BEDE STARTS ON NEW FOOT
Als kicker ignores distractions
If the Alouettes are seeking a fresh start after missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, it goes without saying kicker Boris Bede wants to put last season in his rear-view mirror, as well.
“It was a learning season. You can be on top and, as fast as possible, you can be on the bottom,” Bede said Sunday morning after the Als completed the first of two practices at Bishop’s University — the last time at training camp they’ll be forced to hit the field twice.
“You have to make sure you remain focused and put the distractions away,” added the import, who is heading into his third season with Montreal.
Bede, who played collegiately at Université Laval and possesses one of the strongest legs in the Canadian Football League, appeared destined for the NFL as a rookie, only to hit rock bottom in 2016. Indeed, following some early-season inconsistencies, he was placed on the six-game injured list — a euphemism for being benched.
Bede lost his job for two months to Anthony Fera, another import, before finally being activated again late in the season in Calgary. Bede punted for a modest average of 42.8 yards, but connected on only 11 of 21 field goals (52.4 per cent).
Fera, who signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, punted for a 46.5-yard average while making 16 of 20 field goals (80 per cent).
“It happens. We can’t be great everyday. It’s harder to stay on top,” Bede said. “We had a couple of things that happened to be different. I needed to work on myself and refocus, not get distracted on whatever was around.”
Part of those distractions, Bede admitted, was constant questioning from the media about what was wrong. While Bede was clearly exasperated every time there was a request, he proved to be a standup guy who always faced the music. He couldn’t have acted more professionally.
“You guys didn’t help me with the whole coming back and interviewing me when I wasn’t having the best time,” he said. “Distractions? Maybe. Maybe it was a lack of maturity in my professional career. I got distracted and I never should have. The NFL stuff wasn’t part of it. It was more of an internal thing.
“But you guys didn’t really help the situation.”
Nonetheless, the Als didn’t hesitate to resign Bede last winter when he was eligible for free agency. And, not only did Fera not return to the team, the Als brought only one other kicker to camp, import Carl Ojala, a Vermont native who played at North Carolina State.
But when it became apparent Ojala was no competition, he was released. And management has no plans on signing another kicker.
“If we bring someone in, it’s going to be someone who brings us competition,” head coach Jacques Chapdelaine said. “He’ll be a little more competitive than (Ojala).”
While the Als lost their opening exhibition game at Toronto last week — scoring only one touchdown in the process, a recurring theme that has plagued this team — Bede was superb, making all four field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder on the final play of the opening half for Montreal’s first points. He also made a 46-yarder midway through the third quarter.
Bede predictably said he never lost confidence in himself, but appreciated the trust and confidence displayed by general manager Kavis Reed, the Als’ former special teams coordinator.
“I know what I’m able to do. I’m here for a reason,” Bede said. “That’s my job. I just try to help our offence when it’s needed. Give a little push with three points.”
With Reed moving upstairs into the executive suite, he’s been replaced by Bruce Read, who joined the Als from Nebraska. Read has an infectious attitude and is a likable individual, although he’s learning the Canadian game on the fly.
Obviously he’s been impressed by Bede’s powerful leg and raw talent, calling him a phenomenal talent. He told the kicker early in camp that he’ll play a prominent role in the Als’ fortunes this season.
“Because of his power and ability to do different things, he can onside kick, moon-shot kick, kick it deep and mask his approach. It’s hard for the returner to see which way he’s going,” Read said. “I told him he can be the difference in us being champions and being really good. Being in the playoffs or not.”
Read has challenged Bede to make at least 80 per cent of his field goals. He said he’ll support the kicker and work on any technical flaws — but once the ball is snapped, he made it clear to Bede it’s all on him.
“He needs to understand when he steps out there, he’s the guy that needs to make those field goals,” Read said. “You win the game, people love you. You miss the field goal, people hate you. You can’t go to the next play. We get one play. Then you wait and don’t know when the next play’s coming.
“You need a steady, calm mindset. He tends to get amped up.”
Notes: Receiver Deandre Reaves suffered a head contusion against the Argonauts . ... DBs Aaron Sibley and JaDerrick Farrow have been released . ... Added to the roster are receiver Eugene Lewis and OL Kyler Kerbyson.