LIVESTREAM CFL: Montreal Alouettes @ Ottawa REDBLACKS, June 14, 01:30 (1:30 am, 7:30 pm June 13 ET)
The Ottawa Redblacks (0-1) host the Montreal Alouettes (1-0) at TD Place Stadium aiming to snap an eight-game losing streak against the defending Grey Cup champions. Montreal arrives fresh off a dominant 28-10 Week 1 win over the Toronto Argonauts, while Ottawa seeks redemption after a 31-26 road loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Ottawa Redblacks: Shiltz steps into spotlight
With starting quarterback Dru Brown ruled out due to injury, veteran backup Matthew Shiltz takes the reins for his 90th career CFL appearance. Shiltz, who boasts 4,795 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in 89 games, faces a stern test against Montreal’s league-best pass defense. His connection with receiver Eugene Lewis—riding a nine-game touchdown streak—could prove pivotal. Lewis needs one more score to tie Terry Evanshen’s all-time CFL record of 10 consecutive games with a touchdown.
Ottawa’s ground game must improve after managing just 30 rushing yards against Saskatchewan, including a dismal three yards in the first half. Running back Devonte Williams, held to a longest carry of six yards last week, faces an Alouettes defense that stifled Toronto to 34 rushing yards. Discipline is equally critical: the Redblacks’ 13 penalties for 126 yards in Week 1 cannot recur against a disciplined Montreal squad.
Montreal Alouettes: Balanced attack meets defensive dominance
Quarterback Davis Alexander seeks to build on his 5-0 career record as a starter, though his 178 passing yards against Toronto ranked second-lowest among Week 1 starters. With weapons like Austin Mack, Tyson Philpot, and Justin Hardy—who extended his 100-yard receiving streak to five games—Alexander has the tools to exploit Ottawa’s secondary. Hardy’s 133-yard opener tied for the league lead, positioning him to challenge Hal Patterson’s 68-year-old record of eight consecutive 100-yard games.
Running back Sean Thomas Erlington anchors Montreal’s ground resurgence after tallying 89 yards on 17 carries. His physicality complements Alexander’s mobility, creating dual threats for an Ottawa front seven featuring Adarius Pickett and Bryce Carter. Defensively, the Alouettes’ unit—led by Darnell Sankey, Tyrice Beverette, and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund (owner of Week 1’s sole defensive touchdown)—aims to smother Ottawa’s one-dimensional attack.
Historic trends and stakes
Montreal has dominated this rivalry, winning 10 straight games in Ottawa dating to August 2018. The Alouettes’ road prowess extends league-wide: since 2021, they hold a 21-12-1 away record (.632 win percentage) compared to a 19-16 home mark. For Ottawa, reversing these trends requires neutralizing Hardy and limiting Alexander’s improvisation. The Redblacks’ secondary held Alexander to 208 yards in their last meeting, but Montreal’s three 2024 victories over Ottawa underscore their tactical edge.
X-factors and final outlook
Ottawa’s hopes hinge on Shiltz’s poise and Lewis’ record chase, while Montreal must leverage its defensive depth to contain big plays. Special teams and red-zone efficiency could decide this matchup: the Alouettes allowed just 10 points in Week 1, their lowest season-opening total since 2004, while Ottawa’s late 12-0 surge against Saskatchewan revealed resilience. With East Division positioning at stake, Montreal’s championship pedigree clashes with Ottawa’s urgency to reignite their season—making this a litmus test for both franchises’ 2025 aspirations.
