Malik Carney isn’t one to focus on individual statistics — as impressive as they have been of late.
The 28-year-old defensive end has registered all four of his sacks this season over the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ last five games.
Most recently, he had two sacks on Friday against the visiting Montreal Alouettes. As well, he registered six defensive tackles to increase his total to 20 for the 2024 CFL season.
Thoughts?
“I don’t look at the stats too much,” Carney replied when asked about the four-sacks-in-five-games roll.
“Obviously, that’s something that everybody would love to have, but as long as we’re getting the wins — which we haven’t been doing these last couple of games — that’s what we’re focusing on and that’s what I’m focusing on.
“That’s what really matters — the win column.”
There are two ways of addressing that stat.
With a 5-4-1 record, the Roughriders enjoy sole possession of first place in the CFL’s West Division.
However, the Green and White is winless in four games (0-3-1) entering Thursday’s collision with the host Toronto Argonauts (5:30 p.m., TSN, CKRM).
How can the Roughriders sustain and, ideally, strengthen their hold on top spot?
“Just by turning up the physicality and honing in on the details and executing our calls and continuing to play together,” he said.
The physicality to this point has helped Saskatchewan amass a league-best 26 sacks.
Carney’s recent sack spree has moved him to within one of teammate Micah Johnson’s league-leading total.
Johnson is among six players with five sacks. Carney, fellow Roughriders defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. and seven other CFLers have four sacks.
“That’s my job,” Carney said. “Get to the quarterback. Get him down. Disrupt the offensive plan and just raise havoc out there.
“That’s what we’re focused on as a unit defensively. We want to continue to get turnovers and just make teams have trouble moving the ball on us.”
The Roughriders boast the CFL’s best turnover differential (plus-14). They have forced 29 turnovers, including league-best totals of 14 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.
As well, Saskatchewan has the league’s second-best run defence. The Roughriders have allowed 76.9 rushing yards per game. Toronto leads the way at 69.2.
Carney has been a key contributor, whether it comes to repelling the run, pressuring the passer or even pitching in on pass coverage.
“He does so much for us defensively,” Head Coach and Defensive Co-ordinator Corey Mace said.
“There’s his flexibility of being able to play a few positions for us — coming from different angles, dropping in space, being excellent in the run game.
“He has been good all year. I’m happy for him that he can get his sack numbers up. I think every D-lineman wants that.”
Carney’s production is what the Roughriders had in mind when they signed him on Day 1 of the 2024 free-agency period.
His first three CFL seasons were spent with Hamilton. Over 35 games with the Tiger-Cats, he had 81 defensive tackles (including 52 last year) and 13 sacks (including seven in 2022 and five last season).
“I love it here,” Carney said with a smile. “The fans are very engaged into the games. They’re so involved. With the facilities and everything, I can’t complain. I really do love it out here.
“Realizing how much the fans love the Roughriders, it just makes it that much sweeter to be here.”
