Rising above expections

When training camp started there were so many questions around many key positions, Quarterback, running back, offensive line, linebackers and especially the head coach. The team was slated to finished third in their division behind the powerhouses of Winnipeg and Toronto in the East. Their defense was too young and too old at the same time. They had a QB whose family issues would hinder his on-field performance and a head coach who has never stood on the sideline of a CFL game.

However, through eight of 18 and sitting on their bye week the Alouettes and their 5-3 record have garnered a two-game lead on the rest of their East division foes.

This season for the CFL’s Alouettes has proven to be a consistent roller-coaster ride. Sounds like a contradiction, right?

Wrong. They've been consistent because they have managed to be in every single game they’ve played, and it's been a roller-coaster ride because within that time, they’ve had a three-game losing streak and a three-game winning streak along the way. They dominate their East division rivals (5-0) and they've come up short against Western foes (0-3).

Even though the Als have lost three games to the West, they were in each one.

Their average margin in losses is 4.6 point – less than a touchdown. On the other side, the Als have been dominant in their victories, winning their games by an average of 18 points.

The 2008 version of the Alouettes has also been extremely entertaining. AC is having a career year.AC, as in not only Anthony Calvillo but also as in Avon Cobourne. The double threat from the backfield has made fans forget about the departed Jarrett Payton. The Als defense has been led by flashy linebacker TJ Hill and tackle Keron Williams who each on any given play can change the direction of the game, and have, at points this season.

The Als have ten games remaining on their season -- they’ll win some, and they’ll lose some -- but they fact that they weren’t supposed to win many makes this year's version 2K8 all the more fun to watch, doesn't it?



-- Pointe Claire native Sean Campbell hosts The Als This Week and Montreal Alouettes post-game shows as well as the Play It Again Radio Show and the Double Nine-0 Trivia Show every Saturday morning on the TEAM 990 AM radio station