Without a doubt, the Alouettes’ best player in the Eastern Division Finals was first-year wide receiver Tyson Philpot.

The ninth overall pick of the Canadian Football League (CFL) final draft on Sunday caught all eight throws sent to him for 127 yards and a touchdown. He also gave his club an important two-point conversion.

“Tyson is going to be a monster,” said Eugene Lewis after the 34-27 loss to the Argonauts in Toronto.

“I would even be surprised if he stays in the CFL. He’s so good he could play south of the border [NDLR : dans la NFL]. If he stays in Canada, he will ruin everything in this league.”

That is a very big statement from the star player of the “Als” and a big sign of respect for the young man who is only 22 years old.

While it’s far too early to say Philpot will get a chance in the NFL, it’s already clear that the Alouettes have gotten their hands on a very special player. Throughout his debut season, the BC native has continued to impress. Every time he touched the ball in attack, something happened on the pitch. He has also proven that he can be a dominant player on special teams.

In constant development

When asked if he would have liked to have played a more prominent role earlier in the campaign, Philpot showed great maturity.

“As a competitor, you always want to have the ball. However, I believe I did what was asked of me and waited for opportunities to come my way. As a rookie and only 22 years old, I had to earn the trust of my teammates,” he said during the Alouettes’ season recap.

However, Philpot expects to do a lot more on his second CFL run.

“I will come next year with the aim of being in the starting XI from the start of the season. I want to play in this team and set a good example.”

“I’ve even texted my personal trainer,” he revealed. However, I was told that I needed to take a few weeks to rest my body. I live, I breathe and I eat football. I always want to improve.”

The Making of Walter Fletcher

Tyson Philpot wasn’t the only big revelation for the Alouettes in 2022. Among those who have made a name for themselves, we can’t overlook running back Walter Fletcher.

The 25-year-old American landed in Montreal on June 14 through a trade with the Edmonton Elks. It was received after William Stanback’s serious injury. However, Fletcher wasn’t the only running back fresh into town to try to make up for the star player’s absence.

In addition, it was only in September that the Maryland native managed to really assert himself in the Alouettes’ game plan. However, by the end of the season, he became a must, distinguished by his ability to turn small passes into long wins.

“There was an opportunity here with the loss of Stanback. […] It wasn’t right away, but I felt more comfortable once I got a job. I’ve earned the trust of my teammates and my coaches. It took my game to another level,” Fletcher said.

will he be back

A few weeks ago, quarterback Trevor Harris said Fletcher deserved a big raise for the 2023 season. Anyone who could become a free agent in the next few weeks would love to remain a member of the Alouettes, but…

“I’m open to the idea of ​​coming back next year. This depends on the goals of the organization.

“There is a lot of talent in this team and several players who had a one-year contract. I don’t know what the salary cap will be like and I plan to get what I deserve next season.”

General Manager Danny Maciocia will therefore have to make decisions. Stanback has a very lucrative contract that’s still valid for next year. However, Fletcher believes the “Sparrows” would benefit from counting on him and Stanback next year.

“I firmly believe that we can coexist. We showed it by playing well together in the final moments of the season. Our styles complement each other very well.”