Trevor Hagan
By: Gord Holder – Ottawa Citizen
Photo: Trevor Hagan
Redblacks
1. Jamill Smith: Kick coverage was the Redblacks’ biggest special-teams problem against Winnipeg, but the diminutive Smith needs to be more productive on his own returns, shortening the field for the offence.
2. Marcus Henry: Three catches for 52 yards in the opener was a good start, and he might find additional motivation in returning to Edmonton, where the Eskimos flunked him on a training camp medical exam. He passed in Ottawa days later.
3. Nate Menkin: The import left tackle will share responsibility for trying to keep Eskimos rush end Odell Willis in check. Henry Burris would appreciate that.
4. Jonathan Williams: He recorded two of the Redblacks’ five quarterback sacks against Winnipeg, and putting heat on Edmonton’s Mike Reilly will be just as important.
5. Jerrell Gavins: The Redblacks need more Good Jerrell (five tackles, one interception, one pass knockdown) and less Bad Jerrell (penalties for pass interference, offside, roughing the passer and holding) from the first-year defensive back.
Eskimos
1. Mike Reilly: One of the team’s bright lights during an otherwise dark and stormy 2013 season, he’s a threat both with his arm (29-for-40, 253 yards, against the Ticats) and legs (two first-down runs).
2. Dexter McCoil: Who? First-year linebacker has recorded an interception in each of the first two games.
3. Odell Willis: Yes, he was fined for what had been an unpenalized hit to the head of Ticats QB Zach Collaros, but he also recorded three sacks.
4. Patrick Watkins: He’s a big, physical cornerback, and he made one of the plays of the week by stealing the ball from the arms of Hamilton’s Jeremiah Masoli and returning it for a touchdown.
5. A.J. Guyton: Reilly’s favourite target against Hamilton, with eight catches for 54 yards.
