ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
It is amazing what one year in the CFL can bring. At this point last season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were sitting with a ‘2’ in the win column and headed for yet another season with playoffs merely a dream rather than a reality. Fast forward 52 weeks and the Ticats are not only ahead of where they were last season, they are in solid shape to lock up a playoff spot for the first time since 2004.
With one of the CFL’s most active secondary’s and an offence that has gone through a makeover, General Manager Bob O’Billovich has created the beginning of what seems to be a winning program that could carry on for many years.
Veteran linebacker and former B.C. Lion Otis Floyd has provided stability in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacking corps since joining the club in the off-season.
Perhaps most promising portion of the new-look ‘Cats revolves around the offence where O’Billovich and his staff have combined the physical abilities of Quinton Porter and the veteran savvy of Kevin Glenn at the pivot spot and surrounded the two with a more than solid receiving corps. A corps that, along with sophomore Prechae Rodriguez, includes former Argo SB Arland Bruce lll and is producing like no other Black and Gold squad in quite some time.
There are, however, two newcomers to the Ticats who are both making an impact on their respective units despite being at completely different ends of their careers.
On the offensive side of the ball it is the rookie DeAndra’ Cobb that is taking all the headlines in Steeltown at the tailback position. The Michigan State product that was not even scheduled to carry the load at running back heading into the campaign but, due to injuries, has become the primary offensive weapon for Hamilton, has put up 501 yards on the ground and added another 208 through the air including 5 total touchdowns.
Defensively, it is Otis Floyd who is currently acting as the glue that holds the ‘Cats linebacking unit together. The former B.C. Lion has recorded 25 defensive tackles so far this season but perhaps more importantly, has acted as a vocal leader for a defence that has searched many years for a voice.
The Tiger-Cats enter the Labour Day Classic on Monday versus the Argos with a close to sell-out crowd expected. First time in many years fans have a legitimate playoff contender to cheer for. Following their matchup, they will complete a home-and-home with the Boatmen at Rogers Centre on September 11. For tickets, please call 416-872-5000 or click here to purchase tickets online.
» QB Kevin Glenn
» RB DeAndra’ Cobb
» WR Prechae Rodriguez
» SB Arland Bruce lll
» DB Chris Thompson
» LB Otis Floyd
» K Nick Setta
» Can the ‘Cats break the recent losing streak of three games versus the Argos at home?
» Can Cobb continue his stellar play against a tough Argos defensive line?