Five storylines heading into today’s match against the Tiger-Cats

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This article was published 08/08/2015 (3954 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO –Five storylines to ponder heading into Sunday’s CFL Week 7 clash between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats:

1. Roll up the rim to win

The Tiger-Cats are a perfect 7-0 in regular-season action since moving to Tim Horton’s Field.

The crowds are beginning to return and Hamilton is once again one of the better CFL towns in the country. They may pine for NHL hockey in Hamilton, but they’ve come around to realizing they don’t need to ignore the Tabbies.

The crowds are younger, but still have that authentic Steeltown feel.

The Tiger-Cats have a rich history and with the combination of owner Bob Young, president Scott Mitchell and coach Kent Austin, this franchise has a strong present and future as well. Beating the Tiger-Cats is no easy feat these days and seemingly impossible at the Donut Shop.

2. More D please

The Bombers defence bent but didn’t break in the win last week over the B.C. Lions.

The Lions dominated play early but eventually the Bombers defence created turnovers and consistently sent the B.C. offence off the field in two-and-out fashion. Winnipeg needs a similar effort against a strong Tiger-Cats’ attack. Hamilton sits third in the league with an average of 382.8 yards of offence per game.

The key is shutting down quarterback Zach Collaros and forcing the Tiger-Cats to run the ball.

They rank seventh in the league in rush offence, averaging 84.4 yards per game. Collaros has weapons and can use his legs. He must be contained or he’ll run up the points.

3. Willy or won’t he?

Drew Willy is among the best young quarterbacks in the CFL when he’s healthy and upright. He’s 91 of 129 for a 70.5 per cent completion rating and has passed for 1,263 yards.

The last time these two teams played he was knocked out of the game early and the Tiger-Cats rolled to a 52-26 win.

The Bombers have no second option at quarterback and if Willy goes down it’s all but over. Hamilton will scheme against Winnipeg’s passing game and dare the Bombers to run the ball.

4. It’s all about the rush,

Two of Winnipeg’s biggest off-season signings were offensive linemen Stanley Bryant and Dom Picard. It’s time to challenge this group to do it’s job. Both in pass protection and rush blocking.

Willy can’t be the only heartbeat with this offence. The line has to assert itself and force OC Marcel Bellefuielle to dial up more run plays. If the Bombers can commit to the run and have some success, Willy stays healthy.

But if he starts dropping back on first down, the Tiger-Cats front four will get to him. They’re the best in the league because of their balance. They can contain the run and create pressure without a lot of help from the blitz.

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5. Speedy B kills

Tiger-Cats receiver and kick return man Brandon Banks is the most dangerous special teams player in the CFL. He can break long returns and is a constant threat. The Bombers need to be ultra-conservative in placing the ball on punts and be disciplined in lane assignments. One mistake and it’s six going the other way.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @garylawless