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You are here: Home / Archives for Game Recaps / 2014 Game Recaps

The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast – Episode 46

November 20, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

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***Episode Note: This episode was recorded two days before the firing of head coach Mike Benevides

In Episode 46 we look back at the shocking loss that ended the Lions season in Montreal and we look at what the ramifications of a disappointing season might be with Farhan Lalji of TSN.

To stay up to date with our podcasts, blogs and other Lions news, follow us on Twitter @BCLionsDen Please leave us a comment on the site and let us know how we’re doing. You can also leave us a ranking and a review on iTunes, we would really appreciate it!

You can follow our guest on Twitter: Farhan Lalji: @FarhanLaljiTSN


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Filed Under: 2014, 2014 Game Recaps, BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast, CFL/League, Den Talk, Featured, Game Recaps, Interviews, Podcasts Tagged With: BC Lions, BCLionsDen.ca, Brian Wawryshyn, CFL, Farhan Lalji, Mike Benevides, Mojo Kemp, Podcast, Wally Buono

From the Couch – Lions 17 Alouettes 50

November 20, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

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Even if you had the slightest glimmer of hope that the Lions offence would be able to come together for the playoffs, there certainly can’t be anyone that is surprised at what unfolded in Montreal. In reality it was a snapshot of the Lions season, one that was filled with frustration and inconsistencies.

We could talk about the game, but you’ve probably already had enough about that. So let’s look at what the Lions have facing them over the next six and a half months, because there are plenty of areas on this football team that need to be addressed. Here are a few of my thoughts for the final time this season, From the Couch.

The Coaching

13-5, 11-7, 9-9…see a trend here? The BC Lions have gotten progressively worse in the three years that Mike Benevides has been at the helm. They have yet to win a playoff game over that span, and had a losing record at home this season. This team seems to have a problem being ready to play games and whether or not that is game planning or execution of the players, it’s the coaches’ job to ensure that it happens.

Assuming David Braley doesn’t hold Wally Buono responsible, and I don’t think he will, the general manager has a tough decision to make that will be made tougher by the fact he just signed his coach to a two year extension this season. But can this team sell another year under Benevides to their fans? Will the injuries the team endured give him a pass?

There could be some quality candidates out there as well. How long does Marc Trestman have in the NFL with the Bears floundering? Would Dave Dickenson leave Calgary for a head coaching gig if John Hufnagel coaches another year?

Regardless, Buono first has to make the call to part ways with his protégé, even if doing so would be an admission that an extension for his head coach this year may not have been the best idea.

Khari Jones had some nice games as OC but he wasn’t able to get any sort of consistent production from his players. The offence faced many challenges this season, especially with injuries. The Lions no doubt spent the off-season under the assumption that they would have Travis Lulay, and likely designed an offence with that in mind. Kevin Glenn, while experienced, isn’t the same type of QB and the Lions were unable to find ways for him to succeed. But the challenges aside, Jones’ offence simply hasn’t been good enough and a change should be considered.

Mark Washington had the Lions among the league’s best defensively but in the final three games this year that fell apart as well. That said, for his first year as a coordinator he did enough to come back in the same role.

Change is Needed

The biggest question surrounding the team besides coaching will be what to do with Travis Lulay. Clearly the Lions need a plan B and in my opinion there is no way Kevin Glenn can be part of that plan. John Beck doesn’t have a big enough body of work in the CFL and isn’t getting any younger, and we don’t know what the future holds for Travis Partridge.

Putting all their eggs in Lulay’s basket once again would be a mistake with the nature of his shoulder. But from all accounts it appears that Lulay wants to keep playing, so the question is what role would he do so under, and can the Lions find someone for that Plan B.

The Canadian receivers on this team have to be seriously looked at, as none of them had great years and that was a big part of an underachieving offence. Shawn Gore was looked on to step up this season, as were Marco Iannuzzi and SJ Haidara. The Kito Poblah experiment was a bust.

The offensive line was an issue for the Lions all season. They did play better once they could settle on a group, and they do have some promising pieces in the fold with Kirby Fabian and Hunter Steward. But the Lions must draft better in this area and do whatever they can to upgrade this group. And if that means getting rid of Dan Dorazio, perhaps it’s time for that as well. Dorazio is a coaching genius but even Angus Reid has suggested that sometimes his teachings may be too complex for young lineman. The Lions also have a built in replacement with Kelly Bates.

Defensively the Lions have decisions to make as well. They have found some nice talent in the secondary and the annual review of older players like Dante Marsh and Ryan Phillips will once again take place. Matt McGarva will be looked on to get healthy and challenge for the safety spot of JR LaRose. The defensive line, whose best player was 35 year of Khreem Smith, needs to be more aggressive and effective at pressuring the quarterback. Can you see Khalif Mitchell coming back?

The Culture

Is it just me or have things really started going downhill since Geroy Simon left the organization? The core of this team’s success over the past 5-7 years is dwindling and getting older. Do the right thing and find a spot for Simon in the organization and bring him home where he belongs. The whole thing left a sour taste in the mouth of the fan base and it still does every time I see Simon in Rider colours. He has a lot to offer as a mentor, as an alumni and as a football man.

Benevides is labelled as a player’s coach, but it seemed like he lost his team on too many occasions. The team is going to need to get younger and some of that transition is already taking place. Perhaps this group needs more of a disciplinarian as a coach, but at the same time someone that can convince this team to buy in, and to play with discipline and focus.

“It’s all about winning.”

The bottom line is football is about winning, and the Lions aren’t doing enough of it. You hear the coaches say all the time “Your job is to win, and if you can’t we’ll find someone that will”. That applies to them too and the Lions will have a tough time convincing their fans that the status quo will turn it around. Tough choices face this organization and whatever they decide those choices must get this team back to being a contender.

Thank you

Thanks to Lowell Ullrich and you the reader. It’s been a pleasure writing these pieces for TheProvince.com again this year, and I hope you’ve enjoyed them. As always, I welcome your comments whether you agree with my views or not. We’ll be continuing our Lions coverage on BCLionsDen.ca and our Pawdcasts, as well as our social media channels.

Until then, we have some Grey Cup partying to do in a couple weeks, even if the team we love isn’t in the game. Roar you Lions Roar.

Filed Under: 2014 Game Recaps, CFL/League, Den Talk, Featured, From The Couch, Game Recaps Tagged With: BC Lions, Brian Wawryshyn, CFL, From The Couch, Game Recaps, Mike Benevides, Montreal Alouettes, The Fifth Quarter, Wally Buono

From the Stands – Lions 16 Stampeders 33

November 12, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

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With two tune up games against West Division contenders to end the season, the BC Lions still have knock, pings and stalls in the engine that need to be addressed. The final game of the regular season saw the Lions drop a 33-16 decision to the first place Calgary Stampeders and here are my thoughts, From the Stands.

The Plain Truth

This team just can’t seem to put together a complete game this season. If one part is going well, two other parts breakdown. The way the Stampeders so easily picked apart the Lions defence Friday was impressive if you’re a Stamps fan, depressing if you cheer for the orange and black.

Whether it was Drew Tate or Bo Mitchell, the results were the same for Calgary, while Kevin Glenn and the Lions couldn’t translate yards into points to keep pace with the Stamps.

Glenn, who had another two drive killing interceptions, took a lot of heat in the section I was sitting in and once again I sat and wondered why John Beck was not given a chance later in the game. This is a guy you may need to use in Montreal and you give him zero time in a game you clearly were not going to win?

Unless Mike Benevides knows something he’s not sharing about Travis Lulay, this approach makes no sense. I get that you want Glenn to get on a roll and get some confidence with the offence, but at the same time, his play has dictated you may have to go to another option when you’re playing for your season next week.

On a good note Stefan Logan showed what he might be able to provide next week and Shawn Gore and Manny Arceneaux looked more involved in the offence but again, those performances didn’t result in enough points.

The defence was solid against the run yet brutal defending the pass. Calgary’s aerial attack routinely found wide open receivers over the middle of the field, partially due to the fact that the new look defensive line the Lions fielded was nowhere near Tate or Mitchell all night long.

After impressing with a solid run of not allowing touchdowns the defence has now allowed 70 points in two games, not exactly the stat you want to see heading into the playoffs, nor are the 19 points for either.

Right Where They Belong

So the Lions now head to Montreal to take on the Alouettes in the East Division semifinal and really they ended up where they belong. Unable to advance themselves any further up the West ladder, the Lions showed the differences between themselves and the contenders in their division. Edmonton and Calgary disposed of them easily, leaving the progress we saw down the stretch against Ottawa and Winnipeg with a solid asterisk.

But this is football, and on any given day in this league, anyone can beat anyone. Let’s not be fooled to think the East is an easy route to take to the Grey Cup. Don’t let anyone tell you that the Lions have simply been playing possum these final two weeks because if they were they deserve an Academy Award.

The same issues that have plagued the Lions all year still remain, and then comes this little gem via Lowell Ullrich from Paul McCallum following Friday’s game.

“We lack a lot of mental focus. We’re not organized. In the real world, there’d be a lot of fired people.”

The concerning part to me in that quote is the “we’re not organized” part. The job of organization belongs to the coaches. This is a 22-year veteran who would seem to be more than qualified to have such an opinion about his organization. Another veteran, Dante Marsh also made reference earlier in the week to the fact that there were bigger problems on this team than what he found himself in the doghouse over.

It doesn’t exactly sound like the Lions are one for all and all for one heading into the playoffs. And unless they can sort some of this stuff out, their season is likely to end in Montreal next week.

Some Positive Stuff

Those that mocked Dennis Skulsky for his guaranteed win night proclamation should now be able to see that the result were larger crowds down the stretch. In the four games prior to the guarantee the Lions averaged 24786 fans per game, versus 30,591 over their final five at BC Place. Many of them were freebies because of the promotion, but the hope is that some of those folks will come back next season.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on the game. Post a comment, or hit me up on Twitter @BCLionsDen. Make sure to check out BCLionsDen.ca for all of our Lions coverage and our weekly Pawdcast as well. This week Lowell Ullrich of The Province will join us along with Jamie Pitblado, chair for the 2014 Grey Cup Committee.

Filed Under: 2014 Game Recaps, CFL/League, Den Talk, Featured, From The Stands, Game Recaps Tagged With: BC Lions, BCLionsDen.ca, Brian Wawryshyn, Calgary Stampeders, CFL, CFL Playoffs, Eastern Semi-Final, Game Recaps, The Fifth Quarter

The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast – Episode 44

November 6, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

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In Episode 44 we pick through the carnage of a 37-3 BC Lions loss to the Edmonton Eskimos and we chat Calgary Stampeders with Ryan Ballantine of the CFL Horsemen Podcast in Calgary.

To stay up to date with our podcasts, blogs and other Lions news, follow us on Twitter @BCLionsDen Please leave us a comment on the site and let us know how we’re doing. You can also leave us a ranking and a review on iTunes, we would really appreciate it!

You can follow our guest on Twitter: Ryan Ballantine: @PodcasterRyan CFL Horsemen @CFL_Horsemen.


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Filed Under: 2014, 2014 Game Recaps, BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast, CFL/League, Den Talk, Featured, Game Recaps, Interviews, Podcasts Tagged With: BC Lions, BCLionsDen.ca, Brian Wawryshyn, Calgary Stampeders, CFL, CFL Horsemen, Edmonton Eskimos, Mojo Kemp, Podcast, Ryan Ballantine

From the Couch: Lions 3 Eskimos 37

November 6, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

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This B.C. Lions team sure has a way of testing your emotions, or maybe it was simply the fact they were playing one of the real contenders in the CFL. Whatever the case, the Lions were dominated from start to finish by the Edmonton Eskimos, and it wasn’t pretty. Here are my thoughts, From the Couch.

What a Letdown

The game was billed as a playoff preview and the Lions still had an outside shot at second place in the West Division. But you never would have guessed it by the display put on by the Lions and should they return to Commonwealth Stadium in two weeks, there was no aspect of their game that led you believe the result will be much different.

Hey, any given Sunday right? Don’t hold your breath.

It was discouraging to see the Lions were unable to rise to the occasion. Sure second place was a bit of a longshot, but you at least wanted to see an effort that let the Eskimos know that should the two teams meet in the playoffs, it would be a fight. In the end it looked like contender versus pretender.

The Lions stumbled from the first whistle and once again didn’t appear to be ready to play. The penalty parade continued and the lack of execution on offence was once again evident. Why can’t this team be ready to play? Why can they not make the in-game adjustments to counter what other teams are doing? Chris Jones schooled his counterpart on Saturday and the efficiency and determination of his team was impressive, two traits that have been missing from this year’s edition of the Leos.

No one is saying they don’t care. Trust me, this is what these players and coaches do for a living. They care more than we the fans do, but clearly there is a disconnect somewhere that is allowing these types of efforts to surface too often.

Offensive Struggles Continue

The Lions managed only a field goal as their offence once again failed to produce. Ernest Jackson who had two strong games versus Ottawa and Winnipeg was blanked by the Eskimos. Manny Arceneaux had no impact and the running game was unproductive as well.

The Eskimos did an outstanding job of covering the Lions receivers, leaving Kevin Glenn with few options, and when that happens Glenn is not an effective quarterback. Even short to medium range passes were not an option. John Beck didn’t fare any better in relief.

The Lions’ receivers have shown they have the talent, so why do we see it so sporadically? Is it all execution or is Khari Jones’ offence simply not good enough? It seems plays that other teams make regularly are a task for the Lions. Sure, we can point to injuries to key players, but so can the Stampeders, Riders, Argos and almost every other team in the CFL. The bottom line is, offensively, the Lions have not been good enough for a variety of reasons.

In contrast, Mike Reilly and the Eskimos have the ability to make things happen when there is nothing downfield. He has a running back in John White that is consistently productive and receivers that find ways to get open. Those two elements of the Eskimos offence make them very tough to defend, even for a good Lions defence.

A Tale of Two Defences

Both the Eskimos and the Lions are solid defensively, and while the defence allowed a lot of yards and 37 points the biggest difference is the Eskimos have a balanced offence that forces teams to be aware of multiple facets. Their defence didn’t have to worry about Glenn running the ball when his receivers couldn’t get open, and when you combine that with a struggling running game all they had to do is sit back, contain and cover.

With the defence constantly on the field, it was too much to ask (once again) to shut down the balanced offence of the Eskimos. This wasn’t Ottawa or Winnipeg, this was a legitimate Grey Cup contender and the Lions simply couldn’t compete.

Solomon Elimimian set the league tackles record, but that was the only high for the Lions on the night. Unfortunately the Lions can’t bottle the fire this guy plays with and spread it around.

It appears the Lions will lose Adam Bighill with what is being reported as a broken arm and while they do have a capable replacement with veteran Jamall Johnson, his loss was just another insult to injury on Saturday.

What were your thoughts on the game? We’ll have more on this week’s Pawdcast, and you chat Lions and CFL football with me @BCLionsDen on Twitter.

Filed Under: 2014 Game Recaps, CFL/League, Den Talk, Featured, From The Couch, Game Recaps Tagged With: BC Lions, BCLionsDen.ca, Brian Wawryshyn, CFL, Edmonton Eskimos, From The Couch, Game Recaps, The Fifth Quarter

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Brian Wawryshyn is 44 year BC Lions fan who extends his passion for the Leos and the Canadian Football League to the podcast world as host and producer of the BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast.

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