Camp Breaks | Lions Take “Business” Approach Into 2018
As members of the squad “broke it down” one last time in Kamloops, there weren’t any grand celebrations, no falling confetti or sirens going off. And that’s pretty much consistent with the main theme of this year.
Emmanuel Arceneaux has been at this awhile, first trying his hand at BC Lions training camp in 2009, and he agrees with the notion that he and his teammates have conducted business the right way.
“You’re out here competing for a job. Everything is earned, not given and that’s the good mindset that they have,” explained number 84.
“Whether you’re a veteran of 10 years, 13 years or a first-year guy you’ve got to come here and earn your right to wear the orange and black for the 2018 season. I think that’s something that’s good; having every guy compete in every position so you don’t you’re guaranteed this or that due to how long you’ve been around the organization.”
Now, this isn’t to suggest they didn’t handle it correctly a season ago. But looking back, it’s safe to say that maybe some were feeling a little too good about themselves as a result of some sky-high expectations.
Based on the types of new players brought in over the course of the offseason, GM Ed Hervey has played a big role in changing some of this culture. Arceneaux sees that potential in all three areas and can’t wait to prove that last season was a mere blip on the radar. He and the other veterans will get their first true crack at it for Friday’s last pre-season tune-up against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BC Place.
“Just to go out there mistake free and lead by example,” said Arceneaux of his main goal this week.
“I’m just going to be excited to watch Burnham, Ricky (Collins), Shaq (Johnson) and some of the new additions do their thing. I’m more excited just to see Jonathon Jennings, to get back in the huddle with him and see him have a pretty outstanding 2018 campaign for the BC Lions.”
Wally Buono is wrapping up his 47th and final CFL camp, so it goes without saying that he has seen all kinds of different situations to start a season. Given all of these changes, the league’s all-time wins leader remains cautiously optimistic his Lions are in a good spot.
“I think the thing I really have enjoyed is the chemistry. We have a lot of veterans from other teams and sometimes that can be a little polarizing,” said Buono.
“The other thing is the work ethic. I’m always griping at them about the work ethic, but they’ve worked hard, they fly around to the football and the game in Calgary proved that. A lot of the turnovers were caused because of the guys being aggressive, being around the football and these are things that the coaches have been preaching.”
They won’t force seven turnovers every game, no doubt about that. This new-look defence, with many of the starters who didn’t play in Calgary getting their first game action, will look to make an impact right away, pre-season game or not.
“It’s been a grind, but it’s been fun,” added Arceneaux.
“Everyone was optimistic coming into this thing: a lot of new faces, new staff, new everything, but it’s good to see things start to come together. I’m excited about the way things are going and starting to gel within the team.”
Stay tuned on Thursday for our more in-depth game preview.
Camp Takeaways
When it comes to Lions newcomers that were on display in Kamloops, it is near impossible to narrow it down. The victory in Calgary also helped validate a few guys’ strong camp showings.
New offensive standout:
WR Ricky Collins Jr.- a smooth route runner and consistent downfield threat, Collins Jr. more than demonstrated he is capable of playing a role in the starting offence this season. With Tyler Davis (foot) starting the season on the injured list, look for Collins to make a statement early.
Perhaps a new game-breaker…. Third-year receiver Shaq Johnson was one of the more consistently good offensive players in camp. Look for him to build off his impressive 2017 campaign where he finished second to Ottawa’s Brad Sinopoli in receiving yards by a Canadian.
New defensive standout:
LB Otha Foster– the former Saskatchewan Roughrider showed exactly why Hervey and company zeroed in on him early in free agency. Foster will more than fill the void left by Chandler Fenner at the nickel position.
About that new look defence… Hervey’s mission to build it from the pass rush out has proven to be intriguing thus far. Odell Willis demonstrated he can still get to the quarterback and be an every-down player at age 33. On the other end position, Gabriel Knapton will have his fair share of licks at opposing quarterbacks. The revamped secondary also drew rave reviews, most notably Anthony Orange, Marcell Young and Garry Peters. The quest to create more takeaways could very well be fun to watch for veteran coordinator Mark Washington’s unit. As for the other linebackers? Solomon Elimimian has shown little signs of slowing down and solid performances by Dyshawn Davis and Jordan Herdman at the WILL position will give them some decent ratio options.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com