Finally, something special

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/07/2010 (5549 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Film sessions for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers special-teams units just became a whole lot more comfortable for the foot soldiers.

No more hiding in the corner as the video evidence is displayed. No more watching the breakdowns with their hands over their faces.

The special teamers weren’t perfect in Saturday’s 47-21 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos, but they did contribute positively as Jovon Johnson returned a Noel Prefontaine punt 83 yards for the Bombers’ first kick-return score of the season.

And that’s a long way from the mistakes that plagued the outfit in weeks 1 and 2.

"We started off slow with some new guys and new coaches," said Johnson after the game. "We needed to get used to the schemes that we put in place. Now I think we’re up and running and hopefully we can have continued success.

"I’ve been close on a couple. But everything fell into place at the right time. Not to make any excuses but I kind of got off to a slow start and maybe that’s because I didn’t play in the pre-season. Everyone did their job and it gave me the opportunity to do mine."

The Bombers have surrendered three kick-return TDs this season but, after making some adjustments and tweaking their personnel, have steadied over the last couple of weeks.

"We had one return for a touchdown, which was tremendous, but on the missed field-goal return (also by Johnson) we had one block that we missed and if we had got that it was a touchdown," said head coach Paul LaPolice. "That’s a process we have to teach these players, playing to the effort we expect and doing the right things. We’re getting better."

"Coach LaPolice is big on process and we just keep working and make sure we’re following the process," added Kyle Walters, the Bombers special-teams coach.

"We’ve got a core group of guys led by Shawn Gallant that bust their ass for me and I’m thankful for that. They’re guys that are here for special teams and they take it seriously. They arrange to watch extra film after practice and they’re prepared. They’re a great group."

SOLID DEBUT: Bombers receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris continues to drop jaws and open eyes with his play. The rookie had three catches for 97 yards and a TD Saturday night and has three scores this year. He’s also tied with B.C.’s Geroy Simon for seventh spot on the CFL’s receiving yardage list at 325.

"That’s not what I had planned, not at all," said Jeffers-Harris. "I came into the season just hoping to be a reliable player who can be counted on to catch the ball and get some yards. Each week, the coaches are trusting me a little more."

"I’m getting there, but there’s something new that’s coming at me. It’s coming along. I’m loving that big field, though. Lots of room to run out there and make plays. Even (Saturday) I was surprised at how much room I had on that touchdown."

— with files from Gary Lawless and Adam Wazny

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca