The Rouge takes a look at each team and poses their biggest question heading into the off-season. Today, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
As much as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats offence flourished last season, their defence struggled equally.
How else can you explain a team finishing first in scoring and passing yards and second in total offence, only to finish last in the league?
And while it's unfair to blame all of Hamilton's 2012 struggles on their defence, of the three units it's hard to argue they don't deserve the lion's share of the blame for the club failing to live up to pre-season expectations.
Logic dictates, then, that the Ticats should dedicate most of their off-season time and resources to improving that unit.
With the departure of defensive coordinator Casey Creehan to Winnipeg, it's a chance for a fresh start on D in Hamilton. Head coach George Cortez has said the search for Creehan's successor will begin immediately.
The cupboard isn't completely bare in Hamilton either. The Ticats still have the makings of a strong linebacking corps with former East All-Stars Rey Williams, Jamall Johnson, and Markeith Knowlton, should they all return next season. There were also a few defensive linemen that flashed potential down the stretch last season in the Hammer.
Also helping the cause is that Hamilton owns the first overall pick in the upcoming CFL Draft. A quick look at the early draft rankings shows two big defensive linemen that could help in the team's efforts to control the line of scrimmage for years to come.
The Rouge asks: How should the Hamilton Tiger-Cats improve their defence this off-season?
As always, it's Your! Call.
