JAMES PATRICK TAKING CHARGE IN THE SECONDARY

By MURRAY McCORMICK, Leader-

REGINA — There is no standing pat for James Patrick.
Patrick is in his second season as the starting safety with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has successfully made the conversion from cornerback to handling the demands of a different position in the secondary.

Defensive backs coach Nelson Martin has encouraged Patrick to take on more of a leadership role with the defensive backs. Martin feels that Patrick is in an ideal position to help fill the leadership void that was created by the off-season retirement of defensive halfback Eddie Davis.

"I'm picking up what Eddie used to do,'' Patrick said after the Riders completed Tuesday's practice at the University of Regina. "I want to direct the secondary and be aware of where everyone is supposed to be.''

That means being more vocal. Patrick, who is in his third CFL season with the Riders, doesn't have any problem with being a stronger voice among the defensive backs.
"It's my job, so it's what I have to do,'' Patrick said. "I wanted to take advantage of it and I feel good about doing it.''

Patrick and Martin spend a great deal of time together during practice. Martin, who was a safety for seven CFL seasons with the B.C. Lions, initiated the in-practice meetings in 2009. Martin felt the meetings were needed after a regular-season game on July 11, 2009, against the Toronto Argonauts.

"We'd had a couple of broken coverages in the secondary and I realized then that he had been a corner throughout his career,'' Martin said. "He wasn't accustomed to playing free safety and I needed to spend more time with him so he can understand the position because it's different than any other in the secondary. I've continued to do that in Eddie's absence because as the safety Patrick's right in the middle of the secondary. He's in the best spot to lead the defensive backs.''

Patrick has been doing that. He intercepted two Henry Burris passes in the end zone in Saturday's 40-20 loss to the Calgary Stampeders. Patrick also recorded eight defensive tackles and had one special-teams tackle.

Patrick's two interceptions lead the Riders and he's tied with six others for second in the CFL. He also recorded two interceptions in the Riders' 27-17 victory over the Stampeders in the 2009 West Division final.

"I don't know if he's improved because of my input or if he's just getting more comfortable with angles that he has to play,'' Martin said. "It's a different position from being on the corner where everything was on one side of you. I think he's better because he's just getting more familiar with the position.''

Patrick, 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, plays the position like a cornerback. He's not going to deliver the knockout blow for which more physical safeties are renowned
"I can do it if I have to,'' said Patrick, who had two interceptions while dressing for 18 regular-season games in 2009. "But if I see the ball, I'm going after it. That's my primary goal.''
Riders head coach Ken Miller acknowledged Patrick's strong game Saturday. Miller also pointed out that Patrick, like all members of the Riders in the lopsided loss, suffered some breakdowns.
"He missed a couple of tackles on some long runs,'' Miller said "He played well but there is still room for improvement.''

Patrick has already turned his focus towards Saturday's game when the Riders play host to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

"I always take it a week at a time,'' said Patrick, who is third on the Riders with 16 defensive tackles. "The previous game is behind us and there isn't anything we can do about it. I'm just thinking about the game ahead of us.''

The Riders have been moved out of Mosaic Stadium because of tonight's Bon Jovi concert. The team is to be back on its home turf Friday.
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