CAN J.J. RISE UP TONIGHT?
Looking to escape the CFL’s West Division basement, the B.C. Lions need a strong performance from their quarterback, who has struggled since returning from injury. The visiting Hamilton Ticats present an opportunity for Jennings to find his mojo
There is truth in advertising.
A clever campaign by the B.C. Lions — asking “Who is Jonathon Jennings?” — not only created curiosity about the young quarterback and the Canadian Football League club’s commitment to attract younger fans, there was an early buzz around what could be with a receiver-rich roster.
Now, the buzz is about a lastplace team searching for answers that might be easier to find Friday against the sad-sack Hamilton Tiger-Cats at B.C. Place Stadium.
The visitors are 2-9 and have surrendered a league-worst 381 points, a whopping 34.6 per outing. Regardless, much is still amiss with the 6-6 Lions.
The offensive line stayed intact in the first five games and has been altered the past seven. The hope is to provide Jennings with enough time to avoid sacks — he was dropped four times in the first half Sept. 16 during a 27-13 loss in Calgary — and avoid indecision and throwing too often into double coverage.
Moving Kelvin Palmer to right tackle should help stop a disturbing trend of the Lions allowing a league-worst 31 sacks. The return of defensive lineman Alex Bazzie from failed attempts to crack NFL rosters should provide a better pass rush. That should get the overworked defence off the field and give Jennings more possession time.
The Lions have but 18 sacks his season, second lowest to 17 by the Montreal Alouettes.
Getting short or deep balls to burner Chris Williams, who was targeted just once and didn’t have a catch against the Stampeders, would obviously help. So would Jennings releasing the ball quicker.
In his nine games, Jennings has a league-high 12 interceptions to go with just six touchdown strikes. He also has a tender right shoulder that was aggravated Sept. 16 when slammed to the turf by Alex Singleton. He looked out of sync when the Lions abandoned the running game and then eventually went to a two-back set to provide quick-throw options and added quarterback protection.
Jennings has lacked rhythm and tempo and because he’s also a jazz drummer, it resonates with him on several levels.
In the critically acclaimed 2014 movie Whiplash, an aspiring drummer catches the critical eye and incredible ire of a bully jazz band conductor portrayed by J.K. Simmons, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actor. The quarterback could relate to the driven drummer.
“Love that movie,” said Jennings. “I enjoyed it a lot because it’s about your rhythm and tempo and maintaining that — even when things around you are going crazy.
“You have to find a way to make things work and not be too risky with the football. Obviously, we had trouble with that (against Calgary) and you have to make sure you’re taking what they’re giving you and getting the ball out quick.”
Jennings threw an interception in the first series against the Stampeders and when the Lions went away from a successful running game, they were fodder for a ferocious pass rush and an air-tight secondary that limited Manny Arceneaux to one reception, while Bryan Burnham had three.
The tale of the receiving tape was running back Chris Rainey being the relief valve for a harried Jennings and winding up with five catches for just 26 yards when the Lions were forced into a two-back set.
“You’re always trying to do what works,” added Jennings. “Getting some yards and productivity out of it (a two-back set) is a good reminder than you can still move the football.
“They (the Stampeders) were dropping deep in coverage just tak- ing away primary guys and we had to use our running backs to pick up some yards.”
If that’s the case Friday, the Lions are going to be in trouble. They should have their way with the Tiger-Cats, who have surrendered a league high 347.4 yards per game.
And for Williams, who has just 25 receptions in six games for 278 yards and only one major, he should be salivating at the prospect of being targeted more often Friday.
“It’s definitely frustrating when you know what you can do and you’re just not getting those opportunities — especially when you feel like they’re there,” said Williams. “It happens through the course of a season and I’m not the first person to have a game like that or the last.
“We know what weapons we have and what kind of team we can be. When we put it together, we have had explosive games and we need to allow J.J. to get back there and make his reads and have time to throw.
“It’s just a matter of us playing better and that’s all of us. I’ve been doing this for such a long time and I just have to do my part to help us to be successful.”
Part of the formula for success is for Jennings to lean on the injured Travis Lulay. He has always been a voice of reason for the 25-year-old Columbus, Ohio, native. And maybe now more than ever with the challenge to turn around a sour season and not get discouraged — even when tossing an interception on the first pass from scrimmage.
“You just move on — it’s a nextplay mentality because at the QB position, it’s tough and all the burden is with you,” said Jennings. “Travis is always there for wisdom and support with the knowledge of a veteran QB.
“He understands what we’re going through and with the emotional side, too. That helps any QB.”
Next game Tonight Hamilton Tiger-Cats at B.C. Lions 8 p.m., B.C. Place Stadium TSN, TSN 1040AM