Eskimos’ coach defends Messam over brawl

[Rammer]

This easily has the potential to be Wally's worst trade in his tenure as GM of the BC Lions. Granted, Messam could 'mess up' again, and/or our #3 pick in 2013 could turn out to be a future all-star. But as it stands now, it's completely one-sided as Messam continues to rack up huge yardage.

I recall reading that Messam had huge potential when he signed here, and I wasn't anxious to see him go - certainly not for a conditional draft pick....and to a divisional rival to boot! But it's not quite accurate to say he languished on the bench either. He was given the ball 23 times and rushed for just 92 yards (4.0 yard average) with 2 fumbles, including one that cost us a victory against Hamilton on September 16. It's not surprising that Wally wanted to go with the more sure-handed Jamal Robertson, especially when we started to win and games took on greater importance. I just don't think our 2 non-import backs (3 if you count Lee) were quite ready for full-time duty last year. IMHO.

If he can stay on the right side of his coaches and teammates, he could do a lot of damage in this league for a long time.

DH

I was one who didn't care for the trade from day 1, giving the Esks the extra TB that had NI status to a depleted NI deep team wasn't helping the LIons IMO. However, upon further thought, I don't think that Messam would have been given the chance to excel in the Lions backfield, at least for this season. Harris offers more ability suited to the Lions game plan, so Messam would be the Jamal Lee of the 2011 Lions, not a good spot for either player as I see it. Can you imagine the ticking timebomb that Messam would have become given our slow start, his work only on ST's, it would have come to a much larger head than the TC incident I suspect.

So, while we can all ponder on what might have been a Lion's star, at least he has taken advantage of the opportunity that he was given. Plus the Lions are a 3rd round draft pick ahead for the 2012 season that could become a great ST player for years to come.

[DanoT]

I was glad that the Lions traded Messam because at least they got something for him. As a Lion, Messam's talent was being totally wasted and this would likely have led to greater frustration and maybe more problems with team mates.

I just hope the Lions start to utilize Jamal Lee and not confine him to a career special teams player as they seem to be doing to Jason Araki. If I were either of these guys I would play out my option and find another team that was interested in having a starting non-import.

[Blitz]

I was glad that the Lions traded Messam because at least they got something for him. As a Lion, Messam's talent was being totally wasted and this would likely have led to greater frustration and maybe more problems with team mates.

I just hope the Lions start to utilize Jamal Lee and not confine him to a career special teams player as they seem to be doing to Jason Araki. If I were either of these guys I would play out my option and find another team that was interested in having a starting non-import.

I totally agree that Messam's talents were being wasted as a Leo and it would have continued to lead to more frustration. Wish we would have traded Messam to the East though...he's been a load to stop in the West and made Edmonton a much stronger team and also given them an opportunity to add a starting import to their lineup. Messam is 4th in the league in rushing attempts with 123, is fourth in total rushing yards, and has a 5.3 rushing average while also being used to get the tough short yardage attempts in Edmonton.
Messam also has broken some long gainers on rushes, including a 43 yarder. Andrew Harris, who I love as our starting tailback has been used less to rush the football, with 70 attempts and he has a 4.8 yd rushing average. Harris's longest rush is 13 yds although Harris broke a swing pass two games ago for 63 yards. Harris has 16 receptions for 228 yds this season whereas Messam has 17 catches out of the backfield in Edmonton for 137 yds, while his longest reception is 18 yds.

Harris and Lee would have been a dream all-Canadian staring backfield, as many Lionbackers called for last season but since it didn't happen..its a good thing that both are getting an opportunity to showcase their football talents.

I feel a lot of empathy for Jamal Lee...he has size, speed, and power and he also has not been given an opportunity here in B.C. to at least show what he could possibly do. His only real opportunities were last season when he was played at tight end a few times and he performed well in those rare opportunities. If I was Lee, I would go elsewhere if he is only going to be used only as a special team player.

As for Jason Aragki... its a different situation in that he doesn't have the 'quicks' to play defensive back and he really doesn't have the size or explosive tackling ability to play linebacker. He really is a tweener. His best shot would be to play the nickelback position, where he could blitz and cover in zone underneath. Arakgi could back up Reddick and be given rotational reps in certain packages in that spot.

[DJeffery]

Harris and Lee would have been a dream all-Canadian staring backfield, as many Lionbackers called for last season but since it didn't happen..its a good thing that both are getting an opportunity to showcase their football talents.

I feel a lot of empathy for Jamal Lee...he has size, speed, and power and he also has not been given an opportunity here in B.C. to at least show what he could possibly do. His only real opportunities were last season when he was played at tight end a few times and he performed well in those rare opportunities. If I was Lee, I would go elsewhere if he is only going to be used only as a special team player.

I wonder if Lee's ACL is still bothering him? Is he still wearing a brace?

[Toppy Vann]

This thread is meandering a bit - but highly interesting.

Two things on Lee and Messam from Wally's eyes (my take on what he sees). If Wally isn't in love with the guy as a player and the guy doesn't excel in the few times he gets a chance, then he isn't Wally's guy. All coaches have a bit of that in them with some players. Wally wrongly says that backs are a dime a dozen - easy to find.

I will say this though about Messam.

IF Messam has another bad punch up in a game and gets tossed then Kavis Reed defending him this time will really prove to be the wrong thing. I will post that I said so.. hahah.

Coaches can't practice situational judgment on these things in football as the player and team will always lose. Refs get retaliators in football. Kids learn that very fast in minor football. It become engrained in your thinking. If I do something dumb my coach will kill me or bench me and my team will get hurt. If you are there to win, you don't do that.