The Calgary Stampeders are facing ongoing challenges on the defensive side as they prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium. With a 2-3 record heading into Saturday’s game, the Stampeders’ defense has allowed the third-most points (176) and yards (2,169) in the Canadian Football League this season, underscoring the team’s struggles to contain opposing offenses.

The season has seen a notable surge in offensive production league-wide. Touchdowns have increased by 26 percent compared to 2025, with a record-high 23 percent of drives resulting in major scores. The league’s second-down conversion rate currently stands at 51.3 percent, surpassing the 2016 record of 48.3 percent. Additionally, games have averaged six big plays per outing, even as turnovers have dropped to a record-low rate of 3.4 giveaways per game. The overall improvement in quarterback play has elevated offensive output across the CFL.

Stampeders defensive leader Folarin Orimolade attributed the increased scoring to the rise in explosive plays and the challenge of red-zone defense. “We’re giving up a few more explosive plays and a few more touchdowns,” Orimolade said. “If we can tighten up in the red zone and take away a few of the explosive plays, I think we’ll be OK.” He added that the defensive unit needs to improve communication and detail, especially on early downs.

Calgary’s recent 37-30 loss to Montreal highlighted these issues, as the game was decided by a narrow margin in a high-scoring affair. Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson acknowledged the team’s effort and intensity but pointed to a lack of detailed execution and communication under pressure. “We just didn’t make enough plays and never could really get that lead to the point where it felt like we could take control of the game,” Dickenson said. “Credit to Montreal, they played well.”

This encounter marks the first of three home-and-home series Calgary will face this season, with subsequent back-to-back games against Edmonton and Ottawa later in the campaign. Both Dickenson and Orimolade noted that playing consecutive games against the same opponent allows for strategic adjustments, but also presents challenges in anticipating counter-moves.

To secure a win against the Alouettes and improve their standing, the Stampeders defense must contain Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander, who ranks second in passing yards this season with 1,779. Alexander has formed a potent connection with wide receiver Tyson Philpot, who leads the CFL with 719 receiving yards, as well as fellow receiver Tyler Snead. Philpot recorded 132 yards and a touchdown on nine catches in their previous game against Calgary, while Snead contributed 86 yards on six receptions.

Orimolade emphasized the importance of defensive cohesion. “It all starts with us, our communication and our detail,” he said. “We have to be better on first down, stopping the big play.”

Despite frustrations stemming from a slow start compared to their promising 2025 campaign, when Calgary’s defense helped secure an 11-7 record, the team remains optimistic. Orimolade acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the unit’s progression. “It’s a long season, and we just have to make sure we’re continuing to climb,” he said. “Close doesn’t cut in this business, but we’re getting better. I believe that.”