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Saskatchewan Roughriders look to tighten up on defence

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Saskatchewan Roughriders look to tighten up on defence
WATCH ABOVE: After giving up the second-most points in the CFL last season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are looking to tighten up on defence. Claire Hanna reports from training camp – Jun 2, 2017

The Saskatchewan Roughriders gave up the second-most points last season in the CFL.

It was a surprising statistic, given that head coach and general manager Chris Jones has a defensive background.

READ MORE: 3 vying for Saskatchewan Roughriders starting running back position

The team is looking to tighten up on defence this season and Jones admits it is still a work in progress.

“We’re not near where we need to be,” Jones stated at training camp on Thursday.

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He said part of the problem is that some players are paralyzed by the analysis of the playbook.

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“Sitting there thinking too much, and that type of thing, but eventually when they learn exactly what they’re doing, they’re going to play fast,” Jones said.

Defensive backs coach Jason Shivers said the secondary has young guys who can run, they just need to get used to the CFL and the larger playing field.

“They’re all right there fighting and vying for a job,” Shivers said, adding that all of them are still in contention for a position.

READ MORE: New Saskatchewan Roughriders bring character to offensive line

The Riders continue training camp on Friday at SMF Field in Saskatoon.

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