Quarterbacks take centre stage as Alouettes look for rebound against Elks

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At age 37 and with three losses in four games, the clock might be ticking on the career of Alouettes quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

With Davis Alexander on the six-game injured list and with uncertainty behind Bethel-Thompson in Caleb Evans and the untested James Morgan, the Als might have no better options at the position for the time being.

But Bethel-Thompson needs to start producing. And winning. It’s as simple as that in pro sports.

“For Bethel and our quarterbacks, they just have to be themselves and play ball,” head coach Jason Maas said. “And play better than we did last week. That’s the whole offence, not just one guy. But, obviously, it always starts with the quarterback. He’ll make every decision and touch the ball on every snap. We’ve kind of beat the dead horse on it this week.

“I’m not thinking about (Bethel-Thompson’s future) and I don’t think he is, either,” Maas added. “He’s taking it day by day. Obviously, he’s not 22. There’s more years behind him than ahead of him. Ultimately, pro sports is about producing. That’s what you’ve got to be able to do to stay where you are. That’s his goal and our goal. Our belief is in him.”

The Als must rebound from last Saturday’s 34-6 drubbing administered by Saskatchewan or concerns will continue being raised. On Friday at Molson Stadium (7:30 p.m., TSN1, TSN4, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) they host Edmonton (1-6), which has the CFL’s worst record and is on a two-game losing streak.

But don’t be fooled by the Elks’ record. Their last two defeats, against Saskatchewan and Hamilton, were by a combined seven points, and they would have defeated the Tiger-Cats last week had former Alouettes receiver Kaion Julien-Grant not dropped an end zone pass in the final seconds.

Former Als starting quarterback Cody Fajardo has played those last two games after the benching of Canadian Tre Ford. Fajardo, named the outstanding player in Montreal’s 2023 Grey Cup victory against Winnipeg, has passed for 603 yards and three touchdowns since the switch was made. He completed his first 17 passes, a career high, against Hamilton.

When the Als decided Alexander was their quarterback of the future, Fajardo was traded to Edmonton last winter for Bethel-Thompson. While the two players won’t be on the field together Friday, this game undoubtedly comes down to which of the two performs better. Judgments of the trade, at least initially, most certainly will be based on that.

“I know it’ll be a special game for (Fajardo). I’m sure he’s not going to be shy about saying it,” Maas said. “I know he’ll bring it and he’s going to be excited to play here; he should be. There’s obviously a chip on his shoulder.”

While the demonstrative Fajardo has always shown his emotions conspicuously, Bethel-Thompson is stoic and rigid, rarely making eye contact with media members during interviews. While gracious with his time, there is definitely an edge to his demeanour. He almost appears surly.

“I just want to win this week,” Bethel-Thompson said. “I’m focused on this week, doing my job this week and executing what I can. I like Cody as a person and a player. It should be a good matchup. It’ll be good to see some friendly faces, but it’s just a game. It’s an important game for us to get back on the right track.

“A lot of things went wrong (against Saskatchewan). First and foremost, the quarterback didn’t execute. I could have made some plays that would have kept us on the field. It’s an important game for everybody. After that performance last week, I definitely want to bounce back. I’m looking forward to playing well, playing smooth and protecting the ball.”

Ciante Evans — back for his third stint with Montreal — will start at field cornerback for Dionté Ruffin (adductor), who has been placed on the six-game injured list. Linebacker Najee Murray returns from injury, while offensive-lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon, a free-agent addition from Ottawa last winter, replaces the injured Justin Lawrence. Injured receivers Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack remain sidelined.

While the Als didn’t score a touchdown against Saskatchewan, Montreal’s defence did nothing to provide a jump or make a play when one was needed.

“We have to try and create a turnover, maybe a forced fumble,” said rush-end Shawn Lemon. “Things like that to create a spark. That’s what we’re expecting to do this week.”