Lions' Jackson starting to win ugly

Jarious Jackson

Matt Dunigan

10/9/2007 6:30:15 PM

Where, oh where, are you tonight? Why did you leave me broke and alone?
I searched the field over and never found the end-zone.
You broke another and pooofff our playoff hopes were gone!!!

This should be the theme song for Calgary and Edmonton because without Henry Burris and Ricky Ray, these two teams are completely discombobulated and in a state of disarray.

Burris's replacement, Akili Smith is not the immediate answer and his future with the club for the long-term should be in question.

Ben Sankey looked to have a presence about him. He was comfortable and for the most part, controlled the Stamps offence. Ben made quick decisions and seemed to have his eyes right. You can tell the difference when a QB has his eyes right and when he does not. When they are right, they are upfield and locked onto the secondary, connecting the dots. He is eliminating and going through his progressions smoothly, thus giving him time to throw without having his vision impeded.

All signs tell me he is understanding, first the defence and what they are trying to do and secondly, where his personnel is deployed from play to play, being able to distribute the football in rhythm. Because of this, he now should be the go-to man when Henry cannot play.

Kerry Joseph continues to carry his team and do whatever it takes to win. He now is the leading rusher in the league amongst QBs with 622 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also sits fourth in passing, adding another 19 touchdowns through the air. The best thing about the QB situation in Saskatchewan is they have a quality backup by the name of Marcus Crandell. How much would he be worth to say, the Stamps and Eskimos right about now?

Jarious Jackson is now learning how to win ugly. That is scary, because when you are not having your best day and things are not going as smoothly as you would like, you have to learn how to stay composed and make smart decisions. Case in point, Jarious was under pressure and stopped, set and blindly heaved a ball up to anyone and Kelly Malveaux was happy to accept Jackson's gift. That is what you can't do and Jarious kept those plays to a minimum.

Give this kid credit! Remember, he did this while playing on the road against the first-place Bombers. Remember, the wind was another factor in managing the outcome of this game. Remember, he was playing against the talented Bombers defence. Remember, he was the Lions third-team QB at the start of the season and now is consistently finding ways to win, whether pretty like two weeks ago at home against the Stamps or ugly on the road against the Bombers.

Kevin Glenn again had a winning performance and strangely, his team could not come away with a victory. The game between the Lions and the Bombers had playoff intensity. Some thought this was a preview to the 07' Grey Cup. Glenn and co. came up a yard short from victory and it was not because of a lack of effort. Actually it was second effort that cost the Blue victory. You can't fault anyone for that.

This game reminded me a lot of the 1988 Grey Cup between B.C. and Winnipeg. Anyone who remembers that game remembers one play and one play only. I know how you feel Mr. Roberts. Just be thankful it wasn't actually the real thing. Godspeed Kevin and stay healthy, for your team is only one play away from becoming what we see over in the province of Alberta, North and South.

Michael Bishop is now 7-1 as a starter and continues to be a double threat, much like Joseph in Saskatchewan.
When watching Bish play, I can't help but notice how he likes to set his feet and throw down field. I love this and would like to see more of it in the CFL. Bish has a cannon and is not afraid to use it. Love it!!!

But, I would like to see Michael understand the D & D more consistently and not be throwing 20, 30 and 40 yards down field on second and medium.

Stefan LeFors drew a crap hand just like Timmy Chang did earlier in the season (twice in a row) by facing the Argos defence for his first start. LeFors was sacked six times and picked off twice. Watching Stefan, I saw tremendous poise and moxie, an ability to extend the play (survival instincts) and average arm strength. Now many times a QB's arm strength is directly related to his ability to see the defence and throw with confidence. The more a QB plays, the more you should be able to see his real ability to let it go or cut it loose. You can tell why the Esks like this kid. He is a natural leader and has that something extra.

It was great to see Anthony Calvillo throwing fastballs for the second week in a row. He seems to be moving extremely well and has the pop back in his arm. Case in point, the throw down the rail to Kerry Watkins for a 70-yard TD strike.
A.C. and his troops must find that killer instinct and start finishing teams going into this stretch run for the playoffs. Case in point, scoring only five points in the second half.

Casey Printers continues to learn the Hamilton offence and is at his best when he is creating. This is good in some respects but not so good in others as he had to do that way to often against the Alouettes. The Ticats must find more structure offensively (identity) and more talent to execute within a base offence. Terry Caulley did an outstanding job filling in for the injured Jesse Lumsden.

Ready Break!