New BC Lions thread

[Will]

The Lions were hit with a significant retirement today as Bryan Burnham is hanging up the cleats.

[OV Argo]

An all-time great CFL receiver was Burnham IMO; too bad he couldn't have played longer.

[AngeloV]

An all-time great CFL receiver was Burnham IMO; too bad he couldn't have played longer.

I agree. Somehow no matter how great he was, he was so underrated.

[OV Argo]

I agree. Somehow no matter how great he was, he was so underrated.

A total package all-around receiver (ok, maybe not blazing speed) with just superb hands; and his ability to make tough or circus catches is second to none all-time IMO; his all-time production #s with a relatively short CFL career may have him rated behind some all-time #s leading receivers in CFL history, but he's IMO quite better than some with more career #s.

[jerrym]

A Hall of Famer.

[jerrym]

BC has extended Canadian DL David Menard, who had a career high 9 sacks in 2022, through 2024.

[bannedforlife]

Interesting bit of trivia I had never heard before.

While watching the Archive of American Television interview with producer Leonard Goldberg (https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/leonard-goldberg?clip=45942#interview-clips) (start at 15:00) he talks about an episode of Starsky and Hutch where they want to quit being cops and join the CFL. He doesn't remember the scene too accurately but I got the idea of what he was trying to say.

So I decided to look up the episode at IMDB where I see the following under the heading Factual Errors (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0709545/goofs/)

In the very last scene Hutch is on the phone very late at night with someone from the front office of the CFL (Canadian Football League) team the Vancouver Knights, attempting to setup tryouts for him & Starsky. The Vancouver Knights actually disbanded from the CFL after the 1939 season.

Now this fella didn't get it quite right either because Hutch clearly says Vancouver Lions not Knights (start at 42:43). So, I look up Vancouver Knights (https://www.cflapedia.com/teams/vancouver_Kofc.php) and did find that a team existed back in the 30s called the Vancouver Knights of Columbus or Kaycees.

Just thought I might bore you with that. BTW, if you've never listened to the Archive of American Television interviews (https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews#block-fp-client-block-all-interviews) they are very interesting and very good (most of them)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96lEb5fQ2mY

[OV Argo]

Huggy Bear might have made the Lions - at WR and managing the Lions' cheer leaders (best all-time IMO); Starksy & Hutch would have made good tackling dummies. ;o)

Didn't BC have Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed, and Chubbs in Happy Gilmore) on their team at one time ? Plus, wasn't Joe Kapp in some Hollywood flicks ?

[bannedforlife]

Didn't BC have Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed, and Chubbs in Happy Gilmore) on their team at one time ? Plus, wasn't Joe Kapp in some Hollywood flicks ?Joe Kapp's most famous film role was in The Longest Yard but he also had a very impressive list of credits (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0438528/) in many of the most famous TV shows of the 1970s.

Carl Weathers played linebacker for the Lions from 1971-1973, and pro wrestler Tito Santana (Merced Solis) played 13 games at end for the Lions in 1976. Solis caught 17 passes for 329 yards and one receiving touchdown that year.

[Argo57]

Nathan Rourke signs with Jacksonville.
Hopefully he has a good career in the NFL.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjV-62Sn8r8AhVykokEHa1yCBcQvOMEKAB6BAgkEAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tsn.ca%2Fnathan-rourke-agrees-to-contract-with-jaguars-1.1906522&usg=AOvVaw3yBlAWu-4bMbImuoPV2_x6

["Issues"Mcgee]

Nathan Rourke signs with Jacksonville.
Hopefully he has a good career in the NFL.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjV-62Sn8r8AhVykokEHa1yCBcQvOMEKAB6BAgkEAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tsn.ca%2Fnathan-rourke-agrees-to-contract-with-jaguars-1.1906522&usg=AOvVaw3yBlAWu-4bMbImuoPV2_x6

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed by Rourke leaving the CFL, but I wish him all the best, regardless.

[gilthethrill]

I hate seeing the NFL take the CFLs top players year after year but that’s the reality.

[ArgoRavi]

I hate seeing the NFL take the CFLs top players year after year but that’s the reality.

i find it incredibly frustrating but what can be done about it?

["Issues"Mcgee]

i find it incredibly frustrating but what can be done about it?

A commenter somewhere was suggesting a system similar to soccer, where an NFL team would have to pay a CFL team a transfer fee in these situations. I'm sure there is a reason this is not possible though.

Ultimately though I would prefer Canadian talent stay in the CFL. Someday.

[gilthethrill]

i find it incredibly frustrating but what can be done about it?

No league can compete with the NFL. I feel for the owner of the Lions who has been working hard to make the Lions relevant again on the West Coast and now he loses his biggest star (not to mention the CFLs biggest star). Hard to sell a team to a city that features Vernon Adams as your starting QB.

[ArgoRavi]

CFL QBs who have gone onto sustained success/playing time in the NFL:

Joe Kapp - 8 years in the CFL and 4 years in NFL, including a Super Bowl appearance as starting QB
Peter Liske - 4 years in the CFL and then 4 years in the AFL/NFL before returning for 3 more years in the CFL
Joe Theismann - 3 years in the CFL and 12 in the NFL, including a Super Bowl victory
Warren Moon - 6 years in the CFL and 17 in the NFL
Dieter Brock - 11 years in the CFL and 1 in the NFL, quarterbacking the Rams to the NFC championship game
Jeff Garcia - 5 years in the CFL and 13 in the NFL

Other CFL to NFL departures:

Doug Flutie - 1 year in USFL, 4 in NFL, 8 in CFL, and then 8 more in NFL

Henry Burris - 4 years in CFL, including 1 as a full-time starter; 2 in the NFL before returning to the CFL for a long career

Casey Printers - 3 years in CFL, including 2 in which he started many games; 1 year in NFL before returning for an unsuccessful second stint in the CFL

Nathan Rourke - 2 years in CFL, including roughly half of a season as a starter; ? years in NFL

If Rourke makes it in the NFL and has sustained success/playing time, he will be the first CFL QB to spend such little time in the CFL before having such success/playing time in the NFL.

I haven't included Sean Salisbury (parts of 2 seasons in the CFL before limited NFL success) or Erik Kramer (2 seasons of limited playing time in the CFL before 1 decent NFL season) as I don't necessarily see them as being in the same situation.

I know that this isn't a popular opinion but I really feel like Rourke should have stayed for another season or two in the CFL to continue his development (e.g., the West Final stage did seem too big for him) and continue building his resume before heading to the NFL. I think that he could have been in a better position in another year or two. And if anyone says he could get injured during those CFL seasons, that's always a possibility in the NFL also. Ultimately, he was exceptional for half of a CFL season but that's about all we can say about his tenure up here. It would have been interesting to see what he could have done over the next couple of CFL seasons if he had remained but it's his decision, whether one agrees with it or not.

[paulwoods13]

I know that this isn't a popular opinion but I really feel like Rourke should have stayed for another season or two in the CFL to continue his development (e.g., the West Final stage did seem too big for him) and continue building his resume before heading to the NFL. I think that he could have been in a better position in another year or two. And if anyone says he could get injured during those CFL seasons, that's always a possibility in the NFL also.

We'd all have loved to have Rourke stay forever in Canada, but I disagree that he'd have been better off to wait a year or two. Age alone (24 now vs. 26 in two years) makes him more attractive to the NFL at this time. And sure, he could get injured in the NFL or the CFL, but if he gets injured in the NFL he'll at least have earned NFL money and be eligible for what is undoubtedly a much better injury settlement.

[bannedforlife]

Here's a couple I remember from my childhood:

John Sciarra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sciarra) played two years for the Lions and six years for the Eagles. Memories are a funny thing, I remember him as a QB but he barely played there after being the starting QB at UCLA.

In 1976 he was 8/31 passing for the Lions which might explain the below:

Wikipedia - John Sciarra signed a two-year contract with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League on May 26, 1976. He was converted to Slotback early in the season and had 34 receptions for 563 yards. He earned the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 1976.

Sciarra played 6 years with the Eagles (1978-1983) as Defensive Back, Punt Returner, and was named Most Valuable Player for Special Teams in 1979 and 1980

Joe Pisarcik (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Pisarcik) played three seasons for the Stamps, three for the Giants, and five for the Eagles. He was the starting QB for his first two years with the Giants until Phil Simms took over. Pisarcik was backup to Ron Jaworski for the Eagles.

Wikipedia - He began his NFL career with the New York Giants and is best remembered for his role in the November 19, 1978, game where the Giants, ahead 17–12 with only seconds to play and their opponent out of time-outs, lost after his handoff (a play called by offensive coordinator Bob Gibson over Pisarcik's objections) to Larry Csonka was fumbled and returned for a touchdown by Herman Edwards of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The play has since been referred to as "The Fumble" by Giants fans and "The Miracle at the Meadowlands" by Eagles fans, and it was instrumental in making the Quarterback kneel (also known as "taking a knee") a routine play for running down the clock at the end of a game.

[bannedforlife]

We'd all have loved to have Rourke stay forever in Canada, but I disagree that he'd have been better off to wait a year or two. Age alone (24 now vs. 26 in two years) makes him more attractive to the NFL at this time. And sure, he could get injured in the NFL or the CFL, but if he gets injured in the NFL he'll at least have earned NFL money and be eligible for what is undoubtedly a much better injury settlement.I agree with Paul, you have to strike while the iron is hot. While we all think it's a shame, it's inevitable.

What needs to be changed is the narrative. The haters (for lack of a better word) take the old Canadian inferiority complex narrative that the CFL sucks compared to the NFL rather than the player played in a league good enough to allow a transition to the NFL.

We need to take an attitude more like European soccer fans, support your local club and league but you can also support those at the very top. The haters are unable and unwilling to do this. They always come up with the old line "I only follow the best" but upon further examination they are always found to be hypocritical. Sorry for the rant diversion.

Bring back Canadian Professional Football! : )

[Argo57]

We'd all have loved to have Rourke stay forever in Canada, but I disagree that he'd have been better off to wait a year or two. Age alone (24 now vs. 26 in two years) makes him more attractive to the NFL at this time. And sure, he could get injured in the NFL or the CFL, but if he gets injured in the NFL he'll at least have earned NFL money and be eligible for what is undoubtedly a much better injury settlement.

It was an obvious move by Rourke, capitalize on the opportunity while you can.

[OV Argo]

I agree with Paul, you have to strike while the iron is hot. While we all think it's a shame, it's inevitable.

What needs to be changed is the narrative. The haters (for lack of a better word) take the old Canadian inferiority complex narrative that the CFL sucks compared to the NFL rather than the player played in a league good enough to allow a transition to the NFL.

We need to take an attitude more like European soccer fans, support your local club and league but you can also support those at the very top. The haters are unable and unwilling to do this. They always come up with the old line "I only follow the best" but upon further examination they are always found to be hypocritical. Sorry for the rant diversion.

Bring back Canadian Professional Football! : )


Bang-on !!!

[argolio]

Warren Moon - 6 years in the CFL and 17 in the NFLToo many GOBs still had NFL jobs back in the 70s, which prevented Moon from starting his pro career there as his physical talent warranted. And I mean the real, racist kind of GOBs, not fake ones. If he was a decade younger, we wouldn't have seen him in the CFL.

[AngeloV]

I'm really happy for Rourke. Anyone that suggested he should not take the opportunity is not a realist. I hope he can turn this into a $100M + career.

[Argo57]

Shawn Lemon sign with the Lions.
Still a very effective player.

https://3downnation.com/2023/02/26/triple-shot-of-lemon-b-c-lions-bring-in-veteran-pass-rusher-shawn-lemon-for-a-third-time/

[ArgoRavi]

Shawn Lemon sign with the Lions.
Still a very effective player.

https://3downnation.com/2023/02/26/triple-shot-of-lemon-b-c-lions-bring-in-veteran-pass-rusher-shawn-lemon-for-a-third-time/

He is but he will turn into the aging version of Charleston Hughes one of these years and it's always a gamble when that will be. I think that the Stamps are gambling that will happen in 2023 while the Lions are gambling that it won't.

[Argo57]

He is but he will turn into the aging version of Charleston Hughes one of these years and it's always a gamble when that will be. I think that the Stamps are gambling that will happen in 2023 while the Lions are gambling that it won't.

Although not a huge risk with one year contracts Ravi.

[AngeloV]

Although not a huge risk with one year contracts Ravi.

An no risk at all if there isn’t a sizeable signing bonus, which is very doubtful in this case.

[ArgoRavi]

An no risk at all if there isn’t a sizeable signing bonus, which is very doubtful in this case.

The free agent money has pretty much dried up long before now so Lemon likely received a small raise, if any, and not much of a bonus.

[ArgoRavi]

Things are looking a little bleaker for Nathan Rourke in Jacksonville. The original narrative from the likes of Farhan Lalji and Dave Naylor was that Jacksonville's backup QB, CJ Beathard, was a free agent and would not necessarily be brought back which would leave a clear opening for Rourke to compete for the #2 spot with the Jaguars. Subsequently, the Jaguars re-signed Beathard to a new contract that includes $2 million in guaranteed money. Anyone who follows the NFL knows that giving someone $2 million in guaranteed money means that they are very much in your plans. The Jaguars brass has also been recently talking up Beathard in a big way so it will take an extraordinary performance for Rourke to become the #2 QB there. More likely, he will be battling it out for the #3/Practice Roster QB spot with whomever else the Jaguars sign or draft.

https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/duval-insider-plus/3-observations-on-jaguars-extending-c-j-beathard

https://3downnation.com/2023/03/07/jacksonville-jaguars-release-e-j-perry-leaving-nathan-rourke-as-one-of-three-qbs-on-roster/

[OV Argo]

Things are looking a little bleaker for Nathan Rourke in Jacksonville. The original narrative from the likes of Farhan Lalji and Dave Naylor was that Jacksonville's backup QB, CJ Beathard, was a free agent and would not necessarily be brought back which would leave a clear opening for Rourke to compete for the #2 spot with the Jaguars. Subsequently, the Jaguars re-signed Beathard to a new contract that includes $2 million in guaranteed money. Anyone who follows the NFL knows that giving someone $2 million in guaranteed money means that they are very much in your plans. The Jaguars brass has also been recently talking up Beathard in a big way so it will take an extraordinary performance for Rourke to become the #2 QB there. More likely, he will be battling it out for the #3/Practice Roster QB spot with whomever else the Jaguars sign or draft.

https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/duval-insider-plus/3-observations-on-jaguars-extending-c-j-beathard

https://3downnation.com/2023/03/07/jacksonville-jaguars-release-e-j-perry-leaving-nathan-rourke-as-one-of-three-qbs-on-roster/


Yeah, not sure I agree with "bleak" but so much for the talk he would only sign down there to be a #2. I think he's just glad to get a foot in the door anywhere down there, and maybe he has a great TC or injuries strike the other QBs, and he somehow gets on a roster and maybe plays some - wouldn't count on that though.

Could see a scenario where he is stuck as the Jags #3 project, which leads to no playing time and then no other NFL teams show any interest (why would they - he could have signed with a team that has serious QB needs to compete right away, but obviously nobody had that interest) ... and then he gets frustrated as a competitor who really wants to play, and so returns to the CFL - wouldn't count on that either.

[AngeloV]

Things are looking a little bleaker for Nathan Rourke in Jacksonville. The original narrative from the likes of Farhan Lalji and Dave Naylor was that Jacksonville's backup QB, CJ Beathard, was a free agent and would not necessarily be brought back which would leave a clear opening for Rourke to compete for the #2 spot with the Jaguars. Subsequently, the Jaguars re-signed Beathard to a new contract that includes $2 million in guaranteed money. Anyone who follows the NFL knows that giving someone $2 million in guaranteed money means that they are very much in your plans. The Jaguars brass has also been recently talking up Beathard in a big way so it will take an extraordinary performance for Rourke to become the #2 QB there. More likely, he will be battling it out for the #3/Practice Roster QB spot with whomever else the Jaguars sign or draft.

https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/duval-insider-plus/3-observations-on-jaguars-extending-c-j-beathard

https://3downnation.com/2023/03/07/jacksonville-jaguars-release-e-j-perry-leaving-nathan-rourke-as-one-of-three-qbs-on-roster/

But they waived another QB leaving then with only 3 on the roster. That’s good news for Rourke, not bad news. Beathard has done nothing over quite a few years in the league. I’m sure the Jags are hoping Rourke takes the #2 spot from him in TC.

[Shatto]

Yeah, not sure I agree with "bleak" but so much for the talk he would only sign down there to be a #2. I think he's just glad to get a foot in the door anywhere down there, and maybe he has a great TC or injuries strike the other QBs, and he somehow gets on a roster and maybe plays some - wouldn't count on that though.

Could see a scenario where he is stuck as the Jags #3 project, which leads to no playing time and then no other NFL teams show any interest (why would they - he could have signed with a team that has serious QB needs to compete right away, but obviously nobody had that interest) ... and then he gets frustrated as a competitor who really wants to play, and so returns to the CFL - wouldn't count on that either.

If the team does not select a QB in the upcoming NFL draft, Rourke will be in the comfortable position of being the # 3 QB albeit, on the P.R. But, that places him in a good position if one of the two QBs on the playing roster should sustain an injury. If the team is serious about Rourke, they will not draft a QB.

[ArgoRavi]

But they waived another QB leaving then with only 3 on the roster. That’s good news for Rourke, not bad news. Beathard has done nothing over quite a few years in the league. I’m sure the Jags are hoping Rourke takes the #2 spot from him in TC.

Beathard is getting $2 million guaranteed while Rourke is getting $200k guaranteed. We shall see if they add another QB although I would be surprised if they didn't. I don't share your optimism, AV, that Rourke will get much of a chance to unseat Beathard, given the guaranteed money the latter is getting.

Also, one of Rourke's advocates in Jacksonville, Henry Burris, is no longer employed by that organization.

[Argo57]

Beathard is getting $2 million guaranteed while Rourke is getting $200k guaranteed. We shall see if they add another QB although I would be surprised if they didn't. I don't share your optimism, AV, that Rourke will get much of a chance to unseat Beathard, given the guaranteed money the latter is getting.

Also, one of Rourke's advocates in Jacksonville, Henry Burris, is no longer employed by that organization.

I agree Ravi.
The NFL is as cut throat as it gets, promises to compete for the number 2 job amount to nothing.
I think you may see Rourke back in Canada in a couple of years.

[AngeloV]

Beathard is getting $2 million guaranteed while Rourke is getting $200k guaranteed. We shall see if they add another QB although I would be surprised if they didn't. I don't share your optimism, AV, that Rourke will get much of a chance to unseat Beathard, given the guaranteed money the latter is getting.

Also, one of Rourke's advocates in Jacksonville, Henry Burris, is no longer employed by that organization.

No offence Ravi, but I think this is personal with you. You were against Rourke taking his shot down south from day 1. He is very young. There is a good chance the Jags will keep him around all year as #3 while looking to move him up to #2 next year. There is also a chance that they take the loss on Beathard and release him or put him on IR. Their starter is on a rookie deal,so they don’t have a lot of money tied up at QB. In any event, it’s a chance he has to take. He would be 1 injury away from an opportunity to show his talents to the rest of the league and a really big pay day.

[AngeloV]

I agree Ravi.
The NFL is as cut throat as it gets, promises to compete for the number 2 job amount to nothing.
I think you may see Rourke back in Canada in a couple of years.

Possible, but I’m thinking no. I think he will be down south for a long time.

[Argo57]

Possible, but I’m thinking no. I think he will be down south for a long time.

Depends what’s important to him, buried down the depth chart in the NFL or playing and competing in the CFL.
Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[ArgoRavi]

No offence Ravi, but I think this is personal with you. You were against Rourke taking his shot down south from day 1. He is very young. There is a good chance the Jags will keep him around all year as #3 while looking to move him up to #2 next year. There is also a chance that they take the loss on Beathard and release him or put him on IR. Their starter is on a rookie deal,so they don’t have a lot of money tied up at QB. In any event, it’s a chance he has to take. He would be 1 injury away from an opportunity to show his talents to the rest of the league and a really big pay day.

I have definitely gone against the prevailing wisdom on this one and it's not because I don't believe that Rourke isn't capable of having success in the NFL. I just don't happen to think that this is the chance he was looking for, but time will tell.

I do recall that the narrative being pushed by the likes of Naylor, Lalji, and the 3DownNation people was that Rourke wanted a legitimate chance at a #2 position this year and that seems unlikely.

[bannedforlife]

I have definitely gone against the prevailing wisdom on this one and it's not because I don't believe that Rourke isn't capable of having success in the NFL. I just don't happen to think that this is the chance he was looking for, but time will tell.

I do recall that the narrative being pushed by the likes of Naylor, Lalji, and the 3DownNation people was that Rourke wanted a legitimate chance at a #2 position this year and that seems unlikely.I agree with your take. What might come to pass is for him to do the three years for the pension and then come back. I'm not sure what he would be making after three years if he hadn't established himself as a contender but chances are if he came back to the CFL and was able to reestablish himself he'd get 500k

[bannedforlife]

BC Lions offer ticket, bus packages for Interior and Island fans (https://www.castanet.net/news/CFL/415875/BC-Lions-offer-ticket-bus-packages-for-Interior-and-Island-fans#415875)
Lions courting Interior fans
Rob Gibson castanet.net March 13, 2023

BC Lions fans who live in the Interior or on Vancouver Island now have a new way to watch their team.

For the first time, the BC Lions have launched a new six-game season ticket package for fans on Vancouver Island and in the Interior.

“We’re thrilled to provide our fans from the Island and Interior with increased accessibility to our home games,” said Lions president Duane Vienneau.

The packages consist of all six of the club's weekend 4 p.m. kickoffs at BC Place: the home opener June 17 vs. Edmonton, July 9 vs. Montreal, July 22 vs. Saskatchewan, August 12 vs. Calgary, August 26 vs. Hamilton and September 16 vs. Ottawa.

Ticket prices for the packages start at $220 for Interior Lions fans and $170 for Island fans. All packages include roundtrip bus transportation from Traxx Coach Lines and fans can depart from either Kelowna or Kamloops. Island fans will be picked up from both the Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen Ferry terminals for the journey to BC Place.

“The response for similar bus and ticket packages for last year’s Western Semi-Final was amazing and it gave us the idea that our fans from different regions of British Columbia would welcome a regular season package. The Lions truly are the province’s team.”

[Stevoman]

I love the Lions new uniforms...come on Argos when do we get our stripes back???

[gilthethrill]

I love the Lions new uniforms...come on Argos when do we get our stripes back???

No doubt the Argos uniforms need upgraded to say the least. As for the Lions new uniforms, seems teams in all sports are leaving traditional colours and going all black. To me it seems unimaginative, as the 9 team CFL now has 3 teams with black as their main colour, but fans seem to be eating it up.

[Argo57]

Argos should consult this guy, his design (with a couple of minor changes) and the current boat logo would be light years better than the practice jerseys they are currently wearing.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj4nKmVqbP-AhWRlIkEHbElDv0QFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2F3downnation.com%2F2021%2F08%2F01 %2Fcfl-fan-reimagines-all-nine-logos-and-uniforms-plus-the-atlantic-schooners%2F&usg=AOvVaw39svgYuHII2KMUv4zK-dlY

[ArgoRavi]

No doubt the Argos uniforms need upgraded to say the least. As for the Lions new uniforms, seems teams in all sports are leaving traditional colours and going all black. To me it seems unimaginative, as the 9 team CFL now has 3 teams with black as their main colour, but fans seem to be eating it up.

Calgary is introducing new uniforms today and I hope like hell that they remove black from their uniforms and return to something along the lines of what they wore in the 1970s or 1980s. The Lions have a history of wearing black so I don't mind their new uniforms, although it wouldn't have been my first choice, but Calgary must remove the black from their uniforms.

[Argo57]

Shawn Lemon released, Jonathan Kongbo signed.

https://3downnation.com/2023/05/21/lemon-dropped-b-c-lions-release-veteran-pass-rusher-shawn-lemon-one-other/

https://3downnation.com/2023/05/21/b-c-lions-sign-homegrown-defensive-end-jonathan-kongbo-following-nfl-stint/ (https://3downnation.com/2023/05/21/lemon-dropped-b-c-lions-release-veteran-pass-rusher-shawn-lemon-one-other/)

[jerrym]

Lemon was getting long in the tooth at 34. Kongbo should be a big addition for the club and he has the bonus of being Canadian. They also released Canadian LB Jordan Herdman-Reed.

[Will]

The Lions sure are looking good to start the season (particularly on defense).

[ArgoRavi]

The Lions sure are looking good to start the season (particularly on defense).

They do indeed look good so far with another big test on the horizon for them in Toronto in early July.

[kellynjk]

Lions looked sensational the other evening and Vernon Adams has had a couple of great games so far.

[jerrym]

Vernon Adams passing has definitely improved thanks to a lot of work in the offseason.

[jerrym]

It looks like BC has the second half of a RB tandem after rookie Shaun Shivers gained 63 yards rushing on 14 carries and a TD, as well as two catches for 73 yards in their win over the Als, while replacing the injured Taquan Mizzell.

[OV Argo]

M. Betts off to a great start as a pass rusher / sacker. Living up to his resume - most decorated DE in Canadian college ball history likely.

Suitor on TSN making it sound like he is another Brent Johnson - who according to good old Suits - was the guy who broke the mold and made GOBs realize Canadians can play DE? Now maybe Suits is talking about a very specific CFL period, or his own time in the league, but if he thinks Johnson was the first real successful Canadian DE, he is clueless. Ever heard of Jim Corrgial there Suits? or how bout Wayne Smith who terrorized QBs for Ottawa and later the Argos? Bill the Undertaker Baker; Jim Piaskoski, Kent Warnock, Leroy Blugh ... lots of 'em

[ArgoRavi]

M. Betts off to a great start as a pass rusher / sacker. Living up to his resume - most decorated DE in Canadian college ball history likely.

Suitor on TSN making it sound like he is another Brent Johnson - who according to good old Suits - was the guy who broke the mold and made GOBs realize Canadians can play DE? Now maybe Suits is talking about a very specific CFL period, or his own time in the league, but if he thinks Johnson was the first real successful Canadian DE, he is clueless. Ever heard of Jim Corrgial there Suits? or how bout Wayne Smith who terrorized QBs for Ottawa and later the Argos? Bill the Undertaker Baker; Jim Piaskoski, Kent Warnock, Leroy Blugh ... lots of 'em

Agreed, OV. I had the same thoughts as you when I heard Suitor say that.

[argolio]

Agreed, OV. I had the same thoughts as you when I heard Suitor say that.Maybe Suitor meant that as Betts being a rush end, a specialized position which didn't exist pre-James Parker.

[ArgoRavi]

Maybe Suitor meant that as Betts being a rush end, a specialized position which didn't exist pre-James Parker.

That would make more sense.

[OV Argo]

That would make more sense.

The term rush end is ill defined anyways? What does it mean ?

[argolio]

The term rush end is ill defined anyways? What does it mean ?A quicker, often smaller, sometimes shorter pass-rush specialist who relies mainly on speed and typically lines up just outside the tackle (usually RT more than LT) on obvious passing downs. The better ones also contribute to stopping the run. Down south they call it an edge rusher.

[OV Argo]

A quicker, often smaller, sometimes shorter pass-rush specialist who relies mainly on speed and typically lines up just outside the tackle (usually RT more than LT) on obvious passing downs. The better ones also contribute to stopping the run. Down south they call it an edge rusher.

Suitor mentioned Brent Johnson for comparison who was a big-sized, regular old defensive end.

They call pass rush specialist "edge rushers" OLBs now often in the NFL; guy has very little traditional linebacker duties.

Joe Montford might have been the prototype CFL "rush end" - small by DE standards but powerful, strong and quick; Betts is quite a bit bigger at 250 range.

It's all still DE to me; unless a team deploys a small, speed rusher just for certain situations.

[Argo57]

A quicker, often smaller, sometimes shorter pass-rush specialist who relies mainly on speed and typically lines up just outside the tackle (usually RT more than LT) on obvious passing downs. The better ones also contribute to stopping the run. Down south they call it an edge rusher.

James “Quick” Parker immediately comes to mind.

[argolio]

James “Quick” Parker immediately comes to mind.He was a game-changer.
https://theprovince.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/ed-willes-quick-parker-revolutionized-game-before-lion-heart-gave-out

[Argo57]

He was a game-changer.
https://theprovince.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/ed-willes-quick-parker-revolutionized-game-before-lion-heart-gave-out

He truly was.
I remember watching him amazed at how fast he was coming off the snap, could change direction on a dime.
Reading the article reminded me of how great the CFL was back in the day.

[jerrym]

M. Betts off to a great start as a pass rusher / sacker. Living up to his resume - most decorated DE in Canadian college ball history likely.

Suitor on TSN making it sound like he is another Brent Johnson - who according to good old Suits - was the guy who broke the mold and made GOBs realize Canadians can play DE? Now maybe Suits is talking about a very specific CFL period, or his own time in the league, but if he thinks Johnson was the first real successful Canadian DE, he is clueless. Ever heard of Jim Corrgial there Suits? or how bout Wayne Smith who terrorized QBs for Ottawa and later the Argos? Bill the Undertaker Baker; Jim Piaskoski, Kent Warnock, Leroy Blugh ... lots of 'em
Love your post.

[jerrym]

The BC Lions announced that they will have their game against the Elks be the first CFL game ever broadcast in Punjabi. Vancouver has a large Punjabi population and a good number of them attend Lions games. The NHL also has some Punjabi broadcasts. Great to see the audience being expanded.

[jerrym]

American RB JaQuan Hardy, who won a PR job and played played in two games for the Denver Broncos after signing as a undrafted player, has signed with the Lions.

https://www.bclions.com/2023/08/08/lions-add-american-rb-jaquan-hardy-to-practice-roster/

[jerrym]

The Lions have added Colin Kaepernick to their negotiation list.

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/09/28/report-lions-add-colin-kaepernick-to-their-negotiation-list/

[jerrym]

BC put five players on the CFL All-Star team.



Hatcher (1ST SELECTION)– enjoyed his finest Lion season yet, racking up 1,226 receiving yards- 43 shy of Hamilton’s Tim White for the CFL lead- on 78 receptions. Hatcher also recorded a regular career-high 170 yards in a win over Calgary on August 12 while scoring six touchdowns over 15 contests. He then elevated his game in last week’s Western Semi-Final win over Calgary with nine receptions for 195 yards and one major.

Betts (1ST SELECTION)- it was a historical year for the CFL’s West Division nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player as Betts’ 18 sacks broke the single-season Canadian record previously held by Brent Johnson and Jamaal Westerman. Betts was also the first Lion to lead the CFL in sacks since Keron Williams in 2012.

Peters (2ND SELECTION)- the lockdown corner appeared in all 18 regular season contests to extend his ironman streak to 86 since joining the Lions prior to the 2018 season. Peters’ four interceptions were one shy of his career-high while he also added 51 defensive tackles.

Lee (2ND SELECTION)– another versatile veteran in the secondary, Lee suited up in all 18 games for the third time in his career and established a new career-high of 82 defensive tackles to go with three interceptions and one sack.

Whyte (1ST SELECTION)- the league finalist for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player was clutch all throughout the regular season. Whyte’s 94.3 field goal percentage (50/53) was good for second in the CFL while he also made good on 44 of 45 convert attempts.
https://www.bclions.com/2023/11/08/a-solid-quintet-hatcher-betts-peters-lee-whyte-named-cfl-all-stars/

[AngeloV]

Looks like Dane Evans is retiring from football.


https://twitter.com/daneevans9/status/1741904506206486560

[Mocha]

Looks like Dane Evans is retiring from football.


https://twitter.com/daneevans9/status/1741904506206486560

That's a bit of a surprise. I think he would still have plenty of opportunity going forward. Health and family factor in, of course. Hope retirement works well for him.

[AngeloV]

That's a bit of a surprise. I think he would still have plenty of opportunity going forward. Health and family factor in, of course. Hope retirement works well for him.

Yeah. Probably looking long term, and wants to coach.

[OV Argo]

Evans had plenty of CFL opportunity - with some mixed but also some good results. Wish him well in his future plans.

Opens the door for some other young QB talent, and IMO some are out there.

Young guns like Crum & Powell came out of nowhere to impress this past CFL season; and the example of Tre Ford should open some CFL GOB eyes to top U Sports QB talent - the likes of Senecal (Carabins) or Desjardins (Laval) should merit serious CFL looks soon IMO; rather than being GOB dismissed / written-off.

[jerrym]

BC takes Windsor OL George Una with the sixth overall pick. He should improve a weak OL from last year.