Lions want nothing more than to shake Cowtown slump
VANCOUVER — They get tired of being asked the same question about it over and over. So much so that it appears they have run out of ways to explain it. Yes, the Calgary Stampeders (6-0-0) have been the class of this league for over a decade.
That would be the simple answer. Yet despite riding a six-game losing streak ( including two playoff defeats) at McMahon Stadium, the B.C. Lions (2-3-0), fresh off their bye week, are riding somewhat of a quiet confidence heading into the Saturday night clash against the CFL’s last remaining unbeaten squad.
“Aw man, it’s been a long time coming,” remarked Bryan Burnham on the Cowtown slump.
Burnham’s CFL debut came five weeks after the Lions’ most recent win there in 2014. Like many of his veteran teammates, he is of the mind they just need a win to help themselves in the present and that it’s not all about exercising past demons.
“It will feel good to get a win and we need one on the road. It’s gotta happen,” added the former Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
“It would be a huge boost. There isn’t really too many words to describe it but it would be very big for this team moving forward to get a road win in this division.”
Burnham and the offence had likely their best effort yet in a 29-25 setback in Ottawa before their week off. Yet that also served as a reminder that crucial mistakes, including Burnham’s 4th quarter fumble, will prevent you from getting the job done.
“We have to do our best to extend drives, stay on the field and give our defence a rest when they need it because they’ve really been great all season, ” said Burnham.
“As an offence, we haven’t been helping them. (special teams coordinator) Jeff Reinebold always talks about complementary football and that’s the offence helping out the defence when we can and staying on the field. We just have to move the ball, pick up first downs and we’ll be alright.”
Bo Levi Mitchell, a couple of elite receivers and solid running game have made the Stamps click on offence, but so far in 2018, it has been the play of their defence that has separated them from the rest of the pack. The unit led by coordinator Devon Claybrooks has allowed just 61 points and an average of 10.2 per game, numbers almost unheard of when it comes to the CFL. Alex Singleton leads the way with 35 defensive tackles while Micah Johnson has once again been a force up front, registering a team-high four quarterback sacks.
“They’re just disciplined and not going to give in to the little tricks, motions and all the movements,” said Burnham of Calgary’s defence.
“They’re going to sit back, play their defence and play it well. It’s a team you can’t make mistakes against.”
Burnham and the other receivers have established a nice rapport with Travis Lulay since the quarterback change three weeks ago. The pressure is on to maintain that.
