Ticats prepare for Adams, high-scoring Stampeders

Linebacker Reggie Stubblefield and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' defense are preparing for a tough challenge against Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. on Saturday. Adams leads the Canadian Football League (CFL) with 20 touchdown passes and has maintained a clean record with no interceptions this season, making him a formidable opponent.

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I love to see what V.A. is doing, not turning the ball over, being very efficient. I respect Dave Dickenson (Calgary’s head coach/GM), I respect V.A. and many of the guys who are on the offensive side of the ball. But it still goes to worrying about us and focusing on the things we’ve been preaching all year. Just looking forward to the challenge, ready to go compete with those guys and get back on the winning track.

"I love to see what V.A. is doing, not turning the ball over, being very efficient," Stubblefield said. "But it still goes to worrying about us and focusing on the things we’ve been preaching all year. Just looking forward to the challenge, ready to go compete with those guys and get back on the winning track."

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A hot quarterback is a problem. I’ve said it every time I’ve played him since he’s been in the league that (Adams) can get streaky and he’s on a season-long tear right now. We’ve got to get pressure, got to put him in second and long, all of those things that make quarterbacks uncomfortable.

Last week, Hamilton's defense faced Davis Alexander of the Montreal Alouettes, holding him to 187 passing yards and no touchdowns, but a late interception contributed to a loss. Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich acknowledged the difficulty of facing a "hot quarterback" like Adams, emphasizing the need to "get pressure, got to put him in second and long, all of those things that make quarterbacks uncomfortable."

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A very good defence versus a very good offence that’s been playing very efficiently. I think it’s going to be a game that’s going to be played throughout four quarters and I also believe the most physical, disciplined and consistent team will win.

Calgary boasts the CFL's top offense in points (37.0) and touchdowns (31), while Hamilton's defense ranks second in fewest points allowed (25.3) and tied for second in fewest touchdowns given up (18). Milanovich believes stopping Calgary's running back Dedrick Mills, the CFL's leading rusher, is crucial to creating opportunities for the pass rush. "Honestly, as hot as Vernon is, it’s going to start by stopping the run," Milanovich stated.

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I think it (establishing run) is very important, especially against a hot quarterback and a h