Friday, 15 July 2011

Preview: Roughriders at Tiger-Cats

0-2
0-2
These teams are easily the two most disappointing in the early part of the 2011 CFL season. Both Hamilton and Saskatchewan had Grey Cup aspirations heading into the season, and both now sit at 0-2.

For the Tiger-Cats, the problem has almost exclusively been located on Offense. The passing game has stagnated, the running game has not been there and the play calling has been uninspiring. The Cats have scored a total of 26 points in their two losses, and that is just not going to get it done.

In Saskatchewan, it is the opposite, as the Defense has been a complete sieve. The Riders have allowed 42 and 39 points in their two losses. In both those losses, the Roughriders got next to no pass rush and allowed the Quarterback to stand there and find open players.

In this game one of these things will change. Either Hamilton's Offense will find their rhythm and exploit the Riders' "D" or the Riders' "D" will gain their confidence by shutting down Hamilton's Offense.

I suspect that both of these will come out firing on all cylinders because neither wants to go 0-3. For one team, this could be the shot in the arm to get their season on track. For the other, the questions that they answer now will only get more intense.

For those that will not be able to make it to Ivor Wynne for the game, you can listen to it on the radio on AM900 CHML or watch it on television on TSN. If you live in the United States, the game will also be on NFL Network.

6 comments:

  1. I've got so much faith in Hamilton's offence for this game, it hurts. Kevin Glenn's got to be pissed off, and he's going to have one of those faith-affirming performances - Hamilton by a boatload.

    What's up with ABIII though? Is he getting benched for his bad attitude? Have they traded him away and are sitting him out until next week? It appears to be an odd situation.

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  2. He could be benched for his attitude, but I don't think that's it. Bellfeuille has talked about how good Bruce has been all week, and Bellefeuille isn't the type of guy that says one thing and does another. He has a lot of faults, but being dishonest isn't one of them. Bruce could get dealt, but I don't see it. Unless someone blows them away with a deal, I think Bruce sits out one week and is back for next week's game against BC. But that's just my opinion.

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  3. Josh, what will be your reaction if the cats fall to 0-3? Let me know your answer before the game is played out, as emotions can take over.

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  4. It will depend on how the game plays out. If it's another putrid offensive performance, then changes will have to be made. Or of the defense get lit up, then changes will have to be made. If it's a hard fought contest, then I won't be as worried.

    A loss will be disappointing, but not the end of the world if the team plays well. With the Argos losing yesterday, the Cats will still be just a game out of third. The way the game is played will have more of an impact on my feelings than a win or loss.

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  5. I called it. Nice win for Hamilton - defence looked great, offence didn't screw things up too much. Lot of oskeeing wee wees in the hammer tonight.

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  6. I tip my hat to you, sir. That was a butt whooping and you called it. I will say that Saskatchewan looks really bad. This is a team that will be lucky to win six games. Things are going to get ugly in Riderville.

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