2007 CFL Eastern Preview - Montreal Alouettes

By Fred Williams Jun 27, 2007, 15:30 GMT

Popp took over the coaching duties with Montreal late last season when Don Matthews resigned due to health reasons. The Alouettes ended the regular season 2-2 under Popp, but he did manage to lead the team past Toronto into the Grey Cup, marking the fifth time in seven years that the club had reached the CFL title game.

However after B.C. defeated Montreal, 25-14, Popp decided to take on the coaching job fulltime. He'll be one of four people in the CFL this year to be handling both positions - B.C.'s Wally Buono, Calgary's Tom Higgins and Edmonton's Danny Maciocia.

Another move Popp made was to make Marcel Bellefeuille the club's offensive co-ordinator and allow him to completely change an offensive scheme that had been in place for five years and was one that veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo had become very comfortable in.

Under Matthews, Calvillo was not only allowed to call his own plays, but also given a big say in the club's offensive schemes. Now, Calvillo won't be calling nearly as many plays and the Alouettes, who lived for the big pass, will spend time developing a running game this year.

However, Montreal seemed to struggle mightily with the new offense in the pre- season, prompting many to suggest the Alouettes will be slow out of the gate to start the season while Calvillo and Co. get used to Bellefeuille's gameplans.

And in the ultra-competitive East Division, that could mean the difference between hosting a home playoff game at the end of the year and being the road team throughout the CFL postseason.

Then again, Montreal has always been a streaky team. Last year, the Als won their first seven games before losing their next six contests.

Calvillo, 34, has been one of the CFL's top quarterbacks in recent years. Two years ago, he threw for over 5,500 yards _ his second straight 5,000-yard season. But while he was second in passing last year, he only threw for 4,714 yards and 20 touchdowns, down by his lofty standards.

Calvillo had registered five straight 5,000-yard seasons prior to 2006. He enters the season with 49,442 career passing yards, easily within striking distance of Ron Lancaster, who is third overall with 50,535 yards.

Calvillo also needs less than 200 completions to surpass the recently retired Danny McManus for second in league history.

But at least Calvillo will have slot back Ben Cahoon and receiver Kerry Watkins back. And veteran Robert Edwards returns to anchor the running game, although he was injured in training camp. Youngster Jarrett Payton, the son of Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton, made the roster, but was also injured in training camp.

The offensive line will be without Uzooma Okeke as the 14-year veteran and former winner of the CFL's top lineman award, was released at the final cutdown.

Montreal's defensive line has two big holes to fill with the retirement of Ed Philion and defection of tackle Adriano Belli to Toronto. At least defensive ends Alain Kashama and Anwar Stewart are back.

So too is linebacker Timothy Strickland while veteran John Grace, a former standout with Calgary, was signed in the offseason.

The secondary was boosted by the return of Chip Cox after he was released by the Washington Redskins. When healthy cornerback Davis Sanchez is one of the league's top cover guys.

And there's no denying the value of kicker-punter Damon Duval, who is among the league's best in both disciplines.

But, if Montreal struggles to start the season and falls behind its conference rivals early, then it could be difficult for the Als make up the lost ground should Winnipeg and Toronto - the two teams expected to battle the Als for first in the division - themselves start quickly.

Sports Network predicted finish: Third.

© 2007 The Sports Network