Jason Shivers, Riders’ defence not missing a beat in 2019

Jason Shivers had big shoes to fill in 2019 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

But the defence hasn’t missed a beat since he took over the defensive co-ordinator role after Chris Jones left to join the NFL’s Cleveland Browns in the off-season.

The defence thrived under Jones, with the 2018 defensive group tying a CFL record with 11 return touchdowns.

“I think Jones did a great job of grooming me, which allowed me to step into that role, and I took the initiative to make sure I was preparing myself,” Shivers said Thursday as the team continued preparing for Saturday’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“I was with him for six years so I knew the defence inside and out. We actually built things together.”

Kickoff for the game at Mosaic Stadium is set for 5 p.m.

While the Roughriders are only forcing an average of 1.2 turnovers per game this season (down from two per game in 2018), overall the unit hasn’t missed a beat.

The Roughriders are surrendering 223.8 yards passing per game (second-fewest in the CFL), 15 touchdowns through the air (third-fewest), 95.8 rushing yards per game (fourth-fewest) and seven rushing touchdowns (second-fewest).

The 2019 version is also holding opponents to fewer points per game (22.6) than its 2018 counterpart (24.7).

“I think we’re doing a little bit of different things than we did last year but for the most part, those numbers are a product of execution,” Shivers said. “I’m drawing up the schemes but at the end of the day when (the players) go out there and do what they’re supposed to do, then that’s a reflection on the output of the numbers.”

Shivers’ coaching career began when then-Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive co-ordinator Corey Chamblin gave Shivers an opportunity to help the team on the sidelines while he was recovering from an injury as a member of the team in 2011.

“I couldn’t play, so the only way I could contribute was by coaching and making sure that the younger guys were ready to roll,” Shivers said.

His first full-time coaching gig came in 2013 when he was hired by the Toronto Argonauts. He then spent two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos as a member of Jones’ staff, including the 2015 Grey Cup-winning season.

Shivers was one of the many coaches who came to Saskatchewan when Jones accepted the head-coaching role in 2016.

Current Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson, who was also a member of Jones’ staff, has seen Shivers grow into the role as the season has rolled along.

“You can just see the confidence is growing within him as a play-caller,” Dickenson said. “He’s an extremely intelligent person. I think his confidence in the group is growing. He’s putting more on the players’ plate, challenging them to take ownership, and I think they’ve responded well.”

Despite the success of the Green and White’s defence, Shivers said the group can be better.

“We still have work to do. We’re still on an upward trend,” Shivers said. “We’re looking to make some more turnovers but at the end of the day as long as we execute and do our jobs, we will be all right.”

Notes: Defensive lineman Micah Johnson returned to practice after being given the day off Wednesday … Dickenson said a decision has not been made on whether defensive lineman Zack Evans will be ready to go Saturday … Former Roughrider and University of Regina Rams slotback Jason Clermont is being inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame — the first Ram to earn that honour. The Regina-born Clermont was a member of the B.C. Lions and Roughriders during his 10-year CFL career … The Green Zone pre-game show gets underway Saturday at 3 p.m.