Relentless Lions’ defence picks Argos apart in win
The quarterback doesn’t have the full confidence of the general manager and Jonathon Jennings’ overall performance on Saturday didn’t exactly lay those concerns to rest.
But, whatever else they are, the B.C. Lions are 7-7 with four games left on their regular-season schedule and still in the CFL playoff mix.
Here’s what we learned from the Leos’ 26-23 win over the Toronto Argonauts before 18,535 fans at B.C. Place Stadium:
DEFENCE ‘PICKS’ BOATMEN APART
Jennings did enough to secure a victory over the hapless Argos, but the bigger story of this game concerned the Lions’ defence, specifically defensive tackle Davon Coleman, who intercepted two passes in the first half. That’s a defensive tackle with two picks in one half.
Coleman’s interceptions led to two Ty Long field goals as the Lions built a 20-10 halftime lead before holding on for the win. They also highlighted a four-interception performance by the Lions’ defence.
JOHNSON AND LONG SHINE FOR OFFENCE
The Lions’ offensive stars were running back Jeremiah Johnson and Long.
In an interesting bit of timing, Johnson recorded the Leos’ first 100-yard rushing game of the season, going for 118 yards on 19 carries. Two weeks ago, the Lions acquired running back Tyrell Sutton from Montreal and it’s expected Sutton will get one start down the stretch. Long, for his part, went six for seven in field goals, including a pair of 50-yarders in the first half.
JENNINGS’ AGENT RETURNS GM’S FIRE
Jennings’ lukewarm performance came one day after Lions GM Ed Hervey called out the quarterback for his lack of work in the film room.
Bardia Ghahremani, Jennings’ agent, issued the following statement Saturday: “Jonathon is one of the first to arrive to work every day. Ed would know this if Ed weren’t one of the last.
“Like many quarterbacks, Jonathon’s routine is to do additional film study on his own at home every night.”
The QB said post-game: “I’m just thankful for my teammates. I got a lot of support from them. I’m just happy we got the win.”