Much has happened since the
last part of October.
For the first time since
week 3 of the 2007 season, Lions had 2 of 3 quarterbacks healthy for the
Western Final. And yet, neither Jackson nor Dickenson could get the job done
against the stingy Regina defence. On that day, the eventual Grey Cup Champs
countered everything that the Leos had, both offensively and defensively, and
proved that one does not need a quarterback that produces big offensive numbers
to win a Grey Cup. Perhaps they even indirectly influenced some eventual
happenings on 105A St. in Surrey.
I had the pleasure of
speaking to Dave Dickenson prior to Grey Cup in Toronto, and at that time he
openly hinted that which we now know was to happen the next week: Dave’s
release from the Club.
Wally Buono’s reasons are
many, and began with that which we call the Salary Management System, SMS, or
more precisely the “Luxury Tax”. Some teams adhere to the 4.05 (now 4.2)
million dollar Soft Cap, while others see the Cap as merely a tax on players
coming and going off their rosters. According to Buono, the Lions believe in
the spirit of the SMS, and are at the 4.05 million mark for 2007, or just over.
In order to be in accordance for 2007 and 2008, he released Dave Dickenson, and
with him his $400,000 salary.
That puts the future of the
franchise in the driver’s seat. Both 26 year old Buck Pierce and 31 year old
Jarious Jackson will fight it out at Camp for the starting quarterback spot,
while sophomore Gino Guidugli will back them up. Look for a fourth arm at Camp,
given the headhunting that has gone on the last 2 seasons on Lions
quarterbacks.
Dickenson’s time had come
and gone, and the progression of quarterbacks that has characterized Wally
Buono teams is seen yet again, as the old horse makes way for the younger
one(s). As fans, we wish Dave well in his new home (actually, his real home,
where his wife and family are) in Calgary. Happy Trails, Dave Dickenson, and we
thank you.
Another huge change in
Lionland was the departure of player personnel director Bob O’Billovich. O’Bie
managed his scouts with precision and skill, with many great finds making their
way into the Den. With his departure came the inevitable decision on the new
Director of Player Personnel, and many fans had hoped that the choice would
come from In House, in the guise of Richard Wade, who had been responsible for
most of the finds the Lions had in Camp over the past two seasons. The General
Manager made his choice known early in the New Year, and that one Roy Shivers
is the new DPP, to the disappointment of many Lions fans, and glee of others.
Needless to say, Coach Wade’s departure to Hamilton to join General Manager
O’Billovich was swift, and as DPP in Hamilton he will bring many great talents
into the Tiger’s Lair. We wish Coach Wade well, knowing that the Ti-Cats will
be a much better club with him there.
Another disappointment for
some fans (by no means all, however) ensued when certain players successfully
lobbied for the return of former Offensive Coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine, who
took Edmonton’s Offence to its worst performance in years in 2007, and was
subsequently released by the Eskimos after only a single year. Coach
Chapdelaine’s official title is “Receivers Coach”, but he will be the de facto
Offensive Coordinator, calling in the plays from the sidelines. Look for League
rushing leader Joe Smith to be relegated to blocking duty in five receiver sets
as the Lions revert to a 90% pass offence reminiscent of 2005 for 2008. If
Smith rushes for 700 yards in 2008, your faithful scribe will be shocked. Then
again, perhaps Buono can “suggest” that the Lions keep their running game from
2007 in a most encouraging way. Don’t count on it though.
Returning are Offensive
Coordinator (in name only) and Offensive Line Coach Dan Dorazio, who works
harder before 9 AM than any of us do before 3 PM. Steff Kreuk also returns as
Quarterbacks Coach, and Mike Benevides has been promoted to Defensive
Coordinator with the retirement of Dave Ritchie. Jamie Baresi (Special Teams)
is no longer with the Club, being replaced by Chuck McMann. Retired DB Mark Washington is now the
Defensive Backs Coach.
Many changes for 2008 mean
that uncertainty reigns, just as in the other 3 CFL West Division Cities. Can
the Lions repeat as Division Champions? Perhaps, given the turmoil in Regina,
Calgary and Edmonton.
8 more weeks, and we’ll know
more.