In Montreal, since the year 2000, fans were treated to watching Anthony Calvillo as the starter for the Als, and we now have a new pivot in town. With Calvillo announcing his retirement in January of this year, the Alouettes are going with 2006 Heisman award winner Troy Smith as their man under centre. Smith last year, in only 3 starts, managed a 2-1 record with 894 yards passing 9 TDs in the air and 5 interceptions. Smith is described as a mobile QB with a strong arm which is a change from the pocket passer Calvillo was for 13 years as the starting QB in Montreal. Smith was a 5th round draft pick chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, however he only started 2 games for the Ravens, and then moved on to the San Franscisco 49ers where he started 6 games throwing for 1,176 yards, 5 TD passes, and 4 interceptions, also compiling 121 yards on the ground on 23 attempts, though ball security is an issue with 6 fumbles.
With Smith under centre, Montreal is with out a doubt still a contender in the East division this year, as Smith has shown promise with decision making, but at times looks lost just like any NFLer converting over to the game north of the border. Yes there may be some growing pains along the way, but the fans in Montreal shouldn’t look for Smith being the complete replacement for the record holder in virtually every passing category in CFL football as well as the 400 TD passes club which Calvillo is part of, alongside of the likes of Brett Favre, Warren Moon, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino. The Als faithful should look on as Smith will provide them with excitement, as they will have a QB who can make plays with his legs and throws on the run.
The CFL may indeed be watching as the “pocket passing” QB becomes extinct in the Canadian game, as with Calvillo’s retirement, there really is only one true proven pocket passer left, that being Ricky Ray of the Toronto Argonauts. Burris may be reaching the age of retirement shortly as well, but don’t let that fool you, as he can still shred up defences with his mobility when needed. With QBs in the CFL becoming more and more mobile and athletic, it is clear coaches want one thing: a threat of when the rush happens and the pocket collapses, they can still see a 2nd and short or a big play instead of tossing the ball away and living to play another day. In our three down league, every down counts and whether we like to admit it or not, that could be the reason the tradition of pocket passers may become extinct. Indeed, we are watching an evolution in Canadian football, as you must be mobile, have great awareness while standing behind center, and also have tremendous poise as a professional knowing in this league it can be a revolving door of quarterbacks trying to be the number one guy.
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