Als' defence faces strong challenge from Lions QB Reilly
The absence of head coach Khari Jones and the potential impact it might have on the Alouettes' offence and quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. might be an obvious scenario.
But it won't be the only storyline as Montreal prepares to host the B.C. Lions on Saturday (7 p.m., TSN1, TSN3, RDS, TSN Radio 690, 95.5FM) at Molson Stadium.
Lions quarterback Michael Reilly was named one of the CFL'S top performers of the week after he shredded Ottawa's defence last Saturday. The 36-year-old veteran completed 22 of 26 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns in their 45-13 victory. Reilly completed his first 11 throws and had three touchdowns by the end of the first quarter.
“Reilly knows this game and is an accurate quarterback,” linebacker Patrick Levels said.
“The biggest thing I see is his toughness. His team believes in him. He never believes a play's done. He can make something happen on every play. If we make a mistake, he's going to make us pay. You have to play damned near perfect.”
While the Als have a 2-2 record, their defence has been inconsistent. Montreal held Edmonton to 13 points to launch the season, only to struggle in losses to Calgary and Hamilton. In the Als' last game, a 51-29 victory at Ottawa on Sept. 3, the Redblacks scored 16 fourth-quarter points after the outcome was settled.
Reilly could be the Als' biggest challenge yet. He has completed 74 per cent of his attempts along with 1,293 yards and six touchdowns. He has only thrown one interception. B.C. (3-2) is on a two-game winning streak and is 2-1 on the road, while Montreal lost its only home game.
“It's not that we're good or bad. We haven't found our identity yet,” Levels said. “We're young and inconsistent. Nobody's complacent or happy. We're grinding out wins, but have a lot of work to do at the same time.
“We need to go and make sure we get a win at home,” he added. “To drop games at home is unacceptable. We want to show the fans Montreal's here (and) it's not an up and down situation every week.”
Defensive-end Antonio Simmons, middle-linebacker Ahmad Thomas and safety Ty Cranston, all of whom missed the last game with injuries, have returned to health and will be active against the Lions. Defensive-tackle Michael Wakefield will miss the game because of personal reasons.
The game marks the first time in Adams' career he won't have his head coach available. Jones had a positive COVID -19 test last weekend and is in isolation for at least 10 days. Assistant head coach André Bolduc will call the offensive plays, with help from offensive assistant Mike Lionello.
“I've never been in a situation like this,” Adams said. “It's unique and not one we want to be in. This is the time we're living in. It's tough, but what can we do? We can't dwell on it.
“We're trying to make it as normal as possible, although we know it won't be.”
This marks the first game in which spectators must provide proof of double vaccination. Between 12,000 and 14,000 fans are expected.