You could name a few players that were hero-like in the Calgary Stampeders vs. Montreal Alouettes game, but it was Fred Bennett who was the unsung hero, keeping the Stampeders’ home winning streak alive.
Marquay McDaniel, Bo Levi Mitchell and Eric Rodgers were all outstanding in the Calgary Stampeders game against the Montreal Alouettes. McDaniel made it look easy catching long passes from Bo Levi Mitchell all night, registering two touchdowns. Bo Levi Mitchell also seems to have shaken off any signs of a slump by throwing over 300 yards and two touchdowns. You could argue McDaniel’s second touchdown was what brought the Stampeders their first lead of the night after an extremely slow start. It seems though that it’s usually the offensive plays that get the rave reviews, but rarely does a defensive back get the title of hero in a big win.
That’s what happened last night. After being down by 17 points, John Hufnagel rallied the troops and finally the Stampeders started making key plays and reminding fans of the team they can be. In the third quarter, it looked like Montreal was going to put some more points on the board as they rushed down the field. After a long catch by Montreal’s Dobson Collins in the red zone, it was Fred Bennett who knocked the ball and forced a fumble, to be recovered by the Stamps on the two-yard line. That ended the Alouette’s drive and Montreal didn’t put any points on the board until the two points in the fourth quarter.
That wasn’t the only play Bennett made. He also had two tackles and a knock down, but it was the forced fumble that was the turning point and gave Calgary the win at home. That’s why he’s the unsung hero in my books.
If Stampeder fans haven’t been paying attention, Fred Bennett has been making plays like this for four years for Calgary. In 2014, he registered 44 tackles, two tackles for a loss, three knockdowns, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and four interceptions for 14 yards. In 2013, he had a similar year with 38 tackles and three interceptions for 67 yards. And even better news for fans is that he’s played all 18 games every year since he was picked up by Calgary in 2012. All games every year, no injuries.
This isn’t to say Calgary’s offence didn’t perform. As mentioned, Mitchell was clicking with his receivers and even though Jon Cornish was on the sidelines with a broken thumb, Matt Walter and Tory Harrison did a fine job rushing the ball. Just remember, next time you give a shout-out to your favourite offensive player, don’t forget about the unsung heroes from your defensive and special teams. Did you see that dive DB Joe Burnett made for an interception? Linebacker, Deron Mayo had nine tackles. And how about Calgary’s defence keeping the Alouettes at bay in the final minutes of the game? Sometimes the best offence really is a good defence.
By the way, classy touch by all those in attendance giving Nik Lewis a standing ovation. It was nice seeing him back at McMahon Stadium, even if it wasn’t for the red and white.
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