SCOUTING THE ALS

Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Friday, Sep. 24, 2010

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/09/2010 (5527 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

2010 RECORD: 8-3, first in the East

Troy Fleece/ POSTMEDIA NEWS ARCHIVES
Als' Kerry Watkins, WR: with 804 yards receiving (fifth in the CFL), is well on his way to another 1,000-yard campaign. — Troy Fleece/ POSTMEDIA NEWS ARCHIVES Als' Kerry Watkins, WR: with 804 yards receiving (fifth in the CFL), is well on his way to another 1,000-yard campaign.

ON THE ROAD: 3-2

VS. THE EAST: 4-1

2010 Offensive rankings: Overall scoring: second (31.3 points per game); passing: second (306.3 yards per game); rushing: fifth (100.2 yards per game)

2010 DEFENSIVE RANKINGS: Overall scoring: second (22.8 points per game); passing: fifth (282 yards per game); rushing: second (95.1 yards per game)

TURNOVER RATIO: plus-15 (first overall)

THE QB

No. 13 Anthony Calvillo: The future Hall of Famer returned to the lineup last week, after missing just two games with a bruised chest — compliments of Bombers DE Odell Willis. As always, his numbers are outstanding this season (226-of-330 for 2,799 yards) and his completion rate (68.5) and quarterback efficiency (106.6) are tops in the league. The number that really jumps out, though: Four interceptions on 330 attempts. That looks pretty good — especially when measured against those 17 touchdown passes.

Quick take: So how do you stop Calvillo? The popular theory is to bring a big pass rush and get to him before he has a chance to plant and throw. One problem: Calvillo gets rid of the ball so fast that the front-line defence often doesn’t have a chance to touch him. Solution: Winnipeg’s front four needs to push the O-line back and get their hands in the passing lane to be successful.

OFFENSIVE WEAPONRY

No. 6 Avon Cobourne, RB: The Als don’t run it much (100 yards average per game) but when they do Cobourne gets the mail. He’s only averaging 4.7 yards per carry, but he’ll keep the defence honest.

No. 81 Kerry Watkins, WR: With 804 yards receiving (fifth in the CFL), Watkins is well on his way to another 1,000-yard campaign (it will be his sixth straight). Not the biggest guy on the field, but he does everything well.

DEFENSIVE STOPPERS

No. 11 Chip Cox, LB: The last time these clubs met, Cox had nine tackles and one fumble recovery. Though excellent in all areas of the field and physical when the opportunity presents itself, his coverage skills put him in a class by himself.

No. 7, John Bowman DE: Since joining the league in 2006, Bowman’s sack numbers have gone up each year. He currently has eight, and should be able to best the dozen QB takedowns he put up last season.

THE SPECIALISTS

No. 23 LeRoy Vann, KR: Montreal has been looking for a guy to return kicks since Larry Taylor left, so Vann gets his shot this week. Should he falter, look for the club to go back to Andrew Hopkins or Tim Maypray.

No. 15 Damon Duval, K: He’s been on the hot seat all year, having missed eight of 35 field goal attempts this season. Having said that, he currently leads all kickers with 124 points.

— Adam Wazny