Head 2 Head: Foley/stewart

Last week in Winnipeg, Montreal defensive lineman Anwar Stewart was all over the field. The eleven year CFL veteran recorded three tackles, forced a fumble, tipped a pass for a Jermaine McElveen interception and, to top it all off, he intercepted Blue Bombers’ quarterback Alex Brink, his first pick since 2009.

Stewart voiced his displeasure with his playing time following Montreal’s worst loss of the season, a 44-21 defeat on September 5 in Hamilton. The 35-year-old was not happy with how he was used against the Tiger-Cats and it looks like his frustrations were justified. In the four weeks since his outburst, Montreal is 3-1, and Stewart has rebounded with 12 tackles, and three sacks.

A three time Grey Cup champion, Stewart understands the importance of home field advantage in the playoffs. The Alouettes are looking to keep pace with Winnipeg as both teams are tied for first place in the East Division with 8-5 records.

Stewart is playing his best football of the season and if he continues his hot play the Alouettes could very well be on their way to a third straight Grey Cup.

When Orlondo Steinauer took over as Defensive Coordinator of the Toronto Argonauts Ricky Foley and his defensive teammates were asked to play a more aggressive style. They blitzed an extra linebacker or defensive back, Steinauer looked to free up Foley on the edge and allow the defensive end to work in more one-on-one situations and, most importantly, players were asked to play to their strengths. Foley has welcomed the change, recording four quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery, and 28 tackles in the seven games since the switch.

In his sixth CFL campaign, second with the Argos, the York University product has already established personal bests in tackles (59), fumble recoveries (3), and on July 15th he picked off Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo for his first career interception. Foley has recorded the most tackles of any d-lineman in the CFL, and sits in ninth place overall.

Facing off against a veteran offensive line, Foley will need to keep his composure and focus on beating the man in front of him. In two previous matchups this season, the Alouettes have handled the Argonauts defence easily, putting up 76 points. But, with his more aggressive approach, Steinauer hopes that Foley will get after Calvillo and help slow down the league’s top offence.