Heere's Johnny! Lions 27 - Argos 20

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B.C. Lions Antonio Warren


Pyrotechnics, CFL Style       Lions 27 - Argos 20
-by John Goodwin


They are faced with high expectations this season, so not surprisingly many eyes were on the BC Lions (and they knew it) as they stepped onto the field in hostile Toronto territory for the first game of the season.

This however would not be the time for looking over their shoulders.  It  was an opportunity to put the legitimacy of their billing to the test against a team that  left them with a lingering world of hurt in last season’s fall classic.  And finally, an important two points were at stake along with a chance for redemption. 

Indeed, a defining moment.

These two teams don’t like each other as the line brawl and exchanges after the play will attest. 

In many ways the game did have the look of a season opener. 

Quarterback Dave Dickenson was sacked a total of six times as the heralded BC offensive line collapsed in on their QB, overpowered with Argo defenders. The problem may just be one of experience and polish as Dickenson’s protection was beat and missed assignments throughout the game. 

On the other side of the ball, Damon Allen had time for a soup and sandwich on many occasions as the BC defense described by some as “active”seemed almost passive with a token pass rush looking too much like last seasons offering. 

Kick off and punt returns will not be striking fear into the hearts of opponents this season until
Lion blockers create some room, while BC’s kick coverage needs a lot of work as Toronto piled up the field position. 

The secondary held it together to some degree on this ocassion although Mark Washington was picked on and burned for two majors. Thought the touchdown he gave up in the third was a real killer and Argo momentum looked to be riding that score to victory ‘til Dave Dickenson , with the help of some undisciplined Argo play, took over with a brilliantly engineered late drive for the win. 

Tony Simmons looks to be a keeper. An impact player with good speed and great hands.
Jason Clermont took over where he left off last season, and while some of his catches are almost legend, his record of yards after catch [yac’s] looks to continue to be among the best in the league. 

Duncan O’Mahony had a forgettable game missing 2 key chip shots. Not to worry, he will be
heard from. 

The Argos seemed bent on self destructing at crucial times, but on the other hand Dickenson was able to get it done in the final analysis as he has so many times before. 

A lot of football left to play and coaching has plenty of time to polish out the rough spots. 

Who’s next?!

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