Bert Faibish
CFL.ca
After finishing the last two seasons with consecutive 9-9 records, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are ready to take the next step. In 2011 the only goal the Ticats have is to be playing for the CFL’s Holy Grail come November.
Offence:
Last season, Kevin Glenn conducted the offence like a maestro leading an orchestra. The veteran pivot came within two yards of having three 1,000-yard receivers for the first time in Tiger-Cats history.
He also put together the most productive season in his already long and storied career, eclipsing the 5,000-yard mark for the second time and breaking a single-season Ticat record with 33 passing touchdowns.
With Glenn back at the helm and even more weapons to distribute the ball to, he could have even better numbers in 2011.
One of the biggest reasons for Glenn’s success in 2010 was the stellar play of the offensive line, who allowed the fewest sacks in the league.
Most of that line will remain intact in 2011, with the exception of left tackle Alexandre Gauthier, who was released during the off-season.
Belton Johnson, who filled in at right tackle last season while Jason Jimenez was injured, is expected to step in and fill that void. Also joining the O-line is veteran Wayne Smith, who returns to the team that drafted him first overall in 2004.
They’ll be joined by rookie Brian Simmons, who impressed coaches enough in training camp to earn an active roster spot. If this unit continues to play at a high level, Glenn should have plenty of time to spot his receivers downfield.
The one area that the team focused on addressing in the off-season was their running attack. Highly-touted free agent and former Grey Cup MVP Avon Cobourne was brought into the fold and is expected to make a major impact.
After looking impressive in his one half of pre-season action, Cobourne could be just what the Black and Gold’s ground game has been looking for.
A back that hits the hole hard and is equally dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield, Cobourne will keep defences honest and will ensure that coordinators across the league keep men in the box when Hamilton comes to town.
What was already one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the league, may return with an even deadlier version in 2011. Arland Bruce III and Dave Stala both return as the veterans and will be expected to provide leadership to an otherwise young group.
Maurice Mann has been the most talked about receiver throughout the pre-season and is looking to break out in 2011 from his new home in the slot.
The logic is that the dynamic receiver will have more opportunities playing closer to Kevin Glenn. Rookie Aaron Kelly joins Matt Carter on the outside and gives Glenn a big target with his 6’5” frame.
Defence:
One of the focuses of the Ticats brass during the off-season was to raise the level of competition in the secondary by bringing in as many talented defensive backs as possible.
The approach seemed to have worked, as Terrance Lee, Carlos Thomas and Marcell Young all did enough in the pre-season to earn roster spot. Thomas and Young are both expected for opening day on July 1.
Jason Shivers will begin the season as the team’s safety. After playing last season at the weak side half back position, Shivers looked good while taking reps in the pre-season and should be a nice addition to Hamilton’s secondary.
Second-year starter Ryan Hinds will begin the season as the starter at the field side corner and will be looking to take a step forward in his sophomore season after a solid rookie campaign.
Veteran Jerome Dennis will return to his familiar strong side half position, where he registered 54 tackles and had two interceptions last season.
At linebacker, Hamilton boasts what is probably the most talented unit in the CFL. Markeith Knowlton returns as the reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player and could easily retain the title in 2011.
A master at making big plays in big situations, Knowlton’s six recovered fumbles tied a Tiger-Cats record in 2010.
Playing opposite Knowlton will be tackling machine Jamall Johnson, who has collected 209 tackles and seven sacks over the last two seasons.
With the implementation of new defensive coordinator Cory Chamblin’s aggressive defence, Johnson could definitely see his numbers rise in 2011.
The biggest loss of the off-season was almost certainly the departure of veteran middle linebacker Otis Floyd. However the man who is set to fill his spot up the middle has Ticats fans excited.
After missing most of last season with an injury, Renauld Williams returns to the CFL with the intention of wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields. The bruising middle linebacker had an outstanding training camp and adds an element of toughness and physicality to an already intimidating unit.
As far as defensive lines go, the Ticats could have one of the most productive groups in the league this year. Stevie “Shakespeare” Baggs returns for his first full season in Steeltown and will look to build on an impressive half-season last year, where he racked up five sacks in only seven games.
Manning the other defensive end position will be Justin Hickman, who is entering his third season with the team. After bringing down quarterbacks seven times in each of his first two seasons, Hickman is primed to increase that number in 2011.
With defences paying such close attention to Baggs, Hickman should get plenty of opportunities for one-on-one looks. With Matt Kirk starting the season on the nine-game injured list and Demonte’ Bolden’s release last week, Eddie Steele and Albert Smith should get plenty of playing time in the middle of the line.
Both entering their second season, these two up-and-coming tackles showed great promise in training camp and will get their chance to showcase their skills on the field when the regular season kicks off.
Special Teams:
Often the most overlooked area of a football team, the Ticats specialists feature a number of impact players that have the ability to change a game in the blink of an eye.
Marcus Thigpen is always dangerous and should benefit from participating in ,this year’s training camp with the team.
Now in his second season, the speedy returner showed the CFL what they can expect in 2011. In Hamilton’s final pre-season game of 2011, Thigpen returned a Montreal kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown without having a finger laid on him.
After holding an open competition in camp, the team has named Justin Medlock as the man in charge of punting and kicking field goals for the upcoming season.
Medlock enjoyed a stellar season with the Argos in 2009 and was a perfect 5/5 kicking field goals in the pre-season. If Medlock can consistently put the ball through the uprights, the Ticats will have three very dangerous units to contend with.
