If the Montreal Alouettes are going to make it to the playoffs, they will have to start winning games right away. They are last in the Eastern Division with a pathetic 1-4-0 record. Will they be able to snatch their second win of the season when the Edmonton Eskimos hit town this Thursday? Or will the Eskimos better their own record at the expense of the Alouettes?
The Eskimos have yet to win at least two in a tow thus far this season, and that’s what they’re looking to accomplish this coming Thursday in Montreal. They are going to be very well rested in that game, as they are coming off a bye in Week 6. That’s not to mention that Edmonton has some momentum, as they headed into a Week 6 bye following a 16-15 win at home over Toronto back in Week 5. Against the Argonauts, quarterback Mike Reilly completed 21 of 36 passes for 258 yards with two passing touchdowns and an interception. Franklin could do even better against Montreal, as the Alouettes do not seem to be the type of team that generates that much pressure for opposing quarterbacks. In fact, Montreal is last in the league in sacks with six. Reilly leads the CFL in passing yards (1,648) and passing touchdowns (90).
Betting on the Montreal Alouettes (4-10)
After avoiding a three-game losing streak earlier this season with a 23-17 road win over Saskatchewan, Montreal is facing the same predicament at home this Thursday. Despite their poor showing so far this season, all eyes will be on the Alouettes, as they are very much likely to parade a new quarterback in Week 7, and it’s not just any quarterback. It’s expected that Johnny Manziel will be under center for Montreal after the former Heisman Trophy winner was traded to the Alouettes by Hamilton. On the other side of the field, Montreal’s opportunistic defense could capitalize on Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly’s errors. Although Reilly leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns, he can be a little careless at times, as evidenced by his league-topping six picks. Montreal’s stop unit is also fourth in the CFL in interceptions with five.
Will Johnny Manziel Play?
Manziel didn’t play a single snap in Hamilton, but with Montreal quarterbacks Jeff Mathews and Drew Willy out with injuries, the Texas A&M could find himself seeing action right in his very week in Montreal uniform. Willy exited last Saturday’s 25-8 loss to Calgary with a hand injury, while Matthews is still out with a foot injury. Backup QB Matt Shiltz replaced Willy in the Calgary game, but didn’t impress, as he threw for a touchdown and two interceptions. Manziel’s athleticism and creativity should inject some life into Montreal’s offense that ranks just sixth in passing yards and ninth in both rushing yards and total touchdowns.
Writer’s Prediction
Montreal feels the Johnny Manziel effect and scores a 17-13 win.
