Alouettes demolish Roughriders 40-9, keeping pace in East race and showing off their potential

Thirteen proved unlucky for the Saskatchewan Roughriders yet again. The Montreal Alouettes retired Anthony Calvillo's #13 jersey at halftime on Monday (Oct. 13) against the Roughriders, bringing back memories of the 2009 Grey Cup, but the 40-9 stomping of Saskatchewan they delivered this time around was far bigger than their wins in the 2009 or 2010 Grey Cup games. While solid offensive play from Montreal played a role here, the biggest factor in the blowout was the Alouettes' defence, which completely shut down Saskatchewan quarterback Tino Sunseri.

Sunseri entered this one with some potential, particularly considering how he was effective in relief last week against Calgary. Montreal's defence was all over him all day long, though, recording five sacks (two from middle linebacker Bear Woods and one each from John Bowman, Chip Cox and Scott Paxson) and substantial quarterback pressures, and he only finished the day with 72 passing yards. Sunseri also wasn't very efficient when he was able to throw the ball, completing just seven of 12 attempts (58.3 per cent) with one touchdown and one interception. Backup Seth Doege was even less effective. Some of that is on the Riders' quarterbacks and their inexperience, but the way the Alouettes were able to consistently swarm them was critical to their success. Saskatchewan scored the first seven points of the game, but then the Montreal defence adapted, and the only further points the Riders would add came from a fourth-quarter safety.

Part of that defensive success came from limiting the formidable Saskatchewan ground game, too. Primary tailback Anthony Allen did wind up with 105 rushing yards on the day, but it took him 21 carries to get there, giving him a less-than-stellar average of 5.0 yards per carry. Montreal was able to disrupt the pass so effectively that they could key on the run, and that was crucial to limiting Allen's gains and forcing the Riders into punt after punt; Josh Bartel had to boot the ball away 10 times during the course of this one. The Alouettes' defence also forced plenty of turnovers, picking off Sunseri twice and forcing and recovering fumbles from both him and Allen.

With the victory, the Alouettes improve to 6-8 on the season and are in a three-way tie for first at the top of the East Division with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts. Keeping pace there could be crucial, as both of those teams have been gaining momentum recently. Moreover, the third playoff berth in the East is far from a sure one, as 8-7 B.C. is two wins ahead and would currently cross over if the season ended today. To assure a postseason spot, Montreal would need to finish in the top two. That's still quite possible thanks to this victory, and if their defence keeps playing like this, they could be dangerous in the playoffs.

Of course, Montreal's offence deserves credit here too. Quarterback Jonathon Crompton continues to round into form with more CFL experience, and he had a decent outing Monday, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns without a pick. He only completed 12 of 25 passes (48 per cent), so that needs work, but he did show off some great chemistry with star receiver Duron Carter, who had four catches (two of them spectacular) for 107 yards and two touchdowns. The Alouettes' ground game was also effective, with Tyrell Sutton collecting 91 yards on 15 carries (6.1 yards per carry). Still, this win was largely about the defence, which is looking like a top CFL unit. If Montreal's defence can maintain this form, they'll be a tough team to beat.