As the Montreal Alouettes put the final touches on their game plan versus the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Let's take a look at some match ups that will be important for them in hopes of coming away with a road victory.Fast Start
The Alouettes will need to jump out to a fast start to calm down the raucous Tiger-Cats crowd.
Montreal was able to set the tone in their first win against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and as a result, the opposition was in chase mode throughout the entire game.
Against the Calgary Stampeders, they were not able to set the pace, because of this, their execution was off. It will be imperative to control the game in what could be another muggy, humid night in southern Ontario.
Protection
Against Calgary, the Alouettes offensive line was outclassed by the Stampeders front four. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo was sacked four times and was consistently receiving unwanted hits from the opposition.
It will be important that the Alouettes front five give Calvillo enough time in the pocket to process his reads, and find the open player. Furthermore, the Tiger-Cats defense has only mustered a mere two sacks through the first three games of the season.
If the Alouettes could control the line of scrimmage this will go a long way towards getting the victory.
2-Way influence
Last week against the Stampeders, Brandon Whitaker had eight total touches on the football. Against the Blue Bombers he had 27 touches for a 237 total yards.
Whitaker will need to factor in early and should receive a steady diet of the football. He has become the piston starter for the Alouettes offense.
Progress of the defense
So far the Alouettes are the only CFL team above .500 to have given up more points than scored. Yes, it has been a progress transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 formation.
Yes, they have given up 30-plus points in their first three games, but eventually the law of averages will come into play and they will settle down in knowing the concepts needed to succeed in this system.
However, in their last four trips to Hamilton (including the preseason) the defense has given up an average of 43.7 points. So anything less than that would be considered a success.
Special teams
So far the same story line has continued on with the Alouettes as their return game has garnered minimal results. Current returner Trent Guy has been ineffective, and as mention in the past, special teams was a big factor on why the Alouettes went to three consecutive Grey Cups.
On the other hand, Guy's counterpart on the Tiger-Cats, Chris Williams single handily won the their game over the Toronto Argonauts with two returns for touchdowns.
If the Alouettes are to win the field position battle they will need to contain Williams, and hold him to minimal gains.
Chevon Walker
The all world rookie has taken the CFL by storm with his world class speed that has resulted in jaw dropping touchdowns.
Walker is difficult to stop in an open field, and if he does get a seam he could end up in the end zone. It is important that the Alouettes linebackers are aware of Walker's presence. If it is a tight game, he could change the game in a matter of seconds.
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Photo credit: www.cbc.ca
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