If the 2022 Saskatchewan Roughriders were looking for an official slogan, “Next man up” seems like an appropriate line.
It’s a statement that has been used frequently among the Rider players this season as this week it will be the defensive line will who receive a test of their depth.
The green and white will be without defensive tackle, Garrett Marino for the next four games following his suspension.
Saskatchewan will also be without the CFL sack leader, Pete Robertson, who suffered a severe sprained ankle in the Ottawa game, and will be out 4-6 weeks.
Miles Brown will be one of the defensive lineman that will be looking to fill the void behind by Marino and Robertson. Brown got his first game action for the Riders during the win against Ottawa, and he was thankful to be back on the field last Friday.
“There’s nothing like it, professional football, I’m just happy to be out there and grateful for the opportunity.”
It was not an ordinary Rider game for the defensive lineman’s debut in green and white. A physical game eventually led to Marino injuring quarterback Jeremiah Masoli with a low hit that resulted in the QB being sidelined 10-12 weeks. Following the hit, several of the Redblack players rushed to the Riders sideline in defence of their fallen quarterback. Brown was just happy to be back on the field last week.
“It was good to get my feet wet and get back comfortable, get into my playing style and habits from what I can learn from the tape moving forward appropriately. ”
The Wofford product says his playing style is technical based.
“Be really detailed in how I work and how I approach and how I play, doesn’t always work out like that, that’s why we practice, that’s why we prepare for the big moments and in the big moments you just let it all show, let all of your abilities show, from there you watch and you fix what needs to be fix and you keep moving forward. ”
Before arriving in Riderville, Brown had some experience playing the National Football League (NFL). He spent the 2019 season with the Arizona Cardinals after signing as an undrafted free agent. He played in nine game for the Cardinals and also spent time with the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans.
With the departures of Robertson and Marino from the Riders defensive line, Brown says it will be the same approach for the Riders heading into the matchup with the Argos.
“We’re going to prepare to win, we’re going to prepare to be the best, we’re going to perform in our room, and I know the rest of the defence is going to do the same, and the offence is going to do the same, I know the kicking teams are going to do the same, we’re all going to prepare to win, that’s our job and that’s what we’re going to do. ”
Despite starting the season on the sidelines for Saskatchewan, Brown is ready to take advantage of the chance of additional playing time.
“”You have to be ready, I feel comfortable, I feel prepared, I feel strong and ready, I’m excited to play.”
The Riders are meeting Toronto in Touchdown Atlantic on Saturday afternoon, and Brown says the team has to keep its eyes on the prize, despite the distractions.
“I think that we have to remind ourselves to remain focus, that we’re there for a business trip, we’re there for work, but the picture I saw of Halifax, it looks really beautiful, if we get some time to walk around that would be nice, to see what’s out there, I think it will be a really fun time for all of us. ”
You can catch Touchdown Atlantic on 620 CKRM beginning with Countdown to Kickoff at 9:00, opening kickoff is 12:00.
