Tommy Stevens is a short-yardage specialist with long-distance capability.
He offered Saskatchewan Roughriders fans a glimpse of the possibilities on Friday, when he took off for a 19-yard gain on second-and-two against the host Toronto Argonauts.
On the next play, A.J. Ouellette ran for a 25-yard touchdown — one of the key plays in a 39-32 victory that improved the Roughriders’ record to 3-0.
Stevens signed with Saskatchewan as a free agent on Feb. 11th after spending his first three CFL seasons with the Calgary Stampeders.
Over that time, he took off for runs of 85, 71 and 69 yards — all while playing against Saskatchewan, coincidentally enough. Those are the three longest runs by an opposing quarterback in Roughriders history.
So, yes, the big play is always a consideration.
“The situation is important,” Stevens said. “If it’s third-and-a-long-one-(yard) or third-and-two, that would probably make it more of a ‘make sure we get the first down’ situation.
“Obviously, you always want to get the first down, but maybe if it’s second-and-one, third-and-an-inch or third-and-one, I’m trying to score.
“That’s kind of the emphasis. We want to score on those plays because we know they can be explosive for us.
“Anytime we can put points on the board is obviously awesome, but the main priority is to get the first down and keep the offence on the field.”
Mission accomplished, without exception.
Stevens is 10-for-10 in short-yardage situations as a member of the Green and White.
He has gained at least a yard more than the required distance on eight of the 10 short-yardage plays.
Along with the 19-yarder on Friday, Stevens produced gains of four (on second-and-one), three (second-and-two) and two (third-and-one) in addition to scoring a touchdown on second-and-two.
It was Stevens’ second touchdown for the Roughriders, who are to return to action on Saturday against the B.C. Lions (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
“He was everything that we thought he was going to be when we brought him in,” Head Coach Corey Mace said, “and he gives life to the team, no doubt.
“I’m OK if we go with 30 short-yardage sneaks in the game and we’ve got Tommy Stevens.”
That would also be absolutely fine with Stevens.
“I love the role,” he said. “I think that’s maybe a little different than some people who have the role. They kind of just find their way into that — just being on a team where they have to do it.
“I look at it as an opportunity. I get to do it and I thoroughly enjoy it.”
He also enjoys the company he keeps.
“Being efficient at the short yardage is a group effort — it really is,” Stevens emphasized. “I go as we go, so it’s never a one-man thing.
“It can be a one-man thing if somebody messes up, because all it takes is one person to mess up and the play can be botched.
“A complete buy-in from the entire group and physicality are the two main things and we’ve been really good so far.”
Physicality is a natural part of the package for the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder, whose size rivals many of the defensive ends who try to stop him.
“I’d be lying if I said that (size) didn’t help,” Stevens said. “I think it’s definitely a plus when looking at all things included but, at the end of the day, it all starts up front with the guys who are in the unit and with the guys buying into short yardage.
“It’s a hard play, it’s a physical play, and a lot of people don’t want any parts of it, right? So having guys who are willing to buy in and wanting to be a part of it obviously is the most important thing.
“And then there’s people firing off the ball and being assignment-strong and doing all the little things. That is also very important.
“But, at the end of the day, having size does help.”
His gait is also advantageous.
“I haven’t always been tall, but I’ve always had long legs, so getting out of the blocks is kind of the toughest part for me,” Stevens said. “Once I start striding, it’s going to be good.
“Then I find who’s remaining, who’s on the field, and who can make the play. Then I try to find a way to run by them or get by them.”
