From the Lions' Den

From a wet field in Abbostford, to a last second victory to take the Season Series from The Eskimos at home, this first half or so of the Lions season has had more than its share of controversy, contention, contradiction, elation, and anger.

Injuries early in the season made things especially difficult for the Lions receiving corps. Speedster Tony Simmons, and All-Canadian Slotback Jason Clermont both went down with knee injuries. While Clermont has since returned after a near miraculous recovery from a torn MCL, Simmons, was likely career ending. Dave Dickenson suffered a high ankle sprain against Edmonton on Aug 4^th, and is ready to play on Friday against the Alouettes.  Defensive Back Mark Washington and Center Angus Reid also suffered from knee strains, keeping them out at times as well.

A malaise set in from the season start until game 5 in Calgary. The team had no drive, and in the words of one vet, felt that all they had to do in order to win was to show up. Defensive Coordinator Dave Ritchie soon righted that, with aid from Head Coach Wally Buono, resulting in 5 straight wins. Disturbingly, some of that has since reared its head again, against the Eskimos last week at BC Place.

Positives so far this season include

1)    A better offensive line, and better schemes. For the most part, Dave and Buck have had the protection they need, at least most of the time. Still in all, great strides over 2005.

2)    A better Defense as a result of the departure of disgruntled Middle Linebacker Barrin Simpson. As a result, Glatt, Floyd and Kidd have come together as a unit and made opposing Offences very unhappy at times.

3)    Much better play in the Secondary as a result of the departures of Tony Tiller and Sam Young, and the additions of Lavar Glover at CB, and Korey Banks at DB. Add to that the CFL’s best Safety in Barron Miles, and this could well be the best Secondary in the CFL.

4)    No Casey at the Bat means peace in the locker room, and a new synergy between Dave Dickenson and Backup Buck Pierce, who pulled out 2 wins while Super Dave was nursing that high ankle sprain. Once again, addition by subtraction, leaves Casey in Kansas City, and the Lions better off for it.

5)    Punter/PK Paul McCallum has been a breath of fresh air, with steady kicking and consistent punting when Lions need it most. At this time in 2005, Lions fans held their breath upon the sight of Duncan O’Mahony, a very good kicker who had trouble keeping his head in the game.

6)    Running back Joe Smith has been a great improvement over departed RB Antonio Warren, for whatever reason. As of this writing, Warren has not beenpicked up by any other club.

Needs improvement:

1)    Special Teams kick returns are not good. While this is down League wide this season, Aaron Lockett for whatever reason has had trouble returning the ball on punts and kickoffs for more than a few yards.

2)    Special Teams coverage on Punts and Kickoffs has been shoddy, with some people running their lanes and some not. Add to that an almost sure No Yards Flag on almost every opposition return, and there is room for concern.

3)    “We only have to play 30 minutes” syndrome, from early in the season returned vs. Edmonton on Aug 18^th. This is the CFL, and that won’t cut it.

All in all, a good first half of the season for Lions fans. The race in the CFL, however, is not how you start (ask BC in 2005 and Montreal in 2006) but how you finish, and what Playoff spot you secure. In a very tight CFL West Division that will be very tight, the winner will likely have an 11-7 record.

The Lions are at 7 and 3, next with the Alouettes, then another bye, then the Als at home. Then 2 games against Hamilton, and 2 against Winnipeg. The real battle will be the back to back with Calgary in October. That will likely decide much.

For Lions fans, there is some room for optimism.