The Ottawa Redblacks experienced another disheartening defeat on Thursday night, falling 46-16 to the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium. This loss marks the Redblacks’ tenth consecutive setback to start the 2023 Canadian Football League (CFL) season, leaving them in a bleak position as they struggle to find their first victory.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
The Redblacks opened the scoring early, with quarterback Bryson Barnes rushing for a one-yard touchdown after a pass interference penalty on Montreal. However, their initial momentum quickly dissipated. Just moments later, Ottawa’s starting quarterback Jake Maier threw an interception in the end zone, allowing the Alouettes to capitalise immediately.
Montreal’s Davis Alexander, who completed 20 of 23 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, swiftly led his team down the field. He connected with Cole Spieker for a 38-yard gain before finding Tyson Philpot for a four-yard touchdown pass, putting the Alouettes in front. From that point on, the game spiralled out of control for Ottawa.
Defensive Blunders Haunt the Redblacks
The Redblacks’ woes were compounded by a series of unfortunate events. A fumbled snap on a kick attempt led to a stripped ball by Montreal’s Kabion Ento, who returned it 49 yards for a touchdown. Shortly after, Ento intercepted another errant pass from Maier, returning it 29 yards for another score, extending the Alouettes’ lead to 21-7.
Despite some bright moments, like a 57-yard return by Ottawa’s Alonzo Addae after recovering a fumbled snap, the Redblacks could not find their rhythm. Ottawa’s offensive struggles were clear, with Maier completing just 14 of 23 passes for 126 yards and two interceptions. Backup quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson fared little better, with four completions on nine attempts for 55 yards and an interception.
Penalties and Injuries Plague the Redblacks
The Redblacks faced yet another challenge with a staggering 17 players on the six-game injured list, a league-high that has significantly impacted their performance. Additionally, Montreal’s discipline issues, resulting in 11 penalties for 85 yards, briefly provided Ottawa with opportunities to advance, but the team was ultimately unable to convert these into points consistently.
The Alouettes further solidified their lead in the third quarter with a three-yard touchdown run from Travis Theis. Although Ottawa managed to score again, it was not nearly enough to close the gap. Montreal’s dominance continued, culminating in a five-yard touchdown pass from Alexander to Philpot for a commanding 30-point lead late in the game.
Historical Context of the Redblacks’ Struggles
With this defeat, the Redblacks have now become just the ninth team in CFL history to lose their first ten games of a season. Their current losing streak has extended to 16 games, dating back to September 5, 2025, tying the longest skid since the Hamilton Wildcats endured a similar fate in the late 1940s. This trend raises serious questions about the team’s direction and future.
Why it Matters
The Redblacks’ ongoing struggles highlight a pressing need for organisational change, as the team grapples with both on-field performance and off-field strategy. As they stand at the bottom of the league, the pressure mounts not just on the players, but on the coaching staff and management to reassess their approach. The outcome of this season could shape the future of the franchise, making it imperative for them to turn things around before it’s too late.
