The Hamilton Tiger-Cats lost back to back Grey Cups in 2013 and 2014, but last year, they were edged out of representing the Eastern Division a third time by the Ottawa Renegades (who also lost in the Grey Cup game). Heading into 2016, they have as good chance as anybody to get back to the title game. They may have lost their preseason opener to the the Toronto Argos, but there is no reason to be overly concerned that is going to be a down season.
Team Strength
It looks like the Ti-Cats will be strong in the trenches. The defensive line looks like it will be a disruptive force led by the non-stop motor of defensive end John Chick. Former Argo Delano Johnson was looking really good against his former mates last week and defensive tackle Lyndon Gaydosh, a former overall number one pick, finally looks ready to live up to his enormous potential.
On the offensive side, the line was able to keep the quarterback clean against Toronto and many believe it is the best line the team has had in years. This is a unit that did a good job last year as well. Even with all of the Ti-Cats changes at quarterback, they still helped the team finish with 5,148 passing yards, which was the best in the CFL.
Team Weakness
Hamilton appears to be auditioning quarterbacks this preseason. As of right now Zach Collaros is hurt and the question is who will fill in until he’s ready. Collaros had offseason surgery to repair his ACL and the Ti-Cats go from being a team where this is a clear strength to a team searching for options at the position.
They may say that they like their options and Jeremiah Masoli looked alright, but Jeff Mathews is in the mix is hot on his heels for snaps. Remember that Masoli took snaps for the Ti-Cats in the playoffs last year but it was Mathews that was the first to get snaps after Collaros went down in October. It was a concussion that sidelined Mathews and gave Masoli the chance to start. Although Collaros will be back in due time, the injury situation really opens up the door here.
Further to this point, if you are having questions at the most important position on the field it makes it difficult to have a high level offense. The playmakers available to whoever gets the gig are not necessarily elite.
Team X-Factor
Quarterback is definitely the key to the season. Masoli is like a whirling dervish out there. He can move and he can throw, but sometimes he plays out of control and that leads to mistakes. Mathews is definitely the more pure thrower of the two, but he struggles with accuracy and turnovers. More than anything they need efficiency at the position. That will enable a solid group overall, to play to expectations.
The Season Will Be A Success If…
They can get over the mental mistakes that have plagued them and win the division and make it back to the Grey Cup (while beating Toronto as many times as possible along the way). This is a team that has been so close in recent years that the bar is set high. Their measure of success is by winning the ultimate prize.
Outlook
There does not appear to be a dominant team in the East Division this season, so expect Hamilton to be right in the thick of the race all season long. We’re not talking about an inexperienced team here; this is a seasoned squad with elite-level veteran talent at almost every area of the field.
Odds are they will spend some time in first place, but by the end of the season, they will be in second place and ready to host that first round playoff game. If Collaros gets healthy and integrated, and the team has learned from their previous shortcomings, they are capable of winning it all.
Pick: Second Place in the Eastern Division (with a first round playoff win).
