Sometimes it seems that a suffocating defence is not the most exciting brand of football.
This type of football is one that limits the very thing that many football fans enjoy seeing; a high-powered, high-scoring game.
| Burnett providing results |
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DB Joe Burnett has been a pleasant surprise for the Eskimos, registering 10 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles and one interception. |
You have to admit though, when a defence is performing at a dominating rate, it can be fun to watch.
In 2010, the Eskimos defence was actually the opposite of fun. They gave up over 50 points on two occasions to their rivals in Calgary, and allowed an average of 30 points per game.
However, that all changed in 2011, when Rich Stubler assumed responsibility over the defensive structure. Stubler, 62, helped the Eskimos return to championship form in the CFL, giving up an average of just 22 points per game – a drastic improvement from the prior regime.
As much as the Ricky Ray trade left the Eskimos reeling, the announcement of Rich Stubler’s departure also sent shockwaves through the City of Edmonton. It was surprising considering a week earlier a report came out saying Stubler was staying for 2012.
Head coach Kavis Reed says it was a move that surprised him.
“Obviously we would have loved to have had Coach Rich Stubler stay but we understood his reasons. Coach Stubler has some personal reasons that he wanted to be out closer to the West Coast having a house not too far from Washington State,” Reed explained.
“He is a phenomenal coach, obviously our staff was sad to see him go but I understood.”
Reed calls Stubler and friend and a mentor. He admits he tried to talk him out of leaving but to no avail. Reed didn’t have to look too far to find a replacement in linebackers coach Mark Nelson. It was the best choice for Reed to keep the defensive continuity intact.
The Eskimos have enjoyed tremendous success after three games. The team ranks second in the league in average points allowed per game (14), total points allowed (42), and interceptions (3).
The Eskimos are tied for first in the CFL for the least amount of touchdowns allowed (3). And after suffering through years of not being able to get the opposing quarterback, the Eskimos lead the CFL with 11 sacks.
The Eskimos sack leader is not Marcus Howard or Julius Williams, its defensive tackle Almondo Sewell. Yes, Almondo Sewell! He’s not even a starter. Fellow lineman Ted Laurent is second on the team with two sacks. He says the groundwork for the success was laid back in training camp.
“Coach Nelson and Coach Kit (Lathrop, the Eskimos defensive line coach) said we’re going to be special on defence,” Laurent said. “We just believed in that and kept working hard and the hard work is paying off right now.”
Last season, Stubler used a 3-4 alignment. This season, Nelson has the front seven in the traditional 4-3 system. With Howard, Williams, Laurent, Sewell, and Don Oramasionwu, the Eskimos have a legitimate and formidable pass rush.
Linebacker J.C. Sherritt leads the CFL in defensive tackles with 24. He had 11 tackles in the season-opening win over Toronto. Fellow linebacker T.J. Hill says they defence isn’t really doing anything spectacular, just doing they’re jobs.
“We got out there and we’re just a blue collar team. We don’t want any credit, we don’t want any publicity, we don’t get any credit anyway and we like it that way,” Hill said.
“So we just go out there and do what we do. As far as us going out there and stopping opposing team offenses, that’s what were supposed to do and if we’re not doing that, something’s not right.”
Last year, Stubler ran a complicated scheme which forced the defenders to have to detailed with their assignments. This year under Nelson, the defence has been simplified causing a more reactive group of defenders.
It should also be mentioned the Eskimos are enjoying this success without two key members in Rod Davis and Greg Peach who left in the off-season via free-agency,
While the offence is trying to get their footing, the defence gives the Eskimos a punchers chance to win football games. They’ll have to force turnovers and perhaps score once in a while like they did last week in the Eskimos 42-10 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The next test is Friday against the Grey Cup Champions B.C. Lions.
Just like Hall of Fame wrestler Rick Flair always says:
“To be the man you got to beat the man!”
And don’t forget the WHOOOOOOO!!!!
NOTES: The Eskimos will be without short-side halfback Weldon Brown on Friday in Vancouver. Brown has a groin injury; he’ll be replaced by newcomer Ricardo Coclough. Linebacker Clint Kent is doubtful with a knee injury. A Winnipeg Blue Bombers player hit Kent’s knee while he was standing on the sidelines. Ronnie Prude will take Kent’s spot as an extra linebacker/defensive back. Wide receiver Greg Carr is a game-time decision with an ankle injury. Carr originally hurt the ankle two weeks ago in Regina. He played only of half last week at home vs. Winnipeg. It’s the first of three meetings between the Eskimos and Lions this season. In 2011, the Eskimos lost three of four meetings.
