MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – September was a ride to remember for Montreal Alouettes linebacker Bear Woods, who earned the CFL’s defensive player of the month honor following a string of strong performances that helped his team lock down three wins in their four September outings.
Woods has established himself as a leader in Noel Thorpe’s defensive squad, allowing his team to stay in the hunt for the CFL’s East Division lead. In addition, Woods earned two additional accolades for his impressive efforts in September, having been named defensive player of Weeks 11 and 14.
The Troy University product put on a spectacular performance in a crucial 38-31 victory over the division rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats on September 7, recording ten defensive tackles, including two sacks. It was Woods’ best effort since joining the league in 2011 as he established new career highs. He did it again the following week, registering nine tackles against the Eskimos.
As part of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame game on September 21, Woods and the Alouettes’ defensive unit managed to contain the powerful offense of the visiting Calgary Stampeders. His five defensive tackles played a key role en route to an inspiring and important 31-15 victory.
The six-foot, 245-pound linebacker wrapped up his September in brilliant fashion, setting the tone again with another nine tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble, in a 15-7 Montreal victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The Alouettes’ defensive squad limited Ottawa to a single touchdown while stopping them five times from their own one-yard line. The forced fumble on Henry Burris led to the Alouettes only touchdown of the game.
In four games in September, Woods recorded an impressive total of 33 defensive tackles, including three sacks and a forced fumble. The Macclenny, Florida native now ranks 17th in the league in defensive tackles with 46 in just seven games played. He has also been credited with four sacks.
