2012 WDF Poll #1 - Lulay and the 2 remaining games

[Robbie]

When a team finishes first in the division with a few games to spare - like the Lions of 2007, 2006, and 2004 and unlike the Lions of 2011, 2005, and 1999, the team is presented with some options and decisions before the all important division final. I'll create three polls related to the West Division Final.

One important decision is with regards to Travis Lulay and the remaining two regular season games.

Mike Reilly did a decent job as the starter. Should Travis Lulay play one or both games as a good warmup for the WDF at the expense of re-injuring his shoulder or getting new injuries? Or should he rest entirely until the WDF?

The Lions definitely don't need a repeat of the 2003 EDSF. In his seasons as a Lion, Dave Dickenson's best statistically was in 2003 when he played all 18 games and was the runner-up for Most Outstanding Player, but he had an injury in practice that prevented him from playing that playoff game and was trounced by the Argonauts.

[ziggy]

If healthy, I'd let him play for parts of both games.

[Coast Mountain Lion]

Start Reilly this week, maybe give Travis some reps late in the game. Then switch it around for the final game.

[Rammer]

Start Reilly this week, maybe give Travis some reps late in the game. Then switch it around for the final game.

Exactly, no need to entertain the Stamps fans or give them an opportunity to seek and destroy Lulay, maybe sit him the entire game. Lions down playing the Stamps game will allow them to prepare better if the opportunity for a rematch occurs this season.

[DanoT]

There is some argument to be made for keeping the O under raps so there is little film for the opposition to study. What I would like to see the Lions do is spend the next month working on a few brand new plays that no opponents have on film and thus breaks tendencies. I guess i don't want to actually "see" new plays until the WDF.

[Sir Purrcival]

I would kind of like to see Travis get some playing time in both games but essentially just enough to keep him in game form. Give Mike significant playing time against the Stamps, let Travis play more against the Riders. He will have 2 weeks after that game to rest up before the Western Final any way.

[notahomer]

I would kind of like to see Travis get some playing time in both games but essentially just enough to keep him in game form. Give Mike significant playing time against the Stamps, let Travis play more against the Riders. He will have 2 weeks after that game to rest up before the Western Final any way.

Thats my vote too. Play him enough to keep the rust from forming but make Reilly do the bulk of the work.

BTW, apparently (according to LU's blog) Travis's consecutive TD games streak is over because technically he played in Fridays game and did not score a passing TD. Oh well, he can get started on another, soon I'm sure....

[agent2]

If healthy, I'd let him play for parts of both games.

I agree with this. Not an option on the poll.

[cromartie]

Not only would I sit Travis this week, in light of the likely weather and field conditions, along with the fact the backups are performing well, it's the last game outdoors, and it's against our likely WDF opponents, I'd sit everyone who has been injured or out, with the exception of Mitchell. I'd even consider sitting Angus who has played hurt the past few weeks.

Rest them this week, then use the Riders game with every starter to get some solid meaningful indoor live fire (and a win) going into the bye.

[TheLionKing]

Sit the upcoming game but paly 3/4 of the final game

[KnowItAll]

any thoughts to getting the third guy any playing time?

[MikeAK]

I voted not to play him because I'd like to be very cautious. The only way he should see any snaps is if he is 100% good to go. The fact he missed last game and his TD streak ended tells me he has more than a minor injury. Not worth the risk if you ask me.

[Belize City Lion]

Sit him this week, start him next week but limit his playing time to no more than 3 quarters.

[Big Time]

Without knowing how serious his injury is, this is is a bit difficult. I'd like to see him get some reps as a backup in the last game of the season but not if it's going to do more damage. Unfortunately, if he doesn't play at all until the playoffs, you have to assume his injury is far worse than they are letting on. Remember in 2003 when Dave Dickenson got hurt? They said up until the playoffs he was a "maybe" and it turned out he had a significant knee injury. In other words, they knew that he had no chance of playing but said that he was a maybe anyway.

[Rammer]

Without knowing how serious his injury is, this is is a bit difficult. I'd like to see him get some reps as a backup in the last game of the season but not if it's going to do more damage. Unfortunately, if he doesn't play at all until the playoffs, you have to assume his injury is far worse than they are letting on. Remember in 2003 when Dave Dickenson got hurt? They said up until the playoffs he was a "maybe" and it turned out he had a significant knee injury. In other words, they knew that he had no chance of playing but said that he was a maybe anyway.

I would expect him to sit this game out again, as he hasn't practiced for two days now.