To the roar of a sold-out Tim Hortons Field, the 2018 Hamilton Tiger-Cats hosted the Toronto Argonauts in week one preseason action. The opening moments of Friday’s game included the streaming of the beloved Hamilton Proud flag and a marriage proposal between two fans.
Tiger-Cats put together quality drives:
A mid-second quarter drive lasting six plays, covering a total of 86 yards ended in a touchdown for the Tiger-Cats. While not playing the game in its entirety, Masoli went 8/13. Throwing for over 115 yards.
Later in the game, quarterback Johnny Manziel went 9/12 throwing for 80 yards shifting the tempo of the game. Starting inside the 15-yard line and going 62 yards in 12 plays, the Tiger-Cats marched down the field in tremendous fashion.
Rolling out of the pocket and dodging defenders while completing multiple passes with a verity of receivers has all eyes on the Hamilton attack.
Speical Teams stand out:
Fielding a multitude of punts and kicks throughout the game, Hamilton return trio of Bryce Wilkerson, Frankie Williams and Chris Hubert combined for a total of 164-return yards. Highlighted by Williams’ 73-yard return touchdown. Dodging defenders and allowing his teammates to provide holes to run, Williams bested the Toronto defenders for 6 points.
Special teams were a definite strong suit for the Tiger-Cats in this preseason matchup against the Argonauts. Friday’s game saw two of the Ticats return men surpass the 20-yard single play receiving marker.
Brandon Banks shows what he has to offer this season:
Brandon Banks had established himself as an impactful receiver last year when June Jones took over as head coach. Friday’s performance should confirm that nothings changed.
With four receptions on five targets, collecting 72 yards on the night, Banks seemed to be in mid-season form. Totaling more receiving yards than any player on the field, Banks looked to be wide open on every single play.
Hamilton’s next preseason matchup takes place in Montreal as the team packs it up and travels to take on the Alouettes on June 9th.
