HAMILTON — After Tiger-Cats starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell existed last week’s game vs. the Toronto Argonauts with a lower body injury, Matthew Shiltz stepped in and delivered a nearly flawless fourth quarter.
He completed 13 of 14 passes (92.9%) for 115 yards (10.5 YPA), one touchdown and zero interceptions vs. the defending Grey Cup Champions—in their home stadium.
In this year’s preseason vs. the Montreal Alouettes, Shiltz completed 12 of 16 passes (75.0%) for 162 yards (10.1 YPA), two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also added a 51-yard run on the ground.
With Mitchell ruled out for the Ticats home-opener Friday night, Shiltz will get the starting nod against the same team he faced in Montreal three weeks ago. If anyone on Hamilton’s roster is familiar with Montreal, it’s Shiltz who was an Alouette from 2017 to 2021.
An argument can be made for Shiltz as the best backup quarterback in the CFL today. In 2022 with the Ticats, he completed 85 of 119 passes (71.4%) for 935 yards (7.9 YPA), four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Patience, accuracy and touch are not new attributes for the 30 year-old veteran who has completed 110 of 149 passing attempts (73.8%) in black and gold over his last 12 games, including the 2023 preseason.
While Hamilton awaits Mitchell’s return, they’ll power forward with a quarterback has proven himself ready for the spotlight that awaits Friday night.
The Tiger-Cats will face the Alouettes Week 3 on Friday June 23rd at 7:30 PM.