CFL.ca Photo/Peter McCabe
MONTREAL — Head coach Mike Sherman and quarterback Johnny Manziel were both quick to point out the latter’s exit from Sunday’s 40-10 Alouettes win at halftime was a pre-determined decision by the head coach.
Manziel completed seven of 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown before being lifted for Antonio Pipkin at the break with his team in front 23-4.
“They told me they were going to get Pip and Matt(hew) Shiltz some reps through the end of the season,” said Manziel following the victory, his first in the Canadian Football League. “I did some good things, did some bad things, but I’m feeling more comfortable every week. I thought Pip did a good job as well today.”
It was a much-needed victory for the Alouettes, who had not won since Week 12.
“I’m damn excited,” continued Manziel. “It was a good win for our team, and to do it in a season where I feel like we’re building for next year, it’s what we wanted to do.
“Whether it was me, Pip, whoever it was. Offensively, up front, the receivers, it was a good job.”
Coach Sherman highlighted the need to get a better handle on the second-year pro Pipkin’s potential — especially in light of his contract extension announced Sunday — as the main reason for the switch.
“I told them on Tuesday or Wednesday that we’d work two quarterbacks, (and) I thought Pip deserved the opportunity to play,” said Sherman. “One thing that hit me hard this year was the short pre-season — you don’t get a chance to look at guys. So (today) gave me a chance to get Pip out there.”
The Alouettes will wrap up the regular season next Saturday (7:00 p.m. ET) with a trip to Hamilton to face the Tiger-Cats.
