The Hamilton Tiger-Cats may have dropped the preseason opener to the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon, but the 25-16 loss provided Kent Austin and his coaching staff with the opportunity to evaluate depth and talent at multiple position groups. Here’s three, key takeaways from the Ticats first real football action of the 2016 season.
1. THE TIGER-CATS ARE DEEP AT RECEIVER
With starters Andy Fantuz and Chad Owens out of the line up, Saturday’s game allowed other playmakers to get involved in the Tiger-Cats offensive game plan. The receiving group looks to have ample depth, with eight different receivers catching balls. Statistically, Tiquan Underwood had the best performance of the afternoon with four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Underwood put the Ticats on the board in the second quarter with a 50-yard bomb from Jeff Mathews, after Mathews rolled out of the pocket to avoid pressure. One of the more impressive catches in the game came in the second quarter when third year Canadian receiver Matt Coates fought off an Argo defender and created enough separation to haul in a diving 51-yard reception.
2. BOTH KICKERS PERFORM UNDER THE LIGHTS
After a practice earlier in the week, Coach Austin told the media he would reserve judgement on kickers Brett Maher and Cody Mandell until ‘the lights were on’. Both kickers legs were swinging in midseason form on Saturday. The on-field performances by both the kickers will not make the decision easier as both men compete for the starting gig. Brett Maher set the bar in the positional battle as he went 2-of-2 on field goals from 35 and 38 yards. Cody Mandell would come in for the second half and would add his own stamp by making a 52-yard field goal to push the Ticats ahead 13-10 in the third quarter.
3. DEFENSIVE LINE LEADS THE DEFENSIVE CHARGE
Many of the newcomers to the Hamilton defence made a name for themselves during Saturday’s preseason game. Demond Washington and Will Smith tied for the team lead in tackles with 5 apiece. Michael Atkinson, Delano Johnson, Ellis Lankster all notched a sack. Stepping back into the linebacker position this season, Johnny Sears was flying around the field, making numerous plays on the ball.
