It’s not just every game they stand united, but every single day.

The Stampeders defence has only gotten stronger each week and has been causing headaches for the opposition’s offence, not allowing them much room to operate with stifling pressure and an aggressive attack-the-ball mentality.

Case in point: Holding the visiting Edmonton Eskimos to just 18 points in a big Labour Day victory at McMahon Monday.

But if you think they’re playing great now, this group believes they can get even better and have yet to reach their full potential.

“We’re always looking to win the Grey Cup every week,” defensive back Joshua Bellsaid.  “It’s satisfying and not, at the same time, because we aren’t doing what we set out for ourselves. That’s what keeps us hungry and wanting more every week.”

DBs Joshua Bell and Shaq Richardson during the 2017 Labour Day Classic (Photo by Rob McMorris)

After the Stamps’ dominating defeat of the Eskimos, which improved their record to 8-1-1, the members of the defence were already talking about how they can improve ahead of the Labour Day rematch this Saturday in Edmonton.

“It was a good game but for our standards not good enough,” Bell said.  “We want to play a full four quarters; we didn’t put the (final nail) in the coffin and that’s what we expect to do.

“We made some mistakes and we can’t wait to get into the film room to watch them in order to correct them and get better.”

Head coach Dave Dickenson gave high praise to defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks and the schemes he has implemented with his charges.

Over the past two weeks, the defence has allowed only 25 points, going seven quarters without giving up a touchdown until the fourth quarter against the Esks Monday.

“It felt like they found their groove,” Dickenson said. “Our defensive line is creating pressure, our linebackers are stopping the run and our defensive backs are knocking balls down.

“DeVone is doing well changing up the looks. They’re playing as a group of 12 and that’s what it is, a group of 12.”

Though injuries have taken their toll at times, the ‘next man up’ mentality has allowed the D to excel despite the losses.

“It’s a testament to our personnel getting guys who can come in and be a part of a unit so we don’t have that drop-off,” Bell said.

“It comes down to the coaches with their schemes to get us playing on the same level, and it comes down to us players. We don’t want to have a drop-off. Everyone wants to step in and be great and that’s why we’ve been successful so far.”