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“I think we have a pretty special group. I want to make sure we’re doing right by them and giving them everything they need to be successful,” Montreal head coach Khari Jones said. “I just think we are for real right now.

“Whether there’s a message or not I want our guys to know that we’re for real and we’re going to come and play every week. I’m not saying we’re going to win every game, but we’re going to come and play. We’re building that mentality week by week and the guys are starting to believe it.”

After producing consecutive 36-point performances against the Ticats and Redblacks, there would be no offensive onslaught on this afternoon against an Edmonton defence that had surrendered an average of only 222 yards per game. So it was to be expected Montreal’s attack would be limited to fits and starts.

Nonetheless, the Als produced 22 first downs, 335 yards on offence and controlled the ball for slightly more than 32 minutes. And they had some luck on their side. A fourth-quarter pass for Quan Bray in the end zone was tipped and intercepted, only to be nullified by a penalty. And a potential Eskimos’ score in the second quarter came back due to a holding infraction.

Montreal quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. passed for a modest 191 yards and one touchdown, to Jake Wieneke. But he also didn’t turn the ball over. As well, the mobile pivot gained 44 yards on seven carries.

If the Als lacked some finish on offence, Adams won the game. And that’s the most important statistic a quarterback can possess.