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Elimimian originally was credited with 13 tackles in the Toronto game. That’s the number that showed up first on the official scoresheet. But a review by league statistician Steve Daniel of the third play of the game — a tackle on Argos quarterback Ricky Ray credited to halfback Ryan Phillips — was reversed and given to Elimimian.

“When a player approaches a record I want to ensure that both he and the record holder are served in the same way,” Daniel explained to Postmedia News. “If a player is going to set a record he needs to earn it, but also that he gets all that he deserves and that we do not miss anything. Absolutely nothing is as important to me as accuracy and fairness, to players present and past.”

Daniel admits that tackles are by far the hardest stat to compute since multiple defenders can converge on a stop, but only one tackler gets credit.

“You simply have to decide who did the most to bring down the ball carrier and trust your understanding of the game,” he said. “For that reason, I monitor as many of them as possible subject to other parts of play that may need review and adjustment from my office.”

Elimimian’s adjusted 14 defensive tackles place him third all-time (tied with four others) for the most in a single CFL game. Saskatchewan’s Reggie Hunt holds the single-game record of 16 tackles, set in 2003. Hamilton linebacker Calvin Tiggle had 15 in a 1999 game against the Lions and is No. 2 all-time.

“Certain guys are good at certain things,” Elimimian said. “Ryan Phillips: He’s a ball-hawk. Alex Bazzie: He’s a sack master. That’s what makes them special. For me, it’s tackles. Coming back from a major injury (ruptured Achilles) it wasn’t easy. But I’m starting to hit my stride. I’m feeling good on my feet. When I’m healthy, I don’t think there’s anybody out there who can rival me.”

With 35 defensive tackles in his past three games, Elimimian has moved into second place (70) in the tackles race behind Bear Woods (74) of the Alouettes, who has had his own injury issues. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle on July 3, 2015, against Calgary, which ended Woods’ season after just two games.

mbeamish@postmedia.com

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