Alouettes Trounce Sloppy Bombers 27-12 In CFL Opener

Tyson Philpot and Cody Fajardo believe the Montreal Alouettes have shown they’re the real deal.

Fajardo threw a pair of touchdown passes to Philpot and the Alouettes continued their success against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with a 27-12 victory in the CFL’s season opener on Thursday.

The Grey Cup rematch comes after the Alouettes upset the Blue Bombers 28-24 in last year’s championship game with Philpot’s winning TD grab in the dying seconds. 

“It’s showing that wasn’t a fluke and showing that we can be a standard just like Winnipeg has been a standard for the last four seasons,” Philpot said.

On Thursday, Fajardo threw touchdown passes of 14 and 76 yards to Philpot. Backup quarterback Caleb Evans ran in a TD in front of 30,140 fans at Princess Auto Stadium. 

Fajardo completed 20 of 28 pass attempts for 254 yards and one interception.

Earlier in the week, he said he wanted to prove the Alouettes were the best team in the league. The victory was a “huge” step.

“I thought that was a statement game — offensively, defensively, special teams,” Fajardo said. “It never really was close and I was really proud of the way the guys performed, especially against a really good Winnipeg team.”

The Bombers struggled in all three phases of the game.

Quarterback Zach Collaros threw an interception, receiver Nic Demski had a fumble, rookie kick returner Myron Mitchell coughed up the ball on a punt and Sergio Castillo missed two field-goal attempts.

Collaros connected on 20 of 33 passing attempts for 209 yards with one pick. 

“It obviously wasn’t up to our standard,” Collaros said. “Not good enough. Disappointing, frustrating, all those things, especially (because we) did not play well in front of the home crowd. 

“I certainly wish I played better. … I have to do a heck of a lot better for us and we’ll improve.”

Montreal kicker David Cote was good on field goals from 19 and 22 yards and made two of three converts. Joseph Zema added a punt single. 

Running back Johnny Augustine scored Winnipeg’s lone TD on a one-yard run with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter. 

Castillo booted a 17-yard field goal for Winnipeg, but missed attempts from 38 and 40 yards, and went wide on a convert. 

Montreal led 7-3 after the first quarter, 14-5 at halftime and 18-5 heading into the fourth.

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Castillo pointed to computer chips in the footballs as part of the problem with his kicks. The chips collect statistical data used by the league. 

“Over camp, if I went 60 per cent that was a great day. And when we went with normal balls, 90-plus per cent. The whole camp,” Castillo said.

It’s a trajectory issue, he said. 

“Every time I’m out there, I’m literally praying the rosary,” Castillo said. “I don’t know where to aim.”

He added that his counterparts across the league are experiencing similar issues and have brought their concerns to the league’s attention.

BITTEN BY INJURIES

Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler left the game midway through the second quarter with what appeared to be a hand or arm injury after making a catch. He didn’t return. 

Alouettes linebacker Reggie Stubblefield left the field on a cart with 35 seconds left in the third quarter after injuring his right leg. 

Stubblefield was on crutches with a brace around his right knee after the game. Montreal head coach Jason Maas said tests will determine how serious the injury is. 

(Canadian Press)