Riders 31 Lions 17 Post Game Comments

[Shi Zi Mi]

With the Oline not capable of opening up holes for the inside run game, opposition linebackers are less concerned with the inside and are free to cover anything going to the outside......that includes all outside pass and run for Harris. Until our oline grow some balls, this will continue........particularly the left side, where I'd like to see Kyle Fischer get a shot at LT (although this will be Olafioye's spot in 2014, it's probably too late in the season to flip him now).

Harris is extremely frustrated and IMHO, the Lions are going to lose Harris to Free Agency after 2014 if they don't fix the oline.

What is the health status of Baboulas?

[notahomer]

Even the Green Faithful are puzzled/confused by the officiating last night. Sounds like as CFL fans this is an area we want improved. Consistency is a common thread of complaint. I don't ALWAYS agree with people sitting near me on officiating calls. But I have a sore throat for the yelling I did at the two officials right in front of us (visitors side). Oh well, there is a couple of CFL games to take in later, I'm sure I won't care as much as the Lions cant lose either one of those games....

I like most of the Refs but its some of the others. I guess its the Refs that call those questionable roughing the passer calls....

[JohnHenry]

I had bad vibes about the game with the Lions wearing their black uniforms. They should be saved for huge games, playoffs, ect, not for regular games with bigger games coming over the next few weeks. Perhaps this was a marketing move as a new shipment of jersey's arrived?

The defence played very well overall, shutting down the Riders for the most part except for a few bad plays by some repeat offenders. I realize we have no other backup DB's, but Shell's undisciplined and reckless play is an ongoing problem. At least this year he looks like he's trying after loafing most of last season.

I think Chaps by using Harris in a futile attempt to run up the middle is sending a message. Time to shut up and put up some numbers if you think you're too good to block. Brown is more productive inside as he's willing to pound his way through and make a opening, while Harris needs a crease to slide through. Not happening with our run blocking.

Unlike in previous games, DeMarco made some poor decisions (throwing into double/triple coverage) and was off the mark on many of his throws. In fairness, his arm was hit in that wounded-duck pick in the endzone. Buck didn't exactly inspire confidence when he was in there.

The Riders brought their A-game and the Lions just couldn't match their intensity. It won't get any easier next week.

[South Pender]

Even the Green Faithful are puzzled/confused by the officiating last night. Sounds like as CFL fans this is an area we want improved. Consistency is a common thread of complaint. I don't ALWAYS agree with people sitting near me on officiating calls. But I have a sore throat for the yelling I did at the two officials right in front of us (visitors side). Oh well, there is a couple of CFL games to take in later, I'm sure I won't care as much as the Lions cant lose either one of those games....

I like most of the Refs but its some of the others. I guess its the Refs that call those questionable roughing the passer calls....

This is one area in which the CFL suffers in comparison with the NFL, and, for me at least, it makes the Canadian game less enjoyable. It's, as you say, the inconsistency. Even if the incorrect calls sort of even out by the end of the game, this lack of professional officiating really takes a lot off the game for me. It's certainly not true that the NFL officials always get it right, but they are more consistent, and seem to have ways to make sure bad calls are reviewed and minimized. The one offense that is not called properly the most in the CFL is offside by the receivers, where their waggles end up two or three yards beyond the LOS when the ball is snapped. Every time I see this, I want to throw a brick through the TV set. It's not that hard to have a linesman stand right on the LOS and catch this, but they don't. So, we have a situation in which rules exist, but are not properly enforced. In my opinion, this gives the whole enterprise a somewhat amateur tone.

[South Pender]

Once again, we lost this game in the trenches. That has often been the case this year. As others have already said in this thread, when the pass rush came, Durant had plenty of time to step up in the pocket and find a receiver, whereas poor ol' Thomas would try this and get creamed. Our run game was completely absent, except for one good run, because our O-line was being manhandled. I also found DeMarco off the mark on some of his passes. I'm thinking of some passes to open receivers, where he would put the ball a little too far back (not enough lead), forcing the receiver to slow down or stop to catch the ball, and thus allowing defenders to catch up and make the tackle before any YAC yards (I know, that's redundant) could be made.

I don't know just how much of what we saw last night was due to psychological factors like attitude and effort and how much was due to the fact that this year's Lions are just not as good--all other things being equal--as the Stampeders and Riders, and that fact won't change this season. Unfortunately, I think it's more the latter than the former. We might have been as good (or close enough) had we not had Lulay go down, but, as things stand now, I think we are truly the 3rd best team in the West and 4th best in the CFL as a whole.

[CardiacKid]

Putting the result aside, this game had little flow and was hampered by various stoppages, particularly those penalties by the Lions. The chippiness after the whistle seemed to work to the Rider's advantage as the Leo's seemed to be really distracted at times. Maybe a little less chirping and more hits like the one Larose laid on Taj Smith. Don't hit him so hard he can't make his court date on Monday though.....

Overall, just lacked the entertainment value I think it is fair to expect from a CFL game. At least the Super Fly Dogs made the evening a little enjoyable.

[David]

* I never use 'officiating' as an excuse as I think it evens out over the course of the season, but they did us absoutely no favours last night. On the Riders' first TD drive, Khreem Smith was mauled and it was not picked up. So instead of a holding penalty which would have left them 2nd and goal from the 20, the completed pass gave them first down on the 5.

* Still, the Riders were hungrier, more disciplined and deserved the win.

* Agree with The Lion King on the 2 turning points. DeMarco's intercepted end-zone wobbler was a killer, as the Riders marched down the field and scored, again aided by some dubious calls. The 2nd turning point was how surprsingly easy the Riders answered back after we came out firing in the 2nd half with a TD. I thought to myself, "here we go! We have the momentum and it's only a 1 score game." But the defense came out flat on that drive.

* I did not have a great feeling heading into this game. I don't blame the club for promoting it the way they did, but it had a forced, almost contrived "big game" feel to it (the uniforms, the introductions, the video, the hype all week on Twitter). The pressure was most certainly on the home side to perform and they were definitely uptight, much more so than the game in Regina (perhaps it would have been a good time to bond in a downtown hotel last night, as has been the practice the past few years?).

* Not sure I agree that the crowd was quiet. They really weren't given much to cheer about, even in the first quarter. The team was lifeless.

* The good news? Over 37,000 through the turnstiles. The bad news? I'd say a good 8,000 or 9,000 were Rider fans, meaning it was 'just an another home game' for the average Vancouverite.

* I can't count the number of times the Leos have come up flat at home for big games. If this was an advertisement for fence-sitters to consider 2014 season tickets? Epic fail.

* Lin-J Shell = Anthony Reddick Version 2.0.

* Korey Banks struggled last night and looked very slow on Dressler's one-handed catch.

* Hands up those who thought Buck would have been more effective? I realize he's learning a new offense, but he's not even accurate on the routine passes.

* Korey Williams was a spark, but did not know where to line up. While I loved his fire, I think we missed Courtney Taylor's presence.

* Sorry, but we're just not going ANYWHERE in November with that offensive line in its present state. Move Kyle Fischer to Guard if you have to but it's nowhere close to being physical enough and, as has been noted in just about every post, just not opening holes or doing an adequate job of protecting the quarterback. They weren't even this bad in the "fat and sassy pigs" days.


DH

[SammyGreene]

Tough one last night boys. A rookie centre, two journeyman guards and a running back that seems to lack an explosive 1st or 2nd step adds up to to dismal running game between the tackles. Hard to believe this is where Joe Smith did most of his damage as a Lion but that was with better talent in front of him and a different style of a back. But yes that was with Chapdelaine as a coordinator so it is possible.

Guilo and the guys on the post game show suggests the Lions are just too predictable with their read option and Demarco needs to be keeping the ball more than he does to keep opposing Ds honest.

Some poor reads by Demarco and overall a tough night for him. But bottom line is that is a ton of responsibility on the shoulders of a rookie QB who has no running game for added support. This is the second straight season the Lions don't have their No. 1 qb for the stretch run and this year's tough schedule to the finish line magnifies this even more. Reilly did an excellent job filling in last year and Demarco has actually been a pleasant surprise to me (especially compared to Buck's limited playing time). But it's asking a heck of a lot of this kid to beat the Riders twice and the Stamps as well over a 4 week period. We really miss Travis right now.

Horrible night for McCallum I thought. For whatever reason his kickoffs seemed very short and he was getting badly out kicked in the punting department too. Then throw in the missed 32 yard FG.

Oh well up until 3 weeks ago I was thinking a 3rd place finish, especially when Travis got hurt. I guess I'm just back to the level of my previous expectations.

[Coast Mountain Lion]

This is one area in which the CFL suffers in comparison with the NFL, and, for me at least, it makes the Canadian game less enjoyable. It's, as you say, the inconsistency. Even if the incorrect calls sort of even out by the end of the game, this lack of professional officiating really takes a lot off the game for me. It's certainly not true that the NFL officials always get it right, but they are more consistent, and seem to have ways to make sure bad calls are reviewed and minimized. The one offense that is not called properly the most in the CFL is offside by the receivers, where their waggles end up two or three yards beyond the LOS when the ball is snapped. Every time I see this, I want to throw a brick through the TV set. It's not that hard to have a linesman stand right on the LOS and catch this, but they don't. So, we have a situation in which rules exist, but are not properly enforced. In my opinion, this gives the whole enterprise a somewhat amateur tone.

The Riders receivers, especially Bagg and Dressler, are the ones who pretty well started jumping offside and have been getting away with it for years. But it seems that every team is doing it now. Hamilton blatantly got away with it all game last night. But that was an Andre Proulx game, and he's so bad he should be reffing in the NHL.

While we're on consistency, can someone explain how some teams get away with blatant holding on practically every play from scrimmage but we get marginal holding calls on every second punt return?

[notahomer]

This is one area in which the CFL suffers in comparison with the NFL, and, for me at least, it makes the Canadian game less enjoyable. It's, as you say, the inconsistency. ....

Well, as you know, both of us are a little more in tune (by choice) to the NFL. Certainly they have some at times too but that consistency does seem to be there. Bottom line, IMO, is the current level of officiating in both leagues, IMO, is professional. I just think the NFL does a better job of training and paying its zebras. I don't know if our CFL officials work in set CREWS but I believe the NFL does. I have my favourite NFL officials too but in a way its simply because they are a footnote to the game instead of a central talking point.

[Rammer]

I had bad vibes about the game with the Lions wearing their black uniforms. They should be saved for huge games, playoffs, ect, not for regular games with bigger games coming over the next few weeks. Perhaps this was a marketing move as a new shipment of jersey's arrived?

The defence played very well overall, shutting down the Riders for the most part except for a few bad plays by some repeat offenders. I realize we have no other backup DB's, but Shell's undisciplined and reckless play is an ongoing problem. At least this year he looks like he's trying after loafing most of last season.

I think Chaps by using Harris in a futile attempt to run up the middle is sending a message. Time to shut up and put up some numbers if you think you're too good to block. Brown is more productive inside as he's willing to pound his way through and make a opening, while Harris needs a crease to slide through. Not happening with our run blocking.

Unlike in previous games, DeMarco made some poor decisions (throwing into double/triple coverage) and was off the mark on many of his throws. In fairness, his arm was hit in that wounded-duck pick in the endzone. Buck didn't exactly inspire confidence when he was in there.

The Riders brought their A-game and the Lions just couldn't match their intensity. It won't get any easier next week.

DeMarco did get nicked on that pass into the endzone; however he is beginning to throw without stepping into the throw, something that most QB's can't do like Burris is able to get away with. Part of that is due to the push the Riders DL was able to establish on most passing plays. To be fair to DeMarco, the OL rarely gave enough time for the inexperienced DeMarco to absorb what was happening on the field, if not getting buried.

This is what I expected from the Riders OL and DL vs the Lions OL and DL when the season began, luckily for the Lions, the first match had the Riders OL missing two starters, last night only 1 starter was missing.

[TheLionKing]

The issues with the Lions have been there ALL year......but they are only exposed when the other team plays well.

Absolutely and the Lions have done nothing to address those problems.

[TheLionKing]

Crap Ball was there for all to see last night. Stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Lions don't have the personnel to run between the tackles and yet that is where the Lions were going. The two guards Kabongo and Valli don't have the footspeed to recover once they get beaten.

[South Pender]

This is one area in which the CFL suffers in comparison with the NFL, and, for me at least, it makes the Canadian game less enjoyable. It's, as you say, the inconsistency. ....

Well, as you know, both of us are a little more in tune (by choice) to the NFL. Certainly they have some at times too but that consistency does seem to be there. Bottom line, IMO, is the current level of officiating in both leagues, IMO, is professional. I just think the NFL does a better job of training and paying its zebras. I don't know if our CFL officials work in set CREWS but I believe the NFL does. I have my favourite NFL officials too but in a way its simply because they are a footnote to the game instead of a central talking point.

Here's something that might put this issue re referee competence in context (quoted from the website Celebrity Net Worth):

"For the 2013-2014 the average NFL referee salary is $173,000 [vs. approximately $15,000 per season for a CFL official, according to CFL Database]. By 2019, the average NFL salary will rise to $205,000. This season, a rookie NFL referee's salary starts at $78,000 and a 10 year veteran can make $200,000 per season. But here's the kicker (pun intended), NFL referees are not full time employees. They do not get paid time off and they do not receive health benefits. Even though NFL refereeing is a highly paid side job, most officials have full time jobs outside of Football. One of the most famous refs Ed Hochuli is a prominent attorney in Baltimore during the week.

Even though being an NFL ref is just a side-job, refs aren't simply running around blowing a whistle for a few hours each Sunday. NFL refs are required to spend 35-40 hours per week preparing for games, training physically, studying rules and traveling for games." (bold italics mine)

So the average NFL official makes considerably more than most standout CFL players. And, it would seem, they (NFL officials) put in approximately as much time preparing for games as players do. All of this would, I think, nicely explain the difference in quality of officiating. On a side-note, Ed Hochuli is my favorite NFL ref (even though he did blow a call badly two or three years ago that was publicized). I particularly like the way he authoritatively signals first down!

Edit: For those who care, here's the story on Ed's blown call in the Chargers-Broncos game (longer ago than I had remembered--in the 2008 season):
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Hochuli apologizes to fans for blown call in Chargers-Broncos game
Updated: September 18, 2008, 12:52 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Ed Hochuli threw a flag on himself.

After blowing a call that helped the Denver Broncos beat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, the referee admitted he made a mistake on Wednesday and is answering e-mails from some fans telling them that, according to multiple media reports.

Jimmy DeFlippo/US PresswireThe NFL will give longtime official Ed Hochuli lower grades after he admitted botching a call late in the Chargers-Broncos game.

"I'm getting hundreds of e-mails -- hate mail -- but I'm responding to it all," Hochuli wrote to several Chargers fans, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. "People deserve a response. You can rest assured that nothing anyone can say can make me feel worse than I already feel about my mistake on the fumble play. You have no idea … Affecting the outcome of a game is a devastating feeling. Officials strive for perfection -- I failed miserably. Although it does no good to say it, I am very, very sorry."

The crucial call occurred with the Broncos at the Chargers' 1-yard-line in the final minute. Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler dropped back to pass, the ball slipped out of his hands, bounced off the grass and into the arms of Chargers linebacker Tim Dobbins.

Hochuli, a former NFLRA president, ruled it an incomplete pass. Replay ruled it a fumble, but it was spotted at the 10, where the ball hit the ground, and given to Denver because the rules did not permit possession to be awarded to San Diego because the whistle had blown.

Denver went on to score a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to win 39-38.
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I wonder whether a CFL official has ever apologized for a blown call.

[ducepot]

Can't be blaming the REFS,as both teams are getting the same Officials....Crap Ball or Chap Ball same thing I turned TV off after 1st Quarter after I saw the play calling...as long as the Chap is around ,I will try to learn the NFL game and watch hockey...The Chap crap is a big Lions problem