BC Lions 24-16 Edmonton Eskimos
The Headline: BC Lions overthrow the Edmonton Eskimos in final pre-season tune-up 24-16.
A Proven Quarterback
While Mike Reilly was the talk of the town last week, Travis Lulay was up to his old tricks last night, proving himself as the number one QB for the BC Lions. Lulay hit on 15 of 21 attempts and three touchdowns, on just over a half of game action.
His performance rightly asserts his place as the number one passer in the CFL. For the second straight game Lulay was effective in finding the open receiver, placing the ball exactly where it needed to be.
The recipient of Lulay’s longest TD strike was to Kierrie Johnson, who hauled in a 53 yarder without even breaking stride. Johnson finished with 5 REC for 94 yards and 1 TD.
Veteran Receivers Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce also connected with Lulay for major scores.
Rushing Game a Problem?
Even if the aerial assault was on target for the most part, the rushing game struggled mightily last night. Andrew Harris was ineffective and the players pushing to replace him were equally drab. This is possibly a result of injuries and constant player rotation along the Offensive Line.
Dane Randolph made his Lions debut and Patrick Kabongo suffered a minor injury that sidelined him early in the third quarter.
Defense and Special Teams show Flashes
The defensive unit continues to impose their will as the orange and white were both ball hawking and laying the wood. Lin-J Shell, Eric Taylor, Khalif Mitchell, and Adam Bighill each left their marks on Edmonton QB’s.
Lulay showed why he is the starter in the Lions game vs. the Edmonton Eskimos
Even though Hugh O’Neill slotted a short Field Goal and Paul McCallum successfully executed an onside kick, the special teams in general scored a poor grade. Neither kick returner, Tim Brown or Anthony Stewart, showed any spark and the PAT unit even failed on one attempt.
QB’s Reilly and Thomas DeMarco also saw some limited game action. Slot back Shawn Gore had another solid week receiving, he also chipped in with a beautifully orchestrated end around play that went for over 30 yards.
Offensive Co-ordinator Jacques Chapdelaine incorporated a few wrinkles into the playbook as he tries to figure out how to get one ball into s many playmakers’ hands.
Preseason and Beyond
It’s hard not to have high expectations for the Lions season with a championship roster returning on offense but we must brace ourselves since it’s just the preseason; although it’s easy to see that Lulay and his vertical talents are already hitting on all strides
The tilt with Edmonton marked the end of training camp.
Preparations are now being made for the June 29th lid lifter on the season against the Blue Bombers; a match-up that will be a true litmus test for how well this team can, and should, play.
Cheers, The Bartender
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About Phil Slater
