Ticats set to open stretch of six straight contests versus East Division teams

This marks a vital stretch for Dane Evans and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Hamilton (1-5) will play six straight video games, and 7 of its subsequent eight, in opposition to East Division competitors, beginning Thursday evening at house versus the Montreal Alouettes (2-4). The Ticats will face archrival Toronto 4 occasions over that span with the opposite three being in opposition to the Als.

The abundance of East Division video games is vital ,given Hamilton is third within the convention standings, simply two factors behind second-place Montreal and 4 behind main Toronto (3-2). However the Ticats are additionally simply two factors forward of last-place Ottawa (0-6).

The best way issues are shaping up, East Division groups must end both first or second to safe playoff spots. Presently, the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-3, fourth in West) have extra wins than Toronto.

It’s been a tricky begin for Evans. Though the Ticats starter is second in CFL passing with 1,720 yards, simply 4 behind Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros, Evans has extra interceptions (9) than touchdowns (eight).

Evans has additionally fumbled six occasions, shedding 5.

Offensively, Hamilton is ranked eighth in offensive factors (18.2 per recreation), offensive TDs (9) and time of possession (28 minutes, 44 seconds) and final in turnover ratio (minus-13). The Ticats have additionally dedicated a league-high 25 turnovers.

Hamilton is coming off a 17-12 highway loss to the B.C. Lions regardless of accumulating 414 offensive yards and holding the ball for over 31 minutes. Evans completed 26-of-38 passing for 297 yards and a TD and an interception.

Hamilton leads the CFL in most two-and-outs (40) however has additionally compelled a league-best 36.

A vivid spot for Hamilton has been Lawrence Woods who leads the CFL in punt return yards (371) and common (14.3). Lawrence is on tempo for 1,112 punt return yards, which might be essentially the most since Calgary’s Roy Finch had 1,200 yards in 2017.

Nevertheless, Woods (sickness) stays a game-time determination.

Montreal is coming off a 40-33 victory over Ottawa and is 1-1 beneath GM/interim head coach Danny Maciocia. Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris was strong for the Alouettes, finishing 25-of-31 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns.

Receiver Hergy Mayala registered 5 catches for 102 yards and a TD.

Montreal is third general in offensive scoring (26 factors per recreation) and offensive TDs (15). Hassle is, its defence is ranked eighth in offensive factors allowed (27.5 factors per recreation), offensive TDs allowed (15) and web offensive yards allowed (357.5).

Regardless of its scoring difficulties, Hamilton’s offence is ranked second in passing (299.2 per recreation) however final in dashing (73.3 yards). The Ticats will once more be with out linebacker Simoni Lawrence (groin), who was the CFL’s high defensive participant final season.

Decide: Montreal.

B.C. Lions versus Saskatchewan Roughriders (Friday evening)

At Regina, the excellent news for the Riders (4-3) is quarterback Cody Fajardo (knee, sickness) says he can play this week after lacking Sunday’s 31-21 loss to Toronto. Saskatchewan has gained eight straight versus B.C. (4-1) and the final 4 at house. The Lions haven’t gained at Mosaic Stadium since 2016 however with Canadian Nathan Rourke beneath centre, the offence has scored a CFL-best 176 offensive factors this season.

Decide: B.C.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers versus Calgary Stampeders (Saturday evening)

At Calgary, the Stampeders (4-1) have extra to cope with than dealing with Winnipeg (7-0). 5 gamers missed follow Tuesday with what head coach Dave Dickenson stated had been circumstances of COVID-19 and pneumonia. Amongst them had been operating again Ka’Deem Carey, sort out Derek Dennis and linebacker Jameer Thurman. The Bombers beat the Stamps 26-19 at IG Subject on July 15 however haven’t claimed a regular-season assembly at McMahon since ‘17. Calgary starter Bo Levi Mitchell has by no means misplaced consecutive begins in opposition to the Bombers.

Decide: Winnipeg.

Ottawa Redblacks versus Toronto Argonauts (Sunday evening)

At Toronto, the Argos return to BMO Subject after consecutive wins over Saskatchewan at Wolfville, N.S., and Regina. Canadian operating again Andrew Harris ran for a season-high 143 yards (5.5-yard common) in Sunday’s 31-21 win over the Riders whereas starter McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for 336 yards and two TDs. Bethel-Thompson can also be 6-0 versus Ottawa. Caleb Evans had 297 passing yards and a TD final week versus Montreal however Darvin Adams dropped a late Evans TD move that might’ve compelled additional time.

Decide: Toronto.

Final week: 4-0.

CP’s general file: 23-4.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed July 27, 2022.

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