B.C. Lions' Ronnie Yell (25), bottom, tackles Edmonton Eskimos' Adarius Bowman (4) during first half action in Edmonton on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
After a healthy dose of East Division opponents, your BC Lions (8-3) are set to invade Commonwealth Stadium for a battle with the Edmonton Eskimos (5-7) on this evening. It marks the first divisional match-up for Wally Buono and company since the disappointing home setback against Calgary on August 19th. If the calendar wasn’t already an indication, the amount of divisional contests between now and November 5th is yet another example of how important the remaining stretch is for Buono’s troops. “For us coming off the bye, we should be refreshed and obviously there is a lot of good football ahead of us,” Buono said. The CFL’s all-time winningest coach also expects the opposition to come out firing on all cylinders. “Offensively, Edmonton has been very explosive all year. They’re not behind the eight ball because they can’t move the football or score points. Our defence is going to be very well tested.” This week also provides a big chance to all but bury Edmonton in the race to host a playoff game in November. “Let’s just focus on ourselves and know what our opponent does and what they’re good at,” Buono added. “Where you ultimately end up is where you end up. The focus, as we’ve had all season, is to try and improve each week, try to win the next game.”
Of the seven remaining contests, there are two match ups with the defending Grey Cup champion Eskimos, as well as a critical home and home series with Winnipeg in October.
Here are some other storylines to for Friday’s tilt in the Alberta Capital:
The Sinkfield Factor:
Terrell Sinkfield Jr. has looked good in his first week of practice and although Buono wasn’t ready to name him as a starter just yet, all signs point toward him playing a big part in Friday’s offensive game plan. He will give the Lions a very viable option, both as a downfield threat and a possible complement to ace return man Chris Rainey. Hamilton and Ottawa were among the others bidding on his services following his release from the Minnesota Vikings. In the end, he couldn’t say no to being part of what this team is capable of. “They’re on a roll right now. Great offence, the quarterback is playing great. It basically came down to that and seeing where I could fit in. I think it was the best possible spot for me, based on the offence and what they needed,” Sinkfield said. His spot on the roster will likely mean Geraldo Boldewijn sits out this week.
Big Test For Young Secondary:
Depth in the secondary has paid huge dividends in 2016 and it will get perhaps its toughest test yet against the dynamic duo of Mike Reilly and Adarius Bowman. Those game breakers lead the CFL in passing and receiving yards respectively so Mark Washington knows his troops will be in for a good test, one they cannot wait to meet head on. “It’s a challenge that we have to embrace,” the Lions defensive co-ordinator said. “Bowman, Walker and Reilly and that whole crew, they have been playing very well. They’re on the same page, they work well together, we know Mike and his tendencies and things like that. They’re a good bunch of receivers, but we’re a good bunch of DBs and we’re ready to play.” It may be a small sample size, but the likes of Chandler Fenner, Anthony Gaitor and Keynan Parker have done a nice job stepping in following the unfortunate rash of injuries in the secondary. “These gentlemen have done an admirable job. You commend them on their preparation. I give them credit for that,” Washington said. Fenner will get the start at halfback, while Parker backs up Gaitor at the corner position.
Quotable: Still Chasing the Champs
“This year, the CFL is so competitive. There’s no team that you can take lightly. In Edmonton, they still have the same nucleus out there with Mike Reilly and that defence. We’re going in there and they are desperate. They’ve lost a few and it’s going to be a battle. This is going to be the fun part of our schedule. Winter is coming, Summer is over and we’re just excited.”- Rolly Lumbala on the fact Edmonton is still the defending Grey Cup champion and should be viewed as a measuring stick for success.
3 Keys To Victory:
Repeat on the O-Line, please: The offensive line produced a textbook performance in the win over Montreal two weeks ago, allowing Jeremiah Johnson to rush for 159 yards and three majors. As you would expect, Jonathon Jennings also benefited from the solid play up front and if Dan Dorazio’s unit can turn in another solid performance it will likely prove to be a big difference maker. The Eskimos’ defence leads the CFL with four defensive touchdowns, so you know it will be a great test.
Unleash the Beasts: The ones we are talking about are the dynamic trio of Manny Arceneaux, Bryan Burnham and Shawn Gore. With Edmonton’s ball hawking D looking to make another statement, the more options Jennings has at his disposal will be beneficial. It’s the perfect week to involve everybody and perhaps a beneficial opponent for Sinkfield to debut against, given his downfield capabilities.
Contain Number 4: You saw this one coming. If Washington’s defence can slow down Reilly’s number one option, it will no doubt force the home side to adjust its offensive game plan. In their previous meeting on October 17th, 2015, Bowman hauled in 11 catches for 198 yards and a touchdown.
Extra Yardage:
The Eskimos took two out of three meetings last season, including a victory in Jennings’ first career start on September 26th. The Lions’ pivot was brilliant, passing for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the 29-23 loss.
Buono holds a 7-7 record as Lions head coach in games at Commonwealth Stadium. His most recent result was a convincing 36-1 victory on August 19th, 2011 to help kick start the magical turnaround in that championship season.
Along with leading the league in passing yards, Reilly is also on top with 325 completions and has the longest TD strike of any pivot this season, a 104-yard bomb to Derrel Walker in an overtime loss to Calgary on September 10th. It came on the Eskimos’ first play from scrimmage.
This contest can be heard on TSN 1040 with Scott Rintoul and Giulio Caravatta. Kickoff is 7:00PM.
Bob Marjanovich, Chris Burns and Lowell Ullrich have the pre-game show at 5:00pm. Viewers can watch on TSN 1,2,3 or 4. South of the border, it can be seen on ESPN 3.
You can download the Lions roster and depth chart here!
Matt Baker:mbaker@bclions.com