Ticats look for strength on ‘D’ line

Last year the Tiger-Cats defense was much improved from the year before. And the team hopes to be even better this year. Especially on the defensive line.

The Ticat defensive line has looked pretty good so far at training camp, and they’re quick to point-out their strengths.

Brandon Boudreau: “We run, we get to the quarterback, we use our hands well.”

Eric Norwood: “We’ve got good chemistry. We’ve gelled quicker than other groups and we build on what we had last year.”

In 2013, Hamilton’s defense recorded the fewest sacks in the league, and was second-to-last in interceptions. The linemen hope to improve the overall defensive performance by focusing on their communication.

Brian Bulcke: “We talk a lot about how a pass rush is four guys working together, not just the one guy who gets the sack. A lot of times, the one guy who gets there to make the QB move, it’s the next guy who gets the sack.”

The one thing that might hamper their progress at camp is the fact that veteran defensive tackle Torrey Davis and newly-acquired tackle Ted Laurent, have been sidelined with lower body injuries.

Defensive Co-ordinator Orlondo Steinauer: “Looking forward to getting Ted and Torrey back out there, putting together a group in front of a linebacking corps that we’re looking at so… no serious injuries, just looking to keep it that way.”

The good news is, third-year Ticat Terrence Moore has stepped-in and stepped-up his game.

Bulcke: “T-mo’s really stepped it up, I really love playing with him. He just pulls his head up and goes at it really hard. He’s developed a lot of quickness in the off-season which is really cool.”