Most of Expanded Role Speedy Bratton Makin

He leads Montreal in receiving and has scored two touchdowns in th ree games Speedy Bratton makin most of expanded role HERB ZURKOWSKY meaninghe should get moreaction. ceptions for 990 yards shouldhe re THE GAZETIE If nothing else, Bratton is mak mainhealthy. FEd. 2 '" -tlL '1 :.:.. L' ,,_ ingsure nobody is mentioning Wat Richardson said he's not being hat Anthony Calvillo was the kins's name anymore. No higher double-teamed. Instead. he added. Canadian Football League's tribute canbe paid the unassuming teams are taking away certain T passing leader heading into Bratton, Who said he'll never re routes from him, In many ways, he th.efourth week of the regUlar sea place Watkins, who had superroute has become a victim of his success. soncomesas no greatsurprise. runningability. But Richardson has surpassed 1,000 But Brian Bratton as the Alou "From a psychological and men· yards the last four seasons. It be ettes'leadingreceiver, sixth overall? tal capacity, it meant they all have hooves himto find ways to get open That. quite frankly; might be more confidence in me to get the job and overcome any obstacles he'gfa stunning than the fact Jamel Rich done, or said Bratton, who left prac cing. ardson is only third on Montreal. tice early with cramping in his left "I'll overcome it by being pa and15th overall. It'searly, but still ... leg. but is expected to play Saturday tient." he said. "It's going to open "That's the diversity we have night, at Hamilton_ "That position, up. Teams can't keep doing the right now with ow- offence. We have historically in the league, has been same thing. I wasgettblgfrustrated, a lot of weapons," Calvillo said a go-to position. but have learned to live with it. My following Thursday's practice at "Itmeans fm capable and they're chance will come. Stade Hebert in St. Leonar d. confident. Put those two together, "I have to find different ways to "Brian's done an amazing job of and you get some production." get in the game." stepping in there and making some Bratton, who spent time in the With the Als surrendering an big plays - especially yards after the NFL with Atlanta and Baltimore average of 33.3 points per game catch. before venturing north, has never actually less than the Tiger-Gats' "But it's a long season and we're doubted his ability. But, playing on aver age of 36.3 - the emphasis will going to need everybody." a team that always has been stacked remain on the offence to carry the The 29-year-old Bratton has withtalented receivers, belong has team, knowing they might have to caught 12 passes for 226 yards while been overshadowed. That's What score 35 to win. That remains a tall scoring two touchdowns. That in makes his early-season production order. cludes a 69-yard pass-and-run score a revelation. "We feel 1ike we have to score last week, against Calgary, when he "If you asked me before the sea every time. That's our standard," ran from near midfield after Stam son, I would have said this was Bratton said. "The offence is sup peders safety Er ic Fraser jumped doubtful,II Bratton said. "We've got posed to putpoints on theboard and over him instead of making a a lotof guys here, (Richardson) be keep the defence off the field. Our tackle. Bratton, now inhis sixth sea ing the obvious one, based on what job istoscore." sonwiththe Als, has career highsof he has done. But if you talk about 58 receptions, in 2009, and 675yards, my ability, I'd say no. I'm confident. [email protected] established lastseason. Thecoaches and myteammates are. JOHN KENNEY THE GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Twitter: @HerbZurkowskyl The 5-foot-lO, 185-pounder, one of "This is bow it is now. Three Alouettes' Brian Bratton has caught 12 passes for 226 yards this season. the team's quickest receivers, has weeks aren't a lot. I just hope I con long flown under the r adar, lined tinue," HI up primarily as the wide receiver No player is preaching that man game with an injury. He caught 112 goal now is becomingless realistic. Als GM Jim Popp is in mourning on the strong side. But this season, tra more thanRichardson, undoubt passes for 1,777 yards, while scoring Richardson has caught 12 passes following the death of his father. following the retirement of Ker ry edly well aware15 games remain. 11 touchdowns. Only recently. he for 166 yards and is still seeking Fo r more details, go to Watkins, Bratton has moved into Richardson led the CFLinreceiv spoke, confidently, about the poten bis first touchdown. At his current ~""'","",..tn..IAQl Watkins's spot on the weak side, inglast season, despite missingone tial of a 2,OOo-yard season. but that pace, Richardson will make 72 re.

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