Riders D hoping for same results despite off-season changes

The Saskatchewan Roughriders enter the 2019 season after plenty of changes, especially on defence.

The Roughriders didn’t just lose a head coach and general manager when Chris Jones darted to the Cleveland Browns in January. They lost a man with the reputation of being a defensive guru.

In 2018, the Riders tied the 1987 B.C. Lions by scoring 11 touchdowns via interception or fumble recovery. Returning eight interceptions for touchdowns set a new Canadian Football League (CFL) record, passing the 2006 Toronto Argonauts by one.

Simply put, the Riders defence likes to score and new defensive coordinator Jason Shivers doesn’t see that changing for this season.

“The guys already have it supplanted in their mind that what we do is take the football away,” he said after Saskatchewan’s second day of training camp.

“When you get to the football, what are you going to do? Are you going to go after the football or are you just making a tackle?”

Shivers isn’t the only one taking on a new role with the defence. Gone are Willie Jefferson, Tobi Antighua and Samuel Eguavoen. Replacing them in various capacities are Micah Johnson, A.C. Leonard and Solomon Elimimian.

Leonard was used as a tight end until he crossed paths with Chris Jones in 2016. Since then, the 27-year-old has amassed more than 100 tackles and 16 sacks as an edge rusher.

After leaving for the Ottawa Redblacks last season, Leonard is happy to be back in Saskatchewan to cause problems for opposing offences.

“It feels like I’m coming back home, man,” Leonard said. “To be with vets like Charleston (Hughes), Micah (Johnson) and Zack (Evans), it’s great.”

Having a rotation of players that can hound the quarterback is a luxury that Shivers hopes to exhibit when games are on the line.

“Fourth quarter, third quarter — if it’s a tight game, I want my dogs to hunt,” he said.

Defensive back Ed Gainey has been responsible for 16 interceptions and three touchdowns during his three seasons with the green and white. He’s looking for more of the same for his fourth season.

“We’re picking up where we left off,” Gainey said. ” We’re not going to change too much. We’re going to stick to our bread and butter and play fast out here.”

“That’s the identity we built for ourselves and that’s how we’re going to run with it this year.”

Jefferson and Jones may be gone, but early on in training camp, the Riders defensive mentality hasn’t changed a bit.

Notes

Receivers stole the show on day two at training camp. Kyran Moore and newcomer Paul McRoberts got high praise from head coach Craig Dickenson for their efforts.

McRoberts made a handful of one-handed catches that generated plenty of applause from the crowd gathered at Griffiths Stadium. He will be an interesting player to watch as competition increases throughout camp.

Defensive lineman Jordan Reeves had to be helped off the field during one-on-one drills. Dickenson called the injury “concerning.”

Loucheiz Purifoy hasn’t yet reported to training camp as he tends to a family matter back home.

National receiver Mitch Picton will be returning to practice this week, while Brayden Lenius will be out for at least one week after injuring his hamstring on Sunday. Justin McInnis is also resting an injured hamstring.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Wray Morrison.