Lions showing improvement as Lulay returns to roster

With a third of the season now complete, the B.C. Lions are finally starting to look like a possible Grey Cup contender.
The Lions (3-3) head into Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) still buzzing from a victory over the previously undefeated Calgary Stampeders last week.
An improving offence shows signs of getting even better as quarterback Travis Lulay returns to the roster after coming off the six-game injured list due to a shoulder that was slow to recover from off-season surgey. Lulay’s presence in a backup role adds strength to the quarterbacking position in case Kevin Glenn, the scheduled starter, continues his trend of hot-and-cold performances.
He fared well in wins over Saskatchewan and Montreal, but struggled in a loss to Winnipeg and then rebounded in a late comeback win over Calgary.
But Glenn, who has been the consummate professional while stepping into the fire with a new club and system, has not been entirely to blame for B.C.’s inconsistency. Although has already thrown nine interceptions after only being picked off seven times with Calgary last season, he had a ready-made excuse in a rebuilding, rotating and injury-riddled offensive line. But to Glenn’s credit, he chose not to use it, repeatedly stressing that it was up to him to “make plays.”
Now, with former NFLer Jemarcus Hardrick starting at left guard and rookie Canadian Hunter Steward at left tackle, Glenn is finding more time to throw. And, running back Andrew Harris, who leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (722) and ranks first in rushing yards (381) and second in receiving yardage (341 yards), has received the blocks he needs to tear up turf.
“I think we started to solidify some things (on the offensive line), obviously, and then the last two weeks stayed consistent,” said Lions coach Mike Benevides after a walk-through Thursday. “Now, we’re at a place where, I think, Jemarcus (Hardrick) brings a level of physicality and athleticism inside right now that we can’t get the young guys to get to yet because they’re not healthy. And, Hunter (Steward) is playing outstanding ball.
“So I think we’re where we need to be in terms of personnel. We have to be better, we have to grow but, certainly, those guys have given us a chance to accumulate some yardage and also protect the quarterback.”
The offence should get better in the near future as the line continues to improve and Lulay returns to a starting role. If B.C.’s defence continues to perform as it has been and kicker Paul McCallum displays his usual consistency on field goals, the Lions should be much better off in the final two-thirds of the season.
“We’re growing, we’re getting better, but we’re not there yet,” said Benevides.