By Jonathan Anderson
Stampeders.com
Anwar Stewart may be the oldest member of the Stampeders defensive line, but Friday night the12-year CFL veteran put on a spectacular performance on Friday against the BC Lions.
Playing like he was 25, the newest member of the defensive line tied a team record by registering four sacks.
Score one for the old guys.
“We want to continue to show that we still have that fire,” said Stewart. “And we still have that passion to play at a high level.”
Since Stewart arrived in Calgary, the Stampeders defence has been a dominant force, picking up 15 sacks in three games including 14 in the past two outings.
“Everybody stayed in their lanes,” said Stewart, “and we won our one-on-ones and it spelled success for us. We want to continue to do that week in and week out”
Stewart credits the Stampeders coaching staff for the win over the Lions.
“Coaches had a great game plan — all we had to do was go out and play hard,” he said.
Stewart singles out defensive line coach DeVone Claybrooks — his former teammate with the Montreal Alouettes — as an important player in his integration into the Stampeders lineup
“He had the confidence that I could come here and help out the D-line,” he noted.
With a solid game plan and a commitment to structure, Stewart is confident the Stampeders will remain successful.
“The secondary played well, we got interceptions, we got turnovers . . . everybody played well,” he remarked.
He has found instant chemistry with teammates.
“Everybody calls me Uncle Stew around here,” he chuckled. “At the end of the day, I want to go out and help the team. That’s why they brought me in here — to put pressure on the quarterback so we can compete against BC.
“The guys respect me, they welcomed me with welcome arms and, at the end of the day, I’m really proud and excited to be a part of this team.”
This game may have had no impact on the final standings in the West Division but Stewart sees it as sign of good things to come.
“This is the kind of showing we needed,” he suggested. “Tonight, we really showed how good we can be when we play together.”