Lions keep playoff hopes alive with win over Argos

VANCOUVER — B.C. Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings delivered one of his best performances of the season in a crucial win Saturday night, but says his play wasn’t motivated by recent questions about his commitment to the game.

Jennings threw for 199 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 47 yards in three carries in the Lions’ 26-23 victory over the Toronto Argonauts (3-11) at B.C. Place. The win keeps the Lions (7-7) in the thick of the Canadian Football League’s West playoff hunt, while the Argos are on the brink of elimination with the defeat.

Jennings has thrown for more than 200 yards just once in his eight games with the Lions this year.

Saturday’s strong showing came after B.C. general manager Ed Hervey appeared to question in an interview with Postmedia whether the 26-year-old is committed to becoming an elite quarterback.

Jennings was the Lions’ starter at the beginning of the season, but then lost the job to veteran Travis Lulay. He took over again last month after Lulay was sidelined by a dislocated shoulder.

Hervey said he sees “flashes” of good things from Jennings, but added that the Columbus, Ohio native is “rarely” seen around the team’s training facility enough to show that he has what it takes to take his game to the next level, a comment that the quarterback’s agent refuted in a statement.

Asked whether Hervey’s words spurred Saturday’s performance, Jennings said no.

“I’m just thankful for my teammates. I got a lot of support from my teammates. And I’m just happy we got the win,” he said.

Lions coach Wally Buono said he trusts what Hervey says and does.

“After last week ... we should all be criticized,” the coach said, referring to B.C.’s dismal 40-10 loss in Hamilton.

“If somebody takes offence to it, then that’s life. But Ed’s got the right to state an opinion. If that encourages other players, coaches to do a better job, then that’s what he gets paid to do.”

No matter the motivation, Buono said he was happy with how Jennings played on Saturday.

“It was nice to see him make some good throws, make some good reads. I’d like to see him do more of that,” Buono said.

Toronto coach Marc Trestman said the Lions did a good job of backing up the Argos and gave his team credit for not giving up.

“My guys played to the end. A great effort,” he said.