By Geoff Crane
Stampeders.com

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have their paws full Friday when the Calgary Stampeders arrive in Steeltown for their final head-to-head of the 2015 regular season between last year’s Grey Cup finalists.

Not only does Calgary boast the league’s second-highest scoring offence, they bring in tow the top two receivers in the Canadian Football League in Eric Rogers and Marquay McDaniel.

Together, the two have racked up an impressive 1,939 yards in 130 receptions to go along with 10 touchdowns.

“Eric is the speedy guy, tall guy,” says McDaniel when asked to break down the Stamps receiving corps.

“You saw that catch (Rogers made) last week. That’s just the type of guy he is. You can just throw it up to him and I like that matchup nine times out of 10.”

McDaniel considers himself more of an underneath coverage specialist, making the tough catches in arguably the toughest parts of the field.

He credits his receiving teammates — Rogers, Jeff Fuller and Joe West — for opening up the shorter parts of the field for him by creating distractions for opposing defenders.

Rogers, who leads the league in nearly every receiving category, speaks highly of McDaniel’s leadership in helping him to mature as a receiver.

“We sit right next to each other, so I pay attention to what he does,” says the second-year breakout star, who has five 100-yard receiving games to his credit so far this season. “Some guys will take maintenance days and vet days but since training camp (McDaniel’s) been out here every day. He takes as many reps as anyone. When you see that, you appreciate that he’s not just a leader that talks but he leads by example. You have to appreciate that.”

The hard work and example has paid off in a big way for the Stampeders.

Currently, Rogers and McDaniel sit in first and second place respectively in second-down conversions in the CFL, making them prime targets when the offence needs steady hands to extend drives.

Additionally, McDaniel leads the league in yards after contact with 329 and Rogers is close behind with 309.

Both players admit the secret to their success has been very simple — just make plays when the opportunity is presented to you.

“These guys are all pros and that’s what I like about them,” says McDaniel. “They’ve all been in the system before so they know what they’re doing, that’s the main thing. For me, each game, I just like to tell these guys, ‘Let’s everybody make plays.’ ”

And make plays they have, though it may not always be recognized. McDaniel has consistently put up strong numbers in his time with Calgary, with not a lot of flash. That understated attitude may be rubbing off on his younger counterpart.

Quite often – even after a spectacular highlight reel catch – Rogers will not take time to showboat or grandstand but races back to the huddle to ready for the next play.

“I try to stay even keel,” says Rogers. “Sometimes guys talk too much. Some guys talk a lot but I don’t really demonstrate it on the field. I might talk a little on the field but I don’t show the actions too much.”

His demeanour may be working in his favour, frustrating some of his opponents who can’t seem to fluster the lanky slotback.

“Quay said some of the guys on the other teams don’t like me, I don’t know why,” chuckle Rogers.

“I don’t try to talk too much. I’d rather make the plays and save some energy for the field.”

And the Stamps hope their top targets have plenty of energy for a bid to repeat as Grey Cup champions.