D-BACK CARRYING BIT OF `SWAGGER'
Leonard shines on defence for Stampeders and could easily regain 2019 all-star form
By his own admission, it took Richard Leonard a game or two to really find his feet.
An ankle injury didn't help matters, but like so many other CFL players who hadn't actually competed in a game for almost two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Leonard needed a little bit of time to get back to his best.
Now, though? Well, Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson certainly likes what he's seeing.
“He's been good,” Dickenson said plainly. “I think he had that ankle injury early and it did affect his confidence and now he looks to me like he's the guy who was playing for Hamilton in 2019, he's making plays, he's tackling, he's got a little swagger.
“For me, it's back to Richard being himself.”
If Leonard is back to the player he was in 2019 when the defensive back was a CFL all-star for the Hamilton Tiger-cats, that's obviously very good news for the Stampeders.
Leonard was one of the uncharacteristic, high-profile free-agent signings Stamps general manager John Hufnagel made in 2020. Leonard was as dynamic a DB as there was in 2019. He made 55 tackles and had four interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown.
He brings veteran knowhow and elite-level talent to a defensive backs group that was expected to be among the best in the league.
With the exception of the Labour Day Classic, they've generally been pretty good.
It's true that the Stamps have allowed a lot of passing yards, but at least some of that is because they weren't getting a ton of pressure on quarterbacks. Give CFL receivers enough time to get open, and they will.
With the Stamps defensive line stepping up in a big way against the Elks in last weekend's Labour Day Rematch, the defensive backs thrived.
For his part, Leonard came down with his first interception of the year. It was a highlight-reel pick, too, with Leonard leaping forward and bringing in a Trevor Harris pass while sprawled out almost parallel to the turf.
“It felt great,” Leonard said. “It felt like I hadn't picked off a ball in so long, so it just felt like, `OK, I've got it, now more will come.'
“I've just got to keep doing my job and more will come.”
Now, though, Leonard has to focus on Friday's huge game in Hamilton against his former teammates. The Ticats are without quarterbacks Dane Evans and Jeremiah Masoli, as well as reigning CFL most outstanding player Brandon Banks.
On the surface, it's a winnable game, although the Stampeders aren't taking Ticats third-string quarterback David Watford lightly. They know he can throw the ball.
The Stamps are down a few key guys, as well, including field corner Jonathan Moxey, who normally lines up next to Leonard. In his place, Kobe Williams will make his first CFL start.
That's not ideal, but having Leonard's steady presence at the field halfback position should help lighten the load a little.
Especially the version of Leonard the Stamps believe they're getting now.
“I did have this game circled on the calendar,” Leonard said. “I'm really excited to play my old team. I'm just ready.”