The Lions have some veteran backups at a lot of positions, something that is typical of top ranked teams.
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BC hasn't missed the playoffs under David Braley's ownership.The_Pauser wrote:I'll have to continue reading through the posts as it looks like there's some good discussion here.
One correction though: the Lions didn't miss the playoffs in 2010. In fact, I believe we have the longest playoff streak in the league
dating back to 1999.
Blitz, you make a good point about different types of running backs being used depending on the offence. The differences were clear in the Calgary-Winnipeg game last night. Jerome Messam was gobbling up yards running through big holes off tackle as Jon Cornish used to do, while Andrew Harris was struggling to find holes up the middle in the zone read, as he often did with the Lions. He is most effective in the open field, usually as a receiver.Blitz wrote:The spread offence in the past, tended to favor quicker backs who could hit the hole fast inside on the zone read or run the cut back. They needed to be able to pick up the blitz as a pass blocker and to be able to catch the football out of the backfield.
I prefer a more power tailback as we move to more pro sets to help the running game. Jerome Messam is leading the CFL in rushing, He is massive at 6'3, 268 pounds, and a 5.7 yd. average. Andrew Harris is second in CFL rushing based on biga lot of carries but he only has a 3.9 yard average. Harris only had 28 yards on 10 carries for Winnipeg last night against Calgary.
With CFL defenses using big defensive tackles to negate the inside zone read, CFL offences are better off running off tackle, blocking against lighter defensive ends using pro sets and using a power back who can run through nickel backs. They can also insert a speed back (import kick returner) in the rotation to challenge the edge. A power back also can be a more effective blocker in the spread formation in picking up the blitz.
I noticed last game that as soon as Allen got past the LOS it was 2 hands on the ball.TheLionKing wrote:The only concern I have with Allen is his penchant for dropping the football.
Pleased that we both agree on Allen B.C. Fan. I'm not so sure that Johnson can better turn the corner than Allen. Johnson is a slasher who likes to run inside whereas Allen will kick it outside, as he did so effectively against Toronto. Johnson hits the hole faster but Allen reads blocks very well.B.C.FAN wrote:Blitz, you make a good point about different types of running backs being used depending on the offence. The differences were clear in the Calgary-Winnipeg game last night. Jerome Messam was gobbling up yards running through big holes off tackle as Jon Cornish used to do, while Andrew Harris was struggling to find holes up the middle in the zone read, as he often did with the Lions. He is most effective in the open field, usually as a receiver.Blitz wrote:The spread offence in the past, tended to favor quicker backs who could hit the hole fast inside on the zone read or run the cut back. They needed to be able to pick up the blitz as a pass blocker and to be able to catch the football out of the backfield.
I prefer a more power tailback as we move to more pro sets to help the running game. Jerome Messam is leading the CFL in rushing, He is massive at 6'3, 268 pounds, and a 5.7 yd. average. Andrew Harris is second in CFL rushing based on biga lot of carries but he only has a 3.9 yard average. Harris only had 28 yards on 10 carries for Winnipeg last night against Calgary.
With CFL defenses using big defensive tackles to negate the inside zone read, CFL offences are better off running off tackle, blocking against lighter defensive ends using pro sets and using a power back who can run through nickel backs. They can also insert a speed back (import kick returner) in the rotation to challenge the edge. A power back also can be a more effective blocker in the spread formation in picking up the blitz.
Going into the season, I was hoping the Lions would use Allen as their main back because of his ability to pick up tough yards inside but Johnson is more explosive and can better turn the corner if he gets to the outside. They can both be effective when healthy. It's a nice dilemma to have.
Scouting report on Jeremiah Johnson was:Big, thick frame with powerful lower body. Strong initial burst through the line, maintaining low center of gravity and secure cradle. Powerful back who keeps his legs moving and displays great balance on contact. Able to maintain his footing when spun around by defenders, even if it means running backward or sideways to continue forward progress. Keeps his weight forward to generate downhill momentum. Never fumbled in four college seasons. Primarily a power back, but flashes cutback and change of direction ability in the open field for his size.
Johnson is a excellent athlete blessed with speed and power. He plays with great balance and has a knack for finding holes (being very creative on the open field). Even with great lateral quickness, he does not run hard inside. He is a good, but not great receiver. Tending to wear down late in games, durability issues are a major concern