Fraser Caldwell
Ticats.ca
The Tiger-Cats believe that they’ve grown as a team since they last encountered the Montreal Alouettes. Where that growth places them relative to their competition is what remains to be seen tonight.
Rookie defensive back Matt Bucknor – who has been a constant presence in the Ticats’ backfield this season – contends that his group is more cohesive and self-assured today than it was five weeks ago.
“I feel like we’re a more confident unit than we were going into the game last time,” says Bucknor. “That was the beginning of the season the last time we played Montreal. I feel like our communication has improved just as much.
“We’re not where we want to be, but we’ve made a lot of strides and it’s good to see.”
The young defensive back is undergoing an evolution of his own, having moved into the safety position from his field corner spot in recent weeks. Bucknor speaks positively of the transition, helped as he has been by a second week of repetitions at safety.
“I got a lot of good reps in during the week in the lead up to that game [against Winnipeg] and I got even more reps again this week,” says the defensive back. “I’m feeling a lot more comfortable and keeping myself prepared by watching film. That way you don’t feel nervous when you’re on the field or anything like that.”
His experience patrolling the corner has given Bucknor crucial experience against the receivers he will match wits with again tonight. He argues that the unique perspective gained in his time as a safety will serve to make him a more complete defender.
“Knowing where certain receivers are going to be and knowing certain alignments helps at free safety,” says Bucknor. “You have an opportunity at that spot, you’re constantly scanning the field.
“You definitely take a little bit from playing different positions.”
The Tiger-Cats’ defenders hope that such individual improvements can aid them in their quest for consistency as a unit. Bucknor believes that the question of reliability is primarily a mental one.
“It’s about everyone staying locked in mentally for 60 minutes,” says the defensive back of the key to consistency. “Every play is a big play and we can’t let up in a certain quarter or on a certain possession. It’s got to be a case of everyone playing consistent football.”
Bucknor and his teammates know that their progress isn’t achieved in a bubble. While the Tiger-Cats strive to improve, their opponents do much of the same.
Veteran receiver Dave Stala expects to encounter a changed Montreal defence tonight, but believes that there are lasting habits on the Alouettes’ part that his team can prepare for.
“You always expect something different and something new each week,” says Stala. “But you try to prepare based on their tendencies. We know what they do, we try to game plan certain situations on certain downs and certain parts of the field to counter what they do.
“But as long as we hit our spots and make our marks, Henry (Burris) will get us the ball.”
The focus of Stala and his offensive teammates is squarely on ball protection this week, after a contest a week ago in which turnovers hijacked promising possessions.
The Ticat receiver is confident that his group has taken the necessary steps to eliminate turnovers from the equation this time around.
“It’s just about protecting the football. We had a few mental breakdowns, but it’s a matter of game planning and preparation beforehand,” argues Stala.
“If we know our assignments, we’ll be fine come game time.”
The Tiger-Cats will have to fulfill those assignments at yet another tough road destination tonight. Montreal’s home at Percival-Molson Stadium has traditionally been unkind to the travelers from Hamilton.
Stala is unfazed by the prospect of playing in front of the Alouettes’ faithful, particularly after having fended off hostile crowds in Regina and Winnipeg thus far this season.
“It’s always tough playing in Montreal and they’re a very good football team over there,” admitted the receiver. “But we have to be worried about what we’re doing. We’re not concerned about them. If we get a few points up on them, it’ll shut their crowd up and we can get rolling from there.
“We’ve got to be in the game and playing all four quarters, not worrying about the crowd. We’ve been doing a great job on the road in getting rid of the noise.”
Satisfied with their preparation, the Tiger-Cats are now tasked with the all-important execution of their plans and assignments tonight.
