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BC Lions Day 1 Free Agency Recap

February 12, 2019 By Brian Wawryshyn

Mike Reilly - BCLions.com — Mike Reilly: Photo BCLions.com

The worst kept secret in the CFL was finally unveiled by the BC Lions shortly after the opening of CFL Free agency. Ed Hervey got his man, and could barely wipe the smile off of his face.

Mike Reilly is back with the BC Lions, where he said he intends to play until he’s at least 40. His current deal will take him to the age of 37.

A four year deal worth $2.9 million is what it took to get the man many consider to be the premier quarterback in the CFL. That and the vision of Ed Hervey, who Reilly has complete confidence in to build the Lions into a contender for years to come. The added bonus of having his family near by was the clincher.

The deal set off a chain reaction through the league, as the Eskimos immediately shifted gears, successfully targeting Trevor Harris in Ottawa. Bo Levi Mitchell put a scare into Stampeders fans by listening to the Argos and Riders, but in the end chose to stick with the familiarity of Calgary, inking a deal similar to Reilly’s at four years, $2.8 million.

Judging by reaction on my Twitter feed, the signing of Reilly has fans excited about Lions football again, and don’t think that didn’t factor into the signing as well. The market here needed a shakeup, and this should provide it. Reilly is a proven winner, a consistent performer, and durable. He’ll also have no problem getting out in the community to be the face of the franchise. The club wasted little time getting Reilly’s face out there.

He's back.#CFLFA @Rikester13 @CFL pic.twitter.com/wxLXJ1YToC
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) February 12, 2019

“This is a historic day for our organization and for fans of the B.C. Lions,” said Lions general manager Ed Hervey. “Acquiring one of the CFL’s elite quarterbacks is an extremely rare opportunity and we’re thrilled to welcome Mike home to the Lions.”

Reilly seemed extremely confident and excited to be joining Ed Hervey in BC.

“It’s an amazing feeling for me, my wife and our extended families to know I am back with the Lions,” said Reilly. “I am grateful for my time in Edmonton and it will always hold a very special place in my heart, but the opportunity to rejoin Ed and return to Vancouver to be part of what he is building was too good to pass up at this point in my career.”

Mike Reilly can’t win games on his own, and the Lions added some pieces today that will help with that. Let’s break down day one of free agency in the Lions Den.

Additions

Mike Reilly	International	QB	(EDM)
Sukh Chungh	National	OG	(WPG)
Lemar Durant	National	WR	(CGY)
Aaron Gymes	International	DB	(EDM)
Duron Carter (Unofficial)	International	WR	(TOR)
Chris Edwards	International	DB	(EDM)
Josh Stanford	National	WR	(MTL)
Josh Woodman	National	DB	(EDM)

Obviously when you’re looking to protect your new shiny quarterback, you’re going to need to make sure he’s protected. The Lions took steps towards doing that by re-upping Hunter Steward the day before free agency and added some nasty to the interior of the line by plucking Sukh Chungh out of Winnipeg and inking him to a 3-year deal at a reported $250,000/year.

Chungh is exactly what Hervey is looking for.; an extremely physical presence on the interior of the offensive line. Still to be decided is the spot at centre and right tackle, where I’ve been told the Lions will audition for the position, moving on from Jovan Olafioye.

Many feel that national receiver Lemar Durant started to break out in Calgary last season. Like Chungh, the BC player comes home to play for the Lions, and will likely slot in for Shaq Johnson, who I’ve been told the Lions may move on from.

To help stretch the field the Lions went out and have reportedly signed the colourful and controversial Duron Carter. Carter spoke with the Lions last year after being released by the Lions. Hervey made overtures that it might be something he would look at in the future, and he’s done just that.

Carter is of course a risky signing. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been able to find a place to call home, but Hervey is gambling that BC will be the place. He definitely fits into that image Hervey is moulding for the Leos. He wants them to have swagger, and Carter fits that bill, and oh yeah, he’s a pretty good player as well.

It’s hard to imagine DeVone Claybrooks or Mike Reilly putting up with any nonsense in their locker room, so maybe this will be a good fit for Carter to buckle down and play some football.

Aaron Grymes is one of the best cover DB’s in the Canadian Football League and he’s now a BC Lion. Another former Hevery employee from Edmonton, Grymes brings a physicality that will be exciting for Lions fans to watch.

The club re-signed TJ Lee prior to free agency, but lost Anthony Orange to the Eskimos. They were rumoured to be in on Taylor Loffler, but he ended up with the Alouettes. Hervey went back to Edmonton to sign DB’s Chris Edwards and Josh Woodman. Anthony Thompson, Otha Foster, Winston Rose and Garry Peters remain unsigned.

Rounding out the signings was the addition of national reciever Josh Stanford (MTL) who adds national depth at the position for the Lions, and who very well could cost 3rd year Danny Vandervoort, who hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, a roster spot.

Departures

Boseko Lokombo	National	LB	(MTL)
Anthony Orange	International	DB	(EDM)
Ricky Collins Jr.	International	WR	(EDM)
Chris Rainey	International	KR/RB	(TOR)
Dyshawn Davis	International	LB	(SSK)
Devier Posey	International	WR	(MTL)

The biggest surprise for me here was Bo Lokombo, who really started to show signs last year that he’s ready for a full time starting role. He’s a special teams demon, a local guy as well and the Lions lost a good one here. But as was the case with Adam Bighill, linebacker isn’t a position where Hervey likes to spend a lot of money and Montreal was happy to snap him up.

Chris Rainey was no surprise, after seeming to fall out of favour in the second half of last season, even being taken out of the lineup a couple of times. He’s still a legitimate threat and a fresh start in Toronto might do him good.

Lots Of Work To Do

Hervey got a lot done today, but what you didn’t see was any guys on the current roster who are now free agents, re-signed except for running back Brandon Rutley. The Lions GM dished out some strong hints that Lions fans are going to be saying goodbye to some familiar faces. In his words, “You have to rob from Peter to pay Mike”.

Names like Manny Arceneaux, Jovan Olafioye, Travis Lulay, Jonathan Jennings, Shawn Lemon etc. are likely gone. Other have likely been offered deals and now have to decide whther they want to be part of things going forward.

It’s a new era of BC Lions football, and it’s only just beginning.

More:

BC Lions Free Agency Preview: A New Direction

February 9, 2019 By Brian Wawryshyn

Reports on Saturday indicate Mike Reilly will sign with the BC Lions on Tuesday

#IsItJuneYet is a popular hashtag in CFL off-season chatter. But for fans of the BC Lions, #IsItTuesdayYet might win the weekend.

The 2019 off-season is certainly anything but dull. With pending CBA negotiations to start in early march, the CFL Draft, expansion talk, and the league going global with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie’s vision of CFL 2.0.

However, it’s the opening of free agency that CFL fans are clamouring for and Lions fans have every reason to be excited as the bell rings on Tuesday at 9:00am PT, 12:00pm ET.

With the retirement of Wally Buono the Leo’s are now firmly under the guidance of Ed Hervey, who during his wrap up press conference at the end of last season, declared his club would be “extremely aggressive” in free agency.

With just 4 of his 38 pending free agents signed at the time this was written, it appears the boss of the Leos is saving his pennies to see what he can land in free agency and at the same time asking those on his roster to buy in to his plan

Trying to predict how this will all pan out is about as likely as winning the lottery.

Reports on Saturday infer that Mike Reilly will indeed sign with the BC Lions, but it’s not official until the Lions say it is, and until then almost everything else is in a holding pattern.

Word came Friday that the Lions and other CFL teams had been given permission by the Edmonton Eskimos to speak with their prized quarterback. It’s believed the Lions have met with Reilly recently, and most CFL “insiders” are suggesting the Lions have the inside track on signing him, for reasons that have been widely speculated on.

But nothing is guaranteed, and there is no doubt Hervey will have multiple plans to bounce to if needed.

There is a lot of work to be done. His entire secondary is unsigned, many on the offensive line, and none of his top receivers. He also needs to find a kicker and a punter, or someone who can do both, after the departure of Ty Long to the NFL.

Let’s break down the areas that Hervey could be targeting on Tuesday.

Quarterback

The whole CFL community knows the Lions plan to take a shot at bringing Mike Reilly back to Vancouver. It’s been reported that this is a two horse race between the Eskimos and Lions, with his current club saying they won’t be outbid to retain their starting pivot.

What this will come down to for Reilly are the intangibles and with the proximity to his home and family in Washington State, the Lions might hold the best hand. Of course winning is important as well, and if the Lions are to be successful obtaining Reilly’s services, they’ll have to lay out a vision for a return to dominance.

Should Reilly choose to remain in Edmonton, or choose another destination, the plan will have to quickly change directions. With only 2^nd year man Ricky Lloyd under contract, and despite the fact they do see promise in him, the Lions surely need to find a more experienced QB to start the season with, never mind to sell tickets around.

With the money already budgeted, the Lions could change their target to Trevor Harris or Bo Levi Mitchell, should they be there and willing to listen.

Travis Lulay has yet to declare his intentions for 2019, and would be the perfect number two behind his best friend Reilly, but at this stage in his career and where the Lions are as an organization, it would be hard to sell him to a fan base craving for a new direction. Combine that with the salary the Lions would paying to Reilly, and Lulay may not even be affordable, clearing the way for Lloyd to be Reilly’s understudy.

Offensive Line

Since his arrival in BC, Ed Hervey has preached a consistent message; he wants to build this team from the trenches out. And if he’s going to invest the money it will take to get an elite quarterback, he had better make sure he has the horses to protect him.

Re-signing Joel Figueroa was positive step, but the thought is Hervey isn’t satisfied with the current make up of this unit. He wants to make it tougher, nastier and into a unit that imposes its will on opponents.

Of last year’s starters, only Figueroa and David Foucault are under contract and you can bet Hervey will be seeing what’s out there on Tuesday before committing on who to bring back.

Possible names that I’ve heard are Sukh Chungh (WPG) John Gott (OTT) and Sir Vincent Rogers (OTT). Chungh is a BC boy who would add that nastiness that Hervey is seeking, while Gott (who has already learned he’s not in Ottawa’s plans) and Rogers have both played under the Lions new offensive line coach Bryan Chiu in the past. Rogers and Chungh would not come cheap, and would almost certainly mean the end for Jovan Olafioye and others Lions.

Receiver

Lions fans would be wise to prepare themselves for the loss of a fan favourite or two here. Both Bryan Burnham and Emmanuel Arceneaux are set to enter free agency, and with potential of a big ticket like Reilly, it’s highly unlikely both will be back.

Will Bryan Burnham be back in orange and black? ( Photo: Gerry Kahrmann / PNG)

There are some that feel that the Eskimos Derel Walker will follow Mike Reilly if he leaves Edmonton, another connection to Ed Hervey that could pay dividends for the Lions. Many feel Arceneaux’s days in BC might be over, and it remains to be seen of Burnham could or would fit in under that scenario.

Of course there are other options out there as well. It will be interesting to see what receivers are left standing, and if the Lions can secure Reilly who they might attract, given the chance to play with the CFL’s premier pivot.

Defensive Line

The Lions defensive line was right up there with the best in the league at sacking the QB in 2018. Where they struggled was against the run, and look for Hervey to try and resolve that when the market opens.

One of the biggest additions he could make is plucking DT Micha Johnson from the Grey Cup Champion Stampeders. He wouldn’t come cheap, but perhaps he could be convinced to join new head coach DeVone Claybrooks west of the Rockies.

DE Odell Willis, who lead the team in sacks last season has been re-signed, but on the other side, Shawn Lemon is still without a deal. Will Hervey look to get a bit younger here and look to the free agent pool?

There’s some younger talent looking for their chance to start as well, but I expect Hervey will stick to his plan to make the lines as strong as he can and try to add a piece or two.

Secondary

The Lions secondary really started to come together in the second half of last season. The problem facing Ed Hervey here is that none of them are signed, or at least haven’t been announced.

The big piece here is TJ Lee who is now considered by many to be one of the best DB’s in the CFL and one of the leaders of that group. There other’s that Hervey brought in last year such as AJ Orange, Garry Peters and Otha Foster and national draft pick Anthony Thompson who made great strides in his second year.

TJ Lee became a leader in the Lions secondary last year and is set to enter free agency.

It’s likely not all of these players will be back, but the Lions would be wise to bring Lee back, then pick and choose from there.

Taylor Loffler (WPG) played his university football at UBC and doesn’t seem to be a fit cap wise for the Bombers. He’s a big physical defensive back that would certainly help the ratio, but the salary he wants may not fit into the Lions plans.

Special Teams

Ty Long has departed for the NFL, a loss that was expected by many. The Lions have signed kicker Lane Clark, but he doesn’t appear to have punting experience, and you can bet competition will be brought into camp.

There is really nothing available in the free agent pool however, so the Lions will need to find help here on their own, either through free agent camps, scouting, or the draft.

These are the areas where the Lions have the biggest needs and how it all will shake down over the next week is anyone’s guess. But if Hervey sticks to his statement about being aggressive, Lions fans can expect a lot of action come Tuesday. Especially if they land their big fish early.

Happy hunting, Ed!

Wally Buono: All You Can Say is Thank-You

October 14, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

Wally Buono: Thank-you

I don’t write many blogs posts anymore. Simply put, the podcast takes up enough of my free time and I had to make a choice.

That said, Wally Buono is winding down his CFL career and I didn’t feel I could say what I wanted to say on a podcast, versus taking the time this man deserves to convey the gratitude from me as not only a BC Lions fan, but a CFL fan.

As the BC Lions head into this week, a win away from clinching a playoff spot in Buono’s final season, I needed to express my feelings on the man who has represented this team with class and dignity for the last 16 seasons.

Buono arrived to an organization in shambles, and along with the late Bob Ackles, reignited my passion for the BC Lions.

I’ve been a Lions fan for 42 of my nearly 50 years on this earth, but I admit for a short period of time I had drifted away from the team. During my late teen years and early 20’s I had stopped going to games, still watching on TV when the games were on. None of my friends were interested in going to the games, so I stopped going too.

But when Buono arrived, he brought instant credibility to the team. Working with Ackles, Buono quickly made it apparent that the status quo would not be tolerated any longer. This organization was going to operate Wally’s way…one that had a proven track record of success, and it didn’t take long to get things turned around.

In the first five seasons under Buono (2003–2007), the Lions went 62–27–1 in regular-season play, with five straight playoff appearances, four straight first-place finishes (2004–2007), and two Grey Cup appearances: a 27-19 loss to the Toronto Argonauts in 2004 and a 25-14 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in 2006.

I’ve been a season ticket holder for the whole Buono era, and next year will be my 17^th straight season with tickets. If it wasn’t for Wally Buono, I honestly don’t know if this would be the case. There have been highs and lows, thrills and devastating disappointments, but that’s the life of a sports fan, it’s part of the ride. But I am hooked for life now because this passion has developed into me devoting even more time to the game, as a fan, blogger and podcaster.

The highlight of course was the 2011 season. The Lions dug themselves a hole starting the year with five straight losses. In a year when they were hosting the Grey Cup, they were 1-6 when they turned their season around, in one of the best worst to first seasons that this league has ever seen.

It was in this season, where Buono did his finest work and the Lions rebounded to win 10 of their last 11 games on the way to an 11-7 record, a west final win over Edmonton and a Grey Cup win at a newly renovated BC Place stadium over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

He walked away from the sidelines after that season, but you never truly got the feeling that it was the last we would see of him. Wally needed to be involved in the action; lived it…it’s who he is. After two failed attempts at replacing him, Buono realized that inner passion was still there and knew he had to return.

Faith, Family, Food and Football

Buono is an ambassador for this league. He is an icon. It doesn’t matter what CFL event you attend, if Wally walks in the room, people flock to him. Whether it’s to chat, ask for a photo, an autograph or simply to shake his hand, he’s Wally, and everyone knows who he is and what he’s done for this league.

Buono Family — Wally Buono and family: Faith, Family, Food & Football – Flickr.com

He’s a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Speak to any of his children and it’s apparent how much they love and respect their dad. A tribute to not only the man who had to sacrifice so much to be successful, but also to his wife Sande, who has supported him and been the matriarch of the Buono family for the whole ride. After this season, they will get him back full time, and they deserve that. He deserves that.

He takes time to speak to everyone who wants a moment of his time, and realizes that though things have changed and evolved over the years, the CFL is a fan driven league.

The end of an era is coming in BC Lions football, and the Canadian Football League. It’s my dream one day to have Wally Buono join us on the podcast. But I want to wait until he’s done coaching to bring out as much as we can from him. His journey has been a fascinating one and one would hope there could be a book in the future, filled with stories from his time in this league.

I just want to say thank you to a man who brought my passion back. A man that has represented this team and this league with class.

If you have ever been a Lions fan under this regime, and for whatever reason you have stopped coming to games, the Lions have two home games left. Now is the time to come and say thank you to Wally yourself.

Now go get them coach…you deserve that final chapter to be a thriller.

Five Thoughts: Mike Reilly and CJ Gable Too Much for the BC Lions

June 30, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

Jonathon Jennings, Mike Reilly — Jonathon Jennings lost another battle with Mike Reilly Friday – Photo: BCLions.com

Commonwealth Stadium hasn’t been kind to the BC Lions in recent years, more specifically, since Mike Reilly became their quarterback via a trade that makes Lions fans wonder what could have been.

Friday night was no different, as once Reilly and the Eskimos swung momentum in their favour they steam rolled the Lions the rest of the way, pounding them along the ground and throwing on them at will.

Five thoughts on the latest loss to another Western division rival.

Mike Reilly, CJ Gable and momentum killers:

The Lions started the game strongly, putting together solid drives to build up a 14-2 lead. But that should have been a 19-2 lead considering Ty Long left 5 points on the board with two missed field goals.

Then in the second quarter came a challenge for pass interference on Marcell Young on a ball that was thrown 3 to 5 yards out of bounds. Instead of being forced to punt again, Jason Maas won the challenge and from there Mike Reilly and the Eskimos offence started to roll.

The Eskies grabbed the momentum from there and didn’t give it back. Reilly started finding open receivers in the Lions secondary and CJ Gable ran the ball down the Lions throat. When your defence is getting hammered by the run it’s energy draining and demoralizing.

Even when the Lions pulled to within 11 with plenty of time left, the defence allowed the Eskimos to drive the field and score on the very next series.

Where was the run defence:

Through two off-season games and week one it looked as though the Lions had improved their front seven.

CJ Gable begs to differ.

Gable romped for 165 yards on the Lions defence who couldn’t bring him down on first contact all night long. Once he got to the second and third levels of the Lions defence the results were similar. The Eskimos made sure to block up Solomon Elimimian (who still led the team with 10 tackles) and the interior of the defensive line had a rough night.

To beat the Eskimos, you need to make life miserable for Mike Reilly, and while the Lions got to him a couple times, he had far too much time to find open receivers. The Lions, clearly lost the battle in the trenches, on both sides of the ball.

Offensive woes:

On the other side of the ball the offensive line started strong, protecting the quarterback and opening holes for Jeremiah Johnson, but like the rest of the Lions game that changed too. First down production dried up leaving the Lions in 2^nd and long too often, and penalties wiped out drive extending plays.

Jennings was only sacked once, but holes for the running game, which the Eskimos have had issues with in their first two games, disappeared.

Primary concerns in the secondary:

I hate piling on players, and look if they weren’t talented they wouldn’t be in the league. But when the Lions signed Marcell Young every single Eskimo fan I know essentially said, “good luck with that!”

Young had some rough moments against the Alouettes in week one, but Friday in Edmonton he was victimized badly by his former club but he wasn’t alone either. Ed Hervey’s revamped secondary has some work to do, and it should start by starting Winston Rose at Young’s corner spot against the Bombers next week. Rose contributed a pick after replacing Young, and also filled in nicely for him in week one when Young experienced cramping.

Wally Buono has often said, “If you can’t do the job, I’ll find someone that will”. Considering they yanked Young on Friday, perhaps Buono has seen enough.

TJ Lee, who is considered the leader of the group also had a tough night.

Taking Chances:

In his preseason conference call Wally Buono made reference to maybe taking more chances in his final year of coaching. Obviously part of that was tongue in cheek, but Friday night he wasn’t in that frame of mind. With 5:03 remaining and down by 17 points, the Lions were at midfield facing a 3^rd and 13 and Buono chose to send out the punt team and it resulted in a single point.

Facing that situation, you need to tell your offence to go get you a first down, because quite frankly the Eskimos were having their way with your defence.

There isn’t reason to panic…yet. The Lions now head into Winnipeg to face the Bombers and once again the goal is the same. Get a road victory against a Western opponent. It’s the first of a back to back against the Bombers, who have a young QB who is taking the league by storm and who will be looking to avenge their week three loss to the Ticats.

It’s time to see what this team is made of. Friday night wasn’t anywhere near good enough to change their status in the CFL West. We’ll leave you with Coach Buono’s comments.

?“I think we’ll know more about what kind of team we are next week.”@CoachBrillo knows his squad must execute better in order to have long-term success this season ? ?#WeAreTheLions pic.twitter.com/7dTaGH1TVH

— BC Lions (@BCLions) June 30, 2018

CFL/NFL Flag Football Tourney Returns in 2018: Maritimes Stop Added

June 21, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

New regional tournament added in Atlantic Canada; CFL NFL Flag Championship to take place during Grey Cup week in Edmonton; winner to compete in the NFL FLAG Championships during Pro Bowl Week

TORONTO, ON/NEW YORK, NY (June 20, 2018) – Following the success of the inaugural CFL NFL Flag football tournaments in 2017, the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL) announced that the joint flag football initiative will continue in 2018 and expand to 10 stops across the country including Atlantic Canada.

The 10 regional tournaments will be held across Canada and will bring together young athletes, CFL stars and alumni, football professionals, parents and communities. A championship will be held in Edmonton, Alberta the week of the 106^th Grey Cup presented by Shaw as part of the festivities. The winner of this tournament will travel to the NFL’s Pro Bowl Week to participate in the NFL FLAG Championships.

The program, which is open to 10- and 11-year olds (those born on or after January 1^st, 2007), is a way to highlight and showcase flag football as a method of instructing players on football fundamentals, sportsmanship and teamwork while promoting physical activity.

Last year’s inaugural tournament saw the Junior Riders of Saskatchewan put together an overall record of 11-0-1 between regionals and the championship. They outscored opponents 266-47, including a 20-7 win over the Surrey Tigers of BC during Grey Cup week. The win earned them a trip to Pro Bowl Week in Orlando, where they went 2-2, beating two teams from China and falling to Mexico and the United States.

“Last year’s tournament saw hundreds of young football players across the country turning out to learn, play and lead,” said Vanessa Morbi, Vice President, Marketing and Digital, Canadian Football League. “We’re proud to continue our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and growing the game alongside our partners at the NFL.”

“The NFL is proud to partner again this year with the CFL, to continue to grow the game of football in Canada,” said David Thomson, Managing Director, NFL Canada. “Flag football is a fun, exciting and easy way for youth to get into the game, and can develop important life skills including teamwork, commitment and the value of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Each regional tournament will feature twelve teams with a maximum 10 players each. Participants will interact with current CFL players, meet mascots, and enjoy football-themed games and activities alongside their matches. The top team from each regional tournament will win a trip to Edmonton to play in the CFL/NFL Flag Football Championship during Grey Cup Week.

UPCOMING REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

BC: June 24^th at the BC Lions Training Facility in Surrey, BC
Winnipeg: July 8^th at Investors Group Field
Saskatchewan: September 16^th at Mosaic Stadium
Calgary: September 22^nd at McMahon Stadium
Toronto: September 22^nd at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto, ON
Montreal: October 7^th at Percival Molson Stadium
Hamilton: October 14^th at Tim Hortons Field
Ottawa: October 14^th at TD Place
Edmonton: October 20^th at the Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium
Atlantic Canada: October 28^th at Mount Allison’s Alumni Field in Sackville, NB

Championship TOURNAMENT:

Edmonton, Alta..: The week of the 106^th Grey Cup Presented by Shaw.

Those interested in registering for the program can find more information at cflnflflag.ca Both the CFL and the NFL will continue to invest in youth football programming and promote physical activity.