ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Each week, Argonauts.ca showcases one of the marquee matchups for fans to watch out for before the next Argos game. This week, it is the outside linebackers’ turn to fall under the spotlight as we take a look at two of the league’s premier defenders in Argos’ LB Kevin Eiben and Saskatchewan Roughriders’ LB Sean Lucas.
The rock of the Argos’ defence for years, Kevin Eiben is currently the club’s longest serving player along with WR Andre Talbot and continues to produce year after year. The perennial all-star is having another stellar campaign – his first without his mentor Mike O’Shea.
Eiben, along middle linebacker Zeke Moreno have become the anchors of the Argos’ defence, and their stats back them up. They both sit in the top five in the league in defensive tackles which is territory that is not new for the Bucknell University product. Eiben has been among the league leaders consistently and has averaged 86.6 defensive tackles a season since becoming a starter in 2004. It’s a number that would seem all the more impressive had his 55-tackle 2008 campaign not been cut short due to injury.
This season however, Eiben is adding another entry to his stats line by dropping back into coverage in certain situations allowing him to record a career-high three interceptions. Not a record-breaking stat by any means but the Delta, B.C. native currently sits tied with seven other CFL players for third on the league’s interceptions list.
His ability to drop back into coverage is a stark contradiction to his other strength which is putting pressure on the quarterback as he is often used in Argos blitz packages by defensive coordinator Pete Kuharchek.
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» Numbers:
68 Defensive Tackles
1 QB Sack
3 Interceptions
640 Career Total Tackles
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ linebacker Sean Lucas has become everything the Green and White were hoping for in regard to developing a player. Originally picked up by the Riders in 2006, Lucas has shown significant growth each and every year of his CFL career, earning him a shot at the starting linebacker spot.
After sitting in the Riders’ system in 2006, and being placed on the practice roster in all but one game, Lucas started playing regularly in 2007 when he dressed in 17 games, 12 as a starter. A staple in the Riders’ linebacking corps last season, Lucas has had a spectacular 2009 campaign so far, generating 63 defensive tackles, good for sixth among defenders in the CFL.
The Tulane product has also recovered one fumble and intercepted two passes. Known for his quickness, he is also on pace to finish the season with 87 defensive tackles, which would keep him near the top tier defenders in the league.
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» Numbers:
63 Defensive Tackles
2 Interceptions
1 Fumble Recovery
95 Defensive Tackles in 2008