CFL: Alouettes’ leading tackler Hebert blocks out Blue Bombers’ praise
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 on Thursday.
Hebert isn’t afraid to speak his mind — like when the 36-year-old was told Wednesday 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, not that he thinks that we’re good.”
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.
Montreal’s defence is ranked first in the CFL for fewest points allowed, 109 (21.8 points per game), while Winnipeg’s defenders are eighth with 139 points (34.8).
“They cause a lot of chaos — a lot of different blitzes, a lot of different coverages,” Nichols said after his team’s morning walk-through.
“They get after you, and they do it for four quarters. They make it tough. I think it’s been the toughest defence to play against for the last few years.”
Winnipeg (2-2) will counter with an offence that’s put up 128 points (32 per game) for second place.
Montreal is coming off a 24-19 loss against Ottawa on July 19. The Als’ Darian Durant-led offence is ranked last in the league with 20.2 points per game. They’ve allowed the fewest sacks with three.
Bombers guard Travis Bond said his teammates in the trenches are fired up for the challenge, especially after Winnipeg blew a 15-point lead in last week’s 45-42 loss against the B.C. Lions.
“They just mix it up a little bit, try to shuffle guys, try to confuse the offence,” Bond said.
Hebert will be ready, and even threw some praise at his opponents — with his tongue planted in his cheek.
“It’s the greatest offence I’ve ever seen. They’re amazing,” he quipped. “I think Matt Nichols is going to win the MVP.”