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Regina -- The Roughriders were 12-6 last season, and they did it essentially without a starting quarterback.
That tells you all you need to know about how well their defence performed.
The man at the core of that defensive group, the unquestioned leader, was all-star middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd. He was one of the best kept secrets in the CFL, but his name finally got out there -- just as he became a free agent.
So he's long gone now, reunited with his defensive co-ordinator, Richie Hall, as a new member of the Edmonton Eskimos.
The Roughriders are replacing five of 12 starters on defence, but none will be as important as Renauld Williams taking over for Lloyd at middle linebacker.
"He'll be the leader of our defence," director of player personnel Joe Womack said. "You want your middle linebacker to be the guy."
Williams, known as 'Rey' to teammates and coaches, started four games last season at weak-side linebacker, but he was still on the field quite a bit, filling in wherever he was needed.
For a non-starter, his stats were solid. He had three sacks, was seventh on the team in tackles, collected an interception and added a pair of pass knockdowns. He also led the squad in special teams tackles and blocked a punt.
Williams, a 28-year-old from Westbury, N.Y., will be asked to bring that tenacity to his role as the full-time starter in the heart of the defence. His ability is why the Riders didn't panic when Lloyd left town.
"He certainly was in the equation when we were deciding on all of these potentials, because he's such a fine athlete and he's built like a brick and engaging and fast and smart," Womack said. "So we feel like we're hitting the road running with Rey."
