The health and productivity of Zach Collaros will ultimately determine the success or failures of the Hamilton Tiger-cats 2016 season. They will need to get through the early portion of their schedule as Collaros hasn't quite fully recovered from his season ending knee injury from a year ago. Collaros was putting up huge numbers before he got hurt, and the Ticats were looking like a Grey Cup team. They need him to not only get back in their lineup, but they also need him to be performing at the level he was before he got hurt. Easier said than done.
Hamilton has lost many key pieces from their defense. Gone are Bryan Hall, Justin Hickman, Eric Norwood, and Brandon Stewart. They did bring in one of the premier pass rushers in the CFL in John Chick, and an under the radar linebacker in Alex Hoffman-Ellis, but those losses were important players for this defense the last couple of seasons. I am not quite sure if this defense will get enough stops. The loss of Brandon Stewart in the secondary will probably be the biggest loss in my opinion.
Another big loss was in their kicking game, losing maybe the best kicker in the league in Justin Medlock. With unproven Brett Maher and Cody Mandell in the fold, there are major question marks surrounding this very important aspect of the Canadian brand of football.
Outlook: Offensively the Ticats will put up points, especially if RB CJ Gable can stay healthy. Adding Chad Owens to an already dangerous group of receivers creates matchup problems for any defense. They also have a huge game changer in Brandon "Speedy" Banks. Scoring points should not be an issue for this team. I worry that the losses on the defensive side of the ball, and the loss of Justin Medlock could come back to hurt this team eventually.
0
To remove first post, remove entire topic.
East Division Preview
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Last season: 10-8 20pts. (2nd East)
2016 season win total: 10.5
2016 Grey Cup odds: +500
The health and productivity of Zach Collaros will ultimately determine the success or failures of the Hamilton Tiger-cats 2016 season. They will need to get through the early portion of their schedule as Collaros hasn't quite fully recovered from his season ending knee injury from a year ago. Collaros was putting up huge numbers before he got hurt, and the Ticats were looking like a Grey Cup team. They need him to not only get back in their lineup, but they also need him to be performing at the level he was before he got hurt. Easier said than done.
Hamilton has lost many key pieces from their defense. Gone are Bryan Hall, Justin Hickman, Eric Norwood, and Brandon Stewart. They did bring in one of the premier pass rushers in the CFL in John Chick, and an under the radar linebacker in Alex Hoffman-Ellis, but those losses were important players for this defense the last couple of seasons. I am not quite sure if this defense will get enough stops. The loss of Brandon Stewart in the secondary will probably be the biggest loss in my opinion.
Another big loss was in their kicking game, losing maybe the best kicker in the league in Justin Medlock. With unproven Brett Maher and Cody Mandell in the fold, there are major question marks surrounding this very important aspect of the Canadian brand of football.
Outlook: Offensively the Ticats will put up points, especially if RB CJ Gable can stay healthy. Adding Chad Owens to an already dangerous group of receivers creates matchup problems for any defense. They also have a huge game changer in Brandon "Speedy" Banks. Scoring points should not be an issue for this team. I worry that the losses on the defensive side of the ball, and the loss of Justin Medlock could come back to hurt this team eventually.
After Trevor Harris had an incredible 2015 season, leading the CFL in TD passes, the choice to watch him walk away and continue with veteran QB Ricky Ray at the helm was not a surprising move, but an interesting one for certain. There is no denying Ricky Ray's abilitly as a QB. He is one of the greatest QBs this league has ever seen. However, with him coming back from a serious injury and now being another year older, one has to least question this decision. At least Ricky Ray will have the big three back at WR to throw the ball to. Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton, and Kevin Elliott are all back after having solid seasons a year ago. Brandon Whitaker, Henry Josey, and Anthony Coombs give the Argos some solid depth in the running game. If Ricky Ray can develop the chemistry with the big three that Trevor Harris had with them last year, the Argos should be a solid offensive football team.
The Argos lost a couple big pieces along their defensive line in the offseason. Gone are Cleyon Laing and Tristan Okpalaugo who signed NFL deals. To the Argos credit, they did a solid job trying to replace those players. They picked up Justin Hickman, Bryan Hall, and Brian Bulcke from the Ticats to join Ricky Foley along that defensive front. Not too shabby. Toronto received a huge boost to their linebacking corps when they scooped up Keon Raymond from Calgary. Their secondary remains generally intact from a year ago lead by Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Overall this defense is fairly solid, but it will be interesting to see how this defense will perform with all the new personnel in place.
After Swayze Waters signed down south, the Argos went out and got Lirim Hajrullahu from the Blue Bombers. Hajrullahu has the ability to be an effective kicker in this league, but his inconsistency in Winnipeg eventually lead to his release in the Peg. He will need to be more consistent for the Boatmen. Chad Owens has been returning kicks forever for the Argos. Now that he has moved down the QEW, it will be interesting to see who the Argos will throw back there, and if he can be consistent and effective.
Outlook: The Argos seem to be set up nicely as they play their first season in their new home at BMO Field. I believe that Ricky Ray will be just fine as he is reported to be 100%. There are a couple of question marks on there defense. Their secondary will have to be better, and with all the new pieces along their defensive front, one would think that it might take some time for the chemistry to gel. However, I get the impression that they might actually have a better defense this season.
0
Toronto Argonauts
Last season: 10-8 20pts. (3rd East)
2016 season win total: 10.5
2016 Grey Cup odds: +600
After Trevor Harris had an incredible 2015 season, leading the CFL in TD passes, the choice to watch him walk away and continue with veteran QB Ricky Ray at the helm was not a surprising move, but an interesting one for certain. There is no denying Ricky Ray's abilitly as a QB. He is one of the greatest QBs this league has ever seen. However, with him coming back from a serious injury and now being another year older, one has to least question this decision. At least Ricky Ray will have the big three back at WR to throw the ball to. Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton, and Kevin Elliott are all back after having solid seasons a year ago. Brandon Whitaker, Henry Josey, and Anthony Coombs give the Argos some solid depth in the running game. If Ricky Ray can develop the chemistry with the big three that Trevor Harris had with them last year, the Argos should be a solid offensive football team.
The Argos lost a couple big pieces along their defensive line in the offseason. Gone are Cleyon Laing and Tristan Okpalaugo who signed NFL deals. To the Argos credit, they did a solid job trying to replace those players. They picked up Justin Hickman, Bryan Hall, and Brian Bulcke from the Ticats to join Ricky Foley along that defensive front. Not too shabby. Toronto received a huge boost to their linebacking corps when they scooped up Keon Raymond from Calgary. Their secondary remains generally intact from a year ago lead by Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Overall this defense is fairly solid, but it will be interesting to see how this defense will perform with all the new personnel in place.
After Swayze Waters signed down south, the Argos went out and got Lirim Hajrullahu from the Blue Bombers. Hajrullahu has the ability to be an effective kicker in this league, but his inconsistency in Winnipeg eventually lead to his release in the Peg. He will need to be more consistent for the Boatmen. Chad Owens has been returning kicks forever for the Argos. Now that he has moved down the QEW, it will be interesting to see who the Argos will throw back there, and if he can be consistent and effective.
Outlook: The Argos seem to be set up nicely as they play their first season in their new home at BMO Field. I believe that Ricky Ray will be just fine as he is reported to be 100%. There are a couple of question marks on there defense. Their secondary will have to be better, and with all the new pieces along their defensive front, one would think that it might take some time for the chemistry to gel. However, I get the impression that they might actually have a better defense this season.
The Montreal Alouettes had a disappointing 2015 season missing the playoffs a year after going to the East final in 2014. Montreal will turn to veteran QB Kevin Glenn this season after he came over towards the end of last season. The Als welcome back standout WR Duron Carter after he spent last season on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. Montreal also brings in Kenny Stafford who had a solid season with the Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos last year. Throw in SJ Green, Nik Lewis, Samuel Giguere, and the Als could very well have the best group of receivers in the CFL. This Alouettes offense also boasts the leading rushing attack in the CFL from a season ago. Tyrell Sutton is back and eager to have another solid season on the ground. However, a replacement for Josh Bourke along that offensive line is a big hole to fill.
The Montreal defense wasn't the reason they failed to make the playoffs last year. Montreal has the best defensive line in the league lead by John Bowman who lead the CFL last season with 19 sacks. Bowman, along with Gabe Knapton, and Alan-Michael Cash, reeked havoc on other teams' o-lines a year ago, and they now have a very solid player in Vaughn Martin in the fold too. This d-line really is the strength of their defense. The Als also appear to be really solid at LB as well. Chip Cox, Nick Shortill, Kyries Hebert, and Winston Venable lead a more than capable linebacking crew. The Als even improved their defensive backfield by snagging Jovon Johnson away from the Redblacks. This defense is very well rounded, maybe the best in the league, and will present a very stiff test for any offense that goes up against it.
Boris Bede will handle the kicking duties once again this season, and he has arguably the biggest leg in the CFL. If he can be even more consistent with his accuracy, the Als kicking game will have absolutely nothing to worry about. Montreal also has a very electric kick returner in RB Stefan Logan. He is more than capable of taking it to the house any time he gets his hands on the ball on kick returns.
Outlook: The Als will be out to avenge a difficult season after missing the playoffs last year for the first time in a long time. Kevin Glenn will bring something they lacked very much last season at the QB position, and that was stability. With the other key additions they have made, and a very good defense to lean on, I look for this Alouettes team to surprise some people and make their way back into the playoffs.
0
Montreal Alouettes
Last season: 6-12 12pts. (4th East)
2016 season win total: 7.5
2016 Grey Cup odds: +1200
The Montreal Alouettes had a disappointing 2015 season missing the playoffs a year after going to the East final in 2014. Montreal will turn to veteran QB Kevin Glenn this season after he came over towards the end of last season. The Als welcome back standout WR Duron Carter after he spent last season on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. Montreal also brings in Kenny Stafford who had a solid season with the Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos last year. Throw in SJ Green, Nik Lewis, Samuel Giguere, and the Als could very well have the best group of receivers in the CFL. This Alouettes offense also boasts the leading rushing attack in the CFL from a season ago. Tyrell Sutton is back and eager to have another solid season on the ground. However, a replacement for Josh Bourke along that offensive line is a big hole to fill.
The Montreal defense wasn't the reason they failed to make the playoffs last year. Montreal has the best defensive line in the league lead by John Bowman who lead the CFL last season with 19 sacks. Bowman, along with Gabe Knapton, and Alan-Michael Cash, reeked havoc on other teams' o-lines a year ago, and they now have a very solid player in Vaughn Martin in the fold too. This d-line really is the strength of their defense. The Als also appear to be really solid at LB as well. Chip Cox, Nick Shortill, Kyries Hebert, and Winston Venable lead a more than capable linebacking crew. The Als even improved their defensive backfield by snagging Jovon Johnson away from the Redblacks. This defense is very well rounded, maybe the best in the league, and will present a very stiff test for any offense that goes up against it.
Boris Bede will handle the kicking duties once again this season, and he has arguably the biggest leg in the CFL. If he can be even more consistent with his accuracy, the Als kicking game will have absolutely nothing to worry about. Montreal also has a very electric kick returner in RB Stefan Logan. He is more than capable of taking it to the house any time he gets his hands on the ball on kick returns.
Outlook: The Als will be out to avenge a difficult season after missing the playoffs last year for the first time in a long time. Kevin Glenn will bring something they lacked very much last season at the QB position, and that was stability. With the other key additions they have made, and a very good defense to lean on, I look for this Alouettes team to surprise some people and make their way back into the playoffs.
The Ottawa Redblacks surprised everyone last season. They went from a 2-16 season in their expansion year to almost winning the Grey Cup a year ago. It really was quite a remarkable turnaround. Much of that turnaround was because of the season Henry Burris had, winning the MOP award. Which, perhaps, makes it all the more interesting that they went out and signed Trevor Harris in the offseason. Yes it gives them tremendous depth at the QB position, but only one of them can play. You have to assume that this was more of a move for the future. They return a solid receiving corps with Brad Sinopoli, Chris Williams, Ernest Jackson, and Greg Ellingson leading the way. Their running game suffered a huge blow when starting RB William Powell went down for the year with an achilles injury in their first preseason game. Travon Van looks to be next in line. Major question mark there.
Their defense went through quite the overhaul in the offseason. They lost key pieces at every level on their defense. Justin Capicciotti, James Green, Jovon Johnson, and Keith Shologan all found new homes. Antoine Pruneau is a terrific player, and he will need to have an incredible season for this defense to excel. I don't know if he will get the consistent help he needs to make this defensive unit successful.
Chris Milo came over from Sasktchewan early last season and contributed nicely to the Redblacks kicking game. He converted 90% of his FGs and XPs scoring 125 points last season. The Ottawa kicking game looks to have a fairly consistent leg. Chris Williams is back to handle the kick return duties, and he has the ability and speed to be very dynamic.
Outlook: Ottawa should have no problem putting points on the board this season. Offensively they have teriffic speed and production. They also have the reigning MOP leading the way. William Powell will be missed in the running game, but this is an excellent opportunity for Travon Van to prove himself and I believe he will be just fine. My major concern for this team will be on defense. They have some decent players on defense, but with Jovon Johnson leaving for Montreal, Antoine Pruneau is really the only legitimate playmaker they have.
0
Ottawa Redblacks
Last season: 12-6 24pts. (1st East)
2016 season win total: 9.5
2016 Grey Cup odds: +700
The Ottawa Redblacks surprised everyone last season. They went from a 2-16 season in their expansion year to almost winning the Grey Cup a year ago. It really was quite a remarkable turnaround. Much of that turnaround was because of the season Henry Burris had, winning the MOP award. Which, perhaps, makes it all the more interesting that they went out and signed Trevor Harris in the offseason. Yes it gives them tremendous depth at the QB position, but only one of them can play. You have to assume that this was more of a move for the future. They return a solid receiving corps with Brad Sinopoli, Chris Williams, Ernest Jackson, and Greg Ellingson leading the way. Their running game suffered a huge blow when starting RB William Powell went down for the year with an achilles injury in their first preseason game. Travon Van looks to be next in line. Major question mark there.
Their defense went through quite the overhaul in the offseason. They lost key pieces at every level on their defense. Justin Capicciotti, James Green, Jovon Johnson, and Keith Shologan all found new homes. Antoine Pruneau is a terrific player, and he will need to have an incredible season for this defense to excel. I don't know if he will get the consistent help he needs to make this defensive unit successful.
Chris Milo came over from Sasktchewan early last season and contributed nicely to the Redblacks kicking game. He converted 90% of his FGs and XPs scoring 125 points last season. The Ottawa kicking game looks to have a fairly consistent leg. Chris Williams is back to handle the kick return duties, and he has the ability and speed to be very dynamic.
Outlook: Ottawa should have no problem putting points on the board this season. Offensively they have teriffic speed and production. They also have the reigning MOP leading the way. William Powell will be missed in the running game, but this is an excellent opportunity for Travon Van to prove himself and I believe he will be just fine. My major concern for this team will be on defense. They have some decent players on defense, but with Jovon Johnson leaving for Montreal, Antoine Pruneau is really the only legitimate playmaker they have.
East Synopsis: The East Division is truly wide open this year. All four teams have pieces in place to win this division. A lot depends on the health and productivity of Zach Collaros for Hamilton, but they also lost a lot on their defense. Ottawa looks to repeat and get back to the Grey Cup, but I am not sure that teams took them all that seriously last season. I think they will have a much tougher go of it this season as I expect the other teams in this league will not take them softly this year. Toronto has a lot of the pieces in place, but an injury to Ricky Ray could prove to be devasting if that happens. After letting Trevor Harris leave, they really don't have any depth at the QB position. I also have concerns about their defensive backfield. This leaves Montreal who to me, at least on paper, have the most well rounded team in this division. I look for them to play with a chip on their shoulders a year after missing the postseason for the first time in 19 years. Kevin Glenn will stabilize their QB position, something they sorely lacked last year. Having Duron Carter back in the fold gives them a legitimate deep threat that will help to stretch out defenses. But mostly, it is their defense that can win games for them when the offense isn't playing up to their capabilities.
Drivetime's East Division Prediction
1. Montreal Alouettes
2. Toronto Argonauts
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
4. Ottawa Redblacks
I will post my thoughts on the West Division in a couple of days. Look for my futures bets on Wednesday!
0
East Synopsis: The East Division is truly wide open this year. All four teams have pieces in place to win this division. A lot depends on the health and productivity of Zach Collaros for Hamilton, but they also lost a lot on their defense. Ottawa looks to repeat and get back to the Grey Cup, but I am not sure that teams took them all that seriously last season. I think they will have a much tougher go of it this season as I expect the other teams in this league will not take them softly this year. Toronto has a lot of the pieces in place, but an injury to Ricky Ray could prove to be devasting if that happens. After letting Trevor Harris leave, they really don't have any depth at the QB position. I also have concerns about their defensive backfield. This leaves Montreal who to me, at least on paper, have the most well rounded team in this division. I look for them to play with a chip on their shoulders a year after missing the postseason for the first time in 19 years. Kevin Glenn will stabilize their QB position, something they sorely lacked last year. Having Duron Carter back in the fold gives them a legitimate deep threat that will help to stretch out defenses. But mostly, it is their defense that can win games for them when the offense isn't playing up to their capabilities.
Drivetime's East Division Prediction
1. Montreal Alouettes
2. Toronto Argonauts
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
4. Ottawa Redblacks
I will post my thoughts on the West Division in a couple of days. Look for my futures bets on Wednesday!
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on
this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so.It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly.Covers does not provide
any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in
your relevant locality.Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it.As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner
of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.
Thank you for the write-ups...
Hot Forum Topics
