Ticats, Bombers vie for Cup berth

by Campbell Blake
Published on November 17, 2001 under Canadian Football League (CFL)

by Campbell Blake

With nine eastern all-stars each, this weekends East Final showdown between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger Cats has the writing on the wall to be one of the CFL's most memorable games in recent times.

Consistency was the key reason why the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were the CFL's best team during the 2001 regular season. Winnipeg not only had the best record in the CFL with a 14-4 mark, they also have the best results at home and on the road, going 7-2 in each category. They also dominated the competition within their division with a record of 7-3. Winnipeg also won the regular season series against the Tiger Cats 3-1, including a 63-31 drubbing of Hamilton at home on Sept. 8.

One thing in the Tiger Cat's favour is that following that embarrassing loss they went on to win three straight games and had seven victories in their last nine contests, including last week's 24-12 East Division semi-final victory over Montreal. Another key to a Hamilton victory is the play of their linebackers, as all three starters, Jason Lamar, Chris Shelling and Sean Woodson, were named to the Eastern All Star team. The linebackers were the Tiger Cats top three tacklers during the regular season. Lamar, who had 96 defensive tackles to go along with Woodson's 70 defensive tackles, are all-stars for the first time in their CFL careers. Shelling, who was second on the team with 78 defensive tackles, was an all-star at defensive back last year. This is the first year he has been nominated as a linebacker.

When it comes to scoring, the Tiger Cats have their offensive catalyst in Danny McManus. McManus is the master of the short passing game with his quick release, which is very hard to defend against. The Ticats had the CFL's second-rated aerial game this season. McManus's key target is his long time friend and teammate Darren Flutie. Last weekend Flutie became the CFL's career playoff receptions leader with 81. Another weapon McManus has at his disposal is Andrew Grigg, who recorded career highs in receptions and yards this year.

Winnipeg's aerial attack will provide a stiff test for a Hamilton defence that posted a CFL-high 54 sacks this season, including 19 by defensive player of the year award nominee Joe Montford. The Ticats must pressure Khari Jones and not let him get his rhythm. Jones led the CFL in passing yards, touchdowns and completions and spearheads a potent Winnipeg offence that includes the return of all-star Slotback Milt Stegall to the line-up after he missed two games with a knee injury. Stegall's return will give the Bombers that much needed offensive burst that was missing in their two defeats to close out the season. Stegall had 81 catches for 1,214 yards and 14 touchdown receptions and is considered to be one of the league's top big-play threats. The Blue Bombers offence scored a CFL high 50 touchdowns.

Winnipeg's defence will provide stiff competition for McManus and the Tiger Cats offence. The Blue Bombers defence was the best in the CFL this season, allowing a league low average of 318 total yards per game. The Bombers secondary was second in the league when it came to interceptions. The 24 balls they picked were one behind league-leader Toronto. Cornerback Juran Bolden lead the way with six of them.

The one element that no one has control over could be the weather. If it's cold and windy, which is typical for November in Winnipeg, then the special teams play will be a key factor in determining which team wins. Both teams have veteran kickers who have performed well in unfavourable weather in Winnipeg's Troy Westwood and Hamilton's Paul Osbaldiston. Each team also has big-play kick return men in Bomber rookie Charlie Roberts and the Tiger Cats' Archie Amerson.

This is a pretty even match up, as both teams are solid on both sides of the ball, to go along with their consistent play on special teams. With McManus and Jones at quarterback, both teams will have the ability to put points on the board. In the end, there is a very good chance that whichever team who scores last will be the team that wins the game and the trip to Montreal for the Grey Cup.

Canadian Football League Stories from November 17, 2001

• Ticats, Bombers vie for Cup berth - OSC Original by Campbell Blake
• CFL returns to America TV - OSC Original by Jason Kmet

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.