Tiger-Cats look to rebound vs. Redblacks after pair of home losses

After an impressive CFL debut, Caleb Evans is experiencing the typical growing pains that go with being a rookie starting quarterback.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans threw three TD strikes in leading the Ottawa Redblacks to a 34-24 home win over the Edmonton Elks in his first CFL start Sept. 28. But in the three contests since, Evans has thrown seven interceptions and just one touchdown pass and was benched in last week’s 27-16 loss to the Montreal Alouettes.

Evans, 23, returns under centre Saturday when Ottawa (2-8) visits Hamilton (4-5). A win by the Tiger-Cats would be their first at home in three contests while the loss would be the Redblacks’ fourth straight and eliminate them from playoff contention.

After Ottawa’s win over Edmonton, Evans threw three interceptions – with two being returned for TDs – in a 35-16 road loss to the Toronto Argonauts on Oct. 6. Evans was also intercepted three times last week versus Montreal.

“When you watch film, anytime you see a quarterback throw an interception that’s something you take note of and want to try to recreate that yourself,” first-year Ticats linebacker Kameron Kelly said. “But I feel like any position on the field, but quarterbacks more than anything, must have a short memory.

“We’re going to have to try and do our part to execute our defence and try to give him some looks so hopefully he throws them our way.”

It’s been a miserable season for Ottawa. Its offence is ranked last in the CFL in offensive points (13.9 per game), offensive TDs (nine), net offensive yards (266.7) and passing yards (210.2).

Ottawa has also allowed 38 sacks (including 10 last week against Montreal) and committed 29 turnovers, both CFL highs. Opponents have scored 75 points off Redblacks miscues, also tops in the league.

But although Evans is a rookie, Kelly said Hamilton’s defence – which is ranked second in fewest offensive points allowed (17.2 per game) – won’t have any exotic coverages or schemes in store for Ottawa.

If Evans struggles again, backup Devlin Hodges could see his first CFL action. Hodges, who started six games for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, will dress for his first game with Ottawa.

The contest is important for the Ticats, who’re third in the East Division standings. But Hamilton has had difficulty winning at Tim Hortons Field of late.

The Ticats’ 23-20 overtime loss to Montreal there Oct. 2 snapped their 11-game home win streak. Then Hamilton dropped a 24-23 decision to arch-rival Toronto on Oct. 11 before heading on a bye week.

Receiver Brandon Banks (ribs) will return to Hamilton’s lineup, both on offence as well as on kick returns with Frankie Williams out. Banks, the CFL’s outstanding player in 2019, has missed four of the Ticats’ past five games with the injury.