Let’s talk about the win last Saturday. What did you think of your team’s performance?
MB: I thought it was a gritty performance, a gutsy performance. Sixty minutes to get the win and I thought we played hard and competed through some ups and downs, persevered and came out with the W.
Punter Eric Wilbur played his first CFL game, how would you rate his debut?
MB: He had some good kicks and he had some kicks that could be better but when it came down to it and he had to kick the ball versus pressure with a minute left, he delivered and that’s what we brought him here for.
Now, you head to Winnipeg and take on the Bombers again this Friday. How tough is it playing the same team on back-to-back weeks?
MB: It’s a challenge obviously. These are physical football games where both teams play hard and play physical and wear you down. It’s one of those things where you know each other very well so the game comes down to mental mistakes and who takes advantage of opportunities and I think that will play itself out Friday night.
You have a handful of players that have been sidelined at practice this week. Does that concern you, or are you confident of other players stepping up if your starters are unable to play.
MB: I feel fine, players are here for a reason, because we think they can play and if they get in the game we expect them to be productive and expect them to give us an opportunity to win. It’s a great opportunity if we get the chance to see some other players and for them to show what they can do.
Kevin Glenn has thrown for the second most passing yards in the league and Arland Bruce III is leading the league in receiving yards. How important is it for them to continue to connect for this team to be successful for the rest of the season?
MB: Well it is very important. Anytime you have your most productive offensive players at quarterback and receiver it’s going to be an integral part of your offence and your football team. It’s imperative that they continue to hook up and we find ways to get Arland involved. With his early success some teams will make it harder than others and when they do it will be up to other players to step up and make big plays.
Dave Stala was named the CFL Canadian Player of the Week and is on pace for a career year… what has been the key to his success this season?
MB: Well I think two things; He comes back in here with the experience he had here last year, playing well and knowing the system and the second thing is staying healthy. When he’s healthy he’s a good football player and if he stays on the field he’s going to have success.
Jamall Johnson is leading the league in tackles again this season. Can you comment on his performance?
MB: Jamall is a special player. Last year he did the same type of things, made a lot of tackles, but the difference this year is he’s doing a lot of things well. He’s got his first interception, his zone drops are getting better and he’s doing the little things better which are going to make him a better player and make us a better team.
