Ticats’ Dynamic Duo: Bo Levi Mitchell and Tim White Shine Ahead of CFL Preseason
However, it’s important to maintain a cautious perspective. Sunday’s game was a controlled scrimmage, where the defense’s contact was limited to avoid any preseason injuries. This scenario provides the offense with a significant advantage, making it somewhat misleading to fully gauge the team’s readiness based on this performance alone. It’s akin to judging a restaurant’s quality by the font on its menu. Therefore, while the initial signs are encouraging, the true test will come during the preseason games starting next weekend, where the intensity and realism of the competition will be much higher.Something to Prove
Despite their impressive resumes, both Mitchell and White enter this season with chips on their shoulders. White, a dynamic two-time CFL All-Star, was one of the most coveted free agents in the offseason. Yet, he feels he has much to prove. “Absolutely,” White affirmed. “There’s always something to prove.” He mentioned that some comments made during free agency were less than complimentary, and those remarks have stayed with him, fueling his drive to excel.
Mitchell, on the other hand, boasts an illustrious career with two Grey Cups, both times named MVP, and two league Most Outstanding Player awards, amassing a 92-29-2 career record. Despite these accolades, he too feels the need to prove himself. “Oh, 100 per cent,” he said, reflecting on his recent struggles. The early years of his career were so stellar that they set a high bar, making the plateau over the past five years particularly disappointing for him. “I can say without pride, I haven’t been the player I wanted to be the last five years,” Mitchell admitted.
Last season was especially tough for Mitchell. After joining the Ticats as the biggest signing of the offseason, his year was derailed by two injuries that sidelined him for 12 games. When he did play, he struggled to find his rhythm. For Mitchell, this season is not about proving doubters wrong, but about validating the faith of those who believe in him.
Building Chemistry
The potential for a remarkable partnership between Mitchell and White is immense. Mitchell pointed out that White has never had a quarterback who played the whole season with him. If they can achieve that consistency, the results could be special. “If you get the ball to him 10 times a game, you’re going to have a lot of fun,” Mitchell remarked.
Fans are certainly ready for a turnaround. Last season, the Ticats’ offense struggled significantly, scoring fewer points than all but two teams in the league. The Red Zone, in particular, was a nightmare, with the team being held to 20 points or fewer in nine games, including the playoff. The smooth operation witnessed on Sunday suggests a possible shift.
Head coach Scott Milanovich has introduced a new, fast-paced system, a departure from last year’s strategies. Both Mitchell and White seem enthusiastic about this change. White noted that their chemistry has grown, saying, “I think Bo understands me a lot more now—who I am as a person and how I am as a player. So it’s easier for him to know where to put the ball.”
Looking Ahead
The Ticats will host Ottawa on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the first of two preseason games, followed by a game against Toronto in Guelph the next Friday evening. These games will provide a more accurate measure of the team’s capabilities and the Mitchell-White duo’s potential impact.
Team Notes
The team recently released receiver Justin McGriff due to injury, despite high expectations for him. Among those in the crowd on Sunday was recently retired offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl and former McMaster star QB Ben Chapdelaine, who served as an official during the game.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the evolving dynamic between Mitchell and White, with fans hopeful that this promising duo will lead the Tiger-Cats to a successful season.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ Black and Gold Kickoff game on Sunday evening provided a tantalizing glimpse of what could be a thrilling offensive season. Fans who gathered at Ron Joyce Stadium were treated to an impressive display of synergy between star quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and standout receiver Tim White. Their connection, especially in the Red Zone, a problematic area for the team last year, was nothing short of spectacular. The die-hard fans who sacrificed part of their long weekend for this early dose of football optimism left the stadium buzzing with excitement.
However, it’s important to maintain a cautious perspective. Sunday’s game was a controlled scrimmage, where the defense’s contact was limited to avoid any preseason injuries. This scenario provides the offense with a significant advantage, making it somewhat misleading to fully gauge the team’s readiness based on this performance alone. It’s akin to judging a restaurant’s quality by the font on its menu. Therefore, while the initial signs are encouraging, the true test will come during the preseason games starting next weekend, where the intensity and realism of the competition will be much higher.
Something to Prove
Despite their impressive resumes, both Mitchell and White enter this season with chips on their shoulders. White, a dynamic two-time CFL All-Star, was one of the most coveted free agents in the offseason. Yet, he feels he has much to prove. “Absolutely,” White affirmed. “There’s always something to prove.” He mentioned that some comments made during free agency were less than complimentary, and those remarks have stayed with him, fueling his drive to excel.
Mitchell, on the other hand, boasts an illustrious career with two Grey Cups, both times named MVP, and two league Most Outstanding Player awards, amassing a 92-29-2 career record. Despite these accolades, he too feels the need to prove himself. “Oh, 100 per cent,” he said, reflecting on his recent struggles. The early years of his career were so stellar that they set a high bar, making the plateau over the past five years particularly disappointing for him. “I can say without pride, I haven’t been the player I wanted to be the last five years,” Mitchell admitted.
Last season was especially tough for Mitchell. After joining the Ticats as the biggest signing of the offseason, his year was derailed by two injuries that sidelined him for 12 games. When he did play, he struggled to find his rhythm. For Mitchell, this season is not about proving doubters wrong, but about validating the faith of those who believe in him.
Building Chemistry
The potential for a remarkable partnership between Mitchell and White is immense. Mitchell pointed out that White has never had a quarterback who played the whole season with him. If they can achieve that consistency, the results could be special. “If you get the ball to him 10 times a game, you’re going to have a lot of fun,” Mitchell remarked.
Fans are certainly ready for a turnaround. Last season, the Ticats’ offense struggled significantly, scoring fewer points than all but two teams in the league. The Red Zone, in particular, was a nightmare, with the team being held to 20 points or fewer in nine games, including the playoff. The smooth operation witnessed on Sunday suggests a possible shift.
Head coach Scott Milanovich has introduced a new, fast-paced system, a departure from last year’s strategies. Both Mitchell and White seem enthusiastic about this change. White noted that their chemistry has grown, saying, “I think Bo understands me a lot more now—who I am as a person and how I am as a player. So it’s easier for him to know where to put the ball.”
Looking Ahead
The Ticats will host Ottawa on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the first of two preseason games, followed by a game against Toronto in Guelph the next Friday evening. These games will provide a more accurate measure of the team’s capabilities and the Mitchell-White duo’s potential impact.
Team Notes
The team recently released receiver Justin McGriff due to injury, despite high expectations for him. Among those in the crowd on Sunday was recently retired offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl and former McMaster star QB Ben Chapdelaine, who served as an official during the game.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the evolving dynamic between Mitchell and White, with fans hopeful that this promising duo will lead the Tiger-Cats to a successful season.