Ford steps in as starting quarterback
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to start Canadian Tre Ford at quarterback for their upcoming game against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday night. This decision comes as the team seeks a spark for its offence. Ford, who joined Hamilton as a free agent this off-season, will be making his 24th career CFL start, though his previous starts were with the Edmonton Elks.
Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich indicated that the change is about utilizing Ford’s different skill set. Milanovich emphasized that the decision was not a reflection on Jake Dolegala, who started last week’s game. Ford has completed eight of 13 passes for 59 yards in limited action this season with the Tiger-Cats.
The team’s last game saw a 38-7 road loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, which was their first game without star quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. Mitchell suffered an ankle injury on July 5 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, an injury that required surgery. Dolegala completed 17 of 30 passes for 122 yards and one interception against Saskatchewan. Ford saw late action in that game, completing five of six passes for 47 yards and rushing twice for 24 yards.
Preparation amidst air quality concerns
Preparation for Saturday’s game has been affected by air quality issues in the Hamilton area. The Tiger-Cats were forced to conduct most of their practice sessions indoors, with Friday’s outdoor session being a walk-through without pads or helmets. Despite the unusual practice week, Ford downplayed the impact, noting his experience as a backup who has had to step in without extensive practice reps.
The Argonauts also held their walk-through indoors on Friday in Guelph, Ont., due to similar air quality concerns. Both the CFL and CFLPA are monitoring the situation, with protocols in place if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI+) reaches eight or higher during the warm-up or game. However, forecasts for Saturday include wind gusts up to 53 kilometres an hour and a 90 per cent chance of afternoon rain, leading to optimism regarding game-day conditions.
Ford’s mobility is a key aspect of his game, which could present challenges for opposing defences. Milanovich noted that receivers will need to adjust on the fly when Ford escapes the pocket. Ford’s career CFL stats include completing 367 of 547 passes (67.1 per cent) for 4,710 yards with 29 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He has also rushed 128 times for 1,176 yards, averaging 9.2 yards per carry, and scored four rushing touchdowns.
Team outlook and key matchups
The Tiger-Cats are looking to improve their offensive performance, especially after a period without a major score since Mitchell’s injury. The team’s offensive line and receivers will be crucial in supporting Ford. Receiver Kiondré Smith has acknowledged that the team’s receiving corps needs to step up and make plays to ease the quarterback’s burden.
The Argonauts will be without several players for Saturday’s game, including returner/receiver Janarion Grant (knee) and punter John Haggerty (hamstring). Canadian linebacker Cameron Judge (head/hamstring) will also miss his second consecutive start. Global James Burnip, recently acquired from Ottawa, will replace Haggerty.
Toronto’s quarterback, Chad Kelly, leads the CFL in passing with 1,804 yards and is tied for the league lead with 14 touchdown passes. He also holds a 4-2 record against Hamilton. The Argonauts’ receiving corps features four players with over 300 yards this season: Kevin Mital (392), Makai Polk (378), Damonte Coxie (372), and David Ungerer III (330). Hamilton’s secondary has allowed an average of 294.6 yards per game.
Veteran Hamilton linebacker Wynton McManis will face his former team for the first time, having helped Toronto win two Grey Cups before joining the Tiger-Cats this off-season. McManis has recorded 10 tackles and an interception in two games this season. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
