‘Win is now:’ Riders’ defence doesn’t dwell on the big plays

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence is proving it can bounce back quickly.

After only giving up 13 passes over 20 yards in the team’s first nine games, the Green and White’s defence has now given up that same number over just the past two. But both of those games have been wins, as the defence has managed to come up with big plays of its own to clinch the games.

“We just look at what happened. Where was the breakdown? Was it technique or communication, or was it that they made a good play?” defensive co-ordinator Jason Shivers said.

“The game is 60 minutes, and we just hope those plays don’t happen when the game is on the line.

“You need to have that (defensive back) mentality. You have to go to the next play, you have to regroup, and hopefully your brothers rally around you and support you and they keep you in a good mindset.”

In the Riders’ 34-29 win over the B.C. Lions, quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. had his team on the verge of a comeback after completing big play after big play.

But Anthony Lanier II came up with a crucial sack that helped the Riders seal that victory late.

More recently, it was safety Jaxon Ford who came up with the game-clinching play. After the Winnipeg Blue Bombers connected on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Zach Collaros to Kenny Lawler in overtime, Ford got his hands up on the ensuing two-point conversion to tip a ball that fell incomplete, sealing the 32-30 win.

The rematch between the two teams takes place on Saturday. Kickoff for the game is set for 2 p.m. and the Green Zone’s pregame show gets started at noon.

“I think our players who have been with our defence long enough, they understand you have to go onto the next play and stay in the moment,” Shivers said.

“We have a mantra that we use: ‘Win is now,’ meaning that when the next play happens, you have to be there. Hopefully, over time from us preaching it and from our veteran leadership, they help the younger guys come along and buy into that mentality.”

One of the Riders who embraces that mantra is defensive back Nic Marshall. While Marshall has been beaten deep, he is tied for second in the CFL with four interceptions and has the fifth-most pass knockdowns, with seven.

“Nic is a baller, and ballers are going to live on the edge a little bit. Sometimes they are going to make a play and sometimes they are going to give up a play,” Shivers said. “He’s one of my guys through and through, and I love him to death.”

The Riders’ defence will see some moving parts this week. With safety Jayden Dalke out for the game with a knee injury, Ford will start his first game of the season.

Defensive end Pete Robertson will miss this game after being suspended for headbutting Collaros. Cody Roscoe will start in his place.

On offence, the Riders will be without two offensive-line starters. Tackle Colin Kelly (knee) and guard Evan Johnson (foot) are out for the week. Logan Bandy will play for Johnson while Brandon Council will rejoin the starters to replace Kelly.

(Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)