Alouettes kicking off coaching camp with a 'good nucleus,' GM says

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A lot has modified for the Alouettes since final November, once they misplaced the East Division ultimate at Toronto.

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Because the group prepares to open coaching camp Sunday afternoon in Trois-Rivières, Jason Maas is the brand new head coach, Cody Fajardo replaces Trevor Harris because the beginning quarterback, Pierre Karl Péladeau ought to present some stability and deep pockets on the possession degree, and Mark Weightman has returned as president.

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And the Als should discover somebody to switch main receiver Eugene Lewis, merely the division nominee in 2022 because the CFL’s most excellent participant.

“It looks like we’re beginning over once more, however thankfully I believe we nonetheless have a reasonably good nucleus or basis in place,” basic supervisor Danny Maciocia informed the Montreal Gazette. “Hopefully, the transition received’t be that nice.”

Whereas the Als’ possession was in a state of flux over the winter, forcing the league to briefly taking management of the group, Harris and Lewis left as free brokers, signing with Saskatchewan and Edmonton, respectively. Fajardo, the Roughriders’ former starter, signed with Montreal, offering the group with a youthful and extra cell possibility.

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Changing Lewis, nevertheless, shall be extra formidable, particularly since Reggie White Jr. received’t be prepared for the beginning of the season due to a knee harm. The Als are bringing virtually 20 receivers to camp and already boast some competent Canadians in Tyson Philpot, Hergy Mayala and Kaion Julien-Grant.

“I’m certain we’ll discover a number of receivers who can catch the ball and, if not, we’ll run the ball each single down,” Maciocia quipped. “I’m bullish and excited in regards to the guys we’re bringing in. We discovered guys … prior to now … gamers which have been in a position to are available in and been in a position to influence our group of their rookie yr. And we’re relying on a pair to do the identical.

“We’ll be a little bit bit heavy on the place, purposely and strategically talking, simply because we need to be sure there’s going to be sufficient choices for us to select from.”

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Fajardo, 31, has six seasons of CFL expertise. The 6-foot-2, 223-pounder handed for 3,360 yards and 16 touchdowns final season whereas being intercepted 13 occasions. However he performed for a foul group that went 6-12 and, by season’s finish, had been benched whereas showing to have some difficulties coping with criticism. He additionally has rushed for 1,873 yards. The Als will modify their offence to take advantage of that means.

“He could make issues occur along with his ft, and we really feel he’s pretty correct throwing the soccer,” Maciocia mentioned. “He has an excellent understanding of the CFL sport. We’re additionally going to play to his strengths. We have now a man that may make issues occur along with his ft, whether or not it’s throwing the ball or throwing it on the run when flushed out of the pocket.

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“We’re undoubtedly going to look completely different on offence.”

There are a number of unknowns defensively as properly, and the Als’ efficiency of their 34-27 loss to the Argonauts within the division ultimate left one thing to be desired.

Sturdy-side linebacker Adarius Pickett, arguably Montreal’s greatest defensive participant, signed with Toronto as a free agent, whereas the under-utilized Chris Ackie, the Als’ beginning middle-linebacker in that sport, has retired. Cornerback Mike Jones left for B.C. as a free agent, though the Als added free brokers Ciante Evans and Jumal Rolle to bolster their secondary.

Nonetheless, a lot shall be anticipated of defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe’s unit.

“That wasn’t an excellent efficiency in Toronto; it was poor,” Maciocia mentioned. “However that was final yr. The earlier week (in opposition to Hamilton), I can virtually make an argument the defence led us to victory and that’s why we performed within the division ultimate. Nevertheless it’s prior to now and we transfer ahead.”

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Centre Sean Jamieson, additionally coming off a knee harm, received’t be prepared for the beginning of the season. The gamers endure medicals on Saturday earlier than hitting the sphere for the primary time Sunday (2:30 p.m.) at Stade Diablos.

In the meantime, the Als signed 10 gamers on Thursday, together with fullback David Dallaire, the group’s second-round (thirteenth general) draft selection.

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