From the Lions' Den

CFLInsiders' Lions Correspondent Lawrence Peters Weighs in with His Take on the Lions' Off-Season.

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.