Eastern Final | The five keys to the Argonauts-Alouettes duel

Time for the rematch. The Eastern final between the Montreal Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts was so spectacular and surprising in 2023 that we have been waiting for the sequel for a year. As at the time when we anticipated the continuation of the Godfather or from Star Wars. This time, the battle will take place on the synthetic turf at Percival-Molson Stadium. And if the Argos are hungry for revenge, the Alouettes have the opportunity to defend their Gray Cup title. And it looks like an offer the team can’t refuse. Here are five keys to this duel.

The Alouettes’ defense

There is no secret: to win, the Alouettes’ defense will have to deliver. There’s nothing wrong with relying on defense. There is even a saying that it is the only true way to win championships. The unit led by Noel Thorpe showed some deficiencies at the end of the season, but we can expect it to wreak havoc, based on the team’s history. The Alouettes are second in the Canadian Football League in terms of points allowed this season (404). Such a performance would have been impossible without the performance of linebackers Tyrice Beverette and Darnell Sankey, the two lungs of the defensive unit, respectively third and fourth in terms of successful tackles.

The ground game

Like peregrine falcons, Argonauts use their speed to undermine their opponents. Toronto has scored more points than anyone this season in the CFL thanks to its efficiency on the ground. No team has raced more often in 2024. It’s part of the DNA of this team. Team that could have suffered from the departure of star running back AJ Ouellette during the summer. But Ka’Deem Carey has provided a healthy transition, being one of only three running backs to accumulate more than 1,000 rushing yards. The Alouettes allowed 520 yards on the ground in three duels against the Argos. A weakness that visitors will certainly exploit. To win, the Alouettes will have to slow down Toronto’s ground attack.

The true nature

This is not a question of the comforting show hosted by Jean-Philippe Dion, but rather of a necessity for the Alouettes. Since his arrival, head coach Jason Maas has developed a system and an identity. And certain factors allow the team to still aspire to great honors. First, the Alouettes excel in hotly contested matches. Their 5-1-1 record in games ending with a margin of less than four points proves their ability to constantly find solutions. Then, even if the Alouettes don’t have the most resourceful attack, it is daring. She leads the league in explosive plays, see here runs of 20+ yards and passes of 30+ yards. Then, the most important thing: despite their first place, the Alouettes players still play with the feeling of being underestimated.

Trench warfare

During their preparation week, around ten days ago, the Alouettes offensive linemen wanted to get back to basics. Practice their movements, transitions and positioning. Notwithstanding the style of play that their future opponent would offer. Once this opponent was known, the offensive line players had to work to prepare for a confrontation in which they were overlooked against the Toronto defensive line. Jake Ceresna and Ralph Holley: eight sacks each. Robbie Smith, Derek Parish and Folarin Orimolade: six bags each. The Alouettes have allowed 40 sacks this season, tied for second-last in the CFL. This means two things. First: Cody Fajardo will have to get rid of the ball quickly. Deuzio: it could limit the number of explosive plays.

The offensive bet

It’s all or nothing this season for the Alouettes on offense. The offense is sometimes opportunistic, with the best successful pass rate in the CFL (71.3%), but sometimes inadequate, with the worst ratio of first downs obtained. She’s effective at times, leading the league with just 11 steals allowed, but impotent at times, having the third-worst record in the penalty area. We won’t have to count on the ground game, the least efficient of the nine teams in 2024. So, everyone on the ship has confidence in Cody Fajardo, the reigning Gray Cup MVP. Finally, the Als’ secret weapon, if ever there was one: Cole Spieker. With seven touchdowns this season, the receiver goes unnoticed, but the Alouettes will need him to win.