The Ottawa Redblacks’ search for their first victory of the season continues, as they fell to the Montreal Alouettes by a staggering 46-16 margin on Thursday evening. This defeat marks the Redblacks’ tenth straight loss, leaving them isolated at the bottom of the Canadian Football League (CFL) standings. The game, held at Molson Stadium, drew a crowd of 22,482 fans, who witnessed a commanding performance from the Alouettes, now boasting a record of 9-1.
Alouettes Dominate with Stellar Performances
Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander turned in an impressive display, racking up 260 passing yards and throwing two touchdowns on an efficient 20-of-23 completion rate. This victory improves his starting record to an astounding 20-1 in the CFL, solidifying his reputation as a formidable leader on the field.
Running back Travis Theis complemented Alexander’s effort with a strong performance, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries, while also contributing three receptions for 33 yards. Wide receiver Tyson Philpot was another standout, registering two touchdowns and accumulating 75 receiving yards. The Alouettes’ defence proved equally effective, with Kabion Ento forcing two turnovers, including a crucial interception that he returned for a touchdown.
In stark contrast, the Redblacks struggled to find their rhythm. Ottawa’s quarterback Jake Maier had a challenging night, completing 14 of 23 passes for 126 yards while throwing two interceptions. Backup quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson took over in the fourth quarter but also faced difficulties, completing only four out of nine attempts for 55 yards and another interception.
Redblacks’ Struggles Continue
The Redblacks’ misfortunes have now extended to 16 consecutive losses dating back to September 5, 2025, marking a record streak not seen since the Hamilton Wildcats endured a similar fate in the late 1940s. Notably, this latest defeat also places Ottawa among only nine teams in CFL history to lose their first ten games of a season, a statistic that highlights their ongoing struggles.
Adding to their woes, the Redblacks have been plagued by injuries, with a league-high 17 players currently on the six-game injured list. This situation has undoubtedly hampered their performance, and their inability to overcome the Alouettes has resulted in a lengthy 14-game losing streak against their divisional rivals, a streak dating back to October 10, 2022.
Despite the scoreline, the Redblacks managed to gain some yardage, thanks in part to Montreal’s discipline issues, as the Alouettes racked up 11 penalties for a total of 85 yards.
Turning Points in the Game
The match began with a flicker of hope for Ottawa when short-yardage quarterback Bryson Barnes opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run. However, the tide turned quickly when Alouettes defensive back Nate Beauchemin intercepted a pass intended for Maier, allowing Montreal to respond with a swift 38-yard touchdown pass from Alexander to Cole Spieker, followed by a four-yard strike to Philpot that shifted the momentum decisively.
Things deteriorated further for the Redblacks when holder Noah Gettman mishandled a kick attempt, leading to a fumble recovery and a subsequent touchdown run by Terry Wilson. This play epitomised the series of misfortunes that has haunted Ottawa throughout the season.
As the game progressed, the Alouettes extended their lead to 32-10 with a rushing touchdown from Theis. Although Barnes managed to score again for Ottawa, it was merely a consolation. Montreal capped off their scoring with two more touchdowns, sealing a comprehensive victory that showcased their dominance.
Why it Matters
The Redblacks’ ongoing struggles underscore significant challenges within the franchise, raising questions about their future direction and overall team cohesion. As they continue to seek their first win, the mounting losses could have long-term implications for player morale, fan engagement, and the organisation’s overall reputation in the CFL. A turnaround is imperative, not just for the sake of the season but also to restore hope among loyal supporters who have seen their team endure a painful stretch of futility.
