Best Surprises/Most Disappointing

[Lion Guy]

Can we include Lionbackers on this list?

[Blitz]

Franks is the best surprise. He's been solid all season, playing like a veteran. Eliminiam is a surprise, mainly because LB was thought to be a weakness with the release of D. Haley and McKenzie having to man the middle. Eliminiam has taken over, but still needs more seasoning. J. Robertson is a bit of a surprise, because I didn't think he was that good...but he's been solid after some early season fumbles. Can't forget about Y. Davis, who has looked good from Day 1 in camp and is a dominating returner.

I wouldn't say Crawford is most disappointing, as I had little hope for him, watching him from previous seasons. I gotta say that our QB's, Printers and Lulay have been most disappointing. That may be due to the patchwork O-Line protection, or bad schemes, but the QB's have not been productive. It's hard to grade the receivers as they've had such poor service all season. J. Lee and Messam are also disappointments, mainly due to a lack of opportunity, while so much was expected.

I certainly agree with you on Franks John Henry (stil love that name)..he's really been good.

I took note when you said it's hard to grade the recievers. Geroy Simon wouldn't make many lists but in some ways it should be a surprise that he's still go-to-receiver material at his age. Simon has had too many drops this season for a veteran reciever but he's cracked the 1000 yard mark again. What makes Simon's career here so impressive is that he's had to play for so many quarterbacks during his time who were rookie starters..from Printers in 2004, to Buck in 2006 to Jarious in 2007 to Lulay this season. Dickenson only started a little over 1/3 of his games during his time here and we've had a constantly changing parade of quarterbacks either due to injury or Wally's constant penchant for a new date at that position. Simon, playing with three different starters this season, is presently sixth in CFL receiving but he's in close territory to being third...not bad when you look at how bad our protection and our offence has been this year.

However, Simon is close to the twilight of his career and we've stuggled over the years to find an import to compliment him, let alone replace him.

Messam, Lee, Gore, Newman are talents that haven't had opportunity to show their stuff. I'd like to see Newman worked at right tackle next season or even center. When I look back at us moving Sherko, our best guard last year to tackle to begin the season and playing a rookie import at guard, it just makes me wonder if Dorazio, Chap, and Wally needed to have their heads examined. However, with Newman, Sorenson, and Jones for depth next year, our Canadian depth at offensive line is looking good again.

[KnowItAll]

most disappointing - Wally.

[Sir Purrcival]

One name that I haven't seen and unfortunately maybe belongs on the list is Arsenault. He has the sophomore jinx. He has dropped a lot of passes this year that were easily catcable and has been a bit underwheliming. Not Wilson level by any means but certainly sub par compared to last season.

[Whisperin' Jimmy]

Good post, Blitz. Threads like these are the reason I come to this forum.

2. Korey Banks-we all know what Korey Banks can do but playing nickel for his second season, Banks is tied for most sacks on our Leos, he's made some huge plays, and should be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

I feel Banks is an overlooked gem. I don't think I've ever seen a Banks jersey in the stand, but there sure ought to be.

I recall once after Banks appeared out nowhere to stop a run, I asked my son what position Banks had lined up at. "He doesn't need a position," he said. "He's Korey f*'ing Banks. He does what he wants." To me, he kind of defines the swagger the Lions used to have, the cockiness that used to infuriate Riders fans and make reporters gleeful. I miss those days.

[korey&dante4ever]

recall once after Banks appeared out nowhere to stop a run, I asked my son what position Banks had lined up at. "He doesn't need a position," he said. "He's Korey f*'ing Banks. He does what he wants."

HAHAHAHA...

[Hawkballer 14]

I recall once after Banks appeared out nowhere to stop a run, I asked my son what position Banks had lined up at. "He doesn't need a position," he said. "He's Korey f*'ing Banks. He does what he wants."

Rack your son, that take is strong.

I have a sneaking feeling the return of the BC swagger is imminent: the young studs on D, the OL getting a full off-season to continue to jell, TL having #1 reps in the winter/spring...

The future is bright.

[joe kapp22]

Good post, Blitz. Threads like these are the reason I come to this forum.

2. Korey Banks-we all know what Korey Banks can do but playing nickel for his second season, Banks is tied for most sacks on our Leos, he's made some huge plays, and should be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

I feel Banks is an overlooked gem. I don't think I've ever seen a Banks jersey in the stand, but there sure ought to be.

I recall once after Banks appeared out nowhere to stop a run, I asked my son what position Banks had lined up at. "He doesn't need a position," he said. "He's Korey f*'ing Banks. He does what he wants." To me, he kind of defines the swagger the Lions used to have, the cockiness that used to infuriate Riders fans and make reporters gleeful. I miss those days.

Well, that swagger is buried under a pile of talented Rookies, many of whom are new to the League, physically gifted but not exactly 5 yr Vets steering the ship upstairs.

Most Disappointing to me is the lack of a passrushing DE, Wally B has cycled through a platoon of guys and none of them panned out.

That really hurts the 4 man passrush line, Keron Williams is coming on, but I suspect he is just not explosive enough to really fill the shoes of the guys who went ahead of him, and the newbies like Pittman and Craig just have not shown quite enough.

[Hawkballer 14]

Most Disappointing to me is the lack of a passrushing DE, Wally B has cycled through a platoon of guys and none of them panned out.

We might have to lower our expections a little. We've been severely spoiled with Ricky, Cam and Brent.

[joe kapp22]

Most Disappointing to me is the lack of a passrushing DE, Wally B has cycled through a platoon of guys and none of them panned out.

We might have to lower our expections a little. We've been severely spoiled with Ricky, Cam and Brent.

Disagree, if anything they have shown that they can find "that guy"...so find him.

[Hawkballer 14]

Disagree, if anything they have shown that they can find "that guy"...so find him.

They might already have him. Calling Mr. Jones, Mr. Richard Jones.

[West Coast Blue Fan]

Keron Williams, Tad Crawford and Ryan Phillips have been the biggest disappointments for me.

On a different note, Arcenaulx is ahead of last years numbers. Disappointment maybe? I think its more on our scheme. But his has had some major brain farts.

Aluminam, Franks, Reddick, Leonard and Davis have all been outstanding......as was Whyte when thrust into action.

[korey&dante4ever]

Most Disappointing to me is the lack of a passrushing DE, Wally B has cycled through a platoon of guys and none of them panned out.

That really hurts the 4 man passrush line, Keron Williams is coming on, but I suspect he is just not explosive enough to really fill the shoes of the guys who went ahead of him, and the newbies like Pittman and Craig just have not shown quite enough.

Looking ahead to 2011...I really, really think we need to find 1, maybe 2 more DE's...

Keron should be playing on the inside.. (But having Hunt in there next year puts that notion to rest)... ok fine.. then Keron at the very most should be playing the short side end (where he started the year)... injuries (Pittman) and the lack of finding a rush end have forced him to play the wide side, and he's just not suited to that position...

[Game Day, Baby!]

Keron Williams, Tad Crawford and Ryan Phillips have been the biggest disappointments for me.

I can't believe that the team gave the defensive game ball to T Crawford tonight. How stupid.

[joe kapp22]

Most Disappointing to me is the lack of a passrushing DE, Wally B has cycled through a platoon of guys and none of them panned out.

That really hurts the 4 man passrush line, Keron Williams is coming on, but I suspect he is just not explosive enough to really fill the shoes of the guys who went ahead of him, and the newbies like Pittman and Craig just have not shown quite enough.

Looking ahead to 2011...I really, really think we need to find 1, maybe 2 more DE's...

Keron should be playing on the inside.. (But having Hunt in there next year puts that notion to rest)... ok fine.. then Keron at the very most should be playing the short side end (where he started the year)... injuries (Pittman) and the lack of finding a rush end have forced him to play the wide side, and he's just not suited to that position...

I'm not sure Hunt makes it though, K Mitchell is younger and cheaper, we all watched what Jones could do, were is the room for Hunt and E. Williams?

BJ is in his mid 30's, tbh we could really use a NI to fill that role.