Alouettes Face Back-to-Back Defeats by Edmonton, Highlighting Concerning Season Struggles

Alouettes Face Uphill Battle Against Elks Amidst Injury Crisis

August 7, 2025

Montreal’s hopes for continued success in the 2025 CFL season are being tested as the Alouettes prepare to host the Edmonton Elks at Percival-Molson Stadium. However, the team is significantly hampered by a growing list of injuries to key players, casting a shadow over what was expected to be a crucial matchup.

The Alouettes (5-3) will be without several starters, including safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy and quarterback Davis Alexander. The receiving corps also takes a hit with the absence of Austin Mack and Tyson Philpot,while the offensive line is weakened by the sidelining of Justin Lawrence. This wave of injuries presents a meaningful challenge for a team looking to rebound from a disappointing home performance last weekend.

“This is a real test of our depth,” said one team source,speaking on background. “We’ve built a roster with the understanding that injuries are part of the game, but this is a particularly tough stretch. It’s an chance for some younger players to step up and prove themselves.”

The Edmonton Elks (1-6) arrive in Montreal with a struggling record, but shouldn’t be underestimated.Despite their position in the standings, the Elks are a team capable of causing an upset, and the Alouettes’ depleted roster only increases that possibility.

CFL Injury Trends and Depth: A League-Wide Concern

The Alouettes’ situation highlights a growing concern across the CFL: the impact of injuries on team performance. The physicality of the Canadian game, combined with a relatively short season, often leads to key players missing significant time. Teams with strong depth are proving to be more resilient, able to withstand these setbacks and maintain a competitive edge.

Historically, CFL teams have relied heavily on a core group of star players. However, the current landscape demands a more complete approach to roster building. Investing in developing young talent and maintaining a strong pipeline of potential replacements is becoming increasingly crucial for sustained success.

For Montreal, this game isn’t just about securing a win; it’s about evaluating the team’s depth and identifying players who can contribute consistently as the season progresses. The Alouettes will need to rely on strong execution and a collective effort to overcome the Elks and avoid a costly home loss.

Fans can expect a hard-fought contest as Montreal attempts to navigate this challenging period and reaffirm their position as a contender in the East Division.

What specific adjustments could the Alouettes make too thier offensive line to better protect Cody Fajardo adn improve the running game?

Recent Losses to Edmonton Expose Alouettes’ Weaknesses

The Montreal Alouettes are reeling after suffering consecutive losses to the Edmonton Elks, raising serious questions about their performance trajectory this CFL season. The back-to-back defeats, occurring on August 6th and August 8th, 2025, weren’t just losses; they were stark displays of vulnerabilities that have been simmering beneath the surface for several weeks. Fans and analysts alike are now scrutinizing the team’s CFL standings and wondering if a playoff berth is still within reach.

Key Areas of Concern: Offensive Inconsistency

The most glaring issue plaguing the Alouettes is their offensive inconsistency. While quarterback Cody Fajardo has shown flashes of brilliance, he’s been hampered by a porous offensive line and a lack of consistent receiving threats.

Passing Game Struggles: Completion percentages have dipped in recent games, and Fajardo is facing increased pressure, leading to hurried throws and turnovers. The Alouettes passing attack needs to find a rhythm.

Running Game Ineffectiveness: The running game, once a reliable component of the offense, has stalled. Opposing defenses are effectively shutting down the run, forcing the Alouettes into predictable passing situations.

Red Zone Efficiency: Converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns has become a major problem. Settling for field goals is simply not enough to consistently compete against top-tier CFL teams.

Defensive Lapses: A Growing Problem

The Alouettes’ defense, previously considered a strength, is showing cracks. The Edmonton Elks exploited these weaknesses, particularly in coverage and run stopping.

Coverage Breakdowns: Edmonton receivers consistently found themselves open, leading to significant yardage gains. The secondary needs to tighten up its coverage assignments.

Run Defense Vulnerabilities: The Elks’ running backs were able to consistently gain yardage on the ground, controlling the clock and keeping the alouettes’ offense off the field. Improving CFL defensive strategies is crucial.

Pressure on the Quarterback: While the Alouettes have a capable pass rush, they haven’t been able to consistently pressure the opposing quarterback, allowing him time to make accurate throws.

Edmonton’s Tactical success: A Case Study in Exploitation

The elks’ success wasn’t simply a matter of the Alouettes underperforming.Edmonton executed a well-defined game plan that specifically targeted Montreal’s weaknesses.

Short Passing Game: Edmonton focused on a short passing game, exploiting the Alouettes’ vulnerability in coverage and forcing them to make rapid tackles.

establish the Run: By establishing a strong running game, Edmonton controlled the clock and kept the Alouettes’ offense on the sidelines.

Aggressive Play-Calling: Edmonton’s coaching staff wasn’t afraid to take risks, calling aggressive plays that kept the Alouettes’ defense off balance. This is a prime example of effective CFL coaching.

Impact on Playoff Hopes & CFL Predictions

These consecutive losses substantially impact the Alouettes’ playoff aspirations. With the CFL playoffs looming, they need to address these issues quickly. Current CFL predictions are shifting, with many analysts downgrading the Alouettes’ chances of making a deep playoff run.

Divisional Rivalry: The East Division is highly competitive, and these losses could prove costly in the race for a playoff spot.

Momentum Shift: The back-to-back defeats have undoubtedly shaken the team’s confidence and momentum.

Upcoming Schedule: The Alouettes face a challenging schedule ahead, with games against other top contenders.

Potential Solutions: What Can the Alouettes Do?

Turning the season around requires immediate and decisive action.Here are some potential solutions:

1. Offensive Line Adjustments: The coaching staff needs to identify and address the issues with the offensive line, whether through personnel changes or scheme adjustments.
2. Receiving Corps Development: Developing a more reliable receiving corps is crucial. This could involve giving younger players more opportunities or exploring potential trades.
3. Defensive Scheme Overhaul: The defensive scheme may need to be adjusted to better address the team’s vulnerabilities in coverage and run stopping.
4. Special Teams Enhancement: Consistent special teams play can provide a significant advantage. Focusing on improving kick and punt coverage, as well as field goal accuracy, is essential.

Alouettes Player Performance Statistics (Recent Games)

| Player Name | Position | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Tackles |

|—|—|—|—|—|—|

| Cody Fajardo | QB | 580 | 35 | – | – |

| William Stanback | RB | – | 85 | – | – |

| Hergy Mayala | WR | – | – | 120 | – |

| Avery Williams | LB | – | – | – | 10 |

(Statistics as of August 8th, 2025). These stats highlight the uneven contribution across key positions, reinforcing the need for a more balanced team performance.Analyzing CFL player stats is vital for identifying areas for improvement.

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