New offensive scheme has old coach excited
Buono says Jackson’s offence gets ‘ball out of the quarterback’s hand’ and will help the running game
Jarious Jackson isn’t keen on giving away the keys to his offence but the new offensive coordinator of the B.C. Lions says his scheme represents a new look and philosophy for the Leos.
On Tuesday, the Lions held their first day of practice in pads and unveiled some of the concepts Jackson has installed. Loosely stated, the offence seems to be more rhythm oriented with an emphasis on the run-pass option favoured by several CFL and NFL teams.
Head coach Wally Buono was impressed.
“The ball’s out of the quarterback’s hand,” Buono said. “It doesn’t put a lot of stress on the protection. The (motion) is going to help the running game. I liked what I saw.”
■ Travis Lulay, who is coming off knee surgery, has taken part in some of the camp drills but is still weeks away from live action.
“Knee’s doing OK,” he said. “It’s hard to say. Once I get a little bit closer to the window where I’m cleared to play we’ll get a better idea. We’ll ramp it up as my knee allows.”
■ Buono singled out third-year receiver Shaq Johnson as one of the stars of Tuesday’s session, which is interesting. As it’s constructed, the Lions’ receiving corps lacks a vertical threat and Johnson, a McGill product, might be a feature player in the offence.
Last year, six of Johnson’s 17 receptions went for more than 30 yards, second on the team behind Bryan Burnham’s 12 and ahead of Manny Arceneaux’s five.
■ Veteran rush end Odell Willis was also visible in the first day with pads. Willis, 33 and in his 10th CFL season, was brought in with Gabe Knapton to beef up the Lions’ pass rush this season.
Last year the Lions finished seventh in the CFL with 28 sacks and eighth with 95 pressures. Knapton and Willis had 11 between them last season and more is expected in 2018.
“If they say Odell Willis is washed up, I don’t know,” Buono said. “He had a great first day.”