1. Simoni Lawrence plays like an all-star
Last season, Simoni Lawrence led the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with 89 defensive tackles in 17 games played. With his average of over five tackles per game, Lawrence was on pace to record around 94 tackles if he had played every game.
This season, Lawrence is on pace for slightly fewer tackles overall, but considering Lawrence’s career, a slow start is simply reason to expect a breakout performance. The three-time East All-Star was due for a big game, and on Friday night, he delivered.
Lawrence had the second most tackles for the Ticats with six, and also recorded two quarterback sacks and a forced fumble. The spirited linebacker was all over Brandon Bridge on Friday, an accomplishment made all the more impressive by Bridge’s athleticism and speed outside the pocket.
Lawrence’s impact on the defence was felt in other ways as well. His vocal leadership and fiery energy was a positive influence on the defensive spirit.
Lawrence cemented himself as a veteran and a leader for the Ticats on Friday.
2. Jalen Saunders finds holes in the Riders’ defence
Looking at the Ticats offence, there are a number of things that are immediately apparent. One: there is loads of speed. Two: speed supersedes size.
Jalen Saunders is just five nine, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in wheels. The speedster is taking full advantage of Coach Jones’ offence.
On Friday, Saunders had his second-best game of the season, and it’ll be difficult to believe it wasn’t his best when you see the stat line.
Saunders recorded 138 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. His longest reception on the night was 36 yards, and he managed a solid average of 13.8 yards per reception.
Saunders is having a rookie season to remember.
3. Damarr Aultman steps up in the return game
With Coach Jones choosing to use Brandon Banks more in the offence, the Ticats went with a couple new faces in the return game. Damarr Aultman handled the bulk of the punt returns with five attempts for a total of 53 return yards (more than 10 yards per return). Aultman’s best return of the game was an electrifying 37 yarder in the third quarter. On that return, Aultman was patient to the gap and hard through it, shucking tacklers and fighting for yards.
Kickoffs were handled by a more unexpected group. Third year safety, Jay Langa returned two for a total of 57 yards. Aultman handled two kickoff returns himself with a little less success, compiling just 22 yards. Demond Washington also added a return of his own for nine yards.
The Tiger-Cats did a good job of spreading the returning duties around to a number of different players. Aultman looked comfortable as a punt returner and it is likely that Ticats fans will be seeing more Aultman returns as the season progresses.
On Friday the Ticats win streak came to an end, but hope that if they are able to build on the above takeaways, they can get a new win streak started.
