When the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes meet in the 113th Grey Cup in Calgary on Sunday, November 15, the quarterback matchup will feature two players who know each other well but have taken very different routes to the championship game.
Cody Fajardo, the veteran who guided Montreal to the 2023 title, will now attempt to bring the championship to Edmonton. Across the field will be Davis Alexander, his former backup, looking to establish himself as a Grey Cup-winning starter.
Their shared history adds an intriguing dimension to a contest that could ultimately be decided by how each quarterback responds to two of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) toughest defenses.
Fajardo gives Edmonton options
At this stage of his career, Fajardo’s greatest strength is his ability to recognize what a defense is giving him and adjust accordingly.
The Edmonton quarterback does not need to produce spectacular passing numbers to control a game. He can move the chains with short completions, exploit openings in coverage and extend drives with his legs.
That versatility becomes particularly important against Montreal, whose defense has excelled at limiting explosive plays.
Fajardo’s mobility presents a challenge for defenders attempting to maintain coverage while keeping him contained. When passing lanes disappear, he can turn a broken play into a first down rather than forcing a dangerous throw.
His familiarity with championship football also gives the Elks an experienced leader capable of navigating the pressure surrounding the biggest game of the season.
Alexander can stretch the field
Where Fajardo thrives on adaptability, Alexander offers Montreal the ability to attack defenses vertically.
His arm strength allows the Alouettes to challenge coverage downfield, forcing defensive backs to respect the deep passing game and potentially creating opportunities underneath.
Alexander has also developed a productive relationship with receivers Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead, giving him reliable targets capable of exploiting defensive mismatches.
The chemistry between quarterback and receivers will be especially important against an Edmonton defense that finished among the league’s best in several major categories.
Alexander’s challenge will be identifying when to take his shots and when to accept shorter gains. The Elks have the personnel to punish mistakes, making patience just as important as his ability to produce big plays.
The pressure of the championship stage
Fajardo enters the game with a considerable advantage in postseason experience.
He has already experienced the demands of leading a team through Grey Cup week and understands how quickly momentum can change in a championship contest.
Alexander faces a different challenge. Although he has demonstrated that he can lead Montreal through important games, Sunday’s matchup represents an opportunity to win a championship as the unquestioned leader of the offense.
His aggressive mentality has helped the Alouettes produce explosive plays, but the championship game will test his ability to balance that confidence with disciplined decision-making.
For both quarterbacks, avoiding turnovers could prove more important than accumulating passing yards.
Protection and defensive adjustments
The outcome may depend as much on the offensive lines and defensive coordinators as on the quarterbacks themselves.
Montreal will want to restrict Fajardo’s opportunities to escape the pocket, forcing him to operate within tighter passing windows.
Edmonton, meanwhile, must prevent Alexander from settling into a rhythm with Philpot and Snead. Allowing the Alouettes to establish their vertical passing attack could quickly put the Elks on the defensive.
Both quarterbacks will face situations in which their initial reads are unavailable. Their ability to recognize pressure, protect the football and make adjustments will be essential.
A championship defined by execution
The contrast is clear. Fajardo offers Edmonton experience, improvisation and the ability to sustain drives. Alexander gives Montreal a quarterback capable of stretching defenses and generating points in a hurry.
Neither approach guarantees an advantage over four quarters.
For the Elks, success means keeping their offense balanced and allowing Fajardo to dictate the pace. The Alouettes will look to create opportunities for Alexander to exploit his receivers’ speed and route-running ability.
With two accomplished defenses standing in their way, the championship could come down to a handful of possessions and which quarterback makes the better decisions when the game is on the line.