The addition of Elijah Thurmon and offensive co-ordinator Marcel Bellefeuille could mean a renaissance for quarterback Anthony Calvillo. (Canadian Press)
2007 CFL Preview
Montreal Alouettes
Als will challenge Bombers for supremacy in the East
Last Updated Tues., June 26, 2007
Doug Harrison, CBC Sports
2006 RECORD: 10-8, first in the East. Defeated Toronto 33-24 in East final and lost 25-14 to B.C. in Grey Cup
KEY NUMBERS:
Passing yards/game: 270.3 (3rd)
Touchdowns: 37 (4th)
TDs allowed: 35 (2nd)
Points allowed: 381 (4th)
ARRIVALS: Offensive co-ordinator Marcel Bellefeuille, DL Steve Charbonneau, LB John Grace, SB Elijah Thurmon, DB Coby Rhinehart, S Shawn Gallant, DB Pascal Masson
DEPARTURES: QB Nealon Greene, RB Éric Lapointe, WR Sylvain Girard, DL Ed Philion, KR Ezra Landry, DB Ricky Bell, WR Thyron Anderson, SB Terrence Edwards, QB Jesse Palmer, WR O'Neil Wilson, DB Ricky Bell, DL Adriano Belli, DL Jerome Haywood, LB Duane Butler, DB Santino Hall, DB Richard Karikari, T Uzooma Okeke
STRENGTHS:
Quarterback – Veteran Anthony Calvillo finished second to Edmonton's Ricky Ray in passing yards last season (4,714) and yet there were some who wondered if he was losing his status among the league's elite signal callers. Many pointed to his 15 interceptions versus 20 touchdown passes, but the Alouettes receivers let Calvillo down on many occasions by dropping well-thrown balls. He fell just short of becoming the first passer in league history to post five consecutive 5,000-yard seasons.
Kicking – It could be argued that the most consistent part of Montreal's game in 2006 was the performance of Damon Duval, who improved his field-goal success rate to a league-leading 86.4 per cent from 73 per cent the previous year. The 2006 East Division all-star finished second in kicking points (201), punting average (45.4 yards) and kickoff average (61.1 yards). Duval also nailed 51 field goals, a new Alouettes record for most field goals in one season.
WEAKNESSES:
Secondary – Once the envy of the CFL for their defensive prowess, the Alouettes ranked fifth in pass defence last season, averaging 257 yards against per game. Defensive backs Chip Cox and Richard Karikari along with cornerback Davis Sanchez led the team with three interceptions but Karikari (free agent, Hamilton) is gone, while Cox has returned following a tryout with the NFL's Washington Redskins. Alouettes management addressed the problem with a pre-season trade with Calgary, bringing in standout Coby Rhinehart. Rhinehart led the Stampeders last season in defensive tackles (63), interceptions (seven) and pass knockdowns (four). Safety Etienne Boulay, the Alouettes' 2006 top rookie, will also be a key player.
Defensive depth – Montreal waved goodbye to seven regulars, including veteran defensive tackle Ed Philion, who retired after eight CFL seasons. An East Division all-star from 2003 to 2005, Philion helped the Alouettes to the 2002 Grey Cup title, and to the championship game in three of the past four years. The loss of linebacker Duane Butler will also be felt. He had a career-high 68 defensive tackles in 18 games last season.
KEY PLAYER:
Anthony Calvillo - As the 14-year CFL veteran goes, so do the Alouettes. Calvillo, who calls his own plays, leads a veteran crew on offence. But he'll have to stay healthy for Montreal to be successful. Slotback Ben Cahoon, who hauled in 99 passes for 1,190 yards last season, remains Calvillo's favourite target.
OUTLOOK:
"[New] offensive co-ordinator Marcel Bellefeuille will mix what [quarterback Anthony] Calvillo knows and is comfortable with and his own philosophies to create wrinkles. And that could be rejuvenating for Calvillo," CFL on CBC analyst Greg Frers said. "I think a great acquisition by the Alouettes was [slotback] Elijah Thurmon, who was cut by Calgary. He's 6-4, 210 pounds and a great addition to their receiving corps. They're going to battle Winnipeg for top spot in the East [Division]."
