Lions at Bombers June 21, 2024

[tedbear]

After a couple of days to digest the win a couple of observations:

LEADERSHIP

Vernon Adams is one of the best leaders this team had ever had. He is the glue that keeps this team together a player with high skills and integrity. This group seems to have high expectations and many leaders who demand excellence among their peers instead of relying on the coaches to rule the roost.

Nothing frustrates me more than watching a football game and watching stupid after foul misconducts or celebration penalties from selfish players and no repercussions happen to that player. (see Hamilton, Edmonton, Saskatchewan) I was pleasantly surprised when Hollins gave Berryhill an ear full when he lined up incorrectly and the team had to burn a time out . VA the leader then came in and settled everyone down. I am sure that the young rookie will work a bit harder at practice making sure he knows where to lineup and will not be making that mistake again. All though it is up to the coaches to control things it is nice to see when players take ownership themselves.

O LINE

IMO there are a couple of reasons are O line is starting to play better.

Packer at and Schleugler seem to have given this O Line a more aggressive attitude and they seem to hold their own a bit better, not getting pushed back as fast when the other team brings pressure.

Stanback is a great addition seems to always be in the right place to pick up the Blitz and unlike last year is able to hold up the onrushing player. Last year it seems that even if our back did get there he was bowled over most of the time.

i always thought Cottoy was a great blocker when the lined him up at tight end but the last two games Mackie has been outstanding in that blocking position. The guy is solid makes all the correct blocks, rarely takes a penalty or lets his man beat him.

With the two additions on the O Line and Stanback and Mackie out there VA seems to have a fighting chance to hold onto the ball and look long.

DEFENCE

Although a work in progress, the pendulum has seemed to have swung this year and all offences seem to be moving the ball with ease at times. Each team seems to have a bonafide starting QB The offences are attacking defences this year and seem to be ahead of the curve at this juncture of the season.

Although we have given up some long runs we have also had quite a few tackle for loses which we never seemed to have before. Our sack totals are not high but seem to be able to limit other teams explosion plays.
Dukes, Maier, and Collaros all seemed content on getting the ball out quick underneath and did not challenge or have very much success over the top. It is early and I am sure things will get a bit better and hopefully our relatively new secondary group will continue to get better.

It is early in the season but there have been more positives than negatives and we have 15 more games to get them worked out. Go Lions!

[Hambone]

I thought it was a bit unfair for Hollins to chew Berryhill out. I place the blame for the confusion on that play on McInnis. IMO he confused Berryhill who started out like he was going to position himself on the LOS. Then McInnis waved at him as though no, no I'm supposed to be in the outside WR spot on the LOS. So Berryhill dropped back only to have McInnis do an oops, my bad, you're supposed to be up on the LOS. Berryhill again started to go back to the LOS but looked unsure now where he was supposed to be. Campbell wisely called the timeout in a nick of time while Hollins proceeded to chew out Berryhill for IMO being confused by McInnis' directions and change of mind.