TORONTO – It has been a tale of two teams thus far down the QEW. At times , such as their season opener, the ‘Cats have looked flat, out of sync and undisciplined. At other times, such as last week in Winnipeg, they have looked nearly unstoppable.
Offensively, pivot Kevin Glenn is starting to show signs of the quarterback that earned runner-up CFL Player of the Year with Winnipeg in 2007 and was in the zone this week against his former mates, putting up 39 points at Canad Inns Stadium.
A good portion of Glenn’s success could be attributed to the play of former Argos SB Arland Bruce lll who is having a M.O.P.-type season, leading the league in receiving with 45 catches for 744 yards and five majors. In the last three weeks alone, the elusive receiver has 29 receptions for 544 yards and four touchdowns.
Making matters more concerning for the Argos defence that he will go up against is Bruce’s play against the team that he spent just over five seasons and won a Grey Cup with. The nine-year CFL vet has 21 catches for 256 yards and one touchdown in three games against the Boatmen since being shipped to the Tiger-Cats in a trade in July 2009.
Perhaps Bruce’s increase in receptions have been a result of Hamilton’s struggles running the football. Last season, tailback DeAndra’ Cobb took the league by storm, rushing for 1,217 yards. This season has been different, however, as Cobb and his Ticats sit last in the CFL in both net rushing yards (542) and average rushing yards per game (77.4). Cobb did have his best performance of the year last week carrying the ball 22 times for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Ticats are a different story. Much has been made over the last two seasons about the ‘Cats linebacking corps but seven games into the 2010 season, it has been their defensive line that has dominated opponents. Hamilton’s front four have combined for 17 quarterback sacks this season have reaped havoc along the line, collapsing the pocket while doing so. They are led by DE Garrett McIntyre who’s four sacks and timely tackling have given the Black and Gold a true threat at rush end.
Players To Watch:
QB Kevin Glenn
SB Arland Bruce lll
WR Marquay McDaniel
WR Dave Stala
RB/KR Marcus Thigpen
LB Otis Floyd
LB Markeith Knowlton
DE Garrett McIntyre
DE Justin Hickman
Storylines:
Can the ‘Cats build on back-to-back wins over the Blue Bombers?
Will Cobb put together a complete game with a formidable rushing attack?
How will Marcus Thigpen fare in his first meeting against a solid Argos special teams coverage squad?