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Justin Dunk
Drawing A Bead On Brown
Arguably, the only unit to stand out so far for the Leos in 2011 has been special teams. B.C. boasts league leaders in return yards and special teams tackles.
Running back and return specialist, Tim Brown currently leads the CFL in return yardage, with 426 yards, and the Ticats are very aware of his capabilities.
“He’s an excellent returner. He’s one of those players that probably hasn’t been talked about enough this year,” head coach Marcel Bellefeuille said.
Brown showed his game-breaking ability in his CFL debut against Montreal in week one, taking a punt back 97 yards for a score.
“Both their returners [Brown] and [Andrew] Harris do a great job, you can’t hide from them,” Bellefeuille said.
Justin Medlock, who handles all of Hamilton’s kicking duties, could really help out his coverage units with proper placement.
“We’re going to have to do a good job of getting the right type of kicks,” Bellefeuille said. “Getting our directional punting outside the numbers and then doing a great job covering and containing them.”
Speaking of coverage units, Jason Aragki of the Lions has been a demon for B.C. on specials. He has six special teams tackles, which leads the league, and the Ticats know they must slow him down.
“We have a plan for him. He’s a tough player and he led the league last year,” Bellefeuille said. “So every year he’s consistent and no matter what the match ups are there it’s going to be a challenge.”
Simon Doesn’t Have His Say Against Ticats
Geroy Simon has been a thorn in the side of many CFL defences over his 13-year career. The crafty veteran knows how to create separation, but he had trouble doing so in two meetings versus Hamilton in 2010 — Simon managed a measly four catches for 60 yards and one touchdown.
Ticats defensive back Bo Smith, who will line up across from Simon on the weak side, has experience trying to stay with the 35-year–old pass catcher.
“Geroy has been in the CFL for a long time, my first year I had to go against him in practice because I played in B.C.,” Smith said. “He knows all the tricks in this league.”
Smith has studied film of Simon from this season and also looked at the tape from the Ticats contests against the Lions in 2010, to see what might have worked in limiting the All-Star receiver’s production.
“We go over film and watch how he slow-plays routes, and how he runs deep,” he said. “All I need to do is have my good technique and be smart out there.”
With B.C. leading the CFL in pass attempts, 125 in three weeks, number fourteen knows there will be footballs fired in his direction.
”I will get a couple balls my way, I gotta be ready and make a play,” Smith said. “I really don’t see that much running. It’s going to be more on the DB’s this week and we just need to lock it down.”
Bruce Bound To Break Out
After missing week three with a minor knee injury, All-Star receiver Arland Bruce will be back on the field to help his offence take on the Lions.
“I’m ready to play ball so we will see what happens game day,” he said.
“He’ll play, he’s practiced all week and the knee has responded well from last week,” Bellefeuille said.
Bruce’s quarterback expects nothing but a strong showing by his leading receiver from a season ago.
“Big game. I really think. He’s had a good week of practice,” Kevin Glenn said.
Despite a slow start to the 2011 campaign, Bruce has maintained his professional approach to the game.
“He’s a focused guy, I’ve always admired the way that he practices – the way that he is finishing plays and running into the end zone,” Glenn said.
Number one is expected to be lined-up in his familiar strong side slot position.
“He’ll be back in his regular spot,” Bellefeuille said. “I’m sure he’ll be very productive.”
Dennis Spreads Cats’ Secrets
Former Ticats defensive back, Jerome Dennis has quickly found a new-old home in B.C. He was snapped up by the Lions soon after the Ticats released the 30-year-old earlier this week and he has been spilling the details of the Ticats schemes to his new team.
“Well you always have concern for that, fortunately it’s a small league and that’s part of the deal,” Bellefeuille said.
Dennis is expected to suit up against his former team on Friday, but Bellefeuille believes even if the Lions have become more familiar with the nuances of the Ticats playbook it might not mean much when the lights come on.
“It’s one thing to know, they’re well coached, they see what we do on tape,” he said. “But it’s another thing to know when you’re going to do it.”
Further Investigation
Linebacker Renauld Williams on the Lions offence:
“They have a good quarterback that can run if you let him, a good running back in Jamal Robertson and they’ve got some good receivers. I think they’re a complete offence. I really think we have to key in on the run, shutting down Jamal Robertson. You don’t want to awaken the sleeping giant. We have to play our gaps and force them to be one dimensional, and make them throw that thing in the air.”
Quarterback Kevin Glenn on the Lions defence:
“A bunch of athletes. The only difference is a lot of guys are playing in different positions, but still making plays, just because of injuries. Those guys on defence they get after it. As an offence you don’t worry about what guy is going to be where, you look at the whole scheme of things and where they’re going to end up.”
