Thumbs up for Alouettes
Calvillo hand sore but he’s ready to go
MONTREAL— We’re not going to dispute the sweltering heat and torrid humidity that has gripped Montreal this week. But on Thursday morning, for one moment, it felt like there was a brief surge of cool air sweeping through Stade Hébert.
It was the sound of Alouettes’ fans breathing a sigh of relief.
Quarterback Anthony Calvillo took the field without a bandage wrapped around his right hand to protect the thumb he injured during Wednesday’s workout — sending a city into mass hysteria. He was able to practice and complete his throws, quickly quieting concerns over his availability for Saturday night’s game against Calgary at McMahon Stadium.
Veteran rush-end John Bowman also practised for the first time this week, after being ill, and anticipates lining up against the Stampeders.
“The strength was good. That was the only thing I was concerned with — and it went away (Wednesday),” Calvillo, the 20-year Canadian Football League veteran, reported. “It’s still sore, but that’s going to happen.
“I wasn’t concerned when I left practice — just when I hit it,” he continued. “Once you look at your finger, you want to make sure it’s all in place, and it was. It’s just very sore.”
Calvillo repeatedly has stated over the years he doesn’t read the papers or watch television, at least not the sports report. When it comes to social media, the 40-year-old still remains a part of the 20th century. So he had no idea how the Twitter world was speculating about his presence 24 hours earlier.
“I know when any starter goes down there’s some importance — and some concern,” he admitted.
And this, of course, is magnified in Montreal, where the Als released veteran pivot Quinton Porter at the end of training camp and elected not to re-sign free-agent Adrian McPherson. If anything was to ever happen to Calvillo, thirdyear pro Josh Neiswander — who has never thrown a pass in a regular-season game — would be thrown to the wolves, along with, potentially, rookie Tanner Marsh.
So while the football denizens in Montreal can rest easy for now, it doesn’t change the fact the Als’ offence continues to surprisingly struggle through three games. And that offence is breaking in a new guard this week, Ryan Bomben, replacing the injured Scott Flory. Flory will miss the season with a torn bicep. Last week, import Michael Ola replaced Andrew Woodruff, on the nine-game injured list with concussion-related symptoms.
“Our challenge is to be consistent,” Calvillo said.
“The coaches have challenged us with lots of new stuff — and good stuff. But we have to execute it.
“We’ve had a great week of practice.”
History will note Calvillo, and others, said the same thing last Thursday. The offence then went out against Calgary, scored a touchdown on its opening drive, and not again — the Als’ other score coming off a blocked punt.
The numbers and lack of proficiency continue to baffle.
Calvillo’s efficiency rating is a mediocre 69.0, compared to Darian Durant’s 135.1. Calvillo has passed for 590 yards through three games and only three touchdowns. He has already been intercepted four times. He has completed 58 of 99 attempts, despite being surrounded by virtually the same offence — at least before the injuries to Woodruff and Flory.
The Als are last in first downs and average yards of offence. They’re last in rushing, second-last in passing. Predictably, they’ve punted more than any team.
“The only thing I’m concerned with is our record,” Calvillo said. “Stats? I try to stay away from.
“Our challenge is to be more consistent — and it starts with me. When I play well and great, this team’s going to go.”
Once again this week, according to Calvillo, offensive co-ordinator Mike Miller has instituted new plays, challenging the athletes while not overburdening them with too much, Calvillo added.
Miller, of course, can devise hundreds of new plays and formations. If they don’t suit the players he has at his disposal, or they don’t execute, this wheel will continue spinning without results.
These problems didn’t seem to exist to this extent during Marc Trestman’s five years as head coach. And, while Trestman had an offensive co-ordinator, it was always believed the unit, especially the quarterback, came under his jurisdiction.
Asked whether the offence would continually be shooting itself in the foot had Trestman remained, Calvillo skirted the issue, but claimed mistakes were made under Trestman’s watch.
New head coach Dan Hawkins can only hope this is the week the team breaks out of its funk, makes some plays and sees its confidence grow.
“We’ve talked to them about the tipping point,” he explained.
“Keep grinding, scratching and clawing. It might be right there and you hit the tipping point, get a little confidence and get rolling. Then the guys will loosen up and play like they can.”
Bowman, meanwhile, said he had a dry cough following last week’s game that began escalating into other maladies. Although still congested, he said it felt good to break a sweat — on the field as opposed to in bed.
With the offence struggling, Bowman realizes the next game might come down to the strength of Montreal’s defence — again. The unit was on the field more than 36 minutes last game.
“I love playing,” he said. “I don’t care if I’m on the field 10 minutes — like it used to be in the day when A.C. was slinging the ball around — or 40 minutes. Play as many plays as you can. You never know when it’s your last opportunity.”