New attack has an old coach excited
Jarious Jackson isn’t keen on giving away the keys to his offence, but the new offensive co-ordinator 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, for one, was impressed.
“The ball’s out of the quarterback’s hand,” said Buono. “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.”
LULAY’S KNEE ‘DOING OK’
Travis Lulay, who’s coming off knee surgery, has taken part in some of the camp drills but he’s 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.”
SHAQ ATTACK
Buono singled out third-year receiver Shaq Johnson as one of the stars of Tuesday’s session, which is interesting. As it’s currently 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 over 30 yards, second on the team behind Bryan Burnham’s 12.
TALKIN’ ABOUT WILLIS
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.
“If they say Odell Willis is washed up, I don’t know,” said Buono. “He had a great first day.”