A Promising Glimpse at Ottawa's Offence
Ottawa Redblacks fans had reason to smile this week as quarterback Jake Maier delivered an impressive showing in the team's CFL pre-season victory over the Montreal Alouettes. For a franchise that's been hungry to return to championship contention, Maier's performance was exactly the kind of spark that gets TD Place buzzing ahead of the regular season.
Maier, who joined the Redblacks looking to cement himself as the starter, showed composure and playmaking ability throughout the contest. His performance against Montreal — a perennial CFL powerhouse — was a statement moment, demonstrating that Ottawa's offence could be a legitimate force in the East Division this year.
Why This Pre-Season Win Matters
Pre-season results don't count in the standings, but momentum and confidence absolutely do. For a team rebuilding its identity under the Ottawa sun, a win over the Als — even in exhibition play — sends an important message to the locker room: this team can compete.
The Alouettes have been one of the CFL's most consistent teams in recent memory, making any result against them meaningful for a club looking to prove itself. The Redblacks' ability to execute on both sides of the ball against a polished opponent bodes well for what's ahead.
One More Tune-Up at TD Place
Before the games start counting, Ottawa gets one final dress rehearsal. The Redblacks host the Alouettes again next Friday at TD Place in their last pre-season matchup — a chance for coaches to fine-tune depth charts, evaluate young talent, and give the starters one more rep before Week 1.
For fans, it's also an affordable way to shake off the rust and get back into game-day mode. TD Place is one of the CFL's most intimate and electric venues, and even pre-season Friday nights on Bank Street have a way of feeling like an event.
Redblacks Faithful, Take Note
Ottawa's football community has weathered some tough seasons, but the energy around this team feels different. A quarterback who can command the offence with confidence is the foundation every CFL contender needs — and Maier appears ready to be that guy.
With the pre-season wrapping up and the regular season on the horizon, now is the time to lock in your Redblacks schedule, dust off the red and black, and get ready for what could be a genuinely exciting year of CFL football in the capital.
Final pre-season game: Ottawa Redblacks vs. Montreal Alouettes, next Friday at TD Place.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
