The Montreal Alouettes‘ off-season has been busy.
The Als have hired a new head coach in former NFL boss Mike Sherman, who has limited CFL experience. The team overhauled its coaching staff and, not long after, the sudden departure of first-time defensive co-ordinator Kahlil Carter was met with rampant speculation about inner turmoil in Montreal.
They were publicly criticized by Jovan Olafioye after the starting tackle was cut. Former NFL first-rounder Josh Freeman either retired or was cut at the start of camp, depending on who you believe. Plus, the Alouettes still don’t have a proven quarterback, but cut ties with the best QB in the history of the franchise in Anthony Calvillo, who is now coaching for their rival.
After all that, Montreal cut lineman Xavier Fulton only to admit they made the announcement by mistake and he was, in fact, still on the team.
It hasn’t been the best off-season from a public relations point of view for the team with the worst record in the league a year ago. However, Montreal was aggressive in free agency and smartly manipulated the draft, coming away with great value.
After losing 11 straight games to end last season and both pre-season games this year, Montreal needs to get out the gate quick for no other reason than to change the narrative.
[relatedlinks]
General Manager: Kavis Reed
Head Coach: Mike Sherman
2017 Result: 3-12, missed playoffs
Starting QB: Drew Willy
Key Departures: Darian Durant, Dominique Termansen, Jeremy Lewis, Kyries Herbert, Jovan Olafioye, Nik Lewis, Jonathon Mincy, Gabriel Knapton
Key Additions: Ryan Bomben, Jamaal Westerman, Joe Barnett, Tommie Campbell, Dominique Ellis, Chris Williams, Kirby Fabien, Henoc Muamba, Mitchell White
Expected team strengths: The addition of Jamaal Westerman, Joe Barnett, Tommie Campbell, Henoc Muamba and Mitchell White on defence, and the re-signing of Chip Cox, gives Montreal a defence with a lot of experience and personality. Montreal didn’t succeed in getting younger this off-season but it did get players who will give the team a swagger. The Alouettes defence will exude confidence, setting the tone for the rest of the team.
Expected team weakness: The main issue last season might be even worse this year. Through two pre-season games, Montreal scored just one touchdown and three field goals. The Alouettes have a new quarterback, offensive co-ordinator and new offensive line, but the same old minuscule production on offence. Offensively in 2017, Montreal ranked last in points for, touchdowns, rushing TDs, passing TDs, field goals, net offence, average yards per play, time of possession, QB rating, pass efficiency, penalties and penalty yards. The Alouettes were historically bad on offence. Willy was the named the starter in camp after a year where he played in 12 games, passing for 547 yards and one touchdown.
2018 Schedule Quirk: Montreal has a relatively soft schedule to start the year. On June 16, the Als play the B.C. Lions, the team that finished last in the opposing division. Then six days later, on June 22, Montreal hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who likely still be without injured starting QB Matt Nichols. Then eight days later, on June 30, Montreal plays last year’s crossover team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who are integrating a new starting QB this season. If Montreal doesn’t head in to the month of July with a winning record, it’s hard to see how the Als will be a .500 team this year.
What a successful season would look like: Making the playoffs and/or having the same leadership throughout the enitre season would be a win. To do that, Montreal will have to develop or trade for a quarterback. The Als are the only team in a quarterback-driven league that isn’t settled at the quarterback position.
What a disappointing season would look like: Anything close to resembling last season. For what used to be the model franchise in the league, Montreal has fallen on hard times. The team is no longer doing well at the gate and has failed to put a consistent product on the field. No longer being the butt of the league’s jokes would be positive progress.
Pre-season Grey Cup odds (Via Oddshark): +1400
Notable findings/quotes from CFL Media Poll:
• Not one of the 73 voters chose Montreal to win the East Division.
• Montreal had the second-most votes (19 per cent) as the team that had the best off-season, most in the East.