Free agent tryout camps don’t usually provide many ways to simulate the conditions of a CFL game, but the B.C. Lions caught a break Friday.
A bad weather break, that is.
Snow was on the ground and temperatures were in the single digits as more than 40 hopefuls took to the field at a Lions free agent camp in the Dallas suburb of Bedford, Tex.
“We’ve dealt with odd weather in the past, but this is definitely a first,” said Lions general maanger Wally Buono in a news release. “They don’t get the white stuff down here very often, so I guess it’s only fitting that a Canadian football team was clearing snow off a field prior to a workout.”
As the wily release writer noted: “The team’s first free agent camp of 2015 had a Grey Cup feel to say the least.”
Well, maybe not when you consider some of the divergent talent levels that were likely present. But, for any players that might get a contract, the weather was likely similar to what they could expect in the CFL come fall.
Lions head coach Jeff Tedford, defensive coordinator Mark Washington, offensive coordinator George Cortez and members of the club’s football operations department including Neil McEvoy, Ryan Rigmaiden and Geroy Simon evaluated the players on hand, hoping the cold could yield a hot prospect.
“The conditions weren’t ideal, but playing conditions during the season often aren’t ideal either, so we’re seeing how these guys deal with adversity at a very important time,” said Tedford, who is preparing for his first season at the B.C. helm. “The opportunity to play professional football is absolutely critical in the lives of these young men, and I was very impressed with the level of ability, execution and effort we saw today. It was a great first camp.”
It was the first of five Lions free agent camps to be held this spring. Last year, B.C. invited several such camp attendees to main training camp and one, defensive back Torri Williams, appeared in 16 games in 2014.
The Lions will host another free agent workout in Las Vegas on in Sunday and Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Seattle in coming weeks – snow or no snow. Buono and company will keep their eyes out for a defensive lineman, offensive lineman and defensive back.
Some of the better prospects will get invitations to the club's main camp in June and maybe even a contract. If anyone stays, he will get to find out what real CFL game conditions are like.
Showing posts with label CFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CFL. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Dickenson pours coldd water on speculation about Lions coaching job
Dave Dickenson has ruled himself out as the next coach of the B.C. Lions, but it probably won't take long for other candidates to emerge.
Just when speculation on the likelihood of the Calgary Stampeders offensive co-ordinator replacing the fired Mike Benevides was heating up, Dickenson threw cold water on it.
“I’m going to be back in Calgary next year,” said Dickenson during a Stamps luncheon Thursday in advance of Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“That’s my answer to that question – and it’s going to be the same answer tomorrow, the same answer next week.”
Dickenson’s comments came a day after Calgary general manager and head coach John Hufnagel hinted that the 41-year-old Great Falls, Mont, native would be his successor. Hufnagel pointed to a new three-year contract that Dickenson signed in November 2013.
Without getting into the specific job titles, Dickenson said he planned to honour the deal, which runs until after the 2016 season, while also pointing out that he loves being the offensive co-ordinator and getting a chance to call plays, like he did as a standout quarterback with the Stampeders and Lions.
Dickenson has a strong desire to be a head coach, but he also wants to make sure that he gets the right opportunity.
“I want to be a head coach, there’s no doubt about it, but I really just want to have fun,” Dickenson said. “I want to be part of a team, I want to work with people I like and enjoy, and be part of a system and a team that’s going to win. I think we work too hard to not enjoy things. I’m not going to coach if I’m miserable. A lot of stresses come with a head coaching position. It’d be a challenge, and I love challenges.”
Stressing that he is a loyal guy, Dickenson also, basically, ruled himself out as a candidate for the head coaching post at his alma mater, the University of Montana, following the retirement of Grizzlies field boss Mick Delaney.
“I love college — I think it’s great — and I love Montana, but for me, it’s about having stability with your family, making sure you have time with your family and, basically, don’t try to put yourself above what’s important,” Dickenson said.
“Sometimes, that’s what’s important, instead of just always trying to get to the top of the ladder.”
By ending some speculation, Dickenson has likely started more.
Many observers believe that former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Paul LaPolice, who is working the Grey Cup for TSN, has a chance to replace Benevides. During an interview with TSN 1040 Radio on Thursday, LaPolice said he also likes being an offensive co-ordinator.
He seems a better fit for that position with the Lions, although Khari Jones still has the OC post for now.
It says here that LaPolice is not a good fit as the next head coach of the Lions. He lacks natural ties to the organization that would attract fans when it is in danger of losing season ticket holders. While he led the Bombers to the 2011 Grey Cup, which the Lions won, LaPolice lost his job the next year and reportedly turned down a chance to become B.C.’s offensive co-ordinator last season.
Despite his increased profile due to his TSN gig, LaPolice does not stand out as an icon or exceptional leader the way Calgary’s Hufnagel, Hamilton counterpart Kent Austin and Lions general manager Wally Buono do. Austin, a former Lions quarterback, would be a better fit, but he is unlikely to leave Hamilton.
Recently, I suggested that Lions defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington could be a prime candidate, and fellow former defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with Saskatchewan, might also get serious consideration. I still think Washington is in the running, and would be a good choice. So would Miles, but I’m starting to believe the Lions will lean more to an iconic type who is not necessarily a former B.C. player or coach.
On that note, I would not be surprised if, as some have suggested, former Stampeders quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was brought to the CFL by Buono, gets on the short list. Garcia joined the Montreal Alouettes in mid-season as an assistant of sorts and, tutoring quarterback Jonathan Crompton, helped the Als get to the playoffs and hammer B.C. 50-17 before they were ousted unceremoniously by Hamilton.
Although he does not have ties to B.C. or the team itself, Garcia is a high-profile type that the Lions need and, being the son of a coach, he understands the game thoroughly.
Another possibility seems unlikely, but makes at least some sense.
Former Lions receiver Geroy Simon, now an ambassador of sorts with Saskatchewan, has a desire to run a team within 10 years. He has strong ties to B.C., living here while commuting to work for the Roughriders. Despite his lack of coaching experience, he is used to mentoring young players – of which the rebuilding Lions have many. He is also a natural leader, a fan favourite, and extremely knowledgeable about the game. Simon would likely also be willing to keep most of the current assistants, he did commendable jobs in the face of considerable adversity this season, if he were allowed to choose one or two.
Alas, Dickenson threw cold water on speculation for a while, but it won’t take long to heat up again.
Just when speculation on the likelihood of the Calgary Stampeders offensive co-ordinator replacing the fired Mike Benevides was heating up, Dickenson threw cold water on it.
“I’m going to be back in Calgary next year,” said Dickenson during a Stamps luncheon Thursday in advance of Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“That’s my answer to that question – and it’s going to be the same answer tomorrow, the same answer next week.”
Dickenson’s comments came a day after Calgary general manager and head coach John Hufnagel hinted that the 41-year-old Great Falls, Mont, native would be his successor. Hufnagel pointed to a new three-year contract that Dickenson signed in November 2013.
Without getting into the specific job titles, Dickenson said he planned to honour the deal, which runs until after the 2016 season, while also pointing out that he loves being the offensive co-ordinator and getting a chance to call plays, like he did as a standout quarterback with the Stampeders and Lions.
Dickenson has a strong desire to be a head coach, but he also wants to make sure that he gets the right opportunity.
“I want to be a head coach, there’s no doubt about it, but I really just want to have fun,” Dickenson said. “I want to be part of a team, I want to work with people I like and enjoy, and be part of a system and a team that’s going to win. I think we work too hard to not enjoy things. I’m not going to coach if I’m miserable. A lot of stresses come with a head coaching position. It’d be a challenge, and I love challenges.”
Stressing that he is a loyal guy, Dickenson also, basically, ruled himself out as a candidate for the head coaching post at his alma mater, the University of Montana, following the retirement of Grizzlies field boss Mick Delaney.
“I love college — I think it’s great — and I love Montana, but for me, it’s about having stability with your family, making sure you have time with your family and, basically, don’t try to put yourself above what’s important,” Dickenson said.
“Sometimes, that’s what’s important, instead of just always trying to get to the top of the ladder.”
By ending some speculation, Dickenson has likely started more.
Many observers believe that former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Paul LaPolice, who is working the Grey Cup for TSN, has a chance to replace Benevides. During an interview with TSN 1040 Radio on Thursday, LaPolice said he also likes being an offensive co-ordinator.
He seems a better fit for that position with the Lions, although Khari Jones still has the OC post for now.
It says here that LaPolice is not a good fit as the next head coach of the Lions. He lacks natural ties to the organization that would attract fans when it is in danger of losing season ticket holders. While he led the Bombers to the 2011 Grey Cup, which the Lions won, LaPolice lost his job the next year and reportedly turned down a chance to become B.C.’s offensive co-ordinator last season.
Despite his increased profile due to his TSN gig, LaPolice does not stand out as an icon or exceptional leader the way Calgary’s Hufnagel, Hamilton counterpart Kent Austin and Lions general manager Wally Buono do. Austin, a former Lions quarterback, would be a better fit, but he is unlikely to leave Hamilton.
Recently, I suggested that Lions defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington could be a prime candidate, and fellow former defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with Saskatchewan, might also get serious consideration. I still think Washington is in the running, and would be a good choice. So would Miles, but I’m starting to believe the Lions will lean more to an iconic type who is not necessarily a former B.C. player or coach.
On that note, I would not be surprised if, as some have suggested, former Stampeders quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was brought to the CFL by Buono, gets on the short list. Garcia joined the Montreal Alouettes in mid-season as an assistant of sorts and, tutoring quarterback Jonathan Crompton, helped the Als get to the playoffs and hammer B.C. 50-17 before they were ousted unceremoniously by Hamilton.
Although he does not have ties to B.C. or the team itself, Garcia is a high-profile type that the Lions need and, being the son of a coach, he understands the game thoroughly.
Another possibility seems unlikely, but makes at least some sense.
Former Lions receiver Geroy Simon, now an ambassador of sorts with Saskatchewan, has a desire to run a team within 10 years. He has strong ties to B.C., living here while commuting to work for the Roughriders. Despite his lack of coaching experience, he is used to mentoring young players – of which the rebuilding Lions have many. He is also a natural leader, a fan favourite, and extremely knowledgeable about the game. Simon would likely also be willing to keep most of the current assistants, he did commendable jobs in the face of considerable adversity this season, if he were allowed to choose one or two.
Alas, Dickenson threw cold water on speculation for a while, but it won’t take long to heat up again.
Bo Levi Mitchell has a chance to upstage Joe Theismann in Grey Cup
Bo Levi Mitchell does not think the pressure of being a first-year starter will get to him in Sunday’s Grey Cup.
The Calgary Stampeders quarterback will try to gain the upper hand, almost literally, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Sunday’s CFL championship game here in Vancouver.
But Mitchell, 24, is used to excelling on football’s big stages.
“I think I’ve already dealt with (pressure),” he said Thursday following a Stampeders luncheon with media. “I’ve showed I can play the way I play, especially in the big games. I don’t really think there’s a game out there that’s too big for me. It’s the confidence that I have in the guys around me. It makes it so easy when I have guys around me that I know and trust.”
Still, Mitchell added, he can’t compare Sunday’s contest to his personal experiences.
“It’s a professional-level championship game,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve played in a state championship and won, I’ve played in a college championship and won, but you can’t compare it to anything, because it’s professional.”
Mitchell guided his hometown Katy, Tex., high school squad to the state title in 2007 and went on play collegiately at Southern Methodist and Eastern Washington. In 201, he led Eastern Washington to the NCAA Division I FCS national championship with a 20-19 come-from-behind victory over Delaware. It was Eastern Washington’s first-ever national crown in football.
After signing as a free agent with the Stampeders, he spent two seasons in third-string and backup roles. This season, he won his first seven games as a starter, tying former Stamp Jeff Garcia’s CFL record.
He has dressed for 17 games (14 starts), while battling injury, and completed 264 of 417 passes (63.3%) for 3,389 yards and 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He led all CFL quarterbacks with a 98.3 pass-efficiency rating while also carrying the ball 35 times for 232 yards and four touchdowns.
Pressure or no pressure Sunday, he feels very fortunate to be where he is.
“I’m very blessed to have the teammates that I do around me and my coaching staff,” he said. “I don’t think any guy in their first year as a starter has ever walked into the situation I’ve walked into.”
Actually, Mitchell was mistaken on that point.
In 1971, rookie Joe Theismann quarterbacked the Toronto Argonauts to the Grey Cup, when the game was also played in Vancouver, and the Stampeders happened to be the opposition. As you might have heard (countless times, depending on your age), it was a wet day, and Argos running back Leon McQuay fumbled the ball as he attempted to run it into the end zone for what would have been the winning touchdown in the game's closing moments.
As a result, the Stampeders prevailed 14-11, and a veteran quarterback named Jerry Keeling received the laurels instead.
Things still turned out all right for Theismann, though. The former Notre Dame star went on to a standout career in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and led them to a Super Bowl in 1982. But his CFL experience left him unfulfilled on the championship front.
The 1971 Grey Cup was played at since-demolished Empire Stadium, an outdoor facility. It has been raining again this week in Vancouver, but the game will be played at BC Place Stadium and, if necessary, the roof will be closed.
Therefore, Mitchell won’t have to worry about wet or cold conditions, and he will have a better chance to accomplish what Theismann could not.
The Calgary Stampeders quarterback will try to gain the upper hand, almost literally, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Sunday’s CFL championship game here in Vancouver.
But Mitchell, 24, is used to excelling on football’s big stages.
“I think I’ve already dealt with (pressure),” he said Thursday following a Stampeders luncheon with media. “I’ve showed I can play the way I play, especially in the big games. I don’t really think there’s a game out there that’s too big for me. It’s the confidence that I have in the guys around me. It makes it so easy when I have guys around me that I know and trust.”
Still, Mitchell added, he can’t compare Sunday’s contest to his personal experiences.
“It’s a professional-level championship game,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve played in a state championship and won, I’ve played in a college championship and won, but you can’t compare it to anything, because it’s professional.”
Mitchell guided his hometown Katy, Tex., high school squad to the state title in 2007 and went on play collegiately at Southern Methodist and Eastern Washington. In 201, he led Eastern Washington to the NCAA Division I FCS national championship with a 20-19 come-from-behind victory over Delaware. It was Eastern Washington’s first-ever national crown in football.
After signing as a free agent with the Stampeders, he spent two seasons in third-string and backup roles. This season, he won his first seven games as a starter, tying former Stamp Jeff Garcia’s CFL record.
He has dressed for 17 games (14 starts), while battling injury, and completed 264 of 417 passes (63.3%) for 3,389 yards and 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He led all CFL quarterbacks with a 98.3 pass-efficiency rating while also carrying the ball 35 times for 232 yards and four touchdowns.
Pressure or no pressure Sunday, he feels very fortunate to be where he is.
“I’m very blessed to have the teammates that I do around me and my coaching staff,” he said. “I don’t think any guy in their first year as a starter has ever walked into the situation I’ve walked into.”
Actually, Mitchell was mistaken on that point.
In 1971, rookie Joe Theismann quarterbacked the Toronto Argonauts to the Grey Cup, when the game was also played in Vancouver, and the Stampeders happened to be the opposition. As you might have heard (countless times, depending on your age), it was a wet day, and Argos running back Leon McQuay fumbled the ball as he attempted to run it into the end zone for what would have been the winning touchdown in the game's closing moments.
As a result, the Stampeders prevailed 14-11, and a veteran quarterback named Jerry Keeling received the laurels instead.
Things still turned out all right for Theismann, though. The former Notre Dame star went on to a standout career in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and led them to a Super Bowl in 1982. But his CFL experience left him unfulfilled on the championship front.
The 1971 Grey Cup was played at since-demolished Empire Stadium, an outdoor facility. It has been raining again this week in Vancouver, but the game will be played at BC Place Stadium and, if necessary, the roof will be closed.
Therefore, Mitchell won’t have to worry about wet or cold conditions, and he will have a better chance to accomplish what Theismann could not.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Buono does not let loyalty interfere with championship quest
Wally Buono proved – again – Thursday that he does not play favourites or adhere to longstanding loyalties.
The B.C. Lions general manager made the “very difficult” decision to fire coach Mike Benevides four days after the CFL team suffered a humiliating 50-17 playoff loss to the Montreal Alouettes. The setback came after a disappointing 9-9 regular season in which the Lions expected to do much better while seeking the chance to host the Grey Cup at home.
“Our football team experienced a very tumultuous season,” said Buono in a news release. “Still, we believe as an organization that the team we had assembled was capable of more than what we accomplished in the regular season and in the playoffs. In short, we underperformed and failed to meet both our own expectations and the expectations of our fans.”
Perhaps a hint of Buono’s decision came Monday when he was asked whether the team was spiralling downward. He noted that the Lions had gone from 13 to 11 to nine victories in the past three season under Benevides and added “simple math” indicated they were. Clearly, Buono does not friendships or loyalty interfere with the quest for a championship.
The timing of the firing is, perhaps, the biggest surprise because it came so soon after the conclusion of the Lions’ season. (Unlike the NHL, the CFL apparently has no qualms about teams making major announcements during the playoffs.) But the dismissal re-affirmed Buono’s decisive nature and willingness to make moves for the better of the team, even if they might make him look bad.
Benevides, who compiled a 33-21 record as a head coach, had worked with Buono for more than a decade in B.C. and Calgary. Buono gave him his first coaching job, an assistant’s position which earned no pay because of the Stampeders’ financial difficulties. Then Buono brought Benevides with him to B.C.,and promoted him through the ranks before promoting him to head coach after stepped down following the Lions’ 2011 Grey Cup victory.
He also gave Benevides, who aspired to be the team’s GM one day, a two-year contract extension prior to this season.
If any coach deserved the benefit of the doubt for a sub-par season, Benevides did. The Lions suffered numerous injuries to key players, including running backs Andrew Harris and Stefan Logan, and receiver Courtney Taylor, and their valiant, but injury-riddled offensive line was a patchwork quilt at the best of times. Most significantly, starting quarterback Travis Lulay missed most of the season after he was slow to recover from off-season shoulder surgery was injured again in the lone game he played – a storm-interrupted 7-5 win over Ottawa. Then Lulay suffered another relapse during the warmup before Sunday’s debacle in Montreal.
But these factors did not sway Buono, whose decision came after fans were quick to blame Benevides for the mediocre regular season and playoff mauling.
Now, Buono must find a successor, and he has one readily available in defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington, who built a standout defence that dominated for most of the season before struggling late in the season. Fatigue, from being on the field too long as the offence failed to put up points consistently, and injuries undoubtedly explained part of the defence’s woes.
Washington is widely expected to become a head coach somewhere in the not-too-distant future, and Buono stressed earlier in the week that’s it’s critical to have continuity in the club. The defensive co-ordinator’s promotion would allow for that continuity, and he would likely keep most of the assistants, who did a commendable job under the circumstances. Offensive co-ordinator Khari Jones appears likely to depart after the offence continued to show a lack of creativity that was evident under his predecessor Jacques Chapdelaine.
Former Lions defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, could be another worthy candidate, and Lions running backs coach Kelly Bates might also merit an interview.
Some media types have speculated that Calgary offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson, a former Lions quarterback who was brought to the CFL by Buono, could be a frontrunner for the position. But Dickenson has strong family ties in Calgary and appears the likely successor to general manager and coach John Hufnagel. Dickenson’s promotion could be expedited if the Stampeders do not parlay their 15-3 regular season into a playoff berth.
Buono has ruled out returning to the coaching ranks, because he believes that the CFL’s version of football is a young man’s game. So the new Lions coach will likely be in his 30s or early 40s. He will also likely have an existing relationship with Buono, who prefers to hire people he knows.
But the new coach should not expect any longstanding ties with Buono to enhance his job security.
The B.C. Lions general manager made the “very difficult” decision to fire coach Mike Benevides four days after the CFL team suffered a humiliating 50-17 playoff loss to the Montreal Alouettes. The setback came after a disappointing 9-9 regular season in which the Lions expected to do much better while seeking the chance to host the Grey Cup at home.
“Our football team experienced a very tumultuous season,” said Buono in a news release. “Still, we believe as an organization that the team we had assembled was capable of more than what we accomplished in the regular season and in the playoffs. In short, we underperformed and failed to meet both our own expectations and the expectations of our fans.”
Perhaps a hint of Buono’s decision came Monday when he was asked whether the team was spiralling downward. He noted that the Lions had gone from 13 to 11 to nine victories in the past three season under Benevides and added “simple math” indicated they were. Clearly, Buono does not friendships or loyalty interfere with the quest for a championship.
The timing of the firing is, perhaps, the biggest surprise because it came so soon after the conclusion of the Lions’ season. (Unlike the NHL, the CFL apparently has no qualms about teams making major announcements during the playoffs.) But the dismissal re-affirmed Buono’s decisive nature and willingness to make moves for the better of the team, even if they might make him look bad.
Benevides, who compiled a 33-21 record as a head coach, had worked with Buono for more than a decade in B.C. and Calgary. Buono gave him his first coaching job, an assistant’s position which earned no pay because of the Stampeders’ financial difficulties. Then Buono brought Benevides with him to B.C.,and promoted him through the ranks before promoting him to head coach after stepped down following the Lions’ 2011 Grey Cup victory.
He also gave Benevides, who aspired to be the team’s GM one day, a two-year contract extension prior to this season.
If any coach deserved the benefit of the doubt for a sub-par season, Benevides did. The Lions suffered numerous injuries to key players, including running backs Andrew Harris and Stefan Logan, and receiver Courtney Taylor, and their valiant, but injury-riddled offensive line was a patchwork quilt at the best of times. Most significantly, starting quarterback Travis Lulay missed most of the season after he was slow to recover from off-season shoulder surgery was injured again in the lone game he played – a storm-interrupted 7-5 win over Ottawa. Then Lulay suffered another relapse during the warmup before Sunday’s debacle in Montreal.
But these factors did not sway Buono, whose decision came after fans were quick to blame Benevides for the mediocre regular season and playoff mauling.
Now, Buono must find a successor, and he has one readily available in defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington, who built a standout defence that dominated for most of the season before struggling late in the season. Fatigue, from being on the field too long as the offence failed to put up points consistently, and injuries undoubtedly explained part of the defence’s woes.
Washington is widely expected to become a head coach somewhere in the not-too-distant future, and Buono stressed earlier in the week that’s it’s critical to have continuity in the club. The defensive co-ordinator’s promotion would allow for that continuity, and he would likely keep most of the assistants, who did a commendable job under the circumstances. Offensive co-ordinator Khari Jones appears likely to depart after the offence continued to show a lack of creativity that was evident under his predecessor Jacques Chapdelaine.
Former Lions defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, could be another worthy candidate, and Lions running backs coach Kelly Bates might also merit an interview.
Some media types have speculated that Calgary offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson, a former Lions quarterback who was brought to the CFL by Buono, could be a frontrunner for the position. But Dickenson has strong family ties in Calgary and appears the likely successor to general manager and coach John Hufnagel. Dickenson’s promotion could be expedited if the Stampeders do not parlay their 15-3 regular season into a playoff berth.
Buono has ruled out returning to the coaching ranks, because he believes that the CFL’s version of football is a young man’s game. So the new Lions coach will likely be in his 30s or early 40s. He will also likely have an existing relationship with Buono, who prefers to hire people he knows.
But the new coach should not expect any longstanding ties with Buono to enhance his job security.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Defence struggles as Lions lose fifth straight
For a change, it was the defence that let the B.C. Lions down Saturday night.
But the offence also contributed to a 27-22 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
The Stamps improved to 5-1 while the Lions dropped to 1-5 after suffering their fifth consecutive loss.
With the B.C. defensive line failing to mount consistent pressure, veteran Calgary quarterback Henry Burris took advantage of a secondary that hurt itself by taking untimely penalties.
The telling blows came late in the third quarter as Calgary linebacker Dwight Anderson intercepted a deflected Travis Lulay pass and ran the ball back to the B.C. 10-yard-line. The pick came two plays after Lions rookie defensive back Stanley Franks had intercepted Burris.
Franks, who has been victimized a few times this season, was then the goat as he blew coverage on Ryan Thelwell in the end zone and Burris tossed an easy touchdown strike from the 10. The major gave the Stampeders an insurmountable 27-16 lead.
“We’ve gotta get a (defensive) turnover or two,” said Lions coach Wally Buono. “We got one, it would have been nice to get one or two more.”
Lulay, starting his third straight game in place of the injured Casey Printers (knee), fared well against a relentless Calgary pass rush, but struggled to get the Lions into the end zone. Jarious Jackson, seeing his first action of the season in relief of Lulay in the fourth quarter, could not do much.
Still the game might have gone a different way if Calgary coach John Hufnagel had not won an appeal of an apparent Paris Jackson catch that would have given B.C. the ball on the Calgary 27-yard-line. Although the replay indicated the ball contacted the ground, Jackson had arm firmly wrapped around it when he turned over.
The Lions caught a break when Deon Murphy fumbled a Paul McCallum punt in the late going. But Jarious Jackson threw an interception to nullify the Lions' victory hopes.
"That's the one I wish I could have had back," said Jarious Jackson, who felt he threw the ball well at times.
B.C. did manage a late major by Jamal Robertson -- his second of the game -- in the final minute after a Calgary pass interference penalty in the end zone gave B.C. the ball on Calgary's one-yard line.
But Lions failed to make good on the two-point conversion attempt as Jarious Jackson's pass intended for Paris Jackson went incomplete.
The loss spoiled a stellar effort by Paris Jackson, who made a number of tough catches, and a total of six for 76 hard-earned yards, while absorbing bone-rattling hits that left him shaken up a couple of times.
"It felt good, but at the same time, we didn't win," said Paris Jackson. "It doesn't matter how many catches I get, how many yards I get. The whole thing is about touchdowns ... and making sure we walk off that field with a W and winning."
But the offence also contributed to a 27-22 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
The Stamps improved to 5-1 while the Lions dropped to 1-5 after suffering their fifth consecutive loss.
With the B.C. defensive line failing to mount consistent pressure, veteran Calgary quarterback Henry Burris took advantage of a secondary that hurt itself by taking untimely penalties.
The telling blows came late in the third quarter as Calgary linebacker Dwight Anderson intercepted a deflected Travis Lulay pass and ran the ball back to the B.C. 10-yard-line. The pick came two plays after Lions rookie defensive back Stanley Franks had intercepted Burris.
Franks, who has been victimized a few times this season, was then the goat as he blew coverage on Ryan Thelwell in the end zone and Burris tossed an easy touchdown strike from the 10. The major gave the Stampeders an insurmountable 27-16 lead.
“We’ve gotta get a (defensive) turnover or two,” said Lions coach Wally Buono. “We got one, it would have been nice to get one or two more.”
Lulay, starting his third straight game in place of the injured Casey Printers (knee), fared well against a relentless Calgary pass rush, but struggled to get the Lions into the end zone. Jarious Jackson, seeing his first action of the season in relief of Lulay in the fourth quarter, could not do much.
Still the game might have gone a different way if Calgary coach John Hufnagel had not won an appeal of an apparent Paris Jackson catch that would have given B.C. the ball on the Calgary 27-yard-line. Although the replay indicated the ball contacted the ground, Jackson had arm firmly wrapped around it when he turned over.
The Lions caught a break when Deon Murphy fumbled a Paul McCallum punt in the late going. But Jarious Jackson threw an interception to nullify the Lions' victory hopes.
"That's the one I wish I could have had back," said Jarious Jackson, who felt he threw the ball well at times.
B.C. did manage a late major by Jamal Robertson -- his second of the game -- in the final minute after a Calgary pass interference penalty in the end zone gave B.C. the ball on Calgary's one-yard line.
But Lions failed to make good on the two-point conversion attempt as Jarious Jackson's pass intended for Paris Jackson went incomplete.
The loss spoiled a stellar effort by Paris Jackson, who made a number of tough catches, and a total of six for 76 hard-earned yards, while absorbing bone-rattling hits that left him shaken up a couple of times.
"It felt good, but at the same time, we didn't win," said Paris Jackson. "It doesn't matter how many catches I get, how many yards I get. The whole thing is about touchdowns ... and making sure we walk off that field with a W and winning."
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Check out my new Twitter page
I've just launched a new Twitter page -- Stewart On Sports.
Watch for links to sports articles that I write for this blog as well as The Canadian Press, NHL.Fanhouse.com, Insurance West Magazine and other publications.
The articles will include blogs, game stories and features on NHL, WHL, CFL and other athletes.
Click on the link to check out the Twitter page: www.twitter.com/StewartOnSports.
Watch for links to sports articles that I write for this blog as well as The Canadian Press, NHL.Fanhouse.com, Insurance West Magazine and other publications.
The articles will include blogs, game stories and features on NHL, WHL, CFL and other athletes.
Click on the link to check out the Twitter page: www.twitter.com/StewartOnSports.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lions evoke memories of 2001 Stamps
The B.C. Lions got what they deserved Sunday.
A solid 34-27 overtime CFL Eastern semi-final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions played with the desperation that they have lacked at other times this season. Their starting quarterback managed to play a full game, and their defence held up in overtime, despite the usual meltdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
As a result, B.C. handed Hamilton a heart-breaking loss in its first home playoff game since 2001 and first playoff appearance in five seasons. Now, the Lions are evoking memories of an 8-10 Calgary team that Buono coached to the 2001 Grey Cup title after it also had injuries to its key quarterbacks.
Buono and his then Calgary coaching staff, many of whom are now with the Lions, managed to inject enough confidence in journeyman QB Marcus Crandell that he played like the second coming of Johnny Unitas. Casey Printers does not lack confidence, and he has much more ability than Crandell, who never showed the same magic again. Which suggests the Lions will give the Montreal Alouettes a run for their money in next weekend's Eastern Final.
Talent-wise, says Buono, this Lions club is much better than his 2001 Stamps. And, now, a B.C. club that began the season 1-4 and suffered three straight losses before Sunday is one win away from the Grey Cup.
A championship game berth would be a fitting finish for the underdog Lions. They have used five quarterbacks, including four starters, while also battling major injuries to running back Martell Mallett, kicker Paul McCallum and centre Angus Reid, among others.
How much whackier can their season get? We're about to find out.
A solid 34-27 overtime CFL Eastern semi-final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions played with the desperation that they have lacked at other times this season. Their starting quarterback managed to play a full game, and their defence held up in overtime, despite the usual meltdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
As a result, B.C. handed Hamilton a heart-breaking loss in its first home playoff game since 2001 and first playoff appearance in five seasons. Now, the Lions are evoking memories of an 8-10 Calgary team that Buono coached to the 2001 Grey Cup title after it also had injuries to its key quarterbacks.
Buono and his then Calgary coaching staff, many of whom are now with the Lions, managed to inject enough confidence in journeyman QB Marcus Crandell that he played like the second coming of Johnny Unitas. Casey Printers does not lack confidence, and he has much more ability than Crandell, who never showed the same magic again. Which suggests the Lions will give the Montreal Alouettes a run for their money in next weekend's Eastern Final.
Talent-wise, says Buono, this Lions club is much better than his 2001 Stamps. And, now, a B.C. club that began the season 1-4 and suffered three straight losses before Sunday is one win away from the Grey Cup.
A championship game berth would be a fitting finish for the underdog Lions. They have used five quarterbacks, including four starters, while also battling major injuries to running back Martell Mallett, kicker Paul McCallum and centre Angus Reid, among others.
How much whackier can their season get? We're about to find out.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Many Lions facing last game together
The B.C. Lions caught a break Sunday. For a change, it wasn't a fractured limb.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats did the Lions a favour by beating Winnipeg 39-17, eliminating the Blue Bombers and putting the hard-luck Lions in the CFL playoffs.
Just how the Lions will fare against the Ticats is anybody's guess, but it was good to see the Leos get a reprieve after their embarrassing 45-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The one-sided setback was a gift to the Eskimos as both starting quarterback Casey Printers and nominal backup Buck Pierce went down with injuries.
"I tried to do everything in my power to go back out there on the field and put some drives together but, physically, I just couldn’t do it,” said Pierce, who re-entered the game briefly in the second half. “You can kind of feel how we feel right now. It’s hard to process right now what we just went through. A lot of guys in this locker room have never experienced something like this – so many times this year."
Often through no fault of their own as bizarre injuries took their toll.
Pierce showed his character as he put his shoulder pads back on after taking a couple of injections and undergoing treatment to loosen up his arm.
“It’s been a tough year,” said Pierce. “This shoulder thing, it’s worn me out emotionally and physically.”
His season is, almost certainly, over. Buono will likely go with Printers, who was showing signs of early recovery from a jammed thumb, rookie Travis Lulay, almost fully recovered from a shoulder injury, and Zac Champion, the only other available quarterback.
“It’s unbelievable,” said dejected receiver Geroy Simon. “We can’t keep a quarterback healthy to save our lives. This is amazing. It’s like we’ve never even played football before.
“How many quarterbacks do we need to go through in a season?”
As it turns out, five.
“This (Edmonton) game is the story of our season,” said Simon. “It’s the biggest game of the year and we don’t show up to play."
You can bet the Lions will show up next Sunday as they get an opportunity to avenge two earlier losses to Hamilton. It's a question of whether the quarterbacking carousel starts to pay off now or later.
Eventually, the use of five quarterbacks will benefit B.C., presuming some can stay healthy. The pivots' experience makes them marketable assets in a leage that has trouble recruiting pivots with extensive pro playing time. Buono, who spent this season rebuilding the offence, can deal some QBs as part of his inevitable defensive remake in the coming off-season.
Say what you will about the quarterback troubles, the defence is largely to blame for this whacky 8-10 Lions season. If the defenders could have held the Calgary Stampeders for a minute and 35 seconds, the Lions would be hosting a playoff game, not playing as the crossover team in the East.
Despite a dominant front four, the defence continued a trend, started last season, of allowing big gains at critical times. For all his bravado, mid-season middle linebacker pick-up JoJuan Armour has had little effect, especially against the run. Meanwhile, the veteran secondary, which includes Barron Miles, Dante Marsh and Korey Banks, has lost its former magic. Its extreme makeover is imminent.
Whatever happens against the Ticats, the Lions should enjoy the semi-final. For many of them, it could be their last game in a Lions uniform.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats did the Lions a favour by beating Winnipeg 39-17, eliminating the Blue Bombers and putting the hard-luck Lions in the CFL playoffs.
Just how the Lions will fare against the Ticats is anybody's guess, but it was good to see the Leos get a reprieve after their embarrassing 45-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The one-sided setback was a gift to the Eskimos as both starting quarterback Casey Printers and nominal backup Buck Pierce went down with injuries.
"I tried to do everything in my power to go back out there on the field and put some drives together but, physically, I just couldn’t do it,” said Pierce, who re-entered the game briefly in the second half. “You can kind of feel how we feel right now. It’s hard to process right now what we just went through. A lot of guys in this locker room have never experienced something like this – so many times this year."
Often through no fault of their own as bizarre injuries took their toll.
Pierce showed his character as he put his shoulder pads back on after taking a couple of injections and undergoing treatment to loosen up his arm.
“It’s been a tough year,” said Pierce. “This shoulder thing, it’s worn me out emotionally and physically.”
His season is, almost certainly, over. Buono will likely go with Printers, who was showing signs of early recovery from a jammed thumb, rookie Travis Lulay, almost fully recovered from a shoulder injury, and Zac Champion, the only other available quarterback.
“It’s unbelievable,” said dejected receiver Geroy Simon. “We can’t keep a quarterback healthy to save our lives. This is amazing. It’s like we’ve never even played football before.
“How many quarterbacks do we need to go through in a season?”
As it turns out, five.
“This (Edmonton) game is the story of our season,” said Simon. “It’s the biggest game of the year and we don’t show up to play."
You can bet the Lions will show up next Sunday as they get an opportunity to avenge two earlier losses to Hamilton. It's a question of whether the quarterbacking carousel starts to pay off now or later.
Eventually, the use of five quarterbacks will benefit B.C., presuming some can stay healthy. The pivots' experience makes them marketable assets in a leage that has trouble recruiting pivots with extensive pro playing time. Buono, who spent this season rebuilding the offence, can deal some QBs as part of his inevitable defensive remake in the coming off-season.
Say what you will about the quarterback troubles, the defence is largely to blame for this whacky 8-10 Lions season. If the defenders could have held the Calgary Stampeders for a minute and 35 seconds, the Lions would be hosting a playoff game, not playing as the crossover team in the East.
Despite a dominant front four, the defence continued a trend, started last season, of allowing big gains at critical times. For all his bravado, mid-season middle linebacker pick-up JoJuan Armour has had little effect, especially against the run. Meanwhile, the veteran secondary, which includes Barron Miles, Dante Marsh and Korey Banks, has lost its former magic. Its extreme makeover is imminent.
Whatever happens against the Ticats, the Lions should enjoy the semi-final. For many of them, it could be their last game in a Lions uniform.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Printers approaching expiry date
Let's hope Casey Printers gets it this time.
"It" is the understanding that pro sports careers are fleeting at the best of times. "It" is the understanding that the opportunity to compete or just hang out with the team is priceless and time-limited.
If you talk to any athlete, he or she will tell you that the opportunity to compete at the highest level and go after a Stanley Cup, Grey Cup or even a Mann Cup makes up for any fame, or fortune, or risk. Theoren Fleury gets it. That's why he tried to resurrect his hockey career after six years away from the NHL because of substance abuse issues.
Dave Scatchard gets it. That's why he was trying out with the Vancouver Canucks after more than a season away from the NHL because of concussion problems, and was still saying all the right things as the club cut him without giving him another chance after he suffered a groin injury or whatever it was. (He wasn't saying exactly.)
Dave Dickenson got it. That's why he signed with the Calgary Stampeders after B.C. Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono chose to release him out of concern that he would suffer another concussion. That's also why Dickenson returned to the Canadian Football League when he probably could have carried a clipboard in the NFL for another season or two and made more money.
Alas, Buono's fears were realized and Dickenson's career did end prematurely, but it much longer than many other CFL quarterback hopefuls.
Printers didn't get it in his first go-round with the Lions, so he chose to bolt to the NFL, after he was offered a deal that likely would have landed him the No. 1 quarterback spot ahead of Dickenson. And, that's why he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after initially agreeing to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
But maybe he gets it now, after Hamilton cut him and no other team wanted him until Buono three him a life line after Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson came down with injury problems. Tonight, Printers will dress as the third-string quarterback as the Lions visit the Edmonton Eskimos.
Reports suggest that he has been a model teammate while biding his time on the practice roster and showing a good grasp of the playbook. He has told reporters that "it" is all about the team now. Well, Casey, cliche or no cliche, most sports always have been about the team.
Let's hope he finally realizes that athletes have short shelf lives. Sometimes that shelf life can last 20 seasons. Sometimes the expiry date comes after 20 days.
Why do you think Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings?
For those who play the games at the highest level, careers never last long enough. If Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn had his way, he would still be playing, even after almost three decades behind the bench.
The same likely goes for Buono.
I have seen "it" a lot over the past month or so while covering the Mann Cup lacrosse championship series, NHL preseason and the CFL. I saw it when Chris Gill of the New Westminster Salmonbellies saw his chance at a home-floor slip title away, after he had waited and hoped for 16 years, and he knew that the series would likely be his last at the senior A level.
The series showed what athletes are willing to do just to have a chance to compete and excel.
Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Anthony Cosmo flew across the country three times in the span of a week to help his team and preserve his teaching job back home in Ontario. Dan Dawson also went back and forth while trying to meet the requirements of being a rookie firefighter.
I saw "it" with Fleury in a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, and I saw it with a desperate Scatchard in another exhibition tilt against Quinn's Oilers. Scatchard was one of the best players on the ice that night.
And, I saw it with Tanner Glass, a longshot to make the team, who actually beat out highly-touted rookie Cody Hodgson. And, I saw "it" when disgruntled veteran Lions kicker Paul McCallum watched on the sidelines in street clothes as rookie Sean Whyte booted the winning field goal in a victory over Saskatchewan.
Whyte got his chance to play regularly this season only after McCallum was injured while making a tackle on a return. (His desire to compete was evident there, too. As a rule, kickers do not tackle.)
Buono, somewhat surprisingly is giving McCallum another chance tonight as he replaces Whyte. McCallum, 39, will play like it is the final game of his career because, no matter what happens, he knows that the time to hang up his kicking shoe will soon come.
In theory, Printers, about a decade younger and a former CFL Most Outstanding Player award winner, should have much more time left. But he has clearly worn out his welcome.
Buono is only giving him a chance because the club lacks quarterbacking depth. Travis Lulay, tonight's backup, and Zac Champion, relegated to the practice roster, show great promise but lack pro experience. Printers should view tonight's game as one of his last.
If he does, he'll finally get "it".
"It" is the understanding that pro sports careers are fleeting at the best of times. "It" is the understanding that the opportunity to compete or just hang out with the team is priceless and time-limited.
If you talk to any athlete, he or she will tell you that the opportunity to compete at the highest level and go after a Stanley Cup, Grey Cup or even a Mann Cup makes up for any fame, or fortune, or risk. Theoren Fleury gets it. That's why he tried to resurrect his hockey career after six years away from the NHL because of substance abuse issues.
Dave Scatchard gets it. That's why he was trying out with the Vancouver Canucks after more than a season away from the NHL because of concussion problems, and was still saying all the right things as the club cut him without giving him another chance after he suffered a groin injury or whatever it was. (He wasn't saying exactly.)
Dave Dickenson got it. That's why he signed with the Calgary Stampeders after B.C. Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono chose to release him out of concern that he would suffer another concussion. That's also why Dickenson returned to the Canadian Football League when he probably could have carried a clipboard in the NFL for another season or two and made more money.
Alas, Buono's fears were realized and Dickenson's career did end prematurely, but it much longer than many other CFL quarterback hopefuls.
Printers didn't get it in his first go-round with the Lions, so he chose to bolt to the NFL, after he was offered a deal that likely would have landed him the No. 1 quarterback spot ahead of Dickenson. And, that's why he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after initially agreeing to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
But maybe he gets it now, after Hamilton cut him and no other team wanted him until Buono three him a life line after Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson came down with injury problems. Tonight, Printers will dress as the third-string quarterback as the Lions visit the Edmonton Eskimos.
Reports suggest that he has been a model teammate while biding his time on the practice roster and showing a good grasp of the playbook. He has told reporters that "it" is all about the team now. Well, Casey, cliche or no cliche, most sports always have been about the team.
Let's hope he finally realizes that athletes have short shelf lives. Sometimes that shelf life can last 20 seasons. Sometimes the expiry date comes after 20 days.
Why do you think Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings?
For those who play the games at the highest level, careers never last long enough. If Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn had his way, he would still be playing, even after almost three decades behind the bench.
The same likely goes for Buono.
I have seen "it" a lot over the past month or so while covering the Mann Cup lacrosse championship series, NHL preseason and the CFL. I saw it when Chris Gill of the New Westminster Salmonbellies saw his chance at a home-floor slip title away, after he had waited and hoped for 16 years, and he knew that the series would likely be his last at the senior A level.
The series showed what athletes are willing to do just to have a chance to compete and excel.
Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Anthony Cosmo flew across the country three times in the span of a week to help his team and preserve his teaching job back home in Ontario. Dan Dawson also went back and forth while trying to meet the requirements of being a rookie firefighter.
I saw "it" with Fleury in a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, and I saw it with a desperate Scatchard in another exhibition tilt against Quinn's Oilers. Scatchard was one of the best players on the ice that night.
And, I saw it with Tanner Glass, a longshot to make the team, who actually beat out highly-touted rookie Cody Hodgson. And, I saw "it" when disgruntled veteran Lions kicker Paul McCallum watched on the sidelines in street clothes as rookie Sean Whyte booted the winning field goal in a victory over Saskatchewan.
Whyte got his chance to play regularly this season only after McCallum was injured while making a tackle on a return. (His desire to compete was evident there, too. As a rule, kickers do not tackle.)
Buono, somewhat surprisingly is giving McCallum another chance tonight as he replaces Whyte. McCallum, 39, will play like it is the final game of his career because, no matter what happens, he knows that the time to hang up his kicking shoe will soon come.
In theory, Printers, about a decade younger and a former CFL Most Outstanding Player award winner, should have much more time left. But he has clearly worn out his welcome.
Buono is only giving him a chance because the club lacks quarterbacking depth. Travis Lulay, tonight's backup, and Zac Champion, relegated to the practice roster, show great promise but lack pro experience. Printers should view tonight's game as one of his last.
If he does, he'll finally get "it".
Friday, September 18, 2009
Printers not the answer to Lions' QB woes
The B.C. Lions need another quarterback.
They don't need Casey Printers to come back.
Jarious Jackson's torn rotator cuff put Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono in a bind. With Jackson out for three to five weeks and Buck Pierce susceptible to more concussions, the Lions need another veteran quarterback. Pierce will start Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts at BC Place Stadium, but whether he will finish the game is anybody's guess.
Rookie Travis Lulay, who will serve as the backup, and sophomore Zac Champion, who moves off the taxi squad to become the third stringer, are clearly not ready for prime. The Lions (4-6) need a veteran QB who can help them have a strong finish to a troubled season -- not just a game -- as they battle for a playoff spot.
But Printers is not the answer. He has not played enough since attempting to return to the CFL from the NFL, and his poutiness makes him poison in the dressing room.
Another option could be former Winnipeg pivot Ryan Dinwiddie, who is now an assistant coach with an Idaho high school team after vowing that his playing days were done. Dinwiddie, 28, is no superstar, but he fared reasonably well as a Grey Cup fill-in starter a couple of years ago.
He would be insurance in case Pierce goes down, and there is a good chance that he will.
The trouble is, proven veteran backups, who can step in as starters, are hard to come by in the CFL. Edmonton's Jason Maas has cornered the market on the reliever role, but struggles as a starter.
It's time for player personnel director Roy Shivers to work his magic again and find a diamond in the rough -- who can start right away, if necessary.
They don't need Casey Printers to come back.
Jarious Jackson's torn rotator cuff put Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono in a bind. With Jackson out for three to five weeks and Buck Pierce susceptible to more concussions, the Lions need another veteran quarterback. Pierce will start Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts at BC Place Stadium, but whether he will finish the game is anybody's guess.
Rookie Travis Lulay, who will serve as the backup, and sophomore Zac Champion, who moves off the taxi squad to become the third stringer, are clearly not ready for prime. The Lions (4-6) need a veteran QB who can help them have a strong finish to a troubled season -- not just a game -- as they battle for a playoff spot.
But Printers is not the answer. He has not played enough since attempting to return to the CFL from the NFL, and his poutiness makes him poison in the dressing room.
Another option could be former Winnipeg pivot Ryan Dinwiddie, who is now an assistant coach with an Idaho high school team after vowing that his playing days were done. Dinwiddie, 28, is no superstar, but he fared reasonably well as a Grey Cup fill-in starter a couple of years ago.
He would be insurance in case Pierce goes down, and there is a good chance that he will.
The trouble is, proven veteran backups, who can step in as starters, are hard to come by in the CFL. Edmonton's Jason Maas has cornered the market on the reliever role, but struggles as a starter.
It's time for player personnel director Roy Shivers to work his magic again and find a diamond in the rough -- who can start right away, if necessary.
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