The Hamilton Tiger-Cats went into BMO Field as a sideshow and left as the main attraction. In the Tiger-Cats opener, they dominated in all three phases of the game, taking a convincing 42-20 win over the host Toronto Argonauts. From the opening kickoff, Hamilton instantly gained control of the game and never looked back. They weren’t perfect, and there were some blips, but overall the Tabbies’ offence and defence look like they haven’t missed a beat since last season.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Spoil BMO Field Welcoming Party
The Offence
Jeremiah Masoli was a more than adequate sub for Zach Collaros tonight, especially in the second half. Masoli went 27/37, with 318 yards and three touchdowns. In back to back touchdown drives, Masoli was 15/15, making 176 yards and two touchdown passes, one a spectacular catch by Chad Owens in the back of the end zone. CJ Gable was huge in the pass protection, and put up a decent rushing game despite limited carries. Andy Fantuz led all Ticats receivers with 7 catches, 99 yards and the opening touchdown at the newly opened BMO Field, while Luke Tasker and Chad Owens made timely catches when needed most. The offensive line kept Masoli clean for majority of the game and gave him plenty of time in the pocket. If the Ticats offence can play like this consistently until Collaros comes back from injury, watch out CFL.
The Defence
The entire game was essentially the Simoni Lawrence and John Chick show. All night long, they and the rest of the Tiger-Cats defence made Ricky Ray uncomfortable. Aside from two Argos touchdowns 31 seconds apart in the third quarter, the defence was stout. They forced sacks and turnovers, and even scored a touchdown thanks to a John Chick tip that Simoni Lawrence picked off and took to the house. Lawrence showed no rust, and very early in the season he’s showing why he is one of the top defensive players in the CFL. Lawrence finished with seven tackles, two quarterback sacks, a forced fumble and that interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Special Teams
Special teams also did their part tonight. Brett Maher had timely coffin corner punts, McMaster Alumni Mike Daly had a block, and Brandon Banks gave the team good field position all night long. Maher was also perfect on four field goals, with his longest coming from 50 yards out. There was no huge Brandon Banks punt return touchdown, but the Jeff Reinbold special teams unit was sound and played a part in a massive road win.
Final Thought
Considering the last opening weekend win for the Ticats was 2004 in Vancouver, this was a huge win early in the year for the black and gold. They proved they have the ability to not only win games, but dominate them even without Zach Collaros. It’s only game one, but this was eye opening for the rest of the league. And even more importantly for the Ticats and their fans, they spoiled the Argos welcoming party.
Main Photo:
