Bighill honoured to be in MOP discussion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/10/2018 (2563 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill is getting some early buzz for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award, which would be a remarkable acheivement for a defensive player.

In 2014, linebacker Solomon Elimimian of the B.C. Lions was the lone defensive player to win the award. Hamilton’s Garney Henley (1972) and Montreal’s Hal Patterson (1956) won the award as two-way performers.

“I’ve seen that come out on the social media and what an honour,” said Bighill, a four-time CFL all-star and the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2015. “There’s so many great people in this league and great players. To be in the conversation at the very least is humbling and amazing.”

The 30-year-old’s 101 tackles are second behind Calgary Stampeders linebacker Alex Singleton (107) for top spot in the league while his three forced fumbles are tied for first in that category.

Bighill is scheduled to become a free agent following the 2018 season and the Blue Bombers are hoping to re-sign him before that happens.

Head coach Mike O’Shea was asked if he could quantify Bighill’s impact since arriving during training camp.

“No, it’s not quantifiable but obviously he was a great addition,” said O’Shea. “There’s a level of professionalism there that can be seen as a great role model for our guys. There’s a level of accountability he has because he plays at such a high level, he’s got good ideas.

“There’s also some good leadership that has emerged in other areas, too.”

WALKING WOUNDED: veteran linebacker/defensive back Maurice Leggett was helped off the field with a lower-body injury during Monday’s workout and he watched Tuesday’s practice from the sidelines. He will not play Friday against the Stampeders.

However, second-year defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat was a full participant and could be ready to return after missing six games with an upper-body injury. Jeffcoat, whose five sacks are third on the team behind Craig Roh’s seven and Jovan Santos-Knox’s six, is often Winnipeg’s most effective pass-rusher.

“Like any guy who has missed that amount of time, you see him huffing and puffing a little bit more than he would if he hadn’t missed that time,” O’Shea said.

“He looks good to me, but it’s always a question of how they feel tomorrow morning.”

VERSATILE DUO: the Blue Bombers have been adept at getting good value from their backup quarterbacks this season.

No. 2 man Chris Streveler has passed for 10 touchdowns and rushed for eight more in limited duty while No. 3 Bryan Bennett regularly serves on kick-coverage teams.

“We think they’re good pros and work hard and got a skill set that, you know, they’re talented players,” offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice said. “So, if we have opportunities to get them touches, we try to. The big thing — it has to be simple in your system. I don’t really believe in taking 25 minutes out of practice and running an enormous package for a quarterback.”

Streveler has seen only spot duty since starting the opening three games of the regular season with No. 1 Matt Nichols out with an injury.

“The thing that surprises you, is when he goes in to play games, just how little the guy’s played,” LaPolice said. “He’s been with us how many weeks and he’ll still make some simple mistakes. You’re like, good lord, that guy started Week 1 with hardly any practice. He’s a good pro.

“Those guys all come in together early and he’s learning as much as he can from Matt.

“When he gets opportunities to make plays and when we put him in games, he usually makes plays. That’s what you want out of your guys.”

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