Alouettes running back Avon Cobourne, who was named the Grey Cup's Most Valuable Player, also gets my nod as a player who really stepped up for Montreal on Sunday.
He ran and caught the ball effectively and made some really good blocks during the game, but more importantly, I thought that he was the kickstarter for the Alouettes' offence.
In Montreal's first three series, the Alouettes were done quickly on three two-and-outs. Their fourth drive saw Anthony Calvillo get hit and lose the ball. It wasn't until their fifth drive of the game that the Alouettes got back on track, and how did they do it? They handed the ball to Cobourne for two straight runs and he ripped them off beautifully. All of a sudden, Montreal was into the game physically.
From that point on, you saw the Alouettes' offensive efficiency. As a running back, Cobourne showed all the facets of his game and helped boost the Alouettes when they needed him the most.
While Cobourne is a bigger name player, he wasn't the only Alouette to step up.
Going into the game, the Alouettes knew that with middle linebacker Shea Emry's knee injury, someone would have to step up. On Sunday, that man was Chip Cox.
Cox had six tackles and a quarterback sack, and he played with incredible energy throughout the game. I thought he was a difference maker.
As great as Anthony Calvillo was, you also need the support from your defence to win the game. Cox made some outstanding plays over and over again with his wonderful balance of speed and strength.
For those reasons and the way he performed, Chip Cox is my unsung hero of the 97th Grey Cup.