Showing posts with label Travis Lulay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travis Lulay. Show all posts
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Glenn comes up big as Lulay watches
The stage was set for a change in command, but Kevin Glenn never let it happen.
Glenn ran for a touchdown, threw for another and passed for more than 400 yards Friday night as the B.C. Lions beat the pesky Hamilton Tiger-Cats 36-29. He helped the Lions post their second-consecutive win and improve to 4-3 on the season, ensuring that the Lions did not need nominal No. 1 quarterback Travis Lulay as he dressed for his first game of the season following off-season shoulder surgery.
“It was a big, big team-character win,” said Glenn, who completed 22 of 36 passes for 407 yards, his highest yardage output as a Lion. “It was one of those things where you could tell in the guys’ eyes on the field when I was calling the plays. It didn't matter what the down and distance was. We were going to out there and fight and try and get it. When you see that in the guys' eyes, that means a lot."
It was also a big character performance from Glenn, who helped the Lions build an early 17-3 lead and then rally back after Hamilton managed to come back and take a 19-17 lead in the second quarter on a Brandon Banks touchdown off a 97-yard punt return and a pair of Justin Medlock field goals.
The second field goal came after Glenn threw his first of two interceptions on which he could not really be faulted. Defensive lineman Arnaud Gascon-Nadon was able to snare the ball after fellow lineman Bryan Hall knocked down a Glenn pass.
The second interception, which did not result in points thanks to a tenacious B.C. defence, came in the third quarter after Frederic Plesius caught a fortuitous bounce off B.C. receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux. But Glenn did not let the interceptions get him down.
“Ticked balls are killing me,” said Glenn, whose 11 interceptions well exceed the seven he threw in all of 2013 with Calgary. “It's one of those things that happens. As a QB, you have to be able to get over it. It’s going tohappen. You don't want it to happen as much as it has been happening. What I think the biggest thing is, what you do when you come back out. You overcome it. I'm not going to be afraid to throw the next one.”
The Ticats were left to lament a series of miscues and penalties that enabled B.C. to take an insurmountable lead on an Andrew Harris four-yard touchdown run with about 10 minutes gone in the third quarter. But the Ticats still managed to pull within a point on two occasions, trailing 27-26 at the end of the third quarter and 30-29 in the fourth. Ultimately, B.C. secured the win with a strong passing display from Glenn in the fourth quarter, which enabled Paul McCallum to kick the final two of his five field goals on the night.
The decisive field goal came after Glenn threw his longest pass of the night, 43 yards to Shawn Gore. But Glenn, who ran for 19 yards for his touchdown in the first quarter, downplayed the strong personal showing – and kept the team’s task first.
“It’s not like this game was the Grey Cup,” he said. “It's not. It was the next game and an important game. It was important because of the way the West is shaping up. We have to make sure we keep going with all these guys. All these teams in the West are winning games. We have to make sure we are winning games, too."
Thanks to Glenn’s effort Friday, the Lions are winning. But they still face difficulties. Harris and offensive guard Jemarcus Hardrick went down with injuries Friday. Depending on how long Harris is out, his absence could put more pressure on Glenn to excel more often through the air.
But at least the Lions can rest assured that, with Glenn playing like he did Friday, they can take their time with Lulay’s recovery.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Buono continues search for the right quarterback
Wally Buono finds himself in an unusual position, but the same old questions persist about the B.C. Lions' quarterbacking.
For the first time in his career, the Canadian Football League's all-time winningest coach finds his team 1-5 after Saturday's 27-22 loss to the visiting Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
All but one of the losses have been close, but late breakdowns and inconsistent quarterbacking continue to cause difficulties.
“If you were getting blown out every week and you weren’t even in the game every week, I guess it would maybe be not so confusing,” said Buono. “But when you look at what goes on at times, you’re very encouraged. At other times, you just shake your head.”
Especially with the quarterbacks.
Starter Travis Lulay looked strong at times and weak at others, notably when he threw a third-quarter interception that Dwight Anderson returned to the B.C. 10-yard line, setting up Ryan Thelwell's game-winning touchdown.
"Obviously, it's disappointing," said Lulay, who completed 15 of 28 passes for 159 yards. "You're trying to win the football game. It seems we had a little bit of momentum there after a defensive turnover and, obviously, that kind of died and we gave them a short field."
Lulay's interception spelled the end of his night.
Jarious Jackson took over and struggled while impressing at times. He completed eight of 17 passes for 99 yards in his first serious game action since last September. He spent training camp, the preseason and the early part of the regular season recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery to repair rotator cuff damage.
“When the balls are high, you can tell right away that he’s struggling,” said Buono, explaining his decision to pull Lulay. “Jarious had a good week … His quick release was good, but other times you can see why he’s still not 100 per cent.”
Now, with a short week before a game in Regina against the powerhouse Saskatchewan Roughriders, Buono has to decide whether to go back to the sophomore Lulay or gamble on Jarious Jackson or nominal starter Casey Printers, who has dressed as the third-stringer the past three games due to a sore knee.
“If the medical staff clears (Printers) to play, then we’ll have to consider it,” said Buono. “But if they don’t, I think there’s way too much at stake. Between Jarious (Jackson) and Travis (Lulay), we should find one that’s ready to go.”
"We're not going to quit," said Lulay. "It's still early in the season. Obviously, we're in a little bit of a whole ... All we can do is fight and give ourselves a chance to win."
After Buono suffered his eighth straight loss to his former Calgary understudy John Hufnagel, questions arose about the Lions' mental toughness. Receiver Paris Jackson said the Lions have to change their mentality and make sure that losing does not become contagious, although with five straight losses, it might already be.
But, noting that the Leos kept fighting back, Buono insisted his players are mentally tough. He does not plan to make major changes as the changes as he rebuilding club tries to get in position for a playoff spot.
“It’s gonna test our character,” said Buono. “It’s gonna test my character. This is not something I’m enjoying. But I don’t believe that there’s a divine right for winning. I’ve always felt that each week, each win, is tough, and I think my experience and my past are going to keep the waters calm and keep the ship going in the right direction."
That task will be easier if he can find the right quarterback to take the helm.
For the first time in his career, the Canadian Football League's all-time winningest coach finds his team 1-5 after Saturday's 27-22 loss to the visiting Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
All but one of the losses have been close, but late breakdowns and inconsistent quarterbacking continue to cause difficulties.
“If you were getting blown out every week and you weren’t even in the game every week, I guess it would maybe be not so confusing,” said Buono. “But when you look at what goes on at times, you’re very encouraged. At other times, you just shake your head.”
Especially with the quarterbacks.
Starter Travis Lulay looked strong at times and weak at others, notably when he threw a third-quarter interception that Dwight Anderson returned to the B.C. 10-yard line, setting up Ryan Thelwell's game-winning touchdown.
"Obviously, it's disappointing," said Lulay, who completed 15 of 28 passes for 159 yards. "You're trying to win the football game. It seems we had a little bit of momentum there after a defensive turnover and, obviously, that kind of died and we gave them a short field."
Lulay's interception spelled the end of his night.
Jarious Jackson took over and struggled while impressing at times. He completed eight of 17 passes for 99 yards in his first serious game action since last September. He spent training camp, the preseason and the early part of the regular season recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery to repair rotator cuff damage.
“When the balls are high, you can tell right away that he’s struggling,” said Buono, explaining his decision to pull Lulay. “Jarious had a good week … His quick release was good, but other times you can see why he’s still not 100 per cent.”
Now, with a short week before a game in Regina against the powerhouse Saskatchewan Roughriders, Buono has to decide whether to go back to the sophomore Lulay or gamble on Jarious Jackson or nominal starter Casey Printers, who has dressed as the third-stringer the past three games due to a sore knee.
“If the medical staff clears (Printers) to play, then we’ll have to consider it,” said Buono. “But if they don’t, I think there’s way too much at stake. Between Jarious (Jackson) and Travis (Lulay), we should find one that’s ready to go.”
"We're not going to quit," said Lulay. "It's still early in the season. Obviously, we're in a little bit of a whole ... All we can do is fight and give ourselves a chance to win."
After Buono suffered his eighth straight loss to his former Calgary understudy John Hufnagel, questions arose about the Lions' mental toughness. Receiver Paris Jackson said the Lions have to change their mentality and make sure that losing does not become contagious, although with five straight losses, it might already be.
But, noting that the Leos kept fighting back, Buono insisted his players are mentally tough. He does not plan to make major changes as the changes as he rebuilding club tries to get in position for a playoff spot.
“It’s gonna test our character,” said Buono. “It’s gonna test my character. This is not something I’m enjoying. But I don’t believe that there’s a divine right for winning. I’ve always felt that each week, each win, is tough, and I think my experience and my past are going to keep the waters calm and keep the ship going in the right direction."
That task will be easier if he can find the right quarterback to take the helm.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Lulay says he'll be ready to play if Printers can't go
The 2010 CFL season has barely begun, but the B.C. Lions already have questions about their quarterbacks.
Casey Printers’ playing status is in doubt after he was sidelined with a quadrcips injury with 22 seconds left in the first half as the Lions lost their home opener 37-18 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Printers said he injured his quad just before he was by Brent Hawkins.
“We’ll see,” said Printers when asked if he could play Friday against the Montreal Alouettes. “I just can’t give you a solid answer right now. Something weird kind of popped. It’s just kind of frustrating.”
Printers completed 10 of 14 passes and threaded a 32-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to Geroy Simon in the first half as the Lions trailed just 13-10 at half-time. But backup Travis Lulay, playing behind a new offensive line that struggled, could accomplish little in the second half until he unleashed a 98-year touchdown pass – the longest of his career – to Simon just over two minutes left in the game.
“We got the loss, but I’m not going to pick on myself,” said Lulay. “I’m confident that if I’m up next week, I’ll be good to go.”
Lulay’s long TD pass to Simon was the most electric play of the night and came after some adversity. A few minutes earlier, he had fumbled while being sacked by Hawkins and the defensive lineman recovered the ball and ran for a 40-yard major. Then Lulay was sacked on his next play from scrimmage. But he got up and threw the TD on the following snap.
“The thing that I thought was good about it you got veteran downs,” said Lulay. “You’re finishing the game with a high. That shows you’re not going to quit, that shows some resilience, and that was good to see.”
Especially considering that he might have to start against the defending Grey Cup-champion Als.
“Every week, I’ve been checking all the stats, because you never know what could happen,” said Lulay. “I’ll prepare the same way this week.”
Casey Printers’ playing status is in doubt after he was sidelined with a quadrcips injury with 22 seconds left in the first half as the Lions lost their home opener 37-18 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Printers said he injured his quad just before he was by Brent Hawkins.
“We’ll see,” said Printers when asked if he could play Friday against the Montreal Alouettes. “I just can’t give you a solid answer right now. Something weird kind of popped. It’s just kind of frustrating.”
Printers completed 10 of 14 passes and threaded a 32-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to Geroy Simon in the first half as the Lions trailed just 13-10 at half-time. But backup Travis Lulay, playing behind a new offensive line that struggled, could accomplish little in the second half until he unleashed a 98-year touchdown pass – the longest of his career – to Simon just over two minutes left in the game.
“We got the loss, but I’m not going to pick on myself,” said Lulay. “I’m confident that if I’m up next week, I’ll be good to go.”
Lulay’s long TD pass to Simon was the most electric play of the night and came after some adversity. A few minutes earlier, he had fumbled while being sacked by Hawkins and the defensive lineman recovered the ball and ran for a 40-yard major. Then Lulay was sacked on his next play from scrimmage. But he got up and threw the TD on the following snap.
“The thing that I thought was good about it you got veteran downs,” said Lulay. “You’re finishing the game with a high. That shows you’re not going to quit, that shows some resilience, and that was good to see.”
Especially considering that he might have to start against the defending Grey Cup-champion Als.
“Every week, I’ve been checking all the stats, because you never know what could happen,” said Lulay. “I’ll prepare the same way this week.”
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
