Alouettes thump Stampeders in Hall of Fame game Sunday, reversing their roles so far this season

The Calgary Stampeders' season to date has been far better than the Montreal Alouettes', but their typical roles were reversed Sunday. The Stampeders were 10-1 heading into Sunday's Hall of Fame game in Montreal, while the Alouettes were just 3-8, but when the dust cleared, it was Montreal that came away with a 31-15 win. That could be a crucial win for the Alouettes, keeping them in contention in the East and reinforcing that their season's far from over despite its disastrous start.

Three former Alouettes (receiver Ben Cahoon, offensive tackle Uzooma Okeke and linebacker/punter Wally Buono) were amongst the impressive class of Hall of Fame inductees this year, and with them all in attendance for Sunday's induction, Montreal put on a performance more worthy of that class than what we've typically seen from them this year. The passing defence in particular was outstanding, holding Calgary quarterback Drew Tate to just 15 completions on 30 attempts (50 per cent) for 152 passing yards with no touchdowns and an interception, and part of that was about the pass rush; the Alouettes only recorded one sack, from Aaron Lavarias, but generated great pressure and forced Tate into quick throws into tight coverage downfield.

Turnovers were key as well, with Marc-Olivier Brouillette, John Bowman and Kyries Hebert all forcing fumbles (two of which were lost by the Stampeders, both recovered by Montreal DT Alan-Michael Cash) and Geoff Tisdale adding an interception. Calgary did find some success on the ground, with Matt Walter picking up 88 yards on 13 carries (6.7 yards per carry) and Tate rushing five times for 25 yards and two touchdowns, but the Alouettes' pass defence was critical to their victory here. 

Montreal also turned in a solid offensive showing with some unlikely aspects. Jonathon Crompton did well as the main quarterback, completing 20 of 28 passes (71.4 per cent) for 220 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, but the Alouettes also rotated in Tanner Marsh, who gave them a more run-focused look. Marsh only collected 17 rushing yards on six carries (2.8 per carry), but he helped divert the Calgary defence's focus, and he also completed his one passing attempt for a 19-yard gain.

Having Marsh in there helped Alouettes' RBs Brandon Whitaker and Tyrell Sutton as well. With the defence keying on the quarterback, they picked up some nice yardage. Whitaker finished the day with 90 yards on 19 carries (4.7 yards per carry) and added a 20-yard reception, while Sutton had 18 yards on four carries (4.5 yards per carry) and added a 17-yard touchdown catch. It's great to see Montreal's offence start to incorporate passing plays to running backs as well; that was missing earlier this season. Short passes to RBs can be a critical way to build confidence and completion percentage for younger QBs like Crompton and Marsh, and Whitaker and Sutton are both talented pass-catchers.

The win keeps Montreal right in contention in the CFL East. Hamilton and Toronto also won this weekend, so all three of those teams have four wins (the Tiger-Cats do have a game in hand, however). They're all a step ahead of the 1-9 Ottawa Redblacks, but Ottawa could improve to 2-9 in Sunday's late game, so they can't be quite written off yet either. If the Alouettes keep playing like this, though, they'll definitely be a threat to challenge for that division title. It is notable that Calgary was missing a lot of crucial pieces, including QB Bo Levi Mitchell, RB Jon Cornish, receiver Marquay McDaniel, defensive end Charleston Hughes and more, but this was still a great victory for Montreal, and it might suggest better days are ahead for them. Maybe this won't be just a one-week role reversal.