1 on 1 interview with Winnipeg Blue Bombers Defensive End, Willie Jefferson. Conducted Saturday at Tim Hortons Field ahead of Grey Cup Sunday.
2019 against Saskatchewan. Looking back at the 2019 Western Final. To me, that was one of the greatest pass-rushing performances. I thought that Fajardo also did a really good job of evading pressure. How are you coming into this game, and what similarities do you see that you’re drawing off of?
“Just him trying to hold the ball, trying to wait for his receivers to get open. We have the confidence in our DBs to hold those wide receivers. And they’ll cover them and then give us enough time to get to Cody you make him run around. But that’s something that we’re trying to eliminate from him. We’re gonna try to eliminate him with the scrambling and things like that, get to him in the backfield. And hopefully, we can put him on the ground and get the ball out.”
At times this season, Montreal has allowed sacks when they go away from the run game when the run game is being stopped. How important in your opinion, is the run-stopping aspect?
“Oh, very important. That’s the first thing that we gotta stop. You know, if we can stop them from running the ball, getting the ball to Stanback and Antwi. Get them to 2nd and long and things like that, then that gives us opportunities for me and Jackson, the other guys on the defensive line to get to Cody and make it hard for him.”
What do you think of Montreal’s defensive ends with Lwal Uguak in his rookie season, and Shawn Lemon of course?
“I’m enjoying watching the rookie from TCU. Good game. You know what I’m saying. He’s coming into himself. I can’t wait to see more from him in years to come.”
“But, you know, Shawn Lemmon’s been doing what he’s doing, making plays, having fun. Happy that he’s found a team that’s that loves him, that that wants him. I’m glad for his success with the team since he’s been with them, I can’t wait to see him play.”
Other Interviews ahead of the Grey Cup:
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: K Sergio Castillo, DE Willie Jefferson, QB Dakota Prukop, RB Brady Oliveira
Montreal Alouettes: LB Tyrice Beverette, LB Reggie Stubblefield, DT Mustafa Johnson, K David Côté, DE Shawn Lemon, CB Kabion Ento
Reading Suggestions:
How Montreal Can Beat Winnipeg in the Grey Cup: Eight Keys to Victory
CFL Western Final Film Takeaways
CFL Eastern Final Film Takeaways
Other Articles:
BC Lions’ Tibo Debaillie Interview Ahead of West Division Finals
Reflecting on the CFL West Semi-Finals
Alouettes’ Jeshrun Antwi Interview Ahead of East Finals
East Semi-Finals Reflections
Alouettes’ Reggie Stubblefield Interview Ahead of East Semi-Finals
BC Lions’ Tibo Debaillie Ahead of CFL West Semi-Finals
Predicting the Rest of the CFL Season
CFL 2nd Period All-Star Team (Weeks 8-14)
CFL Midseason All-Star Team, Awards
First Period CFL and Divisional All-Stars
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