By Kevin Thompson
Check out the lastest Ticats.ca Q & A interview with Tiger-Cats Head Coach Marcel Bellefeuille, leading up to the season opener.
Overall, what are your thoughts about the outcome of Tuesday’s game versus the Argonauts?
MB – “Well I didn’t look at the outcome, I looked at what we were trying to get out of the game and some of the decisions we had to make on our personnel which is the number one thing we had to look at.”
Which individual players stood out to you in the second preseason game?
MB – “There were some players that really played well and did some things well, and there were some players that didn’t help themselves but it was a great opportunity for some of our other players to get the opportunity play against their starters and for us to evaluate them.”
In what ways did the team improve from the first preseason game versus Winnipeg?
MB – “I thought we played much better both offensively and defensively, we got more into a rhythm and were able to execute more of our game plan so those were some positive things.”
Based on the previous preseason games, what positives can the team build on, as they get ready for the regular season opener this week?
MB – “Well a couple things, our players played extremely hard in both games, we did fall behind and did a good job of coming back in both games against Winnipeg and Toronto even with some of our back ups in it didn’t matter who was in the game so that was all positive.”
Toronto is back in town this week, can you comment on how the team plans on containing Kerry Joseph and the Argo’s offence?
MB – “Well they have a very good offence, Kerry is a very good quarterback that has a lot of experience and has the ability to run and throw so we will have to contain him as much as possible just like any great player and try to keep him in the pocket as much as we can.”
In the media there has been a lot of speculation as to whether Porter or Glenn will get the start on Wednesday against Toronto. What are your thoughts about the competition for starting quarterback?
MB – “It’s been a great competition, both guys have rose to the challenge, both guys have done a lot of good things, and they are both progressing very well.”
With the injury to Kenton Keith, how do you look to Terry Caulley and Tre Smith to step up on your offence?
MB – “They just have to keep doing what they have been doing. They have both been very productive last year, they both have the capability of making plays and they are both turning into very good running backs.”
Will there be any rookies cracking the starting line up when the team suits up to face Toronto on Wednesday?
MB – “We’ll see… there is a potential for it, there were a number of them that had good training camps so we’ll see how it goes.”
How do you feel having a so-called “home field advantage” will affect the performance of your team?
MB – “Well it’s always nice to play at home because you don’t have to travel. The ironic thing about the Toronto/Hamilton game is it’s a same day trip, just down the road so we consider our games over at the Rogers Centre home games as well and I’m sure they consider these home games for them.”
What is the status of Nick Setta’s injury? Is he expected to play in Wednesday’s tilt?
MB – “Yes he is expected to play right now, he is doing quite well so I expect him to play.”
