CALGARY — The Montreal Alouettes aren't taking their latest trip to the Grey Cup for granted.
After falling short against the Saskatchewan Roughriders last season, Montreal is back with a chance at redemption on Sunday. Standing in its way is an Edmonton Elks team that has taken a long road back to the big game.
“This is all we can ask for. This opportunity to be back in the (Grey) Cup. It doesn't happen often," said Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander. "We've been fortunate, and we've earned it for sure.”
A big positive for the Alouettes is having a healthy Alexander, who was hampered by a persistent hamstring injury last season. This time, he arrives feeling much better physically after the Alouettes made a point of managing his workload down the stretch.
Here are three things the Alouettes will need to do to bring home another Grey Cup:
Establish the running game
Montreal's offence is at its best when it can dictate how a defence has to play. That starts with establishing the run and preventing opponents from focusing exclusively on Alexander and the team's dynamic group of receivers.
The Alouettes averaged 110.8 rushing yards per game during the regular season but face an Edmonton defence that allowed 81.4 rushing yards per game.
Head coach Jason Maas has maintained that a balanced offence is a priority. Not only does it open up the playbook, it allows his team to set the terms at the line of scrimmage.
"We want to always dictate," Maas said. "Even if a team knows we're going to run, we want to be able to run."
“Taking what the defence gives you. Sometimes it might be a short pass, sometimes it might be a short run," running back Stevie Scott said. "You just gotta build off those plays and eventually the big plays will come.”
Having success in the running game will also mitigate Malik Carney's desire to be a disruptive force on defence as he was in the West final against the B.C. Lions.
Maas knows the Elks defensive line will find ways to get their playmakers involved, but also has trust in what their offensive line can do in this matchup.
“(Offensive line coach) Dave Brown did a great job of looking at the run game, looking at the pass protections, looking at our play actions and saying, how are we going to protect your quarterback?”
Make Cody Fajardo win from the pocket
Montreal knows better than most that Fajardo has no problem using his legs to give his team an edge, especially when there is a breakdown in the pocket.
The 34-year-old Fajardo, who led the Als to their last Grey Cup in 2023, finished with 517 yards on 90 carries and eight touchdowns for the Elks this season. It was the second highest rushing total of his career, trailing only the 611 yards he recorded with Saskatchewan in 2019.
The veteran quarterback led the Elks with 10 carries for 84 yards in the West final. His 29-yard scramble in the third quarter was a turning point, and his ability to get free on the run also led to a touchdown.
“The reason why he led the league in QB rushing yards is because he will do whatever it takes to lead his team to victory," Alexander said about Fajardo's fearless approach to the game. "I know it inspires the guys around him.”
Montreal's defence will have to stay disciplined in its pass rush. Getting pressure is important, but losing contain and allowing Fajardo to escape the pocket can turn a promising defensive play into a damaging gain.
Fajardo's ability to make plays under pressure is part of what makes Edmonton dangerous. Montreal's defence will need to maintain its assignments, tackle well in space and force the Elks to execute consistently from the pocket.
Be disciplined on all three phases
The Grey Cup can be decided by a handful of plays, and the Alouettes know they cannot afford to overlook any part of Edmonton's game.
The Elks are a disciplined team that can make an impact on all three phases, meaning Montreal will need to be prepared for whatever comes its way while looking for opportunities to create an advantage of its own.
That was something the Alouettes saw first-hand in the East final because while Winnipeg struggled to generate much offensively, special teams provided the Blue Bombers favourable field position instead of having to drive down the field.
Maas recognizes the challenge posed by Mark Kilam's Elks, who have built their identity around playing a complete game.
“They're a physical football team, all three phases,” Maas said. “And the other thing is tough. Tough meaning mentally tough. So when the going gets tough, they can rise to it.”
The Alouettes coaching staff can point to last year's Grey Cup when the Roughriders had plays on all three phases that turned the tide in their favour.
A 38-yard second-half kickoff return by Mario Alford helped set up a touchdown that pushed the Roughriders' lead to 22-7. The Als also saw how costly missed opportunities can be, with three interceptions and a late fumble near the goal line all factoring in them coming up short.
“Coach preaches (ball security) every week. We've been preaching that since training camp,” Scott said. “The ball is everything when it comes to this sport. You got to protect it.”
