Witnessing receiver history
For the first time in Tiger-Cats history, three Ticats’ receivers went over 1,000 yards receiving.
Luke Tasker was the first to break the mark, ending 2017 with the second 1,000 yard season of his career. He finished the year with 1,167 receiving yards and the Ticats’ all-time receptions record, surpassing Andy Fantuz’ previous record from last season of 101 receptions. Tasker finished the season with 104 receptions.
Jalen Saunders was next to break 1,000 in his first year in the league. Saunders’ speed complimented Head Coach June Jones’ system, and was a consistent downfield threat for the Ticats.
Brandon Banks was the final Ticat to break the 1,000 yard mark. What is so remarkable about Banks’ accomplishment, is that he essentially did it in just 10 games. Now that he’s been reimagined as a receiver, he has looked like a different player entirely.
The Ticats’ offence certainly found its stride midway through the 2017 campaign, and having three receivers break into the century club is clear evidence of that fact.
Looking toward the 2018 season
The Ticats’ mid-season turnaround proved a number of things. First, the mid-season moves rejuvenated the locker room and convinced the players that winning was possible. Secondly, it showed that the Ticats have a strong talent base to build on going into the 2018 season.
Defensive back Richard Leonard is in the conversation, and likely the lead contender for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award, especially after his two interceptions on Friday. Leonard is one of the most dominant defensive backs in the league and with more years to develop and become accustomed to the Canadian game, he will only improve in the coming years.
Middle linebacker Larry Dean has shown why he was named the Ticats’ defensive team captain. Dean led the team in tackles, finishing the season just shy of 100, with 96.
Davon Coleman was another standout first-year player. Coleman was a menace to opposing quarterbacks all season. He led the Ticats in pressures and added four sacks.
Other new Ticats have made an impact all over the field: Jalen Saunders, Nikita Whitlock, and Ryker Mathews are just a few productive rookies.
If the Ticats are able to lock-up their promising talent in the off-season, they will be a formidable opponent in 2018.
Thanking the best fans in the league
By the time the final whistle of the 2017 Ticats season sounded, the temperature was flirting with the freezing point. When you consider the cold, and the fact that the game didn’t matter in the standings – both teams had been eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago – the fans who filled the stadium on Friday truly showed their commitment to the Ticats.
The fans who came were treated to an excellent performance from the Tabbies. The Ticats romped the Alouettes, putting up lots of points and holding the Als off the scoreboard. It was an excellent end to a wild season.
No other fan base in the CFL experienced a season quite like Ticats fans in 2017.
Make no bones about it, the Tiger-Cats didn’t get out to the start they were hoping for. But after making a change at head coach and starting quarterback, bringing in some fresh talent, and inspiring belief in the locker room, the Ticats turned the season around.
With Head Coach June Jones behind the helm, the Ticats went 6-4 in the final ten games of the season, and looked like a fully revitalized unit. Scoring increased, defense locked it down, and, most importantly, the number in the win column started to climb.
Many people commented that in the second-half, the Ticats were a different team entirely than they were to start the season.
And the whole time, through the highs and lows, the fans were there in support.
Appropriately, on fan appreciation day, we say thanks TigerTown for a great 2017!
