Als at Lions GDT Sat 600PM CT

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

QB Cody Fajardo listed as Alouettes' starter despite no practice in two weeks
By 3Down Staff -October 18, 2024

Cody Fajardo has been named the Montreal Alouettes' starting quarterback for Saturday's matchup with the B.C. Lions, despite not practicing with the team in two weeks.

The 32-year-old missed last week's game after celebrating the birth of his second child and was not in attendance at practice in Montreal on Thursday. However, he will join the team in Vancouver and has been listed as the starter over Davis Alexander, who has won all four games he's played in place of Fajardo this year.

Fajardo has appeared in 12 games this season for the Alouettes, completing 224-of-335 passes for 2,867 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also scrambled 47 times for 255 yards and three majors. In his first season with the team in 2023, he led the team to a Grey Cup championship and was named MVP of the title game.

Regardless of what's listed on the depth chart, head coach Jason Maas has indicated that both of his quarterbacks will see playing time in this game. Rookie James Morgan has been returned to the practice roster to make room.

The Alouettes will rest several other impactful offensive pieces, including receiver Austin Mack (ankle). The 2023 CFL all-star returned last week after a prolonged absence, catching four passes for 92 yards, but won't be tested on a short week. Canadian Nate Behar will start in his place, with Shedler Fervius dressing as insurance.

Running back Walter Fletcher will also be a healthy scratch as the team prepares for the postseason. He has carried 129 times for 711 yards and three touchdowns through 16 games, while catching 67 passes for 641 yards and three more majors through the air. Canadian veteran Sean Thomas-Erlington and American rookie Stevie Scott III are expected to split carries in his place.

Rounding out the roster moves, American Jamar McGloster will dress as the sixth offensive lineman and Canadian Theo Grant will be a healthy scratch.

The Alouettes (12-3-1) will visit the B.C. Lions (8-9) on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/10/18/qb-cody-fajardo-listed-as-alouettes-starter-despite-no-practice-in-two-weeks/

[gobombersgo]

Canadian DB Patrice Rene returns for B.C. Lions
By 3Down Staff -October 18, 2024

The B.C. Lions are hoping that a virtually unchanged roster will receive a spark from a swap at the quarterback position.

The Lions have made no other significant changes to their roster from last week outside of the most important position. Canadian defensive back Patrice Rene is the lone returnee to the lineup but will serve in a depth role. He has recorded 33 defensive tackles, 13 special teams tackles, and a sack in 16 games. Fullback Dylan St. Pierre has been placed on the practice roster as a result.

Vernon Adams Jr. will get the nod this week over Canadian Nathan Rourke, marking his first start since Aug. 1 when he suffered a knee injury against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The 31-year-old went 5-3 as a starter to begin the year and has thrown for 2,544 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on the season. At the time of his injury, he was the consensus front-runner to be named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player.

Rourke had started B.C.'s last eight games since returning from the NFL, passing for 1,581 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Lions have gone 3-5 with the Canadian quarterback at the helm, a far cry from the 8-1 record he posted in meaningful regular season games back in 2022.

The Lions (8-9) will host the Alouettes (12-3-1) on Saturday, Oct. 19 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/10/18/canadian-db-patrice-rene-returns-for-b-c-lions/

[dd]

Adams is starting for the Lions and the team will rally and support their displaced starter and he will prove that signing rourke was a huge, huge mistake.

[Stats Junkie]

BC Lions @BCLions
Due to high winds & flooding, the pre-game Backyard Party has been CANCELLED.

A follow up included the following:
The @bcplace roof will be closed, but please dress warmly.🥶

The last item seems to have led to a number of joke replies about the roof being closed.

[Stats Junkie]

Remember back when the BC Lions were 5 & 2 and the offence was rolling. There were several suggestions that the Lions would be unstoppable once Keon Hatcher returned to the lineup.

Well, the Lions are 3 & 7 in games that Hatcher has played. Mcinnis, who played Hatcher's position better than Hatcher, was bumped to another spot in the receiving corps and as a group they have been less than inspiring of late.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

BC Lions @BCLions
Due to high winds & flooding, the pre-game Backyard Party has been CANCELLED.

A follow up included the following:
The @bcplace roof will be closed, but please dress warmly.🥶

The last item seems to have led to a number of joke replies about the roof being closed.

Atmospheric river conditions present, there's good reason they put a roof on that stadium.

[markf]

" 200 mm of rain fell in less than 30 h
189 mm/24 h
138 mm/12 h
100 mm/6 h"

[J5V]

Als O-lineman, Josh Donovan, on the ground clutching at his knee there. That doesn't look good.

[J5V]

BC defense is playing well. Montreal 2-and-out again. At some point I expect Montreal to get into their A-game. Haven't seen it yet, however. Fajardo not trying any of the explosion plays Montreal is famous for. I wonder why.

[J5V]

Josh Donovan came out of the tent and was carted off the field. He looked very distraught. I fear that's a serious injury. The Als just lost one of their O-linemen. That has to be Jason Maas' worst nightmare to lose such an important piece in a nothing game. We'll have to watch to see if the Lions can take advantage of the Als weakened O-line and maybe put some pressure on Cody. You can bet the Argos will be taking notice.

[dd]

Adams is starting for the Lions and the team will rally and support their displaced starter and he will prove that signing rourke was a huge, huge mistake.

17-0 Lions....looks like Adams is rust free and the Lions offense is back...see ya Nate!!!

[J5V]

FG BC. 17-0 Lions, 2nd Quarter.

[J5V]

The Lions are getting through the Als O-line and have sacked CF twice in a row. Cody lucky not to get chewed up there. I can see Maas pulling him soon and putting in Alexander.

[Mick]

Fajardo looks like garbage.

[J5V]

Fajardo looks like garbage.

Well, no too bad, but I don't understand the Als gambling on 3rd down there. V.A. is shredding the Als D with his legs and his arm. His receivers are laying out for the ball and playing hard for him. Very interesting watching the Als struggle like this.

[J5V]

Campbell's going to win this challenge, I think.

[Mick]

If they play like this next week, we're hosting the WF.

[J5V]

If they play like this next week, we're hosting the WF.

I'd have to agree. Als lost an O-lineman, CF played the whole first half and generated 0 points and got sacked several times. Bit of a disaster for Montreal. Maas has to be sick. I really can't see the Als taking these same risks against the Bombers.

[Mick]

I'd have to agree. Als lost an O-lineman, CF played the whole first half and generated 0 points and got sacked several times. Bit of a disaster for Montreal. Maas has to be sick. I really can't see the Als taking these same risks against the Bombers.

I agree, and especially considering the Bombers have something to play for, BC is playing for nothing.

[Blue In BC]

Als were already resting a bunch of starters. I expect that to continue next week. It appears they've lost their starting RT. Being carted off with a knee injury and the EDF in 3 weeks. I doubt he can return that soon even if the injury is not too serious.

[Mick]

Earlier this week MTL players said there was no meaningless games and they are playing full throttle.

[J5V]

What is Suitor talking about? Is he blind? BC receiver (McInnis) clearly was hit there. No he didn't "jump over" the Montreal defender "at the last second". Suitor is awful.

[J5V]

Earlier this week MTL players said there was no meaningless games and they are playing full throttle.

Well if that's true, it's 17-0 BC and they're playing like crap. Als have had 7 possessions and are 6 punts and a turnover on downs. The Argos must be loving this.

[Mick]

Well if that's true, it's 17-0 BC and they're playing like crap.

Right? Bombers are gonna be firing on all cylinders next week.

[J5V]

VA throwing darts! Als D has no answer for VA. Adams escape-ability is giving the Als D fits.

[J5V]

Bad break for VA there at the 10 yard line. Bizarre INT as the Lions were driving for the major.

[Mick]

Liking what I'm seeing here from MTL, falling apart. Even if maas is dumb enough to play starters next week, we'll kill them on the ground, everything from bc has been in the air.

[J5V]

Another punt for the Als. Maas does not look pleased.

I heard an interesting comment about Maas on one of the forums. Apparently he wasn't enamoured with CF taking time off for the birth of his second child. Maas reported to have chirped "Cody's wife had a baby, not Cody". Apparently Maas' comment was not well received by some Montreal fans.

[Mick]

Another punt for the Als. Maas does not look pleased.

I heard an interesting comment about Maas on one of the forums. Apparently he wasn't enamoured with CF taking time off for the birth of his second child. Maas reported to have chirped "Cody's wife had a baby, not Cody". Apparently Maas' comment was not well received by some Montreal fans.

Ooof. That'll stir the pot.

[J5V]

Liking what I'm seeing here from MTL, falling apart. Even if maas is dumb enough to play starters next week, we'll kill them on the ground, everything from bc has been in the air.

VA shredding that Montreal secondary. Another TD through the air. 24-0.

The Als almost never win in BC for some reason. It's looking like that's holding so far tonight.

[markf]

Refs have let two plays go,that I thought were clearly rough play

One guy got lifted up in the air and then Pile derived into the turf.

Also way out of bounds tackle by Montreal, on a receiver.

Nice to see va doing well...

Kind of Looks a bit like the Receivers are trying harder for va than they did for Rourke.

[J5V]

Alouettes fail on several penalty-aided tries from near the goal line and fail to punch it in. Finally settle for a FG. 24-3. Jason Maas is swearing up a storm. Not a happy camper.

[Mick]

Looking very good for us next week.

[J5V]

Looking very good for us next week.

I dunno. Als are going to be in a bad mood next week and may want to take it out on us. LOL!

[J5V]

Wow! Als stuffed again at the goal line on 2nd down and Alexander loses the ball and BC recovers. What a horrible game for the Als and it didn't matter if it was Fajardo or Alexander.

[Mick]

I dunno. Als are going to be in a bad mood next week and may want to take it out on us. LOL!

I doubt it, we're sitting pretty.

[dd]

Refs have let two plays go,that I thought were clearly rough play

One guy got lifted up in the air and then Pile derived into the turf.

Also way out of bounds tackle by Montreal, on a receiver.

Nice to see va doing well...

Kind of Looks a bit like the Receivers are trying harder for va than they did for Rourke.

the 2 plays were definitely UR on both accounts---pile driver gets you 15 yards and the hammer throw out of bounds gets you 15 as well. What the refs were thinking is beyond me but not a good look for sure

[markf]

the 2 plays were definitely UR on both accounts---pile driver gets you 15 yards and the hammer throw out of bounds gets you 15 as well. What the refs were thinking is beyond me but not a good look for sure

Yes......Hammer throw is what is was. 

Bizarre no call.

[gobombersgo]

[TBURGESS]

The Lions look like a completely different team with VAJ at QB.

[dd]

Als did not have a good showing and Maas was losing it on the sidelines....expect the Als to go 100% next week and look to end the season with a win

[BBRT]

Als did not have a good showing and Maas was losing it on the sidelines....expect the Als to go 100% next week and look to end the season with a win

That is how I see it also. However Maas may back off somewhat in order to prevent injuries. No matter if we can not beat Montreal we will see BC in the Peg for the semi finals and then have to figure out how to beat the Riders in Regina.

[J5V]

The Lions look like a completely different team with VAJ at QB.

Were the Lions that good or were the Als that bad? A blend of both, maybe?

He looked like the same old V.A. to me except with fresh legs. Made some good throws/runs, threw some picks, bad balls, etc. I really think our D get the same result against BC as the last time we played them. What'll change my mind is if BC plays Sask in the WSF and they beat the Riders in Regina. I don't see that happening.

Montreal was hot garbage yesterday. I think even they'd tell you that.

[dd]

Our secondary is way better than Montreal's, they gave up too many big plays and that's what BC relies on. Also, the Lions were playing inspired football and you could tell they were happy Adams was back under centre. I don't know what BC is going to do next year, as Rourke is not the answer for them and Campbell won't trade or let Rourke go, so sadly, Adams will move onto another team-_Calgary or Edmonton maybe, and BC will suck next year, which will be a good thing!!

[TecnoGenius]

Als O-lineman, Josh Donovan, on the ground clutching at his knee there. That doesn't look good.

This isn't as big a deal as it would seem as they have McGloster on AR already.  He's the OT that won them the cup last year.  (And our former guy who we probably should have retained.)

Clearly Donovan won out that spot with more talent, but it's not a huge downgrade to lose him.

What I want to know is how MTL can afford to roster 3 exceptionally good IMP OTs?  We could never afford that if our life depended on it -- in fact, that's part of the reason we let McGloster walk.

I'm pretty sure McGloster > Lofton.  Maybe MTL won't be able to afford him next year and we can grab him back.  MTL will be in cap he-hockeysticks this off-season.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

This isn't as big a deal as it would seem as they have McGloster on AR already.  He's the OT that won them the cup last year.  (And our former guy who we probably should have retained.)

Clearly Donovan won out that spot with more talent, but it's not a huge downgrade to lose him.

What I want to know is how MTL can afford to roster 3 exceptionally good IMP OTs?  We could never afford that if our life depended on it -- in fact, that's part of the reason we let McGloster walk.

I'm pretty sure McGloster > Lofton.  Maybe MTL won't be able to afford him next year and we can grab him back.  MTL will be in cap he-hockeysticks this off-season.

You're equating good performance to expensive which isn't always the case, none of the Als OT's are earning anywhere near what Stanley or Yoshi are.

[J5V]

This isn't as big a deal as it would seem as they have McGloster on AR already.  He's the OT that won them the cup last year.  (And our former guy who we probably should have retained.)

Clearly Donovan won out that spot with more talent, but it's not a huge downgrade to lose him.

It did seem like BC was getting constant pressure on Fajardo after Donovan went out though.

What I want to know is how MTL can afford to roster 3 exceptionally good IMP OTs?  We could never afford that if our life depended on it -- in fact, that's part of the reason we let McGloster walk.

We've already had this conversation (or a similar one). Who knows what kind of skulduggery is going on over there? Ever since the Als got sold to Wettenhall et al, the Als suddenly became a powerhouse after being a low to mid-level organisation for decades. Very suspicious. The only place you see a sudden performance spike like that is when there are anabolic steroids involved.

I'm pretty sure McGloster > Lofton.  Maybe MTL won't be able to afford him next year and we can grab him back.  MTL will be in cap he-hockeysticks this off-season.

Not if the desire of the deep pockets can find ways to keep players happy "off the books". Besides, you can always call it "Marketing Money" can't you!?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

https://3downnation.com/2024/10/20/it-was-vas-team-b-c-lions-players-throw-support-behind-vernon-adams-jr-after-quarterback-switch/

Looks like the Lions need to flush some player personnel starting with Keon Hatcher, if I was Campbell I'd be pissed he's openly airing the team's dirty laundry in public. If I was GM Neil McEvoy, I'd strongly consider getting rid of Campbell for letting the situation deteriorate as much as it did.  Maybe receivers not trying explains why BC sucked from mid-season onward and blew the chance to host a playoff game and better their GC chances in the year they're hosting, which equates to big revenue lost.

As for Hatcher, don't know what he's thinking as Rourke is probably going to be BC's starting QB for at least the next 5 years, seems fair for Rourke to completely ignore Hatcher and any other receiver that wants to halfass it or sulk, until they can be dealt away.

[Jesse]

https://3downnation.com/2024/10/20/it-was-vas-team-b-c-lions-players-throw-support-behind-vernon-adams-jr-after-quarterback-switch/

Looks like the Lions need to flush some player personnel starting with Keon Hatcher, if I was Campbell I'd be pissed he's openly airing the team's dirty laundry in public. If I was GM Neil McEvoy, I'd strongly consider getting rid of Campbell for letting the situation deteriorate as much as it did.  Maybe receivers not trying explains why BC sucked from mid-season onward and blew the chance to host a playoff game and better their GC chances in the year they're hosting, which equates to big revenue lost.

As for Hatcher, don't know what he's thinking as Rourke is probably going to be BC's starting QB for at least the next 5 years, seems fair for Rourke to completely ignore Hatcher and any other receiver that wants to halfass it or sulk, until they can be dealt away.

The GM/HC are who caused this mess.

Can't fault the receivers for sharing their belief in their starting QB.

[blue_gold_84]

The GM/HC are who caused this mess.

Can't fault the receivers for sharing their belief in their starting QB.

Rick Campbell's as milquetoast as they come.

[TecnoGenius]

Wow! Als stuffed again at the goal line on 2nd down and Alexander loses the ball and BC recovers. What a horrible game for the Als and it didn't matter if it was Fajardo or Alexander.

Alexander was already limping after his QB draw run a couple of plays earlier... and then they put him in there in SY?  What are they thinking?  Put in your SY QB!!

He may still be limping come Saturday, and to be honest, he's probably the more dangerous QB.

[TecnoGenius]

You're equating good performance to expensive which isn't always the case, none of the Als OT's are earning anywhere near what Stanley or Yoshi are.

He was expensive enough we had to let him walk after he was no longer ELC.  I don't mean Desjar $, I mean more than what we wanted to pay an undressed 3rd IMP.

I guarantee you he's not making just ELC anymore.  Maybe $120k?

Big Stan will retire eventually, and Lofton may not be the answer... having had kept a McGloster around would come in handy right about now.  Randolph appears to be a great OG, but clearly he ain't no starting OT (yet?).

[TecnoGenius]

Some notes on this game that may help us in our MTL battle:

- 1st BC TD to Berryhill: they picked on the MTL D on the deep post shot the moment MTL spelled Dequoy.  Very interesting.  Great idea, wait until the top MTL DB is out and attack his spot (and keep it away from Ento).

- MTL's Donovan looked like a non-contact to me, and not a turf monster.  I think his knee is blown, and his facial expression on the cart confirms it.  That's a "my name won't be on the cup" face.

- 1Q2:26 UR "cruising" on LeStage was completely horsepoop.  He did all of it before the whistle!  And he was just doing normal pile-pushing to have the RB get more yards.  Our guys do this all of the time (so do most teams).  CFL refs botch it again.  The replay is meaningless, watch it live and wait for the whistle.

- BC attacked Ruffin a lot and stayed away from Ento.

- P.S. yes: the 2 UR non-flags were nasty and the pile-drive will be a fine for sure.  The league may have to find a way to spot & flag those OOB URs that the refs can't see, like that one against Lucky the other week.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He was expensive enough we had to let him walk after he was no longer ELC.  I don't mean Desjar $, I mean more than what we wanted to pay an undressed 3rd IMP.

I guarantee you he's not making just ELC anymore.  Maybe $120k?

Big Stan will retire eventually, and Lofton may not be the answer... having had kept a McGloster around would come in handy right about now.  Randolph appears to be a great OG, but clearly he ain't no starting OT (yet?).

Your perception of McGloster is skewed, he was with the Bombers for maybe 6 games in 2019 before being released.  He's bounced around through Ottawa and BC before landing with Montreal where he may have now been replaced, he might be a solid player similar to Lofton, but he's not exactly a highly valued asset.