Alouettes’ defence will need to come up big

If we can agree it has all been about the Alouettes’ defence since that fateful day in August 2013, when Anthony Calvillo was concussed at Regina — never to play again — the competency of that unit, and onus being placed upon it, has continued to be magnified.

And now, without the injured Jonathan Crompton and Dan LeFevour behind centre, the season might rest on Montreal’s defence.

“No doubt. We know it. Everyone knows it. Anybody can come out and say it’s a team sport but, on defence, we’ve got one job — protect the goal-line, no matter what’s going on around us,” safety MarcOlivier Brouillette acknowledged on Thursday. “There’s no point sitting on the sideline, worrying and bitching about what the offence’s doing. We can’t control that.”

Last week against the Ottawa Redblacks, a second-year CFL franchise that won two games in its maiden voyage, the Als failed to deliver the goods when it mattered. Ottawa scored on its opening possession of the second half to gain some momentum, then controlled the ball for the final 3:47 of the fourth quarter, running 12 plays on a drive that started on its five-yard line en route to a 20-16 victory.

Think about that. This is the CFL, where the final three minutes last an eternity.

“That’s what stands out to me. We had them pinned deep and had the opportunity to give the ball back to our young quarterback, in good field position, with a chance to win the game,” Brouillette said. “They just drove the ball down our throat. That comes down to us not playing on our heels in that type of situation.”

That was last week. Friday night at Molson Stadium, the Als entertain the Calgary Stampeders, merely the defending Grey Cup champions, who won their home opener against Hamilton in a rematch of last season’s title game.

All indications on Thursday had the Als, perhaps surprisingly, starting Rakeem Cato over Canadian Brandon Bridge, who played the final 20 minutes against the Redblacks, completing 50 per cent of his passes. But Bridge and the offence could produce only a field goal following his insertion.

Both quarterbacks will play, head coach Tom Higgins stressed. And, considering the 6-foot-5 Bridge is the Als’ short-yardage pivot, Higgins is fundamentally correct. Cato’s play will ultimately determine how long he’s on the field. Cato was a collegiate stud at Marshall, but is only 6-feet and 178 pounds. He played somewhat sparingly in Montreal’s exhibition games, completing all six of his attempts for 87 yards and a touchdown against Ottawa, then going one-for-three against Toronto for nine yards.

The quarterbacks are listed alphabetically on the Als’ depth chart. Higgins said the entire team was notified of the decision Thursday morning.

“In our minds we have it figured out, possibly. The quarterbacks were told and the team was told. I’m pleased you don’t know. Flip a coin and know both will be playing,” he said. “Our quarterbacks have to play within themselves and believe what they see when they have a receiver they’re expected to go to. You hope that doesn’t go out the window the moment the ball’s snapped.

“I’ve always said you have to win two of the three phases. There’s nothing wrong with our defence and special teams. And there shouldn’t be anything wrong (offensively) except that we have great inexperience at the No. 1 spot.”