CFL Preview: Tiger-Cats' success could depend on Collaros' return date

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats enter the 2016 season hoping to tread water in the East Division until QB Zach Collaros returns from injury.

Top Storylines

Collaros' return date The quarterback who could’ve won last season’s MOP will need to be patient as he continues to recover from ACL and meniscus surgery. Collaros entered training camp on injured reserve, and will not start the regular season. A return in early-to-mid July appears more likely – but who will step-up until then? Jeremiah Masoli or Jeff Matthews?

Ptaszek's offence Former offensive coordinator Tommy Condell was the brains behind much of Hamilton’s offence, and was quite close to Collaros. But Condell’s sudden departure late in the offseason, for reported family reasons, means Vanier Cup-winning head coach, and former CFL receiver Stefan Ptaszek has the chance to establish his philosophy in the CFL game. How will Kent Austin and Ptaszek collaborate in 2016?

Best defence? The Ticats said goodbye to defensive ends Justin Hickman (Toronto) and Eric Norwood (Saskatchewan), as well as defensive linemen Bryan Hall (Toronto) and Brian Bulcke (Toronto), and linebacker Taylor Reed (Calgary); but Hamilton has always lined its defence with depth. Adrian Tracy, Linden Gaydosh, Michael Atkinson, and Delano Johnson are among several options Hamilton can plug into its defensive line; and the addition of sack machine John Chick means the Ticats are formidable up front. Add to that ever-dangerous linebacker Simoni Lawrence, and defensive backs Courtney Stephens and Emanuel Davis, and defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer could be pounding several teams throughout the season.

Additions and Subtractions

+ DE John Chick Hamilton gladly took what Saskatchewan no longer wanted. The Ticats lost Norwood, Hickman, Hall, and Bulcke this off-season, but gain Chick's size, power, and reputation. And Hamilton's wealth of young defensive linemen will doubtlessly learn from Chick.

- OC Tommy Condell Although Austin is Hamilton’s mastermind in so many ways, Condell’s departure still hurts. He sculpted and called the Ticats offensive plays, and had a strong relationship with Collaros.

Canadian Content

Injuries and free agent departures have put Hamilton’s homegrown talent base in a slightly more tenuous position than it has previously been during Austin’s tenure.

The defensive side of the ball took the brunt of the hit, as a damaged knee may cost starting safety Craig Butler his entire 2016 season. In addition, D-Linemen Brian Bulcke, Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, and Hasan Hazime, as well as DBs Mike Edem and Neil King all bolted during free agency, robbing the Tabbies of significant depth.

The good news is that the club was able to re-sign stud defensive tackle Ted Laurent. The presence of Michael Atkinson and the return of Linden Gaydosh, who missed the entire 2015 season, provide depth at DT and soften the blow of losing the three defensive linemen. However, the loss of Edem and King leaves the Ticats without enough Canadian depth in the secondary to continue starting two Nationals on the back end as they had done for the last two years. As a result, Courtney Stephen will move inside from the field cornerback spot to replace Butler at safety, with the very capable Mike Daly serving as the backup.

With their ratio flexibility compromised and several Canadian backup linebackers, including Frederic Plesius, Byron Archambault, and Beau Landry, already in the fold, some have suggested that Hamilton might eventually be a logical landing place for free agent MLB Henoc Muamba. Barring that possibility, the loss of a National starting position on D means that the Tabbies need to create another Canadian position on the offensive side of the ball. Fortunately, the return to health of receiver Spencer Watt, who signed as a free agent in 2015 before missing the season with a torn Achilles tendon, should solve that problem. The veteran wideout will join sure-handed slotback Andy Fantuz in the Hamilton receiving corps.

The interior of the offensive line will also remain intact with centre Mike Filer flanked by guards Ryan Bomben and Peter Dyakowski. Hamilton traded up on Draft Day to grab guard Brandon Revenberg third overall and the Essex, Ontario native is expected to push those three for playing time as the season progresses.

Who to Watch: Signed in 2015, Spencer Watt missed all of last season with a knee injury. Dynamic and clever, a healthy Watt provides Hamilton with a valuable Canadian receiver who can run any route.

Impact Import

The Ticats have an impressive collection of import talent on their roster when everyone’s healthy. That of course, won’t be the case to start the season with the team’s best player, Collaros, still recovering from a MOP-ruining knee injury. Collaros’ timeline is still a mystery, but the sooner he’s back on the field, the better the Ticats are. And if the oft-injured CJ Gable (just 12 games played in the last two seasons) is still in the starting lineup when that happens, Hamilton will boast a dangerous backfield to opposing defences.

Hamilton has a number of other American playmakers who can put points on the board, led by Collaros’ favourite target, slotback Luke Tasker, and of course Speedy B, Brandon Banks. Banks missed a large portion of training camp dealing with a family matter, but should be full speed to start the season.

While Austin wasn’t as active in free agency this year as he had been in the past, he did nab two big names no longer needed by their former teams, banking on them having some gas left in the tank. Chad Owens heads west on the QEW after six seasons in Toronto; his last year his worst statistically. And Chick rejoins Austin after the two won a Grey Cup together in 2000; but after a strong 11-sack season.

The loud and clear leader on defence is Lawrence. A perennial All-Star, Lawrence is one of the best linebackers in the league and sets the tone for the entire team. He’s joined by fellow import East Division All-Star Davis, who returns to the Ticats’ secondary after looks in the NFL.

Season Outlook

Imagine what Hamilton would’ve accomplished if Collaros remained healthy in 2015? The core of this team – WRs Tasker and Andy Fantuz, LB Lawrence, and DT Laurent – knows how to win; but so much of Hamilton’s season will hinge on when Collaros returns from his knee injury, and if he can regain his MOP form.