‘He isn’t a five-year vet’: Montreal Alouettes to play QB Davis Alexander in finale regardless of CFL playoff implications

Photo courtesy: Minas Panagiotakis/CFL.
The Montreal Alouettes are set to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday afternoon in a game that may or may not determine first place in the East Division. Regardless of the circumstance, it appears franchise quarterback Davis Alexander will get the start and play the entire game.

“The way I see it, and what I’ve been told, is that I’m going to play the whole game,” Alexander told the media Thursday afternoon. “If they choose to play me, I want to play the whole game. If they don’t choose to play me, then that’s fine. I believe in the coaches.”

The meaningfulness of the game all depends on the result of the Hamilton-Ottawa game on Friday. A Tiger-Cats win would clinch the division, but a tie or a Redblacks win would keep the door open for the Alouettes.

Alexander acknowledged his coaches might change their minds and play him for only one half if Hamilton wins. However, it seems head coach Jason Maas shares the same view as his quarterback on the importance of playing, regardless of Friday’s result.

“I’ve said this before: he isn’t a five-year vet in terms of playing five straight seasons. He needs to play, and he needs to play a lot —especially against an opponent we may face in the playoffs,” Maas insisted.

Alexander has missed 10 games this season due to injury, but boasts a perfect 7-0 record when starting. So far, he has completed 158-of-218 passes for 2,024 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Gig Harbor, Wash., native admits he needs more game action before the playoffs begin.

“I’ve only played seven games this year. We’ve played pretty well, but there is still a lot left out there for us, and that’s the fun and scary part,” he said. “We also have to understand that nothing is guaranteed—we need to show up and do the work.”

It seems Alexander, along with many veterans, will get the chance to play no matter what. Maas didn’t elaborate much, but there doesn’t appear to be a Plan B. Any changes will be game-time decisions based on health, not the significance of the game.

“I’ll tell you this: every one of the 45 guys who are going is playing,” Maas said. “That’s my focus. If we take a guy out or do something differently, it will be during the game. The 45 guys who are going are playing. … Again, we want to keep our momentum and maintain the way we’re playing.”

The Alouettes (10-7) will face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-8) at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT.