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The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast – Episode 32

July 23, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

In Episode 32 BC Lions wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux joins Brian and Mojo in The Den after his 3 touchdown performance in a 41-5 win over the Montreal Alouettes. Darrin Bauming of TSN 1290 radio in Winnipeg returns to the show to provide us with a Bombers preview as they travel to BC to face the Lions.

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! Listen:

You can follow Emmanuel Arceneaux on Twitter, @E_Arceneaux and Darrin Bauming, @darrinbauming.

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The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast – Episode 31

July 18, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

In Episode 31 Brian and Mojo review the BC Lions big win over the Riders in Regina and get the take of former Lions player and current colour man on the TEAM 1040, Giulio Caravatta. Joey Alfieri of TSN 690 in Montreal joins us to preview the rematch between the Alouettes and Lions, a game that BC should need no motivation to get up for after the Alouettes embarrassed them in Montreal two weeks ago.

You can follow Giulio Caravatta on Twitter, @caravatta2 and Joey Alferi, @joeyalfieri.

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From the Couch: Lions 26 Riders 13

July 13, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

Originally published on the TheProvince.com where we write for The Fifth Quarter blog following all BC Lions games.

There was no denying the importance of Saturday’s game with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the BC Lions. The team made a huge statement about their character coming out on top of a defensive football game in a hostile environment. Here’s how I saw the game, From the Couch.

The Andrew Harris Show

Andrew Harris stated before the season that he wanted to assume a bigger leadership role on the team, and he led by example against the Riders. With just 18 touches in his first two games, Harris carried that many times in his third, racking up 138 yards on the ground including a tough and determined 58 yard run for a touchdown. Harris also racked up 65 yards through the air.

It’s been a long time since Harris had a game like this and it was encouraging to see. The Lions need more games like this from Harris and they did a great job game planning with him in mind.

The offensive line, who saw the return of Kirby Fabien to the starting five, was much better against a good Riders offensive line. They were aided by some solid help from FB Rolly Lumbala much of the night, whose work helped new left tackle Ryan Cave, who still had some moments, but provided some nice run blocking as well. They got great push most of the game as Harris and the Lions often picked up five or more yards on first down.

Locking it Down

It was the second game in a row that the Lions only allowed one touchdown, and this time it was enough for a win, as it should be with the offence doing their part. The Lions had Durant on the run for much of the night, but only managed to sack him twice. The crafty Rider QB escaped a couple of times to produce big plays.

Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill had seven tackles each, with the latter negating a Riders touchdown when he knocked the ball from Hugh Charles’ hands in the end zone. Both of them were excellent with their pursuit of the ball all night, and that’s something the Lions are banking on for success.

Overcoming Adversity

Kevin Glenn looked more like the player of the last two years, managing the game well, even though the Lions had a lot of problems with the noise at Mosaic, especially in the second half. Glenn was only sacked twice, and was left relatively untouched most of the night. More importantly, Glenn didn’t turn the ball over.

The usually sure-handed Courtney Taylor had two drops that should have been first downs, the second leading to what basically amounted to a turnover as the Riders used the ensuing drive to score. But Taylor had a big touchdown to seal the game in the fourth, fighting off a tackler to get to the end zone.

Logan Special on Teams

Stefan Logan had his best game of the year returning the football averaging 22.8 yards on kick-offs and 12.8 on punts on the way to 168 yard night. The Lions coverage on teams was good but they’ll want to clean up some of the penalties they took.

Urgency was Evident

Mike Benevides was the most animated I think I’ve ever seen him. You could tell he knew how important this game was and he was fired up on the sidelines. On the post-game show his voice cracked from the strain he had exposed it to. He and his coaching staff did an outstanding job with the game plan and getting Andrew Harris involved. His coordinators, Marks Washington and Khari Jones were each given the game balls for their first victory in their new roles. The challenge now will be to maintain this progress and get on a roll.

Hope You Were Watching

Some people probably think I go on about this too much, but you could clearly see the impact that a loud crowd on defence has on a football game. The Lions struggled with the noise in the second half, and hopefully the casual fan that comes to BC Place takes notice. Our house can be just as loud if everyone buys in, and the defence certainly would appreciate your participation.

And with that public service announcement, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the game, here or on twitter, @BCLionsden.

From the Couch: Lions 9 Alouettes 24

July 5, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

740x300game2 — Kevin Glenn had another rough outing and the Lions dropped to 0-2 to start the season. Photo: o.canada.com

When the BC Lions started the 2014 there was some optimism among the masses after a fairly strong preseason. After their first two games of 2014 optimism has been replaced by a whole boat load of concern.

There may be lots of football to play, but there is even more work to be done. Here’s how I saw the game, From the Couch.

Offensive Offence

The Lions have failed to find answers for their offensive line for the last few seasons and this year is no exception. OT Ryan Cave was thrown into the fire and looked lost out there most of the night and the interior of the line was no better.

All of that means no running game, a hurried and inefficient passing game and of course a loss. There’s no one on the roster that is going to make a difference in the short term, and the Lions better be scouring the continent for imports that can in the meantime.

Kevin Glenn, who vowed he would be better in game two, wasn’t. Whether it’s the unfamiliarity of a new offence, or the fact the line in front of him resembles Swiss cheese, there is no doubting bad decisions by the veteran are also contributing to the problems. Even when Glenn did have time, he was missing receivers, overthrowing them, or throwing at their knees, probably a product of being hit constantly all night long.

Andrew Harris was a non-factor, as was Stefan Logan and once again the Lions are struggling with the running game. When your pass offence is struggling you at least have to be able to keep teams honest with the run. That’s simply not happening.

I recall a question was posed by Lowell Ullrich of The Province during the off-season; was it the offence of Jacques Chapdelaine, or is it the personnel? The jury appears to still be out early in 2014.

Coaching Mistakes

While the players on the field were making mental errors, so to were the coaches. A late 2^nd quarter to pass to SJ Green was clearly incomplete, yet Mike Benevides was too slow to throw a challenge flag and the Alouettes went on to add a late field goal, sending the Lions down by 20 points at the half.

In the 3^rd quarter on 3^rd and two the Lions call a deep hand off on a sweep to Korey Williams which goes nowhere.

Defence

For as badly as they played, the Lions still found themselves in the game. The defence was on the field a lot and tried to give the offence a chance only surrendering just one touchdown as a unit. Solomon Elimimian had a strong game and Dante Marsh was a hair away from a couple of pick sixes, but in the end they can’t be responsible for an unproductive offence.

Still though, there is room for improvement. I was hoping for more pressure from the defensive line in this game, and there were breakdowns that led to big plays, mainly in stopping the run as the Alouettes as a group ran the ball for 203 yards.

Back to the Drawing Board

The good news is that season is young and really doesn’t start to get going until Labour Day. But with another road game next week against the Riders in Regina, and all their Western opponents coming out of the gate strong, the Lions need answers quickly.

Dropping two games in the West early would not be an ideal situation. 2011 was a special year, but it’s doubtful that the Lions want to take that route to try and get to the Grey Cup at BC Place in November again.

If things don’t change quickly, that’s exactly the scenario they could be facing.

From The Stands – Lions 37 Stampeders 13 (Preseason)

June 21, 2014 By Brian Wawryshyn

Preseason or not, Friday’s game versus the Calgary Stampeders was going to be a measuring stick for the BC Lions and their fans to see what they had heading into the 2014 season. If what fans were treated to on a beautiful summer night is going to be the norm this year it could be a special season of BC Lions Football.

It was great to back in the lot at Tailgate Empire, where the attendance was just as impressive as the 26,445 who took in the Stamps and Lions. It was like a big reunion after a long season and the regulars cooked up a storm while discussing what was in store for the club in 2014. The tailgate culture has certainly taken hold here in Vancouver, and many fans have joined our initial group.

As for the game, it felt so good to be back watching football in BC Place, with the roof open on a perfect night and the football did not disappoint if you were a BC Lions fan. For the Lions it gave them some very tough decisions to make on Saturday, a result of some stellar off-season scouting by Neil McEvoy and his scouting staff.

With new coordinators on offence and defence, one thing became clear very quickly. The 2014 BC Lions are going to attack you with speed. Speed at receiver, speed at running back, speed on defence, speed on special teams.

Using a limited playbook, the Lions played simple well executed football on offence and it was effective. Those who were leery about the Kevin Glenn trade had to leave convinced it was a brilliant move by Wally Buono to acquire the 35 year old QB. Glenn played with poise and confidence while his former teammates Drew Tate and Bo Levi Mitchell sputtered badly for the Stamps, leaving John Hufnagel no closer to a decision on who is number one will be on opening day.

Stefan Logan served notice that he will be a force this year. Both on a 93-yard punt return and out of the backfield. The dual threat of Logan and Harris should ensure that the Lions running game will in no way resemble the one that stumbled along at times last year.

At receiver the Lions look to have some options. Kory Williams had a strong game as did Courtney Taylor and Ernest Jackson, with Manny Arceneaux soon to return. Stephen Adekolu is going to give the coaching staff plenty to consider as the Lions appear to have some solid depth at non-import, check that; national receiver. It’s going to very interesting to see how the roster shakes down, and whether or not a roster player from last year doesn’t survive the final cut.

The offensive line was not really noticeable, and anytime that happens it’s a good thing.

On defence, Khalif Mitchell demonstrated the problem he provides for opposing offensive lines and the defensive line has the potential to be scary good, especially considering the linebackers they have behind them.

The Lions pursuit to the ball was constant all night long from whistle to whistle. In the secondary, coverage was outstanding for the most part. After getting burned for a touchdown early, TJ Lee was very noticeable in a positive way with two picks, three tackles and two knockdowns.

As for fan experience, it was nice to have Matt Baker of the TEAM 1040 doing in game commentary. Matt is a smart sports guy and he’s a fan of the CFL. He should be a nice addition to the in game production and provide some nice insights as the game unfolds.

It was nice to see a social media component on the big screen, with a display of fan tweets and photos during the game. Fans want to feel engaged and there is no better way to do that as well as grow your brand, than effective use of social media.

Still, I would love to see a campaign that fans want to gravitate to. The 12^th man in Seattle, more supporters groups, formation of a “Lions Nation” if you will. It needs to be something original, yet make fans want to be a part of something special. I’m not sure if you’ve seen the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl rings (In my opinion recent Grey Cup Rings are nicer), but they included the “12” logo as a tribute to the fans. The Lions have done a fantastic job with their off-season marketing but coming up with something to unite the fan community in this ways would be icing on the cake and would take the brand to new heights.

All in all it was a great night of football, which likely created a long night for those who decide the roster, but this fan left feeling pretty optimistic about what the Lions could be in 2014.

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