CFL on TSN analyst Dave Naylor takes a look at three keys to success for each team heading into the 2012 regular season.
1. Can Arland and Geroy keep it going?
They are two of the CFL's best players of the past decade but Arland Bruce and Geroy Simon are turning 35 and 37, respectfully, this season. Both need to be able to maintain their levels of play throughout the season.
2. Replacing the man in the middle
Middle linebacker Soloman Elimimian was the CFL's hardest hitter in consecutive seasons and was the heart of a defence that got better as last season went on. Elimimian is now in the NFL, with the Lions filling his shoes with Canadian James Yurichuk and import Adam Bighill.
3. Jabar Westerman
Not many Canadian rookies are expected to contribute on downs right out of the gate. But Westerman, whom the Lions traded-up to get second overall at the draft in May, is expected to play meaningful snaps in the defensive line rotation right away.