Ottawa's football fans are running out of patience — and superlatives — as the Redblacks suffered another lopsided defeat, this time a 46-16 blowout at the hands of the CFL-leading Montreal Alouettes on Thursday night. The result extends the club's losing streak to a franchise-worst 16 consecutive games, a number that now looms over every conversation about the team's future.
A Streak With No End in Sight
What started as a rough patch has snowballed into one of the most brutal stretches in Ottawa sports history. The Redblacks haven't tasted victory in months, and Thursday's loss to Montreal — a team that has looked nearly unbeatable all season — did little to suggest the tide is about to turn. The 30-point margin was among the widest of the streak, with Ottawa's defence struggling to contain an Alouettes offence that has been the class of the league.
For a fan base that has watched this team battle through inconsistent seasons before, 16 straight losses represents something different: a full-blown crisis. TD Place, once a lively gathering spot on game nights, has increasingly become a venue for frustrated boos and early exits as the deficits pile up.
What's Going Wrong
The issues have been well-documented by anyone following the team closely this season — shaky quarterback play, a leaky offensive line, and a defence that has been gashed on a near-weekly basis. Thursday's game against Montreal was simply the latest example, as the Alouettes exploited mismatches almost from the opening whistle and never let up. By the time the final whistle blew, the outcome felt less like a competitive football game and more like a formality.
For Ottawa supporters, the bigger question is no longer about wins and losses week to week, but about what changes need to happen behind the scenes to stop the bleeding. Coaching decisions, personnel moves, and the front office's long-term plan are all under increasing scrutiny as the losses mount.
The Local Impact
The Redblacks have long been a source of civic pride for Ottawa, filling TD Place in the city's Glebe neighbourhood and giving the capital a rallying point during CFL season. A losing streak of this magnitude doesn't just sting on the scoreboard — it affects the atmosphere around Lansdowne Park, local sports bars that rely on game-day crowds, and the broader sense of momentum around the franchise heading into the off-season.
Season ticket holders and casual fans alike are left wondering how much worse things can get before real change arrives. With Montreal cementing its status as the team to beat in the CFL, Ottawa's remaining schedule offers little in the way of easy opportunities to snap the streak.
What's Next
As the Redblacks regroup, all eyes in the capital will be on whether the coaching staff can find any answers before the season concludes. For now, the streak stands at 16 and counting — an unwanted piece of history for a franchise that will be eager to turn the page as soon as possible.
Source: CBC News Ottawa
