Lionbackers.com

After putting up a stinker in Regina and holding a players-only meeting to discuss their lack of effort, the pressure is on the Lions to bounce back at home against the always-tough Stampeders.

There is some history on the Lions' side. According to the CFL's weekly Game Notes, the Lions are 8-1 when coming off a loss in the 29 games since Oct. 23, 2015. Jonathon Jennings is 7-3 in his career when coming off a loss, with 6 300-yard games, 21 TDs and 7 INTs and an efficiency rating of 116.8.

On the other hand, Calgary is 14-0 since 2005 when coming off a bye, and 8-0 in those post-bye games on the road.

The Lions will have SB Bryan Burnham and DB Anthony Gaitor back in the starting lineup this week. Antonio Johnson will start at LT for the ailing Hunter Steward (arm), while Bryant Turner Jr. slides back into the starting lineup at nose tackle in place of Mic'hael Brooks. Chris Williams is listed ahead of Nick Moore at boundary WR on the official depth chart.

Here are my 3 keys to the game:
1. Avoid turnovers (the Lions coughed up the ball 7 times last week. Calgary has a CFL-best turnover ratio of +9)
2. Win the line of scrimmage
3. Big plays (the Lions have given up a CFL-high 18 passes of over 30 yards and 27 big plays overall while making 23 big plays themselves, ranking third behind Ottawa and Calgary)

Can we run the ball successfully?

Can we protect Jennings?

Can we slow down or stop Messam?
...........

Depth chart as provided by BCFAN ...

I agree with Giulio. I would rather insert a fresh, fast, healthy Maurice Morgan than an ailing Burnham, and Moore, neither of whom practiced. We're already hurting enough with Manny who's been slowed by injury.

Let the kid show what he can do.


DH

This is the type of game that a team like our Leos, coming off a huge loss and with a short week of practice, can play very well.

However, our Buono lead Leos are 18-10 against the Stamps since 2008, when John Hufnagel became the Stamps GM/HC. We are also 0-4 against the Stamps in the playoffs during that time.

More recently our Leos have beaten inferior teams but we have lost to West opponents regularly.

For example, our Leos, our Leos are (1-4), against the Stamps, (1-4) against Edmonton, and (0-3) against Winnipeg in most recent regular season action.

A request to Wally...please stop coaching our punt return team....when you coached our offensive short yardage unit, it was an embarrassment. Do what you do best....delegate.

This is one of those games where I hope the unpredictability of professional sports comes into play. Where suddenly Jennings has time to throw the ball and is back in his 2016 form. Where we are getting a consistent pass rush on Mitchell and shutting down Messam's running lanes. Where our special teams are springing Rainey for big gains.
Otherwise it could be another long night for our Leos and suddenly staring at a 5-4 record.

Blitz wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 18, 2017 4:31 am

This is the type of game that a team like our Leos, coming off a huge loss and with a short week of practice, can play very well.

However, our Buono lead Leos are 18-10 against the Stamps since 2008, when John Hufnagel became the Stamps GM/HC. We are also 0-4 against the Stamps in the playoffs during that time.

More recently our Leos have beaten inferior teams but we have lost to West opponents regularly.

For example, our Leos, our Leos are (1-4), against the Stamps, (1-4) against Edmonton, and (0-3) against Winnipeg in most recent regular season action.

A request to Wally...please stop coaching our punt return team....when you coached our offensive short yardage unit, it was an embarrassment. Do what you do best....delegate.

We are not 0-3 vs Winnipeg recently , we beat them last game. And since play-off games certainly count , we are 2-0 against Winnipeg the last 2 meaningful games we played them . Or 2-2 if you go back to the last 4 meaningful games .

A little game day preview reading for your pleasure. Or lack thereof, LOL.

https://www.bclions.com/2017/08/16/game ... tampeders/

My gut is saying the Leo's season hangs in the balance with this game. And not necessarily in regards to getting 2 points but if their gut check during the week pays dividends and if the coaches have adapted a viable game plan.

All I got is my gut, no special insight, no Cassandra-like ability. Just a feeling....

Bryan Burnham is not playing tonight.

Big break by thw Lions

Penalty prolonging Stamp drive

No rush by Lions

Almost intercepted by Stamps. Arceneaux broke up the potential pick

Lions picking up where they left off last week. Terrible start.

Make it simple, make it simple......