Kyle Myers
Ticats.ca
Hamilton’s defence is coming off its most dominant performance so far this season, holding Max Hall and the Winnipeg offence to just 11 points and forcing four turnovers in a 37–18 victory.
“Turnovers make it a lot easier from a defensive perspective to keep their offence out of the game,” said Rico Murray, who accounted for an interception and a forced fumble in the win. “It plays into controlling field position, but it also establishes the attitude of the defence and what they’re in store for the rest of the game.
Murray, a CFL rookie, also tallied four tackles and a quarterback sack in the victory. The Kent State product has spent time at the SAM linebacker position this season for the Ticats, and his versatility has impressed Head Coach Kent Austin.
“He’s a talented young man who needs to play,” said Austin. “The more he’s played the more he’s improved. He really understands the nuances of this game, and he’s very versatile, very talented.”
There is no doubt that Murray has made a positive impact on the defence – his interception in week 8 was the defence’s first – but he and his teammates are remaining grounded, and taking the season one game at a time.
“Momentum is definitely building in this group, but we’re all staying humble, not letting our successes get to our heads,” he said. “We’re taking it one week at a time, making sure we’re not taking any steps back as a unit.”
This week, the defence could receive another boost, as veteran defensive back Evan McCollough appears to be on track to return to action this Saturday against the Blue Bombers. McCollough has been sidelined with a leg injury since week four, and is ready to take the field once again with his teammates.
“Knowing that you can’t get out there and compete with the guys is tough,” he said after practice Wednesday. “But I’m feeling good, I’m ready to go. I’m just doing what I need to do to get back out there and play.”
An addition through free agency in the offseason, McCollough was a member of the Toronto Argonauts Grey Cup winning squad in 2012, and his familiarity with coach Steinauer has made him a leader on defence.
“You can help correct certain things and tell some of the younger guys where they need to be on certain plays, but it’s difficult to just tell someone how to do something”, he said. “I’m a physical leader, sometimes it’s easier to learn something when you see it on the field. I like to lead by example.”
After a rash of injuries to start the season, the Ticats are getting close to 100% health. With the emergence of Rico Murray and the return of Evan McCollough to the field, the Ticats defence looks primed to continue their string of recent success.
