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News August 23, 2022

48-Hour Primer | CGY vs WPG

Winnipeg Blue Bombers DB Nick Hallett and DB Nick Taylor celebrates during first quarter CFL action against the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg on Thursday, August 11, 2022. (CFL PHOTO - JASON HALSTEAD)

@EdTaitWFC

Nick Hallett didn’t scratch out a wish list on the eve of his first start at safety for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers a month ago. If he had, it might have read like this – in no particular order:

  • Know your stuff
  • Don’t screw up
  • Honour your teammates

And so, in that respect – and given the benefit of some hindsight as the 28-year-old prepares for his fourth straight start Thursday night against the Calgary Stampeders – Hallett has earned check marks and gold stars for his handiwork to date.

It could be said he’s also the latest example of the club’s well-documented ‘next man up’ mantra, for Hallett is working in relief of Malcolm Thompson, the man first pegged to replace CFL All-Star safety Brandon Alexander but was nicked up in the win over Edmonton last month.

“The days before my first start was definitely a nerve-wracking time,” Hallett said after Tuesday’s closed practice. “I had some reps last year, but it was my first start, and I was very wired – antsy, let’s say – to not mess up and help the team win. It was, at first, all about being very focused. It was my turn to step in and I had to show everyone I could do the job.”

Through his three starts Hallett has delivered, registering 11 tackles and one pass knockdown. Asked if he thought teams had been testing the middle of the air defence knowing he was making his first starts at a position he didn’t play in college – he was a halfback during his days at the University of Toronto – Hallett grinned.

“You know what? Even though I’m new and they might want to take their shots at me they still have to beat Willie (Jefferson), (Jackson) Jeffcoat, Biggie (Adam Bighill), Nick Taylor, Spook (Deatrick Nichols)… they still have to deal with all those guys before they can take a shot at me.

“It’s so awesome having those guys in front of me and beside me talking and making me feel comfortable.”

Hallett has been an intriguing case study in perseverance since the club selected him in the seventh round, 61st overall, of the 2019 CFL Draft. He came into training camp that spring figuring his days with the club would be short. Now into his third season he’s carved out a place as a solid special teams player – he, Mike Miller and Thiadric Hansen are all tied for the team league in special teams tackles – and is now proving to be a valuable contributor on defence.

“I hope my play has shown I take my preparation seriously and was always ready,” Hallett said. “I knew my playbook, knew what I had to get accomplished. I try to stay as ready and prepared for whenever the team needs me.

“Special teams was a grind, but it was fun and I was able to find my way in there and try to make an impact. Defence was a slower learn for me. I understood the pieces on paper but stepping onto the field was different. It’s been amazing having JY (Jordan Younger), Richie (Hall), Coach O’Shea, my brother, B.A. (Brandon Alexander) all helping me out. From that the game has slowed down a little bit. Each year that I’ve been here in the system I feel like I’ve grown.”

“I have taken a step back to look at everything and think about how cool this all is. I’ve even reminisced about when I first was here… I was just trying to make the roster. I thought I was going to get cut every single day. I’m very, very glad I didn’t.

“Football is fun. That’s why I play, and I don’t want to go out there and not have fun. At the same time, my main goal is to do my job, limit my mistakes and help the team win.”

Hallett referenced the help of his brother, Noah, who was injured late last year and is still recovering from offseason surgery. The ironic part is had he been healthy, Noah might very well have started the season as Alexander’s replacement. And so, while Nick appreciates his opportunity, he also sees the mental strain and the physical work his brother puts in daily.

“It’s bittersweet,” Hallett said. “I want him on the field with me, whether he’d be the starter right now or it was me. I hope I’ve been able to impact him on this journey for him and try to keep him positive.

“He’s just a warrior. He’s still so focused in meetings, still watching film, still telling me what he sees. It’s been a great help to me, and I’ve been praying for him every day that he comes back.”

OUCH UPDATE:

Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea told the media after Tuesday’s closed practice that receiver Greg Ellingson did not participate after leaving Monday’s session early. He did not provide an update on Ellingson’s status saying only ‘He’s off seeing people right now.”

QUOTABLE:

O’Shea on the injury to B.C. Lions QB Nathan Rourke:

“It’s terrible for the CFL. It certainly doesn’t mean B.C.’s out of it. They’ve got a very good football team. That roster is stacked with talented players. All three phases play well, and I imagine they’re going to continue to play well.

“It was good for our game, good for our league. There’s not a guy here that didn’t feel a little sick to their stomach when they saw or heard that.”

ICYMI:

Former Blue Bombers QB Chris Streveler was doing his thing again for the New York Jets Monday night, helping rally his team to a preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons. Listed as the fourth QB with the Jets behind Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White, Streveler completed 8-of-11 passes for 119 yards and one TD against one interception while rushing six times for 33 yards.

And for the second straight game, he earned a post-game shout-out from head coach Robert Saleh, who began his post-game speech to the team with ‘How about frickin’ Streveler, man?’ while the Jets Twitter account offered this:

“Guys were talking about it today,” said O’Shea. “It’s pretty neat. That’s two games now he’s led second-half drives to help win games. With Strev, and I’m sure he’d be the first to admit it, he’s not doing it by himself. He throws the ball over the middle (Monday) night, there’s a little bust in the coverage and the guy makes good and does a pretty decent run around the edge to score. He led another drive, and they ended up running the ball in. He had some good rushing yards.

“I’m happy for the guy – all the guys are. You want him to do well. He did so well for us and was such a great teammate you’re just rooting for him.”

Bet Regal has the Blue Bombers are 5.5-point favourites for Thursday night’s game against Calgary:

  • Worth noting: The Blue Bombers have already won the season series this year against the Stamps with two wins in July and are 7-4 in their last 11 games against Calgary dating back to 2017.

The Blue Bombers point total is currently 27.5 for Thursday night:

  • The club is averaging 26.7 points this season – third highest in the CFL behind B.C. (35.9) and Calgary (29.8). After being held to 19 points in each of their first two wins of the season, both over Ottawa, the Blue Bombers have averaged 28.6 points per game.

Check out the CFL’s new Blitz Picks, presented by BetRegal, here.