The Ottawa Redblacks’ desperate quest for a victory continues as they succumbed to their 10th consecutive loss, falling 46-16 to the Montreal Alouettes in a disheartening display at Molson Stadium. This latest defeat, witnessed by 22,482 fans, leaves the Redblacks isolated at the bottom of the league, having not won a match since September 2025.
Unraveling Performance from the Redblacks
Ottawa’s performance on Thursday night was marred by a series of mistakes and missed opportunities. Quarterback Jake Maier struggled significantly, throwing two interceptions and completing just 14 of his 23 passes for a meagre 126 yards. The Redblacks briefly introduced backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the fourth quarter, but he too failed to make an impact, only managing to connect on four of his nine attempts for 55 yards, including another interception.
The Redblacks did manage to score first, with short-yardage quarterback Bryson Barnes rushing for a touchdown on their opening drive. However, this early momentum quickly dissipated as Montreal’s defence responded aggressively. The Alouettes capitalised on Maier’s mistakes, with Nate Beauchemin intercepting a pass intended for Kalil Pimpleton in the end zone, which turned the tide of the game.
Alouettes Dominate with Stellar Plays
Montreal’s quarterback, Davis Alexander, displayed exceptional skill throughout the match, completing 20 of 23 passes for 260 yards and tossing two touchdown passes. His performance improved his record to an impressive 20 wins against just one loss as a starter in the Canadian Football League.
Travis Theis also made his mark, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 33 yards. Tyson Philpot was a standout receiver, catching two touchdown passes and accumulating 75 receiving yards. The Alouettes’ defence was equally impressive, with Kabion Ento forcing two turnovers, including a 29-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
Montreal’s ability to exploit Ottawa’s mistakes was evident, as they benefited from the Redblacks’ lack of discipline. Ottawa’s offensive efforts were aided by 11 penalties committed by the Alouettes, resulting in 85 yards of penalty yardage.
A Historic Losing Streak
The Redblacks have now become just the ninth team in CFL history to lose their first ten games of a season. Their current 16-game losing streak stretches back to September 5, 2025, marking the longest such streak since the Hamilton Wildcats endured a similar run in the late 1940s. The defeat against Montreal also extended Ottawa’s losing streak against their rivals to 14 games, dating back to October 10, 2022.
The pressure is mounting on the Redblacks as they grapple with a league-high 17 players on the six-game injured list, further complicating their search for a win. Despite their challenges, the Redblacks managed to put points on the board, with Barnes scoring a second touchdown in the third quarter and Brett Lauther managing one successful field goal.
Why it Matters
The Redblacks’ struggles highlight a deeper issue within the franchise, raising questions about the team’s direction and management. As they continue to search for answers, the significance of their current plight extends beyond mere statistics. This season is becoming a historical low for the team, and without significant changes, Ottawa risks becoming a footnote in CFL history for all the wrong reasons. The franchise must urgently address its issues, as the loyal fanbase deserves better than a prolonged period of mediocrity.
