BREAKING: 5 THINGS TO KNOW FOR 2024: BC LIONS
As the 2024 CFL season draws near, CFL.ca presents the 5 Things To Know series, offering insights into each team’s key storylines, off-season movements, and prospects for the upcoming season.
Heading into 2023, uncertainty loomed over the BC Lions. Despite the departure of the reigning Most Outstanding Canadian, Nathan Rourke, and the arrival of Vernon Adams Jr., who sought to prove himself after being traded from the Montreal Alouettes, questions arose regarding their ability to replicate their successful 2022 campaign, which saw them finish with a 12-6 record.
Although they managed to defeat the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Semi-Final, their journey ended with a loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Western Final.
In 2023, with Vernon Adams Jr. leading the charge and supported by a trio of talented receivers, the Lions achieved a familiar 12-6 record. However, their playoff fate mirrored the previous year’s outcome, as they once again bested Calgary before succumbing to Winnipeg. Despite Adams Jr.’s impressive performance, one question remained unanswered: Can the Lions overcome the formidable challenge posed by the Blue Bombers?
Although they demonstrated resilience in the face of Rourke’s departure, the Lions faced a recurring obstacle in their matchups against the Blue Bombers.
While they secured early victories against Mike O’Shea’s team, their last three encounters ended in defeat, including playoff losses with scores of 50-14, 34-26, and 24-13. Now, their focus shifts to overcoming Zach Collaros and the formidable talent of the Blue Bombers.
Here are five key insights into the Lions’ prospects ahead of the 2024 season.
THE TOP TRIO OF TARGETS ARE BACK
Coincidentally, it’s only Winnipeg that could potentially argue for having a superior set of receivers compared to the Lions. However, what’s undeniable is the remarkable stability present in the Lions’ receiving corps. Jevon Cottoy, dubbed the “bronze medal” receiver, recently inked a three-year extension following a season where he achieved career highs in receptions (57), yards (807), and touchdowns (4). Known for his physical prowess, Cottoy, a former Langley Rams standout, poses a significant challenge for any cornerback.
Following closely is Alexander Hollins, who secured a contract extension binding him to Vancouver until 2025. Hollins demonstrated significant improvement in 2023, transitioning from a part-time role in 2022 to ranking fourth overall in receiving yardage (1,173) this past season.
And then there’s Keon Hatcher, the leading receiver in the West, who narrowly missed out on the league-wide yardage lead, falling just short behind Tim White. Hatcher’s standout playoff performance, where he torched the Stampeders for 195 yards and a touchdown, highlighted his prowess. Named a 2023 CFL All-Star, Hatcher, like Cottoy, committed to a three-year extension. The Lions’ receiving lineup truly boasts an exceptional wealth of talent.
THE OLD MAN STILL GETTING IT DONE
How about this:
“I won’t resort to the overused ‘like a fine wine’ comparison, but doesn’t that phrase perfectly describe Lions kicker Sean Whyte? At 38 years old, Whyte earned his first CFL All-Star nod by converting 50 out of 53 field goals, an impressive 94.3% success rate! Consistently reliable, Whyte is the kind of kicker who consistently delivers in clutch moments without inducing anxiety.
Now, a quick aside about wine. For those who appreciate a good glass, may I recommend showing support for the B.C. wine industry? It’s been hit hard by devastating freezes this past winter, and many farmers and winemakers could really use our support.”
PETE ROBERTSON HAS SOME BIG SHOES TO FILL
What would an off-season be like for the Lions without losing a top-tier player? In 2022, it was Rouke, and in 2023, Mathieu Betts, the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, ended up on an NFL roster.
While Pete Robertson may not boast the same impressive stats as Betts, he has consistently excelled as a pass rusher over his three years, tallying 21 sacks in 42 games. Robertson has demonstrated his ability to be a dominant force in pressuring the quarterback, notably with his seven sacks in four games at the start of the 2022 season.
Moreover, Robertson has proven himself effective against the run, accumulating 55 tackles with Saskatchewan last year. His signing was strategic, especially considering his knack for sacking the quarterback in all three games against the Lions. It seems easier to acquire him than to try and block him when facing Regina.
WILLIAM STANBACK IS COMING IN HOT
According to Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia, Montreal had to release their top running back due to salary cap constraints. On the other hand, Stanback claims the team showed no interest in keeping him and even held him back during part of the regular season. The truth likely lies somewhere between these two perspectives.
What’s certain is that Stanback has found a promising opportunity by joining his close friend and former teammate Vernon Adams Jr. Stanback, who led the league in rushing in 2021 and was on track for a 1,000-yard season last year, is hoped to be fully fit for the Lions’ Week 14 game in Montreal.
THE LIONS PASSING ATTACK WILL LOOK LIKE ONE OF THOSE GOOD MOVIE SEQUELS
Think of it like aiming for the quality of ‘Godfather II,’ not the flop of ‘Caddyshack II.’ It’s a rarity in professional sports to consistently retain top-tier talent, but that’s precisely what’s happening with the Lions, particularly in their passing game.
The receiving corps is staying put, and so is Adams Jr., thanks to his contract extension keeping him anchored at BC Place until at least the end of the 2026 season. There’s a strong likelihood that Adams will dominate several passing metrics in the league. However, the pivotal question remains: Can he position himself in the middle or even lower in terms of interceptions?
His six-interception performance against the Toronto Argonauts was peculiar, but it’s his three-interception outing in the Western Final that stands out. Striking the right balance between aggression and minimizing errors is incredibly challenging for a quarterback. Yet, that’s precisely what both the quarterback and head coach Rick Campbell must achieve if they aim to surpass Winnipeg in the West.