CFL champions one year after getting dumped by Roughriders
Published Nov 19, 2023 • 3 minute read
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) hoists the Grey Cup as the Alouettes celebrate defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 110th CFL Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Photo by Frank Gunn /THE CANADIAN PRESS
HAMILTON — Quarterback Cody Fajardo had just completed a Grey Cup-winning, career-defining touchdown drive and was standing amid his jubilant Montreal Alouettes teammates on a stage inside Tim Hortons Field.
“There’s always a sprinkle of Jesus,” said Fajardo, repeating a well-known mantra from his Saskatchewan Roughriders days, moments after being named the outstanding player in Montreal’s 28-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 110th Grey Cup.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Article content
Article content
Watching the celebration from higher on the stage was Alouettes head coach Jason Maas, another Saskatchewan exile.
“I’m so grateful for the team that I have,” said Maas. “It’s one thing to win it, but when you win it with the right group of guys, it’s just phenomenal.
“I can’t wait to to hear all the stories.”
After a terrific game played before 28,808 fans on a clear, brisk night that was highlighted by amazing interceptions from Winnipeg’s Evan Holm and Montreal’s Kabion Ento, a memorable halftime show by Green Day and impressive offensive outings from Bombers tailback Brady Oliveira and Alouettes receiver Austin Mack, the most confusing story is Fajardo/Maas.
Just over one year ago they were unwanted in Saskatchewan. The Roughriders were losing their last seven games to miss the playoffs with a 6-12 record and head coach Craig Dickenson benched Fajardo — over the objections of Maas, his offensive coordinator — for the last two games.
Maas was fired after the regular season and Fajardo was allowed to leave as a free agent. Leading up to the Grey Cup, Fajardo told the media he wondered if his CFL career was over and Maas said he did some self-assessment, vowing to quell his sideline tantrums before being hired by the Alouettes for his second head coaching job gig and recruiting Fajardo as his quarterback.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“I am changed,” said Maas. “I think I’m a better coach, a better person because of all the adversity I faced.
“I think that’s all I’ll say. I want to celebrate.”
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) and running back Jeshrun Antwi (20) celebrate with head coach Jason Maas after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to win the 110th CFL Grey Cup football championship in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Photo by Frank Gunn /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Fajardo also believes he has changed.
“I said I changed my mentality,” said Fajardo. “I wanted to go out there and play for people that believed in me, not the people that doubted me. And that helped me stay calm, clear and collected.”
Trying to win a third Grey Cup in their fourth straight appearance, the Blue Bombers led 17-7 at halftime, surrendered the lead and regained it with a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Trailing 24-21 with less than two minutes remaining, Fajardo started a last-gasp drive with successive completions to Tyson Philpot, the game’s Most Outstanding Canadian, and moved to Winnipeg’s 19-yard line. Fajardo tossed the game-winning major to Philpot with 13 seconds remaining. Fajardo completed 21 of 26 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
There weren’t many people who believed Fajardo, a short-yardage specialist before joining the Roughriders in 2019, had the wherewithal to win a championship as a starter.
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“To be standing here as a Grey Cup champ and have an organization that believes I could be a Grey Cup-winning champion, it means all the world,” said Fajardo.
So the Roughriders dumped two people they believed would not win a Grey Cup, who one year later won a Grey Cup. Ahh, what do they know?
Dickenson has subsequently been let go, while Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day was given a three-year contract and has begun seeking a new head coach. But sudden success of Fajardo and Maas doesn’t look very good on the rebuilding Roughriders.
Related Stories
None
Darrell Davis: Blue Bombers in fourth straight Grey Cup while Roughriders fall far behind
Darrell Davis: No feelings of redemption for deposed Roughriders Fajardo and Maas
Article content
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Leader Post – https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/sports-col-davis-alouettes-win-2023-grey-cup
