Calgary running back Ka’Deem Carey (toe), wide receiver Cole Tucker (foot), defensive backs Natrell Jamerson (shoulder), Tre Roberson (head) and defensive lineman James Vaughters (arm) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Montreal, in turn, will be without wide receiver Greg Ellingson (knee), defensive lineman Brock Gowanlock (shoulder), offensive lineman Sean Jamieson (knee) and defensive back Raheem Wilson (knee).
–Field Level Media