THE CANADIAN PRESS Photo
MONTREAL — The veterans of the Montreal Alouettes offence were the first to admit frustration with their own performance in the team’s 21-9 win over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday evening.
“Second half we didn’t move the ball like we wanted to,” said quarterback Darian Durant, who passed for 237 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win. “You know when you’re playing for first place and there’s something on the line, it’s going to be tough — I’m proud of the way we came out, we did some good things early.”
Boxscore: Montreal 21, Toronto 9
Photos: Week 8 — Toronto at Montreal
The veteran pivot pointed to red-zone efficiency as an area in which the Als must improve.
“Disappointed in getting down to the 1-yard line and not being able to come away with a touchdown,” admitted Durant. “We have to capitalize on moments like that.”
Durant and the Als offence managed just three points in the second half of Friday’s win. (THE CANADIAN PRESS PHOTO)
Receiver Nik Lewis, whose three catches on the night moved him within three of Ben Cahoon for second all-time in receptions, pointed a grateful finger at the Montreal defence.
“The defence came up with some big stops late, but we have to do a better job on offence,” said the legendary receiver. “We played a little lackadaisical today, but the good thing is: We get to go back to work next week.”
The win vaulted the Als into first place in the tightly-packed East Division, something Lewis hopes the team can build on.
“I’d like to think we’re better than a 3-4 team, but we’re a 3-4 team (right now),” said the former Calgary Stampeder. “Hopefully we can continue to win games (and) continue building this structure until we are a winning team.”
The Alouettes will travel to Toronto for a rematch with the Argos next Saturday; Durant, Lewis and co. will be pouring over tape this week in an effort to solve the Toronto defence which held them to just three points in the second half.
Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. ET.
