Post- Game Alservations: AC tops Darian and Damon

The Montreal Alouettes went into Mosaic Stadium and put the hammer down with a 39-25 road victory over the Roughriders. Here’s this week Alservations:

-Anthony Calvillo throws for 5 TDs for only (yup only) the 3rd time in his career. He ties Damon Allen for the most TD passes in CFL history with 394. Maybe he’ll hit number 400 next week.

-Great game for WR Brian Bratton, the 5 receptions, 76 yards and 2 TDs doesn’t tell the whole story. His key catch set-up Whitaker’s TD and he laid out a great WR block as S Green scored. Plus on more than one occasion Bratton was pass protecting for AC.

-Very rough game for some of the Alouette stars on Saturday. On separate occasions, Jamel Richardson, Mark Estelle, John Bowman, Brandon Whitaker and SJ Green all had to be tended to and helped off the field. Whitaker did not return and according to HerbZ of Alsinsideout has a concussion but hasn’t been ruled out for Friday at home against Toronto.

-But it was great to see Whitaker on the sidelines late in the fourth signally in plays to Dahrren Diedrick.

-Loved Dwight Anderson’s aggressiveness and ability to close the gap on Dressler on numerous occasions.

-Ever wonder why Chip Cox plays special teams when he’s an all-star on defence. Well watching him chase down returner Tristan Jackson, should answer that.

-All the pushing a shoving after the whistles makes me want to skip week three against Toronto and to invite Saskatchewan to town now. The Riders are easily the Als best rivalry in the west.

-After the game Darian Durant said he sees Anthony Calvillo as the greatest QB ever in the CFL. He only ever ‘heard’ of Doug Flutie.

-Speaking of Durant, I thought he looked a lot better than last week. He didn’t turn over the ball and put together a couple of very nice looking drives. He just doesn’t have the arsenal of receivers that he had to play with last season.

-The Riders Coaching staff did not get Wes Cates the ball enough he only had 9 touches overall in the game

-All three of Brandon London’s catches were for first downs

-With 419 passing yards, AC is now only 3490 yards away from passing Allen on the All-time passing yards list.

Meet the Roughriders

Grey Cup week has begun and many Alouettes fans are prepping big game on Sunday. The Als will be facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the first time in the Cup's 97th appearance. So just like last week as we had Meet the Lions; this week we'll help you set the table for the match-up by learning more about the boys in green.

We'll give you a run down of Saskatchewan's key players that could be factors in this tilt.

This time we'll work it in order of position.

#4 QB Darian Durant: He is a patient man, waiting for his turn at the helm of the Riders offence. This past season Durant proved that he has the ability to be the number one guy. Cool and collected on the field and off the field. He did turn the ball over a little more than he'd like (21 INTs) however that is countered by the 24TD passes in the regular season and the 3 he threw against Calgary last week. He's got legs to create time for his receivers and throws a pretty ball. He has to play well for the Riders to have a chance in this game.

#20 RB Wes Cates: he did not have his best season when it came to numbers however he did miss some time due to injury. His 4.8 yards per carry is well below his 5.4 career average. He is a double threat; very much like Avon Cobourne is relied on for his hands as well as his legs. At the age of Thirty, you know he'll be motivated at his chance at the Grey Cup, because running backs life spans are shorter than most positions.

#6 WR Rob Bagg, #89 SB Chris Getzlaf, #83 SB Andy Fantuz: The great Canadian content rule need not apply for these three receivers, as all three can be the playmaker on any given night. Bagg and Fantuz's numbers are a little higher than Getzlaf's, however Getzlaf had a couple of break out games this year and would love to be the focus of attention come Sunday. The Als defense will have their hands full trying to figure out who Durant's top target will be.

On the defensive Side
#90 DE Stevie Baggs: Very dynamic player that can get to the quarterback in a hurry. His 55 tackles and two forced fumbles are nothing to sneeze at as that proves he is key in the Riders run defense. From a bull rush, to a swim move or spin out, Baggs can take advantage of any Offensive lineman if he's left in a one on one situation.

#97 DE John Chick: His 11 sacks on the season only trailed Baggs by one on the Riders. His power cannot be overlooked on the other side of the D-line. He is the perfect complement to what Baggs brings on the other side. If the Riders have their way Anthony Calvillo will see alot of #90 and #97.

#31 LB Sean Lucas: this is a defensive player that brings the whole package. Look for #31 to be added into the blitz package as he had 4 sacks on the season. He led Saskatchewan in tackles on the season with 81 so he is not shy to get involved in the play.

#15 DB Lance Frazier: picking off 5 passes this year he will be looking for any errant pass from the hands of Anthony Calvillo. He's a tough guy to separate from but if the Als can get a taller receiver on him, that could be the issue as he's only 5'10''.

The problem with the Roughriders is that they do play as a team, and even if these players, possibly excluding Darian Durant, don't play up to snuff the Riders could still come out on top because they have a long list of players that can be game breakers, these are just a few that had strong regular season.

One Game Remains: MFG will be there

Well that was one impressive display by the Alouettes today at the Big O in the East Final. The Als defense set the tone very early in 1st quarter with a forced fumble and an interception that led to Touchdowns. Calvillo played like only AC could with 5 touchdown passes, a pair each for Jamel Richardson and Brian Bratton. In some ways the 56-18 score was flattering.

In the West I will say I was wrong about Darian Durant, He looked good. He played just as I thought Henry Burris was going to play. There will be some disapointed Stampeder fans in Calgary, But the Grey Cup is in good hands cause Rider Nation travels very well.

So with all that Saskatchewan and Montreal will meet in Calgary next Sunday. Stay with MFG all week as I will be in Calgary for Grey Cup Festivities.

Before my departure, tons to talk about on The Rouge Radio Show which will air Tuesday night at 8pm and The Als This Week once again on Wednesday at 8pm always on The TEAM 990. www.team990.com