If you expected this result at halftime, you’re a liar.
The BC Lions were down 17-0 heading into the fourth quarter and had done nothing to impress fans at BC Place Saturday night.
Travis Lulay threw a terrible interception on the first drive of the game. The Lions showcased terrible clock management heading into halftime that left points on the field. Yet somehow, someway, they pulled it off.
You can definitely make an argument that Winnipeg lost this game more than BC won it.
Penalties and head-scratching decisions by Mike O’Shea kept the Lions in the game the entire second half.
The decision to go for it on third-down and not elect for a field goal to make it a two-possession game with eight minutes left in regulation will haunt them the most. Winnipeg simply was unable to lay the finishing blow.
Now it’s time for Lions takeaways…
Lulay’s Return
Travis Lulay showed some rust in his first start of the 2018 season, but that can be expected for the Lions veteran pivot.
For a guy who has missed 57 games over the span of the last four seasons, a stat-line of 28/41 for 326 yards and one touchdown/interception is something you’ll take every time.
But to be critical, Lulay was very inaccurate at times. He has never been a historically great passer on attempts 20+ yards down the field but still attempted a couple throws down the field that were well off target.
Jeremiah Johnson Leaves Game Early with an Ankle Injury
Jeremiah Johnson was injured in the first quarter. The second-year Lion has been the lone bright spot for Lions offence so far in 2018.
Johnson left the field on a cart with an apparent ankle injury and was later seen on the sidelines in crutches.
Chris Rainey didn’t get many rushes on Saturday but accounted for 71 yards in receiving yards.
Rainey’s quick-burst of speed really separates him from other players in the league, making the former NFL’er one of the most dynamic options for a CFL offence.
Expect Brandon Rutley to finally get some action on the field if Jeremiah is unable to play next week in Ottawa.
Attendance Woes Continue
Fans seemed more entertained by the halftime rugby session at BC Place on Saturday night, than the actual game itself.
19,541 was the announced attendance, as fan support continues to dwindle for home games.
Gone are the days of the Leos being able to easily attract 30,000+ fans to the dome. Now, it’s a struggle to get 20,000 into the building.
At least the Lions won’t have to worry about their attendance next week. They’ll be in the nation’s capital to take on the 2-2 Redblacks on Friday.
Main image credit:
Embed from Getty Images
