How bad are the Lions?

I'll admit, I was foolish enough to take the points with the B.C. Lions against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday night. Perhaps I was blind to the fact that their problems run even deeper than their ugly 1-7 record.

The loss dropped my record to 15-3 on the season over at Covers Experts. As always, I have to make my one shameless plug.

It's a scary prospect for a CFL team to lack a legitimate passing threat. The Lions have tried three different QBs this season in Casey Printers, Travis Lulay, and Jarious Jackson. The trio have taken turn representing various shades of awful each week.

On Friday, Printers made a couple of big completions in the first half, but both came as a result of desperation heaves that likely should have been picked off. His offensive line didn't do him any favors, but at this level, you have to overcome and make plays, especially when you're as athletic as Printers. He wasn't able to do that, in fact, he wasn't able to do much of anything, at one point missing on nine of 10 passes.

Now to my next point; has Wally Buono worn out his welcome in B.C.?

I think the answer has to be yes on all accounts. Is there a more clueless looking head coach roaming the sidelines in the CFL today? Eskimos boss Richie Hall gives him a run for his money, but at least he's showing some emotion, and sounds like a guy that believes his team can get better. Buono's body language indicates that he's all but given up on the season. His players seem to be emulating that attitude.

I'm not sure the oddsmakers can set the line high enough when the Lions travel to Montreal to take on the Alouettes next Friday. We should see a number in the neighborhood of two touchdowns I would guess, depending on whether Anthony Calvillo is able to suit up.

Does anyone think there's a light at the end of the tunnel for the Lions this season, or have they yet to hit rock bottom?

i was on them also but the beginning of the game summed up their season.... they force calgary to try a long field goal....the returner muffs the ball 40 yards down field.... and the CENTER for calgary who is hussling down field recovers it...that says it all right there. gave calgary the short touchdown.

I was foolish enough to take the points last night as well. Looked like a good spot, but even the Lions can screw up good spots.

I'm not sure I would blame the QB's as much. Sure they aren't good but the BC offensive line is one of the worst I have ever seen. I knew they were bad going into last night but my god, how many times did the announcers utter the term "jailhouse break" when the Lions offense was on the field in reference to the Stamps' pass rush? I counted at least half a dozen plays were there were Calgary linemen in the BC backfield about 1 second after the ball was snapped. Not only are the QB's under heavy pressure every pass play but they have been taking some monster shots and those pile up. If your offensive line stinks then so will your offense.

I agree about Buono as well. I said this in about Week 2. The guy doesn't even wear a headset and just stands there yelling at guys and throws in the odd clap. The game has completely passed him by. He is way too vanilla. The creativity to overcome a bad O-line on offense is non-existent and the defensive coaching  is simply dumb. How many times last night did the Lions rush 5 and get a stop on 1st down, then on 2nd and long they would drop 9 into coverage and rush 3 giving Burris all day long to make a play. It was infuriating. The coordinators are responsible for those units but there is no question the control freak Buono has his fingerprints all over the game plans.

Good to see you posting Sean.

After that rant they will probably now come out and give Montreal a scare next week.

Agreed. That was sickening to watch as a Lions backer.

You bring up good points regarding their abysmal offensive line. But with that said, when their QBs have been given time in the pocket, they've still failed to get the job done. Add in the fact that they've all but forgotten about their ground game, and this offense is a complete mess.

I don't see them scoring much against the Als next week, but it's hard to pull the trigger on the under when their defense is that bad. It will be interesting to see how the oddsmakers handle that matchup.