After looking for a quarterback since Anthony Calvillo left in 2014, the Alouettes have finally found him. And, this year, they have two instead of one with Vernon Adams Jr. and Trevor Harris.
In theory, the picture is clear. In practice, some like to start a controversy around the starting position.
Adams is coming to the top of his career at age 29 and he’s the starter.
Harris, 36, is a late-career veteran and he wants to have a good insurance policy.
The two players are completely different.
Adams is agile and explosive, he can run the ball as long as he can throw it. Harris was poised and methodical. He can break the opposing defense with quick passes, but don’t ask him to run with the ball.
To Alouettes fans, starter Vernon Adams is not united.
Some admire him for his enthusiasm and amazing. Others want her to be more calm and to stay in control of her emotions.
Before starting a controversy over choosing the number one quarterback, it should be remembered that Adams was the first player since Calvillo to establish himself as a starter.
His record of 16 wins against 10 losses is more than respectable, especially when you consider all the circus around the team until the arrival of the new owners (remember Mike Sherman, Kavis Reed , Johnny Manziel?).
Last year, Adams led the league in touchdown passes after finishing his season with a shoulder injury after eight games.
Statistically, his weakness is in complete passes. From the beginning of his career, he averaged 62.1%.
Last year, the former University of Oregon quarterback finished his season with 59.4%, while Harris led the league with 70.3%.
Trevor Harris is a seasoned veteran of nine seasons in the CFL, including five as a starter. His season record is just over .500 with 40 wins, 39 losses and 2 draws.
The preparation is on point
At Hamilton on Saturday, in the first exhibition game of the season, Trevor Harris did what was expected of him. He completed 75% of his passes and the offense scored 10 points on two offensive streaks.
The other three quarterbacks used maintained aerial play efficiency with 28 of 34 passes (82%).
Former RedBlacks Dominique Davis followed Harris by completing 11 of 13 passes for 95 yards, but she failed to reach the end zone. The Alouettes contracted for two precision kicks in four offensive series while Davis served as the pivot of the attack.
Only the last quarterback used, Davis Alexander, reached the end zone on a quarterback sneak, before making a pass for a two-point convert.
Vernon Adams Jr. will be on the field. for the first time since Oct. 11 Friday night at Percival-Molson Stadium. Will he be inspired by Trevor Harris ’performance in Hamilton or will he be stressed?
General manager Danny Maciocia and head coach Khari Jones appreciate the team’s new depth at quarterback.
It remains to be seen if the offense will split guard between two quarterbacks with different styles or if it will go all the way to whoever wins the games.
Itutuloy…
Older loyalists, including me, like a player like Vernon Adams Jr., who formed a team, can have every chance to prove himself before losing his position to someone from elsewhere.
Loyalty to professional sport no longer really exists, especially now that the importance of winning has been crushed. This is true in football, this is true in baseball, this is true in hockey.
Talk to all the fired coaches for the first time.
Source: Radio-Canada
