Last season wasn’t a good one for the Calgary Stampeders defence.
They gave up 527 points, which was second-worst in the league.
That clearly wasn’t good enough, so the Stamps have made changes to every aspect of the defence.
In the backfield, they’ve signed free agent Damon Webb from Ottawa.
Webb was an all-star last season and had a couple of interception returns for touchdowns.
Webb says he wants to bring that big-play mentality to the Stamps.
“I just wanted a fresh start,” the 29-year-old said.
“I knew I could come and make an immediate impact and become more of a leader and just come to an organization where I know I’m valued, and I know I can have a big impact on winning.
“My main goal is to win the Grey Cup.”
Looking to grow
Another defensive back the Stamps brought in through free agency is Adrian Greene.
He spent the past three seasons with the B.C. Lions but thinks he can grow his game in Calgary.
“Ultimately, part of sport is continuing to grow,” the 29-year-old said.
“They presented me with the opportunity, and I’m taking it.”
Beefing up the defensive line
There will be some big changes on the defensive line.
Gone are Mike Rose and James Vaughters, who were released.
Big Miles Brown joins the Stamps after spending three seasons with the Riders.
The 27-year-old looks forward to being part of an aggressive defensive line.
“I plan on bringing a very strong sense of leadership and just an aggressive style of play. I want our defensive line to be dominant,” he said.
Orimolade back in the fold
Coming off a Grey Cup win with the Toronto Argonauts, Folarin Orimolade returns to Calgary after being acquired in exchange for linebacker Cam Judge.
Orimolade says he didn’t see the trade coming.
“I was definitely surprised to find out I was going to be shopped,” the 29-year-old said.
“But in this business, what are you going to do? They gave me an option to come back to Calgary, and I said yes.”
Changing the culture
Those are exactly the type of players head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson says he was looking for this off-season.
“We feel like change is important,” Dickenson said.
“For us as an organization, we wanted to celebrate the guys that were willing to come to Calgary, who wanted to be in Calgary, and who love football.”
