Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photography/Ottawa REDBLACKS
OTTAWA — The first half-season of the Mike Sherman era was not a pretty one in Montreal, but the Alouettes took a big step towards righting the ship with a 21-11 win in the nation’s capital on Friday night.
Montreal’s veteran head coach was pleased with his team’s effort, but remained understated in his post-game press conference.
“We did what we had to do in terms of this week and last week,” said Sherman. “We can enjoy it a little bit, then get back to work and get ready for the next one.”
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The Als will head into their bye week on a two-game winning streak, sitting at 3-8 but only — for the time being — a single win out of a playoff spot.
“To be able to do what we did defensively, (against) that type of offence and quarterback and the skills says a lot about our side,” continued Sherman. “This is one night, we have a lot left to go. I want (the players) to enjoy it, but realize that there’s other ones ahead of us.”
Next up for Montreal will be a Friday Night Football date at home against the BC Lions (3-6) in Week 14.
Whether it will be Antonio Pipkin — 242 pass yards, two interceptions and a rush touchdown in Ottawa on Friday — or shiny acquisition Johnny Manziel under centre remains to be seen.
“He played well,” said Sherman of Pipkin. “He’ll keep getting better (and) made good decisions for the most part. I wasn’t too happy about the interception at the end of the first half — he’ll learn against two-man you don’t throw the ball down the middle like that. But it’s a lesson learned.”
Regardless of a mistake here or there, Friday’s was a solid victory for the Alouettes: 3-8 looks a lot better than 1-8, and Montreal is primed to make an outside shot at a playoff push in the second half.
