Popp reluctant to make big changes to offence
Team’s problems won’t be solved by ‘constantly making changes’
Corbin Louks remains part of the Alouettes’ starting offence, although the rookie receiver’s critical fumble early in the fourth quarter, arguably, was the turning point in Montreal’s loss last Thursday against British Columbia.
“People make mistakes. It’s football. You’re never going to play that perfect game. It’s impossible,” Louks said. “That (fumble) was tough. I took some time ... to clear my mind. I went in on Friday to study the film and put it to bed. It’s over.”
Louks will get to live another day — which is more than can be said about Dobson Collins. Remember him? His Als career consisted of one game, last August at Calgary. He fumbled late in the game, one Montreal lost by three points. Collins returned to the practice roster a week later, before he was jettisoned.
A year later, nothing much has changed. The Als’ offence continues to struggle and, with a 2-4 record, concerns are being raised about this team’s immediate future. But Tom Higgins no longer remains Montreal’s head coach, having been replaced by general manager Jim Popp.
It would appear, under Popp, players are provided with more rope with which to hang themselves — even kicker Boris Bede. It can be argued there’s no accountability or consequences over performance issues. Which begs the obvious question: what does it take to get benched on this team?
“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised. In the business of football, there’s always supposed to be personnel changes, based on injuries or performance. For us, there hasn’t been any — and we’re 2-4,” receiver Duron Carter said. “We’re giving guys a chance, more of a chance than in previous years.
“I know we can’t keep swapping players and coaches every year and think that’s going to work.”
Veteran slotback Nik Lewis, now in his 13th Canadian Football League season, has adopted much the same attitude. He knows changes are inevitable on teams that lose and show no improvement. Lewis, who hopes to get into coaching upon retirement, also knows that will be the most difficult aspect of the job, but one that will become a necessary evil.
Popp, and his staff for that matter, undoubtedly are sending a message to the players by remaining in their corner. And, perhaps as the architect of this team, Popp will give them the benefit of doubt longer, since releasing them would be an admission of guilt.
“I do believe in them. Any player in the room would tell you they feel like they have a team that can win any game,” Popp said. “Just constantly making changes isn’t going to solve problems. There has to be some continuity. Changes really are decided in the off-season. You invest and decide you’re going to play with certain people.”
Popp said he might tinker with the lineup moving forward, but remains loath to contemplate wholesale changes until, or if, such time as the team falls out of playoff contention.
There’s no doubt the Als’ offence has suffered serious casualties with the losses of receivers S.J. Green and Kenny Stafford, combined with tailback Tyrell Sutton. Green’s lost for the season but Stafford and Sutton, both on the six-game injured lists, will eventually return.
Carter’s the Als’ leading receiver, having caught 35 passes for 536 yards and three touchdowns. Lewis remains a consistent short-yardage contributor, while the team’s attempting to incorporate B.J. Cunningham more into the offensive package. But Samuel Giguère and Louks have made sporadic contributions.
Giguère has 10 receptions for 88 yards and has been a target 15 other times. Louks has four catches for 42 yards and has been thrown to 11 times.
“I haven’t seen anything that makes me think (Giguère) has done something himself that countered his production,” Als receivers coach Jacques Chapdelaine said. “He gives us a tremendous amount of things we really like. We’re trying to find ways to get him the ball more.”
Two receivers waiting in the wings, both on the practice roster, are Cody Hoffman and Marcus Henry. Hoffman was with the Als last year before suffering a seasonending injury, failed his physical at camp and then recently returned. Henry has CFL experience with Edmonton and Ottawa. Both also are over six feet tall. But neither will get the chance to play until they’re mentally and physically prepared, although the option has been discussed.
“Mentally, we feel they’re not ready to step on the field. It wouldn’t be an advantage for them or us,” said offensive co-ordinator Anthony Calvillo, who went on to defend Louks. “We really haven’t given him many chances. He had one drop of a potential touchdown (against Saskatchewan) and last week. Those are crucial plays.
“We still believe he can get the job done,” Calvillo quickly added. “We told everyone on offence — listen, these are the guys we’re playing with. We have confidence in everybody right now. We have to be more consistent. That starts with us as coaches.”
Meanwhile, a gas leak Monday in the area around Stade Hébert forced the Als to terminate their practice after about 70 minutes. They returned to Olympic Stadium for a walk-through and meetings.
Four kickers were worked out, including Anthony Alix and Delbert Alvarado, both of whom have CFL experience. If a switch is made, the kicker should be at practice Tuesday, Popp said, but Bede won’t be released.
“We have a plan we may do. We just have to feel good about it,” Popp explained.
Veteran defensive-back Billy Parker, who has a lower-body injury, likely won’t play Thursday night, at Edmonton.
I know we can’t keep swapping players and coaches every year and think that’s going to work.