CFL Game Day: Montreal at Winnipeg (October 3)

The Bombers bid adieu to Canad Inn Stadium (no, really, this time it's true) today, the new fancy home surely to be finished by the time they next have a meaningful football game in the Spring of 2013.

The farewell tour part two brings to an end a most miserable season for anyone associated with the Blue and Gold, the cost of the season of woe ranging from a fired coach, to injured starting quarterback and most disturbing of all for the accountants, a disillusioned fan base who watched in horror for most of the season.

The prospect of the new stadium at the University of Manitoba is really the only silver lining in the season of dark storm clouds, sparkly and new, the latest "in spot" for Winnipeg, it should buy the Bombers a few years to rebuild and find their way to the top of the CFL again.

That however is for the off season planning, Game Day today is very much a play out the string kind of affair, the auditions for the Bombers 2013 lineup begin today, for Montreal it's a rest day for the starters for the most, perhaps a little tune up work for the defensive unit which has been a problem area for the Als for most of the season.

The two points mean nothing in the standings, mere accounting work for the CFL stats people.

The real numbers will be the number of hits, tackles, receptions and such, numbers that will tell the Bombers who wants to play football next year in Blue and Gold, numbers that tell the Als who is ready for playoff football and who will need a little extra work in the week off to come.  A few of the Als who don't see much playing time have a chance to audition for other GM's with their appearances today, a chance to make the best of their time on TV and an opportunity to save on DVD mailings.

The Bombers and their fans get one last glimpse at the ancient yard of football battles, if there's a wrecking ball warming up in the parking lot though, perhaps have them turn off the key and winterize the beast, you just never know if Canad Inn may be needed one more time...


Game Time 2PM CT, Noon PT, 3 ET Canad Inns Stadium TSN

Montreal 11 at Winnipeg 19 (26,907)

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

National Post-- Blue Bombers play for pride in Canada Inns finale - and third place
Montreal Gazette-- McPherson might be auditioning for other teams
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers, the Hall of Shame team
Winnipeg Free Press-- Burke already getting questions on next season
Canada.com-- McPherson to start at QB vs Bombers

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Winnipeg Blue Bombers


CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

National Post-- Blue Bombers say goodbye to Canad Inns stadium with win over Alouettes
Montreal Gazette-- Als McPherson fizzle in nothing game
Winnipeg Sun-- Slivers of hope in Bombers' wreckage
Winnipeg Free Press-- Leaving on high note
Canada.com-- McPherson fails to shine

CFL Game Day: Edmonton at Montreal (Week Eighteen) October 28, 2012

A window of opportunity opened up for the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday, it's up to them to make use of it on Sunday as they take on the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium.

With Toronto defeating Saskatchewan on Saturday, securing a home playoff game in the Eastern Semi final, the Eskimos can still harbour thoughts of a third place finish in the West, which would send them off to Calgary to take on the Stamps in the Western Semi Final.

Their other path to the playoffs would be a crossover route through the East, that of course providing they can keep ahead of the Hamilton Tiger Cats heading into the final week of play next week.

Towards either goal a victory would be most useful and Kavis Reed has no doubt made that point quite nicely in the week leading up to the Eskimos trip east.

While Montreal really doesn't have much to play for in these final two weeks, Marc Trestman would probably prefer that his team not develop any bad habits heading towards the playoffs, so keeping his team focused on football without looking too far down the calendar will be the task at hand on Sunday.

Bad habits have been a problem for the Als at times during the course of the year, though of late Montreal has begun to pull it together both offensively and defensively, nicely timed as it turns out for the playoff run.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 11 AM MT, 10 AM PT Molson Stradium TSN

Edmonton 25 at Montreal 27 (23,312)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

National Post-- Alouettes' Anthony Calvillo enjoying the moment
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes' Anthony Calvillo isn't over thinking his future
Edmonton Sun-- Edmonton Eskimos hope to snap Montreal jinx
Edmonton Journal-- Montreal strictly a business trip for Eskimos
Canada.com-- Eskimos Joseph continues to defy the odds

Team Backgrounders

Edmonton Eskimos
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

National Post-- Eskimos miss chance to clinch playoff berth with loss to Alouettes
Montreal Gazette-- Als beat Esks at Molson Stadium - again
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos comeback falls short against Alouettes
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos' rally falls just short
Canada.com-- Calvillo varies attack with stellar supporting cast

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Saskatchewan (Week 17) October 20, 2012

With thank you cards mailed off to Winnipeg, the Alouettes, once again the champions of the east (thanks to the efforts of the Blue Bombers last night), can begin the process of resting up some of their key players for the Eastern Final.

Granted the next game of any real relevance for the Als won't take place until mid November, so they perhaps will wish to at least keep their players sharp with some play in parts of their upcoming games, but with the pressure off, the Als may not be as formidable force as had they been in a life and death struggle with the Argos.

That may be good news for the Riders, who still have their sights set on second place, the Stamps currently in their way will play later today, so Saskatchewan, should they collect a win over the Als at Mosaic today, can send their message to Calgary prior to kick off.

The Riders have been finding their mark in the latter stages of the season, as good a time as any to launch the climb in the CFL West, with Edmonton stumbling in BC last night, there's a chance to create some space for Saskatchewan with their Saturday afternoon game.

Someone in the West most likely seems destined to be crossing over to the East for the playoff run, a prospect that may actually be an easier path to the Grey Cup than the Western wars ahead, the only problem with that scenario is that backing into a playoff spot isn't as reassuring as moving forward, a win over Montreal today would go a long way in sending the Riders off towards the Western playoffs.

Game Time 1:30 PM, 10:30 AM, Mosaic Field, TSN

Montreal 34 at Saskatchewan 28 (32,003)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Riders look to lock up playoff berth this week vs. East-leading Alouettes
National Post-- Roughriders host the Alouettes with one eye on the playoffs
Montreal Gazette-- Als in Saskatchewan without London
Regina Leader Post-- Riders seeking another win to clinch playoff berth

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review

National Post-- Alouettes offence comes out swinging in victory over Roughriders
Montreal Gazette-- Als play like winners in victory over Riders
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders move into playoffs
Canada.com-- Ejected Als' Emry regrets putting team in bad light

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Toronto (October 14)

They are seemingly the two last hopes for the East in the quest of the Grey Cup for this 100th season,  with the Hamilton Tiger Cats fading, fading, fading away, it will be up to either the Toronto Argonauts or the Montreal Alouettes to seek to represent the East in the annual football showdown of lat November.

Though, if indications of the previous fifteen weeks are any indication, there's no guarantee that either of them will survive long enough to make it to the final game of the playoff round of the CFL season.

With Edmonton charging up the standings all of a sudden and the prospect of a crossover berth in the east definitely in Western eyes, the possibility that two Western teams will meet in Toronto for the Grey Cup seems suddenly very, very possible.

To avoid that scenario, Toronto and Montreal will need to get their efforts back on track, inconsistency has been a mark of the East this year, just when you think someone is set for a lengthy run of success something happens to raise concerns, offering little in the way of confidence that either are up for the challenge.

Montreal's defensive woes are becoming a much documented file, no worse an example than last weeks shocking loss to the Blue Bombers, a team not known for its winning ways this season.

Likewise in Toronto, the opportunity to take the next step always seems to be missed, last week the Argos had the chance to take hold of the East lead with a win over the Riders, instead they were but spectators in their own ball park, content to watch the Riders roll over them to their fourth consecutive win in the last four weeks. An opportunity lost and one that gave Montreal a mulligan on their own misfortune of the Thanksgiving Day opener.

The two teams meet today in Toronto, once again the Argos can show that they are eager to not only grab first place in the East, but to make a serious stand for playing in the Grey Cup that they are hosting.

Montreal will be seeking to reverse a number of bad traits of week fifteen, perhaps not the best of omens for the Argos, no one wants to play a team with something to prove to their coach and to themselves.

Someone has to win after sixty minutes or so don't they?  We'll find out later today.

Montreal at Toronto,  1 PM ET, 10 AM ET, Rogers Centre, TSN

Montreal 24 at Toronto 12  25,348

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Jackson gets crucial start for Argonauts in showdown against Alouettes
National Post-- Argos reward Jason Barnes for his persistence
Montreal Gazette-- Als can secure home playoff game with win
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos remain in hunt for first place despite poor offensive numbers of late
Toronto Sun-- Argos reaching for the top

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes snap out of first half funk to defeat Argos
National Post-- Alouettes best in East, but face tough road to Grey Cup
Montreal Gazette-- Als dig deep
Toronto Star-- Argonauts fumble chance to climb CFL East standings in 24-12 los to Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos come up short, again

CFL Game Day: Winnipeg at Montreal (October 8)

Our Thanksgiving Monday doubleheaders take us to Montreal for a kick off to the days early game, a match up between a team challenging for first in the East and another free falling it seems through its CFL season.

The Alouettes greet their guests in what we imagine will be a wee bit of a snarlin' mood, that after a thorough shellacking last week at the hands of the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

Montreal's defence pretty well ran up the white flag by games end, as Henry Burris connected on 5 TD passes and directed a fairly impressive ground game on the way to the 41 to 28 victory.

Points no doubt made very clear to Montreal's defensive corps leading up to tonights match up with the Bombers.

As they prepare for the Bombers,  the Als can no doubt take some solace in the fact that they are facing a rather demoralized and slightly discombobulated Bomber squad, once again set to go into battle without the services of Buck Pierce, the Bomber QB was injured in last weeks game with a Toronto. Pierce was under pressure for the short period of time he was in the game, suffering yet another concussion after a controversial hit by Toronto defender Brandon Issac.

With his health once again a concern, the Bombers (wisely we say here) have decided to sit him out for the Alouette game, which leaves the Bomber's attack back in the hands of Joey Elliot, who has had a steep learning curve to follow in his upgrade to starter this year.

With the Als still seeking to claim first in the East and with the Argos showing that they won't be missing many beats with Jarious Jackson filling in for the injured Ricky Ray, this weekend's action could prove pivotal for first place aspirations in the Division.

Look for Montreal to make amends for last weeks pratfall in Hamilton, unfortunately for Bombers fans, that will most likely come at the expense of Winnipeg, who seem destined to ride out the rest of the season with much to think about for next year.

Game Time Noon CT, 1 ET, 10 AM ET Molson Stadium TSN

Winnipeg 27 at Montreal 22 (23,201)

Pre Game

CFL.ca Game Preview
CFL.ca Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes look to rebound against lowly Bombers
National Post-- Blue Bombers' Buck Pierce at a crossroad with head injuries
Winnipeg Free Press-- Edwards can't solve Bombers mystery
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers still motivated
Montreal Gazette-- Injured Alouettes face worst team in CFL

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Blue Bombers upset Alouettes for first road win of 2012
National Post-- Alouettes' struggles continue in loss to lowly Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Elliot puts it together
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers stuff Alouettes, Calvillo
Montreal Gazette-- Montreal Alouettes have started choking early this season

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Hamilton (September 2*)

As the CFL season moves through fall and on to the playoffs, time as they say will be of the essence for the Hamilton Tiger Cats to show that they're going to be a consistent participant in what remains of the season.

Things have not gone according to plan in the Steel City these days, very much a case of making one step forward, followed by three or four steps back, from the highs of a dominating performance over the Edmonton Eskimos a few weeks back, the Cats suffered perhaps their most damaging setback last week when they lost to the Bombers and offered up hope to that squad that the playoffs are still within their grasp.

George Cortez must be shaking his head in wonderment as to how each week offers up yet something new to try and sort out, whether it's once sure handed receivers who can't catch balls, a quarterback who still shows glimpses of what he once was, but now shows cracks in his confidence to a defence that allows points at any alarming pace.

And then he looks at the schedule and sees that Anthony Calvillo and the Cats are in town, riding Calvillo's hot hand, firmly holding their place on first in the East and getting ready for the stretch drive that could once again deliver them to a Grey Cup berth once again.

The Als very much go as their QB goes, when AC is on his game (which of late has been most nights) the Als are unbeatable, the only factor on that idea is should a team be able to rush Calvillo, shake up his game plan a bit, then there's hope.

The Cats will need their defence to rise to the occasion of playing one of the leagues legends tonight, looking to shut down his offence, allowing for Henry Burris and the Cats offence to try and recapture that rhythm that left the Eskimos in the dust two weeks ago, if they don't it may be a long, long night at Ivor Wynne.

Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN

Montreal 28 at Hamilton 41 (23,784)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Inconsistent Tiger Cats target strong finish
National Post-- Ticats kicker lets his right leg do the talking
Toronto Sun-- Ticats - Alouettes Game Day 
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats have another shot at playoff spot
Montreal Gazette-- Als can't afford to take Ticats lightly

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris throws five TDs to lead Tiger-Cats over Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris pulls Ticats out of funk with win over Alouettes
Hamilton Spectator-- Burris leads stellar cast of Tiger-Cats
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes fall 41-28 to Tiger Cats

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Montreal (September 23)

An eastern showdown opens up the final two games of week 13, the Montreal Alouettes looking to hold off the Toronto Argonauts and secure first place and a bit of breathing room should they prevail at Molson Stadium.

For much of the last month the Als and Argos have been trading spots atop the East Division, one jumping forward, one falling back, providing for a particularly interesting race for the East title.

The Argonauts have shown signs that they are finally pulling together all the various parts that were put in place over training camp, a defense that is the stingiest of the East holds the opposition point totals game in and game out, leaving the Argos in the running deep into the fourth quarter for most of the season.

Ricky Ray has generated some impressive stats over the course of the summer, finally settling into rhythm and making better use of his receiving corps and the running game.

Special teams have been a particular highlight for the Double Blue, punt and kick returns an edge of your seat experience that can change the game in the blink of an eye.

The one major problem for the Argos is a tendency to take far too many penalties, a situation that tends to shoot the team in the foot at a most inopportune time, something we imagine the coaching staff is eager to turn around before the Thanksgiving to season end stretch gets under way.

Montreal has been red hot over the last month, a rush up the standings after an early season of struggle, Anthony Calvillo once again appears to be in top form, late game spurts down the field becoming the specialty of the Als, where no deficit seems to much to overcome, when they have to.

Montreal's last month has been a reminder to the CFL that despite an aging roster and the realization that the Calvillo era may be drawing to a close, there is still a lot of life left in the rouge, blanc et bleu.

Beyond the Calvillo magic, the Als have benefited from a defence that seems to have overcome its early season struggles, the last few weeks providing a semblance of the consistency that the coaching staff was looking for during the darker days of the early season.

Sunday's match up obviously has major playoff implications, an Alouette win puts them in the drivers seat for the final stretch of the season, should the Argos prevail, then an already fascinating playoff race gets just a little bit more interesting.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT Molson Stadium TSN

Toronto 10 at Montreal 31 (23,209)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes running back Whitaker out for season
National Post-- Pass blocking key to Argos' success
Toronto Star-- Chad Owens could make bid for CFL MVP
Toronto Sun-- Argos treating Sunday like a "playoff game"
Montreal Gazette-- Emry delivering standout season - and solid hits

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Montreal Alouettes

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes cash in on Argonauts' woes
National Post-- Alouettes coast to victory over Argos
Toronto Star-- Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray injured in 31-10 loss to Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos take a step back
Montreal Gazette-- Pressure eases on Als' special-teams unit

CFL Game Day: Saskatchewan at Montreal (September 16)

Sunday brings a wrap up to week twelve of the CFL schedule, a point where the Riders and Als have surveyed the numbers from the previous games of the weekend and can make up some ground in their respective divisions with a victory.

For Montreal, the opportunity to regain the top spot in the east is at hand, the BC Lions having eked out a victory over Toronto on Saturday night, clearing the way for the Als to reclaim their top perch should they come out on top in Sunday's match.

The Riders too can make a move up in the West, with Edmonton getting demolished by Hamilton on Saturday, Saskatchewan can move up a notch claiming third as their own, building on last weeks surprise gift wrapped victory from the Bombers.

Saskatchewan perhaps can put that one out of their collective minds, we somehow doubt that the Als will be so generous, not as afflicted with the troubles of the Bombers, Montreal is very much full value for their quest for first in the East, last weeks troubles in Vancouver more the exception than the rule this season.

True, the Als have not been as dominant as in past years, but coming off a loss such as that from last week, we imagine they will not be in a particularly hospitable mood.

The Riders also face the prospect of facing the Alouettes using back up QB Drew Willy, who will apparently be getting his first CFL start Sunday as he fills in for Darian Durant once again, Durant was injured in last weeks Banjo Bowl game, leaving Willy to take charge of the offence.

He had a decent game, calming any nerves quickly and holding his own, Sunday will be a much sterner test for the Riders rookie backup.

But make no mistake about it, the Riders were basically given the game by the Bombers, Willy led the drive down the field for the winning field goal, but the Riders should never have been in that spot in the first place.

The Als we imagine won't be quite so accommodating to their guests.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT, Molson Stadium TSN

Saskatchewan 17 at Montreal 28 (23,147)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Rookie Willy to get first CFL start as Roughriders visit Alouettes
National Post-- No need to rush Darian Durant back into Riders lineup
Montreal Gazette-- Time for Montreal Alouettes to suck it up against Riders
Regina Leader Post-- Saskatchewan Roughriders ready for Montreal's Calvillo

Team Backgrounders

Saskatchewan Roughriders
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Calvillo out duels rookie Willy as Alouettes top Roughriders
National Post-- Alouettes avoid major scare in win over Roughriders
Montreal Gazette-- Butter fingers nearly cost Als a sure thing

CFL Game Day: Montreal at British Columbia (September 8)

The transcontinental rematch is set to go in Vancouver, the Alouettes making the trip to the coast mindful that success at BC Place is not something that takes up much space in their year end reviews.

For whatever reason, the Lions home park (the one with the roof anyways) has proven to be a bit of a trouble spot for the usually unflappable Als, but one victory in recent years came in Vancouver and that took place a few years back at the temporary field of Empire Field.

So with a home field advantage like no other, the Lions will seek to gain a bit of revenge over last weeks loss in Montreal, the kick off to the Labour Day weekend provided the Als with two points in the standings and knocked the high flying Lions down a peg, their recent domination of CFL competition set back for one week at any rate.

It continued the theme of a most successful August, which saw the Als win four straight games through the heart of the summer, the chance to add onto it as fall gets near is on the line as the Als head west.

Travis Lulay will in particular be looking towards this weekends rematch with a bit of anticipation, he did not have his best day in the CFL in Montreal last week and will no doubt be looking to improve on that, with the added incentive that he's going up against one of the legends of the CFL in Anthony Calvillo who continues to play at a record pace even as the click would be ticking on a remarkable CFL career.

Lulay, by his play of this season and last it would seem will be the future entry in some of those record books, Saturday the BC Place crowd will get to see it all, the past, the present and the future and if history is a guide, they'll also get a win in the standings.

Game time 1 PM PT, 4 ET BC Place Stadium (TSN)

Montreal 10 at British Columbia 42 (29,734)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Lions slotback Geroy Simon sits out return engagement with Als
National Post-- Lions' clash with Alouettes has playoff feel
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes' first half: good record, but don't get too carried away
Vancouver Sun-- BC Lions face defining test Saturday afternoon against visiting Als
Vancouver Province-- Awards debate still simmers as Als come to town

Team Backgrounders

British Columbia Lions
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Lions get revenge in route of Alouettes
National Post-- Travis Lulay tosses four touchdown passes as Lions hammer Alouettes
Montreal Gazette-- Not much right with Als in defeat against Lions
Vancouver Sun-- Travis Lulay's hot hand burns Alouettes
Vancouver Province-- No Geroy, no problem as Lions receivers step up...

CFL Game Day: British Columbia at Montreal (August 31)

The Lions and the Als will kick off the annual Labour Day classics weekend with a Friday Night Football showcase for TSN's signature broadcast.

While the two aren't exactly the heated rivalries that the rest of the weekend will provide for, the game itself offers up an interesting look at two teams that are starting to find their way this 2012 season.

The Lions actually have been more or less on track from last years workload from the Canada Day kickoff, with a few hiccups along the way, but for the most part still at that high peak level that took them to the Grey Cup last November.

Montreal on the other hand has been hot and cold for most of the season, at times giving one cause to think that the dynasty years are finally at end, only to have Anthony Calvillo pull out a virtuoso performance from his bag of tricks and launching the Als back into contention in the East.

The Labour Day weekend match up will give us some indication if the Als have finally solved some of their early season woes and/or if the Lions have learned from some of their less impressive games of this season.

It's a match up that offers up a look at one of the best the CFL has seen in Anthony Calvillo, still an imposing figure on a CFL field, opposite him, Travis Lulay, who with last year's Grey Cup victory has served notice that the changing of the CFL guard is in motion.

Whether it's the young gunslinger or the long time Marshall, Friday's game should prove to be a most entertaining affair.

Game Time 7:30 PM, 4:30 PT, Molson Stadium (TSN)

British Columbia 25 at Montreal 30 (22,239)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes look to stay perfect in August with win over tough Lions
National Post-- Being good just isn't good enough for Travis Lulay, Lions
Montreal Gazette-- Bowling eats some humble pie with Als
Vancouver Province-- BC Lions' offence has been offensive, something Chapdelaine aims...
Vancouver Sun-- Travis Lulay ahead, Lions miles further along

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
British Columbia Lions

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Whitaker and Calvillo lead Alouettes to win over Lions
National Post-- Alouettes hang on to beat Lions for fourth straight win
Montreal Gazette-- Als tame Lions for fourth straight win
Vancouver Province-- Geroy's sideline view a painful one
Vancouver Sun-- Lions fall to Alouettes in clash of CFL titans

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Edmonton (August 17)

The surprise of the season thus far would have to be the success of the Edmonton Eskimos, a team which had most CFL fans shaking their heads at over the summer, has quickly turned around some of the scepticism, thanks mainly to a strong defensive game and helped out by the continuing evolution of Steven Jyles game.

Jyles, who arrived in Edmonton as part of the Ricky Ray trade, hasn't quite made the home fans forget about Ray and his success with the Esks, but he's been plugging away, having good games and some bad ones, turnovers proving costly, perhaps a sign of a QB that was trying to do just a little bit too much in a bid to show his leadership.

Even those bad moments however have proven to be a team building experience, his famous fumble in the late minutes of the Bombers game a few weeks ago, became a rallying point for the Esks, something that has shown the confidence the players on the field have in Jyles.

To add to his offensive weapons, the Esks have added Cory Boyd picked up from the Argos after the Double Blue released him last week, though it will be a game time decision as to whether he takes to the field against the Als.

The Esks, currently in first place in the West (yes we know technically its a two way tie) take on the Montreal Alouettes on Friday Night Football, another measuring stick for the team following last weeks come from behind victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

That win in front of the largest crowd of the season in the CFL added to the Eskimos undefeated record this year at Commonwealth, a string they put on the line tonight.

The Als who are struggling to regain their usual form, will be looking to challenge the Eskimo defensive corps, a collection of players that have some impressive success this year so far.

Defence has been the stronger segment of the Eskimo game, scoring points against the Green and Gold defenders comes only after a lot of work and a lot of punishment. A fact borne out by the teams remarkable 99 points agains so far in 2012, far and away the best in the league for the season.

Montreal will be looking once again to Anthony Calvillo to put points on the board, something he's quite capable of doing, even in a year where he clearly hasn't been at his best. Still, when it comes to the Als and Calvillo, one should never count them out, the Als currently sporting a .500 record at 3 and 3, are always a dangerous team, one steeped in experience, which can overcome the hiccups that occur from time to time.

However, this has not been the kind of year that Als fans have become accustomed to, struggles in the first part of the season have made the Als more of a middle of the pack squad as opposed to the team that used to dominate the play.

Instead, it's the Eskimos that for now at least, appear to be the team to beat in 2012, something that we're pretty sure no one would have suggested at the Canada Day kick off.

Game Time  7 PM MT (6 PT, 9 ET) Commonwealth Stadium TSN

Montreal 38 at Edmonton 25 (32,760) 

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Acquisition of Boyd gives Edmonton options in the backfield
National Post-- Cory Boyd's Eskimos debut a 'game-time' decision
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos put perfect home record on the line against Als
Edmonton Sun-- Hard to forget for AC
Montreal Gazette-- Jyles showing hea has what it takes with Esks
Canada.com-- Injuries open opportunities

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Edmonton Eskimos

Post Game

CFL.ca--  Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Calvillo throws four TDs to lead Alouettes over Eskimos
National Post-- Alouettes dominate battle of offence in win over Eskimos
Edmonton Journal-- Calvillo directs Alouettes to convincing win over Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- AC Current
Montreal Gazette-- Als explode against Eskimos

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Winnipeg (August 3, 2012)

Winnipeg fans have yet to see their team lose at home, of course that's tempered by the facts that they've only played one home game thus far and that the Blue and Gold haven't won on the road, still if you're looking for positives on a rough start, undefeated at home has a nice ring to it.

Sure, the home season opener was a close call, if Steven Jyles hadn't fumbled the ball heading into the Bombers end of the field there's probably a good chance that last weeks result would be a little bit different, but, in November the only thing the fans will remember will be the Bombers victory, the Bombers no doubt hoping to add to the positive side of the ledger tonight when they take on the Alouettes.

The Bombers woes thus far have been pretty well documented, with starter Buck Pierce seemingly on the injury list in perpetuity, the offence has been handed over to Alex Brink who would seem to still be on a bit of a CFL learning curve in the role of a starter.

Tonight's game marks the third straight start for Brink, a spot which he may hold at least until September as Buck Pierce recovers from a troubled ankle, with each start he is gaining more confidence, though as the Winnipeg Free Press explains that's not something that seems to be a problem for the Oregonian, more importantly perhaps with each game he's giving his coaches and team mates more cause for confidence as well.

The Alouettes have had their struggles as well, though for the most part they have been competitive in their losses, though there are some signs that all is not well in Montreal for 2012.

The Als troubles are perhaps not quite as bad as those of their chosen air carrier for the week (a ten hour layover at Montreal Airport had the Als wondering if they would arrive in time for Friday's game), but there are a few things that have caused fans to take notice and fear that the glory days may finally have come to an end.

Beyond the obvious injured state of Anthony Calvillo, who is clearly not playing at 100 per cent, the Als have had some struggles in the early portion of the CFL season, holding a losing record for the first time since Marc Trestman came to town back in 2008.

Yet, Calvillo, Trestman and the rest of the Als still feel confident that the remainder of the season can be a positive experience for the Red, White and Bleu, finding improvement in all phases of their game with each passing week.

No panic in Montreal, as one would expect for a team that has been one of the most dominant of squads in the CFL over the last ten years. The Als will be calling on some of that confidence and past experience to keep pace with the front runners in the East through the summer and remain within striking distance as November approaches.

Game Time 7 PM CT, 8 ET, 5 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN

Montreal 36 at Winnipeg 26 (29,533)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Bombers seek their second win of the season when Alouettes visit
National Post-- Alouettes staying positive throughout early struggles
Winnipeg Free Press-- Winnipeg's Brink to make 3rd straight start as Bombers host Montreal
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers sans Turner against Als
Montreal Gazette-- Als must win despite jet lag

Team Backgrounders

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Richardson's two touchdowns lead Alouettes over struggling Bombers
National Post-- Field goals make the difference in Alouettes win over Blue Bombers 
Winnipeg Sun-- Als beat Bombers 36-26
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers need help with basics
Montreal Gazette-- Als end two game losing streak

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Montreal (July 27,2012)

For Ricky Ray it won't be quite the same animosity that the Hamilton/Argos game brought to the field,  as that's a whole different world of nasty, still when Toronto meets Montreal there's always a little bit of extra interest in the event.

The football version of storied rivalry of the cities takes place tonight when the Argos take on the Als at Molson Stadium. A rivalry that Argo head coach Scott Milanovich now sees from the Double Blue side of the field, returning to the city where he found success in the Als most productive of eras, Milanovich will bring his squad into Montreal to play a struggling Als squad that is showing signs of slowing down while his Argos are revving up.

Two teams perhaps heading in different directions this year, the Argos on the rise with Ricky Ray taking the helm of the offence, providing for an aerial display that hasn't been seen in Toronto for a long time.

In Montreal, with Anthony Calvillo struggling with injuries in the early season there is the sense of a team in decline, the halcyon days of the last ten years starting to fade as the cold reality that it may be time to rebuild the perennial top dogs of the CFL east.

Calvillo when healthy is as dangerous a quarterback as there is in the CFL, his longevity at the position means that he's seen every situation and generally finds the right play at the right time to make the most of it all.

However, he has clearly been hobbled in the first four weeks, leading some to wonder if perhaps it's not time to have him sit out a few games to get fully healthy for the post Labour Day stretch. It's a decision that coach Marc Trestman hasn't seemingly found cause to make yet, but if the injury situation for the Als on field leader gets worse, then the Als will truly be in dire straits.

For Toronto, the genesis of a revival has been seen over the last few weeks, Ricky Ray has grown more comfortable with the collection of receivers he has to work with and he has used the running game to gain field position at key times.

While there have been a few setbacks along the way, the Argos are most likely quite happy with the progression rate of their offence as it tries to find its way in a new environment.

The only real concern of the Argos in the early going is the rather worrisome performance of the special teams which have at times allowed the opposition to gain massive yardage as well as timely game changing points.

That seems to be a work in progress for the Argos, so for now, it will be up to the defence to stop the opposing teams from scoring, while the offence will have to put up as many points as it takes to win.

How that all works out gets another shake on Friday night.

Game Time 7:30 ET, 4:30 PT Molson Stadium TSN


Toronto 23 at Montreal 20 (22,773)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts set course for East lead
National Post-- Three things: Argonauts vs. Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos' Ray, Als' Calvillo following similar scripts
Toronto Star-- Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo braces for painful night against Toronto ...
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes' Brandon Whitaker chafes for carries

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts hang on to edge Alouettes
National Post-- Argos' defence holds off Alouettes for tight victory
Toronto Sun-- Better late than never for Ray
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts edge Montreal Alouettes 23-20, take over first place..
Montreal Gazette-- After 23-20 loss to Argos, Alouettes desperately need a win

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Hamilton (July 21, 2012)

The wrap up to week four provides for perhaps the closest of the match ups this week, as the Montreal Alouettes travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger Cats.

The home side coming off the always character building experience of a game against the Argonauts (and for good measure a winning one) finally seems to be showing some of the promise that was anticipated in the off and pre season.

The offence was clicking with more regularity last week, the defence as it normally is when playing at home  (week one not with standing) was on mission, the Cats no doubt hoping that all carries forward to this weeks visit of the Als.

Montreal has apparently removed any concept of a lame duck coach this week with word that a lengthy extension of Marc Trestman's contract as head coach is in place (though he perhaps has an escape clause should a greener pasture beckon).  In the mean time the Als continue to just keep trucking along, Anthony Calvillo getting into a groove that as the Stampeders found out last week sometimes is best viewed in the last two minutes of a game.

There were troubling signs for Trestman in last weeks game, the Stampeders were clearly the better squad for the majority of 55 of the 60 minutes, but with the benefit of a few gifts from the Stamps, Anthony Calvillo once again had opportunity to show why he's perhaps one of the best at the two minute drill in the league.

Coming off a last minute victory as the Als have also builds confidence, so today's game should make for an entertaining affair, with two teams that may believe they have put some of their early season struggle behind them finally.

With two of the league's most storied QB's of the current era at the helm, offence should be a key feature of the evening's offerings, if there is to be an edge the Cats may have it from home field advantage and the usually reliable Ti Cat defence when playing at home.

In a week of surprising events, you never know what may happen but in preview at least, the Cats and Als are fairly equal and it should offer up a back and forth match that could very well take us to another two minute drill experience, the winner depending on who has the last touch of the ball.

Game Time 7 PM ET (4 PT) Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Ticat's Williams off to blazing start in second season
National Post-- Ticats' Chris Williams full of extra gears
Montreal Gazette-- Nine finger Anderson returns
Hamilton Spectator-- Hands on approach by Cortez can leave a mark sometime
Toronto Sun-- Chemistry lesson for Ticats

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris leads Tiger-Cats past Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris, Ticats' offence teach Alouettes tough lesson
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes are worse than you think
Hamilton Spectator-- Williams electrifies again, even with a silly gaffe
Toronto Sun-- Ticats' Williams hot-dogs in Hamilton win

Twelve men Features: Montreal Alouettes

Links to those items we have worked on regarding the Montreal Alouettes