Keys To A Big Win Over Hamilton

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We're 3-0, they are 0-3, but this is a better Hamilton team, in terms of talent, from last season. We're playing at home, where we usually play tough. There are some who are worried about a letdown but that worry was there, when we played the Riders last week, in Regina, after a big game against the Eskimos, and we came to play. Hopefully we'll do the same tonight! Here are some of the keys to the game!

OFFENCE

Getting off to a quick start isn't criticial but when you're playing an 0-3 team, especially at home, a quick start would be a huge factor in discouraging the Tiger Cats. Our running attack is very sound this season but our passing attack is down. Hamilton hasn't had the same defensive secondary for two consecutive games this season. Tonight, with Tay Cody still out, the Cats will likely start Karikari at safety and rookie linebacker Ryan Glasper will move from outside linebacker to defensive halfback while Delgado will move in to the other defensive halfback position. We need to take advantage of these changes and lack of continuity.

Hamilton will likely bring the blitz early to cover up for these changes or they will drop a lot of players into coverage. This is a game where our passing attack needs to be a big factor early. We'll need to buy Buck time, not give up sacks, and allow him to find the weaknesses in the Hamilton zone. If they drop a lot of guys into coverage we can come back to the run.

DEFENSE

The key to the West Coast offence is getting decent first down yardage. Hamilton runs the football well and Jessie Lumsden has over a 5 yard rushing average. They'll run single and double tight formations to help with blocking. Sometimes they'll run a two back set with Lumsden lined up at tailback and Hamilton has two excellent blocking fullbacks. They'll also change of pace things. lining up Lumsden and Cory Holmes in the backfield. Hamilton may have a strong running attack but our defense takes pride in stopping the run and have done a very good job of it. It's been a very important factor for our defense, even though the focus is usually on our defenses' ability to shut down the pass and create turnovers.

The key in this game will be our front seven, rather than our defensive backfield. Jamal Johnson will probably play more, as we will not be in nickel coverage as often. Pottinger will need to step up and show his stuff! Getting Hamilton in second and long, especially running a West Coast offence, is the recipe for success for our defense!!

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams can be a great equalizer for an underdog team playing away from home. Downfield coverage is the key to this game on special teams. Not giving Hamilton anything easy is a key to victory.