In the second leg of their Alberta road trip, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1) make the short trip from Calgary to Edmonton to take on the Eskimos (1-0). Both teams gave their respective fans a show in the first game of the 2018 season. Looking to build on off-season improvements, the Eskimos came out on top in their first game of the season, while the Tiger-Cats fell short of a fourth quarter comeback in their season opener. Fans can expect a quarterback showdown this week as both clubs’ QBs threw for over 300 yards in week one.
1. Keep Reilly in check
Mike Reilly and his Edmonton Eskimos rained on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers parade much like the rain fell from the overcast Winnipeg skies in a 33-30 victory.
Leaning on his ability to get the ball downfield through the air, Reilly threw for 408 yards and a touchdown in week one, leading all Canadian Football League QBs in passing yards after one game. Known more for his passing, the Eskimos quarterback showed the Blue Bombers in week one the defence has to respect his ability to do it on his own, as he also rushed the ball for two TDs.
2. Keep the ball moving
There were many positives to come out of last week’s game in the play of Hamilton’s offence and defence. All areas of the team showed potential, giving the West Division champions a run for their money. As Hamilton matches up against another formidable opponent, last week’s effort provides hope from which to build.
Airing out the ball seemed to work well for Hamilton as Masoli spread the field and his receivers were able to reel it in.
An area Hamilton may look to utilize is their run game, considering the tools Hamilton has in the backfield and the fact Edmonton gave up the most rushing yards (137) in the league last week. Noting the emergence of Masoli as a running quarterback, the Ticats have an opportunity to give the Eskimos fits on offence.
3. Trust the secondary
Hamilton stood their ground against the Stampeders, which was reflected in Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell’s below 50% completion percentage. Knocking down passes, getting in the lane of the ball and disrupting the quarterback with man and zone coverage could mess with the flow of the Edmonton offence.
A familiar face has been added to this Hamilton secondary, which will only bolster play in open space. Delvin Breaux, a former Tiger-Cat from 2013 and 2014, re-joined the club this week after three seasons in the National Football League with the New Orleans Saints. The 6-1, 210-pound defensive back from Louisiana State University brings a veteran presence, past experiences and the ability to make plays on the ball carrier. Recording 60 tackles and 10 pass knockdowns in 25 career CFL games played, Breaux can be expected to make an immediate impact.
Where to catch the action:
Television: TSN (Network)
Online: TSN GO, ESPN+, YARE TV
Radio: TSN 1150 (Hamilton), 630 CHED (Edmonton), SiriusXM Canada Talks 167
For up-to-the-minute in-game updates, follow @ticats on Twitter or visit ticats.ca to follow our live game tracker and box score.
