STAMPS AIM TO TAME LIONS
LESSONS LEARNED IN LOSS TO MONTREAL
When the final whistle sounds in a losing effort, it’s hard initially to think of it as valuable or in any way helpful.
But as Jon Cornish sees it, the Calgary Stampeders’ lack of overall success in Montreal last weekend will serve well not only on Saturday night, when the B.C. Lions come to call, but for the remainder of the season.
“When you have an opportunity to overcome massive deficits and still win, it doesn’t necessarily make you better,” Cornish said.
“When you lose a game, that makes you turn around and say ‘what do we have to do better, what are the things that make us a successful team and why did we lose this?’
“I think everybody realizes we didn’t play well enough and we haven’t been playing well enough for the past few weeks. Losing a game, we now have the impetus we had at the start of the season and during the season that really pushes us to work hard in practice.”
After sitting out the last game, Cornish returns to bolster the Stamps’ attack as they attempt to defeat the Lions (7-5) for the first time in 2014.
Game time at McMahon Stadium is 7:30 p.m. (News Talk 770, TSN).
“Everybody was really interested in what my injury was,” said Cornish, who of course missed six games with a concussion. “I was upended in the Toronto game, I went headfirst into the ground. I was being cautious. My neck locked down and I was not trying to have any issues.”
The Lions, who sport one of the more steadfast defences in the CFL, will provide a stiff challenge for Calgary’s offence, which sputtered against Montreal.
“I relish every opportunity I get to play against them, because I get to improve as a player, playing against their players,” said Cornish.
“I know our offensive line is looking forward to playing against them. I really look forward to seeing how we respond to losing last week.”
Quarterback Drew Tate, too, is eager to direct the offence for the second straight game.
“I definitely thought I took a step forward in practice this week so I want to continue that into the game,” said Tate. “It’s really just getting the ball to the playmakers in space, don’t turn the ball over, and have to have a good run game. We do all those things, we should be all right.
“We have to establish the running game. That’s really our offence. We have a good scheme and guys just have to be on the same page. He (Cornish) definitely will make a difference.”
And don’t be surprised to see Tate take off with the ball, as has been his M.O. throughout his career.
“It’s an element I can bring to the table,” he said. “With a running quarterback, it does change up how defences will play. Especially in this league, in this game, it’s a good idea. That’s always the last option, right? I’m looking to get rid of it to other guys who are faster than me.”
Also in the lineup, after missing a handful of games, is kick return specialist Jock Sanders. He was hampered by sore ribs, originally, and then a high ankle sprain.
“I’m not 100 per cent, but I’m healthy enough to go,” he said. “We know this game is going to be about field position. I take it upon myself and I’m pretty sure other special teams guys take it upon themselves to change field position and this is what this game’s all about. I’m going to do my best to make it right.”
The last time the Lions visited, they emerged with a 25-24 victory.