Als’ QB Crompton gaining confidence
OTTAWA — Of course, it’s far too early in his career to compare Jonathan Crompton to legendary quarterback Anthony Calvillo. Calvillo reached a point in his career with Montreal, and not particularly long into the process, where he knew he was the Alouettes’ starter, no questions asked.
Crompton, on the other hand, won’t assume anything — especially not after only four starts. Even if three of those games ended in victories.
“Obviously, this is a business. We know that aspect of it. You have to prove yourself every day,” Crompton said. “What you put on tape is your resume. Us being athletes, that’s our resume. Not just myself.
In the continuing evolution of Crompton, the next thing missing from his portfolio is displaying the ability to win on the road. His three victories as a starter have come at Molson Stadium. Crompton, the former Edmonton Eskimo, hopes to change that Friday night, when the Als visit the Ottawa Redblacks at TD Place.
For the Als (4-8), it’s their final game before a bye week in the schedule. And Montreal has yet to win on the road this season. The expansion Redblacks have lost eight straight and are 1-10, but have been largely competitive and their 24,000-seat stadium’s sold out for this game.
Crompton has hardly been electrifying this season, since replacing Alex Brink after one quarter at Winnipeg on Aug. 22. He’s yet to pass for 300 yards in a game. But he generally completes a reasonable amount of his throws, has displayed a strong arm and has command of the huddle. He seems to be gaining confidence each week.
“He knows where to go with the ball. That makes us very confident,” offensive tackle Josh Bourke said.
“He’s got a swagger about him. He commands the huddle well for a young guy. He might not put up huge statistics ... but we don’t need him to do that. We need him to protect the ball, not turn it over.”