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Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 4:05 pm
by WestCoastJoe
If Travis Lulay returns as a player, I expect he will be #1 on the depth chart. Fair enough. If Wally, or another Head Coach, went with Jennings over Lulay, I would be surprised.

As Blitz notes, if Lulay returns, he might suffer a loss of confidence as happened to Jennings. Maybe not. But IMO both QBs are very resilient in their character. As noted throughout this website, I have always been very supportive of both these QBs, and others, including Printers and Pierce, etc.

Whither Jonathon Jennings and his expensive contract?

As with Andrew Harris, an all time favourite of this CFL fan, I was not unhappy to see him move on to a more copacetic environment. For me it would be the same with Jennings. I would still root for him as an individual.

Is there a chance Wally would move Jennings if Lulay returns in good health? I think so.

IMO, Jennings would blossom once again, if the environment was right. Say with Trestman. Or some other coaches, even Jason Maas, or either of the Jones boys, Chris or June. He could certainly prosper under Hufnagel and Dickenson if that scenario were to arise. Paul LaPolice and Buck Pierce have done wonders with Matt Nichols. Ricky Ray ain't no spring chicken. And QBs do get hurt. Even ironmen like Mike Reilly. There will be situations that occur.

Do I want him to move on? No. But one does have concern for any B.C. quarterback with the sacks and pounding they take. Printers. Dickenson. Pierce. Lulay. Jennings.

In our first 3 games this year, Jennings was OK, or even good, by last year's standards. Not great but OK. After his injury in Hamilton, he was not the same, although he did muster some outstanding games.

This CFL fan strongly supports Jonathon Jennings, and has not lost faith in his ability.

I think this topic will bear discussion. So here goes ...

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 4:07 pm
by WestCoastJoe
Game 1

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Game 2

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Game 3

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Game 4. Injured vs Hamilton.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 5:29 pm
by maxlion
Jennings is still young and still has potential. His contract is an issue for next year. Going into the season with him as a starter is a bigger risk than most teams would be willing to take.

Any qb would love to play under Trestman, but there is only one Trestman. And one knock against Trestman is that he hasn't been successful at developing backup qbs.

Khari Jones played a big role in Jennings' emergence and in Lulay rejuvenating his career. I wouldn't describe him as an elite coach, but the criticism on this site is overblown.

Option 1 is going into the season with Lulay/Jennings as 1/2. This might necessitate paying two qbs starter salaries (but in the lower range).

Option 2 is Lulay retires, and we bring in some veteran support for Jennings. Durant or Glenn for example.

Option 3 is we go with Lulay and a younger up and comer. Masoli or Franklin for example.

Option 4 is we hand the keys to a new starter. Franklin, Masoli, Collaros are a few options.

I think it depends on who the coach and gm is. They need to decide on the salary structure and who will fit into their offensive approach.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 6:48 pm
by VictoriaFan
I like Jennings and Lulay, I liked Buck Pierce, but no matter who is QB as in all of the options above, if the o-line doesn't protect them the outcome will be the same, run for your life till mentally or physically damaged

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 7:24 pm
by B.C.FAN
This topic begs for statistical analysis but I'll wait for the final league stats and quarterback ratings to be compiled in a few days. The numbers won't be pretty for Jennings.

My preference, as stated many times in other threads, would be for Lulay and Jennings to both be back next year. I don't think either can be counted on to stay healthy all year, but the two quarterbacks have worked well together and both have shown a willingness to take a back seat when the other is hot. I would lean to naming Lulay as my starter going into training camp but would be quick to switch things up when the offence bogs down.

Lulay is just 34, which is four years younger than Ricky Ray. Lulay's arm in 2017 was stronger than ever, and he was the league's highest-rated quarterback. Some of the most successful QBs in the league, including Henry Burris, Anthony Calvillo and Damon Allen, played into their 40s. It's too early for Lulay to hang up his cleats.

Jennings has a great arm when healthy but he has a lot to learn about reading defences and seeing the whole field. Playing another year or two with Lulay would be a great learning experience and would continue to give the Lions the best 1-2 QB tandem in the league.

Lulay is a free agent. I suspect it would be easy to re-sign him to an incentive-laden contract similar to his expiring deal. Can the Lions afford to keep Jennings? According to Farhan Lalji, Jennings is due to earn $300,000 next year (up from $175,000), plus up to $60,000 in performance bonuses in the final year of his current contract. That's too much for a potential backup QB coming off a poor season. I would offer him an extension with a lower base but enough incentives to pay him $400,000 or more if he starts the majority of games and has a strong year. A healthy signing bonus would give him some protection against being cut for salary-cap reasons during the season.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 8:16 pm
by aklawitter
Jennings has to be the future plan. There has to be a competition in TC, though.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 8:53 pm
by TheLionKing
There is no question that Jennings struggled this year. In fairness to him, he really hasn't received any support in my opinion. Playing in front of that porous offensive line will result in a lack of confidence when you're continually getting pounded onto the turf. Coaches haven't help by moving the launch points, faster developing plays.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:02 pm
by maxlion
B.C.FAN wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 7:24 pm
This topic begs for statistical analysis but I'll wait for the final league stats and quarterback ratings to be compiled in a few days. The numbers won't be pretty for Jennings.

My preference, as stated many times in other threads, would be for Lulay and Jennings to both be back next year. I don't think either can be counted on to stay healthy all year, but the two quarterbacks have worked well together and both have shown a willingness to take a back seat when the other is hot. I would lean to naming Lulay as my starter going into training camp but would be quick to switch things up when the offence bogs down.

Lulay is just 34, which is four years younger than Ricky Ray. Lulay's arm in 2017 was stronger than ever, and he was the league's highest-rated quarterback. Some of the most successful QBs in the league, including Henry Burris, Anthony Calvillo and Damon Allen, played into their 40s. It's too early for Lulay to hang up his cleats.

Jennings has a great arm when healthy but he has a lot to learn about reading defences and seeing the whole field. Playing another year or two with Lulay would be a great learning experience and would continue to give the Lions the best 1-2 QB tandem in the league.

Lulay is a free agent. I suspect it would be easy to re-sign him to an incentive-laden contract similar to his expiring deal. Can the Lions afford to keep Jennings? According to Farhan Lalji, Jennings is due to earn $300,000 next year (up from $175,000), plus up to $60,000 in performance bonuses in the final year of his current contract. That's too much for a potential backup QB coming off a poor season. I would offer him an extension with a lower base but enough incentives to pay him $400,000 or more if he starts the majority of games and has a strong year. A healthy signing bonus would give him some protection against being cut for salary-cap reasons during the season.
This seems like a very well-reasoned stance and I will be curious to read your thoughts once more info becomes available.

I can't pretend to understand another person's mindset but, if I were Lulay, I would retire and move into coaching. His injury history is more extensive than the other qbs you cite, and he has already shown a predilection for coaching. There have been enough comebacks.

If I were the gm, I would try to keep him in either capacity, based on the example in Calgary with Dickenson. I think we need a fresh start, but I hope that he is still with the team next year.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
by DanoT
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:51 pm
by B.C.FAN
DanoT wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???
ACL surgery is pretty common for football players. Nick Moore suffered a similar injury at about the same time last year and was ready for the start of training camp.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:51 pm
by Toppy Vann
DanoT wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???
Farhan and/or Lowell said that T Lulay wouldn't be ready for the start of the season - IIRC. That would mean he'd not be there for the first part of the season. Not pretty.

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 10:13 pm
by WestCoastJoe
Toppy Vann wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:51 pm
DanoT wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???
Farhan and/or Lowell said that T Lulay wouldn't be ready for the start of the season - IIRC. That would mean he'd not be there for the first part of the season. Not pretty.
Yes. That would certainly complicate matters, especially for the Head Coach, the decision-maker. And for any prospective buyers, one would think.

Very tough off-season for everybody. And it doesn't get any easier.

In view of some uncertainty regarding Lulay, his health and his plans, I would expect Wally to treat Jennings with care, as a very possible #1 QB to start the year. Not saying he would do it, but no blaming for the season's failings, no discussion of contract reduction to backup pay. Not saying he would do it. But If Lulay was fully healthy, and #1, Jennings might be overpaid as a backup. And Jennings, as the QB for most of the year, bears his share of responsibility for the results, with many extenuating factors. Jennings has not tried to dodge any of it, or blame anyone else, to his credit. It is dicey and tricky.

Nobody said this stuff is easy.

"Not pretty." True that, Toppy.

A mess? Considering everything involved with the state of the franchise, one might say that. It starts with Braley, and it goes on from there.


Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:29 am
by CardiacKid
DanoT wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???
My wife has had extensive work done on her knees including ACL surgery (the result of competitive figure-skating) and she was very surprised to see Travis still on crutches. She took it as not a very good sign his recovery was going well...

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:15 am
by Dusty
CardiacKid wrote:
Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:29 am
DanoT wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???
My wife has had extensive work done on her knees including ACL surgery (the result of competitive figure-skating) and she was very surprised to see Travis still on crutches. She took it as not a very good sign his recovery was going well...
Has Travis had surgery yet? I was assuming that he was waiting until the end of the season before doing it. Does anyone recall or know?

Re: Whither Jonathon Jennings?

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:30 am
by DanoT
Dusty wrote:
Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:15 am
CardiacKid wrote:
Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:29 am
DanoT wrote:
Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:30 pm
I have concerns about the timing of Lulay's recovery as I don't think it is anywhere close to a given that he will be healthy come June, or July, or ???
My wife has had extensive work done on her knees including ACL surgery (the result of competitive figure-skating) and she was very surprised to see Travis still on crutches. She took it as not a very good sign his recovery was going well...
Has Travis had surgery yet? I was assuming that he was waiting until the end of the season before doing it. Does anyone recall or know?
I don't know why Lulay would wait until the end of the season to have surgery, just wait until the swelling goes down. After all, even though our politicians are against a 2 tier medical system and insist on pretending that it doesn't exist, if you are an pro athlete, on workers comp, or a politician, there is no waiting list for this type of surgery.