The British Columbia Lions had a miserable season last year, starting off with five wins in their first seven games and then going 2-9 the rest of the way. However, they finished with a 7-11 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996. In the tough West Division, it is going to be an uphill climb for the Lions to get back to the postseason.
British Columbia Lions 2018 regular season win total
Over 7
Under 7
Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
What Happened Last Year
It was all bad for the Lions in 2017 as their offense was seventh in points scored, and their defense was seventh in points allowed. Quarterback Jonathon Jennings was inconsistent all season long, finishing with 3,639 yards, 16 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Travis Lulay seemed to get the starting spot back, and then suffered a knee injury to put Jennings back in the saddle. Jeremiah Johnson had 913 yards and nine touchdowns out of the backfield, but with the Lions trailing in most games, they couldn’t use him to his full potential. Bryan Burnham and Emmanuel Arceneaux combined for over 2,300 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. The defense struggled, but linebacker Solomon Elimimian was fantastic with 144 tackles. But this unit was eighth in the CFL in forced fumbles, and seventh in interceptions and sacks. They need a major improvement in 2018.
What Will Change This Year
The Lions signed left tackle Joel Figuroa, the most high-profile of six linemen they have brought in this offseason to shore up that unit. Defensive end Odell Willis was picked up in a trade with Ottawa, while Gabriel Knapton will be on the other end of the defensive line. Knapton was traded from Montreal for receiver Chris Williams. The Lions also signed a lot of defensive backs in the offseason, although many of them won’t be on the team on Opening Day. That isn’t a good sign going into the season.
Outlook & Prediction
Much of this season’s success for the Lions rests on the shoulders of Jennings, who simply has to be better than he was in 2017. Lulay looks like he’ll be back soon from last season’s knee injury and he’ll be waiting in the wings. However, head coach Wally Buono would like to stick with one quarterback. If they can build leads, they can keep them with Johnson running the ball, but again, they have to get out to those leads and that will largely depend on Jennings.
There are a lot of questions on defense as the Lions seemed to have shored up the line and barring injury, Elimimian should be great once again in 2018. But the Lions are shaky at the back unless the talent they brought in this offseason proves to be better than expected. In a passing league like the CFL, that is going to be a problem. The Lions should come in just under seven wins next season, which means Buono’s “final” season (he has retired before) might not be a fun campaign.
