August 2, 2018

Jefferson looking to dent Esks’ league-low sack total

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders head to Edmonton on Thursday to take on the Eskimos where Willie Jefferson will look to lay the hammer on his former teammate, Mike Reilly.

“For me, playing with Mike Reilly and then going over there and have to play against him it’s a really good feeling,” Jefferson told members of the media after practice on Tuesday. “Just because over the years in practice you beat the offensive linemen and then you just have to pull away from the quarterback.”

Heading into the contest, Jefferson is well aware he and the rest of the Riders D-line have their hands full trying to contain the league’s leading passer. Reilly has thrown for 2,063 yards in six games this season. He’s also proven to be a duel threat, as he’s tied for the league-lead in rushing touchdowns with Winnipeg’s Andrew Harris (five).

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“He’s one of the tougher quarterbacks in the league,” said Jefferson. “He gets hit a lot and you can just see him get up and just shake it off and get back into the huddle and keep the game going. He’s one of the sole players on that team that keeps the team moving. Just him alone, being as tough as he is, keeps that team motivated.”

Head coach Chris Jones also had high regards for the Esks QB just days before the teams were set to meet.

“He’s a tremendous quarterback,” Saskatchewan’s bench boss said. “He’s playing at as high level as anybody that I’ve ever seen in the league.”

The Eskimos have allowed a league-low sack total so far this season – opposing defences have only take down Reilly four times. That stat is partially a testament to how well the Esks offensive line is playing but also to the quarterback himself. The 32-year-old pivot is known for creating space with his legs and getting the throw off before getting taken down by opponents.

“We’ve got to do a great job of knowing where he’s at,” said Jones, explaining how to game plan against Reilly. “He’s dangerous in the pocket, especially with his receiving corps. They’re long, they can get behind you and he can make a 60-yard throw. If he’s moving around and buying more time then you have to cover longer.”

Jefferson thinks that Saskatchewan’s defensive line – including the CFL’s sack leader, Charleston Hughes – is talented enough to disrupt Reilly this week.

“With Charleston (Hughes), Zack (Evans), (Mic’hael) Brooks and myself and the having Chad (Geter) and Tobi (Antigha) coming off the bench with fresh legs we’re going to heat him up and get him off his spot, move him around and get him on the ground,” said Jefferson.

The Riders and Esks go head-to-head on Thursday night at 10:00 p.m. ET.

– With files from Riderville.com