Tale of the Tape: Ottawa REDBLACKS' defence

11/01/2024 02:11 PM

A week ago, the Ottawa REDBLACKS' defence made a statement.

Down to the goal line, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats had the REDBLACKS pressed up against the ropes, needing only a touchdown to all but win the game. They had three chances to break in, but time after time, the Ottawa defence stood tall, scratching and clawing their way to a victory in the regular season finale.

"That’s something that we take pride in," said REDBLACKS' defensive lineman, Michael Wakefield said. "Every time we get a short yardage scenario, we just not gonna let you get the yard. Even though we're a yard off the ball, we’re not just gonna give it up that easy."

In 2024, the REDBLACKS defence ranked fifth overall, finishing no lower than sixth in any single category. They did particularly well when it comes to sacks (tied for second), interceptions (fourth) and in opponent rushing yards (second).

Of course, there are areas where the REDBLACKS know they need to tighten up going into the East Semi-Final with the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday afternoon, but there's still time to put everything together in the playoffs.

"We're still growing, which is a positive," said Defensive Coordinator Barron Miles. "If guys aren't trying to grow, then they’re not trying to get better, and I think we’re trying to get better and do the things that I’m asking them to do. We're putting our best foot forward."

Since Week 15 in Hamilton, the REDBLACKS have been without Adarius Pickett, a key player to their defence, and one of – if not the best – SAM linebackers across the league. In his absence, they have been forced to start a handful of different options, but going into the playoffs, Bennett Williams has been listed as the starter.

Over the weeks, Miles has become more confident in the rookie starter, who has shown immense flexibility in his first CFL season out of Oregon.

"We need to have replacements and have guys ready to go at all times," Miles said. "That’s what I do every year. You never know when it’s your time, but things happen, you have to always be ready"

The REDBLACKS got a little bit of a preview of what they'll see in Toronto last weekend against Hamilton, with Bo Levi Mitchell looking to take the top off early and often, and a good dose of the run game.

It's obviously not an exact replica, but it was a good dry run for the defence, who has their hands full with Chad Kelly and Ka'Deem Carey this week.

"That was a tall tale to take on the last game of the season, and I think we handled it well," Miles said. "We came out with the victory, which is what you always want to do. Every game is going to be close. It’s the playoffs. We’ll get the best of everybody, so you can't shy away from anything. It’s a passing league, so you have to be ready for the gun show."

Facing a potent Toronto offence, Wakefield says the key to the game is throwing them off rhythm.

"We just need to play our football," he said. "We need to eliminate the deep shots, stop the run, and get to the quarterback. That’s our brand of football, and that’s what we need to do to get this win."

The opportunity that's in front of them isn't lost on the locker room, either. Being in the playoffs is a big deal, and everyone wants to extend their season for as long as possible, and eventually become Grey Cup champions.

"Even though it’s nine teams, it’s hard to make it to the playoffs," Wakefield said. "It’s hard to get a win in this league, that’s something a lot of people don’t understand."

"We enjoy every opportunity that we have. This is not a given. We're gonna take every advantage of this, we’re in the perfect place. We love it."