Leos Take On the Als!

[Blitz]

Herb Zurkowski published his five players to watch in tomorrow nights game in the Montreal Gazette. They are Jonathan Jennings, Emmanuel Arseneuux, Chris Rainey, Nik Lewis, and Duron Carter.

However, these are the players I will be keying on tomorrow night.

Jeremiah Johnson: Johnson started the first two games for us before getting injured. Anthony Allen outplayed him over the next two games before struggling against Calgary, who shut down our run game. Johnson gets his chance against Montreal. He hits the hole quickly and is a slasher type of inside runner.

Rolly Lumbala: Lumbala is an invaluable player on our offence. His block was critical last week for one of our long touchdowns. He becomes even more valuable against a blitzing defence.

Geraldo Boldewijn: Montreal will be focused on Gore, Arseneaux, and Burnham. Boldewign is a big target to throw to against a blitz and especially against a lot of 0 defence.

Bryant Turner Junior: At 279 pounds, Turner needs to get penetration against pocket passing Kevin Glenn. Turner also needs to do a better job against the run than he did his first outing.

Maxx Forde: Not sure how many reps Forde will get but I'm looking forward to watching him play.

Stephen Clarke: Clarke was impressive in his first game at boundary corner. Hoping its a repeat.

Kevin Glenn: He's smart, wily, and experienced and if given time, he can still pick a defence apart.

Chip Cox: The Als move him around a lot but he is often the key to their blitz packages.

John Bowman: He's an excellent edge rusher who is made even more effective due to Montreal's aggressive style of defence.

Vaughn Martin: He's big, strong, and agile. He was good enough to start 27 games as a defensive end in the NFL. He's 300 pounds. He may also be expendable. If we want to run the football, we'll have to move him.

Lions at Alouettes: Five players to watch

Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette
More from Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette

Published on: August 3, 2016
​
Jonathon Jennings: Only 24 and in his first full season as the Lions’ starter, the quarterback continues to impress. He has displayed an ability to complete pinpoint passes, throwing a tight spiral into a small window. He’s accurate under duress and has an ability to extend plays with his mobility. But he lacks experience and is still growing into the starter’s role. Two late interceptions against Calgary showed he has things to learn.

Emmanuel Arceneaux: The 6-foot-2, 210-pound slotback produced 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015. He possesses raw ability, size, speed and aggression, remaining a force to contend with inside. There was a thought the six-year veteran was underachieving this season. So all Arceneaux did was go out against the Stampeders and haul in six passes for 128 yards while scoring two touchdowns. That should silence the critics.

Chris Rainey: The argument could be made the Als shouldn’t have released the diminutive return specialist and tailback after an unimpressive preseason performance last season. Rainey returned a punt 95 yards against Calgary last week to open the scoring. He’s averaging a league-leading 17 yards on punt returns and has scored twice. He also happens to be leading the CFL on kickoff returns, and figures to be stoked playing his former team.

Duron Carter: It took five games, but the Als’ wide receiver finally seems to have found his stride, developing chemistry with quarterback Kevin Glenn. Glenn hit Carter in stride twice against Saskatchewan last week — a game in which he caught eight passes for 115 yards, including a 39-yarder. The Riders, at times, attempted double-teaming Carter, to no avail. And just to show he’s an equal-opportunity player, Carter caught a late touchdown pass from backup Rakeem Cato.

Nik Lewis: He’s not big or fast, but the 34-year-old continues contributing to the Als’ offence on a regular basis and has become a master of short routes. During his 13-year, career Lewis also has mastered the art of running through and over defenders with bullish impunity. He caught eight passes for 67 yards against Saskatchewan and is quickly becoming Glenn’s most reliable receiver.

[CardiacKid]

Herb Zurkowski published his five players to watch in tomorrow nights game in the Montreal Gazette. They are Jonathan Jennings, Emmanuel Arseneuux, Chris Rainey, Nik Lewis, and Duron Carter.

Lions at Alouettes: Five players to watch

Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette
More from Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette

Nik Lewis: He’s not big or fast, but the 34-year-old continues contributing to the Als’ offence on a regular basis and has become a master of short routes. During his 13-year, career Lewis also has mastered the art of running through and over defenders with bullish impunity. He caught eight passes for 67 yards against Saskatchewan and is quickly becoming Glenn’s most reliable receiver.

When he wrote that Nik Lewis wasn't big, I had to do a double-take. Then I realized he was referring to Lewis not being big from his toes to the top of his head....because Thik Nik is plenty big around. But if that girth is what powers his downfield blocking, then I wish someone on the Lions expanded their waist size. I really, really, really wish one of the Lion receivers would have the same ability to punish defenders like Lewis does.

[Blitz]

Herb Zurkowski published his five players to watch in tomorrow nights game in the Montreal Gazette. They are Jonathan Jennings, Emmanuel Arseneuux, Chris Rainey, Nik Lewis, and Duron Carter.

Lions at Alouettes: Five players to watch

Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette
More from Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette

Nik Lewis: He’s not big or fast, but the 34-year-old continues contributing to the Als’ offence on a regular basis and has become a master of short routes. During his 13-year, career Lewis also has mastered the art of running through and over defenders with bullish impunity. He caught eight passes for 67 yards against Saskatchewan and is quickly becoming Glenn’s most reliable receiver.

When he wrote that Nik Lewis wasn't big, I had to do a double-take. Then I realized he was referring to Lewis not being big from his toes to the top of his head....because Thik Nik is plenty big around. But if that girth is what powers his downfield blocking, then I wish someone on the Lions expanded their waist size. I really, really, really wish one of the Lion receivers would have the same ability to punish defenders like Lewis does.

Cardiac Kid...I don't think there is another receiver in the league that can punish defenders like Lewis. Manny Arseneaux is up there, in terms of breaking tackles and driving through defenders or straight arming them. Lewis is 240 pounds.

We had two tight ends last season, that we used (or misused) as slot backs who were over 250 pounds

Boldewijn is 220 pounds but he has a different body type.

I think its really important that we win this game. Even though we lost a close one to Calgary and our Leos were in first place before last week's close loss to Calgary, we only one win more than Edmonton right now.

[Blitz]

Good article on Jonathan Jennings in the Montreal Gazette.

Jeff Tedford did our Leos a huge favor when he selected Jonathan Jennings last year out of the nine quarterbacks he had at mini-camp.

Jennings has had two impressive games, in terms of passing yards, in his last two contests. He's playing against a defense tonite that is the best in the CFL in terms of giving up the least scoring points.

Its another test for the sophomore Leo who continues his development as our Leo offensive leader.

Star rises in West as rookie QB Jennings blossoms for Lions

Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette

Published on: August 3, 2016
​
We get it. Jonathon Jennings doesn’t easily give up. He tried out for Kansas City, Detroit and Green Bay in the NFL. Then he worked out for Saskatchewan in April 2014, again coming up empty.

When he reported, one year later, to British Columbia’s mini-camp, he was one of nine quarterbacks on the roster. The Lions signed him to back up Travis Lulay. And now, in the midst of his first full season as the team’s starter, it appears the 24-year-old is destined to become one of the Canadian Football League’s next stars.

“There were a lot of us and it was kind of crazy. I told my family I might be back in two weeks … in a week. I was hoping for a fair shot, got a fair shot and took advantage of the opportunity,” Jennings told the Montreal Gazette Wednesday, during an interview at the team’s hotel.

“I was surprised last year that things kind of went the way they did and I was fortunate to have the situation,” he added. “There’s been bumps in the road. It’s all a learning process. Things aren’t always going to be peaches and cream.”

The 6-foot, 195-pound native of Columbus, Ohio, is preparing for his 13th start, Thursday night against the Alouettes at Molson Stadium but, technically, he is a rookie, having made only six starts a year ago after injuries to Lulay and John Beck.

There have, and will continue to be, growing pains. Last week against Calgary, Jennings passed for 374 yards and three touchdowns. But he was hit from behind and fumbled before halftime. Then, with 1:19 remaining in regulation time, he was intercepted by Ciante Evans, which led to the game-tying, eight-point touchdown.

In overtime, following a time-count violation and after he had driven his team to Calgary’s six-yard line — and needing only a field goal to force a second overtime period — Jennings’ ill-advised pass into the end zone was under-thrown and intercepted by Tommie Campbell.

“I just have to know the situation. Sometimes I’m trying to do too much, trying to make too big of a play when it’s not necessary,” said Jennings, who attended Saginaw Valley State, a Division II program. “In that situation, towards the end of the game, it would have been a super tough ball to complete. Could I have completed it? Yes, if I would have thrown it perfectly. But it’s not necessary. We’re up by eight. Throw it away, punt the ball and give ourselves a chance to defend the whole field. It’s something you learn from.

“During the game, it’s a split-second decision. I have to make sure I’m triggered into the situation. Let’s be smart.”

He is human and might make the same mistake again, but the Lions have provided him with plenty of rope, understanding he’s the quarterback to lead this franchise into the future. For the odd mistake, there’s simply too much good about Jennings, an accurate passer who can use his natural skills and mobility to his advantage. And he’s a more productive player in the second half, indicating he can process information accurately. When the receivers get to their spots, they’ve come to quickly understand Jennings will deliver.

When the tape of Jennings arrived, Wally Buono knew there was something special. “He was impressive from the first day,” said the general manager and head coach.

“The first thing you see is his ability to throw. You could see … the composure and personality. Most successful quarterbacks have a little something about them that makes them stand out.”

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

[DanoT]

Saying that the Jeff Tedford era as a Lions HC was "not memorable " would be a very kind description, yet his proper Lions legacy will be his fingering of Jennings as the Lions future QB. Getting Jennings makes the disappointment of last season more than worth enduring.

[Blitz]

Here is an article on Kevin Glenn by our own Iain MacIntyre.

The article contains an interesting quote by Nik Lewis.

Glenn is completing 73% of his passes this season for Montreal. I comparison Jennings has a 60.7% completion average. Glenn is averaging 294 yards passing per game this season while Jennings is averaging 272 yards passing per game.

Jennings career is just taking off and he is coming off two impressive passing performances. Glenn is in the final stage of his career. But the stats show that Glenn is still a very effective quarterback and one who should not be taken lightly as we prepare to play the Als.

“I find it very fascinating how commentators and people around the league can view certain players,” Alouette slotback Nik Lewis, who previously played with Glenn in Calgary, said of the teammate who has never won a Grey Cup. “I know when he got to Calgary he wasn’t really considered a winner. Over the course of 2012 and 2013, he won more games than any other quarterback. At the time, Bo Levi Mitchell had started some games (for the Stampeders) and Drew Tate had started some games. Kevin played less than them but won more games. He gives your team a chance to win every week.” Nik Lewis

Iain MacIntyre: What are Alouettes thinking with Kevin Glenn? Same as six teams before them

MONTREAL — The worst great player in the Canadian Football League — or maybe he is simply the greatest average one — has made a reckless seating choice.

In the Montreal Alouettes’ dressing room amid the desolate concrete bowels beneath Olympic Stadium, Kevin Glenn has no view from his locker of the main doorway. So he will not see the Alouettes’ next quarterback coming, unless of course the next guy is already sitting beside him.

There is always someone coming to take Kevin Glenn’s job and a coach happy to give it to him.

The 37-year-old quarterback is on his eighth CFL team, although technically he has played for only seven of them because the Ottawa Redblacks traded him to the B.C. Lions in 2014 before Glenn dressed for the expansion team.

You may be aware there are only nine teams in Canada. So, Glenn can at least look forward to moving to the Edmonton Eskimos before his career is over and writing the most unique travel guide in Canadian history. As you see, it is easy to make fun of someone like Glenn, whose sensible play earns him jobs that his limitations never allow him to keep.

But consider this: if he stays healthy this season, which includes surviving the Lions on Thursday at Molson Stadium, Glenn should surpass Ron Lancaster for sixth place on the CFL’s all-time passing list. With 47,441 yards in 16 seasons, Glenn is already ahead of Matt Dunigan and Doug Flutie in career real estate.

Glenn’s longevity in football, regardless of his vagrant existence, is remarkable and indicative of his professionalism and mental toughness. Despite all the criticism and wisecracks over many years, especially since his five seasons in Winnipeg turned into three in Hamilton, then two in Calgary, then one in Vancouver and nine games in Regina, Glenn still believes in himself.

The only admiration he seeks is from his family and last Friday, after Glenn threw for 299 yards in a 41-3 rout of the dreadful Saskatchewan Roughriders, his son, Kaleb, asked for dad’s autograph.

“Why are you asking me for my autograph?” Glenn said Wednesday, relaying his half of the conversation with the seven-year-old. “He’s like, ‘Because you’re a professional football player and you’re on the team.’ When you see that kind of stuff … the reaction I get from family and friends I think is more satisfying than proving somebody wrong.”

Glenn said this sense of satisfaction, his priorities, wouldn’t be any different had people been rooting for him all along. Of course, they haven’t been.

Even now, when he has started the season solidly, completing 73 per cent of his throws while averaging 294 passing yards in his four games, you can still logically wonder what in the world the Alouettes are thinking. Their team is in transition and going nowhere, and they’re starting a 37-year-old journeyman quarterback instead of developing Rakeem Cato or Vernon Adams, the hotshot prospect whose rights beleaguered Alouette coach and general manager Jim Popp surrendered a 2017 first-round draft pick to acquire from the Lions.

“When you get a veteran quarterback, I think it just calms the entire offence down,” offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo, No. 1 on that all-time passing list, explained. “The players believe that ‘OK, this guy has been there and done that we’re going to be able to have success with him.’ ”

Calvillo acknowledged there have been discussions on staff about the need to invest playing time in Cato and Adams, but for now, Glenn gives Montreal its best chance to win. And in a nine-team league in which six make the playoffs, everyone thinks they can win.


Lewis said “you can tell the difference” when Glenn is running the offence, and said the QB’s football IQ is something that will positively impact Cato and Adams.

Less than two years ago, after his unhappy season in B.C. ended with three losses by an aggregate score of 120-36, Glenn looked finished. Now he looks like he could play until 40.

“That sounds like a challenge,” he said.

At 5-10, Glenn was told as far back as high school that he wouldn’t succeed as a quarterback. He couldn’t have known the mental armour he developed back then to deal with skeptics would prove vital to extending his professional career two decades later.

“He can play as long as he wants,” Lewis said. “He’s almost like a three-point shooter in basketball; he can just go out there and knock down his shots. As long as he’s in a system that allows him to do what he does best, use his mind, he’ll be all right.”

And there are still a couple of teams he hasn’t played for.

imacintyre@postmedia.com

[WestCoastJoe]

This fan has a lot of respect for Kevin Glenn.

That is a funny story about his son asking for his autograph.

[David]

Kevin Glenn is somewhat reminiscent of Damon Allen. Both have/had pockets of invincibility followed by stretches that leave fans thinking, "there HAS to be someone better to lead this team!" Kevin Glenn is in the former right now; that zone where he's confident and making his throws - even without SJ Green and Kenny Stafford. It's why we have to really try and get after him from different angles tonight and disrupt his rhythm.

Duron Carter is their biggest weapon right now. Hold him < 100 yards receiving and we have a chance.


DH

[DanoT]

Kevin Glenn is somewhat reminiscent of Damon Allen. Both have/had pockets of invincibility followed by stretches that leave fans thinking, "there HAS to be someone better to lead this team!" Kevin Glenn is in the former right now; that zone where he's confident and making his throws - even without SJ Green and Kenny Stafford. It's why we have to really try and get after him from different angles tonight and disrupt his rhythm.


DH

^^^A great comparison. For most of his career Damon Allen in any given year was not the best QB in the CFL, the exception being late in his career and possibly when he won the Grey Cup for Edmonton in '93(?)

The style of play for both QBs is more of a "take what the D is giving up" rather than play a more forceful "make the D react to what the O is doing".

[caobax]

I thought Montreal did not prepare for us this week because they knew we had better players.- Also, great seeing how our d-line collapsed the pocket and sacked Glenn without pressure.

http://www.bclions.com/2016/08/04/game-balls-bc-vs-mtl/

Solidarity comes to mind when watching the above link.

[DanoT]

I thought Montreal did not prepare for us this week because they knew we had better players.- Also, great seeing how our d-line collapsed the pocket and sacked Glenn without pressure.

http://www.bclions.com/2016/08/04/game-balls-bc-vs-mtl/

Solidarity comes to mind when watching the above link.

The game ball awards after a victory are a great way to celebrate a victory, have some of the team leaders do some leading, recognize great individual play and accomplishments, and general team bonding. So do other teams do game ball awards as well or is this just a Lions tradition? Also how long have the Lions been doing this?

[Lions4ever]

And consider that Fraser had a 43-yard interception return! That's how pissed Wally was at the pass interference call that turned a certain field goal attempt into an eventual TD.


DH

If that's the measure, then Buono should have sat JJ for the 2 egregious turnovers late in the game. Or himself for throwing away a virtually certain 3 points (which would have won the game) in favour of some cutesy 3rd down gamble. Just sayin' ...as they say.

[Blitz]

I thought Montreal did not prepare for us this week because they knew we had better players.- Also, great seeing how our d-line collapsed the pocket and sacked Glenn without pressure.

http://www.bclions.com/2016/08/04/game-balls-bc-vs-mtl/

Solidarity comes to mind when watching the above link.

Montreal certainly did prepare for us this week. They knew they were facing a hot quarterback and wanted to blitz him and hopefully get him out of sync. It didn't work but they tried.

Offensively, they wanted to move Duran Carter around to attempt to take advantage of what they thought would be favorable matchups in our secondary. They wanted to take advantage of our safety and new corner back. We counted with two deep safeties and Anthony Gaitor played very well overall, helping to negate their strategy. Montreal also didn't anticipate, with our depleted defensive line, that we would get the pass rush that we did.

On special teams they really focused on stopping Rainey - Montreal did a good job of bottling him up.