Right side of Oline

[David]

If it's any consolation Sammy, 3 Down Radio reported last week that both Steward and Vallaincourt were getting many more reps in practice (before hitting the road for Ottawa).

That would suggest that after the O-line's less-than-stellar performance, it would not be surprising to see one of the aforementioned players inserted at guard Wednesday, replacing either O'Neill or Fabian (hard to see them making two non-injury changes to the O-line, but you never know).


DH

[B.C.FAN]

Photo from today's practice. Steward and Valliancourt back as starters or just getting work in with first unit? Fingers crossed.

Interesting. On Sunday a video interview with Wally was posted on the Lions website. It showed O'Neill and Fabien in their usual places on the O-line. A short week is not usually a time to shake things up but if Wally was unhappy with the line in Ottawa, he might want to send a message.

[CardiacKid]

Wally might in the right frame of mind to bring Steward and Vaillancourt back as starters. During an interview posted on the Lions website, he states that they can't let the QB get sacked 6 times; it causes too much "wear and tear". So he didn't exactly throw them under the bus but he certainly didn't sound like a coach ready to stand pat.

[Blitz]

Photo from today's practice. Steward and Valliancourt back as starters or just getting work in with fest unit? Fingers crossed.

I would love to see Steward and Vaillencourt starting again. Wonder if we go with Allen again at tailback or go back to Jeremiah Johnson?

In looking at the PVR and reading maxlion and B.C. Fan's analysis of our pass blocking and the sacks there is enough evidence of both views.

Yes, against a three man defensive line, if there is no inside penetration, the quarterback should step up. When there is a blitz coming and its getting there quickly, the quarterback needcs to get the ball out of his hands quickly.

That said, in those cases, why isn't he? Jennings used to step up into the pocket more in the past. He didn't have Lulay's penchant for bailing to his right. As a quarterback faces a lot of pressure in his face and is constantly throwing with pressure in his face, there arrives a tendency to back up to buy more time to throw, if he doesn't have quick check downs.

But the bigger problem is the lack of short routes on most passing plays. When Jennings has a receiver that he can go to quickly, he steps up and throws it. Look at Jennings throwing the short crossing patterns to Rainey and Arseneaux or the quick comeback to Gore or when he throws a slant to Arseneaux. He steps up.

I see too many of our recievers patterns as being too long. If Jennings had a deep pattern, two intermediate routes, and a short route on both sides of the field, he has options. He can look deep or intermediate for his primary read and then come back short on his second option, if pressure is getting there quickly.

But what does he do if his primary receiver is covered and the pressure is coming and he does not have a quick second option? He has to buy time. To buy that time, he has three options 1) to back up to buy time 2) to escape to buy time or 3) to step up to buy time.

Its not natural to step up to buy time (unless he sees a seam) because the inside rusher's penetration is getting closer. To add to the scenario, we want Jennings to make plays, to throw downfield.

If you want to see the comparison between our offensive scheme and a different one, watch Calgary's offence.

Calgary uses their running game almost as much as we do but they have huge guards to open holes inside for Messam. When Calgary passes they always have safety valves or short patterns for Bo Levi to dump off to if needed. There are reasons why Bo Levi Mitchell has only been sacked 10 times and our quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times. Calgary's passing offence gives Mitchell deep, intermediate, and short passing options on every pass play.

Calgary gets blitzed just like every other team but Bo Levi Mitchell doesn't get sacked often because they don't expect him to do it all ...to make great throws under pressure on most plays. They make the game easier for him to performdi. Calgary's passing game can nickel and dime a defense to death or they can beat a defense deep.

Jonathan Jennings has run the football 41 times this season. Bo Levi Mitchell has taken off only 13 times this season. He rarely has to run the football because he always has quick options when under pressure. Jonathan Jennings does not.

Calgary's passing attack is based on smart, disciplined, high percentage football. Our passing attack is based on higher risk, lower percentage offence. Mitchell can go deep, intermediate or short on every pass play. He's thrown to Messam out of the backfield 29 times this season. McDaniel is often used on short routes. Too often Jennings only throw is a deep intermediate or deep pass route.

Calgary's leading receiver McDaniel averages 12. 3 yds per catch and Anthony Parker averages 12.7 yds. per catch. Manny Arseneaux averages 14.1 yds. per catch and Bryan Burnham averages 17.7 yds. per catch. We ask Jennings to make more difficult throws than Calgary asks of Mitchell.

Calgary's offensive passing game philosophy results not only in fewer sacks but fewer interceptions and higher percentage passing. Its not as if Calgary won't attack a defense deep or intermediate. Their passing game has an attack philosophy too. But diff, eerently, if the deep or intermediate route is not open, Mitchell does not have to force it or run for his life or make a difficult throw with tremendous pressure in his face.

I believe you take a young, inexperienced quarterback and make the game easier for him, even if he has an excellent arm. You make countering a blitzing defense easier for him. We don't do that and never have in the Buano era. We've expected the Casey Printers, the Buck Pierces, and the Travis Lulay's, when they were inexperienced, to play lights out football. They often did but being expected to play with that kind of pressure, to make great throws and escape and run, and take the hits and sacks that they did, as well, always took a toll. It did on Dickenson as well.

Over the many seasons that we've discussed our offensive line, receivers, and quarterbacking, no matter who shouldered the most blame, the constants have always been there - too many quarterback sacks and hits and injuries, a lack of anti-blitz strategies, and a philosophy of just out-executing the opposition rather than trying to out smart them.

The last Calgary game was a good example of what usually happens with our Leos. The more you play us, the better prepared the opposition is and the less prepared we are to beat the opposition. Its why we've lost so many playoff games during the Buono era that we should have won.

Last game, Calgary came in and decided to exploit our zone pass defense in the flats, because that was where they saw our weakness. Calgary came into the game and played a lot of man pass defence to force us out of our comfort zone offensively. Calgary has equal or better talent and yet they believed they needed to adjust their game to either exploit or neutralize our tendencies. What did we do? The same thing we always do. We did nothing differently nor did we adjust during the game. We were badly outcoached and our players were demoralized.

Talent, making plays, playing hard only take a team so far. We're winning much more than losing this season because we have more team spirit than in recent years, we're a together team that plays hard, never gives up, is confident and motivated, and we have very good talent. We have a very talented young quarterback good receving group, and the best offensive line talent and depth in years. On defense, we have a very good pass rusher in Bazzie, Brooks and Westerman comprise a very solid interior defensivie line, we have the best linebacking crew in the CFL, and our defensive backfield matches up with the CFL's best. Rainey is the most exciting return man in the CFL.

But if we want to go to the Big Dance this season, we are going to have to beat Calgary. Edmonton and Winnipeg are improving dramatically.

The reality is that we're winning but we're sliding in most offensive and defensive categories. We need to solidify our offensive line and comprise it as a big, mean, aggressive offensive line if we are going to want to run the football often and we do. We need to give Jennings the ability to get rid of the football with high percentage plays if he needs to while still having an 'attack' approach. Defensively, we can't live so much in Cover 2 zone against very good quarterbacks.

These are not massive adjustments to make. But if we don't make them, the odds of playing in this season's Grey Cup game become greatly reduced.

[dat]

I must agree with the criticism of the right side of the O- Line last game in particular Adcock. I was interested as it was his second game back and wanted to see how he played. On a few Ottawa pressures and sacks the Ottawa defensive end blew past him and he just waved his hands brushing the opponents pads slightly. On one play he moved and drew a procedure call. I realize guys who haven't played for awhile have some rust but was concerned by what looked like a lack of aggression. I hope he plays better his next game and will remain open minded for awhile. Hopefully it's a case of being off for an extended period. However I thought Antonio Johnson looked pretty solid the first third of the season in that spot.

DAT

[B.C.FAN]

Calgary's passing attack is based on smart, disciplined, high percentage football. Our passing attack is based on higher risk, lower percentage offence. Mitchell can go deep, intermediate or short on every pass play. He's thrown to Messam out of the backfield 29 times this season. McDaniel is often used on short routes. Too often Jennings only throw is a deep intermediate or deep pass route.

Calgary's leading receiver McDaniel averages 12. 3 yds per catch and Anthony Parker averages 12.7 yds. per catch. Manny Arseneaux averages 14.1 yds. per catch and Bryan Burnham averages 17.7 yds. per catch. We ask Jennings to make more difficult throws than Calgary asks of Mitchell.

Calgary's offensive passing game philosophy results not only in fewer sacks but fewer interceptions and higher percentage passing. Its not as if Calgary won't attack a defense deep or intermediate. Their passing game has an attack philosophy too. But diff, eerently, if the deep or intermediate route is not open, Mitchell does not have to force it or run for his life or make a difficult throw with tremendous pressure in his face.

Great breakdown, Blitz. Another key distinctoin between Calgary's offence and B.C.'s this year is in the use of the running backs.
In Calgary, Jerome Messam and Tory Harrison have combined for 35 catches for 327 yards,
In Winnipeg, Andrew Harris has 38 catches for 351 yards.
In B.C., Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Allen have combined for 17 catches for 126 yards.

As we saw when Harris was here, a running back can be a great relief valve for a QB and can exploit matchups in the flats and downfield with screens, fares, crossing patterns and wheel routes. The Lions have not given their RBs much chance this year to make plays as receivers.

[Blitz]

Calgary's passing attack is based on smart, disciplined, high percentage football. Our passing attack is based on higher risk, lower percentage offence. Mitchell can go deep, intermediate or short on every pass play. He's thrown to Messam out of the backfield 29 times this season. McDaniel is often used on short routes. Too often Jennings only throw is a deep intermediate or deep pass route.

Calgary's leading receiver McDaniel averages 12. 3 yds per catch and Anthony Parker averages 12.7 yds. per catch. Manny Arseneaux averages 14.1 yds. per catch and Bryan Burnham averages 17.7 yds. per catch. We ask Jennings to make more difficult throws than Calgary asks of Mitchell.

Calgary's offensive passing game philosophy results not only in fewer sacks but fewer interceptions and higher percentage passing. Its not as if Calgary won't attack a defense deep or intermediate. Their passing game has an attack philosophy too. But differently, if the deep or intermediate route is not open, Mitchell does not have to force it or run for his life or make a difficult throw with tremendous pressure in his face.

Great breakdown, Blitz. Another key distinctoin between Calgary's offence and B.C.'s this year is in the use of the running backs.
In Calgary, Jerome Messam and Tory Harrison have combined for 35 catches for 327 yards,

In Winnipeg, Andrew Harris has 38 catches for 351 yards.
In B.C., Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Allen have combined for 17 catches for 126 yards.

As we saw when Harris was here, a running back can be a great relief valve for a QB and can exploit matchups in the flats and downfield with screens, fares, crossing patterns and wheel routes. The Lions have not given their RBs much chance this year to make plays as receivers.

Passing to a running back is a great anti-blitz strategy because its a high percentage play when a quarterback feels pressure and avoids a sack. A problem with Andrew Harris was that he believed that he should be used as a pass blocker less, even though he was utilized in the passing game much more than any other tailback in the CFL during his time as a Leo.

My two concerns with Harris not being signed again was his National status and even more, that he was a threat in the passing game. I worried that we would not use our International(s) tailback in the same way as we had used Harris and that has come true. Lulay had great chemistry with Harris as a receiver. I believe Jennings would have done the same. Harris leads the CFL in rushing yards, with 575 yds. and has a 4.5 yd. run average. He also leads all tailbacks in receptions with 39 catches out of the backfield for 351 yds. and a 9.1 yds. average per catch.

While I'm ok that Harris is in Winnipeg, because he was not happy too often here in B.C. and let it be known too often that he wasn't happy, I'm disappointed that our use of our International tailbacks (Johnson, Allen) has been too one dimensional.

As you note B.C. Fan, a running back can be a great relief valve for a QB and can exploit matchups in the flats and downfield with screens, fares, crossing patterns and wheel routes.

We're much easier to defend in our passing attack and defenses are more confident in blitzing us because we keep our tailback in to block on most plays. As a defensive coordinator, in playing our Leos, I could send an extra blitzer, knowing that the tailback will be kept in to block. If the blitzer is blocked by the tailback, nothing lost. However, if the tailback is a threat out of the backfield, then he has to be accounted for on both sides of the field, possibly up the middle, or even deep.

Even if the tailback stays in to block on some plays, if the tailback is utilized at times in the passing game, as a defensive coordinator I would have to account for his potential as a pass receiver. Defending our passing attack is much easier because defenses often don't account for our tailback as a receiver.

Our sparing use of Iannuzzi (12 catches on the season) and our lack of success throwing to him (12 catches on 25 targets) adds to the problem. Basically defenses can focus on four receivers. On most pass plays, the opposition defense drops off their corner on Iannuzzi's wide side of the field, giving him the flat. The corner, instead, drops off downfield to help out on our other receivers running their routes.

Our passing game is made more difficult because of the two above scenarios. Defenses are more free to blitz and our quarterback and receivers are more easily defended. Blitzes can come from anywhere, making blitz pickup more difficult for our offensive lineman and tailback. A slotback or a boundary wide receiver can be double covered, depending on the choice of pass defense. Opposition linebackers can help out deeper in pass defense or blitz without much concern.

What we have is a one dimensional running game, almost exclusively using the inside zone read play, and a pocket passing spread offence that relies on a simplified passing attack of mainly deep intermediate and deep routes. Both require a high level of execution to be successful. The fact that we have been as successful running and passing the football as we have is a testament to Jennings and the rest of our offensive players because our offensive scheme does not make it easier for them.

In the first half of any football game, its important for an offence to attack the inside and the edges in the running attack and to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically. When a defense is forced to defend the entire field, in all three layers vertically and all areas of the field horizontally, it makes it tough for a CFL defense.

If the offence throws to the wide flat, to the short flat, to the hook areas, challenges short, deep, and intermediate, runs both vertical routes and crossing horizontal routes, hits the tailback out of the backfield on a flare, swing, quick cross, or slip screen, and integrates a tunnel, jailbreak, or rocket screen, the defense can't cheat and has to account for all areas of the field. It opens everything up.

When an offence challenges the edge on first down in the running game, it holds back the defensive ends from crashing down on the inside read run and it prevents the linebackers from overplaying inside. When an offence moves the pocket on a pass play on first down, it forces the defensive ends to play wider and also be less likely to crash down on the inside zone read. If the tailback has been used in the passing attack with a swing or flare route to the flat, it also makes the linebackers play wider and helps opens up the inside run.

When the pocket is moved, at times, even if its only 2-3 yards, it makes pass rushing less predictable. The target quarterback is not always in the same spot, making it tougher to pass rush or blitz the quarterback.

If I am Rich Stubler, I know the following: 1) we will almost always run inside unless Rainey is in the game 2) we will run on first down a very high percentage of the time when we bring in two tight ends or Lumbala so stacking the box makes sense because we don't throw to the tight end or the back 3) we rarely use play action so if the quarterback looks to hand off its a running play 4) we will consistently pass from the pocket 5) we will rarely throw to the wide flat or short flat 5) we will throw mostly deep intermediate or deep routes 6) we never screen to our tailback and rarely to our wide receivers so defenders can play looser 6) we do not design pass plays to our tailback and will only will throw to him if the pocket breaks down and the quarterback has to escape, so no need to account for him 7) we do not hot read and rarely throw short against the blitz 8) we don't run a lot of rub routes, quick underneath slants, quick digs, quick inside option routes, or quick outs so defenders can drop off more against our long receiver stems before they make their cut, making both zone and man defense easier 9) because we don't attack the flats, the defense can drop off the corners to help cover the deeper intermediate routes to the outside and use the safety to double cover any deep routes 10) I can take more chances with blitzes and still not have to worry about covering any short stuff or the tailback or any screen play or I can drop a lot of defenders into coverage and just defend the intermediate and deep routes.

My game plan would be fairly easy. Change up my defense with a lot of different blitzes and three man line. Play deeper zone and cheat on the slot backs with linebacker, nickel back, and corners and make sure there is deep safety help. If playing man, give lots of cushion, zone drop the linebackers, and have deep zone over the top to prevent the deep ball. Stack the box for any tight end sets on first down and use a run blitz that can easily become a pass blitz and have the pass defenders play off.

My big headache is that dam Jennings. He can throw darts in the face of a blitz. He can throw darts into double coverage. He can make any throw. He has poise beyond his years. He has very good escape skills. He is one of the two top quarterbacks in the CFL in running with the football. His receivers can make plays. But last game, my defense completely shut down the Jennings led offence after their opening drive of the game. But there is a lot of talent on that Leos offence...sure hope they don't do anything different this time.

[B.C.FAN]

The Lions have made no changes to the roster or starting lineup for this week, so Fabien and O'Neill remain as starting guards.

[Blitz]

The Lions have made no changes to the roster or starting lineup for this week, so Fabien and O'Neill remain as starting guards.

Not pleased but hope they play well.

Interesting reading the NFL cuts thread and the mention of Brett Boyko, who is considered not athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL and not strong enough to play guard, and that point emphasizes the discussion we have been having about our offensive line.

Things have changed a lot, in terms of the types of offensive lineman that will need to be recruited in the future. At one time, in both the NFL and the CFL, the offensive tackles were the biggest, strongest players and the guards were smaller than the tackles but more athletic, as they were needed to pull and trap.

Now, what NFL teams are looking for is more athletic tackles to pass block edge rushers. If they are big, all the better, but athleticism is the name of the game for that position now. However, at guard, the trend is towards bigger, stronger guards who have the ability to move huge defensive tackles or take them on if they bull rush.

The trend has been slower to take hold in the CFL. Calgary is the team that is ahead of the curve in this area. When Federkeil is healthy, the Stamps use Bergman and Wilson at guard. Bergman is 347 pounds and Wilson is 331 pounds. They are massive guards. With Lavertu at center, try pass rushing a three man defensive line, with one nose tackle trying to take on those three - its like running into a massive wall, so no wonder Bo Levi can step up into the pocket.

Edmonton's right guard Mathew O'Donnell is 350 pounds...anther example of what should become a growing trend in the CFL.

Our Lions are presently playing lighter guards in ONeil (305 pounds) and Fabian (300 pounds) but we could line up Steward (323 pounds) and Vailencourt (330 pounds) if we chose to (but presently we're not).

A good example is this upcoming game with Toronto. Toronto's uses two starting International tackles - Tracy Robertson is 317 pounds and Bryan Hall is 299 pounds. Rotating in for Toronto is National Daryll Waud at 295 pounds. Bigger defensive tackles are the trend so bigger, stronger guards have to become the trend too.

I would much rather have an aggressive, mean, big 330 pound Vaillencourt taking on Tracy Robertson when he bull rushes than a 300 pound Kirby Fabian. assuming they both have good technique and Vaillencourt showed enough technique to win the job out of training camp. We all know that Steward is an excellent pass blocker.

I'll be looking at Adcock's play again tomorrow.

Oh well...the Mad Professor does things in his own special way!

Looks like Anthony Allen gets the start again at tailback. That will now means five games for each so far. I like Allen's style a little better than Johnson.

Also looks like we are only going to use two International defensive ends (Bazzie, Roh) with Menard rotating in. I prefer that choice. Quite frankly Menard is better than Allen or Hudson.

[Blitz]

The Lions have made no changes to the roster or starting lineup for this week, so Fabien and O'Neill remain as starting guards.

Not pleased but hope they play well.

Interesting reading the NFL cuts thread and the mention of Brett Boyko, who is considered not athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL and not strong enough to play guard, and that point emphasizes the discussion we have been having about our offensive line.

Things have changed a lot, in terms of the types of offensive lineman that will need to be recruited in the future. At one time, in both the NFL and the CFL, the offensive tackles were the biggest, strongest players and the guards were smaller than the tackles but more athletic, as they were needed to pull and trap.

Now, what NFL teams are looking for is more athletic tackles to pass block edge rushers. If they are big, all the better, but athleticism is the name of the game for that position now. However, at guard, the trend is towards bigger, stronger guards who have the ability to move huge defensive tackles or take them on if they bull rush.

The trend has been slower to take hold in the CFL. Calgary is the team that is ahead of the curve in this area. When Federkeil is healthy, the Stamps use Bergman and Wilson at guard. Bergman is 347 pounds and Wilson is 331 pounds. They are massive guards. With Lavertu at center, try pass rushing a three man defensive line, with one nose tackle trying to take on those three - its like running into a massive wall, so no wonder Bo Levi can step up into the pocket.

Edmonton's right guard Mathew O'Donnell is 350 pounds...anther example of what should become a growing trend in the CFL.

Our Lions are presently playing lighter guards in ONeil (305 pounds) and Fabian (300 pounds) but we could line up Steward (323 pounds) and Vailencourt (330 pounds) if we chose to (but presently we're not).

A good example is this upcoming game with Toronto. Toronto's uses two starting International tackles - Tracy Robertson is 317 pounds and Bryan Hall is 299 pounds. Rotating in for Toronto is National Daryll Waud at 295 pounds. Bigger defensive tackles are the trend so bigger, stronger guards have to become the trend too.

I would much rather have an aggressive, mean, big 330 pound Vaillencourt taking on Tracy Robertson when he bull rushes than a 300 pound Kirby Fabian. assuming they both have good technique and Vaillencourt showed enough technique to win the job out of training camp. We all know that Steward is an excellent pass blocker.

I'll be looking at Adcock's play again tomorrow.

Oh well...the Mad Professor does things in his own special way!

Looks like Anthony Allen gets the start again at tailback. That will now means five games for each so far. I like Allen's style a little better than Johnson.

Also looks like we are only going to use two International defensive ends (Bazzie, Roh) with Menard rotating in. I prefer that choice. Quite frankly Menard is better than Allen or Hudson.

[B.C.FAN]

According to LU, Wally is thinking of replacing Adcock with Johnson at RT and O'Neill with Steward at LG for the Montreal game. Wally was particularly critical of Adcock's play in his first three games back from illness.

“It’s three games. There’s no excuse. It’s not rust. It’s not a lack of playing time,” Buono said.

Possible change coming down the (o)-line for Lions

[DanoT]

According to LU, Wally is thinking of replacing Adcock with Johnson at RT and O'Neill with Steward at LG for the Montreal game. Wally was particularly critical of Adcock's play in his first three games back from illness.

“It’s three games. There’s no excuse. It’s not rust. It’s not a lack of playing time,” Buono said.

Possible change coming down the (o)-line for Lions

I hope the above comes to pass as I was about to start a rant about our mad scientist O line coach Dan Dorazio. It should be 3 strikes and you are out for Adcock especially considering that Antonio Johnson did not look at all out of place even as a rookie CFL RT.

As far as Steward goes, he is now in his third season and as such he needs to be a starter and has played very well whenever given the chance. His not starting lately is I guess just another head scratcher decision from the mad scientist O line coach.

[Blitz]

According to LU, Wally is thinking of replacing Adcock with Johnson at RT and O'Neill with Steward at LG for the Montreal game. Wally was particularly critical of Adcock's play in his first three games back from illness.

“It’s three games. There’s no excuse. It’s not rust. It’s not a lack of playing time,” Buono said.

Possible change coming down the (o)-line for Lions

I hope the above comes to pass as I was about to start a rant about our mad scientist O line coach Dan Dorazio. It should be 3 strikes and you are out for Adcock especially considering that Antonio Johnson did not look at all out of place even as a rookie CFL RT.

As far as Steward goes, he is now in his third season bnd as such he needs to be a starter and has played very well whenever given the chance. His not starting lately is I guess just another head scratcher decision from the mad scientist O line coach.

I sure hope they make these two changes. I've been *beeotch* for weeks now. Cant' wait to see Steward back as a starter. We couldn't leave Adcock in there for one more game....how could the Mad Scientist get Adcock so wrong when he saw him play in Regina. Johnson deserves to be back at right tackle.

For now, Vaillencourt is a backup offensive lineman but we know he was good enough to start the first two games and will be ready if and when needed.

Interesting that our Leos would look to change the ratio if we got Boyko. Both Boyko and Steward are natural left tackles. Steward is more athletic and quicker than Boyko so I could see us making Boyko a guard and Steward a tackle. Would not surprise me to see our Leos try to move Steward to right tackle next season if he chooses to still be with us. Of course, the other choice would be to move Olifioye back to right tackle next year and Steward play left tackle but that is probably not the favored option.

[WestCoastJoe]

“When I cut a player after a win I really get their attention,” Buono said.

Though the Lions survived their trip through Ontario, the tolerance level of the man in charge has been penetrated. As such, Buono is looking to replace right tackle Levy Adcock with Antonio Johnson, and going back to Hunter Steward at left guard over Tim O’Neill.

“It’s three games. There’s no excuse. It’s not rust. It’s not a lack of playing time,” Buono said. Adcock had been given some time after his tough start to the season due to a collapsed lung but hasn’t yet made significant improvement.

Of greater concern is bringing in practice roster import depth at receiver and in the secondary. Bigger still, it would seem, is the protection unit in charge of maintaining the health of Jon Jennings.

This is so glaringly obvious to some. You must protect the quarterback. Hang the judgment Dorazio made of Adcock in Regina. Hang whatever reason was used to bench Steward. Hang what Wally admitted in preseason was an experiment with the O Line. Can't hang that, as that involved 5 guys in new spots. (This tear down of the rather steady 2015 O Line had potential disaster written all over it from the get-go.) And then switch three of those starters out (counting Johnson as a starter for the time he was in there). Let's go crazy in the lab.

Loyalty to players is a good thing. But getting the job done is more important. Loyalty to long time coaches and colleagues is a good thing, but you better produce, and you better make good judgments, and you had better teach, and you had best not cause confusion or deterioration of skills.

These moves, if they happen, are all for the good. Steward has to play. Nobody will convince the fans that Steward does not deserve time to grow and learn. One wonders, however, how much damage might already be done. Skills. Attitude. Expectations. Self-esteem. One wonders. (If he ever got away from the Lions, with another team, he might end up like Josh Bourke, a National perennial all star left tackle for years with the Alouettes.)

Better drafting of O Linemen lately, for sure. After years of wasted picks, with guys too small, or whatever. Now let's have these talented young guys grow and learn.

'nuff said. Wally seems to be noticing what is going on, and the fans can have hope. Wally always knows best? Ummm ... No. Too much loyalty at times. But this has been one of Wally's best years, IMO.

Says this CFL fan.

All of this, or course, is just IMO ...

[Blitz]

Interesting West Coast Joe, that 3 Down Nation wrote an article on our Leos, after the Ottawa game, that specifically wrote that the two biggest concerns with our Leos is the lack of a short passing game and the personnel choices for our offensive line.

The article advocated for the return of Steward, mentioned the play of Vaillencourt early in the season, and commented on the play of Adcock as the biggest disappointment (and this was before the Toronto game)

Basically, the article viewed the biggest two concerns of our Leos as the same that many Lionbackers have posted in recent weeks. One wonders why Khari Jones has not done more to add some shorter passes to the attack and why Dorazio stuck with Adcock, as well as inserting O'Neil for so long, in place of Steward.

Anyways, it looks like Wally may have had enough. Dorazio recommended Adcock as a free agent. Dorazio should have known that Adcock would have a difficult time with speed rushers since he had worked with Adcock in Regina. As Buono said about Adcock "its not rust" and that he has had long enough to show his stuff (and hasn't).

Insering 36 year old O'Neil for a game might have been ok but keeping Steward, who was playing well overall, out of the lineup this long did not make sense either.

We'll see Antonio Johnson against Montreal and hopefully we'll see Steward as well.

Montreal loves to blitz so hopefully we'll have some short passes and some good anti-blitz strategies ready for them but we shouldn't won't hold our breath.

B.C. LIONS

Two thumbs up: To a 4-1 record on the road. David Braley can’t mind the cost of charter aircraft with those kind of results.
Two thumbs down: To a 2-2 record at home. More important than fat TV ratings, playing winning football at B.C. Place Stadium remains the team’s best chance of restoring the dome as a fortress.

Biggest surprise: Plenty of candidates here. Mike Edem has made more plays at safety in the first half than J.R. LaRose made his entire Lions career, but you knew that was possible. Same too for Bryan Burnham, who is seizing the opportunity resulting from the loss of Nick Moore. Nobody, however, could have predicted the emergence of Loucheiz Purifoy at nickelback and the effect on Mark Washington’s defence. Props also to Alex Bazzie and his eight sacks.

Biggest concern: If you were coaching the Lions you could undoubtedly find several but the play of the offensive line has to be at or near the top. Jon Jennings and Travis Lulay aren’t blessed with a playbook from Khari Jones that offers a lot of short-passing relief, but they aren’t going to be able to complete even those attempts if they are forced to scramble as was the case against Ottawa.

The good news is that the Lions have some of the parts available already on the roster. Hunter Steward is by no means washed up despite being demoted. Charles Vaillancourt had a promising start. B.C. has two moves it can make to boost the right side of the protection unit simply by getting cozy with suitable backups.

Biggest on-field disappointment: Two games isn’t a huge sample size and the road to recovery from a terrifying training camp injury isn’t yet complete, but the early play of Levy Adcock isn’t commensurate with his free-agent billing.

3 Down Nation