Just In:Talented Quarterback star believes Alouettes are still CFL’s best team

The Montreal Alouettes, who won their eighth Grey Cup in 2023, have experienced a significant turnaround in their fortunes over the past year. In 2022, the team was under the ownership of Crawford Steel executives Sid Spiegel and his son-in-law Gary Stern. However, in February 2023, the ownership was passed back to the league, which subsequently agreed to sell the team to Quebec media mogul and former Parti Québécois leader Pierre Karl Péladeau in March of that year.

The tables have turned for the Montreal Alouettes heading into the 2024 CFL season. Last year, the team’s uncertain ownership situation and free-agent departures made them appear vulnerable to other CFL teams. However, the landscape has changed significantly.

Under the new ownership of Quebec media mogul Pierre Karl Péladeau, the Alouettes now appear to be the strongest team in the East Division on paper. This shift in fortunes has put the defending Grey Cup champions in a position of strength as they prepare to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the season opener on Thursday night.

The Alouettes’ resurgence has not gone unnoticed, and they will be closely watched as they look to defend their title and potentially dominate the East Division in the upcoming season.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo, named the Grey Cup’s most valuable player, expressed his confidence in the Alouettes, stating, “I think we have the best team in the CFL and I’ll always say that.” He believes in the team’s potential and is excited to prove their worth as the best team in the league.

Despite a few significant departures, such as receiver Austin Mack signing with the Atlanta Falcons, defensive-end Lwal Uguak joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and tailback William Stanback being released and signing with B.C., the core of the team has returned. Additionally, this will be their second season under head coach Jason Maas, which will lead to increased familiarity.

Maas highlighted the team’s strong work ethic, connection, and enjoyment of each other’s company as reasons for his excitement. He noted that the team’s experience has grown, and with more experience comes the potential for improvement. Maas expects the team to be better than they were at this time last year, as they know how to do the little things that lead to success.

The Alouettes’ confidence and cohesion, combined with their experience and coaching stability, make them a formidable opponent heading into the 2024 CFL season.

The Montreal Alouettes had an inconsistent start to the 2023 season, alternating between wins and losses for more than half the year. Despite being in danger of being overtaken for second place in the division in mid-September with a 6-7 record, the Als caught fire, winning five regular-season games and three more in the playoffs. This run culminated in their come-from-behind 28-24 Grey Cup victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Blue Bombers, considered the league’s gold standard, have reached the Grey Cup four consecutive seasons but have lost their last two title games. While it’s not unusual for the CFL to open its schedule with a Cup rematch, it is unusual for the losing team to host the game. The Als organization was reluctant to play at Molson Stadium this week due to the Canadian Grand Prix, leading to the game being played in Winnipeg.

The Alouettes can expect a hostile crowd and a Blue Bombers team eager to settle an old score. However, head coach Jason Maas emphasized that the location is inconsequential and that his team is excited to play football together again.

The Montreal Alouettes have several returning players worth watching this season:

Safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy: A budding superstar and playmaker, he was the division nominee as outstanding Canadian.

Linebackers Tyrice Beverette, Darnell Sankey, and Reggie Stubblefield: Considered one of the best linebacker groups in the CFL.

Veteran rush-end Shawn Lemon: Had 9 quarterback sacks in 13 games last season.

Offensively, veteran Walter Fletcher is expected to help compensate for the loss of William Stanback. Canadian receivers Kaion Julien-Grant and Tyson Philpot possess speed and talent, while quarterback Cody Fajardo, in his second season under head coach Jason Maas, is poised to flourish after exorcising his personal demons from his time in Saskatchewan.

Fajardo noted that the team’s camaraderie and familiarity with each other will allow them to be more complex in their plays early in the season, compared to Week 1. He’s excited about how much closer the team has become and how well they know each other.

With this experienced and talented roster, the Alouettes are well-positioned to build on their Grey Cup championship and assert themselves as the team to beat in the East Division.