Montreal’s quarterback, Davis Alexander, will be in the spotlight at the Grey Cup in Winnipeg this week. Alexander boasts a flawless 13-0 record as a CFL starter heading into the Alouettes’ Grey Cup clash with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Nov. 16.
All eyes will be on the dynamic American player as he deals with a left hamstring issue sustained during the Alouettes’ 19-16 victory over Hamilton in the East Division final last Saturday. Despite twice being sidelined with the same injury, Alexander managed to play in only seven games during his first full season as Montreal’s starter. The team had a 7-0 record with Alexander starting and a 3-8 record without him.
Montreal head coach, Jason Maas, acknowledged that Alexander has been playing through the injury for some time, even during training camp. The extent of the injury remains uncertain, but Maas expressed confidence in the team’s ability to win regardless of Alexander’s availability.
Alexander, determined to play, refused to leave the field when he felt discomfort in his hamstring during the game against the Tiger-Cats. His exceptional performance includes an 11-0 record in the regular season, marking the best start to a CFL career. He has also triumphed in both of his post-season appearances.
The upcoming Grey Cup showdown between Montreal and Saskatchewan will mark their third encounter in the championship game. Montreal emerged victorious in 2009 (28-27) and 2010 (21-18) against the Roughriders.
Davis: ‘I don’t have to be Superman’
Despite facing challenges in the East Division final against Hamilton, where Alexander recorded modest stats, he emphasized that he doesn’t need to be extraordinary for the team to succeed. Alexander led a crucial drive in the game without relying on his running abilities, illustrating his adaptability and team-oriented mindset.
Coach Maas expressed readiness to adjust the offensive strategy if Alexander’s mobility is hindered during the Grey Cup game. Maas highlighted the importance of trust in the team’s offensive system and emphasized Alexander’s capability to make sound decisions and execute plays effectively.
Should Alexander start against Saskatchewan, it will be his first encounter with the team this season. The teams split their regular-season matchups, with each team securing a win on the opponent’s turf. Notably, backup quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson started both games for Montreal.
Riders’ long-awaited Grey Cup return
Saskatchewan will make its first Grey Cup appearance since 2013, following a dramatic victory over the B.C. Lions in the West Division final. Quarterback Trevor Harris delivered a stellar performance, leading the Riders to a 24-21 win with a late touchdown pass to Tommy Nield. A.J. Ouellette’s strong rushing game also contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Harris, a seasoned player with two Grey Cup victories under his belt, is aiming for his third championship title. In contrast, Alexander, at 27 years old, is poised to make his debut in the Grey Cup. Montreal aims to secure its ninth Grey Cup championship, while Saskatchewan enters the game with four titles in its history.