Another win, another warning sign for the Montreal Alouettes (& nine other thoughts)

Copy-paste

I don’t recall ever seeing two back-to-back games between the same teams look this similar. For a second straight week, the Alouettes got off to an explosive start and took a big lead into halftime, this time 22-8. However, the Stamps answered with an early push after the break, which the Als responded to well. Then, for a second straight week, Calgary mounted a huge fourth-quarter comeback that nearly resulted in a win.

The finish was almost identical, with turnovers ultimately sealing Montreal’s victory.

If the team was all smiles after last week’s win, I’m not sure the players and coaches will be as happy after letting another large lead slip away.

New homework, same common denominator

Last week, all eyes were on the Als heading into the third quarter. They managed to tie that frame and cruised to a slightly more comfortable win at home. Could they do it for a second straight week? Not exactly, but they’ll gladly take being outscored by a point in the third quarter when they have a 19-point lead.

It seems the Als have figured out how to come out of the gate better in the second half. However, they have developed a new bad habit: letting opponents claw their way back into games in the fourth quarter. Over the last two weeks, the Stamps made the finishes far too interesting and could have stolen the two points on either occasion.

There is a common denominator behind these struggles: the inability to flip the momentum quickly enough. There will always be ups and downs during a game, but the downs can’t be as deep or last as long as they have for the Alouettes if this team wants to go all the way.

The Alouettes aren’t chasing a winning record; they’re chasing a championship. And these bad habits need to disappear if they want to win it all.

Clutch, but too much bending

Noel Thorpe’s defence has always embraced a “bend, but don’t break” mentality. It has been on full display over the last two weeks. The unit allowed the Stamps to cut into the lead, but when it mattered most, they came up with big plays.

After David Perales’ knockdown last week, it was defensive back Faion Hicks’ turn to make a critical play with a forced fumble in the dying seconds of the game.

The defence can thank its offence, which continues to find ways to put points on the board. That has given the unit a large margin for error, and they have needed every bit of it over the last few weeks.

When the offence eventually hits a wall, the pressure on the defence will ramp up quickly.

Another achievement for Alexander

What else can be said about Davis Alexander? Well, he broke another CFL record.

On Saturday, he surpassed former Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant for the most consecutive passes without an interception, eclipsing Durant’s mark of 323.

Otherwise, it was another outstanding outing for Alexander, who finished 22-of-30 for 401 yards and three touchdown passes.

After scaring the Montreal crowd last week when he grabbed at his hamstring, Alexander looked very comfortable.

In the second quarter, he worked some magic by escaping pressure and finding Tyson Philpot for a long gain. He also connected with Tyler Snead for a touchdown after once again using his legs to buy time.

A questionable play call

When Kaseem Ferdinand caught the game-winning touchdown pass, many fans and even the French-language broadcasters on RDS called offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo a genius.

The play was a run look that turned into a deep shot, and gave the Als a 38-32 lead. Honestly, a strong argument can be made that it was the right call.

I disagree.

Regardless of the outcome, and regardless of the missed conversion afterward, I believe it was a mistake. It’s a controversial take, but here’s my reasoning.

There was 1:04 remaining when Ferdinand scored. The Als defence had already allowed 29 second-half points, and Vernon Adams Jr. was about to get another chance to drive the field and tie the game. Instead, that opportunity became a potential game-winning drive.

At that point, I would not have put the game in Adams Jr.’s hands. I would have continued running the ball, drained the clock, and settled for a field goal, especially since Calgary was out of timeouts. That likely would have left the Stamps with no more than 10 seconds to work with, if that.

Welcome back, Spieker

Before the start of the season, Davis Alexander told 3DownNation that the team wanted receiver Cole Spieker to become a key component of the offence in 2026.

Unfortunately, Spieker suffered an ankle injury after catching his first pass of the season and was placed on the six-game injured list.

Four games later, he was ready to return and celebrated his comeback with four catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.

Spieker has been nicknamed the “Silent Assassin” by several Montreal media members over the years. He has consistently been a key target on second down, and Saturday afternoon was no different.

He caught his touchdown in that situation and also helped the offence escape trouble early in the third quarter. That extended drive eventually ended in a touchdown.

Spieker also contributed in pass protection, helping buy time on several long-developing plays.

A masterclass first quarter

The Alouettes have been starting on time over the last three games, but none of those starts were as dominant as the one they delivered on Saturday. They controlled all three phases of the game.

It started offensively, with running back Travis Theis dominating the Stampeders’ defence, including a highlight-reel run through Folarin Orimolade on his way to a touchdown. It set the tone for the rest of the half.

Later in the quarter, Davis Alexander led another touchdown drive, capping it off with a beautiful pass to Cole Spieker.

The defence then completely shut down Adams Jr., allowing no points and consistently giving the offence excellent field position.

Even special teams made an impact, with several strong punts from Joseph Zema.

Help, please

The Alouettes have a championship-calibre team. There is no doubt about that. However, there is one nagging issue that needs to be resolved.

Phillip Brooks and Mario Alford have combined for only one explosive return this season. DeVonte Dedmon has yet to play a game, but I’m not convinced he will be the solution either.

General manager Danny Maciocia may want to start exploring external options to upgrade his return unit.

There is hope for Calgary

The bottom line isn’t great for the Stamps after losing both games. However, there is reason for optimism in Cowtown.

Calgary has barely put together three complete quarters across the two matchups. The Alouettes deserve credit for that, but Vernon Adams Jr. also missed several makeable throws, while the defensive backs blew a few assignments, particularly in the second quarter.

Calgary is not as bad as their record suggests.

If the Stampeders can find their way into the playoffs and get some reinforcements along the way, they could become a dangerous team.

What’s next?

The Alouettes return home next Sunday to take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.