Lionbackers.com

The Lions have made surprisingly few lineup changes this week. They’re obviously dressing the roster that gives them the best chance for a rare home victory to avoid finishing behind the Elks in the West Division basement.

Rookie QB Nathan Rourke will have the same starting offence that the Lions used last week except for the addition of Phil Norman at left tackle for the injured Joel Figueroa. Kevin Thomson is activated from the practice roster as backup QB.

Anthony Cioffi will get his first start at safety, where I’ve been hoping to see him all season. The rest of the starting defence is unchanged from last week.

Quadree Henderson is activated from the practice roster as a returner for the second time in three games. Nick Vogel, who is 5 for 5 on field goals, remains kicker for the third straight game. Stefan Flintoft remains as punter.

The Lions are playing for pride. This game gives them a chance to end a disappointing season on a positive note.

Lions’ depth chart and roster

I am really surprised that Michael Reilly isn't even dressing for this one. If it's due to injury that can, say, do harm to his elbow is one thing. To just not dress him and give that roster spot to the #3 is quite telling.


DH

David wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:05 pm

I am really surprised that Michael Reilly isn't even dressing for this one. If it's due to injury that can say, do harm to his elbow is one thing. To just not dress him and give that roster spot to the #3, is quite telling.


DH

I'm not sure what Reilly not dressing is telling us. If he is not starting, what is the point of playing him in a nothing game? Seems to me there is value in seeing the 2nd and 3rd string QB in action whereas Lions know exactly what they have in Reilly. So I guess that is what the Lions are telling us by not dressing Reilly: the 3rd string QB will see some action.

Yeah, I guess that is right although the info that one garbage game with no meaning will tell us at the end of the season is questionable at best. If by some chance the Lions lose this game, it will only serve to cement the impression of how bad this team really is. I would suggest that if the Lions cannot beat the lowly Elks who are on their 3rd game in a week, that it will be the last game coaching for Campbell. I would have to believe that if the Lions can't win at home under these circumstances, the team has quit on the coaching staff.

Sir Purrcival wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:43 pm

Yeah, I guess that is right although the info that one garbage game with no meaning will tell us at the end of the season is questionable at best. If by some chance the Lions lose this game, it will only serve to cement the impression of how bad this team really is. I would suggest that if the Lions cannot beat the lowly Elks who are on their 3rd game in a week, that it will be the last game coaching for Campbell. I would have to believe that if the Lions can't win at home under these circumstances, the team has quit on the coaching staff.

The players won't be quitting on the coach, rather they will be playing for jobs for next season. Quitting on the coach so he gets fired is not a job security move as the new coach will likely be looking to hire "his guys".

Campbell isn't going to get fired after one year as HC co-GM in part because there aren't a lot of viable replacements around.

David wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:05 pm

I am really surprised that Michael Reilly isn't even dressing for this one. If it's due to injury that can, say, do harm to his elbow is one thing. To just not dress him and give that roster spot to the #3 is quite telling.


DH

I think Reilly has been playing with bruised ribs for awhile (first mention of it was the WPG blowout). He has been showing visible pain with hard hits since then. It's not the elbow.

DanoT wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:55 pm

Sir Purrcival wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:43 pm

Yeah, I guess that is right although the info that one garbage game with no meaning will tell us at the end of the season is questionable at best. If by some chance the Lions lose this game, it will only serve to cement the impression of how bad this team really is. I would suggest that if the Lions cannot beat the lowly Elks who are on their 3rd game in a week, that it will be the last game coaching for Campbell. I would have to believe that if the Lions can't win at home under these circumstances, the team has quit on the coaching staff.

The players won't be quitting on the coach, rather they will be playing for jobs for next season. Quitting on the coach so he gets fired is not a job security move as the new coach will likely be looking to hire "his guys".

Campbell isn't going to get fired after one year as HC co-GM in part because there aren't a lot of viable replacements around.

Time will tell. Ending the season with 8 straight losses certainly isn't an inducement to carry on status quo. Nothing is written in stone but you would have to admit that a poor showing tonight, playing for jobs not withstanding, would certainly make you wonder whether you even had a choice going forward with this coach/management. Having said that, I am taking the Lions to win but one has to wonder what the "what if" would be should they fail.

If the Elk hadnt played on Tue, I would fully expect them to win.

Well, let the game begin.

Impressive opening drive

Great first drive by Rourke!

Oh. The kid can play can he? Who knew?

SMDH.

Love to see Lions are having some fun today!

Rourke is so cool under pressure

This game will be a great confidence boost for Rourke if it continues like this.

He's looking composed and decisive. Also - very noticeable how much faster he moves compared to Reilly.