Isaac Owusu
Ticats.ca
Defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer’s crew finds itself near the top of many defensive categories heading into Saturday’s home opener at McMaster University.
In his second year on the Tiger-Cats staff, Steinauer is able identify what keeps his players performing at a high level after three games on the road.
“We’re just focused on controllable factors and we talk about performance goals, and that’s just getting better each week. We’re not worrying about injuries, we’re not worrying about referees and fumbles,” he said.
“My staff has done a great job of implementing that message and I think we’re seeing some of those results on the film. The season’s still early and I’m definitely pleased where we are right now, but I’m not satisfied.”
Defensive back Courtney Stephen made his first career start at field corner in Calgary last week and will register another ‘first’ this weekend at Ron Joyce Stadium.
The second-year defensive back will be playing his first game in the city of Hamilton on Saturday and he finds himself aware of the game’s magnitude, but not overtaken by it.
“It’s pretty big for the city of Hamilton. We haven’t been there in awhile so I know everybody’s going to be excited for that game,” he said.
“As a defence, we are just looking at it as the next game, and every game is the most important game for us, because two points is two points, and you have to collect these wins. I’m just really focused on dingo my job to the best of my ability, and contributing when the spotlight hits me.”
With three road trips under their belt, Saturday’s game will finally be in a familiar setting for Ticats – and they’ll also line up against a few familiar faces.
The newly-formed Ottawa REDBLACKS will serve as the black and gold’s opponent, with feature three former Ticats playing important offensive roles.
Making their Tigertown returns as members of the opposition are running back Chevon Walker, fullback John Delahunt, and the player that Steinauer deems their most dangerous on the team, quarterback Henry Burris.
“He can throw the ball like none other, he has a cannon for an arm,” Steinauer said.
“He’s durable. He’s a competitor. He’s their number one weapon,” he added.
Stephen echoes Steinauer’s sentiment about playing the former Ticats’ quarterback.
“I would say you have to respect the fact that you know his arm strength. You know that he is the type of quarterback that if you don’t give him trouble in the pocket then he will take stuff from you all day long.”
Stephen continued, “You definitely have to give him credit for being a veteran, and seeing him orchestrate the kind of plays that he has done. I had a first-hand opportunity to see him at work and I have to give him respect.”
Defensive lineman Eric Norwood is prepared to take a poetic approach when embracing his old teammates.
“We’re all friends, and we all have good relationships with them. None of those guys were sour guys, they are all the great guys… but on the field, we’re just looking to punish them,” he said.
Norwood is currently tied for fifth on the team in tackles with seven. With the credit that the defence has received through three games, he knows what his comrades must do on Saturday.
“We just have to get it done. We have to make it happen,” he said.
“We have to score on defence and on special teams, and give our offence a short field. As long as we’re giving the offence the short field to score and do what they do, we will be in position for the win.”
