MONTREAL – Injured in the very first game of the season, William Stanback can’t wait any longer. Monday, he should make his return to action when the Montreal Alouettes can secure a playoff game at home.
“There’s not much more to say, I’m just ready to play! I get asked the same questions all the time, but I just can’t wait to play in front of our fans again,” said the running back who injured his left ankle.
Stanback said it with a smile, but we still felt the impatience to be freed from his “chains”.
The one who remains the pillar of the Montreal attack understands that it is not easy to return to the game during the 15e his team’s game as the intensity nears the peak, but he sees the positive side.
“No, it’s not difficult. I had to be mentally strong to get through this fitness even when I was alone on my side. I preferred to tell myself that I was lucky to be able to come back at the end of the season, ”identified the finalist for the title of player par excellence in 2021.
For the Ottawa Redblacks, this is far from encouraging news. While the Alouettes can secure a worst-case scenario second in the division with a win, Ottawa could be knocked out of the playoff picture if Montreal and Saskatchewan prevail.
“As soon as number 31 is on the pitch, they are going to have to strap on their helmets and make sure they have enough players in the defensive front to counter him. On our side, it should open up other options for us, just because of his presence,” noted Maciocia.
Delighted to see him again, the leaders will still hold their breath during this confrontation. Above all, they would not want to lose his services for the playoff calendar. The stakes become even greater since the Alouettes face the Rouge et Noir twice in five days (Monday in Montreal and Friday in Ottawa).
“We can’t expect to give him 20-25 carries on Monday and the same on Friday. It wouldn’t be realistic. We discussed in detail its use. But, before arriving at the match, he must have three good days of training during which he feels good. If he manages to do so, he will be in uniform for the game,” said Danny Maciocia, the interim general manager and head coach.
Such a calendar is nothing new in the CFL, but it will never please the leaders.
“I’m not a big fan of this approach, but it’s our reality. The very important thing is the plan that will be implemented between the two meetings. […] For example, we played on Saturday and we gave Sunday to Wednesday off. Normally, on our first day of training, we wear the shoulder pads and we didn’t. In addition, we will probably repeat fewer games in training over the next two days. These are measures to manage everything well, ”he explained.
While the first rank is always within reach of the Montreal clan, the staff cannot lighten the task of several players. In this regard, note that cornerback Mike Jones did not practice Thursday.
Defense overhaul was unwanted, but it pays off
Last week, in another important game in Edmonton, the Birds were saved by the defense which rose more than once.
This scenario was welcomed with joy by this unit. After all, the Montreal defense changed defensive coordinators this season – with the arrival of Noel Thorpe – and they have added several new starters since.
“It was our reality this year, but we want to avoid that at all costs in the future. That said, what makes me very satisfied is that we worked very hard, we kept a good attitude despite these changes, ”replied Maciocia.
“It’s great that it clicks and there’s nothing better than seeing the defense that gets the win. It’s a nice feeling after all the time invested in training. We got interceptions, sacks … We reap the rewards, it feels good,” admitted defensive back Wesley Sutton.
The latter experienced this transformation from within.
“With the Coach Thorpe system and its level of requirements, you have to be up to it otherwise you get replaced. It was necessary to help the newcomers to feel at ease, particularly in terms of the approach and the terminology. It’s always hard to see friends leave, but every addition has been good for our defense,” Sutton commented of Micah Awe, Nafees Lyon, Jamal Davis, Mustafa Johnson and company.
Maciocia explains that it was necessary to play the image of the desired defensive identity.
“You should never question your identity during the season. We have to solve that during the off-season when we evaluate our formation. But it’s starting to pay off,” concluded Maciocia, who no longer wants to have to complete such a puzzle during the season.