The B.C. Lions snapped a two-game losing streak on Friday night against the Stampeders, and ended Calgary’s record playoff run at the same time
The B.C. Lions have their quarterback of the future. But is he the quarterback they need in the moment?
When Nathan Rourke returned from the NFL, he instantly brought back the hype and the Grey Cup hopes, even if Vernon Adams Jr. was playing at an MOP pace before he was hurt.
But that hasn’t consistently translated onto the field, as the Lions have struggled to score points and move the ball effectively.
Friday night, the Lions seemed flat and lifeless, not managing a single touchdown drive, with their only major coming off a 70-yard fourth-quarter interception return by Mathieu Betts in their 32-15 victory over the Calgary Stampeders.
To be clear: Rourke was not the problem Friday night. But he wasn’t the answer, either.
When Ace Eley’s first-quarter fumble return set B.C. inside the 25, all they could manage was a Sean Whyte field goal.
When Keon Hatcher’s 50-yard catch-and-run put the Lions deep into Calgary territory, and eventually first-hand-goal from the six-yard line, all they could manage was another three-pointer.
When Adrian Green made a diving interception and returned it all the way to the Stamps’ 18-yard line, it resulted in another Whyte field goal. He finished the game 6-for-6.
Rourke was 20-of-24 for 218 yards, but didn’t throw a touchdown for the third straight game and came away with zero touchdowns in five trips to the red zone.
As a team, B.C. only had 269 yards in offence, and almost scored fewer points than their defence.
It was TJ Lee’s bat-down of Jake Maier’s lateral and 27-yard fumble return touchdown — the drive after Betts’ pick — that put B.C. up for good in the fourth quarter.
Rourke said this week there was no hidden “secret sauce” the team hadn’t pulled out yet, but it’s clear they at least need a little hot sauce. Some heat, some spice.
Rourke might be the guy they want moving forward, but is it time to give Adams a shot, if it’s spark they’re lacking?
B.C. hasn’t looked the same their beat down in Winnipeg in Week 9, a 25-0 a** kicking that drained any mojo they’d built back up in the bye week after losing to Calgary.
Calgary’s winless streak extended to seven games, the longest in team history since 1977, and also ended a 19-season playoff streak — the longest in North American professional sports.
The Lions’ trip to Mosaic next week (4 p.m. PT, TSN, AM980) will likely determine second place in the West behind Winnipeg, who were also 31-10 winners over Hamilton on Friday. With second comes a coveted home playoff spot, and the Lions would like nothing more than to host one post-season match before likely flying back to Winnipeg for a third-straight West Final meeting with the Bombers.
B.C.’s defence came to play on Friday, with Green’s 50-yard interception return giving the Leos their first four-takeaway game of the season, and holding Calgary to 309 yards, 116 of those coming in garbage time. Maier was 19-of-27 for 164 yards, two picks and a late 53-yard touchdown to Reggie Begelton. The Stamps had 309 yards as a team.
