Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Paramount to a quarterback’s success is the ability to stay upright.
This may seem like an obvious statement, but the men that guard the well-being of a team’s pivot don’t receive enough credit.
You could quite literally have the greatest quarterback in history, and it would mean nothing without the time he needs to deliver the ball to his receivers.
So logically, standing guard over the number two quarterback in the league is the CFL’s stoutest offensive line.
Through 15 games, the Ticats have allowed a league-low 24 quarterback sacks and have produced one of four 1,000 yard rushers in the league.
“We take pride in having that ranking but I wouldn’t say that we regularly look at the stats or anything,” said right tackle Jason Jimenez. “We just feel as a group that if we come out on game day and take care of our business then those types of things will happen.”
lthough one of the least glamorous positions in football in terms of accolades, the O-line is quick to credit the team as a whole for their statistical success.
“We are a good unit, but it takes the quarterback getting rid of the ball quickly and the receivers running the correct routes to keep guys off of Kevin too,” said left tackle Alexandre Gauthier.
Across the board, the offensive linemen in Hamilton are a group that is no stranger to notoriety.
The group features two players that were selected first overall in the CFL draft in Alexandre Gauthier and Simeon Rottier, a three-time CFLPA All-Star in Marwan Hage, the first Canadian to receive a scholarship to American college-football powerhouse Louisiana State in Peter Dyakowski and a highly-touted free agent and former West-Division and CFL All-Star in Jason Jimenez.
Overall, a very impressive resume.
“As a group, I don’t know that we really have any weaknesses,” said Gauthier.
“Even thought I’ve been lucky enough to play with some very good groups in my career, this is definitely one of the best,” he said.
However, it’s not just the starting five that account for their success, the team has needed a number of players to step in at times during the season, with positive results.
Before suffering an injury on Labour Day, veteran guard George Hudson played very well and free-agent acquisition Belton Johnson was asked to start at right tackle for an injured Jimenez for a five-game stretch, and the team didn’t miss a beat.
“That’s part of what makes us so good, the kind of quality depth that we have if we ever need someone to step in,” said Gauthier.
“It’s a vital part of being successful,” he said.
With a solid mix of youthful talent and veteran leadership this group will only improve as they spend more time playing together and gelling as a group.
A comforting thought for Kevin Glenn as he goes to sleep the night before game day.
