Latest news with #WillieJefferson
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jefferson's mitts continue to be Bombers' defensive star
Certain plays hit a soft spot for Willie Jefferson. It was the beginning of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' second possession during last week's home game against Toronto when Chris Streveler's pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage by Argonauts defensive end Anthony Lanier and caught by linebacker Cameron Judge, who returned the interception 47 yards to the house to give the visitors an early lead. It was a tremendously athletic and instinctual play by Lanier, who peeled off his pass rush and leaped with his 6-5 frame at the perfect moment to disrupt the throw. MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Willie Jefferson had a single-game career-high four pass knockdowns in the club's Week 9 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. Jefferson had to hide his appreciation for a good football play made by two men he knew well. 'Two of my guys. I wasn't happy for the play during the game. Afterwards, I was able to celebrate with Anthony Lanier and Cam Judge,' he said Wednesday. Jefferson played with Judge in Saskatchewan from 2017-18 and knew Lanier before he entered the CFL in 2021. 'Him making one of my plays and then Judge finishing the play, it was good to see those guys.' Indeed, Jefferson has earned the right to call a batted pass 'his play.' There's been no one better at getting their mitt on the ball since he entered the league in 2014, and he's the best to ever do it at the line of scrimmage. The CFL's active leader in career pass knockdowns with 85 also ranks third all-time behind Hall of Fame defensive back Eddie Davis (111) and Adrion Smith (105). Jefferson is also the only defensive lineman in league history to crack the top 10 in that stat. Jefferson, who even at 34 years old still has a knack for wrecking games, also got his in that 40-31 Week 9 victory. Along with a single-game career-high four pass knockdowns, he registered one sack, one forced fumble, eight quarterback pressures and one defensive tackle. His dominance was recognized by Pro Football Focus — an analytics company that tracks every player in the CFL — which gave Jefferson a 99.3 grade, the highest single-game mark since the organization began grading CFL games in 2023. The previous single-game high was 94.6, which was awarded to Vernon Adams Jr. while he was playing for the B.C. Lions in 2024. 'It was never a thing for me in college. It was either just rush the quarterback and make tackles or sacks. Same thing in the NFL (with the Houston Texans), it was never an emphasis on knocking a ball down,' said Jefferson, who will travel with the rest of his teammates to face the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on Saturday (6 p.m. CT). It wasn't until he arrived north of the border that the product of Beaumont, Texas, learned about the art of swatting passes. 'Once I came to the CFL… the mindset was to get to the quarterback — win your one-on-ones, win on first down, we play in the backfield — but there was an emphasis on, 'If you can't get to the quarterback and you see the quarterback pulling up to throw the ball, get your hands in the throwing lane,' especially when we went zero (a blitz concept that leaves no safety help). It was, 'Get blocked, stay blocked, and if you have the opportunity to get your hands up, just get your hands up in the throwing lanes.'' Make no mistake, batting balls is not as easy as Jefferson can make it look at times. His 6-7, 244-pound frame certainly makes him a more viable threat to disrupt throwing lanes, but players and coaches agree that it's an art that the future Hall of Famer has refined. 'It's a game-changing ability,' said James Vaughters. 'It's a combination of height, co-ordination and anticipation. Understanding how the game works, understanding how teams can and want to beat us, and it's a great tool to have in our repertoire as a defence.' Added defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger: 'The timing of it is something you got to have a knack for, but the understanding of what gaps that the team likes to throw through, the timing of when they like to get rid of the ball, when to get your hands up, when you're in proximity to the quarterback, we work that, we talk about it, we practice it.' 'Willie's gift is God just gave him great size — very tall, very, very long arms — and that element of his game is unparalleled. I haven't seen anybody like that in my time in the CFL.' Jefferson became the Bombers' franchise leader in pass knockdowns years ago. His 61 as a member of the Blue and Gold is 21 better than the next closest player — current teammate Deatrick Nichols — and 26 better than third-place Jovon Johnson. As for players who play a similar position, that's where it can become humorous: Jake Thomas, who has four career knockdowns, is the active defensive lineman teammate nearest to Jefferson — a difference of 57. Vaughters is third with two for his career. 'I've heard people jokingly call him the human net before,' Thomas said. 'I don't know if I would use that term, but I think it's just, he has that intuition of knowing when to do it. Anyone can just stand there and put their hands up all day, but usually, when he's doing it, he's usually pretty spot on when to put his hands up. 'I don't know if I really have the vocabulary for one word to describe it, but it's definitely impressive to watch.' Jefferson said he got better at timing his reach from 2014-15 while playing against Bo Levi Mitchell (with Calgary at the time) and Zach Collaros (Hamilton) — two quarterbacks who have a tendency to throw the ball quickly. Eventually, he figured out which formations and downs-and-distances they were most likely to get rid of the ball quickly, and that's when he began to feast. 'Once you see the quarterback pull his second hand off the ball — they get it with two hands, and then when they pull the ball away and get ready to throw the ball — you know you can't get around, so you just want to stop them and get your hands up,' he said. 'That's pretty much the art.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Jefferson has already professed that his goal is to reach 100 pass knockdowns and 100 sacks for his career. Perhaps it would go down as one of those 'untouchable stats' if he were to accomplish that feat. He's at 76 sacks currently, which is still a long way from his dream 100. But, unfortunately for opposing quarterbacks, Jefferson has no designs on slowing down. 'Where I'm at right now, nobody's done this,' he said. 'I'm still chasing the 100 sacks, but the 100 sacks are a lot harder than 100 knockdowns. So once I get the 100 knockdowns, I'll try to extend that. But once I get to 100 sacks, I'm trying to extend that until I get to the point where I want to retire.' X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
6 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Bombers' Jefferson, Vaval get top marks in CFL's Week 9 honour roll
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Winnipeg defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, defensive back Trey Vaval and offensive lineman Kendall Randolph earned top marks on the CFL's Week 9 honour roll. Jefferson earned a grade of 99.3 in the Blue Bombers' 40-31 win over visiting Toronto on Friday after posting a career-high four pass knockdowns along with a defensive tackle, a forced fumble and a strip sack resulting in a Bombers touchdown. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Vaval received a grade of 92.5 after returning a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. And Randolph had a score of 73.7 as the Bombers had 116 rushing yards in Friday's game. The CFL honour roll highlights players in nine positions based on data points registered and compiled by Pro Football Focus, an American sports analytics company.
Toronto Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Jefferson, Harris, Riders' O-line get top marks in CFL's Week 9 honour roll
TORONTO - Winnipeg defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris and the Roughriders' offensive line earned top marks on the CFL's Week 9 honour roll. Jefferson earned a grade of 99.3 in the Blue Bombers' 40-31 win over visiting Toronto on Friday after posting a career-high four pass knockdowns along with a defensive tackle, a forced fumble and a strip sack resulting in a Bombers touchdown.
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jefferson, Harris, Riders' O-line get top marks in CFL's Week 9 honour roll
TORONTO – Winnipeg defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris and the Roughriders' offensive line earned top marks on the CFL's Week 9 honour roll. Jefferson earned a grade of 99.3 in the Blue Bombers' 40-31 win over visiting Toronto on Friday after posting a career-high four pass knockdowns along with a defensive tackle, a forced fumble and a strip sack resulting in a Bombers touchdown. Harris completed 70.4 per cent of his passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns as league-leading Saskatchewan beat the Alouettes 34-6 in Montreal on Saturday, earning the top offensive grade of 87.7. The Roughriders' offensive line combined for a score of 75.1 after limiting the Alouettes to one sack while protecting Harris and opening the way for the Riders to rush for 137 yards and a touchdown. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The CFL honour roll highlights players in nine positions based on data points registered and compiled by Pro Football Focus, an American sports analytics company. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2025.
Global News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Well-rested Winnipeg Blue Bombers to welcome Calgary Stampeders
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have been waiting a long time for their chance to exact revenge after their first loss of the season. After the Stampeders stomped them 37-16 two weeks ago in Calgary, the Bombers have had to stew over the lopsided defeat through their bye week. They will finally get the opportunity for vengeance Friday night. 'We've had a long time to think about our mistakes and what we want to do differently,' said Bombers defensive back Evan Holm. 'It was nice to get away from football, but we got to watch a lot of film and see what they wanted to do and have answers.' Winnipeg rush end Willie Jefferson relished the idea of playing the Stampeders again so soon after being dominated last time out. 'After a loss, you always say, 'I want to play them again,' and we have the opportunity to play them the next game,' he said. 'They were at home, they had their crowd into it. They had a nice environment. Now, they get to come to Winnipeg, to Princess Auto Stadium in front of 30,000-plus and play us. We play really (well) in front of our fans, so we need to get that swing.' Story continues below advertisement The Bombers have had two weeks to study film of both that loss and Calgary's victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders last weekend. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'They're playing really great football right now,' said Winnipeg offensive lineman Pat Neufeld. 'They're playing really confident football. We're going to have our hands full, but we're always up for a challenge, especially at home.' That challenge will be even tougher as the Bombers will be missing star receiver Dalton Schoen, who was placed on the six-game injury list, and perennial all-star offensive lineman Stanley Bryant. They will be replaced by speedy Kody Case at receiver and Micah Vanterpool on the O-line. They will also be up against what is currently the best defence in the CFL. 'It's a great challenge for us,' said Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros. 'They've played exceptionally well the entire season. They've given up five touchdowns throughout the entire year. Their scheme is sound. They play it very well.' Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea concurred. 'It seems like they're flying around,' he said. 'They're bringing a lot of energy, they're taking the ball away. Obviously, they took the ball away from us (two interceptions returned for touchdowns). When you see them put it all together as a 12-man unit, they seem to be getting after it pretty good.' Story continues below advertisement Even Calgary head coach/GM Dave Dickenson seemed a little surprised that his defence has improved so quickly from last season. 'It's a completely different group,' he said. 'I actually thought it might take some time to gel. There was a little bit of the element of surprise because we knew what we were going to run and what kind of type of defence, and that certainly helped us. 'The turnovers are the biggest thing as far as helping our offence. I think we've had three pick-sixes and when you get the ball and score with it, that's pretty nice.' Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams, Jr., is expecting a battle. 'Of course, they're hungry,' he said. 'They're coming off a bye, a sold-out crowd. This is their home stadium … Winnipeg's going to come out with their best shot. It's going to be loud. It's going to be fun.' CALGARY STAMPEDERS (4-1) at WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (3-1) at Princess Auto Stadium, Friday, 7:30 p.m. CT HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE Winnipeg is 39-6 at home since 2019 … The Bombers are 17-0 coming off a bye week. (Regular season and playoffs) ROAD WARRIORS The Stampeders have won three straight road games, all by at least 10 points. WELCOME BACK MILT Bombers legend Milt Stegall will return to the TSN panel Friday night after taking time off following the sudden death of his son, Chase. Story continues below advertisement 'There are no words to even talk about what happened to him and his family and obviously, as Bombers, we put our hearts out to him,' Neufeld said. 'It takes a lot of courage to come back to work and get in front of a lot of people on TV and this crowd. Everyone here loves him, and we can't wait to see him.'
