The Montreal Alouettes are preparing for their toughest defensive challenge of the season as they face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Saturday's Eastern Division final, with safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy emphasizing the importance of setting an early tone.
Learning from 2023 Playoff Success
Dequoy pointed to the team's 2023 East Division final victory over Toronto as a blueprint for success. While most remember his 101-yard interception return for a touchdown early in that game, the safety noted another crucial moment that cemented the Als' defensive dominance.
"They drove the field and I made the interception," Dequoy recalled. "But then we go back on defence. People don't remember, but they drove the field again and we stopped them on third down. Back-to-back for me made the big difference that early in the game. It set the tone."
The Alouettes upset Toronto 38-17 that day despite having lost to the Argos three times during the regular season. Toronto committed nine turnovers, including four interceptions from quarterback Chad Kelly, propelling Montreal to eventually win the Grey Cup.
Facing Hamilton's High-Powered Offence
This year's challenge comes against Hamilton and veteran quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, the East Division nominee as most outstanding player. The 35-year-old pivot passed for a league-high 5,296 yards and 36 touchdowns this season.
"Hamilton's a really good team," Dequoy acknowledged. "The receiving corps is one of the best in the league, with a quarterback who threw for over 5,000 yards. They're a good offensive team and we have to respect them for that."
While the Tiger-Cats defeated Montreal twice during the regular season, Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander missed both games with a hamstring injury. Alexander remains undefeated in 12 career starts, including 8-0 this season.
Turnovers Could Decide Championship Berth
Dequoy believes ball protection will be critical in determining which team advances to the Grey Cup. "If you can protect the ball and play the way we've been playing, what we've been seeing on the field, that will be the key to success," he stated.
The Alouettes (10-8) enter the contest having won six of their last seven games, including a 42-33 victory against Winnipeg in the division semifinal. Hamilton (11-7) enjoyed a bye last weekend and hasn't played since defeating Ottawa on October 24.
Alexander expressed confidence in his team's preparation for the high-stakes matchup. "This is playoff football. This is do or die. Win or go home," he said. "I've trained 11 months for another opportunity like this. Who doesn't want the game on the line to go to the Grey Cup? This is what you dream about."
Montreal will be without injured defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson (shoulder) for a second consecutive game. Receiver Austin Mack (leg) has been listed as a game-time decision, while several other roster adjustments have been made for the crucial contest.
The Eastern Division final kicks off Saturday at 3 p.m. at Hamilton Stadium, with television coverage on CTV, TSN networks, and RDS.
