Ferguson: Leos newest threats peaking ahead of ESF

Every team has to tweak rosters throughout the year, but few teams felt the need to make the major moves the BC Lions did in 2018.

Outside of the quarterback position there are a few key positions which can determine the outcome of big games such as the Eastern Semi-Final .

A pass rusher, a ball carrier and a big play receiver are all difference making positions. BC each as the regular season rolled on, a big reason why they feel so confident leading into Hamilton this Sunday.

For former Alouettes running back Tyrell Sutton the move was an easy one after spending just over five years in Montreal.

“It’s been a great fit. Mutual respect across the board. I know a lot of these guys from playing in Montreal for several years. I know what they can do and they knew me well so it was a great fit.”


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When Sutton arrived he stepped into a backfield with established names at quarterback, a notable change from his old stomping grounds. “It feels good, since AC (Calvillo) went down in 2013 they’ve been looking for one since. Coming over here with the staple of Lulay and even Jennings. It makes things so much easier to know their rhythm, poise and cadence not switching week to week doesn’t just help me, but the team in general”.

Given that stability Sutton has excelled in Vancouver, reviving a BC running game that has struggled to find consistency with his physical running style and downhill approach.

For Sutton 2018 has come full circle. After leaving the East division he returns to Hamilton Sunday with a chance to make his mark against an old foe he’s seen so many times since adopting Canada as his football home.

“It’s weird.. it’s destiny I guess. I’m still in the East and now it’s time to win the East.”

When Sutton isn’t gashing defences five yards at a time, a fellow new lion is attacking vertical for big chunk plays. Last years Grey Cup MVP DeVier Posey made his way to the National Football League this offseason only to be released in training camp. The bidding was high – as you should expect – for a man of his experience and pedigree, but to Posey there was only one fit that felt natural.

“The first day I got here I felt the unselfishness and it was an easy group to join.”

For Posey BC was not only a comfortable social fit, but the right systematic one as well.

“Technically its the same offence i’ve been in the whole time I’ve been in the CFL it’s West coast based using words so it was easy to learn but getting their technique was the learning curve. I knew where I needed to be, it was just a matter of they wanted it to look”.

The adjustment from NFL to CFL for a receiver is often discussed as challenging, requiring a transition period but for DeVier there were only positives when making the move South of the border this offseason and back North to join the Lions.

“I saw the benefits of being from the CFL and going to the NFL. It felt slower with the longer play clock between plays and my cardio was so good down there but now I’m getting used to the wider field, different catch angles and bigger catch windows so I found the upside in both”.

If the Lions are going to make the Grey Cup as a crossover team for the first time in CFL history they will need every bit of Sutton and Posey to make a difference on offence. Recruiting a bruising runner and big play receiver is great, but adding finishers capable of ending games and seasons at their best is more important than any aspect of their late season push.

 

A standard Posey has set for himself since his time at Ohio State,

“If you look at my whole career I had my best three games in college in the final three games. I had 100 yards In every bowl game I played in and last year I peaked at the end with the Grey Cup”.

Posey continued Thursday after BC’s final practice of the year at home, “I pride myself on finishing strong. That’s when you get the most of me. It’s about more than just last year. Honestly, forget that. I don’t care about last year it’s about finishing strong this year and you’re going to have to beat me to get me out of the playoffs. I’m never going to quit and I’ll always finish strong”.