Alouettes have purchased into profitable mentality, new head coach Maas says

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As everybody is aware of, exhibition video games don’t depend within the standings, nevertheless it’s by no means too early to ascertain the profitable tradition in skilled sports activities.

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The Alouettes weren’t compelled to come back from behind Friday evening towards the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Molson Stadium as Montreal had achieved the week earlier than at Ottawa. However, for the second consecutive week, the Als gained a sport within the fourth quarter. Maybe that may augur effectively starting June 10, when Montreal launches its common season at house towards the Redblacks.

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“Three weeks of coming collectively (at coaching camp) and profitable a few video games is an effective factor,” Alouettes head coach Jason Maas mentioned following his staff’s 25-22 victory over the Ticats earlier than 12,698 spectators. The groups had been tied 19-19 heading into the fourth quarter earlier than a pair of Jose Maltos area objectives carried Montreal to victory.

Hamilton left many veterans at house, together with beginning quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.

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“When you may have a aggressive group of individuals you wish to win,” Maas continued. “When (the sport’s) placed on you wish to win. There’s one thing to profitable. There’s one thing to determining how to do this. It’s all about discovering a method. That psychological toughness. It doesn’t matter what the rating says you’re feeling like you’ll be able to come again and win it at any level. I really feel like our group has purchased into that mentality. They’ll by no means suppose they’re too far out of a sport to win it. Completely, you’ll be able to be taught in any sport that you just play how to do this.”

Cody Fajardo, the Als’ new beginning quarterback, performed for the primary time this season. He was within the sport for 4 collection — some good, some pedestrian — and accomplished seven of 14 passes for 77 yards and a landing on Montreal’s opening possession when he drove the staff 70 yards in 10 performs, culminating in a brief scoring toss to Kaion Julien-Grant, who did a pleasant job of straddling the sideline.

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Fajardo additionally led the Alouettes to a 45-yard David Côté area objective — one in every of two he kicked — practically 9 minutes into the second quarter earlier than being changed by Caleb Evans. Evans additionally accomplished seven of 14 passes for 77 yards, whereas Davis Alexander was good on seven of 11 for 88 yards and appeared extra dynamic than did Evans. Maas mentioned he believes Montreal can win with both of the 2 ought to Fajardo ever get injured.

“A very good begin,” Fajardo mentioned. “We moved down the sphere. Clearly, you wish to be a bit extra environment friendly as a quarterback, completion percentage-wise. However we had been capable of end with the ball ultimately zone. The offence, we did what we would have liked to do to win this sport. It was thrilling to be again on the market. As a competitor, I want I’d have performed a bit bit extra.”

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Fajardo, in fact, should be higher than a 50 per cent quarterback this season for the Alouettes to succeed. However he additionally was working with out veteran receiver Greg Ellingson, anticipated to interchange the departed Eugene Lewis, who signed with Edmonton as a free agent. Tyson Philpot, the East Division’s excellent rookie final season, is also injured.

Montreal should additionally discover a alternative for Jake Wieneke, who signed with Saskatchewan. Of the brand new receivers, Quartney Davis was the perfect of the lot, catching 4 passes for 56 yards, together with a spectacular 34 yarder. Austin Mack, who additionally figures to be within the combine, solely made one 18-yard reception in restricted enjoying time, whereas John Brunner generated 55 yards on solely two catches.

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Maas, his assistant coaches and basic supervisor Danny Maciocia have a lot to ponder earlier than making their last cuts by 10 p.m. Saturday.

“I’m simply grateful for the chance,” Davis mentioned. “It’s been two years since I’ve performed. I’m sort of simply scratching the floor proper now. Getting a really feel again for the ball and simply having enjoyable. I’m simply glad to have the chance to make performs like that.

“I don’t suppose it’s ever sufficient,” Davis added. “I feel I made essentially the most of my alternative; I can say that. Hopefully, the coaches see one thing in me to present me the chance to come back right here and make performs for Montreal.”

Whereas nearly all of Montreal’s defensive starters are set, behemoth defensive-tackle Israel Antwine seemingly secured a roster spot, making two quarterback sacks. Rookie cornerback Kordell Rodgers is unlikely to dislodge Nafees Lyon, however produced a strong effort. He intercepted a move whereas flattening one other.

However with return-specialist Chandler Worthy not dressed due to an harm, rookie James Letcher didn’t seize his alternative. He generated solely 19 yards on 4 punt returns, had an obvious fumble overturned and struggled navigating the Wizard of Oz-like wind circumstances.

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