Zurkowsky: Rush-end Lemon anchors steely defence as Alouettes sink Tiger-Cats

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The Alouettes proceed to be led by one of many CFL’s stingiest defences. And maybe it’s no coincidence that unit has began to blossom because the arrival of veteran rush-end Shawn Lemon two weeks in the past.

“I sat at residence for 63 days with no job,” Lemon mentioned. “I needed to watch, after I had a terrific season final yr. I’m not entitled to something, however I knew after I acquired one other alternative I used to be going to dwell day-after-day prefer it was my final. And that’s all I’m doing now.

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“I simply respect that Montreal gave me a chance to play this recreation that I really like, and I simply come out and play with ardour. That’s it. And lead by instance. There’s quite a lot of younger guys on this league that wish to be led, however wish to be led the correct manner. I simply are available in and lead by instance and guys will all the time comply with.”

The Alouettes signed Lemon as a free agent on July 23 following his launch in Could by B.C. throughout coaching camp. He wasn’t the one cause Montreal defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 27-14 Saturday evening at Tim Hortons Area, however the 34-year-old veteran was a serious contributor to the victory.

He had two quarterback sacks, an interception, compelled a fumble and added three tackles, as Montreal recovered from an 11-3 halftime deficit and suffocated the house staff within the second half, limiting Hamilton to a area objective together with solely two first downs.

That Lemon sat idle at residence for 2 months is mind-boggling, contemplating he was a league all-star final season with Calgary, when he produced 14 sacks and 5 compelled fumbles. He’s the league’s lively profession chief in sacks, with 93, and has been a part of each CFL group besides the Ticats.

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It was the Alouettes’ second consecutive win, enhancing the staff’s document to 4-3, and giving it sole possession of second place within the East Division. It additionally clinched the season collection in opposition to the Ticats in case the groups full the schedule tied within the standings. Hamilton’s document dropped to 3-5.

After holding the Stampeders to 6 area targets final Sunday, Montreal allowed just one Ticats landing — a four-yard run by tailback James Butler early within the second quarter, capping a nine-play, 60-yard drive. The Alouettes have allowed solely 10 offensive touchdowns this season.

Hamilton rookie quarterback Taylor Powell, making solely his second profession professional begin, had some success within the opening half, however was unable to maintain that momentum following the intermission. Whereas he accomplished 20 of 31 passes, he produced solely 202 yards and was intercepted twice.

Montreal’s defence restricted the Ticats to fifteen first downs and 277 yards’ internet offence as Hamilton ran a scant 48 offence performs. The defence was lacking linebackers Avery Williams and Najee Murray, together with halfback Dionté Ruffin, all out with accidents.

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So long as the defence continues main this staff, lots of the Alouettes’ offensive shortcomings could be neglected.

Montreal failed to attain an offensive landing in opposition to Calgary — the second time that has occurred this season. And it appeared the guests have been on their approach to a trifecta on Saturday, unable to search out the top zone till 2:38 of the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Caleb Evans capped a five-play, 77-yard drive with a one-yard run. The rating supplied the Alouettes with their first lead of the sport, 17-14.

Seldom-used receiver Régis Cibasu added an insurance coverage landing six minutes later. Profiting from a defensive breakdown — or maybe Hamilton merely forgot he was on the sphere — he scored on a 37-yard pass-and-run play. However it ought to be famous the drive stalled, saved alive following a roughing-the-punter penalty on Anthony Federico.

The Alouettes outscored Hamilton 18-0 within the remaining interval and 24-3 over the ultimate half-hour.

“We performed a significantly better second half in all three phases,” Montreal head coach Jason Maas mentioned. “Momentum is actual in soccer and whenever you get it in your aspect and guys are executing, there’s one thing to it.”

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Montreal quarterback Cody Fajardo was brutal within the opening half, intercepted twice whereas throwing to Hergy Mayala. Fajardo additionally fumbled early within the third quarter after being hit by Simoni Lawrence.

However like the remainder of his teammates, Fajardo saved his composure and settled down. Regardless of favouring his left shoulder/pectoral muscle, Fajardo accomplished 19 of 25 passes for 318 yards, displaying his toughness and resilience but once more.

“I’ve performed quite a lot of video games within the CFL,” Fajardo mentioned. “When it begins sluggish like that, it’s a must to believe in your self, as a result of as quickly as confidence in your self goes down, you don’t have any likelihood. I simply needed to play higher soccer and we discovered a manner.

“I’ve been in conditions the place it hasn’t been so fairly and located methods to win.”

Alouettes tailback William Stanback produced his first 100-yard recreation this season, gaining 106 yards on 19 carries. It was Stanback’s eleventh profession 100-yard effort, and his first since Nov. 6, 2021, in opposition to Winnipeg.

Rookie receiver Austin Mack, as typical, led Montreal receivers with 5 catches for 106 yards, whereas fellow freshman Tyler Snead caught 4 for 90.

Montreal will search a 3rd consecutive victory Friday evening at residence in opposition to Saskatchewan.

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