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Saskatchewan is second-best in the league in average points allowed (24.4 per game), a jump of three spots from its placing at the six-game mark (27.3).

The Roughriders had only two interceptions after six games. They now have 18 picks, third in the league — including a CFL-leading nine by Gainey.

“We played some decent ball earlier in the season with the exception of some uncovered guys early in the first two games,’’ head coach, defensive co-ordinator and general manager Chris Jones said.

“We had the games in B.C. and Calgary where they were able to run the football effectively. About mid-season, they decided — and it wasn’t anything that we did differently — to be more disciplined.’’

Jones has a reputation for high-pressure defences with an emphasis on man-to-man pass coverage. His philosophy has changed with the Riders, who often play zone coverage and rush with as few as three defensive linemen.

“Percentage-wise, we flip the script on people every now and again and blitz a little more,’’ Jones said. “It’s the flavour of the week on whatever we decide to do. However we can get off the field is the main thing.’’

In 2014 and 2015, Steele was with the Edmonton Eskimos when Jones was their head coach and defensive co-ordinator. Steele earned a championship ring with the 2015 Eskimos.

With Edmonton, Jones was more aggressive in terms of blitzing than he has been in two seasons with Saskatchewan.

“It’s different type of athletes and personnel,’’ Steele said. “In Edmonton, we had a lot of guys on defence who were Willie Jefferson tall and long. We had a couple of corners who were 6-foot-5 and, I think, 6-foot-6. It was a different type of defence, but he has athletes on this team and that never changes with Chris Jones because he will always have athletes.’’