By Kevin Thompson
Ticats.ca talks with head coach Marcel Bellefeuille about the Tiger-Cats victory last week in B.C and the team’s upcoming challenge, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday, July 18th at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Give us your thoughts on the win against B.C. last Friday.
MB – “It was a good football game, we persevered, we played hard and build some character out west there, so overall we are very happy.”
How does securing that first victory affect the morale in the locker room and on the field?
MB – “I thought our morale was pretty good even going into that game, our players are positive and they understand that it’s a long season. It’s always nice to get it and blow the cap off it kind of thing but again they are pros and they understand the longevity of the season.”
Can you comment on the performance of Quinton Porter? In particular, his improvements from the first game against Toronto…
MB – “He really did improve, he was more aggressive throwing the ball down the field, made better decisions, stayed away from the turnovers so he has progressed quite nicely. Sometimes we forget that it’s his seventh start or something like that and we tend to think of him like he’s a two or three year guy so he is coming along quite nicely.”
After a great game with 100 yards rushing, 75 yards receiving and a 48 yard touchdown reception… what are your thoughts on the performance of rookie running back DeAndra’ Cobb?
MB – “DeAndra’ did a great job and we expected him to because he played well in the pre-season and he’s been here so he understands what we are trying to do on offence. He showed the speed that he has and he made it work for himself when he got in the open field.”
Can you comment on each of the interceptions against B.C. – Geoff Tisdale’s resulted in a touchdown and Otis Floyd’s sealed the win for the club?
MB – “They were big plays and turnovers always are big plays. We scored seven points on one interception and the other one we ended the game with which could have easily been a ten point swing between the two turnovers. We didn’t make any turnovers, those are things you can’t do on the road but they made them and those were both great athletic plays by two very good players.”
How do you use this momentum from the win to your advantage for Saturday’s game versus Winnipeg?
MB – “You use it in the perspective that you continue to preach the same thing over and over, and the players understand that it works and that approach is the best approach to winning football games… so we’ll use it in terms of re-sending our messages from the coaching staff.”
Based on the performance of DeAndra’ Cobb and status of Terry Caulley and Tre Smith injuries…who should we expect to see in the line up against Winnipeg?
MB – “We will make that decision come Saturday so we still have some time to make those decisions.”
The Bombers have an impressive arsenal of offensive weapons… how do you plan on containing all of their threats?
MB – “They’ve got some great receivers and running backs so obviously we have to play team defence, we are going to have to fly around and make plays, we are going to have to gang tackle and be in good position all the time playing against these guys. They may make some plays and that’s just part of the game and with that type of talent they will.”
What will be the keys to beating the Bombers on Saturday?
MB – “I think obviously the line of scrimmage is important, we have to protect the quarterback, we have to get some pressure on them and stop their run because they have a great running game and that is going to be critical for us.”
Can you talk about the addition of wide receiver Matt Carter?
MB – “Matt’s a great, young talent, a first round draft pick and someone that we ranked high in the draft process, so having the opportunity to get him, a Canadian, who can develop with us and hopefully fulfill a role this year.”
