Ed Philion
CFL.ca
I always had a saying with all my fellow warriors’ (a.k.a. defensive linemen) before taking the field each game. I would gather them up during our warm-up. Once in the huddle I always had a saying that to me reflected a mentality that as lineman I thought we needed to play with to win football games.
The saying went a little something like this: “We need to walk into this bar and pick out the biggest guy in the place and knock his teeth out.”
Although the words may change from week to week, the message and intent did not.
You see, defensive linemen are the closest defensive players to the snap of the ball on the field. Outside of the quarterback, these linemen could have the biggest impact on the game and its outcome. As lineman you can directly affect the running game and passing game with the ferocity of the four big guys up front. You could single handily take out the most important player on the field, the quarterback, with just one hit.
It was these dynamics that drastically effected whether or not your season would be a successful one. Yes, you need all three phases working to win championships, but a great pass rush can make up for some of the short comings each team may have throughout the season.
This year’s version of the Alouettes defensive line is starting to make a name for itself and quarterbacks around the league are starting to take note.
Although only four can play at one time, position coach Mike Sinclair, a former NFL pro bowler and sack machine during his playing days, is getting the most out of each and every one of the guys that dresses each week.
The Alouettes “athletic” big boys up front are leading the CFL in sacks this season. Last week’s game against the Argo’s was their coming out party. The emergence of this group may be the difference between winning those earlier season games against the likes of Calgary and BC. With the dog days of the football season about to begin, this group is intent on knocking out all those who dare walk into the “Bird Nest” Bar and Grill.
Ed Philion played eight seasons along the defensive line for the Montreal Alouettes. He was a three-time East Division All-Star and helped the Alouettes win the Grey Cup in 2002. Currently, he is a member of the Alouettes’ broadcast team on CJAD Radio in Montreal.
