The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are turning to second-year quarterback Taylor Powell after veteran starter Bo Levi Mitchell was benched early in the first quarter during their Week 10 loss to the Montreal Alouettes.
Head coach Scott Milanovich confirmed this decision in a notably assertive press conference following the 33-23 defeat, stating, “I would expect that, yeah,” when asked about naming Powell the starter against Edmonton. He emphasized his confidence in Powell, citing his year and a half of observation and the team’s need to minimize turnovers.
Mitchell’s performance was brief, completing three of four passes for 25 yards and throwing an interception within the first five minutes. He was replaced immediately after his interception by linebacker Darnell Sankey and did not return. Despite a strong season overall, leading the CFL in passing yards and touchdowns, Mitchell’s turnover issues were highlighted as critical factors in the loss.
Milanovich noted the team’s struggles with turnovers, referencing a fumbled snap and Mitchell’s interception as part of a troubling trend. He expressed frustration but also confidence in the team’s potential to improve, stating, “I told them that I don’t know when it’s going to turn but it’s going to turn.”
When Powell finally entered the game, he was down by 15 points but demonstrated his capabilities by completing 30 of 38 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns, alongside five carries for 52 yards. Although Hamilton could not recover, Milanovich praised Powell’s performance, acknowledging some initial nerves but commending his ability to protect the football and create plays.
Powell had previously started nine games in 2023, finishing with a 4-5 record. Despite being demoted at the end of last season, he signed a contract extension and is viewed as the team’s future quarterback. Mitchell, on the other hand, struggled in his first season with the Tiger-Cats, starting only six games due to injuries and posting disappointing stats.
Milanovich has refrained from discussing Mitchell’s future with the team, focusing instead on Powell’s potential. As the Tiger-Cats sit at the bottom of the East Division, Milanovich’s patience with Mitchell’s performance has worn thin, leading to Powell’s upcoming first start of the season against the Edmonton Elks on August 17.
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