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Features August 9, 2023

No Fly Zone

The flights are cancelled.

If you’re an opposing QB trying to fly through Calgary air, you better fasten your seatbelts because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

The Red and White secondary has caused major turbulence for offences over the past couple weeks – the unit has not given up a single touchdown pass into the endzone.

When the Boatmen were finally able to chart into the red zone last Friday, backup QB Cameron Duke’s pass attempt was snagged out of the air by Jonathan Moxey for his first interception of the season.

Defensive back Branden Dozier credits the group’s performance to their ever-growing momentum.

“I mean, we just built on what we did the week before,” said Dozier. “We didn’t give up any touchdowns versus Montreal and we wanted to put out a similar showing. We had one mishap which led to a touchdown, but we got better as a unit last week and it showed.”

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By looking at the stat sheet alone, it’s hard to tell how productive Dozier actually was. The 6-year league vet recorded two knockdowns and one tackle in the win, but if you were watching the game, it’s easy to see how much of an impact Dozier had on the field.

Whether it was stopping Toronto’s ground game or solid coverage on a receiver, the 29-year-old was always close to the play, including a near interception in the fourth quarter.

The defensive success comes as no surprise for Dozier, he and the DB unit look forward to maintaining their production.

“I think every week the confidence grows,” he explained. “Coach just said in our breakdown at the end of practice right there that we’re really starting to gel so I think each week we’re getting better, and it will show week in and week out.”

They’ll face their toughest task this weekend against the BC Lions receiving corps.

The Leos are spoiled for choice when it comes to pass catchers with Dominque Rhymes, Alexander Hollins, Lucky Whitehead, Keon Hatcher, and Justin McInnis. Rhymes not only leads his team, but the league in receiving touchdowns with five, and Hollins leads the Lions in receiving yards with 474.

Their offensive success was halted last week by the Blue Bombers, but with the likely return of quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., they’ll be looking to bounce back big.

In their last meeting, the Stamps gave up 300 passing yards and two passing touchdowns resulting in a 25-15 win for BC in Week 1 and the Red and White look to even the season series in Vancouver on Saturday.

The key to containing that explosive receiver room? For Dozier, it’s simple: focus.

“Just be assignment-sound and pay attention to detail,” he said. “They’re going to try to throw up some 50/50 balls and we just have to come down with them.

“When the ball is in the air, we have to make plays.”