by Scott Rickenbach
Thursday, Jun 01, 2023Canadian Football League East Division Ham/Tor Rivalry CFL 2023
Hamilton Tiger-Cats – Projected win total is 10.5 and last season the Tiger-Cats won 8 games. That may seem like a big jump but let’s not forget that this is a team that had been very strong in recent seasons – one of the best in the CFL – prior to suffering from inconsistent play last year at QB. This was part of what led to a disappointing campaign and a disappointing playoff exit but now they added QB Bo Levi Mitchell and other players on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Let’s not forget this team, prior to last season, was in each of the last two Grey Cups. They lost each time though and are still trying to bring the Championship back to Hamilton as it has been a long period without it. That said, another key here is that Toronto had a surprising run to the CFL Grey Cup Championship last year. It is hard to repeat such success. So look for the Argos to drop off some and Redblacks are improving but have a long way to go and Alouettes are unlikely to reach .500 again this season. The point is that Hamilton should have an easier path to being the top team in the East again as long as Mitchell produces as we expect him to.
Toronto Argonauts – Projected win total is 9.5 and last season the Argonauts won 11 games. They won the Grey Cup last season but are likely to take a step back this season. Not only will all teams be gunning for them this season, the Argos also have a question mark at QB. Yes, Chad Kelly has all the tools but he has very little CFL experience and the guys behind him also lack in experience. Toronto is putting a lot of reliance on Kelly for sure. Remember it was Bethel-Thompson at QB that led this team to the Grey Cup game last season. The Argonauts did make some strong additions on both sides of the ball though and credit must be given for that. But the question will be how quickly the qb position will jell. If that takes some time or Kelly does not adjust well to the CFL game, the Argos are in trouble. Still a very strong team but lets see how the transition on offense is going early in the season. That will be a key.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats – Projected win total is 10.5 and last season the Tiger-Cats won 8 games. That may seem like a big jump but let’s not forget that this is a team that had been very strong in recent seasons – one of the best in the CFL – prior to suffering from inconsistent play last year at QB. This was part of what led to a disappointing campaign and a disappointing playoff exit but now they added QB Bo Levi Mitchell and other players on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Let’s not forget this team, prior to last season, was in each of the last two Grey Cups. They lost each time though and are still trying to bring the Championship back to Hamilton as it has been a long period without it. That said, another key here is that Toronto had a surprising run to the CFL Grey Cup Championship last year. It is hard to repeat such success. So look for the Argos to drop off some and Redblacks are improving but have a long way to go and Alouettes are unlikely to reach .500 again this season. The point is that Hamilton should have an easier path to being the top team in the East again as long as Mitchell produces as we expect him to.
Toronto Argonauts – Projected win total is 9.5 and last season the Argonauts won 11 games. They won the Grey Cup last season but are likely to take a step back this season. Not only will all teams be gunning for them this season, the Argos also have a question mark at QB. Yes, Chad Kelly has all the tools but he has very little CFL experience and the guys behind him also lack in experience. Toronto is putting a lot of reliance on Kelly for sure. Remember it was Bethel-Thompson at QB that led this team to the Grey Cup game last season. The Argonauts did make some strong additions on both sides of the ball though and credit must be given for that. But the question will be how quickly the qb position will jell. If that takes some time or Kelly does not adjust well to the CFL game, the Argos are in trouble. Still a very strong team but lets see how the transition on offense is going early in the season. That will be a key.
