3 Keys: Ticats v.s Als

For the first time this season, the Montreal Alouettes travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger-Cats. The two teams split the season series last year. However, Montreal’s win came in the final game of the season with the Ticats resting their starters.

This season, Montreal is 0-1 after falling to Edmonton in Week 1 and having a bye last week. Hamilton of course is coming off that decisive 64-14 win in Toronto. They sit 2-0 on the year.

For Hamilton to keep the ball rolling, these will be the 3 keys to getting to 3-0.

1.Contain Vernon Adams Jr.

It’ll be a battle of former Oregon quarterbacks Friday night.

Antonio Pipkin went down with an ankle injury in the first game of year. Vernon Adams Jr. came in, in relief of Pipkin and looked pretty good. The Ticats and their fans are familiar with Adams as he spent some time in the Hammer last season.

“He’s an athlete.” Says Head Coach Orlondo Steinauer. “When he was here he was doing everything. He was punting, he was playing receiver, defensive back and quarterback. He’s just an outstanding athlete.”

The Ticats defence will look to limit his chances to scramble and make him through out of the pocket into that extremely talented secondary.

2.Continue to get Production from all three phases

Last week, the Ticats completed the trifecta and got a touchdown from their offence, defence and special teams.

Six of those touchdowns came from the offence. Bralon Addison had three, while Nikola Kalinic, Maleek Irons and Jeremiah Masoli all added one each.

Brandon Banks took Drew Brown’s missed field goal 113 yards to the house. Rico Murray got the defence on the board on the last play of the game, with a 37-yard pick six.

Obviously, Hamilton won’t have to score on all three phases this week. However, if they continue to get the same level of play from all three groups, they will certainly make things incredible difficult on Montreal.

3.Keep the offence rolling.

The Ticats offence exploded last week, putting up 604 total yards and 6 touchdowns. They most likely won’t have to replicate this insane level of production but continuing their explosive play will be key.

Last week, both Bralon Addison and Brandon Banks had over 100 yards receiving. Addison had six receptions for 107 yards and three touchdowns. Banks had seven receptions for 105 yards.

On the ground, Sean Thomas Erlington lead the way with 109 yards on 12 carries. While both Jeremiah Masoli and Maleek Irons found the endzone on the ground.