Dominick Gravel/Montreal Alouettes
MONTREAL — Despite the 27-7 loss to the Ottawa REDBLACKS in their pre-season opener last weekend, the Montreal Alouettes are remaining optimistic as they continue to get ready for the regular season.
The Als made an extensive list of key signings in the off-season, especially on defence. Montreal ranked in the bottom half in just about every defensive category last season, so it’s easy to see why general manager Kavis Reed and new head coach Mike Sherman would want to address that side of the ball.
With one pre-season game in the books and preparation going on for when Hamilton comes to town this weekend, the Alouettes are feeling the chemistry coming along with both old and new faces all buying into a new system.
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Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman watches over a new-look defensive unit ahead of the regular season (MontrealAlouettes.com)
“We feel that chemistry is settling into the team. We have been together for two weeks,” linebacker Henoc Muamba told MontrealAlouettes.com. “The guys are more and more aware of their role and communication is growing between us. We have been working hard since the beginning and everyone is following the plan to the letter. When a group of workers gives themselves to the maximum, good things happen.”
Also new in Montreal is defensive coordinator Rich Stubler, who brings with him over 30 years of experience coaching in the CFL.
In the loss to the REDBLACKS last Thursday, Stubler and his defence did see reasons to keep their confidence high leading up to the regular season.
“It was our first time in live-action in Stub’s defence and we kind of get to see what he’s thinking,” said defensive back Jermaine Robinson, another new-face to the Montreal defensive unit. “From what I see, it’s going to be a great defence.”
Montreal sought out a number of quality veterans during free agency, bringing in Jamaal Westerman from Winnipeg and a duo of pass-defenders from Calgary in Tommie Campbell and Joe Burnett.
The Alouettes also announced on Tuesday the return of 13-year veteran Chip Cox, enhancing the leadership on the defensive side of the ball.
“Chip is one of our leaders on defence,” GM Kavis Reed said in a team release. “Over the years he’s won individual awards all while being part of championship teams. That experience is a great asset for our team. We know Chip will be a true mentor for younger players.”
Montreal is set to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their final pre-season game on Saturday, June 9 with kickoff scheduled for noon.
– With files from MontrealAlouettes.com
