Key Points

• Montreal quarterback Cody Fajardo completes 23 of 29 passes for 258 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
• Edmonton’s offense stalls in the second half after a promising start, finishing with 216 passing yards from QB Tre Ford.
• Montreal’s defense contributes significantly to the victory, forcing turnovers and scoring off a fumble return.

Quick Recap

In a show of offensive versatility and defensive resilience, the Montreal Alouettes dismantled the Edmonton Elks 35-21 at Commonwealth Stadium. Despite initially trailing 21-3, Montreal turned the tide with a 26-point scoring streak that spanned from the second quarter into the third. Montreal improves their CFL standings to a 10-7 record, while the Edmonton Elks slump further to a 4-13 standing.

Montreal’s Performance

Offense

Cody Fajardo had a robust outing, going 23 for 29 in passing and accumulating 258 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Walter Fletcher also had a strong game, rushing 13 times for 88 yards. The receiving unit, led by Austin Mack with 57 yards on 5 receptions and Tyson Philpot with a touchdown catch, demonstrated their depth, keeping the Edmonton defense on their heels.

Defense

The Alouettes’ defense was led by linebacker Tyrice Beverette who had 9 defensive tackles and a quarterback sack. Mustafa Johnson contributed two sacks, further unsettling the Edmonton offense. Lwal Uguak forced a crucial fumble that led to a Montreal touchdown, displaying the unit’s big-play capability.

Edmonton’s Performance

Offense

QB Tre Ford had a relatively efficient day, completing 21 of 30 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns, both to receiver Kyran Moore. Kevin Brown led the rushing attack with 68 yards on 10 attempts. However, the offense faltered in the second half, resulting in an insurmountable deficit.

Defense

On the defensive side, Tony Jones and Marloshawn Franklin Jr. led the Elks with 7 tackles each, the latter also securing an interception. However, their efforts couldn’t stop the Alouettes from racking up the CFL scores, as Montreal consistently found ways to convert on third downs and capitalize on turnovers.

Game-Changing Moments

After trailing 21-3, Montreal shifted momentum when Cody Fajardo connected with Tyson Philpot for a touchdown. The Alouettes’ defense followed it up with a fumble return for a touchdown by Mustafa Johnson. Adding to the turning of tides, kicker Jose Carlos Maltos nailed multiple field goals, putting the Alouettes ahead and sealing the game.

The Elks struggled significantly in the second half. They were stifled on a critical third-and-one on their own 39-yard line, which led to another field goal by Maltos, pushing Montreal’s lead to 32-21 at the end of the third quarter.

Montreal’s defense continued to keep Edmonton at bay, allowing no points in the entire second half, ultimately leading to the 35-21 victory.

It was a game that illustrated the importance of seizing the moment, as Montreal did, to keep their hopes alive for a better positioning in the upcoming playoffs.