Als frustrated at every turn in dismal start to pre-season

TORONTO One after another the Alouettes trotted out a quarterback, each getting their time on the field to showcase their talents as the evaluation of Montreal’s roster continues.

In a three-down league that is the CFL, teams are measured on the strength of their quarterbacks and it remains to be seen what Montreal’s arms have to offer.

As far as pre-season openers went, this was not the way the Als wanted to begin their exhibition play. It was a frustrating and futile afternoon at Varsity Stadium, where five quarterbacks saw playing time, including rookie Canadian pivot Chris Merchant.

The Als lost 45-20 in a game they never were really in almost from the opening kickoff.

About the only good thing to say about Montreal was their new jersey and how the red and white colours matched well. How well players on both sides of the ball and on special teams match will be determined as the grind of training camp continues.

First on the quarterback carousel was Antonio Pipkin, a bigarmed, athletic type who can move the pocket and make throws on the run. Pipkin has the talent, but experience is an issue and it showed during his brief time under centre.

Following the game, Pipkin spent time with Argos veteran running-back Tyrell Sutton at midfield, a former Alouette who is among the CFL’s most respected players.

“I approach the pre-season as I approach every game,’’ said Pipkin. “We’re going to get out here and put this uniform on. We come out to play and we come out here to play to win.”

The goal for any team is to establish a winning culture, even if it is the pre-season. There hasn’t been much winning in Montreal and at this point, any win of any kind would be welcome.

The Argos’ offence, so wretched and so predictable last season, looked like a well-oiled machine in moving the ball with the ease against an Als defence that played its share of zone. Toronto led 20-0 after the opening quarter.

To say the Als struggled on offence would be an understatement.

The only time during the first half that Montreal penetrated the Argos’ side of midfield came after a pass-interference call on a deep ball to receiver Malcolm Carter. Whether it was Carter who, at 6-foot-6 and 192 pounds, is an imposing target, or scatback Josh Cleveland, there were a few good signs on offence with Carter and Cleveland having productive days.

“Overall, we have to get back to practice and grind it out,” said Pipkin. fzicarelli@postmedia.com