It has been a very long time since the Hamilton Tiger cats have won a Grey Cup Championship, since 1999 to be exact. But for Tiger-Cats fans everywhere, it seems like forever. Names like Danny McManus, Paul Osbaldistin, Joe Montford and Darren Flutie are long gone from the game. But in 2016, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be the team to beat all season long, and they will win the 2016 Grey Cup.
Why the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Will Win the Grey Cup in 2016
Hamilton is led by one of the greatest coaches in CFL history, Kent Austin. Coach Austin has turned that team around and has built a system that the players believe in. He was one play away from reaching the Grey Cup Championship game for the third time in three years. He has turned down other coaching opportunities to stay in Steeltown. He believes in the team he has built and the talent that it has. Coach Austin is key to the Tiger-Cats.
Having the best quarterback in the league doesn’t hurt this 2016 Ticats team either. Zach Collaros was having a hall of fame year in 2015, before being sidelined with an ACL injury. Collaros was the most dynamic and well balanced quarterback in the entire league. He was picking defenses apart with his filed vision. Collaros has the experience and ability needed to bring this team to the championship. He’s is an incredible pocket passer, can scramble, can throw on the run, and has incredible play making ability. Collaros can truly turn nothing into something magical and give the team the boost it needs.
Another thing setting Hamilton apart in 2016 is their experienced receiving corps. With veterans like Andy Fantuz, Luke Tasker and Chad Owens locked up for the season, Collaros has the best receivers in the league to pass to. These three names are key to the success, but they also have receivers like Brandon Banks, Terrence Toliver, and Tiquan Underwood who have amazing hands that truly give Collaros endless possibilities to pass to. The Tiger-Cats also have Spencer Watt, who was injured last year, to add to the lineup. This core group of individuals are dangerous. Not to mention having C.J. Gable in the backfield with his explosive speed.
And let’s not forget about the three key linemen that keep that quarterback safe. Having Peter Dyakowski, Mike Filer and Ryan Bomben on the line give them incredible stability and power. These three individuals put their heart and soul into every game.
Having signed one of the biggest names in free agency in 2016 has a huge impact on the Tiger Cats this season. Locking up Ted Laurent for the next two years gives the team a huge presence on the defensive line. Laurent was a huge factor in the success of the Tiger-Cats this past season. He adds to the signing of John Chick and the ability of Eric Norwood on that line. Their defensive line will be night impenetrable this year.
The Tiger-Cats secondary is fierce and talented as well. They have key parts to an elusive and special backfield. With Simoni Lawrence leading the way the Tiger Cats are in great shape with him alone. Lawrence has an enormous heart and his explosive energy is not only felt by his teammates but the fans at Tim Horton’s Field feed off it. Lawrence is a fan favourite and can make any play on any given day. With the help of recently signed national defensive back Courtney Stephen and his play making ability, the defensive unit is Hamilton is built as solidly as Steeltown itself.
Many see a problem this year with the loss of kicker Justin Medlock. Though he had incredible talent and will be missed, is a kicker such a key player when your offence is going to rack up points and your defence is going to stifle their opponents?
The Tiger-Cats have built a team for the ages. They have the knowledge in coaching, the experience in the veterans and the talent in all the players. The energy at Tim Horton’s Field gives the players what they need from the fans. The passionate fan makes the stadium a hard place for opposing teams to play in. Get ready Tiger-Cat fans, 2016 is the year you see your boys in black and gold take home the Grey Cup once again.
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