Montreal Alouettes quarterback Rakeem Cato (12) scrambles away from Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Craig Butler (28) during 1st quarter CFL action Thursday, July 16, 2015 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Ted Laurent dominant on the defensive line
Ted Laurent continued to bully opposing offensive lines, continuing his hot start to the 2015 regular season. Laurent lead the charge on the goal-line, helping the defence blow up three consecutive quarterback sneaks to prevent an Alouettes touchdown each time.
Laurent had his third straight dominant game, putting together a solid early bid for an all-star nomination. That being said, the entire defensive line has been respectable in 2015, generating pressure in key situations, time after time.
Holley finds the end-zone, strong in receiving game
Ray Holley punched in a six-yard touchdown in the first half of the game, recording his first career touchdown in the CFL. Along with the first career score, the Ticats rookie running back hauled in five passes for 35 yards, while adding 47 yards on the ground on six carries.
Holley put his versatility on display in the game, making plays on the ground and through the air, while contributing in pass protection as well.
Olson keeps Bowman in check
Ticats offensive tackle Jake Olson held Alouettes pass rusher John Bowman in check on Thursday night, preventing the league’s sack leader from adding to his season total.
Olson has been a solid presence on the offensive line in 2015, providing the team with a true pass protector in a key position.
Medlock remains perfect
Justin Medlock has now hit his first seven field goals of the 2015 season, while putting through his first eight extra points of the season as well.
Medlock is one of two kickers in the league (Paul McCallum) who has not missed a kick through Week Four. The veteran kicker has been a rock of consistency on the Ticats special teams, contributing points whenever he’s been given the opportunity.
Teams are wary of Speedy B
The Alouettes stifled Brandon Banks on Thursday night, holding him to an average of 6.6 yards per punt return. The team continuously punted the ball away from Banks and kicked just one kickoff deep, opting for low line drives instead. Banks found the end-zone on the lone kickoff return opportunity he was given, but it was called back on a blocking penalty. The Alouettes were clearly wary of Banks’ breakaway threat–and rightfully so–keeping the ball out of his hands as much as possible.
Collaros continues to spread the ball around
The Ticats quarterback connected with seven receivers on Thursday night, including five players who had at least four receptions. Terrence Toliver was the lone 100-yard receiver on the night, hauling in seven receptions for 106 yards in the loss, while Fantuz, Grant and Holley each had five receptions. Tiquan Underwood was the final receiver on the list, recording four receptions on the night.
