Als’ Cox playing every game like it may be his last
Veteran linebacker looking forward to final three contests in lost season
It would be easy to suggest the Alouettes’ final three games — now that the team will miss the playoffs a fourth consecutive season — are meaningless.
But the contests, starting with Saturday afternoon’s game at Toronto, mean the world to veteran linebacker Chip Cox, completing his 13th CFL season, all with Montreal.
Cox, 35, missed the Als’ final three games in 2017 with a knee injury, not playing after Oct. 9. He also returned home to Columbus, Ohio, to be with his wife, who was battling a mysterious illness at the time, her condition since rectified.
“It’s another opportunity to play football, a game that I love. It means a lot. This is what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I’m going to take advantage of it,” Cox said after Thursday’s practice. “You never know when it can be your last game.”
In his 15 games last season, a season in which the Als laboured to a 3-15 record — the worst in franchise history that included a year-ending 11-game losing streak — Cox produced 67 tackles and forced one fumble.
Playing with the knee injury most of the season — a condition that deteriorated as Montreal’s defence spent more and more time on the field — some believed age had taken its toll on Cox, who was beginning to slow down.
But he has regained his health this season and, in 13 games, has 63 tackles, two quarterback sacks and has forced three fumbles. The Als’ defence has been inconsistent, but held the high-powered Calgary Stampeders to one touchdown and 12 points in their last game.
Cox has generally looked good on man coverage and has had few missed tackles. Even Cox, reluctant to talk about himself, believes he has looked impressive on film. That’s important, since he’s a potential free agent in February.
Cox re-signed with the Als in early June, missing two weeks of training camp, and didn’t make his season debut until June 22, against Winnipeg. At the time of his signing, he said he believed he could play competitively for two more seasons, and he hopes Montreal management agrees.
“As long as they want me ... as long as the front office and the general manager and coaches want me, I’ll be here,” said the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Cox, who understands the end of his career is approaching.
“That’s why every game I get to play is a blessing and I feel good about,” he said. “I don’t take it for granted. I’m closer to the end but, if you truly love the game, you’re going to take every opportunity to go out there, enjoy it and do your best.”
Cox made his Als debut in 2006, when the team advanced to the Grey Cup, losing to B.C. Montreal returned to the championship game again two seasons later, again losing, this time at Olympic Stadium to Calgary. The Als, however, won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, the last time they reached the Grey Cup.
While the last four seasons have taken their toll on Cox, he hopes to see the rebuilding process through to fruition.
“When you love something, it’s unconditional. But it might not love you back,” he quipped. “Don’t get me wrong, losing is very frustrating. It’s my stubbornness to want to fix something and try not to give up on it. That’s in me to keep trying to get it done.
“We’ve had different formulas. We’re trying different things, and I want to be a part of that. Get this organization turned around.”
Defensively, there have been highs and lows this season under co-ordinator Rich Stubler. The Als allowed 50 points against Hamilton and were torched for 56 by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But they also held Saskatchewan to 17 and Ottawa to 11 and out of the end zone in late August. B.C. was at 17 points on Sept. 14 before Antonio Pipkin threw two fourth-quarter interceptions, both returned for touchdowns.
“I believe we’re for real,” Cox said. “We’ve shown glimpses of greatness and glimpses of, ‘What the heck are they doing?’ We just have to be more consistent.
“I want us to go out and show that we love this game. Play every game like it’s your last. I know it’s a cliché, but you really have to do that. I want guys to play assignment-sound and show they know their stuff.”
The Argonauts already have lost once to Montreal and have a similar 3-12 record. And while the Als are on a four-game losing streak, Toronto has dropped its last seven contests.
Montreal head coach Mike Sherman would obviously prefer to end the season on a positive note so the players and organization can feel bullish heading into what figures to be a long and cold winter — one that should include numerous personnel changes.
“The message is the same: win games and develop chemistry in the locker-room,” Sherman said. “No bitching and moaning. We’re all in this together and have each other’s backs.”
Notes: Boundary cornerback Tommie Campbell returned to practice Thursday following a one-day absence dealing with a personal issue ... The Als have signed 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman Dillon Guy. The Hamilton native was a fourth-round pick by B.C. in 2016 and played one game for Calgary in 2017.
If you truly love the game, you’re going to take every opportunity to go out there, enjoy it and do your best.