FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
The Stampeders will try to get back to their winning ways on Saturday against the visiting Montreal Alouettes. The Als are one of two teams to have already beaten Calgary this season, a 29-11 decision in Montreal on July 3. Here are five things to watch i
1. The unknown is now known
The last time the Stamps prepared for the Als, they were in the dark about the starting quarterback they would face — either Canadian-born Brandon Bridge or former Marshall star Rakeem Cato. As it turned out, Cato took the reins and guided his offence to victory, taking advantage of short passes and a stout offensive line that kept him from being touched by the Stamps’ defenders. Now three games into his CFL career, Cato will be eyed very closely by the Red and White.
2. Lewis makes his return in red, white and blue
Nik Lewis is back in town and he wants everyone to know it. The gregarious slotback makes his first appearance at McMahon Stadium in a different uniform and there’s no doubt he’ll receive a hero’s welcome from the Stampeder faithful. He has 15 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown this young season, which he happened to score against Calgary on July 3. He would like nothing better than to get another one on the field that had been his CFL home for 11 years.
3. Stopping the run is key
Stopping the other team’s ground game is akin to putting a dagger in the offensive scheme and that was something the Stampeders were not able to do in their initial meeting with the Als. Running back Tyrell Sutton roamed at will, collecting 134 yards on 25 carries, including one for 16 yards. Calgary defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler said during the week that has been the focus, so we’ll see how the preparation translates on game day.
4. Life without Cornish will go on
The Stamps, meanwhile, will begin a lengthy sojourn without the three-time CFL rushing champ as he nurses a broken right thumb. But, everyone will recall, the squad was without him for long stretches last year as well and didn’t miss a beat. Rushing duties will fall on international Tory Harrison, who came off the practice roster this week, and Matt Walter, who handled the ball a lot last season in Cornish’s absence. Harrison should know the system; he was on the Stamps’ PR last season as well.
5. The bounce-back factor
The Stampeders do not lose two games in a row very often, so the odds are in their favour on Saturday. But this isn’t Las Vegas. The Als will provide a stern test, given their outstanding defence and veteran-laden offence. Calgary has already lost two games in 2015 and one more will equal the total from the Grey Cup-winning 2014 campaign. With a dozen games to go after Saturday, that isn’t a scenario they want to envision as they head into a bye week.