Numbers Don’t Lie: 3 trends that could loom large in Eastern Semi
The Canadian Press
TORONTO — Indeed the playoffs do signal the beginning of a new season, but something has to be said for some of the reoccurring trends noticed throughout the 81 regular season contests thus far. With that in mind, CFL.ca extracts three statistical trends that could alter the course of Sunday’s matchup with a trip to the Division Finals on the line.
The dynamic duo
No duo has ever put forth a better season than Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker and those two receivers will be key to the outcome of this game. The Eskimos’ offence runs through those two players, meaning Orlondo Steinauer will have to come up with an answer for the Ticats’ defence.
Together they’ve compiled 3,350 receiving yards, 19 touchdowns and 22 plays of 30 yards or more, while Hamilton’s secondary has allowed more than 300 yards per game.
Stop the sack attack
The Ticats are at their best when they’re applying pressure, something they’ve done often this year with 50 sacks next to their name. Orlondo Steinauer’s unit will have to get after Mike Reilly and avoid letting him get comfortable, while the Eskimos will have to try and slow down John Chick, Adrian Tracy and Ted Laurent among others.
More often then not, the Eskimos have been able to form a clean pocket for Reilly, allowing the second-fewest sacks in the CFL. When they haven’t been able to, the Esks’ veteran quarterback has been able to escape.
RELATED: Listen to the latest episode of ‘The Waggle’ podcast where we debate all things post-season with Sunday nearing.
‘Speedy B’
Brandon Banks is the ultimate X-factor and will no doubt have a chip on his shoulder after serving a two-game suspension. We’ve seen the Ticats’ dynamic return man win them football games in the past, meaning the Eskimos will have to be wary of the return game.
