Fraser Caldwell
Ticats.ca
Depth charts don’t always make for revealing reading.
But if Edmonton’s roster is any indication, the Ticats will be encountering a steady running game on Saturday.
The Eskimos – already featuring tailback Hugh Charles to begin the 2012 campaign – have added Cory Boyd, and most recently, old-hand Jerome Messam to their backfield since opening day.
The result is a three-headed monster that Edmonton continues to employ in its entirety.
The inclusion of all three men in the Eskimos game day lineup speaks to the team’s commitment to the ground game, and challenges opponents to counteract it.
Ticats Head Coach George Cortez agrees that Edmonton’s well-populated backfield likely signals its intention to run, and argues that there is a stylistic difference between the rushers involved.
“Unless they change, they’re dressing three tailbacks, which you would assume means that they want to run the ball,” says Cortez.
“All three guys have been good runners in the league. Two of the guys are more power guys, and the other guy is probably more of a slasher-type guy. But all three are good running backs.”
Ticat defensive end Greg Peach indicates that this dedication to the ground game on the part of the Eskimos is not new, and that he and his defensive teammates have prepared to meet whichever of the accomplished tailbacks they encounter on Saturday.
“They base their offence a lot around their running game,” confirms Peach.
“We don’t know exactly who will be suiting up. But we’re prepared to go against all three of them, and we’ve watched film on them. They’ve got some good backs there, so it’ll be a good challenge for us.”
The running threat posed by Edmonton extends beyond its designated rushers, as veteran quarterback Kerry Joseph – long known for his fleet feet and scrambling prowess – will be under centre for the Eskimos on Saturday.
Cortez is complimentary of Joseph, who continues to challenge defenders with his legs despite rapidly approaching the age of 39.
“Kerry (Joseph) does a great job of making plays when there’s not necessarily a play to be made sometimes,” says the Ticat coach of the seasoned Eskimo. “He’s a really strong runner – always has been and still is – and has good arm strength.”
“Kerry has not carried the ball an unusual amount, but he’s scrambled for yardage when the opportunities are there. You’ve got to do a good job of keeping him contained and be able to run to him and run him down.”
Ticats linebacker Jamall Johnson believes that with the proper recognition, his group has the speed needed to corral Joseph and force the pass. Should he run, Johnson and his fellow defenders will do their utmost to persuade him against doing so again.
“We’ve got some pretty quick guys up front,” remarks Johnson.
“We’ve just got to keep him in the pocket. If we get pressure in front and in his face, then we have a good chance to get some takeaways I think. If he’s running with the ball, we’ve got to hit him and strip him and make sure that he’s not looking forward to running again.”
Johnson takes comfort in the efforts his team has put forward on the practice field this week, demonstrating all of the qualities needed to suffocate the Eskimos running game.
“We’ve had a great week of practice,” argues the linebacker. “Guys have been sound in their gaps and they’ve been pursuing to the ball. We’re going to be pumped and ready.”
Defeating the ground assault is a matter of honour for a defensive front, for which running the ball is a direct challenge.
The weakside linebacker is confident that the Ticats front will make itself proud on Saturday by doing just that.
“That’s one thing in the front, you want to pride yourself on being tough and stopping the run,” explains Johnson. “This is a chance for that, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Should Johnson and his teammates succeed in stifling the run, they will go a long way to nullifying Edmonton’s offence entirely, and inch their team toward a much-needed victory on Saturday.
