Photo Credit Jeff Winnick
For those who were unable to attend the Lions game Saturday (yours truly included) the Lions were eager to roar back putting them in the win column following the 45-24 loss in Toronto.
To no real surprise the Lions (4–0) can out with a vengeance dominating the Alouettes (2-2-0) from the opening kick-off to the final whistle by a commanding 35-19 win.
Not only was it hot and muggy outside BC Place but also inside where the Al’s obviously felt the heat as well as the pressure of both a dominating offensive and defensive line through four quarters.
In conversation with some throughout the week there were some who were doubting the ability of Vernon Adams Jr. who no doubt put any doubters in the cheap seats.
He came out with a vengeance managing to improve to 8-3 as the starting QB for the Lions dating back to September (2022) taking over from Victoria’s Nathan Rourke (24) who has taken his talents south playing with Jacksonville.
It’s fair to say the surprise of the day was clearly Shaun Shivers who was signed by the Lions a short two weeks ago that saw him get the call after Taquan Mizzell was listed as out of the line-up due to a knee injury.
Photo Credit Jeff Vinnick
Small in size at 5’7” but he clearly brings that extra to the game to make-up for being 6′ 5” 280 as others he has to deal with but that clearly doesn’t deter him from going all-out that was evident in his second quarter.
He managed to gain three yards rushing finishing off six plays with a 45 yard scoring drive that saw the Lions go up by seven that saw him finish with 57 yards and one TD.
As if this wasn’t enough he had a chance to get his second after a 68 yard rushing play only to have the ball stripped from his hands on the one yard line
Following the start that saw Adam’s second throw returned for a Montreal TD by Marc-Antoine Deqony that saw the officials flag the Al’s for illegal contact overturning the TD that saw the Lions drive down field for the opening TD of the game.
The Al’s had a blocked field goal only to have it returned by Jalon Edwards-Cooper that went along with a fumbled kick return that allowed the Lions to put one through the uprights.
No different than getting a “Happy Meal” Adam’s finished managing 21/26 good for 291 yards adding one TD major to Jevon Cottoy that helped break the game open in the third for the Leo’s.
Photo Credit Steven Chang
The Lions were up 14-10 in the second quarter and an attempted FG by David Cote was blocked by Lions Woody Baron that fell to Jalon Edwards-Cooper who returned it 63 yards for a major.
If you asked anyone in the stands this was clearly the turning point of the contest for teh Leo’s what they needed after what some called a slow start for the most part
Following the contest Rick Campbell was asked about the play of his QB mentioning “That’s been like how he’s been here. His body work is really good here and his record as a starting quarterback has been really good here.”
Next Up
The Lions face their rivals that have them host the Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday, July 22 at 4:00 pm.
Secure your tickets HERE.
Baker’s Notes:
| West Coast Welcome? Not This Century | Since the year 2000, the Lions are 17-2 in home games against Montreal. The only losses came in that first year of the Millennium and in 2015. |
| Big Play VA Rolls On | Vernon Adams Jr. entered week five as the CFL’s leader in passing yards (1,249) while the Lions are tops in net offence (392.5 yards per game) and first downs (94). |
| Alexander The Great Rhymes With Success | Second-year receiver Alexander Hollins began this week as the CFL’s leader with 22 receptions. Despite missing one game, Dominique Rhymes leads the league with five touchdown receptions. |
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