3 Key Takeaways: Tiger-Cats vs Alouettes

In similar fashion to last weeks matchup against the Toronto Argonauts, the second half was dominated by Hamilton. With a total of 23 points scored over the course of two-quarters of play, the momentum generated through the final 30 minutes led Hamilton to a 30-15 victory over Montreal.  With many positives coming out of Saturday’s game, here are the three key takeaways:
Keeping the % high: 
Coming into this season, Coach June Jones has placed a strong emphasis on making the easy pass. Throughout the span of the game, quarterbacks Moniz, Manziel, and Evans forfeited the long pass and opted for shorter ones that came along with a high percentage of being completed. This new offensive ideology that now surrounds the Tiger-Cat has fared well in both preseason games thus far. Against the Argos, the Hamilton signal callers went a combined 23/35 with a completion percentage of 57% and a total of 273 yards. This week, the collection of quarterbacks went a combined 20/33 with a percentage of 60.6%. With a total of 170 yards shared between the three, there is a method to Junes teachings. Far too often quarterbacks can be caught up in the glory of the long ball, but today’s game has proven to be successful, higher percentage passes and quality drives can bring victory to TigerTown.
Putting the “Foot” in Football:
Kicker/Punter Lirim Hajrullahu has adapted well to the new teachings of June Jones and along the way, has quickly established himself within this Tiger-Cats team. With 7 punts for a total of 316-yards with an average of 45-yards per punt, Hajrullahu’s contributions on special teams forced the Alouettes to be pinned deep on their own side of the field. Through the game, Hajrullahu and Felix Faubert-Lussier combined for a total of three field goals, amounting to nine points within the game. With Hairallahu now being such a multi-talented player, this former Argonaut turned Tiger-Cat will surely put his Stamp on Hamilton this season.
Ground and pound: 
Hamilton dominated the ground throughout the game with a multitude of players substituted into the running back position. With running backs Alex Green, Sean Thomas-Erlington, and Nikita Whitlock all getting touches in this game, Hamilton earned every yard. The most notable contributions came from Alex Green as this marked his first preseason action of the season. With Green missing time in training camp due to personal reasons, a touchdown reception from quarterback Johnny Manziel made a true statement that he is back and ready for the season.
The next chance to see the Tiger-Cats in action is on June 16th where the Ticats take on the Calgary Stampeders in week one regular season action with kickoff at 7 pm.