10 concerns facing the Alouettes this year
Staffing changes could test record
The Alouettes have been the model of consistency since returning to the Canadian Football League in 1996, never having missed the playoffs.
But with a new head coach, quarterback and offensive coordinator — Ryan Dinwiddie might not have the title, but he will be calling the plays after the firing of Rick Worman barely more than one week into training camp — that standard could be tested this season.
Never, it seems, have so many questions and concerns potentially surrounded this team. Here are 10 that we have: Not only is general man- ger Jim Popp in the final year of his contract, he wanted to remain head coach after replacing Dan Hawkins five games into last season. Popp, at least, believed that would work best for continuity.
In 2010, the last time this scenario was repeated, Popp’s new deal wasn’t announced until August, so it might be a tad premature to be concerned — yet. On the other hand, owner Robert Wetenhall appears in no rush to get a new deal signed.
Re-signing Popp, the only GM this franchise has known, should be a priority. The Als would potentially be lost without their top personnel guy.
With the retirement of Anthony Calvillo, all eyes will be set on his replacement, Troy Smith. Fortunately, Smith got some playing time in 2013, after Calvillo was concussed. But timing issues clearly remain between Smith and his receivers; that was obvious in last week’s exhibition, against Ottawa, Smith’s first game.
How quickly he adapts and adjusts to the Canadian game might ultimately dictate this team’s fate.
The Als’ defence carried this team throughout much of last season — at least until the final drive of regulation time against Hamilton in the East Division semifinal.
Given the team’s expected offensive growing pains a year later, the defence might have to hold the fort through the early portions of the schedule. This is a physically imposing and demanding defence to play, with players moving around, playing aggressively and frequently blitzing.
But if they’re on the field too much, because the offence isn’t generating first downs, they’ll eventually wilt. Or if they can’t sustain pressure. Or if other teams have figured out defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe’s scheme.
Tom Higgins has coached in the CFL before, with Edmonton and Calgary, so he’s already ahead of Hawkins, the walking time bomb who was in over his head and doomed to failure. Higgins has won a Grey Cup and is a two-time coach of the year.
But he hasn’t coached since 2007, having spent the last six years as the CFL’s director of officiating. And he wasn’t exactly in demand when the league decided not to bring him back.
His hiring could prove to be a stroke of genius. Or he could merely be holding the job temporarily until the next sacrificial lamb is identified. Should we mention, during his last year of coaching, Calgary went 7-10-1?
According to bodog.ca, British Columbia is the Grey Cup favourite, followed by Calgary and Saskatchewan. So the balance of power could rest in the West Division.
The Als are the sixth favourite, with an over/under of nine regular-season victories. But should Edmonton or Winnipeg prove to be a surprise, finish fourth but win more games than Montreal, the Als could risk missing the playoffs, the victim of the crossover rule.
Fans should relish Duron Carter, taking note of each and every reception he makes this season — because the son of Cris Carter will be playing in the NFL in 2015, in all likelihood. NFL scouts came to camp early and often this season — simply to watch the 6-foot-5, 205-pound gazelle. If he remains healthy, Carter’s capable of a 2,000-yard season potentially, especially should Smith struggle connecting with the others.
We like what we’ve seen of Chad Johnson thus far. He’s a consummate professional, not to mention a walking quote machine. At age 36, he seems to still have the skills — at least the hands. But he hasn’t played a competitive game since 2011, and the Redblacks did a good job of jamming him at the line of scrimmage last week.
Johnson undoubtedly isn’t as fast as a decade ago. Playing wide-receiver on the strong side, mostly, we won- der how many passes he’ll get a game. And since the media will constantly be demanding his presence for interviews, we wonder if the potential exists of him becoming a distraction.
Can tailback Brandon Whitaker remain healthy and become a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time since 2011?
He’s coming off knee and hamstring problems the last two seasons and his backup, Tyrell Sutton, begins the season on the six-game injured list.
With the passing game showing flashes of inconsistency, Whitaker might get the ball — repeatedly. That only makes sense.
Let’s face it, Montreal sports fans are fickle. This is a bandwagon town, unless we’re talking the Canadiens, who will get their 21,273 fans — win or lose.
The presence of Johnson will elicit interest at Molson Stadium, where empty seats have been the norm recently. But how will the fans handle the lean times, should it come to that?
The guys who draw up the schedule have done the Als no favours. With four of their first six at home, that means they conclude the schedule with four of six on the road, including three of their last four.
Scott Flory and Andrew Woodruff have retired, while Michael Ola’s trying to stick with the Chicago Bears. So we wonder how the offensive line will fare.
Ryan Bomben got plenty of games last season, following Flory’s early-season injury, although Kristian Matte is perhaps more of an unknown commodity at left guard.
The unit, once again, is breaking in a new position coach, Kris Sweet, who isn’t exactly all warm and fuzzy. He’s been called demanding, but fair, by one of the linemen.
But if Sweet ruffles their feathers, the linemen will turn on him. In a hurry.