Lionbackers.com

David wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 15, 2024 9:14 am

I'm torn. I love that the Concert Kick-Off is becoming a staple of the Doman era, with crowds in excess of 30,000 and a buzz built around the team.

My concern has been that, while the diehards know that there are only 2 preseason games in which to evaluate and there are fewer padded practices at training camp, casuals are likely not really aware. Timing and sloppiness can be an issue so they aren't seeing the best of CFL football. Fortunately, our Leos have had two blow-out victories to send fans home happy.

This year, we open in Toronto (I wonder if we'll face Chad Kelly or there will be disciplinary action?) so it won't be as bad.


DH

don corleone wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 15, 2024 7:55 am

Mentioning early season play taking time for teams to gel made me wonder if it is a coincidence Winnipeg plays Ottawa twice in the first 5 games.

Qman wrote: ↑

Tue May 07, 2024 4:22 pm

Looks like rookie camp starts with walkthru Wednesday night at 5pm.
I guess the main purpose of rookie camp is cut 15 of 50 guys before vets report.

Hambone wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 14, 2024 1:04 pm

DanoT wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 14, 2024 12:20 pm

B.C.FAN wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 14, 2024 7:25 am

Yes, that's another factor. There are still some padded practices in camp but I don't even try to evaluate line play. The lack of contact also makes it tough to evaluate running backs. The real test of the roster comes in the first few games of the regular season.

When the CFL went from a 16 game season with 4 pre-season games to 18 games and only 2 pre-season games, it felt like now we have 2 pre-season games that count in the standings. That said, I don't really have a problem with the current 18 game set up, but I just have to accept the fact that early season there will be lots of errors on the field.

I'll take the current format any day of the week over the old 16 & 4 split. I only had full STs for the last 3 years of that and hated 20% of my ST cost going to 2 meaningless-in-the-standings preseason games I would not be attending.

That aside the current format really changes the priorities of training camp. Back in the day it took 20 to 25 days just to get the 4 preseason games played. Camps likely opened upwards of 5 weeks before the first regular season games. Two-a-days were frequent with likely every practice being in pads. Twice as many preseason games made for a lot more game reps for competition and evaluation. Looking at BC's 2024 practice schedule they'll be getting roughly 33 hours of practice time over 12 sessions plus a few walk thrus. Camps must end 18 days after they start today.

Back in the day players probably need the first week just to burn off the offseason fat and get somewhat close to the shape all players show up at camp in today. With relatively limited practice and preseason time today compared to pre-1986 a lot ot time is still sent on teaching of technique but the main focus is to start Installing the offensive and defensive schemes. Teams now are likely to be just as prepared for Week 1 as they were back in the 70s because of that early focus shift.

B.C.FAN wrote: ↑

Thu May 09, 2024 7:14 pm

The afternoon half of Thursday's mini-camp started more low key, with walkthoughs to install plays and teach special teams coverage, as well as some positional drills. I counted 57 players in uniform, including receiver Jamarius Way, who was a limited participant.

For the first time, Global draft pick Carl Meyer practised field goals, showing a strong leg. He hit easily from as far as 37 yards, with at least 20 yards to spare, so that gives him one advantage as an eventual successor to veteran Sean Whyte.

Receivers and quarterbacks looked much sharper than they did in the morning in one-on-ones. Travis Fulgham, Stanley Berryhill, Bryson Daughtry and Taylor Grimes all made clutch catches that drew cheers from teammates. Ayden Eberhardt ran two smooth deep touchdown routes. Grimes and Berryhill also looked good as punt returners.

National DB Jassin States-McClean, appearing in his second Kamloops camp, made a big knockdown that drew recognition from teammates and a hand slap from assistant DB coach Tanya Henderson. American DB Bryce Watts, who was waived with an injury settlement from the Pittsburgh Steelers after being injured in mini-camp in 2022, had two knockdowns that could have been INTs. Lions' 2023 draft pick Charlie Ringland, who missed last season after tearing an ACL at the 2023 CFL Combine, had an impressive knockdown on a deep post pattern by Fulgham

In team play, RB Percy Agyei-Obese again took first reps and had a big run up middle. Eberhardt had a deep post TD in double coverage from Dakota Prukop, who also completed a deep post pass to Fulgham. Chase Brice, who spent most of last season on the practice roster, had a nice QB keeper and looked crisp passing.

It's clear after two practices that the Lions have a lot of depth at skill positions. Several receivers appear capable of stepping into the starting lineup in place of the injured Keon Hatcher and unsigned free agent Lucky Whitehead. In fact, this may be the deepest receiving corps I've seen at a Lions' camp despite the loss of the two veterans. It will be fascinating to watch this position group when main camp opens on Sunday.

Before then, rookies will have a final chance to make an impression Friday morning. I haven't done the math, but the roster has to be cut to 85 players on Saturday, excluding non-counters (rookie draft picks and juniors). Another 10 players will have to be cut by Tuesday.