Fresh off of a big home opener victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a week ago, the Ottawa REDBLACKS hit the road for the first time this season, with a tough test in front of them.
The REDBLACKS visit the 2-0 Montreal Alouettes, who will be raising their 2023 Grey Cup banner on their own home opener night, in a key early-season East Division tilt. It’s a 7:30pm kickoff from Percival Molson Stadium, on what will be a heated night both on and off the field, as soaring temperatures throughout the week continue.
Dru Brown completed 20 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown, with no turnovers, in his REDBLACKS debut, including a late 2-yard toss to Justin Hardy in the endzone, that held up as the game-winner in a 23-19 decision. With the Bombers marching down the field in the final minute, looking to take a lead following a one-hour rain delay, a heroic pass break-up by Damon Webb, and third-down sack by Lorenzo Mauldin snuffed out the Winnipeg drive at the Ottawa seven-yard line to ice the game. Adarius Pickett logged an interception in his own REDBLACKS debut, with Alonzo Addae nabbing another.
In the run game, Ryquell Armstead’s CFL debut was an impressive one, logging 95 rushing yards on 16 carries, taking home the league’s top weekly positional honours.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Montreal picked up a second straight win, and tenth dating back to last season, beating the Edmonton Elks on the road in Week 2, 23-20. Cody Fajardo went 20/30 for 269 yards, and a pair of touchdowns to Walter Fletcher, and Cole Spieker, respectively. Nafees Lyon, and Kabion Ento picked off the quarterback.
The Alouettes continue to ride an impressive undefeated streak, with their last loss coming on September 15, 2023 to the Toronto Argonauts, in Montreal.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Bob Dyce, Head Coach, on a week spent in near-record heat: “I just told the guys to embrace it. At the end of the day, your mind powers your thinking, your brain, how you approach things. You can’t let external factors change what you want to do. And you know what, they came out here and they were focused on what they had to do. I was happy with how our preparation has been.”
Dru Brown, quarterback, on how the offence can improve after their Week 2 win: “Finishing drives. That comes down to better decisions, at that time, by me. As a unit, we’ve got to get the ball in the end zone. You want to score touchdowns, not field goals. Typically when you do that, you can put a team away.”
Lorenzo Mauldin, defensive end, on Ottawa’s “Bank Street Bullies” mentality: “Basically it’s just: ‘Hey, we’re not gonna lay down.’ If you’re going to come into our house, or decided to show up on game day, just know you’re gonna get hit in the mouth.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
7:30 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN3 / TSN / RDS (French) / CFL+ | Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
