Jones credits Calgary's run game for explosive passing attack

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have scored 99 points over their last two games and own one of the CFL's most explosive passing attacks through four contests. Receiver Tevin Jones says it all starts in the backfield and at the line of scrimmage.



"The passing game has been explosive, but it's mainly because of the running game," Jones said. "Everybody respects our running game. We have the best running back in the league and the best offensive line in the league. When those things add up, it opens up the passing game for us."



Led by Dedrick Mills, Calgary enters Saturday's matchup against the Montreal Alouettes with the CFL's top rushing attack, averaging 119 yards per game. Mills is second in the league with 339 rushing yards, helping create the balance that has fueled an offence averaging a league-best 41 points per game.



That balance has also opened the door for big plays through the air. The Stampeders have completed nine passes of 30 yards or more through four games, while Jones is averaging more than 20 yards per reception.



Jones also pointed to quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.'s growing comfort within the offence.



"V.A.'s been playing great," Jones said. "What stands out to me is just how relaxed he is and how comfortable he's becoming in the offence. I'm just glad he's our quarterback, and I'll help him out any way I can."



Adams has thrown 11 touchdown passes without an interception through four games as Calgary has won back-to-back contests heading into Montreal.



Receiver Erik Brooks said the Stampeders' depth has also played a major role in the offence's success.



"We have a room full of playmakers, so anyone who's on the field can go out there and make a play and make something happen," Brooks said. "It doesn't always have to be a downfield shot. It can be a short pass and somebody takes it 50 or 60 yards."



Brooks said that production is driven by the competition within Calgary's receiver room.



"That's what we preach. It's a competition every day at practice," he said. "I feel like even the guys who aren't dressing right now could come out here and play. It just pushes the next guy to be on their A-game every day in practice and make sure that we're going out there and executing how we need to be."



The Stampeders (2-2) will look for their third straight win when they visit the Alouettes (3-1) on Saturday. The matchup pits Calgary's league-leading rushing attack against a Montreal defence whose opponents have attempted a league-low 61 rushing plays this season.



The game also marks another return to Montreal for Adams, who began his CFL career with the Alouettes and spent parts of six seasons with the organization.



The Stampeders and Alouettes kick off at 5 p.m. MT on Saturday at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal. The teams will meet again next Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. MT at McMahon Stadium to wrap up the home-and-home series.