Calvillo has some tricks up his sleeve
Don’t be surprised to see a few tricks up Anthony Calvillo’s wellworn sleeves on Saturday at McMahon Stadium.
“I think the fact that we’re playing Calgary again is helping us out because we ran a lot of plays in practice last week that we didn’t use so we’re getting a second look at them and get a chance to run them tomorrow night,’’ related the Montreal Alouettes’ veteran quarterback.
The record-setting 40-year-old’s season thus far has mirrored that of his 1-2 squad: fairly lacklustre. Calvillo finds himself in the unusual position of sixth in passing yardage (590), with three touchdowns, a QB-high four interceptions, all the while marshalling an offence which has scored fewer points (63) than anyone team but Edmonton.
Nevertheless, Calvillo is the Alouettes and opposing teams are just waiting for him to get his groove back. The Als got a bit of a scare on Day Two of practices this week, when he smacked a helmet with his right thumb.
“The thumb is actually better than I thought it was going to be,’’ he offered. “It was really sore. The strength was not there whatsoever. I was a little concerned going into yesterday’s practice, but once I was able to grip the ball and throw everything with no pain it was very satisfying.’’
The goal, Calvillo pointed out on Friday, is to return the team to its characteristic status.
“We have not been consistent at all to sustain a lot of drives yet this year and that’s been very frustrating,’’ he admitted. “For us as a veteran group, we understand that it comes down to us executing these plays. For us it’s a matter of playing with more pride and playing at a level we know we can play at.
“I think what’s been great is you can’t keep running the samething over and over. You have to challenge, one, yourself and you have to challenge the defence, because if you’re just sitting back there running the same stuff, it’s going to be very difficult.’’
Calvillo had nothing but praise for that stingy Stamps’ defence in last Friday’s 22-14 loss at home.
“I thought Calgary called the right defence the majority of the night, to be honest with you,’’ he submitted. “We had plays that were for man and all of a sudden they’re playing zone. They really mixed it up. And then they did some new things on second and long with a three-man rush … you have to give them credit. Coach (Rick) Campbell has so many different packages and you’re trying to study not just off of the two games they did before, but you’re looking at last year’s team as well and see what they did defensively. We have to do a better job executing what’s called.’’