In the lone BC Lions win so far this season, running back Jamal Robertson rushed for 168 yards in a 25-10 win over the Edmonton Eskimos. In the two games since then, he’s rushed for just 58. Add to the equation some of the talent the Lions have assembled at the back position and you have to wonder why the club isn’t rushing the ball more.
The offensive line has been under siege this season, and were badly abused by Saskatchewan in game 2. If you’re constantly getting blitzed and don’t have time to set up routes, you have to establish a running and short passing attack. They may be unproven but the likes of Jamall Lee, Andrew Harris and Jerome Messam have the talent to contribute, giving the Lions the luxury of keeping guys fresh. But the Lions have yet to try and tap into that talent in any big way.
After three games the trio of Lee, Harris and Messam had zero rushes to their credit. Harris has been moved to receiver and Lee and Messam have seen action in blocking rolls. Lee in particular possesses great speed and the Lions really need to find a way to get him involved and see what he can do.
We heard rumblings in the off-season that the Lions wanted to be an attacking team and that they wanted to go down field more often than not with their offense. But even Angus Reid admitted the club needed to run the ball more in this piece by Lowell Ullrich of The Province:
It was not a game in which the Lions had fallen so far behind they were forced to abandon the run — but they did, and produced a rushing total as bleak as nearly anything seen in a generation.
“I’m sure the two [Robertson] fumbles scared people,” centre Angus Reid said. “But we do have a great running back. We should use him more.”
And it sparked a belief if Robertson is unable to deliver, the Lions might be better served with rookie non-import Jerome Messam or sophomore Canadian Jamall Lee in the backfield.
Right now teams are just lining up and blitzing the Lions, and they’re having a lot of success. If the Lions can keep them more honest and on their heels with more rushing attempts designed to beat the blitz, and some screen passes and shorter routes over the middle to these talented backs, perhaps they can get their offense on track.
The offensive line has to step up either way. Either to protect the QB’s and allow them the time for routes to develop, or to open holes for the run. Angus Reid will return at centre, perhaps adding some much needed experience on a very inexperienced line.
Of course the coaches have to call plays that put these players in a position to utilize their skill sets. It would be nice to see a player like Jamall Lee have a chance to showcase his.
One of the great things about CFL is the that the majority of players are down to earth people. Players are very accessible to fans of the league, and in several cases I know of fans have become good friends of players in their cities. Many American born players end up staying in Canada after their playing days are done, making this country their new home.
Others contribute in other ways, and for BC Lions cornerback Dante Marsh he’s trying to help in the community. Marsh recently put a rare canvas print up for auction on Ebay, the proceeds of which will be donated to CFL Fans Fight Cancer, an effort this site has been involved with for several years now.
Nobody asked Dante to do this, it came out of the blue and it shows what type of person you find so often amongst CFL players. All of us at CFL Fans Fight Cancer wish to thank Dante for his generosity and support of our cause.
Up for auction is this 16×20 painting of Dante in action for the BC Lions. This is one of 2 ever made and on canvas with a wood framing. Dante has signed the painting with silver sharpie. Proceeds from this auction will go to benefit CFL Fans Fight Cancer. Visit DanteMarsh.com for more information about Dante.
Saksatchewan 37 Lions 18
Brian Wawryshyn, BCLionsDen.caIt was the first regular season CFL game played outdoors in Vancouver since Nov. 6, 1982, and while the atmosphere for the return to Empire Stadium was outstanding, the Lions themselves showed they have a lot of work to do if they hope to contend with the big boys on the CFL’s west division.
BC had no answers for Saskatchewan’s defence who pressured the Lions quarterbacks at will, exposing an inexperienced offensive line that is going to have to get better if Casey Printers, Travis Lulay and Jarious Jackson want to finish this season on the active roster and not the injured list. Printers left the game just before the half as a result of a bruised or strained quad muscle trying to evade the pressure of Riders rookie Brent Hawkins.
The constant pressure rendered the Lions offense useless, with quarterbacks and receivers having no time to make reads or run their routes. The running game had flashes os success, but was otherwise ineffective with JamallRobertson netting just 54 yards on 10 carries. Withthe Riders offensive line firing on all cylinders, Durant was able to findreceivers seemingly at will on second down, and the green machine churned out 188 yards along the ground, 93 of them going to Wes Cates.
When the Lions weren’t allowing pressure, they were taking penalties. 16 all together on the night for 116 yards.
Withthe Lions defence on the field so much, they were worn down in the second half, and the Riders had no problem putting together drives to close out the game. Their defence sealed the deal with another blindside hit on Lulay who fumbled, giving the Riders an easy touchdown.
Slotback Geroy Simon was one of the lone bright spots for the Leos, scoring both Lions touchdowns on a 32-yard pass from Printers in the first quarter, then gave the faithful something to cheer for connecting with Lulay on a 92-yard play when the game was already decided.
Paul McCallum hit on a 16-yard field goal and added a 45-yard single, while also coming up short on a fake punt that exposed the kicker’s lack of blinding speed.
The Lions had few wrinkles in their offense to throw at the Riders, prompting Dean Valli to say in a Lowell Ullrich piece that “They know what we’re going to do.” That’s not a ringing endorsement of the offensive game plan that at this time of year, should have had the Riders guessing. The talents of Jamal Lee and Andrew Harris are sparingly used, and if these players are going to have an impact, the Lions have to give them chances to do so.
Once again the team had trouble stopping the run. Possibly a product of being worn out in the second half, but on the last couple Rider drives of the game, they ran the ball down the Lions throats.
Things won’t get any easier for the Lions as they next take the field on Friday, July 16th at 7:00pm versus the Grey Cup Champion Montreal Alouettes.
Quick Hits:
The game was a sellout, at 27,528 fans…The Lions Brent Johnson played in his 152nd consecutive game…The atmosphere at Empire Field was fantastic, the tailgate parties were outstanding and had little to no issues, but inside some work needs to be done to address the concession lines. Reports of 30 to 45 minutes in the beer lineups had fans thirsty and cranky, and there were no options for refreshments in the stands. Fans on the west side of the stadium who were baking in the sun in the first half had few options but to brave the lineups and miss large chunks of the game if they wanted anything. All part of the learning process that comes from a temporary facility, and hopefully all involved can work out some of the kinks in time for Friday.
Friday Night Football: Argos at Bombers
Friday July 9th at 5:00pm I’ll be helping moderate a live blog/chat for CFL.ca along with Andrew Bucholtz and Tyler Bieber.
We’ll keep you posted on what’s happening in the game and discuss the events as they happen. Join us at 4:30pm pacific time for some live CFL discussion, leading up to the game at 5:00pm.
The link to the blog is http://www.cfl.ca/fnf
I
t’s opening week in the Canadian Football League and like all teams at this time of the year, the BC Lions are hoping their off-season moves will result in a trip to Edmonton come November. The Lions are coming off a disappointing 8-10 campaign that saw them sneak into the playoffs through the Eastern Conference crossover. A victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the conference quarter-finals had the Leos one win away from a trip to Calgary and the Grey Cup, but the Montreal Alouettes had no intentions of letting a western team represent the east and demolished the Lions in embarrassing fashion at Olympic Stadium to end their sub par season.
Let’s take a look at how the Lions have adapted to last season, and how they are stacking up heading into opening day, July 4th in Edmonton.
Coaching
The bitter defeat and the poor season left a sour taste in the mouth of coach and general manager Wally Buono, and the man in charge not only examined his team, but himself as well. For the first time in years, Buono cancelled his annual vacation to Hawaii, and also sought out the advice of trusted friends such as team scout Roy Shivers, who told the CFL’s most successful coach that he needed to trust his assistants more and let them do their jobs.
Buono began the restructuring of his club with the coaching staff. He declared Jacques Chapdelaine his sole offensive coordinator, abandoning the shared duties Chapdelaine split with Dan Dorazio last season. Chapdelaine will also coach the quarterbacks, and will give the receivers title to newcomer and former Stampeders star Travis Moore. Dorazio will focus solely on the offensive line again, and area where the team must get better in 2010.
On the defensive side of the ball, Mike Benevides remains defensive coordinator, but has replaced defensive line coach Mike Roach with the defensive genius of Rich Stubler. Barron Miles joins former teammate Mark Washington to handle the secondary, while Benevides will also take charge of the linebackers, which were a major source of concern last season.
Buono’s self-examination last season left him with the notion he needed to let his coaches coach. The clarification of duties among his assistants this season should help, and he has vowed to let them execute their schemes and philosophies. The other change Buono would like to see is in the work ethic of his team, during games and during practices. This years training camp was physical from day one and the boss wants the team to practice more intensely this year in hopes that the product on the field becomes more physical.
Of course much of that will depend on the personnel, so let’s move on and look at how the team heads into the season.
Offense
Quarterbacks
The BC Lions brought in Casey Printers during the 2009 campaign out of necessity, and some would say fate. He starts this season as the undisputed starting QB of the BC Lions, the team where he’s had his only real success as a professional player. The offense has been built around his skill set, and now is the time for Printers to take control of it.
Printers has said all the right things since returning to BC. How it’s all about the team, and all pulling in one direction. He had success last season, but there were some hiccups, and not enough wins. He got the Lions a playoff win in Hamilton, but struggled as did the whole team in the Eastern final after injuring his thumb in the final game of the season. An argument can be made that he still has much to prove and until he gets a few wins under his belt and starts to get this offense clicking, the questions will remain. There are some that would argue Travis Lulay was the better QB in pre-season, but we’re not going there…yet.
Backup and part-time starter Jarious Jackson is coming off shoulder surgery and as of training camp was still not 100% but thankfully as we mentioned, Travis Lulay has had a strong preseason, and looks to be on track to possibly slide into the backup role. If Printers returns to form, the Lions are likely the deepest in the league at QB. The trick will be to keep them healthy. Lulay has really taken strides, and with a full off-season and training camp under his belt should have a much better understanding of the Canadian game. The comparisons to a young Dave Dickenson, may not be far off.
Players to watch: Casey Printers, Travis Lulay
Offensive Line
The Lions went through five quarterbacks last season, and while not all of those injuries can be blamed on the offensive line, it’s clear that can’t happen again if the Lions hope to have success this season. The club sent tackle Jason Jimenez packing after philosophical differences, and hoped to address the tackle spots in the off-season. One move was to move Sherko Haji-Rasouli to the right tackle spot, the position he played in college, but with a preseason injury the Lions will likely start the season with Jon Hameister-Ries in his spot, and Dumane Duckett on the left. Second year player Justin Sorensen has not grabbed hold of the opportunity in practices leading up to opening week and will likely move back to guard, or assume another backup role to start the year. In the middle Dean Valli assumes the starting centre role held for eight seasons by Angus Reid, who will backup. The remainder of the line is still a work in progress with Andrew Jones, Jovan Olafioye, Dane Randolph all competing for spots, while Adam Baboulas starts the year on the practice roster.
The Lions will hope this new group gels early, but it’s rare offensive lines do. It will likely take a few games before they settle on a starting five, meaning Casey Printers will need to be at his elusive best to start the year.
Players to watch: The whole offensive line.
Running Backs
When a team loses it’s starting running back, and in the case of the Lions the CFL rookie of the year in Martell Mallett, it’s a priority to address the loss. The Lions may have done more than that, as they appear to have some solid talent assembled to carry the ball. The off-season free agent signing of veteran Jamal Robertson gives the Lions a solid starting back, and a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. Add to the mix last years first round pick Jamall Lee, newcomer and junior phenom Andrew Harris and the Lions could have a very potent stable of backs. Fullback Jerome Messam also had a good camp, and will see reps, possessing a style similar to that of former Lion Sean Millington. It may be a job done by committee and the club has already indicated they may try Andrew Harris as a receiver. They also have newcomer Yonus Davis on the practice roster, who had a decent camp. Davis is a smallish, shifty back, and may get a chance to return kicks at some point.
Players to watch: Jamall Lee, Andrew Harris, Jerome Messam
Receivers
Receiver is probably the most solid position on the club heading into 2010. Geroy Simon, Paris Jackson, Emmanuel Arceneaux and O’Neil Wilson return to anchor the core. They’ll be bolstered by the addition of veteran Derrick Armstrong, who is attempting to get his career back on track after knee problems and the infamous blow up in Winnipeg last season with coach Mike Kelly. Second year player Terrence Scott has speed to burn and could be a factor, and the Lions have Steven Black and draft pick Akeem Foster developing on the the practice roster. Another new addition, Robert Jordan, will start the season on the roster as the kick returner, but will be replaced quickly with the likes of Yonus Davis should he falter. Matt Chapdelaine, son of offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine was drafted in the last round of this years draft and will practice with the team.
The Lions should get good production here, and our pick of the man to watch on 2010 is Emmanuel Arceneaux. Arceneaux has all the tools to be star in this league, and has worked diligently this off-season to be even better than he was last season as a rookie. There are many that feel that with a strong season this year, Arceneaux will earn himself a good look in the NFL, which is even more reason to expect a big year from him.
The status of Paris Jackson is unclear heading into game one, as he’s having fluid build up on a knee that he injured last season. Jackson admits he tried to come back too soon last season, and as a result he’s been setback by the injury coming into this season. He returned to practice this week, but his status for Sunday is questionable.
Combine this talented group with the fact the Lions would like to be an attacking team through the air and this season has the potential to be an impressive one for the air attack.
Players to watch: Emmanuel Arceneaux, Steven Black
Defence
Defensive Line
The Lions have led the league in sacks the last two seasons. But also for the second straight season they have lost their sack leader to the NFL. First it was Cameron Wake, and now it’s Rickey Foley. Nevertheless, there are some positives coming into 2010 that should have the Leos aggressive once again on the defensive line. Perhaps more than any player addition, the club added defensive guru Rich Stubler to replace the departed Mike Roach. Stubler’s defenses have always been aggressive and innovative and the this should project to the line this season. The Lions are also going to rotate players in more this year, giving mainstays like Brent Johnson breaks, keeping them fresher over the course of a game and the season.
Keron Williams arrives from Montreal and will assume Foley’s end spot, and is excited at the chance to play the position. Aaron Hunt arrived for camp slim and ready to roll, which should help him get off to a good start. Jeremy Gibbs also dropped 30 pounds heading into this season in an effort to be leaner and faster. Rumblings were that he may be in trouble in favour of newcomer Dominie Pittman, but an injury to Steven Williams likely means he stays in the lineup at least to start the year. Other newcomers are Montrell Craft and Richard Jones. Jones will begin on the practice roster.
Players to watch: Dominie Pittman, Keron Williams
Linebackers
Like the offensive line on offense, the Lions need much better production from their linebackers in 2010. The Lions struggled against the run at times last season and when they did it was brutal. Javier Glatt was released and moved onto Edmonton after he was told he would have to accept a reduced role to remain a Lion. It was a move he accepted with class last season, but was unwilling to assume this year. The Lions were hoping free agent Dennis Haley (Hamilton) would be the answer, but he was cut after some solid performances from the player to watch in this group, Joe Henderson. The club is also high on Solomon Elimimian, who missed much of camp with an injury, which tells you just how impressed the coaches were after seeing him at rookie camp. Anton McKenzie will anchor the group, and has been moved to a middle linebacker role and looked good playing their in the preseason game against Edmonton. James Yurichuk will also see some downs and will once again play a key role on special teams.
The Lions will once again deploy a two linebacker set for the most part and will bring Korey Banks in as a nickleback in certain situations. This formation wasn’t hugely successful last season, and if the personnel isn’t improved, it’s questionable whether it can be this year.
Players to watch: Solomon Elimimian, Joe Henderson
Secondary
Again this should be an area of strength for the team. They lost safety Barron Miles to retirement and concerns about the hole he left have been nicely filled by non-import Tad Crawford thus far in training camp and the preseason. Crawford learned from the master and looks ready to assume a prominent role. Dante Marsh and Davis Sanchez will man the corners, while Korey Banks and Ryan Phillips will be joined by Stanley Franks, Hamid Mahmoudi and Anthony Reddick in the roster to start the year. There is also Jason Arakgi and J.R. LaRose in the safety spot and they may rotate in for Crawford in certain situations.
Trestin George , who won a job last season from Lavar Glover has been placed on the injured list, and draftee Cauchy Muamba starts on the practice roster.
Players to watch: Stanley Franks
Special Teams
Just before we posted this, it was announced by Lowell Ullrich of The Province that Paul McCallum had one the kicking job after a battle with Sean Whyte that lasted until the week of opening day. The veteran kicker probably won the job based on his punt placing ability, but it was by a narrow margin no doubt. Both kickers looked string in camp, and while Whyte likely has the stronger leg, Buono has opted for experience. Ullrich has reported the Lions will keep both kickers on the roster, meaning Whyte could handle kickoffs.
The return game will be a work in progress as both Ian Smart and last years returner Ryan Grice-Mullen are no longer with the team. Robert Jordan slots in to start the season, but will have to do better than he did in the preseason to keep the job. Other possibilities could be practice roster player Yonus Davis, or perhaps speedy Terrence Scott.
Jason Arakgi, last year’s special teams player of the year, and James Yurichuk will once again be front and centre on kick coverage.
Players to watch: Jason Arakgi
Intangibles
Just one thing here…Empire Field. If the one exhibition game was any indication, fans are going to have a blast and make a lot of noise in their new temporary home, giving the club a nice home field advantage to work with. With names like Orange Thunder already being tossed around to describe the sound of fans stomping on the aluminum based bleachers, the return to their roots is going to be a pain for opposing QB’s.
Prediction
The Lions have had a lot of turnover and could struggle out of the gate as certain teams and schemes gel. After an 8-10 season the club needs to rebound and once again contend in the West. The division will be neck and neck again, and we think the Lions can contend. A 10-8 record sounds about right, and you can expect the Lions to have a stronger second half of the season than the first. With two big games to start the year against Edmonton and Saskatchewan, the Lions cannot afford to go 0-2 and fall behind the pack if they hope to contend for a division title.
Whew! Are you ready for some football yet? I hope you enjoyed our preview and we’ve given you some information heading into the 2010 season. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest and relevant BC Lions news at http://www.twitter.com/BCLionsDen!
Readers of this blog will recall that Sunday was going to be a special day. It was the first fathers day without my dad, and I wanted to do a nice tribute to him by cooking his French Toast at the tailgate party on the site where he took me to my first professional sporting event.
I never got to do that because of the tailgate issues, and along with some of the food I had purchased, the idea went to waste.
I have to admit, that last night I was pretty down. What should have been a great day filled with great memories had a real damper put on it, and I wondered if I would ever bother to tailgate again. I didn’t blog last night because I wanted to do so of clear mind and I wanted to see what today would bring.
I have to say, I’m thrilled with what has transpired today.
I did a lot of media requests today. Global TV, The Bill Good Show, The Sun, The Province and 24 HOURS. I received a nice call from the BC Lions and was informed that President Dennis Skulsky personally spoke to the PNE. Then late this afternoon, I got the call from the same media outlets that claimed the PNE was going to allow the tailgates to proceed.
Our group has always been respectful, and tried to do things the proper way. We prove ourselves by our actions, and back up our promises. It’s the reason why we already have an open invitation to return to the lot given to us last season.
There are many people to thank here:
- First to our regular group, that took yesterday’s news in stride. No one lost control, no one was disrespectful, and I think that was probably relayed in the discussion that took place today.
- Then there was the media. Starting with Global’s Ted Field and ending with CKNW’s Jim Mullin. These two really got the ball rolling for us in the last 24 hours, Jim especially. Jim has been a regular visitor to the tailgates for years, and his football knowledge and experiences proved to be a valuable tool for our cause.
- The BC Lions for quickly addressing the issue, and trying to work on our behalf. Arlene Stewart-Irvine took the time to personally call me and that was a nice gesture.
- To the PNE for letting common sense prevail. I promise our group will not disappoint you, AND we will ensure people new to tailgating are educated on the culture.
If you’re new to tailgating, and are thinking of joining the fun there is a basic code you need to follow to ensure you and others around you have a good time. Here is the one we live by and will be promoting in the lot.
So…it’s “gate” on for July 10th and time to get back to enjoying all of this again, in a beautiful new place to watch a game! Unfortunately all this talk about the price of parking and the tailgate situation detracted from what was a great first game at Empire Field. The Lions have done an outstanding job and I can’t wait for the next one!
See you there!
There are moments in our lives that we just remember. It doesn’t matter how young we are, some things are just imprinted on our brains. My first professional sports event was a Vancouver Whitecaps game at Empire Stadium. Following that there were cold nights in the end zone, a stint as a ball boy and other memories that provide me with great Empire memories of my childhood.
When I think of Empire Stadium, I also think of my Dad. He was never much of a sports fan, but sure supported my brother and I in our sporting ambitions. Whether it was taking us to a game, or standing around outside with us after a game as we stood with our autograph books, Dad was patient and treated us when he could.
Introducing me to sports peaked my interest as a child, and fueled the love I have for sports today, and in particular my BC Lions and the CFL. My mom was a staunch Edmonton Eskimos supporter, so my childhood was a difficult one. My dad used to get a kick out of mom screaming watching the games, as I looked for any opportunity on those days to stick it to her. The chances were few with the dynasty the Eskimos had, but another great memory would come when I watched this new phenom named Mervyn Fernandez weave through a bunch of Eskimos at Empire Stadium from my grandmothers house in Dauphin, Manitoba. The Lions won that game, and oh did my Dad and I enjoy needling my Mom.
So Empire Stadium was pretty much the location of my introduction to sports. It’s fitting then that Sunday is also Fathers Day. It will be the first one without my Dad, who passed away suddenly in January. I would have liked to take him to this game, to return the favor. But when I take my seat and look around, I’m going to remember him vividly. I’m going to look around and see all the young fathers with their sons or daughters and smile.
My dad will be with me Sunday, and so will the ghosts and memories of Empire Stadium. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Thanks, Dad! I love you!
Congratulations to @MTBikerguy on Twitter who won two tickets to the Lions and Eskimos on Sunday June 20th. The marks a historic day in the history of the BC Lions Football club and BCLionsDen.ca and ShowtimeTickets.com were happy to give away a pair of tickets!
The winner will be contacted by DM on Twitter to arrange pickup.
Thanks for playing everyone and thanks to ShowTimeTickets.com for supplying the tickets.
GO LIONS GO!
Empire Field: Photo by BCLionsDen.ca
The BC Lions held an open house for their season ticket holders on Sunday and the early reviews are in. Football is going to be a lot of fun this season.
When you walk into Empire Field, you have to be pretty impressed at what has been constructed there in such a short period of time. The stadium is going to provide an up close and personal view of the game for football fans this season, that will put them right on top of the action. The side line seating is similar to the look of the original stadium with its column supported roof. The seats along the sidelines and in the corners are a black molded plastic seat while the end zones are bench style aluminum seating.The seats are completely filled in so there is no danger of dropping your wallet into the scaffolding maze under the seats.
The replay screen sits in the north end zone. It’s fairly small and the picture didn’t look that great and it also may get washed out in the sun at certain times of the day. There are two scoreboard style clocks that show the time, down, and score that are in opposite corners that should be visible to all fans.
The real surprise was the presence of a new field turf playing surface. Original plans had called for the turf from BC Place to be used, but it’s clear this surface is new by the colour of it. The surface looks great but if you’re hoping for the advertising free field we’ve enjoyed at BC Place, word is this surface will be painted up with sponsorship. Hopefully they can find room for a Lions logo as well.
Cons? Well washroom lineups could be long as only 150 portable toilets are on the site, in addition to washroom trailers. There will also only be three concessions maximum on the east side of the stadium, and the ticket person I talked to said they still didn’t know the exact locations.
Overall, I was very impressed with the facility and what they were able to do in such a short period of time. Many football fans in BC will be getting their first outdoor game experience and on a day like today, it’s hard to imagine them not thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Here’s a look at all our photos from the day for those that couldn’t make it out today!
The afternoon session of June 7th was less physical than the first three of camp, and that was understandable with three fights in the first three sessions, the coaches decided to throttle the boys back a bit with less contact drills, more focus on systems, and a pad-less scrimmage to close things out.
There weren’t really any standouts in the afternoon, as the drills weren’t really telling as far as evaluating talent. But we can tell you this, Emmanuel Arcenaux is going to have a huge year.
Here is our live blog of the afternoon’s proceedings, and of course a gallery of photos.
