Lightning never strikes twice? Tell that to the BC Lions who for the second straight game saw a win slip away in the fourth quarter against a team that they really could have buried in the CFL West. Instead, they now share a 1-4 record with the Edmonton Eskimos, and with the next four games on their schedules against CFL powers, have dug themselves a pretty deep hole.
This game was as sloppy as the rain-soaked turf at Commonwealth Stadium as the Edmonton Eskimos eked out a 28-25 win over the BC Lions as the Lions were again victimized late.
Late turnovers were the killer again, with Travis Lulay picked off by the Esk’s Chris Thompson on another ill-advised throw just before the three-minute warning completing a momentum shift. On the Lions’ ensuing possession, Lulay lost the ball on a questionable fumble, the ball being ruled to have come out of his hand before his arm started forward in a throwing motion. This thwarted a burgeoning drive which had seen the Lions go 55 yards in five plays and position themselves at least well enough for Paul McCallum to attempt a game tying field goal in the final minute.
As with the other losses, there were bright spots in this, with Yonas Davis ripping off an 88-yard kickoff return keyed by a Jason Arakgi block after the Lions forced Edmonton to concede a safety, lifting the Lions to a 25-21 edge with under eight minutes to play. Davis Sanchez had a 54-yard interception return for a touchdown very similar to the one BC gave up late against the Argos last week.
Sanchez was by far the defensive player of the game for the Lions, with the touchdown off of the interception and a game-high nine tackles. The running game was improved again, racking up 163 yards on nineteen carries, with Jamal Robertson accounting for 84 of those on eight carries, among them a sixty-nine yard gallop which keyed a ninety-nine yard, five play drive culminating in Lulay finding pay dirt from nine yards away just in time for an electrical storm to knock out power in the stadium and lead to an early halftime observance/weather delay lasting forty minutes, leaving the Lions with a 10-6 advantage.
Unfortunately for the Lions, the power came back on, and both the lights and the Eskimos proved resurgent. After emerging from the locker room, the balance of the first half ended harmlessly, with Noel Prefontaine attempting and missing a 49-yard field goal.
The power was back on for Edmonton, though. Their first possession of the third quarter culminated in a Prefontaine FG from thirty-five yards. Lulay’s first of two interceptions to Thompson gave the Eskimos the ball back at the BC 42, and three plays later Ricky Ray found Kelly Campbell in the end zone for the major to put the Lions down 16-10 at the nine minute mark of the third, and the tide had again turned against the visitors.
The Lions would sputter deep in their own end of the field and concede two more points after a two-and-out from their own seven. Edmonton was unable to sustain offence either, setting the stage for Sanchez’ pick-six to open the final frame. The two-point conversion attempt would fail, with Paris Jackson catching Lulay’s toss but being ruled down after falling at the two.
Prefontaine would tally another three, making it 21-16 early in the fourth, but it was clear that Edmonton was finding their wheels at the same time the Lions were struggling mightily to keep theirs from all coming off.
Paul McCallum saw his consecutive field goal streak snapped, missing wide right from forty-five yards at 9:50 of the fourth, and it was just one more ominous sign that things weren’t going to end on a positive note for the Lions.
The Lions now face the monumental task of digging themselves out of this deep hole. Their next four games are against CFL powerhouses and if they continue to falter, this season could be over by the midway point.
Quick Hits:
The win by the Eskimos was their 100th all-time versus the Lions with 53 of them at Commonwealth Stadium.
Quotable:
“You’re in field goal range. If it’s not there, you’ve got to be smarter. You’ve got to take a quick look and throw it. If you don’t…” – Wally Buono
“The reality of our offence is, we make too many mistakes and our quarterback is too inconsistent.” – Wally Buono
Another week, another Lion undefeated skein snapped.
The BC faithful can take some positives away from this game- Travis Lulay went 26 for 40, throwing for 330 yards in his first career start; the Lions had some success running the ball; and the Lion defence played a solid game for most of the evening.
When it comes right down to it, though, it’s another game which could have been a victory but which ended up in the loss column as the Lions fell to the Toronto Argonauts by a 24-20 margin.
Byron Parker of the Double Blue put the dagger in the Lions’ heart just after the three minute warning, returning his interception of a Lulay pass intended for O’Neil Wilson forty-one yards for the touchdown. The ensuing conversion proved the final score as the resurgent Boatmen took their third successive win.
Much of the story for this from the British Columbia perspective will come down to sloppy execution and missed opportunities. Defencive end Brent Johnson had a major in his hands, but couldn’t hold on to the pass from Jarious Jackson with a touch over two minutes remaining in the first corner. Fortunately enough for Coach Buono’s boys, Jamal Robertson took the ball in on the next play from a yard out to spot the Leos a 7-3 lead.
The Lions would begin driving again on their next possession, but another dropped pass would end the drive, forcing them to settle for a Paul McCallum field goal from 45 yards out and a 10-3 cushion. The Argos would answer with a drive of their own, but Grant Shaw would hit the upright on a forty-five yard attempt with 5:38 to play in the half.
Eight plays, eighty-five yards, and three minutes and forty-seven seconds later, Robertson would take the ball into the end zone from thirteen yards out to put the Lions ahead 17-3.
Before the end of the half, the Argonauts would answer, with Cleo Lemon finding Jermaine Copeland for a twenty-one yard touchdown. The Lions would take the 17-10 edge to the locker room at the half.
Neither offensive coordinator will take pride in the third quarter, as the game wallowed around in a sloppy quagmire of fumbles, dropped passes, penalties and all-around poor execution. The Lions could have put the game all but out of reach when Robertson lost the handle at the Toronto two-yard line. BC would get points out of it, but instead of the seven it could have been, they’d settle for two after the defence shook Lemon sufficiently to knock him out for a play after the fumble and Jason Boreham of the Argos conceded the safety rather than kick from his own end zone. Emmanuel Arceneaux dropped a sure touchdown pass as well in behind the Toronto defenders that saw the Lions come away with no points on that drive.
McCallum would punt for the rouge to open the fourth quarter, making it 20-10 in favor of the Lions at that point. Toronto would drive, only to be turned back when Davis Sanchez intercepted Lemon in the end zone, but the tide was turning in favour of the Boatmen. On their next possession, Lemon would find an import slotback with a classically Canadian name- Brandon Rideau- in the end zone to close the gap to 20-17 and increase the pressure on the stagnating Lion offense.
It was here that Lulay’s comparable lack of experience would come under the microscope. Rather than taking the time to look for the open reciever, he seemed to be fixating on a target. The offensive line contributed to his struggles, as the Argo pass rush was increasingly able to get to Lulay, not giving him time to find check-off targets, but in the end, it was enough to give Parker the opportunity to step in front of the ball and hand Toronto the lead.
Lulay would get picked again on the next possession, with Toronto’s Willie Pile coming up with a ball intended for Geroy Simon that left the Lions running short on time. They’d get one final crack at the end zone, though, but the 58-yard desperation heave for Derick Armstrong came up about two yards short of changing the outcome.
Quick Hits:
Just over 19,000 fans attended the game on a humid night in Toronto…Lions/Argos owner David Braley posed for a picture before the game with the respective coaches of each of his teams…Argos rookie Cory Boyd rushed for 148 yards on 19 carries, his third-straight 100-yard effort…Travis Lulay finished 26-of-39 passing for 315 yards and two interceptions. The Lions lost cornerback Dante Marsh to a groin injury, and were forced to shift players around in the secondary when Anthony Reddick was also nicked up.
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.
By Jack Bedell for BCLionsDen.ca
For the better part of a decade, fans and pundits alike have been pining for a more competitive CFL East Divison. Too often of late, the division has been a foregone conclusion both within and without.
Aside from a few one-off challenges from Toronto and Winnipeg, the Montreal Alouettes have had the division under wraps by the end of September each season. And the other three teams in the East have been looking over their shoulders at looming crossover teams from the West.
While the numbers suffered a slight correction in 2009 with the Als and Hamilton Ticats winning the majority of their East/West battles, those cross-divisional match ups have pretty much been Nolo Contendere in recent memory.
If the first three weeks of 2010 are any indication, though, it looks like the East might just be back in business with a vengeance. And that’s both in terms of its own race and in its ability to compete with teams from the West.
Now that I’ve had a chance to watch each team both home and away, here’s my take on what I’ve seen:
Hamilton Ticats
Well, it’s safe to say the Ticats showed up this past weekend primed and ready to kick off the 2010 season against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Unfortunately for Ticats fans, this past weekend was week 3 of the 2010 season!
After being pegged by many pundits as a legitimate threat to the Als’ eastern dominance, the Ticats sleep-walked through a 49-29 week 1 drubbing at the hands of the Bombers. Week 2 saw an improved performance against the Stampeders, but the result was the same, a tough 23-22 loss.
In week 3, though, the team most people thought would open the 2010 campaign finally showed up. The Ticats offence operated with great tempo and efficiency behind Kevin Glenn sizzling 29 of 36 passing display for 336 yards and three majors.
Hamilton’s aggressive secondary shut down Winnipeg’s deep passing game, and the Ticats front seven held Buck Pierce in check on the ground, finally pushing him to the sidelines with a knee injury.
With Dave Stala coming back to form, Mo Mann looking like he’s finally back to full speed, and Marquay McDaniel and Arland Bruce III moving chains regularly, the Ticats certainly proved they can be as dangerous as any team in the league offensively. And when you consider DeAndra Cobb has yet to get untracked this season, things can get even better.
Montreal Alouettes
After last Friday’s 16-12 win at Empire Field, the Als managed to come out of a grueling three-game road trip to open their season with a 2-1 record. Instead of earning rave reviews for their toughness and resiliency out west, though, the Als are currently receiving fire for their “slow start.”
While I’d have to agree those two victories were of the ugly variety, don’t count me among those pundits prepping Montreal’s eulogy just yet. Both wins came against teams absolutely desperate to avoid 0-2 losing streaks at home this season, not to mention how difficult it’s been for Montreal to come out of Commonwealth Stadium and any venue in Vancouver with Ws for the past several years.
And the Als’ one loss, a 54-51 double-overtime instant classic in Regina, came at the hands of a team with absolutely everything working in its favour to open the season with a win—a rabid, sell-out home crowd, the burn of last season’s Grey Cup loss, and host of big-play talent healthy and ready to rock and roll. Even with all that tilting the field towards green, the Als gave the Riders all they could handle for 60 minutes and some change.
All that said, there are a few storm clouds looming over the defending champs. The Als’ secondary, particularly Billy Parker, Etienne Boulay, and Jerald Brown, have shown a propensity for giving up big plays and bigger penalties in man coverage. The front seven has failed to generate the pressure you’d expect from guys like Anwar Stewart, John Bowman, and Shea Emry. And the inability to get Avon Cobourne off has caused a few hiccups in the redzone.
With Anthony Calvillo showing no signs of a drop-off, however, and receivers like S.J. Green, Jamel Richardson, Ben Cahoon, Brian Bratton, and Kerry Watkins making plays, you’ve got to figure the Als will be in the mix come November. Plus, they’ll have the experience of eking out a few wins early to fall back on when the competition heats up heading into the playoffs.
Toronto Argonauts
The real surprise of the 2010 season in the East for me, though, has to be the Argos cohabitating in first place with Montreal after three games.
As soon as Toronto flushed its previous coaching staff and cadre of QBs, I knew this season would be full of positives steps. I’d be lying if I told you I thought the Argos would be 2-1 after facing Calgary and Hamilton to open their campaign, however.
Considering it had been a while since Jim Barker had been behind the bench and the fact that the Argos were going with Cleo Lemon at QB, the learning curve was sure to be steep. Add to that mix opening the season with games against two teams picked by some to be Grey Cup Contenders, and it would have been better than par for Toronto to earn platitudes for new-found discipline and competitiveness with a scrappy 0-3 start.
Instead, the Argos have made solid decisions on and off the field since Barkers hiring, and the results have come quickly.
Despite opening the season on the road against probably the toughest defensive coordinator a CFL rookie QB could face in his first outing, Lemon and the Argos managed to enter their last possession of the game down only a single score with a good chance to tie things up before Chris Jones dialed up the perfect blitz to cause a turnover and end the game.
In wins over Hamilton away and Calgary at home, Lemon has proven to be a quick study, learning protection schemes and escape routes on the fly. RB Cory Boyd has also proven to be a beast, leading the league with 283 yards on 47 carries.
Watching how quickly the Argos have gotten themselves together this season, I’d have to agree with Coach Barker—they’re no longer the free space on the bingo card for their opposition.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
There’s been quite an about-face in Winnipeg, too, this season. Out is the rudderless Mike Kelly administration. In is Paul LaPolice and a staff of well-prepared, media-friendly coaches who’ve changed the whole feeling around Big Blue, not to mention installing a pro offence that’s improved the product on the field considerably.
Even sitting at 1-2 on the year so far, it’s clear all the changes have given the team some traction, starting first and foremost with new pivot Buck Pierce.
Pierce jumped out of the gate in his first two games for Winnipeg absolutely on fire, passing for over 600 yards and five TDs while rushing for 192 yards and two TDs. No doubt, he showed up in the Peg ready to play as advertised.
As B.C. Lions fans can attest, Pierce deserves to have his picture in the dictionary next to “fiery competitor.” And watching the Blue Bombers play the first three weeks this year, it’s pretty clear that attitude rubs off on teammates quickly.
Unfortunately, as Lions fans know all too well, Pierce should have his picture installed under “brittle” as well. All those running yards took a toll on his shoulder forcing him out of practice, and a knee sprain picked up in last weekend’s loss to Hamilton is going to knock Pierce out of action for at least a week.
Winnipeg’s defence has shown it has the ability to put pressure on the quarterback, and their secondary has shown a nose for the ball. But without Pierce, it remains to be seen if that’ll be enough for the Bombers to keep progressing under the new regime.
Ex-Riders QB Steven Jyles will be under centre in week 4. My money had him winning the starting job outright in camp, so I’d expect the team to be in games with or without Buck Pierce. It may even give Fred Reid a chance to break out with his first 100-yard effort.
By Vanya Tucherov: BCLionsDen.ca
Earlier this week, Lion centre Angus Reid noted on his Twitter feed that he had never lost to the Montreal Alouettes at home over the course of the ten years of his career. He can no longer make that statement after the Lions fell to the Als this evening at Empire Field to fall to 1-2 on the young season before heading East for a road tussle against the Toronto Argonauts.
If there are bright points for the Lions to pick out of tonight’s 16-12 debacle, they would be the solid defensive performances turned in by veteran Korey Banks and newcomer Solomon Elimimian, and Jamal Robertson’s 15-yard touchdown catch just before the end of the first half; with an honourable mention to the security staff for effectively breaking through a breakdown in coverage to corral the rogue streaker after Robertson’s fumble was covered by Damane Duckett near midfield with about two minutes left in the third quarter.
As a whole, the Lions defence performed reasonably enough, keeping the Alouettes from being able to crow after punching the ball into the end zone, with only Als’ kicker Damon Duval managing to register points for a Montreal team which had tallied 84 through the first two weeks of the season. Duval registered four field goals and a pair of rouges, but failed to connect on two more, missing wide (left, I think) from forty yards and ringing one off the uprights from forty-seven. Montreal’s other points came on a safety conceded by Paul McCallum in the first half.
Duval would add the final points after ringing the uprights yet again, banking one in off of the left post the likes of which are more frequently seen from the Sedin brothers in Vancouver.
That wasn’t the only resemblance to a Canucks’ game in the evening. The first quarter closed with a score more fitting a hockey tally, with the Lions’ trailing 4-2 after the frame on Duval’s first field goal and single. He also conceded a safety touch after the Lions successfully held the Als to a three-and-out after McCallum successfully angled a punt deep which Montreal’s Tim Maypray took out of bounds at the six-yard-line.
McCallum would return the two points early in the second quarter, with Casey Printers’ TD toss to Robertson rounding out the scoring in the opening half. The Lions seemed to be sleepwalking through the half until the final drive, with Geroy Simon making three of his five catches for 55 yards.
Statistically, the Lions looked better with the ball in the second half, but were still unable to mount significant sustained drives. The offensive line looked shaky at best throughout the game. Even though they only yielded a single sack, the Alouettes were able to pressure Printers regularly. Perhaps due to the line’s rocky performance, the Lions almost completely abdicated the running game, managing only seven yards on the ground on nine rushes.
Printers didn’t have a bad game, even though he was knocked around quite a bit. He ended up with 253 yards on the night, going 20-for-40, with the highlights coming on the touchdown and a scrambly 23-yard completion to Derick Armstrong down to the Montreal 14-yard line. After stalling, the drive would culminate in the McCallum field goal which would prove the final points on the evening for the Lions.
Quick Hits:
The “Beer snake” phenomenon hit Empire Field Saturday, and security forces and police were quick to snuff it out. Seriously Lions fans we can come up with something better than that. The beer cups raining down on fans were uncalled for and kudos for the PNE for the way they handled it despite the repeated attempts…The pre game tailgate parties were great once again and more fans and families seem to be catching on to the fun proving that tailgaters are not the evil, riot causing entity that opposing groups made them out to be.
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.
On Sunday in Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, the BC Lions kicked off their 2010 campaign the right way, riding the feet of Jamal Robertson and Paul McCallum to a 25-10 win over the Eskimos. The new Lion Robertson racked up 168 yards and the team’s only touchdown, while elder statesman McCallum kicked the conversion and six field goals to account for the team’s tallies.
Robertson and McCallum were far from the only bright spots for the Leos.
Newcomer Derick Armstrong led the recieving corps, catching six passes for 73 yards while Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson snagged four apiece for 59 and 58 years respectively. The Lion defence, though, were the difference in the game, holding the Esks in check for most of the game.
On the opening drive, Edmonton seemed to be testing rookie defensive back Stanley Franks, but a Korey Banks forced fumble snuffed out the Eskimos’ hopes to capitalize early– and seemed to serve to ignite the Lion defence. The Leo stalwarts would pressure Edmonton quarterback Rickey Ray, racking up five sacks on the night- two by Banks and one each by Anton McKenzie, Aaron Hunt and Solomon Elimimian.
Keron Williams would recover the Ray fumble forced by Banks on the opening drive, turning the Esks away at the one-yard line. Between the resolute stands of the Lion D and McCallum’s feet, the BC offense was afforded the opportunity to find its footing, with McCallum accounting for the only scoring on his first of the night, a 44-yard field goal in the expiring seconds of the opening frame.
McCallum would take the second tally as well, striking from fifty yards to spot the Lions a 6-0 cushion, which would grow to 13 with 6:35 remaining in the half on a 61-yard gallop for the major from Robertson, who was turned loose by a great block from Jon Hameister-Reis.
Edmonton would answer with just under two minutes remaining in the half, with Arkee Whitlock making it into the end zone from four yards out.
McCallum would respond with his third field goal of the evening in the last half minute of play, putting the score at the half at 16-7 in favour of the visitors.
If the Lion offense never got fully untracked in the game, it didn’t particularly matter, as the defence and special teams were up to the test. Five minutes into the third quarter, the Esks would tally three more points on a Noel Prefontaine field goal from thirty yards out, but that would be all the scoring Edmonton could muster. McCallum wasn’t done for the Lions, though, registering two more FGs in the quarter, from 28 and 18 yards, before capping the scoring with just under three and a half minutes remaining in the final frame to hand the Lions the final margin of victory.
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!
By Jack Bedell
Despite what CJAD play-by-play man and CFL.ca columnist Rick Moffat might think, the Montreal Alouettes’ slogan for 2010, “Stay the Course,” is about as far from a conservative approach as the team could have as they get ready to defend their 2009 Grey Cup championship.
If the Als had chosen “Keep Chugging Along” or “Ho, Ho Status Quo” as their motto for 2010, Moffat might have a case. But when you’ve set your sites on excellence like Montreal’s head man Marc Trestman has the past two years, staying the course involves taking some extraordinary measures and making some very difficult decisions.
Unlike some successful championship teams in recent memory, the Alouettes have not chosen to simply maintain their roster and schemes from 2009. They’ve embraced proactive change by overhauling one-third of their playbook, and by making some hard coaching/personnel decisions, like the recent firing of new special teams coordinator Richard Kent or the choice to allow veterans Davis Sanchez and Keron Williams head to B.C. this past off-season.
The hallmarks of Marc Trestman’s Alouettes have been preparation, self-discipline, and focus. All of these characteristics are never-ending pursuits. Complacency in any of the above would mean regression. The Als’ veteran core—manned by high-character, top-shelf players like Anthony Calvillo, Ben Cahoon, Paul Lambert, Scott Flory, Anwar Stewart, Shea Emry, John Bowman, et al—would never stand for that.
Probably the most striking evolution the Alouettes have undergone on Trestman’s watch has been the steady strengthening of the group as a team. It’s been said before ad nauseum, but it bears repeating: there are no egos on the Als. Every player has an important role to play, and every player accepts that role along with the responsibility that goes with it.
In the past, offensive droughts, defensive ineptitudes, special teams gaffes, injuries, or retirements might have derailed Montreal. Now, the team truly has a next-man-up, next-game-is-the-most-important attitude that drives it week to week. Pure progression, no matter what.
If the offence fails, the defence kicks it up a notch, and vice versa. When a player like Bryan Chiu retires, Paul Lambert steps up. If a marquee player goes down, the team trusts in the depth GM Jim Popp has built up and down the roster.
Repeating as Grey Cup champion is a difficult task. The list of teams that have accomplished that goal in the modern era is pretty short. But effort, planning, talent, and a high-degree of adaptability give the Als a shot at pulling it off. And you can bet they won’t be lying down in the face of the challenge. That would be the easy choice.
Accepting mediocrity or expecting setbacks would be the safe, conservative approach to 2010. Continuing a steady drive for excellence, in my book, is a bold move.
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!
