Damarr Aultman and shakeups on offense
The Ticats elected to shake things up offensively coming into week seven in Edmonton. There was one key change on offence, as the Tiger-Cats attempted to gain some traction against a stout Eskimo defence. Damarr Aultman, first year Tiger-Cat and University of Maine product, made an impact in his first CFL start.
After signing as an undrafted free agent with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Aultman spent some time on the Dolphins’ practice roster before deciding to take a shot in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Aultman opened the 2017 season on the Tiger-Cats’ practice roster, and made the most of his reps in practice in order to earn the start on Friday.
Aultman and Collaros connected on a 44-yard strike in the opening quarter to post the Tiger-Cats first touchdown of the game.
Aultman led Ticats receivers in yards through the air with 74 yards on just three receptions for an average of almost 25 yards per catch.
Wide Receiver Brian Tyms’ presence in the offence wasn’t a shakeup, as he has started in each game this season, but his production was much improved on Friday at Commonwealth. Tyms was targeted more regularly and amassed his season-high 67 receiving yards..
The Tiger-Cats offence seems to enjoy facing the Esks, as the Ticats have played their strongest offensive games against the Esks.
Improved return game and field position
One of the difficulties for Zach Collaros and the Hamilton offence has been the average field position at which the team has started offensive possessions. The Tiger-Cats are last in the league in that stat category, starting their drives on average at their own 31 yard line, well below the league average.
Starting drives in the shadow of their own goalposts isn’t part of a recipe for offensive success.
On Friday in Edmonton, Banks earned 61 punt return yards and his kickoff return average was significantly higher than in previous games this season, at 26.5 yards per return. With the performance at Commonwealth, Banks reached some major Ticats’ milestones. Banks took over the 4th all-time place in Ticats history in punt return yards.
Banks’ improved return game, coupled with Eskimo kickoff errors and penalties, resulted in improved field position for the Ticats when starting drives.
Strong play from Zach Collaros
Collaros’ numbers haven’t lived up to expectations so far this season. The Ticat quarterback holds himself to a high standard – the standard he met in 2015 when he was likely candidate for league MOP.
His numbers were strong on Friday night in Edmonton, posting 282 passing yards, and throwing for three touchdowns and just a single interception. His completion percentage was also improved, as he was just shy of the 70% mark. Collaros used his feet as well, rushing for a total of 21 yards, and gaining first downs at pivotal moments. His key rush came on a gutsy second and long scramble in the fourth.
Collaros drove the field during the dying minutes of the game. The quarterback scrambled on what seemed like every play, drawing comparisons to Doug Flutie from a commentator. Collaros was able to push the ball downfield at key moments, and extend plays with his legs. Ultimately, the game hinged on a single throw to the end zone that ended in a heartbreaking incompletion.
All things considered, the Ticats’ performance at Commonwealth stadium in Edmonton was a major step in the right direction.
