Lambeau leap in Winnipeg spur of the second, Alouettes’ Davis says

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“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” backup quarterback says of TD celebration. “I just thank God he didn’t have a knife.”

Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans push Montreal Alouettes quarterback Dominique Davis off the wall as he tries to celebrate his touchdown in Winnipeg on Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by John Woods /THE CANADIAN PRESS

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Looking back on an incident that had tongues wagging Thursday night, Dominique Davis is glad nobody had a concealed weapon.

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In a move that has become popular at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field by the hometown Packers players, Davis — after scoring his second short-yardage touchdown late in the fourth quarter in Winnipeg — darted through the back of the end zone, threw a football at the Blue Bombers’ logo and then decided to jump into the stands.

More than 31,000 Bombers fans were already in a surly mood. Davis’ one-yard run, tying the score 17-17, was originally stopped on third down, but Winnipeg linebacker Donald Rutledge Jr. drew an offside penalty and provided the Als with a fresh set of downs.

While those seated in the front row of the end zone pushed Davis out, at least one could be seen throwing a punch at the backup quarterback’s head, although he never removed his helmet.

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“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Davis said of leaping into the stands. “I knew there was going to be some blowback. I just thank God he didn’t have a knife.

“That was a spur of the moment thing,” he added. “I was showing my passion and trying to give some entertainment to our fans while getting the crowd hyped up. It’s all love. Those guys in Winnipeg know it’s all love. But that fan got me pretty good. I knew (what to expect) when I jumped in there and was expecting it.”

Davis, who has become the short-yardage specialist in his first season with Montreal, scored both of the Als’ touchdowns in their 20-17 overtime victory — the Bombers’ first loss in 10 games this season. He has a team-leading nine touchdowns, or almost half of the Als’ 20 offensive scores.

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With the ball at the Winnipeg three-yard line after defensive-back Wes Sutton forced a fumble, Davis was inserted on first down, but gained only one yard on each of the team’s first two downs. With less than three minutes remaining in regulation, the Als gambled on third down. It appeared they’d have to turn the ball over until the penalty was assessed, with Rutledge offside by the slimmest of margins.

“I don’t know there’s a rule that says, if it’s only a fingernail, it’s okay to be offside,” general manager and interim head coach Danny Maciocia quipped on Tuesday, adding he realized the infraction had occurred when he saw the sideline official reach into his back pocket to throw a penalty flag.

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“We earned that win … regardless of how we got it,” Maciocia added.

While Davis said he was disappointed to be stopped, he also heard tailback Jeshrun Antwi scream a flag had been thrown, quickly realizing the penalty was against Winnipeg.

“It’s a game of inches,” Davis said. “That’s something we teach here. You have to pay attention to the details.”

Davis, 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, is a seven-year CFL veteran, having broken in with the Bombers in 2015. He spent three seasons in Winnipeg and three more in Ottawa before signing with the Als as a free agent in February. Davis was the Redblacks’ starter in 2019, but injuries last season limited him to only six games.

While it became clear he no longer fit into Ottawa’s plans, Davis admitted he thought he might receive more playing time with Montreal. He entered the season third on the depth chart, but became Trevor Harris’ backup with Vernon Adams Jr. sidelined indefinitely with an elbow injury.

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Davis has attempted only nine passes, completing six for 87 yards along with one touchdown. He replaced an injured Harris on the final play at Hamilton on July 28. Scrimmaging from the Tiger-Cats’ 21, he overthrew Hergy Mayala and was intercepted with the Als trailing by seven points.

“After I signed and Trevor signed, things changed and certain things happened,” Davis said. “It’s definitely not the situation I wanted to be in. I was a little disappointed at first. I couldn’t let that get me too bad because, the more I think about it and let it get into my head, the more I could have gone out there and had a bad training camp. I make sure I come in … and show these coaches I can play this game.”

Sutton was named one of the CFL’s top performers of the week. He produced five tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and knocked down a pass against Winnipeg. Also on Tuesday, Raheem Wilson, Calgary’s starting safety earlier this season against Montreal, has been signed and added to the Als’ practice roster.

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