By Kevin Thompson
To begin with, give us your thoughts on last week’s game in Edmonton…
MB – “We did a lot of good things, I thought we moved the ball really well and we were productive. I still feel that we left some plays on the field and some points off the board unfortunately which could have given us a better opportunity to win.”
Kevin Glenn threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns – how did you feel about his performance?
MB – “He did a good job especially with his first start. For the most part his reads were down, he threw with accuracy, he put us in a position to win the game and gave us some opportunities. It was no different than any other quarterback with their first opportunity, there was probably some throws that he would like back and a few things he can get better at, but overall it was a good performance.”
Glenn connected with Arland Bruce III for two TD passes. The two CFL veterans seem to have great chemistry on the field…
MB – “They communicate during practice and for that matter Arland communicates well with all the quarterbacks so they are all getting to know him. I think that chemistry takes time but they are off to a good start.”
In the game against Edmonton, Linebackers Markeith Knowlton, Jamall Johnson and Otis Floyd combined for 23 defensive tackles and two quarterback sacks. Can you comment on their contribution to the Ticats defence?
MB – “Great contribution, we are very active, very athletic at the linebacker position with those play makers. I really enjoy watching those guys play and they are only going to get better the more they play together.”
Unfortunately in the game against Edmonton, there were a few turnovers, dropped balls and punt coverage confusion. How do you address these mistakes with your players?
MB – “The one thing we did was talk about all of the mistakes that we made and it still was a 31-30 game so if we had of taken half of those back then we would have been in a good position to win the game. I showed them on the tape as a team that these are missed opportunities and as a team if we can make these plays and correct these mistakes then we will be in good shape for the future.”
In Saturday’s game, players from both teams were having difficulty keeping their footing based on the field conditions. What are the differences between playing on real grass at Commonwealth Stadium versus the turf at Ivor Wynne Stadium?
MB – “I don’t think we really had a problem on either team to be honest with you, a couple guys slipped but they slip down on this turf too. I don’t think it was an issue when both teams have over four hundred yards in offence and score in the thirties I think your moving pretty good.”
“I think people just make a bigger deal about it than it really is, it’s just grass, we wear the same cleats on this field as we do there and so do they.”
How critical are the upcoming back-to-back games against the Toronto Argonauts?
MB – “They are very important, we need to play well and continue to improve. Anytime you play an East Division opponent it’s an important game.”
With two games in five days against the same opponent, how does the practicing and preparation change to ensure players stay healthy?
MB – “It does but you have to look at the bigger picture as we have three games in twelve days, so we have to make sure they get the proper amount of days off and the proper amount of rest is important. The first week we can practice like normal as long as we have enough days off leading up to the game. The second week we have to make adjustments to having a one and half day work week and playing to make sure we have enough rest going into the game against Calgary.”
You’ve already played the Argos once… how does your preparation change against Toronto this time around?
MB – “It changes a little bit, they throw the ball a little more than they did earlier in the season, they have a different quarterback so obviously there are some subtle changes. They are playing very well, not unlike us they played a couple of good games with chances to win games but they just didn’t.”
“We have evolved as a team since that game as well, our personnel is a little different from our first game so I feel that we have improved too.”
What is the status of Quinton Porter’s knee injury? Have you decided on a starter at quarterback for the Labour Day Classic?
MB – “It’s day to day, we will see how he’s doing but he’s getting better everyday. No, we have not decided on a starter yet for Labour Day.”
It looks like Ivor Wynne Stadium will be sold out for the first time since 2005. The crowd should be energetic and noisy… how will this excitement affect your players?
MB – “The players will definitely be excited and feed off that energy there is no question there, it will be nice to see a full house and the players should respond to that.”
