Hamilton Tiger-Cats away - Sunday July 7th

[cromartie]

Interestingly, Milanovich mentioned on the TSN post-game presser that Hamilton only lined up 11 players on Special Teams a couple of times! The fact that we couldn't exploit that for big returns disappoints me. And that brings me to my question. Should we look to replace Terry Williams as returner?

He's like a punter who averages 42.5 yards a punt, when punters now are flirting with a 50 yard average. That said, he is good at directional punting and doesn't launch many singles. Likewise, Williams is a reliable returner, doesn't drop the ball, and heads upfield in a hurry. The problem is, it's often 9 yards and splat when the rest of the league has "field flippers" in Alford, Dedmon, Leake, and Grant.

My issue with Rick (why waste a challenge flag when you can finish a game with one in your pocket?) Campbell, is his conservatism. Fulgham aside, which was glaringly obvious, he seems reluctant to make roster changes to a winning roster when it's only a matter of time before our weaknesses get exposed by a well-coached squad (my old 10th grade English teacher would call this 'foreshadowing,' lol).

Fortunately for us, there aren't very many well coached squads in the CFL this year.

Always a tough question, but I sense that if there were anyone out their faster that they trusted, they'd have him. If he's consistently ensuring you're starting drives at the 35 or 40 and doesn't negatively impact your cap, you hold onto him until you can find a replacement who has the extra gear he lacks.

[B.C.FAN]

Interestingly, Milanovich mentioned on the TSN post-game presser that Hamilton only lined up 11 players on Special Teams a couple of times! The fact that we couldn't exploit that for big returns disappoints me. And that brings me to my question. Should we look to replace Terry Williams as returner?

He's like a punter who averages 42.5 yards a punt, when punters now are flirting with a 50 yard average. That said, he is good at directional punting and doesn't launch many singles. Likewise, Williams is a reliable returner, doesn't drop the ball, and heads upfield in a hurry. The problem is, it's often 9 yards and splat when the rest of the league has "field flippers" in Alford, Dedmon, Leake, and Grant.

My issue with Rick (why waste a challenge flag when you can finish a game with one in your pocket?) Campbell, is his conservatism. Fulgham aside, which was glaringly obvious, he seems reluctant to make roster changes to a winning roster when it's only a matter of time before our weaknesses get exposed by a well-coached squad (my old 10th grade English teacher would call this 'foreshadowing,' lol).



DH

I think Rick Campbell's conservatism is the reason for Williams' straight-ahead returns. The Lions rarely try to set up an outside return, and don't allow Williams the freedom to improvise due to the heightened risk of penalties and negative returns when returners change direction or blockers don't have leverage on their opponents. Williams leads the league in total kick returns and yardage but his average kick return of 22.4 yards is almost right on the league average of 22.3 yards and his average punt return of 10.4 yards is slightly below the league average of 11.1 yards.

I'd love to see the Lions keep cover teams off balance by adding more variety to their return game but as long as the B.C. offence continues to lead the league, I doubt that the coaches will see a need to take more risks on special teams.

[Toppy Vann]

Interestingly, Milanovich mentioned on the TSN post-game presser that Hamilton only lined up 11 players on Special Teams a couple of times! The fact that we couldn't exploit that for big returns disappoints me. And that brings me to my question. Should we look to replace Terry Williams as returner?

He's like a punter who averages 42.5 yards a punt, when punters now are flirting with a 50 yard average. That said, he is good at directional punting and doesn't launch many singles. Likewise, Williams is a reliable returner, doesn't drop the ball, and heads upfield in a hurry. The problem is, it's often 9 yards and splat when the rest of the league has "field flippers" in Alford, Dedmon, Leake, and Grant.

My issue with Rick (why waste a challenge flag when you can finish a game with one in your pocket?) Campbell, is his conservatism. Fulgham aside, which was glaringly obvious, he seems reluctant to make roster changes to a winning roster when it's only a matter of time before our weaknesses get exposed by a well-coached squad (my old 10th grade English teacher would call this 'foreshadowing,' lol).



DH

On Dolegala or Brice, it strikes this observer that the Lions are planning an entire season where starter is never nicked and the back ups get no in-game experience whether short yardage or the odd package. I can't forget the Bombers losing Kevin Glenn in 2007 and the seldom used Ryan Dinwiddie having to play the entire Grey Cup game and not able to win it.

There's an argument that too many in season roster moves create instability in the team and that usually turns up negatively in the play unless it's s a glaring issue that has to be fixed.

Stanback is a great addition to the Lions and is proving that with his running ability and out of the backfield catches and play. I'm still not convinced that the Lions run calls show enough creativity that Stanback can get as many yards through the LOS as out of the backfield. I see the same situation for James Butler in Hamiton as Milanovich's play calling doesn't suit a RB getting massive yards through the line other than when LBs screw up or blocking is there.

On challenging, I watched so many games and sports this past week, I can't recall specific instances whereI questioned the Lion HC for not challenging but I know there was one for sure this last game. I don't know but is there any upside with the Command Centre when you only challenge the ones you really are certain of and not get seen as using the flag on spec just because it's at the end of the game?

I think I heard Rod Smith mention that at least once that he thought there were only 11 on Ham STs. That sure doesn't speak well to the disruption of firing your ST coach mid-season given all their problems in all aspects of their game. TWICE is in WTF territory!!! LOL

I strongly believe that BC's kick returner is doing in games EXACTLY what the coaches want and it's EXACTLY what he does in every practice.

I suspect that it's a risk averse philosophy grounded in the reality that too often blockers end up bringing the return back to the infraction point when the kick returner heads off in a different direction. I'm inferring from that they think if a return is on where he can take to the house it's after he's gone deeper in the the first waves of downfield tacklers.

He does give the Lions decent field position.


I have watched a number of Lion practices and one thing that stands out is that Williams never fumbles the ball but heads right up into the blocking.

[DanoT]

I have my doubts about the ability of Dolegala. With his 6'7" frame one would think he would have stuck with the NFL longer than 3 seasons (and 2 of them in TC and PR only) and apparently the Riders chose to go with Fine as a backup instead of Dolegala. And now the Lions have chosen to go with FB Mackie as the short yardage guy under centre rather than Dolegala.

[TheLionKing]

Someone please tell Campbell that you don't get any extra points for keeping the flag in the pocket.

[David]

Someone please tell Campbell that you don't get any extra points for keeping the flag in the pocket.

I was wondering whether the DPI on Peters was challengable? Certainly seemed like his use of hands did not impede the receiver. Even Rod Smith/Matt Dunigan didn't see it as pass interference. It would otherwise have ended the Cats' drive.



DH

[DanoT]

Someone please tell Campbell that you don't get any extra points for keeping the flag in the pocket.

OTOH, the Command Centre seems to be doing a pretty good job of being pro active and getting involved in reviewing plays without the need for a HC to throw a flag. Bonus: it speeds up the entire review process.

[Gridiron Ernie]

Just to say, it's a distinct pleasure to lean back in the shade somewhere away from this sweltering heat and enjoy some witty repartee (here on Lionbackers) and some stellar writing from the likes of JC Abbott (his report on the Lions/Ti-Cats put a grin on my face more than a couple times with his clever vocabulary). And Ben Grant continues to impress (also over on 3DownN) with his analytical dissections, in his most recent article he's expertly focused on VA's four first-half TD plays. The vision and clarity of his writing on this is a delight. Anyhow, credit where credit is due. Thanks to all of you fellows who chime in with your thoughts and insights. I keep coming back, shaking my metaphorical pompoms. Cheers.

[SammyGreene]

Just to say, it's a distinct pleasure to lean back in the shade somewhere away from this sweltering heat and enjoy some witty repartee (here on Lionbackers) and some stellar writing from the likes of JC Abbott (his report on the Lions/Ti-Cats put a grin on my face more than a couple times with his clever vocabulary). And Ben Grant continues to impress (also over on 3DownN) with his analytical dissections, in his most recent article he's expertly focused on VA's four first-half TD plays. The vision and clarity of his writing on this is a delight. Anyhow, credit where credit is due. Thanks to all of you fellows who chime in with your thoughts and insights. I keep coming back, shaking my metaphorical pompoms. Cheers.

That’s a great read from Grant. Thanks Ernie

[Hambone]

Someone please tell Campbell that you don't get any extra points for keeping the flag in the pocket.

Much like a trade where sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make. Same can be said for throwing challenge flags. Fans and the players involved often are lobbying to challenge a play, any play that they perceive can be easily won . IMO, especially early in the game, challenging a play you feel you can win doesn't always make sense if the gain is minimal. I'm not sure if the Peters DPI referenced is the play I'm thinking of. There was a challengeable play in the Hamilton endzone where if I recall the play broken up was a first and 5. Win the challenge and it's 1st and goal from the one. Don't challenge and it's 2nd and 5. Lose the challenge and it's still 2nd and 5 and Campbell is out of challenges for the rest of the game. Is it really worth the gamble to try and gain 4 yards and 1 down?

I'm OK with Campbell keeping the flag in his pocket for a possible marginal gain because if he loses the challenge the lack of having that flag could really bite him in the butt later in the game,

[Qman]

Someone please tell Campbell that you don't get any extra points for keeping the flag in the pocket.

I was wondering whether the DPI on Peters was challengable? Certainly seemed like his use of hands did not impede the receiver. Even Rod Smith/Matt Dunigan didn't see it as pass interference. It would otherwise have ended the Cats' drive.



DH

Dpi is challengable.
ICD is not .. thats the 10 yarder.

The command center has to step in there for clear and obvious phantom calls.

[Qman]

I have my doubts about the ability of Dolegala. With his 6'7" frame one would think he would have stuck with the NFL longer than 3 seasons (and 2 of them in TC and PR only) and apparently the Riders chose to go with Fine as a backup instead of Dolegala. And now the Lions have chosen to go with FB Mackie as the short yardage guy under centre rather than Dolegala.

Dolegala is Micheal bishop with worse aim. Can’t even run short yardage cause he can get low pad level.
Doubt he is back next year, unless he marries into Campbell family

[B.C.FAN]

The B.C. defence is getting some positive recognition along with the offence. Pro Stats Canada has rated Christian Covington as the CFL's most productive defensive tackle for Week 5, and Bo Lokombo was the second most productive linebacker. No surprise that Vernon Adams was rated as the most productive quarterback and Justin McInnis was the most productive receiver.

[David]

Interestingly, Milanovich mentioned on the TSN post-game presser that Hamilton only lined up 11 players on Special Teams a couple of times! The fact that we couldn't exploit that for big returns disappoints me. And that brings me to my question. Should we look to replace Terry Williams as returner?

He's like a punter who averages 42.5 yards a punt, when punters now are flirting with a 50 yard average. That said, he is good at directional punting and doesn't launch many singles. Likewise, Williams is a reliable returner, doesn't drop the ball, and heads upfield in a hurry. The problem is, it's often 9 yards and splat when the rest of the league has "field flippers" in Alford, Dedmon, Leake, and Grant.

My issue with Rick (why waste a challenge flag when you can finish a game with one in your pocket?) Campbell, is his conservatism. Fulgham aside, which was glaringly obvious, he seems reluctant to make roster changes to a winning roster when it's only a matter of time before our weaknesses get exposed by a well-coached squad (my old 10th grade English teacher would call this 'foreshadowing,' lol).

Always a tough question, but I sense that if there were anyone out their faster that they trusted, they'd have him. If he's consistently ensuring you're starting drives at the 35 or 40 and doesn't negatively impact your cap, you hold onto him until you can find a replacement who has the extra gear he lacks.

He was out there, at least until May 28 when the Argos signed him. Last night, Janarion Grant was the difference maker for the Argos. 242 return yards including a 103-yard kick-off return for a touchdown. He was flipping the field around the Argos all night.

We signed Lawrence Woods III from Hanilton in the off-season so it would seem that Mgt at least thought about giving Williams some competition. But then we released him in the off-season and he re-signed in Hamilton. Strange.


DH

[B.C.FAN]

Berryhill is the Lions' backup returner. I saw he was deployed last week alongside Williams but didn't get any touches. Mackie had taken all previous reps, since the second deep man is usually a key blocker.