The Ottawa Redblacks’ search for their first victory of the season continues, following a dismal 46-16 defeat against the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium on Thursday evening. This loss marks the Redblacks’ tenth consecutive setback, leaving them in a precarious position as they join the ranks of only eight other teams in CFL history to start a season with such a streak.
A Tough Night for Ottawa
The game featured 22,482 fans in attendance, but the atmosphere quickly turned sour for Redblacks supporters as Montreal established dominance early on. Quarterback Davis Alexander showcased his prowess, completing 20 of 23 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, further solidifying his impressive record of 20-1 as a starter in the league. The Alouettes, now boasting a 9-1 record, proved why they currently sit atop the CFL standings.
Travis Theis contributed significantly to Montreal’s success, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown alongside three receptions for 33 yards. Tyson Philpot emerged as a key target, securing two touchdowns and amassing 75 yards through the air. Meanwhile, defensive back Kabion Ento made his mark on the game, forcing two turnovers and returning an interception for a touchdown.
Redblacks’ Struggles Continue
For Ottawa, the woes continued as they became only the ninth team in CFL history to begin a season with ten defeats. Their current losing streak extends to an astonishing 16 games, dating back to September 5, 2025, a record not seen since the Hamilton Wildcats endured a similar fate in the late 1940s.
Jake Maier, the starting quarterback for the Redblacks, faced a challenging outing, managing to complete just 14 of 23 passes for 126 yards while throwing two interceptions. Backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson took over in the fourth quarter but struggled as well, with four completions on nine attempts for 55 yards and another interception.
Ottawa did manage to exploit Montreal’s disciplinary issues, as the Alouettes racked up 11 penalties for a total of 85 yards. With 17 players on the six-game injured list, the Redblacks’ roster has been significantly depleted, further complicating their quest for a win.
A Glimpse of Hope
The Redblacks did offer a glimmer of hope early in the first quarter, scoring on their opening drive. Short-yardage quarterback Bryson Barnes rushed for a one-yard touchdown following a pass interference penalty, putting Ottawa on the board first. However, this initial triumph was short-lived. Montreal quickly retaliated, with Alexander connecting on a 38-yard pass to Cole Spieker before finding Philpot for a four-yard touchdown, shifting momentum firmly in the Alouettes’ favour.
Things spiralled further out of control for Ottawa when holder Noah Gettman fumbled a kick attempt, allowing Ento to recover and return it 49 yards for a touchdown. Ento struck again shortly after, intercepting a pass intended for Kalil Pimpleton and running it back for a 29-yard touchdown, extending Montreal’s lead to 21-7.
Despite a brief resurgence, including a 57-yard return from defensive back Alonzo Addae after a fumbled snap by Montreal, Ottawa could not find the consistency needed to turn the tide. The Alouettes dominated the scoreboard, ultimately leading to a 32-10 advantage by the third quarter and sealing the game with one final touchdown from Wilson, who finished with two rushing touchdowns on the night.
Why it Matters
The Redblacks’ ongoing struggles highlight significant issues within the team’s structure and performance as they grapple with injuries and mounting losses. As they sink deeper into a losing streak, Ottawa must reassess its strategies and rebuild its confidence. With the CFL season still ongoing, the urgency for a turnaround grows stronger, not just for the pride of the players and coaching staff but for the loyal fans who continue to support them through these challenging times. The need for a breakthrough win is paramount; otherwise, Ottawa risks solidifying its place in the history books for all the wrong reasons.
