The Montreal Alouettes were double-digit underdogs against the Toronto Argonauts in the East Final on Saturday, but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were not surprised when they won 38-17 at BMO Field.
“It didn’t really surprise me. I had my predictions for how the playoff scenario would play out, and I had Montreal winning and going to the Grey Cup. That’s a fantastic group, and it’s their defense that has gotten them this far. “It’ll be a great, great test for us,” star running back Brady Oliveira said.
As a competitor, I obviously want to play against the best and the best units, and that defense is currently the best (of the CFL’s other eight teams). It’ll be a great challenge, and we’re going to work hard to prepare, one more week together to go honor our teammates, and it’ll be a great challenge.”
During the regular season, Winnipeg swept the two-game season series against Montreal, winning 17-3 at Percival Molson Stadium on Canada Day and 47-17 at IG Field on Aug. 24. Since then, the Alouettes have improved significantly, thanks in part to the emergence of defensive stars Darnell Sankey and Lwal Uguak.
Following a stint in the XFL, Sankey signed as a free agent in September, while Uguak was promoted to a starting role after being selected in the first round of the 2023 CFL Draft.
The Alouettes have now won seven consecutive games, including playoff victories over Hamilton and Toronto. The club’s defense dominated the Argos and M.O.P. candidate Chad Kelly in the East Final, forcing nine turnovers and returning interceptions for touchdowns by Marc-Antoine Dequoy and Kabion Ento.
“It’s not exactly surprising. “I thought they were going to close it out after their last game against Toronto,” receiver Kenny Lawler said.
“I was actually expecting Montreal to come in — they’re really hot right now — and they went in there and did it.” I didn’t care who it was; I just assumed it would be someone from the east. It’s Montreal, so it’s time to get prepared.”
Montreal and Winnipeg will meet in the Grey Cup for the first time this year. Nic Demski, a Winnipeg native, was surprised to learn that the matchup had never occurred in the CFL’s championship game, which dates back to 1909.
“I’m not going to lie, it kind of does, but I know Winnipeg probably had some down years when Montreal was up there.” It’s funny, Montreal’s offense was one of my favorites to watch back in the day, thanks to Calvillo and the group of receivers they had. It’ll be thrilling. I’m looking forward to seeing two new teams compete in the Grey Cup, which always makes for interesting storylines.”
Mike O’Shea, head coach of the Blue Bombers, is familiar with Jason Maas, head coach of the Montreal Alouettes. They played against each other for nine seasons in the CFL before a two-year stint coaching together with the Argonauts. When Toronto won the Grey Cup in 2012, O’Shea was the special teams coordinator.
Maas was fired as Edmonton’s head coach in 2019 and as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive coordinator in 2022. He has now led the Alouettes to their first Grey Cup appearance since 2010, and it is clear that O’Shea is proud of his former teammate’s success.
“They’re a tough group. I’m sure they’re having a great time right now. On a personal level, I’m thrilled for Jason Maas. He’s a winning coach, and sometimes people don’t believe it, but he’s proven it again, so I’m happy for him and his team,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.
“I’m looking forward to competing against him.” I’m not against coach-coach, just the teams. I believe Montreal, too, plays football well.”
The Blue Bombers have opened as heavy favorites for the big game on Sunday, though not as heavily as Toronto was heading into the East Final. When the Winnipeg Jets lost to the Argonauts in last year’s Grey Cup, the oddsmakers gave Winnipeg a 5.5-point advantage, so the club knows what it’s like to be upset on the national stage.
Despite their regular-season advantage, the West Division champions aren’t taking the Alouettes lightly heading into Grey Cup week. Buckle up, people. This one should be good.
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