Alouettes rely on inexperienced safeties
Rookie Wright jumps into starting spot against Argos following injury to Ackie
When he was coaching the Alouettes in the late ’90s, Dave Ritchie had a few simple doctrines to which he swore by, including: Every rookie that starts a CFL game is good for one loss throughout the season.
This Friday at Molson Stadium, the Als will start freshman Dondre Wright at safety against the Toronto Argonauts. And he’ll be backed up by Mikaël Charland. Although Charland is in his second season, he hasn’t played safety on a regular basis since his university days at Concordia.
Noel Thorpe, Montreal’s defensive co-ordinator, has become familiar with many of Ritchie’s sayings. Thorpe quickly recited a list of the young and inexperienced players — Richard Karikari, Matthieu Proulx, Étienne Boulay, Marc- Olivier Brouillette and Mike Edem — the team has utilized at safety over the years.
Wright, whom the Als selected in the third round (20th overall) last May, will be replacing the injured Chris Ackie, himself in his first year as a starter, although in his third pro season. Ackie had surgery for a torn triceps muscle and is lost for the season.
Although Wright, 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, has been used extensively on special teams, he has had an increasing role on defence when the Als utilize three down linemen.
“I feel like I’ve played substantially the last six games. I’m progressively getting better,” said Wright, a native of Ajax, Ont., who played collegiately at Henderson State, a Division II school in Arkansas. “I’ve missed some opportunities, but I think I’m ready to step in and start.
“I may be smaller than Ackie and different in terms of what I bring to the table, but I feel I can do the same sort of things. I have good range and can tackle well. I’m ready to step in and do well.”
Thorpe, predictably, is bullish on Wright, while head coach Jacques Chapdelaine said he no longer considers the player to be a rookie.
“Growth happens fast for some of these guys. That’s the reality of pro sports,” Chapdelaine said. “They have to play above and beyond their years at some point in time.”
Thorpe said Wright hasn’t been guilty of a missed tackle this season, seemingly always placing himself in good position to make a play.
“He’s more active in our defence than he was asked to be in college,” Thorpe said. “There are some things, from a timing perspective, that he has to get used to. And the speed of the game. There’s a difference. But I’m encouraged by his ability to get lined up and adjust to formations and motions.”
The Als signed Charland near the end of training camp, following his release by Ottawa. He has been on and off the active roster throughout the season and, when dressed, contributes on special teams. But at 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, he’ll provide the team with some much needed height in the secondary.
“He’s instinctual and has a good nose for the ball. And he’s physical,” Thorpe said. “Because of his length, he’s going to go up and highpoint the ball. He’s confident.”
Charland said he has worked out the kinks and any unwanted rust. Now he must rely on instinct and his athletic ability.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “An opportunity like that doesn’t come often. You get excited, but you need to keep your cool and stay focused to do your job.”
Following a bye week in the schedule, this marks the Als’ first game since their defensive implosion against Winnipeg July 27, which saw the visitors somehow surrender a 12-point lead in the game’s final two minutes. The Blue Bombers struck for two touchdowns, completing an onside kick between the scores.
While the Als have recently been known for their stingy defence, this marked the second time this season the unit couldn’t rise to the occasion in the fourth quarter. Last month, at home, British Columbia produced a pair of 75-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drives to secure a seven-point victory.
But Montreal’s defence traditionally has been known for its resilience and character, the players generally responding well when their pride has been bruised over a shoddy performance.
Thorpe admitted the defence must react better in similar scenarios and learn how to close out games. He said the defenders were guilty of missed tackles.
“We gave them enough hope so they thought they could make something happen. They got on a roll,” Thorpe explained. “They weren’t pushing the ball downfield. These were check-down throws and they made our guys miss in space. We were looking to be opportunistic, force a turnover and make a big play. We should have just made a good, secure tackle to get off the field.”
Thorpe believes it’s part of the learning and developing curve, suggesting his players should now realize no CFL game is ever over before the final whistle. Of course, the argument could be made that with the amount of veterans Montreal starts on defence, the meltdown was inexcusable.
“I have to do a better job of having those guys mentally dialed in through 60 minutes,” Thorpe said. “A minute and 30 seconds doesn’t define your team, or a season.”
Meanwhile, although the X-rays on Brandon Rutley’s hand came back negative, Tyrell Sutton returns as the starting tailback this week.
Growth happens fast for some of these guys. That’s the reality of pro sports. They have to play above and beyond their years at some point.