CFl.ca
By Kevin Thompson
Ticats.ca discusses Wednesday’s pre-season game in Winnipeg and looks ahead to next Tuesday’s final tuneup against the Argonauts with head coach Marcel Bellefeuille.
Tell us what you thought about your team’s first pre-season game in Winnipeg.
MB – I’m quite happy that we were able to see all of the players that we wanted to evaluate and to play all the rookies who got lots of playing time. It gave us a pretty good evaluation of where they are at.
Did any individuals significantly raise their stock with their performances on Wednesday?
MB – There were a number of players that did well and showed some things and we’re happy about that. But they’ve got to do it in more than just one game. We have to see it over a continual process through a couple weeks of practicing and the second preseason game.
How did you feel about the offensive line’s performance during the pre-season game?
MB – I thought they did a good job. We ran the ball well and we didn’t give up any sacks so they protected the quarterback and they moved the ball on the ground.
And on the opposite side of the ball, what are your thoughts on how the defensive line played?
MB – They did a good job. We got to their quarterback, created some turnovers, and a lot of young guys played that did some things well and some things we have to get better at but at least we have a better evaluation of them.
The team released seven players today, was this done to give more reps to the players still in camp?
MB – Primarily yes, we identified players that we didn’t think were going to make our team so we were able to make those moves so the guys that were here can get more reps and start to get a little more work as we prepare for (Tuesday’s) preseason game.
Can you talk about how the secondary is shaping up? A couple of second-year players, Geoff Tisdale and Bo Smith, are looking pretty good out there and look like they could be in line to start.
MB – Both those players are doing a good job. They’re both playing to the boundary side of the field and they are doing a good job. We will continue to evaluate them, Geoff didn’t play in the Winnipeg but he will play against Toronto and we will get the opportunity to see him in a game situation, and Bo will play again.
We like where the secondary is at, we didn’t bring a number of those guys with us to Winnipeg because we wanted to see the younger guys and now we will have a chance to see the veteran guys play this week.
Can you comment on how the receiving corps is shaping up?
MB – They are shaping up well, there are still a few battles there to be won… that one is going to go down right to the eleventh hour.
What will the main difference be from the first preseason game in Winnipeg to next Tuesday’s final tune-up against Toronto?
MB – I don’t know of any main differences, I think we will have seven or eight key players that we didn’t bring, that will play against Toronto that didn’t play against Winnipeg so I think that will be the one major difference.
How long do you expect your starters to play against Toronto?
MB – We are hoping for at least two quarters, but if there are guys that are challenging for jobs than we will see how that goes.
After the preseason game against Toronto, how long will it take you to determine the final roster?
MB – We will be able to make that decision within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
