The Calgary Stampeders played their last road game of the regular season and managed to squeak by the Montreal Alouettes who for the first time in recent memory don't sit atop the Eastern Standings. That doesn't mean they're a weak team by any stretch, in fact, this afternoon's performance was a stiff test for QB Drew Tate who was making his 2nd career start next to a man with more than a decade's worth of experience.
Calgary came out slinging throwing for a TD on their opening drive. Tate to Forzani would later connect again later in the game for a late TD score. Both teams traded punches back and forth with all the signs the game was turning into a barn burner.
Defensively Calgary hunkered down faster than the Als. They limited significant long balls and kept the ground game larger under check despite weapons like Whitaker and Richardson.
For Calgary's part, the sign of vets Burris and Reynolds playing backup rolls makes for an awkward locker room. Both were on the field today and both fumbled the ball on their first touch. The unceremonious dumping of both players is one of the blights on this organization. Conversely, you can't argue with results. It's pretty clear with Jon Cornish that he's the undisputed #1 from here on in. With Tate and Burris it's less obvious. Tate passed his test against a tougher opponent (compared to last week's Saskatchewan) but still threw two interceptions. Does the team want to go with him for the rest of their run?
What's your call?
Props to the defence on the last drive. Jonnie Dixon looked solid on the 3rd and goal that would've given the Alouettes the win. Four turnovers and still a win, that's a sign of a team coming together through adversity and performing when it counts. A good time to build towards the playoffs which are weeks away.
