Als’ top-ranked defence ready for Bombers

WINNIPEG — Kyries Hebert hasn’t slowed down on the football field — and his wit is still quick off of it.

The Montreal linebacker will play the 150th game of his 12-year CFL career when the Alouettes face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers today.

Hebert has seen and heard a lot, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind — like when the 36-year-old was told Wednesday after arriving in Winnipeg that Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols described the Alouettes as having the “toughest defence” in the league.

“Usually when guys tell you how good that you are, it’s really just to soften you up or to get you thinking,” Hebert said. “I don’t want to hear it.

“In my mind, he thinks we’re the worst and we’re not good and I’m the sorriest player on Earth. That’s what I think he thinks about me so I’m going into the game with that approach.”

Hebert leads Montreal (2-3) in defensive tackles with 36, good for third in the league. It’s his sixth season with the Alouettes. The Louisiana native’s career began in 2004 with Ottawa and he’s also suited up for Winnipeg and Hamilton. He’s built a reputation for being physical, which has come with some accusations that he’s a “dirty player.”

“I don’t like that,” Hebert said. “I’m aggressive, I’m violent, I tear stuff up, but I don’t think it’s dirty. It’s usually within the rules.”

Hebert said he likes the defence run by co-ordinator Noel Thorpe because it fits his style of play. It’s a defence Nichols said will give the Bombers (2-2) the toughest test of the season.

Montreal’s defence is ranked first in the CFL for fewest points allowed, 109 (21.8 points per game).