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MONTREAL -- It has been two years since the Montreal Alouettes have been to the Grey Cup game. That wouldnt be unusual for most Canadian Football League teams, but it hasnt happened to the Alouettes since 2000. And general manager Jim Popp doesnt want three in a row. "We won our division last year, we didnt win our playoff game, but weve been right there," Popp said. "We all felt we should have been in five straight Grey Cups." The Alouettes were first in the East Division at 11-7 last season but were beaten at home in the division final by the eventual Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts. But it wasnt that defeat that sparked a big change in Montreal. Rather, it was coach Marc Trestman finally landing his dream job as an NFL head coach with the Chicago Bears. Trestmans departure after five years brought in former U.S. university coach Dan Hawkins. Like his predecessor, Hawkins enters the CFL with no experience of the 12-man game. The difference is that this time he will be well-supported with a staff of 11 co-ordinators and assistants. Among them is former Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry, who was hired as Hawkins senior adviser and who could likely step into the top job if needed. The main job will be to bring consistency to the defence and special teams. The offence is almost unchanged from a year ago, except for the addition of 35-year-old receiver Arland Bruce III to replace the departed Brian Bratton. It all hinges on the health of quarterback Anthony Calvillo, the leagues all-time passing leader who turns 41 on Aug. 23. Calvillo is hardly slowing down. He wasnt fast to begin with. And last season he topped, 5,000 yards passing for the seventh time, completing 333 for 5,082 yards, 31 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He is coming off surgery to his non-throwing shoulder but looked sharp in the pre-season. The team signed free agent Quinton Porter as insurance, but the veteran pivot asked for his release when it became clear he wouldnt get the back-up role ahead of third-stringer Josh Neiswander and impressive newcomer Tanner Marsh. Calvillo has his offensive line intact and his solid array of tall receivers in S.J. Green, Jamel Richardson and Brandon London. Adding Bruce was a bonus. They will start the season with both incumbent running back Brandon Whitaker and new signing Jerome Messam out with injuries. Chris Jennings, who filled in after Whitaker blew out a knee last season, is to start the campaign but the multi-skilled Whitaker is expected back soon. The offence was not an area of concern for Montreal. Perhaps their biggest problem last season was special teams, where they gave up too many long returns and couldnt get their own return game going. The result was weak field position at both ends. With new special teams co-ordinator Ray Rychelski in place, they hope speedy Noel Devine will break more long returns this season. Last year, special teams was only one of former coach Andy Bischoffs many duties. "I dont know if it was the philosophy or we needed to get better personnel-wise, but for whatever reason, we were getting big field position changes," said Popp. "We didnt seem to get the returns and we seemed to give up big returns. "The coaching was good, but there was something not clicking." "Coach Rays approach is different. Its more like NFL teams. Its very direct. Well see what results we get." There were changes in the defensive backfield with the signing of veteran cornerbacks Byron Parker and Geoff Tisdale. Dwight Anderson and Seth Williams are gone. The biggest change may be moving bruising tackler Kyries Hebert from safety to outside linebacker, his natural position. Canadian Shea Emry remains at middle linebacker with Chip Cox also back, and with the versatile Marc-Olivier Brouillette slotting in wherever hes needed. Rookie Mike Edem, drafted third overall from the University of Calgary, has been impressive at safety, flanked by returning defensive backs Billy Parker and Jerald Brown. The team has also gone back to a four-man line and signed the spirited Ejiro Kuale from Toronto to play rush end along with veteran John Bowman. Scooter Berry and Alan Michael Cash return at tackle, and Moton Hopkins is back after missing a year with a blood clot in a leg. Popp wants stability on defence after going through a succession of defensive co-ordinators in recent years. Each one changed the system so that new players were needed to fit the co-ordinators style. Jeff Reinebold is out, and the new co-ordinator is Noel Thorpe. "With coaches, co-ordinators and philosophies, that there hasnt been the consistency we had on offence," said Popp. "Youre trying to find a coach that maybe fits the personnel better. "That was thought out much better this time around. Reinebold is a very good coach, it just didnt work. We were very good some weeks and others we werent. But thats our league. The best co-ordinators have had 500-yard games against them. But you want consistency, not a roller coaster." "The system is simplified. In the system that had evolved, there were a lot of checks and changes and when there are always new people in, everyones not always on the same page and it becomes difficult. In this system, there are less adjustments. Theres a lot more man coverage. Usually that will spell out less mistakes." Popp hopes better special teams and defence will bring the Alouettes back to the Grey Cup game, where theyve been eight times in 13 years, winning in 2002, 2009 and 2010. It will be the 18th season since the team returned to Montreal in 1996 after a 10-year hiatus and theyve had winning records every year but two -- 9-9 in 2001 and 8-10 in 2007. In that span, theyve never missed the playoffs. "Weve been at a high level, and the question is whether we stay at that level or drop a notch down," said Popp, who has been GM for all that time. "But those are the two areas that, if we can be better, well already be a better team." Mike Reilly Canadiens Jersey . LOUIS -- The New Orleans Saints looked like a team playing out the string. Jean Beliveau Canadiens Jersey . -- Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No. http://www.canadienssale.com/authentic-phillip-danault-canadiens-jersey/ .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again. Doug Harvey Canadiens Jersey .C. -- Chris Thorburn thinks one of the reasons the Winnipeg Jets have been successful under new coach Paul Maurice is that theyre playing together as a team. Shea Weber Canadiens Jersey . LOUIS -- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St.With continuing action in the second round of the NBA Playoff, here are my five quick thoughts from the NBA. 1. ROY HIBBERT (Pacers): Really like the strategy of the Pacers on Saturday night. Pound New York inside and make them pay dearly for their lack of interior defense, particularly when Tyson Chandler is out of the lineup. Hibbert got deep position and made them pay with his good footwork and skill level in the post. Hes an improving guy with a developing comfort level. It takes "big guy" time and patience from everyone around them to hit their stride. Hes not there yet but I loved what I saw from him. 2. TAYSHAUN PRINCE (Grizzlies): He really fits. Guards, moves without the ball, makes timely plays and is very efficient. So nice having a veteran player who has played in a ton of big games from his time in Detroit. Hes a calm influence on their team. He doesnt need the ball a lot and when he has it, he knows what to do with it. New lease on life for him after being mired in a rebuilding situation in Detroit. Good pickup. 3. IMAN SHUMPERT (Knicks): Not able to practice Monday for New York due to sore knee. Hopefully hell be ready to go Tuesday night. Love how hes bounced back from injury/surgery. Ma, does he guard! He has exceptional quickness and strength and is a load to deal with in terms of trying to feel comfortable offensively against him. His offensive game is getting more fluid and hes got major league explosivenesss in his game.ddddddddddddI look at him and Im really fascinated with his potential. This could be a huge off-season for him for his improvement and all of this post-season experience will make him that much better and a more aware player. 4. HARRISON BARNES (Warriors): His team really needed him on Sunday and he delivered. Yes, it took a whole lot of shots for him to do it yet the fact that hes in a winning environment and being force fed the minutes and being asked to produce in tight spots propels his growth as a player in rapid fashion. He really looks like he belongs out there. I give coach Mark Jackson a ton of credit for staying with him and believing in him. His faith is paying off. Many coaches wont throw rookies to the wolves - theyve thrown him here in a winning environment and look at the results. Good vision. 5. LIONEL HOLLINS (Grizzlies): Cant believe this guy is still coaching without a contract for next season. You dont see it affecting his players one bit. They have deep respect for him and he makes no issue of his status and they just go out and play their game. He has really matured from when he started as a head coach in his previous stint in Vancouver. The man has paid his dues in the league as a player, assistant coach and now head coach. Nothing fazes him. He teaches/coaches a hard-nosed and defensive/power oriented style and it works for him. Two more wins versus OKC and Id be shocked if he doesnt get his extension. He deserves it. ' ' '