CFL Quarterbacks - Jeff Mathews of the TiCats

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WestCoastJoe
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http://www.cfl.ca/article/depth-on-disp ... der-centre
Depth on display for Tiger-Cats under centre

Posted: June 10, 2015 07:00 PM

Updated: June 10, 2015 07:20 PM

Jacob Dearlove | Ticats.ca Staff

HAMILTON -- Jeff Mathews remains a relative unknown in TigerTown, but one thing appears certain thus far into his Tiger-Cats career, he is a man of his word.

“I’m looking to go out there and execute the offence and put some points on the board and help us win a football game,” said Mathews on Saturday, following the Ticats last practice of the week.

Execute the offence. Check. Mathews completed 10 of 15 first-half pass attempts for 197 yards. He connected on passes to five separate receivers, including two for touchdowns.

Put up some points. Check. Led by the first-year CFL quarterback from Cornell, the Ticats put up 20 first-half points, taking a commanding 20-0 lead going into the locker room.

Help win a football game. Checkmate. After Mathews left the game, the Ticats only added onto the lead he established, winning the game by a final score of 37-10 with Jacory Harris taking over under centre.

Mathews’ game was not without adversity. He took a couple of big hits in the first half on broken down plays, but neither hit could deter the laid-back quarterback from remaining calm and composed. In fact, he said that the hits actually helped him get more comfortable, reminding him that he was finally playing football.

Jeff Mathews and Jacory Harris were both sharp, while the Ticats return game shined as Hamilton handled the Ottawa REDBLACKS 37-10 in the CFL's 2015 pre-season opener Monday.

Mathews Credits Big-Play Receivers
Stats: Ticats Pre-Season


“Sometimes it’s nice to get hit a little bit,” said Mathews, “that kind of welcomed me back to the game after a long off-season.”

Even post-game, Mathews kept an even keel and was not ready to get ahead of himself. The rookie credited his teammates and coaching with his comfortability on the field, and praised his receivers for making the big plays and making it easy on him.

After his first career CFL touchdown pass, Mathews was anything but laid-back, sprinting 75 yards downfield to celebrate with Terrence Toliver, after the wide receiver took his pass 73 yards for the score.

“It was fun. Those moments are special,” said Mathews, “to throw that to him and get a big play out of there…we were just all really excited about it.”

As for Mathews’ receivers, they liked what they saw from him in his first game action. Veteran receiver Bakari Grant made four receptions for 73 yards, including a big 47-yard catch on a play down-field.

“He likes to take shots,” said Grant, “and as a receiver, I like the way he plays.”
Jacory Harris, another first year quarterback for the Black and Gold, spent the first half watching the game from the bench. Once he hit the field, though, he didn’t take long to make an impact.

On his first drive of the second half, Harris needed just three plays to travel 73 yards for a touchdown that put the Ticats up 34-3. Showing off his versatility, the rookie connected on two passes— one, a pinpoint back shoulder throw to Tiquan Underwood— before capping off the scoring drive with a one-yard dive into the end-zone.

Harris finished the game with 73 passing yards, completing five of nine passes and throwing one interception on a throw into the end zone. He also added 28 yards on the ground on three rushes, including the touchdown run.

The Tiger-Cats close out their 2015 preseason in Winnipeg on Friday, June 19. The game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EST.
John Madden's Team Policies: Be on time. Pay attention. Play like hell on game day.

Jimmy Johnson's Game Keys: Protect the ball. Make plays.

Walter Payton's Advice to Kids: Play hard. Play fair. Have fun.
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WestCoastJoe
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Quarterbacks are the lifeblood of the CFL.

Looks like Mathews is another good one.

No surprise to see a QB develop under the guidance of Kent Austin.
John Madden's Team Policies: Be on time. Pay attention. Play like hell on game day.

Jimmy Johnson's Game Keys: Protect the ball. Make plays.

Walter Payton's Advice to Kids: Play hard. Play fair. Have fun.
TheLionKing
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Location: Vancouver

Very impressive in his debut.
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