Hamilton Tigercats

After a 42-8 wake-up call at the hands of Montreal Allouettes last Friday, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are ready to rebound on the road against the Calgary Stampeders this Saturday.

Many things led to the Allouette smashing of the Ti-Cats. 

It was a long weekend according to Hamilton head coach Marcell Bellefeuille, who said his team spent the entire weekend watching tape and dissecting what went wrong. 

Typically the team spends just 24 hours looking at tape.

The Cats had some key players out for that game who will return this weekend in Calgary.

Wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez, defensive linemen Garrett McIntyre and Darrell Adams, and defensive back Geoff Tisdale have all been cleared to play, giving the Ti-Cats back some depth as well as some returning starters. 

I'm not making excuses because, let's face it, Hamilton got blown out against Montreal.

The Cats were 5-1 at home before Friday including a Sept. 18 win over the Stampeders.  

"We faced Calgary and Montreal and split those games," Bellefeuille said. "But because we got blown out, nobody really looks at that." 

The same thing will apply to the Montreal game. If the Cats can pull off the victory in Calgary.

Beating Calgary two weeks ago with the same team they have now certainly doesn't mean they can't do it again just because they are on the road. 

The return of Rodriguez takes some pressure off of Arland Bruce, and even Quinton Porter.

No offense to the other receivers, but knowing you have two players like Rodriguez and Bruce is a definite helper offensively and can make the quarterback look that much better.

The Cats defense is the Cats defense—very good. And they will most likely go into this weekend's game the same as always.

The problem was clearly the offense, but expect them to fully rebound against Calgary.

It should be nothing short of an exciting game, regardless of who you're rooting for.

So, it looks like the Ti-Cats are going to make it into the playoffs, something they haven't done since 2004. They might even be a contender for the Grey Cup. Something they haven't won since 1999 and I think haven't even been in contention since '99.

Now, there are certain attributes that make a championship contending team and the Hamilton Ti-Cats have those. But, the question is whether they are ready to take that giant leap during the playoffs?

The main three things that you need to have to be a championship team are A) a good quarterback B) a guy who can catch the ball/good receiver C) a guy who can get you some yards when it's too risky to throw/good running back.

The Ti-Cats have these things, and the following is who they are and how they will help. Starting at...

Quarterback—Quinton Porter

When he is looking to throw the ball and nobody is open or it's too risky. He rushes the ball taking off from the line of scrimmage to what is usually an open 10 yards in front of him.

It's a gutsy move as he could get injured. But, you do what's best to ensure your team a victory and Quinton also does it smartly, as he only runs until he gets a first down and then drops to the ground. 

Combine that with his good throwing efficiency and how he is still learning the ropes and improving and you've got yourself a damn fine quarterback.

Wide Receiver—Arland Bruce

As if this choice wasn't the most obvious, this guy is amazing and a candidate for the Most Outstanding player award. I would like to thank Bart Andrus and the Argos Gm for wanting to get rid of him because we were happy to take him for pretty much nothing.

Since he's been a Ti-Cat, he's scored six touchdowns, and ran for 560 yards in seven games!!! That's just under a touchdown a game, one thing is for sure when you're the QB and your team is struggling to get going.

You can rely on Bruce to get your team pumped. As it seems this man rarely misses a catch.

Running Back—DeAndra' Cobb

If not even Bruce can get you that first down or the other team is expecting a throw, you can count on D.C. to get you some running yards. I remember this one play where he had three guys trying to take him down and he pulled them five yards, until he got the first down.

He'll do what he can to get as many yards as possible and get his team some momentum. He's rushed for 726 yards this season and has four touchdowns.

Oh, I forgot to mention there is a fourth something that the Ti-Cats are very good at and it's...

Defence

Before the acquisition and even after the acquisition of Arland Bruce the Ti-Cats defence keeps them alive in games and sometimes even wins them. The Ti-Cats have arguably the best defence in the CFL.

So, many times this season have Ti-Cats won because of their astonishing defence. From forcing a fumble on the 1-yard line to sacking the opponents QB, they are good at everything a defence should be and then some.

Nuff said.

Although, the biggest test will come tonight as they try to knock off the Cfl's best team, when they face Montreal at Ivor Wynne. Something they have yet to accomplish is beat the Als.

But, make no mistake about it, the Ti-Cats are for real and ready to take it all the way to the Grey Cup.

The score between Hamilton and Calgary is 17-17; Hamilton is driving the ball with less than five minutes to go in the ball game. The Tiger Cats face a third and inch in Calgary territory. Back-up pivot Adam Trafalis comes in to the game for the sneak. But then, Tafralis fakes the sneak, drops back to pass, and throws a touchdown pass to Arland Bruce."

The game-winning touchdown catch was Bruce’s second touchdown of the game, putting him over 100 yards in the game, but perhaps more importantly, improving the Tiger Cats record to 6-5—a record that is signifying that Hamilton has finally found the star player they’ve been looking for.

Arland Bruce suiting up for the Hamilton Tiger Cats? It is something no one could have predicting heading into the season.

However, after disputes earlier in the season with Toronto Argonauts head coach Bart Andrus, who though Bruce’s attitude was detrimental to the team, the Argos shipped Bruce off to the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

While Hamilton was undoubtedly acquiring the services of a top notch receiver in the trade, fans wondered if Bruce’s attitude would be detrimental to the Tiger Cats, who were currently riding a two game winning streak.

Bruce didn’t immediately help the Tiger Cats offence, as he spent the first game returning kicks, but he soon began to emerge as a star in Hamilton’s offence.

In only his second start with the team, Bruce racked up a team-high 78 yards against the Edmonton Eskimos in the win. The Tiger Cats lost the next week in a valiant comeback effort against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a comeback helped by Arland Bruce. Bruce had four catches for 98 yards and one touchdown catch that helped spark the failed comeback.

Bruce had 119 yards and two touchdowns two weeks later against the Edmonton Eskimos. In the Labour Day home and home series against the Toronto Argonauts, Bruce had games of 115 yards, and 48 yards with a touchdown.

Arland Bruce’s numbers have been impressive to say the least. He has around 600 yards since joining Hamilton and has finally given the team a solid receiving threat to compliment Prechae Rodriquez.

But, what has been most impressive about Arland Bruce in Hamilton has been his attitude.

Bruce was basically called out in Toronto for being a horrible team player. Then, Bruce was traded to a Tiger Cats team that had been historically bad for some years in a row. Many thought Bruce would be a poor team player in Hamilton as well.

But Arland Bruce has checked his attitude at the door ever since he has arrived in Steeltown. He was willing at first to have a limited role with the team until he got more accustomed to the offence and he has not caused any notable controversies among his team-mates.

Hamilton currently sits at 6-5, putting them at second place in the East. With Toronto and Winnipeg both struggling, Hamilton looks poised to claim a home playoff game. In their recent success, they have leaned on Arland Bruce.

For a Hamilton Tiger Cats team that has been struggling for several seasons, Bruce may just be the knight in shining armour the team has been looking for.  

It is obvious from the last two weeks, that the Hamilton Tiger Cats are still struggling at quarterback. 

In a year where at least half of the teams have a mediocre leader, Hamilton belongs in the bottom group, along with BC, Toronto, and Winnipeg.

If I'm Marcel Bellefeuille, I am starting Quinton Porter next week.  The only way that Hamilton will get better is either to develop Porter or bring in a new quarterback and develop him.

Kevin Glenn is a good backup, but he's not the future. The last two weeks showed why Winnipeg released him, and why he has never won the Grey Cup.

Glenn blows hot and cold.  During both games against Toronto, sometimes he looked like he belonged with the top four CFL quarterbacks, making plays, finishing drives etc.

But for the rest of the time, the tap was turned off and he was stone cold, with lots of consecutive 2-and-outs.

Forget the 34-15 score. If Hamilton had put the Argonauts away, the score should have been in the 50s. 

The Hamilton receiving corps has been vastly upgraded to being one of the top four in the league, and DeAndra' Cobb has made everyone forget all the other running backs.  The offensive line has improved, too.

But Hamilton still struggles to put points on the board.  When Glenn is in his good mode, this team looks like one of the best in the league.  But then he'll fall into a funk, drives will stall, the team won't take full advantage of turnovers, and there are lots of 2-and-outs.

The only way Hamilton will get better is to develop Porter into a consistently winning quarterback.  Let him either learn from his mistakes, or if he can't be developed, bring in a new arm.

Bob O'Billovich has done a great job raising the talent level on this team so it can now compete with any team in the CFL.  There is no longer despair in Hamilton.

But the key position is always the quarterback, and O'Billovich may have to make one more change in order to make Hamilton secure for the future.

This year's Labour Day Classic game means more to the Ti-Cats than it has ever before it's not just about smashing the Argos, getting a win and adding two points to the standings.

Although, it sounds stupid this game can make or break the ti-cats. After, years of low attendance and ticket sales, as well as money losing years. Hamilton fans have decided to give the Ti-Cats back their hearts.

The Tigercats management also decided to do things right this season by not signing washed up free agents, but, creating a good young team that will improve and compete for years to come.

If you just look at the record your saying "yeah, sure the ti-cats are only a .500 team, that's mediocre, it's nothing good." But, if you know the history and have watched the games they are so much more than their record shows.

For example, two weeks back they lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 33-23 or something close to that. In the first half though, the ti-cats were down 23-0. You have to be a damn good team to come back from a 23-point defecit.

Last years ti-cats would have maybe scored a field goal and lost like 40-3. All of their losses have been because they choke near the end of the game. Which sadly if they don't pick it up this is going to be a really terrible re-run of the last few years.

This is the highest attended game out of all the Labour Day Classic's. If the ti-cats get beat by the Argos and drop to 4-5 they are probably going to be out of the playoffs.

However, if they win it keeps them in the race to reach the post season something they have not accomplished since the 2004 campaign. If the Ti-Cats win then ticket sales and attendance will be as high as they are for this Monday's game.

If they don't win and fail to make the playoffs. Ti-Cats fans will take back their hearts and Ti-Cats Caretaker Bob Young may never gain a profit. Personally, I'll be attending the Labour day game and am expecting a win.

If they don't win and then they drop their next game. I'm going to stop attending games. I'm not going to care whether I miss the game on t.v. and the biggest thing, I'm going to take back my heart.

SO, C'MON TI-CATS!!! OSKI WEE WEE OSKI WAH WAH HOLY MACINAW TI-CATS EAT 'EM ARGOS RAW!!!!       

Unfortunately, the win streak came to an end last night at Saskatchewan. The Ti-Cats ventured to Regina for the first time this year, and it seemed like they weren't prepared for the Regina wheather.

Hamilton was shut out for the first, second, and fourth quarters and was down 23-0 at the half. But after a Nick Setta field goal in the third quarter to make it 23-3 and some kind of crazy touchdown catch by Arland Bruce where he juggled it between his right hand and chest and somehow managed to maintain possesion to make it 23-9, the spark ignited the fuse.

The Ti-Cats shut out "the CFL's best team" in the third quarter and scored 23 unanswered points to tie the game. Those are huge, and I mean huge, improvements compared to the past seasons.

Normally, anytime a team is down 23-0 in the third, you'd say it's over, especially for the bottom feeders of the East. But not anymore, as this team knows how to produce miracles.

It was to a point where the whole stadium of over 30,000 fans wen't silent. That is, except that one guy wearing black and gold supporting the Ti-Cats. Actually, he did minimal cheering, because he didn't want to tick off those Rider fans too much.

The Ti-Cats always seem to play poorly to satisfactory in the first half and then become the greatest team in the league in the second half, which I think they actually are.

They would continue their strong play into the fourth quarter under veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn, who took a while, but picked up most of the slack that Porter had left.

Unfortunately, the Regina whether mixed with some tight defense by the Roughriders, combined with some minor mistakes on defense caused the Ti-Cats to give up a touchdown and field goal in the final five minutes of the game.

Those scores, after one last effort from the Ti-Cats—that wasn't half bad, actually—proved to be the game-winners to give the Roughriders the 33-23 win.

These teams now have identical records at 4-3, and although the Ti-Cats fell, they remain second in the East.

Well, aside from the rain, I have to say that it was worth seeing it live and the cheap seats are the best, especially when it's raining.

I'll give you 4 reasons why: In front there is a little concrete track and then the endzone and the cheerleaders spend a lot of time standing right in front of you on that track,shaking those sexy bodies while cheering and the tight costumes add to that sexyness.

But, to top all that they are getting wet in white, tight costumes because they are standing in the rain. That should count as four reasons alone. But, to add to that you always have the roudiest fans in the cheap section (the rockin out, die hard guys and the guy totally wasted just yelling at the players to catch the ball and stuff, and telling the cheerleaders to wiggle something. 

I forget the other two. But, you have to go to at least one live game a year. There is nothing like it. Alright, now to the game recap.

The Ti-cats faced a tough team to beat and one that had the same record as them and the best record in the west in the Edmonton Eskimos. Now, you really question QB Quinton Porter in the first half as he makes frequent mistakes.

Infact, it is almost as if he has to warm up and get a feel for the game because he really shows his stuff in the second half and he was a factor in Hamilton's come from behind win.

Yes, it's true the Ti-cats came from behind 14-21 to beat the Eskimos scoring two unanswered TD for a final score of Edmonton 21-Hamilton 28. One winning run off of a pick off by Hamilton.   

A Ricky Ray bomb was intercepted by Markeith Knowlton at his teams own 21-yard line, he ran with the ball to the Edmonton 43-yard line, then was tackled. Hamilton set up at the Edmonton 43-yard line and Porter passed it to an open Deandra Cobb who went on a 40-yard run.

Which was initially ruled a TD. But, after a challenge it was deemed his knee was down at the one-yard line which to me made no sense to how it wasn't a TD because as far as I know, the ball hit the ground in the end zone and it always counts where the ball lands unless you are going out of bounds.

Hmm?... anyways, it didn't really matter because it ate more time away from the minute that was left in the game and QB Quinton Porter would rush the one-yard to give the Ti-cats the winning TD.

The Ti-Cats were trailing most of the game and really the only things they had going for them in the first half were Arland Bruce and Chris Davis seeming like the only ones who caught the ball and Porter could decently throw to.

I'm not sure if those were the guys who scored the TD in the half. But, they were getting all the first downs and yards. Then, Porter I guess finished warming up. None the less, It put's the Ti-cats two games above .500 and a 4-2 record since at least four years.

Next Sunday the Ti-Cats head to Saskatchewan to face the 3-3 Roughriders which should be a good game. I wouldn't be surprised if they're continued solid play led them to the win. But, only time will tell if they can continue to "mesh" well.

They're next home game is the always exciting Labour Day Classic against the Argos that I will be attending. There is always Argos fans that ride down the 403 and come to Ivor Wynne. If you are attending live like me, Consider this a warning that fights and/or brawls will ensue. Should be fun!

Last night's game was great for a Ti-Cats fan, if you only watched the first quarter.

At first, the Tiger-Cats dominated Montreal. At the end of first quarter, they lead 6-0 as a result of two field goals.

Montreal did not score in the first quarter for the first time all season.

Unfortunately for Hamilton, they didn't have the lead for long.  When the clock hit 11:01 left in the second quarter, Montreal scored a touchdown, and shortly after, the Alouettes converted their extra point, taking a 7-6 lead.

Montreal continued their success, taking a 18-6 lead into halftime.

The Tiger-Cats stuck with QB Quinton Porter after he took a big hit to his abdomen, which required the attention of trainers.

Due to league rules, backup QB Kevin Glenn had to replace Porter for three plays.  After that, it was quite evident that Porter was uncomfortable in the pocket. The Tiger-Cats should have allowed Glenn to finish the game; he did, in the previous game, lead the Ti-Cats to victory.

As my dad says, they should alternate QBs at the half. No matter the circumstances, Porter plays the first half, and Glenn plays the second half. 

Not much happened in the second half except good defence.

Montreal scored another field goal in the third quarter to go up 21-6, and in the third quarter, the Tiger-Cats scored two points on a safety.

As a result, Montreal won 21-8.

On the plus side, Hamilton held Montreal to under 30 points, as before last night, the defence has given up 44.7 points per game.

Due to this loss, the Tiger-Cats dropped to 2-2 on the season.

Hamilton's next game is against the British Columbia Lions at Ivor Wynne. Hopefully, they win, since I am going to Ivor Wynne to watch the game.

Since Hamilton fans are adopting a wait-and-see attitude for their team, they may be kept waiting for a long time.

The team's performance against the Toronto Argonauts, arguably the second worst team last year, left fans with little hope for this year.

In no area were the Ti-Cats dominant in anything.

Toronto scored its first 20 points so easily that the Ti-Cats were in a hole before they ever woke up.

Their performance was that of an expansion team.

Hamilton spent the offseason supposedly making major improvements. If there were any, I didn't see them.

The failure to improve points to two things: either bad management, bad coaching, or both.

The removal of Casey Printers' large contract should have provided money for areas that needed upgrading. Either there were too many holes to plug, or Bob O'Billovich did a poor job targeting his team's most pressing needs by finding adequate players for the job.

The other scenario is that O'Billovich provided better personnel and that the team is being poorly coached. Marcel Bellefeuille describes his defensive line as a "work-in-progress."

That's hardly a ringing endorsement for O'Billovich's recruiting or his own coaching.

By the way things are, the only smart things the team did in the offseason were to drop Printers' large contract and let the too-frequently injured Jesse Lumsden go. 

One game is not enough to predict a whole season, but, unless there are significant improvements shown against B.C. in the next game, the Ti-Cats may end up resembling another feline, last year's Detroit Lions.

“The losing stops now!”

It is not secret, for the last several season, the Hamilton Tiger Cats have been the “Bad News Bears” of the Canadian Football League.

Poor playing, poor management and poor coaching have led the Tiger Cats into a downward spiral. A playoff berth in 2004 has been the only shed of light on the Tiger Cats franchise in some while.

Last season, Hamilton had expectations of turning their fortunes around. While they did have some bright spots in their season, when all was said and done Hamilton finished with only three wins and last place once again.

How can a team that has been in several rebuilding years in a row continue to be the laughingstock of the league?

How can Hamilton build off of a three win season?

Though they did only win three games, Hamilton did learn a few things during the season. First off, they may finally have their starting quarterback in Quinton Porter.

Porter showed promise last season and will only improve with more experience under his belt.

Hamilton’s management has given a renewed effort to improving the team through free agency, focusing more on the offensive line than in the past.

And of course, the Tiger Cats have explosive running back Kenton Keith. While he has not seen the playing field in a while, there is always a chance he will do this.

But, until these players all perform at a high level, and Hamilton starts winning ball games, it is all speculation.

Let’s take a closer look at the Hamilton Tiger Cats:

What’s New?

After Marcel Bellefeuille had taken over as head coach for Charlie Taafe during the season, people wondered if Bellefeuille would retain his job in the off-season. The Tiger Cats didn’t wait long into the off-season, signing Bellefeuille to an extension.

With the coaching staff in place, Hamilton could focus on improving their team through free agency. Hamilton had a number of holes to fill going into a loaded free agency class.

Hamilton had been rumoured to be involved in a lot of big moves, including talks surrounding prized free agent offensive lineman Rob Murphy.

In the end, the Argonauts picked up Murphy, but the Tiger Cats did find their own offensive lineman in Alexandre Gauthier.

Gauthier has been a solid tackle for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the last couple of seasons. Later in the off-season, Hamilton added Dan Goodspeed through a three way trade.

The acquisitions of Goodspeed and Gauthier, plus lineman Simon Rottier, who the team drafted first overall, should give the Tabbies some stability on the offensive line.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hamilton added defensive tackle Matt Kirk, defensive end Brandon Guillory and linebacker Otis Floyd. Perhaps more importantly, the Tiger Cats re-signed one of their most promising defensive players in Chris Thompson. 

The Tabbies also added veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Glenn is expected to challenge Quinton Porter and provide leadership.

Hamilton didn’t suffer too many losses during the off-season, but did lose running back Jesse Lumdsen to the Eskimos and quarterback Richie Williams to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Concerns

When you have been bad for so long like Hamilton has, there are always going to be questions mark heading into a new season.

Hamilton looks to have a promising roster on paper, but that doesn’t mean they will be successful.

If young quarterback Quinton Porter experiences a drop off this season, Hamilton will have to hope that Kevin Glenn can rekindle some of his old magic.

Hamilton’s running backs also look decent on paper. Kenton Keith has had great success in his career, and Terry Caulley and Tre Smith have both been good for Hamilton in the past.

But Keith hasn’t always been the most consistent player in his career and Caulley and Smith have experienced injury problems.

Whoever does earn the starting running backs job will be running behind an improved, but not yet proven offensive line.

On the defensive side, Hamilton will have to improve on their defense which has been porous at times.

With a front seven anchored by lineman Brandon Guillory, Matt Kirk and a solid line backing core, Hamilton should be able to stop the run decently, but there secondary has always been a question mark.

Hamilton will have to hope the defensive back Chris Thompson continues his All-Star play of last season.

Summary

If Hamilton struggled this season and missed the playoffs, it wouldn’t really surprise any body. It seems like whenever you think Hamilton has turned a corner, they fall flat on their face.

The same scepticism will be equally as high this season with question marks galore. Can an inexperienced coach in Marcel Bellefeuille lead the Tiger Cats? Will Hamilton’s offensive line really improve? Can Hamilton’s defense turn the corner?

I however, remain cautiously optimistic. Baring injuries, the Tiger Cats should have a solid running back running behind a good offensive line.

Quinton Porter should be a efficient quarterback this season and the receiving core has also improved over the years.

Hamilton’s defense may struggle, but they should be able to shut down teams enough to give their offense a chance.

The Eastern Division is weak this year, so now may be the time for Hamilton to cement themselves as contenders and not pretenders.

It’s time to shed some light on a franchise that has been in the dark for so many years.

My Prediction: Around 8-10 wins, a second place finish and a home playoff berth in the East.

Outstanding Player of the Year: Kenton Keith

Defensive Player of the Year: Markeith Knowlton

Canadian of the Year: Chris Bauman

Lineman of the Year: Alexandre Gauthier

Special Teams Player of the Year: Nick Setta

Rookie of the Year: Simeon Rottier  

Do you have a magic crystal ball that you can use to look ahead and see what will happen in the upcoming CFL Season? If not, stay tuned for my CFL Team Previews, coming out twice a week, to see how each team will fair in the upcoming season

Past Previews:

Toronto Argonauts

Winnipeg Blue Bombers