Bighill eyes next level

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This article was published 19/07/2018 (2637 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Adam Bighill is already putting his stamp on Winnipeg’s defence.

The four-time all-star middle linebacker has two interceptions and a league-leading 34 tackles through five games, putting him on pace for 122 tackles, which would break the Blue Bombers’ club record of 112 established by Barrin Simpson in 2007.

Bighill, whose previous best was 121 with the B.C. Lions in 2015, has little interest in those numbers. His main concern is becoming more efficient on the field — the less flashy his game is the better.

“For me, it’s to the point where (it’s) how little does he move?,” Bighill said following Thursday’s closed practice at Investors Group Field. “Meaning, how does he not take wasted footsteps? Does he not go the wrong direction at all? Does he go the right direction from the start? Is he patient and is he able to diagnose things clearly and go the right way immediately?

“Those kinds of things — when you can slow the game down to that point where how can I move as little as I need to, to be as efficient as I can — that’s where you’re getting to the next level. That’s what I’m working on.”

SUPPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINE: Bombers offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld has been fined an undisclosed amount by the league for unnecessary roughness after a hit on B.C. linebacker Solomon Elimimian last week.

“It was a play where Andrew (Harris) was running downfield,” said Neufeld. “… I think Sol tried to make a tackle and he was on the ground and I was anticipating a pileup again and I kind of left my feet and ended up hitting Solly while he was on the ground.”

ARGOS BOUNCING BACK? Toronto’s defence has been the league’s most porous statistically, giving up an average of 29.7.5 passing yards and 411 yards of net offence per game.

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The most recent evidence has suggested a change to Winnipeg slotback Weston Dressler.

“I think maybe the first couple of games they seemed a little tentative, on their heels a little bit as a defence,” said Dressler. “You watch the film of their last two games against Edmonton, they played real well defensively, they look a lot more comfortable and they’re playing faster.”

HE SAID IT: Bombers running back Andrew Harris, when asked if he’s concerned about the possibility of dropping to 2-4 on the season if Winnipeg loses Saturday to the Argonauts: “That’s 12 more games we’ve got to come back. Not worried. I was 1-6 and won a Grey Cup (in 2011 with the B.C. Lions).”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sawa14