Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sports
Football
To end Als five-game slide, middle-linebacker Darnell Sankey’s unit needs to slow tailback A.J. Ouellette and a “loaded” Roughriders team led by a potent offence.
Author of the article:
Montreal Gazette
Montreal Gazette
Herb Zurkowsky
Published Sep 11, 2025 • Last updated 6 minutes ago • 3 minute read
0912 spt als.jpg
"We haven't been good enough on the run," says Alouettes middle-linebacker Darnell Sankey, tackling B.C. Lions running-back James Butler in Vancouver on Aug. 16, 2025. Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press
Article content
It might be hard to believe, but there was a time this season when the Alouettes’ defence was competent at stopping the run.
Advertisement 2
Toronto Sun
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
The Als launched their schedule by limiting Toronto to 34 yards in their first game before holding Ottawa to 40 yards rushing the following week. As recently as Aug. 8, Edmonton generated only 14 yards on the ground — yet still won the game.
Article content
Article content
But things have drastically turned in the three games since — a contributing factor in Montreal’s five-game losing skid. Winnipeg, led by Brady Oliveira, churned out 176 yards against the Als on Aug. 21. But the low-water mark came against Hamilton on Saturday, when the Tiger-Cats rolled over Montreal for 234 yards rushing, including 156 yards on 20 carries by Greg Bell.
It marked the first 100-yard game this season by a Hamilton tailback.
“This is of primary importance,” Als defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe said after practice Wednesday. “We have to be disciplined and sound in what we do. Everything about stopping the run is about being physical up front, controlling our gaps, being able to tear off blocks and make plays in the back. You have to win on first down, whether it’s run or pass, and put them in second-and-long opportunities.
opening envelope
Your Midday Sun
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
“There’s no shock or surprise. I live in the moment. If there’s things we need to shore up, we’re going to shore them up. We need to shore up our run defence. … It’s all 12 guys and myself, first, included. Making sure these guys understand job assignments, what they need to do and how we need to stop the run.
“The first seven games, we weren’t talking about the run game,” Thorpe added. “We need to get back to that.”
What happened earlier this season is of little consequence as the Als’ slide continues. Montreal faces the unenviable task of heading into Regina Saturday (7 p.m., TSN1, TSN3, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) against the league-leading Saskatchewan Roughriders, a team that has numerous offensive weapons. The Als are hoping to avoid their first six-game losing streak since 2018.
Advertisement 4
Article content
“Everything about stopping the run is about being physical up front, controlling our gaps, being able to tear off blocks and make plays in the back,” Alouettes defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe says.
Quarterback Trevor Harris has passed for 3,153 yards and 19 touchdowns. Tailback A.J. Ouellette is third in the CFL, with 852 yards rushing on 169 carries along with five touchdowns. Saskatchewan also has two receivers in the top 10, led by KeeSean Johnson’s 908 yards on 66 receptions.
“They’re led by a quarterback that is Hall of Fame material, that has seen and experienced everything,” head coach Jason Maas said. “He makes a lot of great decisions and great throws, and their defence gets after the quarterback. They’re very physical, have a running game and their kick returner is special. They’ve got everything. They’re a loaded team. It’s a great challenge, no question.”
When the teams met Aug. 2 in Montreal, the Als were thoroughly outclassed, losing 34-6 — yet another game in which they didn’t score a touchdown. Nonetheless, Maas realizes an upset victory on Saturday could provide the impetus to turn his team’s season around.
Advertisement 5
Article content
“We understand the gravity of the situation and what’s going on, but you can’t focus on that,” he said. “Our locker room has to believe before anybody else does. I care about what we think and how we work. You win one, and it gives you that energy back. We’ve got great energy here, but the name of the game is to win. No question, it would be a big win. You win on the road. This one would start something.”
As the middle linebacker, veteran Darnell Sankey takes it personally when teams run rampant on the Als’ defence. Sankey realizes stopping the run is one of his primary responsibilities.
“We haven’t been good enough on the run. That’s on me,” he said. “I take responsibility. We have to get better as a whole unit. It starts with mentality. You have to command that we’re not going to have the ball run against us. It’s something we need to have (as a) unit. Sometimes guys try to do too much, myself included. You want to make every single play.”
Although Ouellette is only 5-foot-8, he weighs 208 pounds and has always been difficult to tackle. He gained a season-high 139 yards against B.C. on June 28 and had a 1,000-yard season for Toronto in 2023. This is the first season in which he has remained healthy.
“At the end of the day, he’s a running back,” Sankey said. “At the end of the day, our job is to tackle the running back.”
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Comments