Lions vs. Eskimos and Game Day Thread, August 9, 2018

[Blitz]

Our Wally Buono led 2-4 B.C. Lions, presently occupying last place in the West, take on the Jason Maas led 5-2 second place Edmonton Eskimos in a key division matchup. Our Leos are coming off a loss to the Calgary Stampeders while the Eskimos defeated Saskatchewan in what was a very close game in their last contest.

Our Leos have lost their last two games, even with Lulay playing well at the quarterback position. While we’ve moved the football effectively at times on offence, we’ve only averaged 21 points per contest with Lulay at the controls. There have been a lot of missed opportunities to put more points on the board.

Defensively, our Leos have done a much better job against the run in our last two games, with the insertion of Jordan Herdman at middle linebacker. But our defense has continued to give up a lot of passing yards, including big pass plays. Last game, against Calgary, it was Bo Levi Mitchell having his best passing game of the season against our defense.

The Edmonton Eskimos Mike Reilly had his worst game of the season against the Riders. He only completed 48% of his passes for 257 yards.

Both the legendary Wally Buono, now in his 25th and final season and third year Head Coach Jason Maas have lost their tempers on the sidelines in recent games. Two games ago, Buono ‘lost it’ on the sidelines on two occasions, with both incidents being replayed by TSN as part of the B.C./Calgary televised contest.

Last week, it was Jason Maas blowing a gasket on the Edmonton sidelines, not something new for Maas nor his Assistant Head Coach and Defensive coordinator Mike Benevedes.

So, its no surprise that the Edmonton Eskimos lead the league in penalties. If coaches lack self-discipline on the sidelines during football games, its difficult to expect self-discipline and poise from the players who have to play the game with high emotional intensity and emotional self-control at the same time.

How do our Leos beat the Eskimos?

DEFENCE

Firstly, we can’t let them run the football down our throats, as they did when we lost to them earlier in the season. Our defense allowed C.J. Gable to have his best game of the season, racking up over 150 yards on the ground. Edmonton only averages 100 yards per game rushing. But ur run defense has been excellent in our last two games, with Herdman playing a key role and Coleman also having a good outing in our game against Calgary.

Secondly, we have to get a pass rush on Reilly. Edmonton was the least sacked team in the league going into their last game against Saskatchewan, but the Riders did a great job of getting pressure on Reilly all game and sacked Reilly four times.

That really had a negative impact on Edmonton’s passing attack, as it does against any quarterback, no matter how good he is.

Thirdly, we need to limit Reillys’ two favorite targets – Duke Williams and Derel Walker. Williams leads the league in receiving yardage while Walker is 4th. The Riders focused on shutting down Williams, but they allowed Walker to get in behind them for 154 yds.

OFFENCE

Edmonton’s defense gives up an average of 124 yds. rushing per contest. They are a team that we can run against and then utilize play action. Running the football successfully in this game is also important to keep Edmonton’s front four on their heels.

Edmonton’s defense is tailor made for Travis Lulay. Lulay is excellent at reading zone defenses. Benevedes likes to rush four, doesn’t blitz often, and likes to run a soft corner zone defense? Now where do you think he learned that?

Benevedes’ defensive scheme is a mirror image of Mark Washington’s scheme. It’s a scheme that our offence can exploit.

But Edmonton is tied for the league lead in quarterback sacks. National Kwaku Boeteng, leads the Eskimos with 5 sacks, 2nd best in the CFL. The Eskimos got him in the 5th round of the CFL draft last year.

So, we need to run the football well and pass protect Lulay well, as we have in our last two games. Both are key to giving Lulay the time to dissect Edmonton’s style of zone defense.

WRAP

This is a game in which Hall of Famer Wally Buono has another opportunity to teach some lessons to the upstart Jason Maas.

If we can get pressure on Reilly while having a plan to limit his two favorite receivers on offence while also having a good offensive game plan to exploit the style of defense Benevedes consistently uses, then victory will be ours.

Go Leos!!

[DanoT]

The Lions were so bad in 2nd and long vs Calgary (as well as all season long) that the best Esks strategy might be to purposely loose yards on 1st down. Its crazy but the Lions soft zone D is beyond bad.

The silver lining to the horrible play of the DBs last season and continued bad play this season by a completely different DB roster points a finger very clearly at DB and DC coach Washington. And so it now becomes harder and harder for Wally to appoint Washington the new HC of the Lions for next season.

[WestCoastJoe]

Thanks for the detailed game prep, Blitz.

As always it will be interesting. Will Jason Maas blow his top? Will Wally blow his top? Benny might not blow his top, but he will be animated as usual. Mark W will be physically animated calling his plays, exhorting his troops.

As has been discussed on here repeatedly, teams tend to reflect their coaches. Efficiency. Emotions. Demeanor. Business-like. Confident. Et cetera. It will be part of the drama tomorrow.

Two old friends at quarterback. Lulay and Reilly. One of the things this fan really enjoys about the CFL is the camaraderie one sees between players on different teams. Lots of greetings and well wishes post game. Lots of respect, in a relatively small league.

Will we run for over 125 yards this game? That would help.

Will we give Lulay good pass protection against a rush provided mostly by the front four of the Eskimos?

Will we get pressure on Reilly? If not, look out. Williams and Walker can rack up the yardage.

Can we contain Gable? He ate us up last game.

And, of course, there is our zone pass defence. We tend to provide huge holes and gaps that are well studied on film by the opponents. Mix in a tendency to not blitz much with soft zone and it is a formula for loads of passing yards for greedy quarterbacks.

This fan thinks Maas knows how to coach. Has he adapted his sideline demeanor? Don't know. But it is one thing amongst many that has our attention.

Every CFL game is a Shakespearean drama. This one is no different. Looking forward to it.

[B.C.FAN]

I was happy to hear Wally acknowledge the team's poor play in second and long as a major reason for the loss against Calgary. I hope he does something about it.

Lots of changes in the Lions' lineup for this game, even though it's a short week. Chris Rainey is back after missing the Calgary game but Jeremniah Johnson is moved to the 1-game injured list. Travon Van moves up the depth chart to start at running back.

Shaq Johnson returns as wide receiver. Danny Vandervoort moves to the 1-game injured list. Kevin Elliott stays on the 46-man roster but may be scratched.

Hunter Steward returns to his starting position at left guard and Maxx Forde returns to the rotation at defensive tackle. Julien Laurent moves to the 1-game injured list and Claudell Louis is back on the practice roster.

Here's a link to the deph chart and roster

[Blitz]

Our Leos should have the edge to win this game for the following reasons:

1. We're playing at home

2. We need the win more than the Eskimos. If we win this game, we move back into a tie with the Riders for fourth place in the West. It keeps us in the hunt and also the opportunity for the cross-over if we can't get in the West playoffs.

Our Leos are trying to avoid dropping to 2-5 for the first time since 2011, and to be three full games out of 3rd place in the West. After 7 games last year, Buono's Leos started off 5-2 and since then Buono's record is just 4-13 , ahead of only Montreal (1-16) who have been led by Chapdelaine, Reed, and Sherman during that time.

3. While the Eskimos match us well, in terms of the quarterback, International receiver, and running back positions, we do have the edge at National receiver and in two key areas - our offensive and defensive line.

In the off-season the Eskimos lost Odell Willis, Marcus Howard, Philip Hunt, John Chick, Euclid Cummings and Da’Quan Bowers. The only regular back from that group is Almondo Sewell. Alex Bazzie was added to the Eskimos front four but we deemed his expendable and he only has one sack for Edmonton so far this season.

In the meantime, our defensive line is much improved from last season with the additions of Willis, Coleman, and Lemon.

Edmonton lost their best offensive lineman in Joel Figueroa while we picked up both Figuroa and Olifioye. Now that Hunter Steward is back, our offensive line has much superior talent to Edmonton's.

4. Game Management: Jason Maas not only lacks Buono's experience but he also has to do double duty as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator while calling the plays on offence. He also gets involved with their defense.

Buono is not confined to a head set nor does he involve himself with play calling most of the time on offence or defense. This gives Buono the advantage of not only less distraction but also an increased focus in the areas of game management such as calling time outs, using his challenge, deciding whether to gamble or punt or kick a field goal, etc. as well as to be able to observe the big picture and provide additional insight to his coordinators.

That focus, plus Buono's almost quarter century of experience, should give our Leos the the edge when it comes to managing the game and making in-game adjustments.

[Pistrinus]

Nice to see Knevel at his natural position tackle

[Blitz]

Also really good to see Travis Lulay's pass attempts to interception ratio looking like his first two seasons as a Leo starter.

2011- 1 interception for every 53 pass attempts

2012- 1 interception for every 52 pass attempts.

2013 - 1 interception for every 29 pass attempts

2015 - 1 interception for every 26 pass attempts

2016 - 1 interception for every 16 pass attempts

2017 - 1 interception for every 23 pass attempts

2018 - 1 interception for every 55 pass attempts

[DanoT]

I was happy to hear Wally acknowledge the team's poor play in second and long as a major reason for the loss against Calgary. I hope he does something about it.

Lots of changes in the Lions' lineup for this game, even though it's a short week. Chris Rainey is back after missing the Calgary game but Jeremniah Johnson is moved to the 1-game injured list. Travon Van moves up the depth chart to start at running back.

Shaq Johnson returns as wide receiver. Danny Vandervoort moves to the 1-game injured list. Kevin Elliott stays on the 46-man roster but may be scratched.

Hunter Steward returns to his starting position at left guard and Maxx Forde returns to the rotation at defensive tackle. Julien Laurent moves to the 1-game injured list and Claudell Louis is back on the practice roster.

Here's a link to the deph chart and roster

Kevin Elliot is the only back up receiver listed on the depth chart and the Lions are dressing 8 NATs, so Elliot will likely be rotated in for Shaq Johnson or Watson on occasion.

There are 4 backup O linemen listed so Antonio Johnson and possibly one other will be healthy scratches.

[SammyGreene]

I was happy to hear Wally acknowledge the team's poor play in second and long as a major reason for the loss against Calgary. I hope he does something about it.

Lots of changes in the Lions' lineup for this game, even though it's a short week. Chris Rainey is back after missing the Calgary game but Jeremniah Johnson is moved to the 1-game injured list. Travon Van moves up the depth chart to start at running back.

Shaq Johnson returns as wide receiver. Danny Vandervoort moves to the 1-game injured list. Kevin Elliott stays on the 46-man roster but may be scratched.

Hunter Steward returns to his starting position at left guard and Maxx Forde returns to the rotation at defensive tackle. Julien Laurent moves to the 1-game injured list and Claudell Louis is back on the practice roster.

Here's a link to the deph chart and roster

Sure hope Hervey is actively trying to trade Vandervoot while there is still some value as a #3 overall pick. Getting dropped from the roster entirely is just the another setback. Seriously does he really look that far behind every other receiver at practice or they just not impressed with his special teams play.

Johnson re-injuring his ankle in practice is inexcusable. It was a 2 practice week and he somehow came out of the Calgary game fine. He should have either been held out of most reps or limited his cuts. Just too big of game to risk with your No. 1 RB

[B.C.FAN]

Kevin Elliot is the only back up receiver listed on the depth chart and the Lions are dressing 8 NATs, so Elliot will likely be rotated in for Shaq Johnson or Watson on occasion.

There are 4 backup O linemen listed so Antonio Johnson and possibly one other will be healthy scratches.

I think you're right. Not counting quarterbacks, there are 21 internationals and 22 nationals on the 46-man roster so the Lions need to scratch one from each category. Backup O-linemen Antonio Johnson and Peter Godber are the most likely candidates, leaving Chris Greaves and David Knevel as national backups.

[Rodu]

Is Vandervoort really that bad that he can't push an old man like Watson for playing time?

[David]

We're as thin as a paper napkin in the secondary. Not sure that's a smart strategy against this vaunted Eskimos offence. If someone has a bad game or gets injured, we can only insert raw Nationals Hamlin (field corner) and Termansen (safety). Yikes.

Junior Luke (and Maxx Forde) are going to have to step up at DT to disrupt Reilly. Claudell Louis, rumoured to start in the game will not dress.


DH

[B.C.FAN]

We're as thin as a paper napkin in the secondary. Not sure that's a smart strategy against this vaunted Eskimos offence. If someone has a bad game or gets injured, we can only insert raw Nationals Hamlin (field corner) and Termansen (safety). Yikes.

Junior Luke (and Maxx Forde) are going to have to step up at DT to disrupt Reilly. Claudell Louis, rumoured to start in the game will not dress.


DH

I'm not worried about Hamlin or Termansen. They can play. The Lions kept them over the more experienced national DBs Keynan Parker and Matt Bucknor. But it is highly unusual for the Lions to have a backup international receiver (Kevin Elliott) on the roster rather an a backup international DB. They could have maintained the ratio by activating Will Watson at receiver in place of Danny Vandervoort and Steffon Herd at backup HB/nickelback.

[Toppy Vann]

Blitz:

4. Game Management: Jason Maas not only lacks Buono's experience but he also has to do double duty as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator while calling the plays on offence. He also gets involved with their defense.

Buono is not confined to a head set nor does he involve himself with play calling most of the time on offence or defense. This gives Buono the advantage of not only less distraction but also an increased focus in the areas of game management such as calling time outs, using his challenge, deciding whether to gamble or punt or kick a field goal, etc. as well as to be able to observe the big picture and provide additional insight to his coordinators.

That focus, plus Buono's almost quarter century of experience, should give our Leos the the edge when it comes to managing the game and making in-game adjustments.

Blitz is probably the last person I'd question on X's and O's as he's the most knowledgeable fan I've ever dealt with and quite frankly knows more than many players who've been in the pros as we know not all that good on X's and O's.

Blitz makes excellent points when it comes to Jason Maas and the double duty these HC's who are calling their own plays and how it can impact on losing in the overall game management area.

I honestly think it's not the best for these HC's do both play calling and their HC job but I differ with Blitz when it comes to a HC with a head set. Dave D. putting Buckley in the game to repeat a sure success play helped lose a GC game. Might it be better to have him separate from that and him suggest, no we've done that ... let's look at BLM to do something here.

Same with decisions to do onside kicks and block punts versus run backs. The booth has the clearer picture.

Paul Lapo as WPG OC is in the booth but Wally has both his OC and DC down beside him making booth communication even more important.

I think the HC needs to be able to hear what his assistants hear.

The game and the rules have moved on from the day where the HC can do his overall game management job and he needs some communication with the booth to make good decisions. Wally's looking lost on challenges as he needs to find someone else to tell him to challenge and the home team knowing his delays a replay or they run the next play quickly.

On the mic'd game it was telling where Chris Jones despite the head set called a TO to be sure of his coaches call in a critical situation.

Wally is looking lost out there.

[B.C.FAN]

It looks like Antonio Johnson and Peter Godber are the game-day scratches, as expected. Hunter Steward is back at left guard and Kevin Elliott is dressed as the sixth receiver.