When the Edmonton Eskimos travel to Montreal to play the second game of their four-game October road trip, they’ll be facing an Alouettes team with new energy since the promotion of Jacques Chapdelaline to head coach.
Last week, they had a high-powered offence that allowed quarterback Rakeem Cato to toss four TD passes in a stunning win over Toronto.
“Obviously, we know they’re talented. They just proved it last week,” said veteran defensive back Pat Watkins. “They put on a show, so we know they’re talented and capable. That’s a team you can never take lightly, especially with the coaching staff they have. They have an extremely good offence. Any time during the game, they can put together the pieces and go for a nice drive if you’re not careful.
“If you look across the board, they have ton of talent. Even when they’re down, you can’t sleep on a team like Montreal. You still have to be very careful.”
Edmonton is riding high and in the thick of the CFL West playoff race after wins against two CFL West rivals above them in the standings.
At this point of the campaign, the Eskimos have proven they can play with anybody.
“Guys get confident coming out of a game like that,” said head coach Jason Maas about his team’s road win the Winnipeg.
Monday’s Thanksgiving Day game kicks off the final four-game regular season stretch where the Eskimos will play three CFL East teams.
“It is what it is,” said Maas about having to play three of the team’s final four games away from the friendly confines of The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium. “We put ourselves in a position where these games matter and is just so happens they’re on the road. The Grey Cup is in Toronto this year and that’s on the road. That’s the way I look at it. It’s important to be playing your best football at the end of the season. It’s always tougher to play on the road.”
At the same time, there are plusses with being on the road.
“Your mental makeup is better and your focus is better when you’re on the road,” said Maas. “We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
This will be the first time the CFL’s most efficient kicker, Sean Whyte, will make a return to Montreal since joining the Eskimos for the 2015 Labour Day rematch.
“It’s going to be weird,” said Whyte, who spent more than four seasons in Montreal. “I’m sure I’m going to see some old fans and old faces that I’m used to seeing. They may or may not be excited to see me and I’m excited to see them. In the end, we’re there to win football games and I have to make my kicks. I just really want to play well for this one.”
Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly has had the offence humming the past couple of outings and shared CFL Player of the Week honours with running back John White after the pair’s outstanding performances against Winnipeg.
“The more ways we can attack a defence, the better off we’ll be, but you have to be effective with it,” said Reilly. “The fact we’ve stuck with it (running game) means we have been effective and the guys in front have done a great job.”
There’s no question Montreal’s defence continues to be one of the more solid units in the CFL that could give Reilly and crew plenty to think about.
“We have another great challenge in Montreal,” said Reilly. “Speaking offensively, their defence is very good, second to none. Their defensive co-ordinator (Noel Thorpe) gives a lot of looks. They’re aggressive. There’s plenty of veterans on that side of the ball. Again, it’s another week where it continues to get more and more important and this one’s no different.”