Defense Wins Championships

Looking back at the Alouettes improbable Grey Cup victory, there's alot of moments that changed the fortune of the Als.

Was it the 13th man on the field?
Was it Etienne Boulay's fumble recovery?
Was it Jamel Richardson's 3rd down conversion?
Was it Avon Cobourne's Touchdown?
Was it Jerald Brown's interception?
Was it the Riders declining the penalty and accepting the Rouge?

The list goes on and on.
But there are two moments that I really think were the difference in this game for the Alouettes. It was actually two series, two 2 and out series that is.

The Alouettes have been on the losing side of the Grey Cup 5 times this decade and looking back at all of the defensive squads in those games its not comparable to this year's group. Tops in 21 of 25 defensive categories all season, the Als D paced this team to the 15 and 3 record in the regular season.

Even looking back to last years squad, the changes made thier impact yesterday in the Grey Cup. Seven Tackles and an interception for Jerald Brown, 5 tackles and a sack for Chip Cox who is playing Linebacker this year, 4 tackles and an interception for Billy Parker. Then throw in Shea Emry and Ramon Guzman you have 4 more tackles.

Two Series in this game allowed the Alouettes the chance to provide just enough points for the dramatic comeback. The Als defense did what they promised at halftime they went out on the field and made the Riders kick the ball away. The Alouettes came right down the field and scored and it seemed that they got their Swagger back. The second big 2 and out was right after the Als failed their 2 point conversion. Forcing the Riders to kick it again and giving Anthony Calvillo just less than a minute to get the team into Duval's FG Range.

To me these were the moments that played a vital role in the Als victory. The Als offense provided the points however the defense provided the opportunities.

Which ever way you look at it, what ever play you want to circle as the turning point, the ups and downs and lefts and rights of this football game has turned it into an instant classic.