Scary defence could get terrifying

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/07/2011 (5238 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defence could get stronger this week.

In a related story, that huge groan you just heard came from the other seven CFL teams.

The unbeaten Bomb Squad (2-0) welcomed strong-side LB Clint Kent back to the practice field Sunday. Kent, a second-year Bomber who joined the linebacking corps at the end of last year, has been on the sidelines with an ankle injury suffered in the pre-season game against the Toronto Argonauts June 23.

Since then, he’s been watching the Bomber defence very closely and like most, he’s been very impressed with the energy.

“They’re playing great,” he said of the unit that’s allowed an average of 16 points per game so far. “The whole team is running to the ball, which is always a good sign, and we’re creating turnovers.”

Kent adds the difference between the 2011 defence (after two games) and last season’s crew is the turnover hunger. Winnipeg holds a plus-seven in the takeaway-giveaway ratio in two games, after finishing a minus-seven in 2010.

No definite word from the head coach if the 27-year-old will be ready for Thursday’s tilt with the Calgary Stampeders at Canad Inns Stadium (7 p.m.), but Paul LaPolice said if Kent is healthy he will resume responsibilities in his old starting strong-side linebacker spot (SAM).

Jonathan Hefney has patrolled that position the last two weeks. He’s coming off a nine-tackle, one-quarterback-sack performance in the 22-16 victory against Toronto Friday night.

Hefney — usually a starting halfback — said the transition into SAM has been worry-free. He played some SAM in training camp when he first came to Winnipeg in 2009, and given the physical approach to his game, being closer to where the action is has been a nice change of pace.

“It’s just a lot more thinking,” he said. “The only difference is really about adjusting your plan before the ball is snapped. I always look to play physical, anyway, so wherever I’m at, that’s what I’m going to do.”

“We’re looking to be the best defence in the league,” Hefney added.

“Getting Kent back would be a nice addition.”

Should Kent draw in for Thursday’s contest, look for the Bombers to insert Hefney back to his halfback spot and slide Jovon Johnson out to corner, moving Deon Beasley out to the bench as the sixth man in the secondary.

NO PROBLEM: Turns out Justin Palardy wasn’t upset that his personal field goal streak ended against the Argos. Coming into the game, the Bomber kicker had hit 12 straight field goals (10 of those dating back to last season).

The streak is over? What streak?

“I didn’t even know that,” Palardy said.

What Palardy, who went 4-for-6 Friday night, including two clutch field goals from 34 and 23 yards in the fourth quarter, did know (or notice) was the fact the boo-birds came out after he missed his second attempt in the first half.

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Tough gig.

Guy misses one after hitting a dozen straight, and he’s a bum.

“Miss a field goal, you’re going to get booed,” he said, shrugging off the moment. “It’s part of the game. They let me hear it, I bounced back and made them happy.”

For the record, Palardy’s current personal field goal streak is at four.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca