Ottawa Redblacks drop another one to the Montreal Alouettes in home opening loss

Ottawa Redblacks’ Geno Lewis (right) is tackled by Montreal Alouettes’ Wesley Sutton (37) during first half CFL football action in Ottawa on Friday. Photo by JUSTIN TANG /THE CANADIAN PRESSArticle content

The Ottawa Redblacks failed to reverse multiple disturbing trends in their home opener on Friday.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

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.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

In falling to 0-2 on the season, they lost their ninth straight game to the Montreal Alouettes, who are now 11-0 at TD Place since 2018.

Article content

The latest slap in the face from the Redblacks’ nearest rivals came in a 39-18 loss in front of 21,441 fans.

Article content

The loss also spelled the end of a consecutive game touchdown streak for Redblacks receiver Eugene Lewis, who fell one shy of a CFL record 10 set by former great Terry Evanshen.

Article content

Filling in for injured starting quarterback Dru Brown, Matt Shiltz completed 22 of 32 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown before being replaced by Dustin Crum late in the fourth quarter.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Shiltz’s undoing was in turning the ball over.

Article content

Trailing 29-18 with just under 10 minutes remaining, Shiltz’s third interception of the game was deflected into the hands of Wesley Sutton, who returned the ball 45 yards for a touchdown.

Article content

Penalties were once again a problem for the Redblacks, who were flagged 11 times for 98 yards

Article content

Montreal, which improved to 2-0 with the win, was called five times for 61 yards.

Article content

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Article content

After a dismal first half, the Redblacks came to life early in the third quarter when corner C.J. Coldon made his second interception of the season and returned it 34 yards to the Alouettes 36.

Article content

An Alouettes pass interference play that kept Lewis from scoring set up a Crum touchdown from the one.

Article content

Montreal responded on its next series with a 70-yard scoring march aided by Redblacks’ penalties, most notable of which was a roughing the passer call on Adarius Pickett.

Article content

But the Redblacks came right back with a 73-yard drive that ended on a nine-yard touchdown toss to Bralon Addison.

Article content

Despite starting with good field position on most first half possessions, the Redblacks trailed 19-3 and had 98 yards of net offence compared to Montreal’s 223 yards at the break.

Article content

Only two of Shiltz’s 15 passes hit the ground in the opening two quarters. He completed 11 and was intercepted twice – once by defensive lineman Lwal Uguak and the other, after a deflection on the line, by linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku.

Article content

Ottawa’s best chance at an opening half touchdown came after Pickett recovered a fumbled punt that was forced by Bennett Williams on the Montreal 26. But after moving the ball to the Alouettes’ one-yard line, Crum failed to cross the line with two attempts.

Article content

Along with Jose Maltos’ four field goals, the Alouettes scored on a one-yard keeper by Caleb Evans. It was set up by a 69-yard Davis Alexander to Tyler Snead bomb that ended with one of two horse collar tackle penalties on Redblacks DB Robert Priester.

Article content