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It was BC Day in British Columbia and it turned out to be the BC Lions day in Ontario in a hard fought 18-9 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. Turnovers and defence were the stories of the game, and the Lions won on both counts, moving their record to 4-2, good for interim sole possession of first place in the CFL’s West Division.
Here’s how I saw it, from the couch.
Turnovers
The Argos lost this game in large part to turnovers and they started early, with the Lions cashing in 10 points off two early interceptions thrown by Ricky Ray. Byron Parker looked to have the first interception for the Lions secondary this season and his 10th career pick six, but a bad offside call on the Lions wiped out what would have been a sweet return to Rogers Centre for the former Argonaut. Dante Marsh ended up getting the first pick for the unit with Toronto moving the football. It was a key moment in the game.
The Defence
While the offence struggled to get into a rhythm for much of the game, the defence went blow for blow with Argos, and for the second straight game, didn’t allow a touchdown by the opposition offence. They were also responsible for all four Argo turnovers. The Lions got solid pressure on Ray for much of the game, and kept Cory Boyd in check with just 23 yards on 8 carries, which was a key considering they were without defensive play caller Anton McKenzie. Rookie Jabar Westerman has a nice game for the Lions with a sack, two tackles and a forced fumble and may be the answer for when Khalif Mitchell serves his pending suspension.
The Offence
With the two early gifts from the Argos the Lions were able to cash in on their first two offensive possessions. But success was infrequent after that and I don’t believe the offence had a first down in the 3rd quarter (I could be wrong). Andrew Harris found the running tough, and Travis Lulay was under solid pressure from the Argos defence, making effective receptions sparse as well. Lulay was 18 for 27, but many of the completions were short passes that left the Lions with several two and outs. Lulay did find newcomer Ernest Jackson for a key 51 yard strike to the one in the fourth quarter, but the Lions needed four cracks, including an offside call on the Argos to get into the end zone.
The Argos held Andrew Harris in check for much of the night, but July’s Top Canadian ripped off a couple important runs in the dying minutes to help seal the deal for the Lions.
The previously mentioned Jackson had a strong debut performance and may have laid claim to the receiver opening that Nick Moore failed to grab hold of in his two game audition.
Special Teams
I’m not sure the break could come at a better time for Paul McCallum. There is something just not quite right with the veteran kicker. While the team did a good job containing Chad Owens, McCallum’s punting continues to be inconsistent and has to be a concern at some point. Tim Brown continues to leave a long field for the offence, but he isn’t getting a lot of blocking in front of him, unless my untrained eye isn’t seeing him miss the holes.
The Lions kept McCallum from trying a 46 yard field goal, no doubt in part because of Owens waiting to return the kick if it went wide or short. But it’s worrisome that the team doesn’t have confidence in their kicker’s leg on anything over 40-45 yards. Some in Lions nation are wondering if there is a way to get two kickers on the roster if this continues.
Lionized Tweets
@andrewharris33: Wasn’t pretty, but we stuck together and got the win! 4-2… #BCLions #33Nation
Stick together they did, particularly on a late headlock tackle on Harris that went uncalled. Rolly Lumbala and Harris were not pleased after the final whistle.
@LionFan15: #BCLions I guess it’s a safe bet that Ernest Jackson just leapt over Nick Moore on the depth chart for good. #CFL
Agreed…for now. Jackson has a lot to offer; size, speed and strength. I wouldn’t rule out Courtney Taylor getting a shot at some point as well, and Kierrie Johnson will be back at some point.
@GlennLove20: Just had my first game. What a great experience, but I still have a lot to improve and learn about this game. Great win for the #BCLions.
New BC Lions linebacker Glenn Love comments on his first CFL game experience.
@Heatbagger: Dominant closing drive to end the game for BC. Suitor saying BC wasn’t dominant. They only gave up 3 FG’s on the road, yup they suck. #BCLions
Well, I would say the game was pretty even. The Lions created more chances because of the turnovers, and that was the difference. Kind of agree with Suits on that one.
Until Next Time
It’s a bye week for the Lions and there is much to work on when they return, but at 4-2 the Grey Cup champs are in a good position to start the next phase of their season. Here is hoping that fans come out for a rare afternoon game in BC Place against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on the 19th. Enjoy the break everyone!
The BC Lions welcomed their rookies to their Kamloops training camp today and Friday this year’s crop of talent will get their first chance to show the coaches they should stick around until the main camp gets going on the 3rd of June.
Yes, the CFL season is upon us once again which means things are going to be getting busy here at BCLionsDen.ca.
In the first of our series of training camp previews we’ll look at a few rookies that we think may be worth keeping an eye on during these first couple of days of training camp, 2012.
#99 – Jabar Westerman – DE
Well duh, right? The Lions have really been playing Westerman up since the draft, so all eyes will be on the newest #99 in club history. If he’s the real deal, the Lions have may have found a replacement for Brent Johnson in short order not only talent wise, but ratio wise. Of course he’ll have to earn that comparison, but by all accounts Westerman has all the tools and the Lions would love for him to show well in camp and force them to give him solid reps off the rush end position.
#43 – Jordan Verdone LB/FB
Another 2012 draft pick, the Calgary Dinos linebacker sounds like he’s going to start his CFL career as a fullback. According to reports, the Lions will look to groom him as a backup to starter Rolly Lumbala. However before that, look for Verdone to show his football skills on special teams. Following the draft coach Mike Benevides referred to Verdone as “Just a really good football player,” which indicates his versatility could be his ticket onto the roster.
#16 – Thomas Demarco – QB
While some teams have struggled to do so, the experienced Buono has usually thrived at finding and developing quarterbacks in the CFL. Whether Demarco will be the next great find for the club remains to be seen of course. At 5’11 and 200 pounds, Demarco is described as an effective rusher with a strong and accurate arm. He’ll start camp 4th on the club’s depth chart behind Travis Lulay, Mike Reilly and Cleo Leonard. Junior quarterback Jordan Yantz of the Vancouver Island Raiders has also been invited to camp.
#59 –Matthew Norman – OL
The Lions liked the size and the toughness when they drafted Matt Norman in the 3rd round of the 2012 draft. At 6’3”, 317 pounds the team feels he’ll be able to handle the toughness of the pro game. He’ll be auditioning at guard. The decision of 2nd round pick Kirby Fabien not to sign with the Lions and return to school will mean more reps for Norman.
The BC Lions had a chance to bolster their offensive and defensive lines in the 2012 Canadian College draft and they did just that selecting two offensive linemen, one defensive lineman and a linebacker they may convert into a fullback.
Here is a recap of the Lions work for the day, and on paper it seems like it could be a successful draft. Of course training camp will be the first real test of that theory. We are joined by our friends Tyler Bieber of CFLDaily.ca (@CFLDaily), Andrew Bucholtz from Yahoo’s 55 Yardline blog. (@AndrewBucholtz) and Kent Ridley of RidleyScouting.com
Round one: Jabar Westerman :: Defensive Lineman :: Eastern Michigan :: 2nd overall pick via Toronto via Edmonton.
The Lions had a chance to make some waves in the first round of the the 2012 Canadian college draft and they did just that. Holding two picks in the opening round, the Lions made a move early to ensure they got the man they wanted.
After an earlier deal between Winnipeg and Hamilton saw the Bombers leap frog the Lions to get the 3rd pick, Wally Buono worked a deal with Edmonton to move from the 4th pick up to the 2nd and took Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Jabar Westerman, who was reportedly the reason Winnipeg had tried to move up.
Westerman comes from a family of football players, with brother Jamaal playing LB for the Miami Dolphins and other brother Jawann played football at Rutgers but went undrafted today.
“My greatest asset, I would say is my size and strength, just because how big I am – I’m almost 300-pounds – and I’m pretty quick for my size. Most people underestimate my speed,” said Westerman in describing himself as a football player.
Wally Buono described his newest Lion by saying, “He’s a very, very physical football player. He’s quick for his size and with his long arms, it makes him a natural pass rusher.”
Westerman flew under the radar of many scouts because of some late clarification of his eligibility for the draft. Once he was deemed eligible, which was right before E-camp, his stock rose and the Lions were thrilled to get him.
The trade left the Lions with just four picks on the day, but they got their man and that’s what it’s all about.
What our panel had to say:
Tyler Bieber (CFLDaily.ca)
Westerman brings an excellent balance of speed, strength and size to the Lions defensive line, and while he probably won’t see loads of playing time immediately, he will develop into one of the most – if not the most dominant interior Canadian defensive lineman in the CFL. Once he gets adjusted to the game and learns to use his size to break off the line and make big plays, he will be one to watch week in and week out.
Kent Ridley (Ridley Scouting)
The Eastern Michigan product is very agile, but perhaps not quite the traditional DT. Looking forward to what he can bring at camp because of where the Lions staff believed he was worth the pick.
Round one: Kirby Fabien :: Offensive Lineman :: University of Calgary :: 7th overall
With their 2nd pick in the draft and 7th overall, the Lions went to the other side of the ball and selected offensive lineman Kirby Fabien from the University of Calgary. The 21 year old oozes potential and talent and still has college eligibility left, giving the Lions some time to let him develop further. A training camp under Dan Dorazio won’t hurt, even if the team decides to return him to Calgary.
Fabien has all the tools to have a long career in the CFL and could even be groomed to play the tackle spot, a position that is usually filled by imports. At 6’6″ and close to 300 pounds, he has a big long frame and Dan Dorazio will be drooling to get Fabien into camp to start his tutelage. Described as an intelligrnt player who picks things up very quickly, Fabien has been a three year starter for Calgary, twice being named a Canada West all-star.
“When you look at his measurables, when you look at his length, how he moves, the thing about Kirby is he’s a big man and he moves and he’s light on his feet. He plays tackle and he can potentially grow at that position. But what you really like about him is, because I want intelligent football players, Kirby is a guy that steps in right away and he knows everything,” said head coach Mike Benevides.
What our panel had to say:
Tyler Bieber (CFLDaily.ca)
When you look at Fabien initially, you see a big body. He stands 6’6” and weighs approximately 300 pounds. At the age of 21 years old though, he will need some grooming and maturing before he is ready to take on a bigger role with the Lions. That’s where the Lions brilliant offensive line coach Dan Dorazio comes in. Dorazio has helped groom many offensive linemen over his previous nine seasons, and there is no reason to think that he won’t be able to do the same with Fabien.
At this point I’m not sure if the Lions will commit to keeping Fabien around for the 2012 season, as he does still have eligibility left at the CIS level. If the Lions believe he can project to playing right tackle at the CFL level, I think they might return him to Calgary for this year and let him develop one more year while playing that spot for the Dinos. If they feel he is more suited to guard then perhaps they will keep him and let him learn from guys like Angus Reid, Dean Valli, Jesse Newman, and of course Dan Dorazio.
Kent Ridley (Ridley Scouting)
Kirby Fabien (Calgary) a year ago was considered a lock for one of the top picks in the draft. His draft season didn’t match the years prior however he didn’t lose it all in a year. Strong pick with quickness to match. He should be able to take spot duty either as a guard or tackle. I totally believe that he has the ability to take a regular rotation even as a rookie and definitely as a second year player.
Round three: Matt Norman :: Offensive Lineman :: Western :: 22nd overall via Hamilton
When the Lions selected Matt Norman from Western, they saw a guy that can play guard, or perhaps be groomed to replace all-star Angus Reid who is nearing the end of his career. Norman is another big body at 6’3″ and 318 pounds and is quick on his feet for his size.
Norman, who hails from Montreal, Que., played four collegiate seasons for the Mustangs and was a CIS First team All-Canadian in at the guard position in 2011.
“When you look at his arms, he’s [got] over 34-inch arms, which is what you want. His hands are over 10 inches. That’s what you want. When you look at centre and guard, which is the position we’ve got to grow, he’s a perfect fit that way,” said Benevides regarding Norman.
What our panel had to say:
Tyler Bieber (CFLDaily.ca)
When you take a first glance at Norman you see a guy who could probably step into a CFL offensive line immediately and starting taking snaps. He is a big, strong, physical player who has a bit of a nasty edge to his game. He could still use some work on his technique and needs to be more consistent in the passing game, but overall is excellent value for the Lions in the 3rd round.
Kent Ridley (Ridley Scouting)
Matt Norman out of Western is a leading pick that was expected to go earlier than the last pick of the 3rd round. Really has potential to show up as a regular guard down the road. May not be ready to start day 1 of camp but will be one to keep tabs on.
Andrew Bucholtz (Yahoo Sports)
Picking up Western offensive lineman Matt Norman in the third round (22nd overall) is also a solid move; Norman was a fixture on the CFL’s top 15 prospects list, and they were fortunate he lasted that long.
Round five: Jordan Verdone :: Linebacker :: University of Calgary :: 37th overall
Jordan Verdone was chosen by the Lions and for some he could be a sleeper pick in the draft. He was a linebacker in college, but according to Lowell Ullrich of The Province, the Lions are going to attempt to convert Verdone to a fullback.
Verdone played two seasons at the University of Waterloo, sitting out the 2010 season along with the entire Warriors program. He was named the 2008 CIS rookie of the year after racking up 44 solo tackles. He was named Saint Mary’s College’s athlete of the year in 2008 and defensive MVP two seasons in a row.
If Verdone is to make the Lions it will be with a strong performance on special teams, but with eligibility left, the Lions have options and time to mold him into the player that bests suits his talents in the CFL.
What our panel had to say:
Andrew Bucholtz (Yahoo Sports)
I’m a fan of this Lions’ draft, but mostly because of the late picks. BC only had four picks following their trade up in the first round, but they made them count, and I think Calgary Dinos’ linebacker Jordan Verdone in particular is going to be a steal for them. Some had Verdone as one of the top LBs in this draft, so to grab him in the fifth round (37th overall) is tremendous value.
Tyler Bieber (CFLDaily.ca)
I’m not quite sure how Verdone will fare on the defensive side of the ball in the CFL, but I do believe he will be an excellent special teams player for the Lions. He is a long-snapper, and that is something that the Lions are looking for after Dan McCullough elected to retire after winning the Grey Cup this past season. Verdone still has two years of eligibility left with the Dinos.
Kent Ridley (Ridley Scouting)
Offenses around CanWest will be glad to see him in Lion Orange rather than Dino Red this fall. The former CIS Rookie of the Year at Waterloo before the big scandal destroyed that program, Jordan has been a force all over the field. He has special teams experience which should give him a heads up when it comes to duties as a CFL rookie.
A few extra yards:
- Mike Benevides comments on Westerman, Fabien and Norman – BCLions.com
- First round review: Tyler Bieber – CFLDaily.ca
- CFL Draft Winners and Losers: Andrew Bucholtz – Yahoo Sports
- Full Draft List: CFL.ca
