Almost 35 full months have passed since the last time Damon Webb stepped onto a football field for a playoff game. It’s probably felt like it’s been twice as long for the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ defensive back.
As a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2021, Webb saw the highs, in a 33-30 overtime win over Calgary and the lows, in a 21-17 Western Final loss to Winnipeg that the playoffs can offer. The in-between time on that has been anything but easy, too. Released by the Riders early in the 2022 season, Webb was with the REDBLACKS in 2022 and 2023, where they missed the playoffs and went a combined 8-28.
This year, Webb has blossomed with the REDBLACKS, pulling in a career-best five interceptions, good for third in the league. His 69 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble earned him his first-ever All-CFL East selection. Most important to the 28-year-old from Detroit, the REDBLACKS finally turned things around this season, going 9-8-1 and getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
“This is what we all work for, (to get to) this time of year,” Webb said after practice on Thursday from Ottawa. “There’s no tomorrow, we don’t want to have regrets. We’re ready, all three phases. We’re ready to go.”
Here are three ways that Webb (and his defensive teammates) will impact Saturday’s Eastern Semi-Final against the Toronto Argonauts.
