Sept 19, 2015; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Edmonton Eskimos vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski
Linebacking core puts together strong game
His play may have gone unnoticed by the casual watcher, but it certainly was not ignored by the Eskimos offence. Reed was all over the field on Saturday night, bringing down Eskimos ball-carriers from sideline to sideline. The Hamilton linebacker made the most of his hits, dealing punishing blows on every tackle. Reed was the team’s tackle leader in the first half with four, and his play in pass coverage was equally stellar. Reed continued his strong play in the second half, tallying another three tackles in the final 30 minutes of play.
Simoni Lawrence led the team in tackles (9) yet again on Saturday, while tallying five or more tackles for the fifth time in a single game this season. He had an impact on the pass rush and against the run, and his hits were just as impactful as his linebacking teammate. The Ticats defence as an entire unit was very strong on Saturday, keeping the team in the game despite some tough circumstances and that began with the linebacking core.
Pressure = production
The Tiger-Cats defence recorded just one quarterback sack against Mike Reilly and the Eskimos on Saturday, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. The Black and Gold defence was consistently well into the Eskimos backfield, putting all kinds of pressure on Mike Reilly. The pressure came from all over on Saturday night; whether it was the defensive ends beating their blockers around the edge, the defensive tackles collapsing the pocket or a blitzing linebacker bursting through the line, the Edmonton quarterback was under duress from the opening kickoff until the final whistle.
Reilly had a very difficult time completing passes on the night and was often forced to move the ball on the ground. When all was said and done, one of the most talent-ridden passing attacks in the league was held to 49 yards through the air while completing just 32% of their pass attempts.
Sinkfield continues to impress
Terrell Sinkfield is on a roll and it appears he’s not ready to slow down just yet. Sinkfield led the team in both receptions (7) and receiving yards (92) on Saturday evening, catching passes from all three of the Ticats quarterbacks. Over the last five games, the second-year receiver has averaged 92 receiving yards, turning himself into the team’s number one threat in the passing game. Once considered a splash player by some, Sinkfield has established himself as a consistent every-down threat that can be relied upon game-in and game-out.
Emanuel Davis continues campaign as league’s top shutdown defensive back
Emanuel Davis took the CFL lead in interceptions on Saturday night, bringing in his fifth pick on a downfield throw from Mike Reilly. Receptions by receivers in Davis’ vicinity have been few and far between, while his impact plays have not been. Leading the league in both pass knockdowns and interceptions, “Chop” is making a strong case for himself as the CFL’s top shutdown defensive back.
