Roughriders’ defensive line looking better and brighter
Riders defensive line coach Ed Philion knew he would be dealing with a green defensive line – and he didn’t mean the jerseys they were playing in.
The Roughriders front four has had a lot of different looks this season from a lot of different players. Philion estimates up to 17 guys have given it a go, but things have started to settle in now.
“I think now that Willie (Jefferson)’s came in, he’s kind of settled us down a little bit.” Philion said Tuesday. “Then (Jonathan) Newsome and AC (Leonard) and Irv (Corvey Irvin), they’re starting to get what we’re trying to do here and starting to affect games.”
The defence affected in a big way against Montreal, amassing six sacks in the first half of the game on Saturday. Two of those were from Leonard, who started out the season with a splash but saw his sack production taper off as he played more games.