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The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast – Episode 46

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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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From the Couch – Lions 17 Alouettes 50

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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.

Lions Add Defensive Guru Stubler To Coaching Staff

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Rich StublerThe BC Lions announced the completion of their coaching staff Sunday afternoon, and the addition is a significant one. Rich Stubler, former defensive coordinator and head coach of the Toronto Argonauts will coach the Lions defensive line on 2010.

“Rich brings a significant coaching resume to his position with us and I believe he will be a strong asset to our club,” said Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono.

Stubler won a Grey Cup with Lions in 2000, when he was the club’s defensive coordinator. He has been noted for his creativity when it comes to defence, and he’ll bring a ton of experience to the defensive line that has led the CFL in sacks for the last two seasons. Under his direction the Argos defence were amongst the lead leaders during his time there between 2003 to 2007.

“We looked at a number of candidates to fill the role of defensive line coach and the name we kept coming back to was Rich’s,” said Lions defensive coordinator, Mike Benevides. “He is the right man coming in at the right time. His work around the league speaks for itself and the overall similarity in our defensive philosophies is something that will be of tremendous benefit to our club.”

Stubler takes over from Mike Roach, who decided not to return to the position. The defensive line coach position is a part time one with the Lions. Other considered for the job included former Lions Mike Gray and James ‘Quick’ Parker.

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A BC Lions Christmas Wish List

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Justin Sorensen - Photo: BCLionsDen.ca

With the 2009 season freshly in the books and the Christmas season upon us, I thought it was time for a wish list for our BC Lions.

2009 was a struggle for BC. There were the injuries to deal with and some real instability at the quarterback position. There was a high turnover of players and lost leadership as Wally Buono attempted to make the team younger and faster. In some areas that was successful, in others not so much. But for the second consecutive year the Lions had some of the same issues arising that hampered their game. Stalled offensive drives, troubles stopping the run and the inability to shut teams down late in games were familiar and frustrating problems. Three times this year the team as blown out at home to the point where fans were leaving on droves early in the third quarter.

So, here’s my wish list for the team and by no means do I expect all of this to happen. These are my personal wishes from a fans point of view after sitting in the stands game after game and watching this team for the last couple of seasons.  See if you agree or disagree and feel free to add your own wishes by commenting!

A New Coaching Direction:

It’s pretty much understood that Wally Buono is going to coach the BC Lions as long as he wants to, at least according to owner David Braley. I think Wally is still a very capable coach, but in too many games this year the Lions seemed unable to make the right adjustments during a game to change the momentum. To me that falls on your assistant coaches. I’d like to see changes in the coaching staff, and here are my wishes.

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Jacques Chapdelaine - Photo: BCLionsDen.ca

Out:

Jacques Chapdelaine: His official title is receiver’s coach, but it’s no secret he plays a bigger role. The word is that he and “offensive coordinator” Dan Dorazio come up with the game plan for the week and Chapdelaine calls the plays during the game. The Lions offense has sputtered the last two seasons, and while instability at the QB position has definitely been factor, there have been too many stalled drives and questionable play calls. And don’t get us started on third and short. Some of the players love him and asked for his return, but it’s time for a new direction and someone with some fresh ideas. I respect Jacques Chapdelaine, and the man certainly knows way more about the game than I ever will, but it’s not working. That said, Buono seems very comfortable with him, and Chapdelaine escapes the axe year after year, leaving little chance he won’t be back next season.

In:

Dave Dickenson: Perhaps a bit premature but I think it would be a pretty bold move and one that could pay off huge. Dickenson was a  great QB who understands the CFL game and while he may not have the experience as a coach his knowledge of the game and his already clear desire to get into coaching make him an intriguing option. Dickenson was a running backs coach last season in Calgary and has had inout on their offense under coordinator George Cortez. Some will feel the offense he knows is that of the Hufnagel/Chapdelaine mold and bringing him in wouldn’t be much of a change but I think Dickenson has a lot to offer, and could add some excitement back to the Lions offense. It may be far fetched, and unfortunately I think Buono may be too loyal to Chapdelaine to make a move, but Dickenson will assume a coaching role as a coordinator or head coach one day, and whatever team gives him that shot will look like a genius. The Lions have already decided not to renew contract of quarterbacks coach Steff Kruck and apparently Dickenson has been offered that job by Wally. I would also allow Dan Dorazio to concentrate on the offensive line again, freeing him from any offensive game planning, but of course welcoming his input.

Out:

Mike Benevides: Since Dave Ritchie retired, the BC Lions defense has lost it’s bite. Benevides assumed the role two seasons ago and the results haven’t been stellar. The defensive line led the league in sacks, but the Lions had huge problems with the run, and couldn’t get stops late in games on too many occasions that cost them points. Getting embarrassed at home in three games was disheartening as well. Whether it be personnel or the scheme, the linebacker play last season was brutal at times and the scheme was the design of Benevides. Korey Banks added some nice options at the  nickle position, but teams knew to beat the Lions, running the ball was a good start, and the Lions could do nothing to stop it on too many nights. When they did, it was the secondary’s turn to give up big yardage late in games to blow leads.

In:

Rich Stubler: Formerly the Argonauts defensive coordinator and head coach, Rich Stubler is known for his aggressive in your face defenses and under his coaching the Argonauts defense was at the top of the league regularly. He could bring that aggressive style back to the Lions and is available after sitting out last season. Perhaps the Eskimos will beat the Lions to the punch, with the recent resignation of Jim Daley from their ranks. I think Benevides will survive because he was loyal to Buono last season, turning down the head coaching spot in Toronto to remain in BC, and Buono will probably give him another year hopefully at least with the understanding that some things have to change.

Some Shivers Gems

It would be nice to see scout Roy Shivers undercover some gems as he did for the Riders a few years back. Linebackers will be at the top of the wish list I would think and preferably some nasty ones. The Lions lost some leadership and some attitude when Otis Floyd left and would probably like to have the Jamal Johnson negotiation from last year as a do over. They need to get some of that attitude back in the middle. Some of it returned with the arrival of Jojuan Armour and Anton McKenzie was voted an all-star, but this position needs to be addressed.

More depth brought in to challenge the offensive line would be nice, preferably at guard and tackle positions and a new centre needs to start being groomed, with Angus Reid coming off a serious ankle injury and not getting any younger.

Emmanuel Arceneaux was a nice addition, but another sure handed speedy receiver would be nice. Or how about or a big and bulldozer type in the mold of an Andy Fantuz or former Lion Jason Clermont?

The Emergence Of Youth

The key to remaining a competitive team in the CFL is keeping your team well stocked with talented young players who eventually take over a key role on your football tream. Sean Whyte, Jamal Lee, James Yurichuk, Justin Sorensen and Andrew Harris are promising young prospects for the Lions, and it would be nice to see them emerge next season as prime time players. Yurichuk was great on special teams, Sorensen was forced into duty late in the season, and Jamal Lee will have a full training camp under his belt. Andrew Harris has been a territorial project for the Lions and has a ton of talent. Whyte had the job of kicker/punter in his graps before making way for Paul McCallum late in the year. The Lions need some if not all of these picks to rise to the top and help take this team to a higher level.

Stability At Quarterback

Casey Printers certainly gave fans of the Lions something to look forward to by his play to end the year. Now the key will be getting to the start of next season with a full camp under his belt, and then keeping him healthy. Going through five QB’s would be tough for any club and for once Santa, it would be nice to have the same QB start every game next year like  Edmonton, Saskatchewan and Calgary. Please see what you can do about that.

Best Wishes for Buck Pierce

I really feel for Buck Pierce. I don’t know what the Lions have planned for him, but at his current salary and the almost certainty that Casey Printers is the starter going into camp, it’s hard to see Pierce returning next season. The Lions still have Jarious Jackson, Travis Lulay and Zac Champion under contract and it’s no secret they like what they see in Lulay. Whatever Buck’s fate may be, I wish him all the best. He’s always been great with the fans, and given it all on the field for the BC Lions.

Home Sweet Home

With the Lions moving to a temporary stadium next season, most likely at the old site of Empire stadium, lets hope the club can make Lions home games a tough environment for opponents once again. Three debacles at home last year and two before labor day hurt the Lions in the standings, and probably at the gate too.

Ok, I should stop before I get too greedy. Oh, okay one more thing…let’s get that Grey Cup!


It’s Not The Coaching

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Wally Buono

Our beloved Lions are struggling, and as happens every time a team takes a dip, the search for the guilty parties begins in earnest.  Inevitably, the blame lands on the desk of the head coach and his staff.  In no other sport are coaches as prominent as they are in football – in a somewhat military like environment, they are the commanders who draw up the battle plans, and choose the platoon leaders and men who will carry them out.  The emotional, physical nature of the game means that there is a great deal of myth making surrounding football coaches.

I will lay my biases on the table for all to see – I have been an amateur football coach for 19 seasons now.  Before that, I played for 11 years at the youth, high school and junior levels.  At the risk of sounding a rather predictable note in defending my fellow members of the coaching profession, I have one clear observation about the Lions’ current swoon – it’s not about the coaches.

Every season, I attend coaching clinics, and I have been privileged to be part of clinics with many current CFL, NFL and NCAA coaches.  I have no particular relationship with any of the Lions’ current coaches, but do know their backgrounds.  Wally Buono’s record speaks for itself, and requires no further elaboration.  You don’t stand on the edge of becoming the league’s winning head coach of all time without knowing what you are doing.  The assistant coaches, however, who are also under attack, are also incredibly talented football minds.  It was only a few short months ago that Mike Benevides was the flavour of the week amongst the CFL coaching fraternity.  He was on the short list for the Argos head coaching job, and is widely considered to be Wally’s heir in BC.  Mike Benevides has spent his entire adult life in the coaching world.  This is his life – he works ridiculous hours, in season and off season, studying film, reading books, going to clinics, and turning himself inside and out trying to find an edge and become a better coach.  Is someone seriously trying to suggest that Mike Benevides doesn’t know the game, or has forgotten how to coach?

Ditto for Jacques Chapdelaine.  Jacques has either been a player or a coach his entire life.  He is an intense student of the game, and has forgotten more about putting together a passing attack than I will ever know.  His cool, somewhat detached demeanor makes him a target for fan ire, especially when the offense appears to be “too conservative”.  (I should say at this stage that being an offensive coordinator is the most thankless job in football.  Fans and media second guess you all day, and head coaches routinely throw you under the bus in order to buy themselves another season.)  There wasn’t one fan in that building Friday night who could hold a candle to Jacques Chapdelaine in terms of his knowledge of the game of football, or the CFL in general.

I have been to coaching clinics at two NCAA schools, Washington and Syracuse, put on by coaching staffs who, a year or so later, all got the axe for the crime of not winning enough.  In both instances, I was blown away at how incredibly knowledgeable and professional all the coaches were.  Again, as is the case with Lions coaches, these men were dedicated professionals who had sacrified everything, including their families, for the game of football.

No, this is about personnel.  At both Washington and Syracuse, it was a failure to recruit enough talent that ultimately did in both coaching staffs.  If you don’t have the horses to compete, it really doesn’t matter who the coach might be.  You are out-manned, and at the college or pro level the odds of you being able to coach your way out of a significant personnel shortage are slim and none.  The same thing has happened to the Lions.  The club suffered too many key free agent departures in the off-season, and was unable to replace them with the kind of skill they needed to bridge the gap.  Toss in a rash of injuries at quarterback, and the fact that the offense’s go-to guy is about to turn 34, and you have what you have — a team that is facing a rebuilding job.  If you want to be angry at Wally Buono the GM, feel free, although every team has to go through a rebuilding process eventually, and one could argue that the Lions had gone as far as they could go with the core that took them through the last five seasons.  Do not, however, be angry at Wally Buono the coach — he is still the same coach he has been for years, and his staff is full of smart, hardworking professionals who are swimming just as fast as they can.  The process of bringing in the right players for them to coach, however, will be a slow and painful one for fans of the orange and black.

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