Sayles shines with sack, interception

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This article was published 08/08/2019 (2222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Off the field, Marcus Sayles is unfailingly polite. A real gentleman, you could say.

Get him on the field, however, and the second-year Blue Bombers defensive back plays with an edge that belies his nice-guy image. Thursday night was a prime example.

The 24-year-old from Alpharetta, Ga., may have been overshadowed by the brilliant punt return heroics of Winnipeg newcomer Janarion Grant, but the 5-9, 176-pounder provided two of the biggest defensive plays of the game, snuffing out a Calgary drive with a leaping interception in the end zone off Stampeders quarterback Nick Arbuckle just before halftime. Sayles added a crucial sack of Arbuckle to force a two-and-out in the third quarter.

“When you talk about making that play in the end zone at a crucial time, it’s huge for us,” said Winnipeg linebacker Adam Bighill. “He’s got a knack for finding the ball, he’s got a knack for making special plays. Great job.”

Sayles finished the game with eight defensive tackles, a team high.

“I think I played well,” said Sayles. “They was able to make some plays, they was able to get position. Overall, we played good as a team and we, our defence, was able to capitalize on some of the plays.”

He was all over the field although there were some flaws in his performance.

Sayles was flagged twice — a pass interference call in the opening half that set up a one-yard TD plunge by Arbuckle and again late in the game when an illegal contact call extended a Stampeders scoring drive.

Sayles’ ability to rebound from setbacks is essential to his success.

“Yeah, he’s running around trying to hit people,” said Bighill.

“Don’t mistake his stature. Understand his intentions.”

Sayles admitted beating the Stampeders was very important.

“It was a really important game,” said Sayles.

“We knew this was a top of the West game and we’re probably going to see them down the road. They’re a good team, we’re probably going to see them in the playoff, so this was big for us. We’re happy we got this win.”

ON TOP OF HIS GAME: rookie defensive back Nick Hallett, a seventh-round pick in the 2019 CFL draft, has been a top special teams performer for the Blue Bombers in recent weeks and he was back at it Thursday.

Hallett, who had a team-high three special teams tackles in Hamilton during Week 7, dislodged the ball from Stamps punt returner Terry Williams and recovered it on the Calgary 18-yard line with 9:33 left in the game.

Minutes later, Justin Medlock kicked a field goal that provided the margin of victory in a 26-24 decision for the hosts.

“The feeling was unreal,” said Hallett. “The teammates around me, the energy. It was like no other feeling I’ve felt before.” 

Winnipeg declined a penalty for an illegal block on the play — the contact appeared to propel Hallett into Williams.

“I felt like I beat him pretty clean and was coming down but I’ll have to look at the tape,” said Hallett.

NOTEWORTHY: Blue Bombers left guard Cody Speller (lower body) departed the game with an injury in the first half, replaced by rookie Drew Desjarlais… Defensive back Chris Humes was also sidelined. His spot was filled by recently signed NFL castoff Mercy Maston.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14