Fraser Caldwell
Ticats.ca
The Tiger-Cats’ vacation came in the midst of the most productive period in the team’s history.
Having scored 35 or more points in each of their previous four games – a feat that the Hamilton squad had never managed previously – the Black and Gold’s offensive juggernaut was put on hold for a bye week.
But rather than rue the timing of the hiatus, the Tiger-Cats are universal in their appreciation for the opportunity to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Centre Marwan Hage explains that there is never a bad moment to recharge a football player’s batteries, and that such a break will not affect the team’s impressive rhythm when they reenter game action on Thursday.
“You always welcome the bye week,” says Hage. “It’s a good time to step back, relax and refresh your body and your mind. It’s never a bad time to get a few days off. Coming back, everybody’s refocused. Our goal is just to go out and perform well this week.”
Performing to par has not been an issue for the Tiger-Cats offence in recent weeks. In bringing in a historic point haul, the squad’s clear-cut leader Henry Burris has excelled at a pace which stands among the best of his storied career.
The kingmakers of the CFL certainly noticed, and awarded Burris as the league’s Offensive Player of the Week on consecutive occasions before crowning him as Player of the Month for July.
The Tiger-Cat pivot is quick to deflect any personal praise for his auspicious streak. He emphasizes that his own success has come alongside that of his offensive teammates, whose focus he credits with the upswing in form.
“We’re making sure that all of the little things that we’re not feeling comfortable with are getting worked on,” says Burris. “Whether it’s in the classroom watching film, or here on the field making sure that we have the right timing.”
That comfort is unlocking the potential of a passing attack that many suspected could be lethal this season. But a threat that once existed only on paper is now very real.
The true mark of that aerial assault’s success is in its balance, with seven different Tiger-Cat receivers having a touchdown to their name at this point, and six of those having caught two or more.
Ticat veteran Dave Stala confirms that the versatility of Hamilton’s offence is creating chaos for opposing defenders. With so many proven threats to guard against, teams are finding it impossible to neutralize individual receivers.
“Henry’s been getting the ball to other receivers, and if you look across the charts, everyone’s getting two to five catches,” says Stala. “The ball’s being spread out to six different guys across the field so that you don’t know who to cover.”
Many football teams would be content with an offence operating at the clip that the Tiger-Cats are currently enjoying. But Stala is emphatic in saying that his squad is far from finished in their progression.
“We have been putting up 35 points in the last couple weeks, but we’re not satisfied,” says the veteran receiver. “We’re shooting for more. As long as we hit our spots and our o-line protects for us, Henry’s going to get us the ball and we’re going to make plays out there.”
Burris echoes that sentiment, dismissing any notion that he or his teammates will be resting on their laurels when they welcome the Stampeders to Ivor Wynne on Thursday.
“This team is hungry. That’s one of the things that I first noticed when I got into this locker room,” notes Burris. “It’s a lot of humble guys who are concerned with the big picture but also taking care of the little things.
“You haven’t heard a lot about the Saskatchewan game because we’re all about moving forward.”
Should the Tiger-Cats find yet another gear on offence, the result could be truly frightening to behold. But with the tools at their disposal, there is no reason to suspect otherwise from the Black and Gold.
