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Ottawa Citizen
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Alouettes aren't the same team without injured QB Davis Alexander
The Alouettes better hope Davis Alexander, their 26-year-old starting quarterback, is a quick healer. They're simply not the same team without him. Article content And unless Alexander recovers quickly from the hamstring injury he suffered June 19 at Edmonton, this team is in serious trouble. Article content Through one game, at least, McLeod Bethel-Thompson isn't the answer, despite everything he has accomplished in his career. As good and as accurate as the 36-year-old was in practice during the week, he was unable to duplicate any of that against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' swarming defence on Friday night. Article content Article content The Alouettes suffered their first loss of the season and were badly outplayed in this ugly 35-17 setback before 20,911 Hamilton Stadium spectators. Article content Article content Perhaps it was the effects of three successive road games catching up to Montreal? But, more than likely, it was the absence of Alexander that derailed a team that started the season with a 3-0 record. The Ticats, coming off a bye in the schedule, won for the first time in three games — and exposed the visitors in the process. Article content The Als, who entered this contest having scored a CFL-leading 105 points, failed to penetrate Hamilton's end zone for more than 55 minutes until completing an eight-play, 64-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to Cole Spieker. Article content Until that point, Montreal's scoring consisted of three Jose Maltos field goals and a Joseph Zema punt single. Bethel-Thompson and the Alouettes couldn't score a touchdown despite scrimmaging from the Hamilton 4 in the third quarter. Article content Article content There was no chemistry between Bethel-Thompson and his receivers. Tyson Philpot, who should have been counted on heavily because of the absence of injured Austin Mack, didn't make his first catch until just before halftime. Indeed, that was the first time Bethel-Thompson attempted a pass to him. Article content Spieker was Montreal's leading receiver, with six receptions for 57 yards. Tyler Snead also had six catches, producing 55 yards. Charleston Rambo, arguably the Als' most-dangerous deep threat, had five receptions for 49 yards, while Philpot had four catches for 41 yards. Article content Montreal's longest passing play was 17 yards — a feat accomplished three times, by Spieker, Snead and Philpot. Article content When the Alouettes decided Alexander was their quarterback of the future, they traded Cody Fajardo to Edmonton last winter for Bethel-Thompson, a two-time Grey Cup champion who has passed for more than 17,000 yards and 94 touchdowns in his career.
Montreal Gazette
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Alouettes aren't the same team without injured QB Davis Alexander
The Alouettes better hope Davis Alexander, their 26-year-old starting quarterback, is a quick healer. They're simply not the same team without him. And unless Alexander recovers quickly from the hamstring injury he suffered June 19 at Edmonton, this team is in serious trouble. Through one game, at least, McLeod Bethel-Thompson isn't the answer, despite everything he has accomplished in his career. As good and as accurate as the 36-year-old was in practice during the week, he was unable to duplicate any of that against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' swarming defence on Friday night. The Alouettes suffered their first loss of the season and were badly outplayed in this ugly 35-17 setback before 20,911 Hamilton Stadium spectators. Perhaps it was the effects of three successive road games catching up to Montreal? But, more than likely, it was the absence of Alexander that derailed a team that started the season with a 3-0 record. The Ticats, coming off a bye in the schedule, won for the first time in three games — and exposed the visitors in the process. The Als, who entered this contest having scored a CFL-leading 105 points, failed to penetrate Hamilton's end zone for more than 55 minutes until completing an eight-play, 64-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to Cole Spieker. Until that point, Montreal's scoring consisted of three Jose Maltos field goals and a Joseph Zema punt single. Bethel-Thompson and the Alouettes couldn't score a touchdown despite scrimmaging from the Hamilton 4 in the third quarter. There was no chemistry between Bethel-Thompson and his receivers. Tyson Philpot, who should have been counted on heavily because of the absence of injured Austin Mack, didn't make his first catch until just before halftime. Indeed, that was the first time Bethel-Thompson attempted a pass to him. Spieker was Montreal's leading receiver, with six receptions for 57 yards. Tyler Snead also had six catches, producing 55 yards. Charleston Rambo, arguably the Als' most-dangerous deep threat, had five receptions for 49 yards, while Philpot had four catches for 41 yards. Montreal's longest passing play was 17 yards — a feat accomplished three times, by Spieker, Snead and Philpot. When the Alouettes decided Alexander was their quarterback of the future, they traded Cody Fajardo to Edmonton last winter for Bethel-Thompson, a two-time Grey Cup champion who has passed for more than 17,000 yards and 94 touchdowns in his career. Bethel-Thompson, making his first start for Montreal, completed 24 of 41 passes for 203 yards, but also proved to be his own worst enemy and was intercepted twice. Granted, he could be excused for one of the turnovers. A third quarter attempt deflected off rookie tailback Travis Theis and into the hands of rookie Canadian middle-linebacker Devin Veresuk. Veresuk, selected second overall in this year's Canadian college draft, returned the ball 36 yards for a touchdown. Incredibly, the Alouettes trailed only by eight points following Spieker's touchdown and a defensive stop. But with 2:27 remaining in the fourth quarter and Montreal scrimmaging from inside its 10, Bethel-Thompson fumbled Justin Lawrence's snap — one that was slightly off centre, but one he, nonetheless, got his hands on. The ball was recovered in the end zone by Hamilton's Julian Howsare, which put the game out of reach. For the first time this season, the play selection of head coach Jason Maas was bizarre to say the least. Although the Ticats had allowed a league-high average of 145.5 yards rushing, Maas called only 10 running plays — three each by Bethel-Thompson and short-yardage quarterback Caleb Evans. Sean Thomas-Erlington had two carries. Theis and Stevie Scott III each had one. Theis's one carry in the third quarter produced an 11-yard gain, yet he never was utilized again. It made no sense. 'We, as a team, didn't perform well enough to win a game in all three phases,' Maas said in Hamilton. 'It's not a one-person game. But I'm sure there's things (Bethel-Thompson) would like to execute better.' It was a contest that screamed for the Als' defence to make a play. And while they tried valiantly, they couldn't produce a game-defining moment. They did create a turnover on downs on Hamilton's opening possession. And the Ticats required three plays from the Montreal 1 before Kenny Lawler scored on a pass from Bo Levi Mitchell before halftime. Safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy had Montreal's only sack, while linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku forced and recovered a Jevoni Robinson fumble in the first quarter. But more was required. 'We gave up the two turnovers for touchdowns, which didn't help us on the scoreboard,' Maas said in Hamilton. 'Our defence wasn't on the field for those. We need to do a better job protecting the ball and not giving up those plays, allow our defence to play the way they're accustomed to playing.' The Alouettes were threatening to run away with the East Division, but now could be pressured for first place should the Redblacks win at home against Toronto on Sunday night, putting Ottawa only two points behind Montreal. This story was originally published June 28, 2025 at 12:14 AM.
Vancouver Sun
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Redblacks' Daniel Adeboboye hopes to "make Canada proud" when facing former team
Missing their No. 1 passer for the third straight week, the Ottawa Redblacks could once again lean on their running attack Sunday against the Toronto Argos. And with veteran William Stanback's snap count limited by the Canadian Football League's ratio rule, that sets up the potential for a multifaceted storyline centred around Daniel Adeboboye. The 26-year-old from Mississauga will be facing his hometown and former team for the first time in the Redblacks' annual 'Canada Day' game at TD Place. Adeboboye is not only the first Canadian starting tailback for the Redblacks since Kienan LaFrance helped them to the 2016 Grey Cup, but he's on a short list of ball carriers born north of the border to suit up for any Ottawa CFL team — a group that includes former Rough Riders Orville Lee, Darren Joseph and the legendary Ronnie Stewart. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Adeboboye made a loud statement last week in Calgary when he was the Redblacks' leading rusher, authored the day's biggest offensive play, and scored the game's only touchdown in Ottawa's first win of the season. He would like nothing better than to help set off fireworks for a 158th birthday party in the nation's capital with contributions to another victory. 'This country is what I call home,' said Adeboboye. 'I grew up in Canada, and I love Canada. I'm Canadian through and through. Getting the opportunity to play on a day that celebrates our country is a blessing. 'I love the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day playing the game I love. So I'm going to give my best and hopefully make Canada proud on that day.' Adeboboye did a good job of that last Saturday with 10 carries for 96 yards, just six shy of matching the production the Argos have received from their top rusher — former Ohio State Buckeyes star Miyan Williams — on 19 carries over three games. It hasn't taken long for the 5-foot-8, 218-pound product of the comparatively tiny Bryant University in Rhode Island to prove that Redblacks GM Shawn Burke pulled off a coup when he obtained Adeboboye from Toronto for a conditional fifth-round pick and the negotiation rights to American defensive lineman Andre Carter. 'Even from the time he was in college, I remember watching his draft film and thinking he was a heck of a back,' said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce, who confirmed that Dustin Crum will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of injured starter Dru Brown (hip), and that standout cornerback Adrian Frye (knee) is likely to be replaced by Alijah McGhee for the Argos game. 'He got into this league and excelled on special teams, and now you look at him having an opportunity to almost share the backfield with William, and he's just gotten better and better the more comfortable he gets in the offence, through the protections and how much (offensive coordinator Tommy Condell) moves the backs around. He's really immersed himself in it. 'I was watching practice (Thursday) and after just a simple play inside zone, I went to (running backs) Coach (Nate) Taylor, and I said: 'Man, Daniel is really a great back'. He's seeing everything that he needs to see, and it's a joy to watch.' Drafted 15th overall by the Argos in 2022, Adeboboye is a religious man who rarely misses an opportunity to thank God for his blessings. Among them, he says, are the opportunities he had to work in Toronto with former all-stars A.J. Ouellette, Ka'Deem Carey and Andrew Harris, the most productive Canadian running back to play in the CFL, and now in Ottawa with Stanback, who surpassed the 5,000 yards rushing mark last week. 'Through my faith, I've been able to have patience, and patience is something that I've needed through my entire career, because of the great running backs ahead of me,' said the perpetually smiling Adeboboye. 'Playing with all those stars, there's only so many times you can touch the ball in a game, right? But I kept my patience, and I kept on working hard every day, understanding that someday my time would come. And if it doesn't, then so be it, I have no regrets. 'But at the end of the day, I thought, if I get the opportunity, or when I get the opportunity, I'm just going to take advantage of it and bring glory to God in all that I do.' Those chances, to this point, have been limited. As a rookie, Adeboboye had 15 carries for 72 yards, while making 17 special teams tackles to earn the Argos' nomination for the CFL's most outstanding special teams player. In 2023, he ran the ball 41 times for 287 yards, including his first triple-figures game with nine carries for 109 yards on Oct. 21 against Saskatchewan. Last season, he shared the Argos backfield with Carey and Deonta McMahon and had 63 carries for 244 yards. Over the three years, Adeboboye has continued making major special teams contributions while proving to be durable by only missing two games. When informed he was traded, Adeboboye took the news in stride. 'It's business,' he shrugged. 'I got drafted by the Argos, and it was a great opportunity to go back home after a couple of years away at school. When I heard that I got traded to Ottawa, I had reassurance that I was going to a good organization. Playing against them for the last couple of years,I saw the kind of team that they were building. If I got traded to a team that wasn't so good, then I'd be a little shaky. But I knew that I was being put in good hands, and it was great that I also got to stay in Ontario, not too far from home, where my parents (Marian and Tai) and family can still come in and see me play. And Ottawa is a great city. I love Ottawa. It's nice, it's quiet, it's chill, it's relaxing. And the fans give such great energy.' And now he has fewer ticket requests. 'It was easy for my parents to get people to come to games (in Toronto),' Adeboboye said with a chuckle. 'My church is there as well, so we'd have 30, 40, 50 people coming, but they don't want to travel as much nowadays, so it's a little smaller group.' Adeboboye didn't know he was approaching the 100-yard mark against the Stamps when he was on the wet and frigid field and sidelines. 'It was too cold to be thinking about stats,' he said, laughing. 'I was thinking about how to stay warm and the hot shower at the end of the day. When I saw that I was four yards short, one more carry would have been nice. But I'm grateful for 96. It's a testament to our offensive line. Stanback had a great game and (as a team) we rushed for more than 200 yards. Our offensive line has been showing out. In the two previous games, we just didn't get the opportunity to run the ball as much, but it shows that when we want to run the football, we can run the football. 'And I love to run the football, so let's run the football.'
Ottawa Citizen
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Redblacks' Daniel Adeboboye hopes to "make Canada proud" when facing former team
Article content Missing their No. 1 passer for the third straight week, the Ottawa Redblacks could once again lean on their running attack Sunday against the Toronto Argos. Article content And with veteran William Stanback's snap count limited by the Canadian Football League's ratio rule, that sets up the potential for a multifaceted storyline centred around Daniel Adeboboye. Article content Article content The 26-year-old from Mississauga will be facing his hometown and former team for the first time in the Redblacks' annual 'Canada Day' game at TD Place. Article content Article content Adeboboye is not only the first Canadian starting tailback for the Redblacks since Kienan LaFrance helped them to the 2016 Grey Cup, but he's on a short list of ball carriers born north of the border to suit up for any Ottawa CFL team — a group that includes former Rough Riders Orville Lee, Darren Joseph and the legendary Ronnie Stewart. Article content Article content Adeboboye made a loud statement last week in Calgary when he was the Redblacks' leading rusher, authored the day's biggest offensive play, and scored the game's only touchdown in Ottawa's first win of the season. Article content He would like nothing better than to help set off fireworks for a 158th birthday party in the nation's capital with contributions to another victory. Article content 'This country is what I call home,' said Adeboboye. 'I grew up in Canada, and I love Canada. I'm Canadian through and through. Getting the opportunity to play on a day that celebrates our country is a blessing. Article content Article content 'I love the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day playing the game I love. So I'm going to give my best and hopefully make Canada proud on that day.' Article content Adeboboye did a good job of that last Saturday with 10 carries for 96 yards, just six shy of matching the production the Argos have received from their top rusher — former Ohio State Buckeyes star Miyan Williams — on 19 carries over three games. Article content It hasn't taken long for the 5-foot-8, 218-pound product of the comparatively tiny Bryant University in Rhode Island to prove that Redblacks GM Shawn Burke pulled off a coup when he obtained Adeboboye from Toronto for a conditional fifth-round pick and the negotiation rights to American defensive lineman Andre Carter. Article content 'Even from the time he was in college, I remember watching his draft film and thinking he was a heck of a back,' said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce, who confirmed that Dustin Crum will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of injured starter Dru Brown (hip), and that standout cornerback Adrian Frye (knee) is likely to be replaced by Alijah McGhee for the Argos game. 'He got into this league and excelled on special teams, and now you look at him having an opportunity to almost share the backfield with William, and he's just gotten better and better the more comfortable he gets in the offence, through the protections and how much (offensive coordinator Tommy Condell) moves the backs around. He's really immersed himself in it.
Calgary Herald
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Redblacks' Daniel Adeboboye hopes to "make Canada proud" when facing former team
Article content Missing their No. 1 passer for the third straight week, the Ottawa Redblacks could once again lean on their running attack Sunday against the Toronto Argos. Article content And with veteran William Stanback's snap count limited by the Canadian Football League's ratio rule, that sets up the potential for a multifaceted storyline centred around Daniel Adeboboye. Article content Article content The 26-year-old from Mississauga will be facing his hometown and former team for the first time in the Redblacks' annual 'Canada Day' game at TD Place. Article content Article content Adeboboye is not only the first Canadian starting tailback for the Redblacks since Kienan LaFrance helped them to the 2016 Grey Cup, but he's on a short list of ball carriers born north of the border to suit up for any Ottawa CFL team — a group that includes former Rough Riders Orville Lee, Darren Joseph and the legendary Ronnie Stewart. Article content Article content Adeboboye made a loud statement last week in Calgary when he was the Redblacks' leading rusher, authored the day's biggest offensive play, and scored the game's only touchdown in Ottawa's first win of the season. Article content He would like nothing better than to help set off fireworks for a 158th birthday party in the nation's capital with contributions to another victory. Article content 'This country is what I call home,' said Adeboboye. 'I grew up in Canada, and I love Canada. I'm Canadian through and through. Getting the opportunity to play on a day that celebrates our country is a blessing. Article content 'I love the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day playing the game I love. So I'm going to give my best and hopefully make Canada proud on that day.' Article content Adeboboye did a good job of that last Saturday with 10 carries for 96 yards, just six shy of matching the production the Argos have received from their top rusher — former Ohio State Buckeyes star Miyan Williams — on 19 carries over three games. Article content It hasn't taken long for the 5-foot-8, 218-pound product of the comparatively tiny Bryant University in Rhode Island to prove that Redblacks GM Shawn Burke pulled off a coup when he obtained Adeboboye from Toronto for a conditional fifth-round pick and the negotiation rights to American defensive lineman Andre Carter. Article content 'Even from the time he was in college, I remember watching his draft film and thinking he was a heck of a back,' said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce, who confirmed that Dustin Crum will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of injured starter Dru Brown (hip), and that standout cornerback Adrian Frye (knee) is likely to be replaced by Alijah McGhee for the Argos game. 'He got into this league and excelled on special teams, and now you look at him having an opportunity to almost share the backfield with William, and he's just gotten better and better the more comfortable he gets in the offence, through the protections and how much (offensive coordinator Tommy Condell) moves the backs around. He's really immersed himself in it.
