The Tiger-Cats have made it priority number one to lock down their offensive line before free agency begins.
Three weeks after announcing the signing of veteran Canadian centre Mike Filer, the team announced a contract extension with another starter on the offensive line, publicizing the extension of Ryan Bomben. Bomben’s deal is of identical length to Filer’s, keeping both players with the Ticats through the 2018 season.
“It’s exciting,” said Bomben, “I’m happy to be here along with my good buddy Mike [Filer], it’s excellent.”
On an individual level, the Ticats secure a versatile veteran lineman who is capable of playing any position on the offensive line. Bomben is a ratio-buster who provides flexibility on the offensive line, and he adds to that skill-set with the rare ability to play tight end.
“He’s just one of those guys that has been born with really good athleticism,” said Offensive Line coach Allen Rudolph. “We can move him around and that gives us the ability to do a lot of things offensively.”
On a team level, locking up Bomben secures the core of the Ticats Canadian offensive line and provides consistency at a vital position, something which Rudolph believes is very important to team success on offence.
“We’re really excited, Ryan has come in and fit right in with our offensive line,” Rudolph explained. “He’s a really good player, but he’s an even better teammate and a guy that you enjoy going to meetings with every day.”
The importance of having consistency on the offensive line cannot be understated, as the offensive line, more-so than any other position in football, requires a cohesiveness throughout the unit.
“It’s so important for those five guys to play together,” said Rudolph, “because they start learning each other, they start feeling things, they have verbal communication and non-verbal communication.”
The Burlington native and five-year CFL veteran, who was traded to the Ticats in the offseason by the Montreal Alouettes, has started nine games at offensive guard this season and has played in 82 games over the course of his CFL career. He has spent the last five games on the Ticats injured list but is hoping to return to game action in the upcoming contest against his former team.
Along with the fact that he’ll remain close to home and family in Burlington, Bomben is looking forward to being able to work with the same group of guys he’s gelled with moving forward.
“Having the same guys year after year, builds chemistry and it goes a long way for sure. It definitely goes a long way having the same guys year after year, so it’s definitely exciting.”
Edem arrives in trade with Montreal
Bomben’s deal was not the only transaction of note on Thursday morning, as Mike Edem arrived at Tim Hortons Field for his first practice with the Ticats.
Edem, a national defensive back, arrived in a trade with the Alouettes prior to Thursday’s CFL Trade Deadline in which the Ticats unloaded a sixth-round selection in the 2016 CFL Draft.
The third-year defensive back has started just 16 games in the CFL, but he has built up an impressive resume in such a brief time in the league. After being selected third overall in the 2013 CFL Draft, Edem earned East Division All-Star honours in his 2013 rookie season with the Alouettes, while also earning the Als’ Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Canadian awards.
In 42 total games with the Als, Edem recorded 54 tackles, 25 special teams tackles, five sacks, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Yesterday’s trade came as no surprise to Edem, who was aware of ongoing trade talks over the course of the season. And while he joins the team with just four games remaining in the season, the native of Lagos, Nigeria is ready for the challenge.
“Coming in mid-season it takes time to learn the defence, but I know I can contribute on special teams right away,” said Edem. “The other part will take care of itself, and the more I learn and study the defensive part will come.”
The transition from a team chasing a playoff spot to a team who sits atop the East Division standings is an adjustment, acknowledged Edem, but it’s one that has been eased by having a close friend on the team.
“Courtney’s [Stephen] someone I’ve grown up with,” explained Edem, “so having him around to show me around and guide me through my first steps is really helpful.”
Edem’s role will become clearer down the stretch, but the young defensive back is not concerned with the logistics, he’s just going to punch the clock and go to work like nothing has changed.
“Football’s football at the end of the day and you have to come out and do your job,” he expressed. “For now I’m just trying to get this squad to the Grey Cup in whatever role they have carved out for me.”