Lions @ Riders, July 12, 2014 Preview

[WestCoastJoe]

http://www.cfl.ca/article/morris-lions- ... -territory

Morris: Lions entering 'must-win' territory

Posted: July 09, 2014 02:30 PM

Jim Morris
CFL.ca

A loudspeaker was blaring Metallica’s Enter Sandman at ear-bleeding levels during a BC’s Lions practice this week. When practice ended quarterback Kevin Glenn stepped up to face the music for BC’s rough start to the CFL season.

Losing is one thing, but the Lions have looked troubled out of the gate. There already are fears that what first looked a minor slip could turn into a full tumble.

“I wouldn’t push the panic button just yet,” said Glenn, who has taken over the Lions’ reins while Travis Lulay continues to recover from off-season shoulder surgery. “There is a sense of urgency and I think everybody understands that around here.

“I think what it has come down to . . . is making plays. It’s different if we just can’t get squat done. But there’s points where there’s a throw to be made into the end zone. Let’s make it. There’s an interception to be made. Let’s make it. There’s a ball on the ground. Let’s run to the ball and get the ball.”

“We don’t have to panic. We’ve just got to make sure we understand what is going on. We have got to out and execute in the game.”

After losing their season opener 27-20 to the Edmonton Eskimos the Lions were expected to rebound last week against the Montreal Alouettes. Instead BC looked confused in a 24-9 loss.

For the first time in over three years the Lions didn’t score a first-half point and trailed 20-0 after 30 minutes. BC didn’t manage a touchdown until 1:20 left in the game.

After two games the Lions have managed just 29 points. Only the expansion Ottawa REDBLACKS, who have played one game, have less. Wide receiver Courtney Taylor said the ragged play on the field hasn’t caused any rifts in the locker room.

“We are not a finger-pointing team,” said Taylor. “When we lose, we all lose.

“I have been on teams when there is finger pointing and guys get down. Not this team. It has brought us closer together.”

What frustrates head coach Mike Benevides is the Lions had their chances against Montreal.

Glenn threw two interceptions but was running for his life behind an offensive line that allowed five sacks. Receivers dropped catchable balls.

Cornerback Dante Marsh had nothing but field in front of him but couldn’t hang onto an interception. The Lions stopped Montreal quarterback Tanner Marsh behind the line on a third-down gamble only to see him slip away and run for 41 yards.

“I think what it has come down to . . . is making plays,” said Benevides. “It’s different if we just can’t get squat done.

“But there’s points where there’s a throw to be made into the end zone. Let’s make it. There’s an interception to be made. Let’s make it. There’s a ball on the ground. Let’s run to the ball and get the ball.”

When the Lions traded to get Glenn from Ottawa during the CFL Draft the veteran looked like a sound insurance policy. In two starts Glenn has completed 31 of 53 passes for 410 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. He threw seven interceptions all last season with Calgary.

The Lions are adjusting to a new system being introduced by offensive coordinator Khari Jones. The team also has an offensive line with two CFL rookies on the left side. The nine sacks given up by BC is the second highest in the league.

Glenn said adapting to change is part of football.

“You have to catch on quick,” he said. “There are no excuses around here. We have to believe in each other and believe in the system and what we are doing.

“You get another week and you just have to concentrate on doing the right things. Minimize our mistakes and our turnovers, play positive football and not take negative plays.”

Things won’t get much easier this weekend. The Lions travel to Regina to play the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders who are smarting after a 48-15 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Argonauts.

Benevides said both teams will be grumpy.

“We are pissed off, we’ve lost two in a row,” he said. “It’s loud (at Mosaic Stadium) and it’s hard to play there.

“Our guys have done it before and challenged them really well. I really don’t care about the opponent. It’s about us performing better. There is no need for any extra motivation right now. We suck. We haven’t won two games in a row and we have to win right away.”

The Lions have seen this movie before. They started the 2011 season with five losses then won 12 of their final 13 games to win the Grey Cup at home in BC Place Stadium.

Veteran defensive back Ryan Phillips said the team can’t count on history repeating itself.

“We are a totally different team than 2011,” he said. “I don’t even like talking about it. I don’t want to go back into that scenario.

“Our backs are against the wall right now and that’s the reality of it.”

Benevides has already served notice that players who don’t perform will find their playing time cut. Or worse.

“We have to make sure we get wins,” said Phillips. “That’s the only way we are going to stay employed and make sure the BC Lions are going in the right direction.”

So, even though it’s only the third week of the season, is Saturday’s game in Saskatchewan a must win?

“Every game is a must win when you are 0-2,” said Taylor.

[WestCoastJoe]

MIght as well get this thing started.

After losing their season opener 27-20 to the Edmonton Eskimos the Lions were expected to rebound last week against the Montreal Alouettes. Instead BC looked confused in a 24-9 loss.

For the first time in over three years the Lions didn’t score a first-half point and trailed 20-0 after 30 minutes. BC didn’t manage a touchdown until 1:20 left in the game.

Our defence was OK, as I recall. Not great, but OK. On offence we could not run the ball. Nor could we protect the quarterback.

What frustrates head coach Mike Benevides is the Lions had their chances against Montreal.

Chances? Sure. Montreal is far from being a good team. But we were flat. We were unprepared. On defence we were conservative, allowing Troy Smith to gather some confidence.

“I think what it has come down to . . . is making plays,” said Benevides. “It’s different if we just can’t get squat done.

“But there’s points where there’s a throw to be made into the end zone. Let’s make it. There’s an interception to be made. Let’s make it. There’s a ball on the ground. Let’s run to the ball and get the ball.”

Yes. It always comes down to making plays. But your team must be prepared. Otherwise you are sending cavalry against tanks.

Things won’t get much easier this weekend. The Lions travel to Regina to play the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders who are smarting after a 48-15 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Argonauts.

Yes. Regina will not be happy. I don't expect them to come out flat against us.

Benevides said both teams will be grumpy.

“We are pissed off, we’ve lost two in a row,” he said. “It’s loud (at Mosaic Stadium) and it’s hard to play there.

“Our guys have done it before and challenged them really well. I really don’t care about the opponent. It’s about us performing better. There is no need for any extra motivation right now. We suck. We haven’t won two games in a row and we have to win right away.”

Words. The team needs action.

Benevides has already served notice that players who don’t perform will find their playing time cut. Or worse.

That was Wally's way. Play well or sit down. Or get the apple, map and bus ticket out of town.

[DanoT]

Right after the loss to Montreal i figured the Lions would have no chance in the next game against the Riders. Then the Riders give up 48 points to the Argos. The Riders have a weaker LB core than last year and hopefully they can be exploited by a running game, quick short passing game and screen passes.

So the Lions have a chance.

[notahomer]

Right after the loss to Montreal i figured the Lions would have no chance in the next game against the Riders. Then the Riders give up 48 points to the Argos. The Riders have a weaker LB core than last year and hopefully they can be exploited by a running game, quick short passing game and screen passes.

So the Lions have a chance.

Good points DanoT. I also thought the Lions would have no chance based on how the Riders played their first game.

I hope the lions take advantage of this chance.....

[Rammer]

Right after the loss to Montreal i figured the Lions would have no chance in the next game against the Riders. Then the Riders give up 48 points to the Argos. The Riders have a weaker LB core than last year and hopefully they can be exploited by a running game, quick short passing game and screen passes.

So the Lions have a chance.

Do the Lions have any other choice but to run and use a quick short passing game with our OL? I think that the Riders have known over the years that if you attack the Lions OL, you will have success.

[TheLionKing]

Will be a long evening if the Lions don't figure out how to neutralize the blitz. You can bet your bottom dollar the Riders will be coming

[TheLionKing]

No sense of urgency.... yet

http://www.bclions.com/video/index/id/98527

[MexicoLionFan]

Based on what they have shown us, the Lions have VERY LITTLE hope of winning this weekend because we play a conservative game on defence and Durant will eat us alive and on defence the PRESSURE ALL DAY LONG and we have no answer for that. So Benevides can say all he wants, but NO PLAYERS ANYWHERE can succeed and win if they are constantly put into positions to fail. Until Jones and Washington change their game plans, this is going to continue no matter who the Lions bring in...

You want to beat SSK in SSK??? You pressure the heck out of Durant...and you dominate TOP by running the football with great success...and we have shown ZERO signs of this so far this season.

[cromartie]

What's your prediction for the game?

Prediction? <pause> Pain.

[1greatmysticbushape]

bring back chaps.

[JohnHenry]

Based on what they have shown us, the Lions have VERY LITTLE hope of winning this weekend because we play a conservative game on defence and Durant will eat us alive and on defence the PRESSURE ALL DAY LONG and we have no answer for that. So Benevides can say all he wants, but NO PLAYERS ANYWHERE can succeed and win if they are constantly put into positions to fail. Until Jones and Washington change their game plans, this is going to continue no matter who the Lions bring in...

You want to beat SSK in SSK??? You pressure the heck out of Durant...and you dominate TOP by running the football with great success...and we have shown ZERO signs of this so far this season.

I think VERY LITTLE hope of winning is a tad pessimistic. I'm predicting a bounce-back game for K. Glenn and the entire Lions team. It should be a close game with the Leos pulling away in the 4th Q.

[TheLionKing]

bring back chaps.

Noooooooooo

[DanoT]

bring back chaps.

Only for horseback riding.

[WestCoastJoe]

http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/footba ... story.html

Has Jerome Messam found the right place? He is saying the right things. Chamblin might be the coach that gets Messam to focus on football, without distractions. Messam seemed to do OK in Montreal, but they certainly let him go, without looking back.

In the video, Messam looks as advertised. Huge. Fast. Agile. Yikes ...
............

Chambling before Messam signed ...

Messam was en route to Regina on Tuesday, at least based on photos on his Twitter account. Chamblin wouldn't confirm if Messam had signed.

"There are a lot of people who want to visit Regina,' Chamblin said with a laugh. "I'm not sure why he's coming here.'

The Riders could use Messam because veteran fullback Neal Hughes is sidelined with a sprained left foot. It's believed to be the same injury that sidelined Hughes for all of the preseason.

"We haven't signed (Messam) or anything like that,' Chamblin said. "He might come in for a workout or something like that. Once it's official, I'll know more.'

LOL. Yeah, sure, lots of people want to visit Regina. LOL

Better talk to Jerome, and see him on the field before making any announcement. Done. Signed. Ready to play.

[WestCoastJoe]

http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/footba ... story.html

Hugh Charles: "This O Line is the best I've ever seen." Agreed that it is top notch. They blocked the hell out of us when Durant ran the ball in the playoffs. And of course holding could have been called on more than one of those O Linemen. They took it to the limit.

Hanging on to the ball: "High and tight. Five points of pressure."

And not to forget Anthony Allen. 6'1" 220

Are we ready to stop their running game? Our D is very capable. We will see if we are ready for this challenge.