Good news: through three weeks, the stout BC Lions defence has surrendered an average of only 15.3 points per game.
Better news: defensive coordinator Mark Washington believes they can be even more dominating, especially on the heels of last week’s 25-14 loss to the Toronto Argonauts, one he feels his unit may have let slip away.
“The Hamilton and the Toronto game were a contrast,” Washington said while preparing for Saturday’s crucial clash on Saskatchewan. “If we make the same plays in Hamilton for when Toronto came in, it’s a whole different ballgame. You just have to take advantage of your opportunities.”
The two main opportunities he is referring two were near-interceptions by Ryan Phillips and Mike Edem, the first of which was an easy touchdown had Phillips hung on to the ball following his perfect read on a Ricky Ray screen pass. Edem’s end zone drop took place before one of six field goals by Argos kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. That’s not to single out those two players. Both have played a huge role in the defensive effort thus far and are a big reason the Lions are in a position to be 3-1 heading into their bye next week.
Still though, it was a far cry from the four-turnover performance in week two at Hamilton that sent many of the Ticats faithful scurrying for the exits before the post game Canada Day fireworks show. Winning the turnover battle is essential for any defence looking to take over the game week in and week out.
“You win that, you put yourself in a very good position to come out on top, Washington said. “You take the ball away from them that’s one less scoring opportunity they have and it’s one more you have. In some cases if you take an interception or fumble and core yourself, you put the points on the board yourself.”
It sounds simple, no doubt. But with the game being as fast as it is these days, it’s easy to understand how some chances can slip through the cracks like they did against the Argos.
“If you sack the quarterback, he doesn’t have the opportunity to extend the play,” added Wally Buono. “We missed a couple sacks, we got a couple sacks, but when you don’t get any turnovers on defence, it’s tough to beat anybody.”
One thing Washington can surely be happy with so far is the dynamic duo of “Team 100.” Adam Bighill and Solomon Elimimian. They are first and second in total team tackles respectively and Solly looks every bit as dominating as he was before he suffered his season-ending Achilles injury last August.
“We just need the guys to do what they’ve been coached to do and that’s stay within the scheme and when we do that, that’s when we’re successful. Those two guys are good at it,” Washington added.
Another bright spot has been rookie Loucheiz Purifoy who has adapted well to the nickel position after turning heads from the beginning of training camp in Kamloops. Perhaps his biggest asset is his speed, which has also made him a force to be reckoned with on kick coverage. The Florida Gators product previously suited up for 11 games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 before a brief stint on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
“His performance has been what I expect for a rookie. He is a ballplayer,” Washington said. “He’s a playmaker and you have to allow his athleticism and his football playmaking ability to come out. He plays at 100 miles per hour and that’s what you want when it comes to a player of his calibre.”
A good mixture of veterans and youngsters is a great formula to have in the ever-changing landscape of CFL rosters. The ability to lock up American free agents of that calibre can go a long way in determining where you are standing at the end of November.
For now though, the focus is on getting back in the win column by taking care of a determined Roughriders squad that is coming off a heartbreaking 39-36 overtime loss in Edmonton. Washington relishes the opportunity to game plan for the always dangerous Darian Durant, who looks like his old self following an Achilles injury of his own.
“He hasn’t thrown an interception yet. Hopefully we’ll change that, but he’s playing as I expected him to play, “Washington said. “The offence they’re running is conducive to him and what he does, which is very smart, is he allows his receivers to make plays on the ball and has a strong enough arm to get it there.”
Never mind the losing record, but a chance to get huge statement wins in both Hamilton and Regina in the first four weeks will no doubt send a message across the league. With two straight road games to follow before the club returns to BC Place August 13th, it already feels like we are heading into a crucial part of the schedule. Taking the Green Riders lightly will not be an option for Washington as he aims to get the defence to an even more elite level.
“It’s serious business. Not me or any of our coaches or players is fooled by their record. We know better.”
It should all add up to yet another exciting showdown in the Land Of Living Skies.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com