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Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 9:13 am
by B.C.FAN
The Lions badly need a win this week to break their slump and keep their playoff hopes alive. A win would improve their record to 7-7 and could tie Edmonton or Saskatchewan in the standings if either of those teams loses.

Coming off a bye week, the Lions have made no changes to their starting lineup. The only roster moves are the addition of Charles Vaillancourt from the injured list as a backup O-lineman and Josh Shirley from the practice roster as a backup defensive end, replacing Ken Boatright, who was released. Andrew Jones moves to the 1-game injured list.

The coaching staff has talked about changing practice routines and tweaking the offence and defence. We'll see what they have in store. The key to the game will be the play of Jonathon Jennings, whose inconsistencies this year have been well documented. Jennings' quarterback rating of 55.4 is the lowest of the league's nine regular starting QBs. Only Drew Willy in Montreal at 49.5 is lower among current starters. Travis Lulay's rating of 94.8 is higher than any current or previous starter. Jennings played well against Hamilton but the Lions scored only one touchdown on four trips in the red zone. They'll have to return to their league-leading form in that department (31 of 44, 70.5%) to beat the high-scoring Redblacks.

Trevor Harris, whose own inconsistencies and league-high 7 fumbles have directly led to several Ottawa losses, is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing three games with a shoulder injury.

Defensively, Wally has talked about needing to shut down Ottawa's rushing attack with William Powell, but the key to stopping the Redblacks is to prevent deep passes to Greg Ellingson, who leads the league with 14 receptions of 30 yards or more. B.C. and Ottawa defences are both vulnerable to the deep pass. The Redblacks have given up a league-high 29 passes of 30 yards or more. The Lions are right behind at 27.

Here's are links to the Lions' depth chart and roster and the Redblacks' depth chart and roster.

Ed Willes sets up the game, focusing on the play of Jennings, with comments from Lulay, Jennings and Khari Jones.

Ed Willes: Lions' quarterback of the future trying to save this season

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 10:13 am
by WestCoastJoe
Nice breakdown, BCFAN.

I caught about an hour of practice yesterday. Business-like atmosphere, but far from intense. Not dragging either. Guys in good spirits. We will see how it translates come game time.

Ty Long is a pro. Very strong leg.

JJ10's arm looks very good.

This fan luvs Chris Rainey, but he does not exactly hit the mark in practice. I expect, with his insane talent level, he has driven some coaches to distraction. Just an impression ... I think almost any team would be delighted to have him on the roster.

Will we see anything new, in schemes or game preparation?

Many years ago, Vince Lombardi said that if you look at the rosters, all pro teams look about the same. But how that translates on to the field makes the difference. Just looking at the guys at practice, one would say we have the makings of a very good team. Skill positions good. Age not a problem. We build through the draft. We recruit. We get the guys we want. But can we play to win at the highest level, against tough competition?

Looking forward to the game.


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Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 9:21 am
by Robbie
Who will be doing a double header today by attending the ;canucks: season opener next door right after the :bc: game?

Let it be a triple crown today for Vancouver sports as may the Whitecaps win in New York to try to clinch first in the western conference. Actually let it be a four wins as go Giants tonight as well against the Tri-City Americans.

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 12:03 pm
by don corleone
Are you ready for some football?
Rested and ready to go. Believe the message will be that this is the chance to do something about the season today.
Thinking JJ24 goes over 100 in his old home town.

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 2:57 pm
by JohnnyMusso
I hope the Lions win, but have a feeling Ottawa with Harris back will take it. Too much pressure on Jennings and if he makes a mistake or 2 and throws an interception or 2, this game could fall apart for the Lions. If they do lose, it will be all she wrote, if it isn't that already.

If they do not win this one, they may not win another this year. No way they win in Winnipeg next week, after the Bomber lost yesterday.

I for one kinda wishing the season would end, for watching the Lions this year has been painful for the most part and seems the season is already lost barring a miracle.

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 3:33 pm
by B.C.FAN
It looks like Nick Moore and Buddy Jackson are the game-day scratches, as expected.

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:13 pm
by Blitz
Shame to see Nick Moore not dressed again. We saw in his two hundred plus reception game what he is capable of. He is averaging over 16 yards per catch while Williams is only averaging around 11 yards per reception.

Hopefully, adaptions during the bye week will have involved getting speed players like Williams and Rainey into space.

Chris Rainey is only averaging 3.5 yards per rush this season. We never have him challenging the edge on his run plays but only rushing the football inside on the inside zone read.

Last season Rainey averaged 8.6 yards per rush.

I

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:16 pm
by TheLionKing
1st down Lions

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:18 pm
by TheLionKing
Nice run by Johnson on 2nd and long

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:21 pm
by TheLionKing
Good opening drive

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:34 pm
by TheLionKing
Too much time for Trevor Harris

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:36 pm
by TheLionKing
Sack nullified by penalty

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:45 pm
by TheLionKing
After an initial drive Lions offence stuck in neutral

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:51 pm
by TheLionKing
Another 2 and out.

Re: Redblacks at Lions Oct. 7, 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 5:01 pm
by almo89
What a dog of a game so far