During their Week 20 bye, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are well-positioned to contend for their first Grey Cup since 1999. While many so-called CFL experts may overlook their chances, the Tiger-Cats possess a clear path to the championship. To seize this opportunity, the coaches and players must focus beyond weekly victories or individual statistics, directing their efforts toward the singular goal of bringing the Grey Cup back to Hamilton.
The best teams in professional football, including the CFL, make key adjustments during their bye week that they may not have had time to install during previous game week preparations. Part of those adjustments includes getting rest for their players and ensuring their best playmakers are as healthy as possible heading into the last few weeks of the CFL season and post-season. Coaching staff tend to use this time for self-scouting endeavours to identify and address any aspects of their game plan that have prevented them from reaching their potential.
With those adjustments in mind, there are five things the Tiger-Cats need to do to lock themselves in as a favorite to break through and win the Grey Cup this season.
Maintain Offensive Balance and Execution
On a week-to-week basis, the Tiger-Cats have all the ingredients to have the top offensive unit in the CFL. They have a veteran quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell, who is healthy, and a fleet of wide receivers capable of taking over a game at any time. The problem the Tiger-Cats face on offense is that they often overlook the potential of running back Greg Bell to set them up for success, instead forcing passes downfield into tight coverage.
This season, Bell has demonstrated his ability to run the ball effectively, help Hamilton manage the game tempo, and provide balance offensively. In the games that Hamilton has lost this year, the common factor is the Tiger-Cats’ failure to rely on their running game. Admittedly, Hamilton has struggled to run the ball against the CFL’s best defensive fronts, but they could compensate for their lack of running game by using Bell as a hot receiver. A swing pass or flat route that Bell can take for a five-yard gain on first down is just as effective as a run play, but it does not require as much execution from their offensive line.
Continue to Improve at Forcing Turnovers
On the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Brent Monson must push the Tiger-Cats to reach a higher level of chemistry and execution. Up to this point in the season, Monson has chosen to play multiple forms of zone coverage to act as a “net” with the hopes that opposing offensive units will derail their own efforts. That plan has worked against most teams in the CFL, but it has not been effective against the three teams that they will need to win against in the Grey Cup championship.
The sticking point defensively is that they have built a defensive line designed to rush the passer. Pass rushers like Julian Howsare have had outstanding games this season, but great pass rushers tend to struggle when it comes to stopping the run. Currently, the Tiger-Cats are all-in with Nickel defensive personnel, which is common in the CFL, but that means they will need to rely on forcing fumbles to stop opposing rushing attacks.
Secure Home-Field Advantage for the East Division Finals
Securing the bye week for the first round of the CFL playoffs should be a top priority for the Tiger-Cats during the remaining portion of the 2025 CFL regular season. Currently, there are three ways Hamilton can secure home-field advantage until they reaches the Grey Cup championship game in Winnipeg. The most immediate way to clinch the top spot in the division and the bye week is to have the Ottawa Redblacks defeat the Montreal Alouettes, which seems unlikely after last week’s 30-10 win by Montreal over Ottawa. Second, if the Tiger-Cats can beat the Redblacks next week, they will clinch the bye week, which is the best of the three possible outcomes. Third, if Montreal loses in Week 21 to Winnipeg, the Tiger-Cats can back their way into the bye week.
Keep Key Offensive Playmakers Healthy and Ready to Perform
To contend for a Grey Cup, the Tiger-Cats must keep key offensive playmakers, including Bo Levi Mitchell, Kenny Lawler, Kiondre Smith, Tim White, and Shemar Bridges, healthy and game-ready through the regular season and postseason. These players drive offensive success. While backup running backs have contributed, Greg Bell’s injuries illustrate roster vulnerability. If Bo Levi Mitchell or Kenny Lawler are sidelined, the team’s championship hopes would diminish drastically.
Address Personnel Weaknesses on the Offensive Line
Each week for the rest of the 2025 season, the Tiger-Cats must put their best offensive linemen on the field. The biggest question mark is at the offensive center position. Finding a center this late in the season is not realistic. Instead, the Tiger-Cats’ offensive guards should assist the center and provide extra support on run plays and in pass protection.
It has also been clear this year that the Tiger-Cats struggle to produce in the run game against the league’s best teams. To adapt, it is advisable to simulate the running game with quick, high-percentage passes. Greg Bell can act as a check-down option when defenders clamp down on the Tiger-Cats receivers. Giving Mitchell an easy dump-off option, rather than forcing deep passes, will limit turnovers. This approach allows Hamilton to advance down the field until defenses overcompensate and open up deep shots for Kenny Lawler.
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