TiCats at Lions GDT Friday 9:30PM CT

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

All-CFL DT Casey Sayles back in action for Ticats
By 3Down Staff -September 26, 2024

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be getting a boost on the defensive side of the ball when they face the B.C. Lions on Friday night.

Star defensive tackle Casey Sayles is expected to make his return to the lineup, despite being limited in practice all week due to an abdominal injury. In 13 games this season, the 29-year-old has amassed 25 defensive tackles and five sacks. He needs just two sacks in the final four games to match his previous career-high of seven, which earned him All-CFL honours in 2023.

Also returning is strong-side linebacker Jonathan Moxey, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. The former Stampeder has posted 17 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, one sack, and one interception in 10 appearances this year.

For the first time this season, the Ticats may also be fielding a running back tandem. Rookie Greg Bell is listed as a game-time decision coming off a heel injury, but veteran James Butler remains on the depth chart. In five appearances, Bell has carried 61 times for 355 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 20 passes for 184 yards and another score. Butler has run the ball 103 times for 498 yards and a touchdown in nine starts, catching an additional 43 passes for 356 yards and another score.

To make room for the returnees, defensive tackles Trevon Mason and Mario Kendricks have been demoted to the practice roster, as has defensive back Jayden Price.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-9) will visit the B.C. Lions (7-7) on Friday, September 27 at 10:30 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/26/all-cfl-dt-casey-sayles-back-in-action-for-ticats/

[gobombersgo]

Canadian LB Ben Hladik returns to B.C. Lions' lineup
By 3Down Staff -September 26, 2024

The B.C. Lions have once again reworked their defensive lineup ahead of Friday's meeting with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Providing a big boost to the unit is the return of star Canadian linebacker Ben Hladik, who has missed the last three games with a calf injury and was not used despite dressing in the previous two. Prior to his injury, the native of Vernon, B.C. was on pace for a second consecutive 100-tackle season, collecting 51 defensive stops, a sack, and an interception.

Though expected to play a major role, Hladik is listed behind American rookie Ace Eley on the depth chart, who has amassed 42 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, and a forced fumble in 13 games. Veteran Canadian Bo Lokombo (shoulder) and Global Maxime Rouyer (shoulder) will not be available after being placed on the six-game injured list.

Also ruled out long-term is American cornerback Ciante Evans (elbow), who has made 31 defensive tackles and two interceptions this season. Jalon Edwards-Cooper will make his return to the lineup after re-joining the team late last month, having recorded 79 defensive tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble in 30 games as a Lion. Jordan Perryman will dress for insurance while rookie Canadian Cristophe Beaulieu will start at safety over incumbent Adrian Greene.

The biggest absence is undoubtedly receiver Alexander Hollins, who was ruled out earlier this week after suffering a shoulder injury prior to the bye week. The 27-year-old native of Mazoo City, Miss. has caught 56 passes for 881 yards and five touchdowns over 14 games this season and was named a West Division all-star last season.

The Lions will also receive a boost on the offensive line, where Canadian Tyler Packer is set to return to his starting left guard spot. American Kory Woodruff has been placed back on the practice roster, whilst Canadian seventh-man David Knevel (ankle) will go on the six-game injured list.

Rounding out the team's roster moves are American defensive end Amir Siddiqi and Canadian Kieran Poissant, who will both dress in depth roles.

The B.C. Lions (7-7) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-9) on Friday, September 27 at 10:30 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/26/canadian-lb-ben-hladik-returns-to-b-c-lions-lineup/

[Blue In BC]

Rooting for Hamilton in this game. Lions losing just makes it more difficult for them to pass the Bombers in the standings.

[Pigskin]

I see Lee is wear a Guardian Cap.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I see Lee is wear a Guardian Cap.

Hard to not see it.

[Blueforlife]

Nice come back for Ticats

[BlueInCgy]

Glen Suitor makes me miss Rod Black

[Blueforlife]

BC sucks bad but Bo and Ticats are actually pretty good

Glen Suitor makes me miss Rod Black

And then he doubled down on being wrong

[TecnoGenius]

That pyramiding call to end the half was complete BS.  Good thing it didn't matter.  Dude just has an insane vertical and he's like 7' tall to begin with.  I hate it when the refs botch pyramiding.  Just because a dude is up high, doesn't mean he is cheating!

[TecnoGenius]

HAM doing us a major solid.  We have to lose all 3 and BC win all 3 remaining for us to not beat them for first.  SSK is now the bigger threat, if they win tomorrow.

Good on all you smarties who guessed HAM was rising in the pickems (B4l, Goldie, etc.).

[TecnoGenius]

I thought the final DPI call was legit DPI, even according to the near-impossible new overturn standard, because it was obvious in realtime and the D guy never let go even onto the turf.  BOO couldn't jump or get both hands up because of it.

However, according to precedent from a play last year where the D guy kept a guy from jumping high by grabbing the back of the jersey, they shouldn't have called this DPI.  The one last year was just as bad (I can't remember the team or player, but searching this forum will probably find me b-ing and moaning about it).

I really thought the one last year should have been DPI, just like this one.  So I'm miffed command wasn't consistent (yes, even across seasons)... and the fact they have this new 90%-upheld guidelines, it miffs me even more.

At least they took their time on it and hopefully will have explanations to placate the BC fans who will feel royally screwed, as well as the Riderfans who I'm sure will get mad command is deciding games again.

[Blue In BC]

Thank you TiCats. That is another great step to the Bombers locking down 1st place.

[Pete]

I thought the final DPI call was legit DPI, even according to the near-impossible new overturn standard, because it was obvious in realtime and the D guy never let go even onto the turf.  BOO couldn't jump or get both hands up because of it.

However, according to precedent from a play last year where the D guy kept a guy from jumping high by grabbing the back of the jersey, they shouldn't have called this DPI.  The one last year was just as bad (I can't remember the team or player, but searching this forum will probably find me b-ing and moaning about it).

I really thought the one last year should have been DPI, just like this one.  So I'm miffed command wasn't consistent (yes, even across seasons)... and the fact they have this new 90%-upheld guidelines, it miffs me even more.

At least they took their time on it and hopefully will have explanations to placate the BC fans who will feel royally screwed, as well as the Riderfans who I'm sure will get mad command is deciding games again.

the difference was the defender had a grasp of the top of the jersey thru the entire play, had he let go sooner it would have stood

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I want to talk about TSNs BFF, Nathon.

Rourke has been okay but not great and certainly not the house-on-fire talent he was in his rookie year. He probably misses going up against the 2022 Elks.

Easy to see the mistakes and inexperience. The constant need to hold the ball and make 5 guys miss 15 yards behind the line may be exciting but it's not what you'd expect from the highest paid player in the league and it's not good quarterback play.

Pair that with the sometimes eyebrow raising attitude and I'm not sure where he's going. He tumbled out of the NFL and I think he thought he'd be back to carve this league up as a walk on all-star.

Now reality sets in. He either grows, gets humble and gets back to work or he's going to get crushed under the weight of expectations and that giant contract.

There's a big difference between being an ELC QB (without any film for defenses) and having to drive play yourself because the team is invested in you.

[TBURGESS]

Rourke certainly hasn't been worth the money they're paying him this year. 

[Pete]

Even the lions players have to be second guessing Rourke playing ahead of Adams The lions are 2 and 4 with Rourke.
Team chemistry is gone.
Betts looked ordinary, what is it about vets returning from nfl not performing to expectations. We also saw it with Strevler.

[bomb squad]

RE the DPI: Another tough, controversial call again for the Command Center. No easy answers to this problem. Maybe it's time to consider tossing out replay review on interference. But, I think fans forget how frustrated they were when there was no replay review on Interference.

[bomb squad]

Lookout, BLM is back. I have to eat my words earlier in the season. Good to see though. Good for him. Great story this year.

[Blue In BC]

Even the lions players have to be second guessing Rourke playing ahead of Adams The lions are 2 and 4 with Rourke.
Team chemistry is gone.
Betts looked ordinary, what is it about vets returning from nfl not performing to expectations. We also saw it with Strevler.

The lack of a CFL TC requires an adjustment at many levels. Betts was always kind of a one trick pony. Rourke has talent but a combination of him and his OC always looking for the " big " play is an issue. It's the same problem Adams has had in Vancouver.

Even though the Lions have said they won't trade Adams, I wonder if this last loss changes anything. Other teams have inquired about acquiring Adams earlier. Is there a team that will provide them an upgrade somewhere on the roster NOW for a play off run?

Obviously every team wants good depth at # 2 QB spot. OTOH, if you're losing anyway it raises that question.

Trading Adams would also drop their SMS hit for the last 3 games. Any new player added won't be making his salary.

I don't know the status of Brown in Ottawa but if he's out for an extended time, they might be one of the teams interested. Masoli probably won't be back in 2025 ( my speculation ) so perhaps there is interest. What is an equivalent value that Ottawa might give up?

[Blueforlife]

Lookout, BLM is back. I have to eat my words earlier in the season. Good to see though. Good for him. Great story this year.

We all eating heavy bird on Bo.

HAM doing us a major solid.  We have to lose all 3 and BC win all 3 remaining for us to not beat them for first.  SSK is now the bigger threat, if they win tomorrow.

Good on all you smarties who guessed HAM was rising in the pickems (B4l, Goldie, etc.).

Yeah we ate are smarties on that pick

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

RE the DPI: Another tough, controversial call again for the Command Center. No easy answers to this problem. Maybe it's time to consider tossing out replay review on interference. But, I think fans forget how frustrated they were when there was no replay review on Interference.

Suitor went over the top expressing his opinion how they got that call wrong, he needs to cool his heels and mind his tongue, lest he ends up out the door.

[TecnoGenius]

Even the lions players have to be second guessing Rourke playing ahead of Adams The lions are 2 and 4 with Rourke.
Team chemistry is gone.
Betts looked ordinary, what is it about vets returning from nfl not performing to expectations. We also saw it with Strevler.

And all the Rs that went down and came back to suck badly or be mediocre.  Maybe it's the entitlement / look-at-me-I'm-NFL-caliber mindset, or maybe it's the crushing of the soul of realizing the $50M NFL dream is dead and they are stuck in Canada playing for $150k CAD?  Not every player is mentally strong enough to cope.

[TecnoGenius]

the difference was the defender had a grasp of the top of the jersey thru the entire play, had he let go sooner it would have stood

That could be it... the other guy was better at concealing the jump-killing tug, and he did let go at the apex.  However, the jumps were equally killed.  I think if you stop a guy getting his normal vertical it should always be DPI.