The Tiger-Cats (0-5) and the undefeated Edmonton Eskimos (5-0) are meeting at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night. For fans of the struggling Tiger-Cats, the hope can be summed up in three words: somebody is due.
After last week’s game against the Stamps left much to be desired, the Ticats are seeking a rebound performance against Edmonton. Significant changes have been made to the Ticats’ depth chart, as the coaching staff attempts to shuffle things up following the defeat at McMahon.
One interesting change comes in Will Hill’s transition from SAM linebacker to free safety. Hill lined up as a safety during his time in the NFL and the transition should be natural for him. Dominque Ellis steps in to fill his spot on the strong side. Ellis played in all 18 games for the Ticats as a defensive back, but now he gets a look at linebacker.
Bright spots for the Tiger-Cats include the increased workload for receiver Luke Tasker. Collaros has begun to lean on his sure-handed veteran and Tasker has delivered. Tasker lead the Ticats receiving corps during last week’s game in Calgary with 82 yards on 9 receptions. With a young crop of receivers earning the starting nod against Edmonton, including second year national Mike Jones, and first year international, Damarr Aultmann. The young group should be able to lean on Tasker’s wealth of expertise.
The increased presence of the run game is another positive for the Ticats, as Gable produced after being brought in to aid with pass protection against a strong Calgary front. Gable recorded 69 rushing yards on just 10 attempts, for an impressive average of 6.9 yards per attempt. The Ticats have multiple weapons at running back, and are afforded the luxury of two dependable backs in the tandem of Ross Scheuerman and C.J. Gable. Edmonton’s run defence ranks second last in the league, possibly due to the Eskimos’ penchant for running a four man blitz. For the Tiger-Cats to find success against the Esks, a productive run game is a must.
For the Eskimos, injuries and resilience are the storylines. The Esks have lost multiple running backs, multiple linebackers (including multi-year all-star J.C. Sheritt), a star receiver in Adarius Bowman, and now a starting kicker in Sean Whyte, but still have yet to drop a contest.
The loss of Travon Van will have interesting implications heading into Friday’s game. The Eskimos have the option of giving the dependable fullback Calvin McCarty a second shot at running back, but may also give LaDarius Perkins, multi-year practice roster man, a starting shot.
After Sean Whyte was unable to finish the game, the Esks decision to sign their former kicker Hugh O’Neill looks like a smart move. O’Neill has experience in the Esks locker room and his comfort with the team should be a benefit to him if he gets the starting nod at kicker.
On Friday, the Ticats hope to break a couple different streaks. After all, they’re due.
