Travis Lulay is not the same quarterback that we are used to watching; that is obvious. Is this a result of rust? Problems with a new system? Working in a scheme that he is not accustomed to? Is he not mentally ready?
These are all great questions, and they’re being tossed around more and more by B.C. fans, who are wondering – what is going on with the Lions?
Production Drop-off
For starters, rust was to be expected with Lulay playing his first meaningful season since 2012. In 2013 Lulay started only 11 games, and in those starts he amassed over 2800 yards, 19 touchdown passes, and 11 interceptions. In 2014 we all remember he played for three quarters and had his season ended against Ottawa in the rain.
Lulay’s production has dropped significantly since his breakout season in 2011, when he took home MOP honors and a Grey Cup. Injuries are of course to blame: when you’re not playing you will not be putting up numbers.
In 2015 Lulay has made all five starts, and he has 1205 yards passing, eight touchdown passes, and five interceptions. Averaging 240 yards passing in the CFL is not going to put your team in position to win this season, unless you have a very stout defence to hold teams and give your offence a chance.
Defence: Not Enough
The B.C. Lions do not have that defence. 2014 MOP and defensive player of the year Soloman Elimimian is playing well, and his team 100 partner Adam Bighill has picked up where he left off last season, but it is not nearly enough.
The 2015 B.C. Lions defence are the same group that was trounced in their last two games of the regular season and humiliated in their eastern semi-final contest against the Alouettes in 2014.
The Lions are dead last as team in passing yards against, rushing yards against. Combine that with the lack of offensive output and you have a team that is out matched and out played.
The defensive problems for the Lions are highlighted with regards to pass rush, or, lack there of. With the new illegal contact on a receiver rule in place it is imperative to have an active, disciplined group on the line of scrimmage that can pressure an opposing quarterback into mistakes. The Lions simply don’t have it.
With a non existent pass rush, the Lions cannot stay in games. They jump out to great starts and simply fade away.
The Blame Game
So who is to blame for the Lions’ poor start this season?
Travis Lulay is an easy target; but with a resume like his, if he can stay healthy the Lions would be wrong to lose faith in Lulay. Rust will eventually leave Lulay. Talent does not evaporate.
One thing is clear, though: Lulay’s throwing motion isn’t what it once was. Lulay is not hitting targets on deep routes. A receiver who has been left wide open will often be overthrown.
His throwing motion appears to be rushed, with none of the smoothness he had in previous years. This could be a result of injuries to the throwing shoulder sustained over the years. It would only be natural for a player who has had an injury to the same body part to protect it, and mentally he might not realize he’s even doing it.
George Cortez is new to the organization, does he bring experience and a winning pedigree? Of course he does. With the good that Cortez brings to the table also comes the bad. The Lions’ offensive coordinator has a knack for being incredibly predictable while calling a game.
No adjustments appear to be made when what was successful early in a game goes sour. Cortez, stubborn in his approach, almost defiantly stays with the game plan, as if to say, “it worked before, it should work now”. Certainly Cortez does not lack patience, but the patience of the fans as well as his team will be tried while enduring the growing pains of this season.
The Lions and their struggles are in tough this week. The number one defence comes to town to challenge this struggling offence. If Cortez and Lulay can’t get on the same page this week expect even more questions to be asked.
