Some say he’s making big plays.

But Brandon Smith believes he’s just doing his job.

The defensive back is now tied for the Stamps lead in interceptions at two, after forcing a red zone turnover against the Montreal Alouettes in Saturday night’s 25-8 victory.

“They were going into score,” Smith said. “Whenever you can get a turnover in that situation and put our offence back on the field, that’s a swing of momentum.”

“That was right around the 20-yard line,” added defensive backs coach Josh Bell. “They probably would have had at least three points out of that if it weren’t for Smitty.

“He let the quarterback see one thing, and when the quarterback thought he had a completion, he went on and took it away from him.

“That’s Smitty – he can disguise things to look like he’s doing one thing, but he’s doing something completely different.”

It’s a skill the veteran has picked up over his 11-year career with the Stamps.

“He’s got the reps and touches as the great Arland Bruce said,” Bell explained. “Smitty is getting the ball as much as he can in practice, which means he’s making plays on the field.”

But even with over a decade of experience, game-changing plays don’t happen without attention to the small details.

“He always puts the work in, he’s always prepared,” Bell said. “He’s extremely meticulous in his preparation, he’s always detailed. He knows what he’s doing and what everybody else is doing.

“And because of that preparation he’s been able to reap the benefits, and the fruits of his labour.”

Indeed, Smith’s thoroughness has paid off. Just five games into the season he’s already topped his interception count from last year, and has also made 14 tackles and one sack.

But the ever-humble Stamp isn’t keeping a close eye on his personal stats.

“I try not to think too much about it and just seize the opportunities that I’m given,” said Smith.

His coach on the other hand, has a bit of a different story.

“I’ve got high expectations,” said Bell. “I’m trying to get Smitty to 10 interceptions this year. We’ll get him there.”

And he won’t have to wait long to see if Smith can tack on another turnover. The Stampeders will take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders this Saturday at New Mosaic Stadium in the Red & White’s first of six straight match-ups against western opponents.

“We’re expecting to go into each and every game and get better,” said Smith. “We’re expecting to come away with wins, it’s not going to be easy, but we’re all willing to do whatever it takes to get that done.”