‘Ball hawk’ Phillips eager for Als debut at cornerback
February acquisition hasn’t played the position since 2011, but confidence brims
Ryan Phillips is known for his durability, having missed only four games over his 12 seasons with British Columbia. Ironically, now that he’s with the Alouettes, he missed most of training camp, along with the regular-season opener, due to a hamstring injury.
But that’s all in the past. Phillips is expected to make his Montreal debut Friday night at Edmonton (10 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio-690), and he’ll be playing a position — field cornerback — he hasn’t lined up at since 2011. If you believe in good omens, the Lions that season won the Grey Cup.
“It’s me getting back to what I’m used to, seeing the same route combinations. It’s like me in my sleep,” the 34-year-old veteran said Wednesday, after the Als concluded this week’s preparations at Olympic Stadium. “Getting into a game tempo will be a little bit different.
“I’m just excited about the opportunity,” added the Seattle native. “I’m excited to be back on the field. It gets lonely being on that sideline. I’m happy and blessed to get another opportunity to play this game. I want to make sure I take full advantage and make sure everyone knows I’m going to be here to stay. Considering how things ended, you always want to put a little more pep in your step. You don’t want to waste opportunities. We know how slim this game can be as far as opportunities go.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to beat the odds.”
Despite being a four-time Canadian Football League all-star and holding numerous team records, Phillips asked for his release last winter when Wally Buono, the grand poobah who runs the Lions as general manager and head coach, wanted to slash his salary by an estimated $50,000.
Although the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Phillips has 47 career interceptions, he pilfered only one ball last season. He believed he was being pushed aside for younger players. He signed a one-year contract with Montreal on Feb. 14, after also conducting conversations with the Eskimos and Hamilton.
The Als, coincidentally, host the Lions next Thursday.
Phillips was acquired for his experience and leadership abilities, not to mention his obvious skills as a playmaker. The Als’ secondary is young and has been ravaged by recent injuries to Raymon Taylor, Greg Henderson and Travis Hawkins.
Not only will strongside linebacker Chip Cox move back into the secondary against the Eskimos, Montreal management on Wednesday added a pair of defensive backs — Donald Unamba and Jalen Rodgers — who attended training camp and were among the team’s final cuts. Both are expected to be activated against Edmonton, primarily for depth and special teams requirements.
“I’ve seen a lot and experienced a lot,” Phillips said. “I want to make sure I go out there and put my best foot forward, but also be the vet at the same time. Make sure I get guys in position and they’re playing with confidence. I want to be a leader on the field and in the secondary.”
Als defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe always has been a Phillips fan, respecting his production and playmaking skills.
“When you talk about ball hawks in the secondary, he’s one of those guys,” Thorpe said. “He’s acquired a knowledge that can help guys.”
Thorpe has no reservations playing Phillips, mostly used recently at safety by B.C., seemingly out of position. Thorpe has a history of trying players at different spots, most recently with Jovon Johnson and Jonathan Hefney. Both had productive seasons.
“We’re not afraid to put guys in different positions. We don’t know what they’ve been asked in the past,” Thorpe explained. “Ryan has familiarity playing defensive back in this league. Whether he’s one position removed from that spot playing cornerback, or one position inside playing (strong-side linebacker), it’s a concept of how we play in the back end, not the position you’re going to play.”
Both teams won their opening games, although Montreal was fortunate to escape with a one-point victory against Saskatchewan. The Eskimos, conversely, were far more impressive on the road at Vancouver, scoring 30 points.
Quarterback Mike Reilly passed for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Zylstra caught seven passes for 152 yards, while rookie Duke Williams added four receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tailback John White gained 104 yards on 17 carries, scoring once. And the Eskimos also possess Adarius Bowman, the league’s leading receiver in 2016. He was limited to two catches.
“Everything starts with the head of the monster — that’s Mike Reilly,” Phillips said. “Let’s be honest, he’s the best deep-ball thrower in the game. His completion percentage is definitely high when it comes to deep balls.
“It’s up to us to make sure we contest those balls and we’re competitive against those guys. We can’t let them push us around, even though they’re a bigger group. We have to make sure we fight for those jump balls.”
Note — Canadian defensive-lineman Jesse Joseph might miss the game with a knee injury.
I’ve seen a lot and experienced a lot. I want to make sure I go out there and put my best foot forward, but also be the vet.