B.C. LIONS

LAST YEAR: 8-10 - 3RD IN WEST DIVISION - LOST TO SASKATCHEWAN IN WEST SEMIFINAL

BC entered 2010 with their hopes pinned on former star QB Casey Printers, who returned for his second stint with the team the previous year. The Lions, however, got off to a slow start and after it was apparent Printers wasn’t working out, handed the reigns to Travis Lulay. Thanks to strong play from Lulay and a late-season run, the Lions snuck into the playoffs but were beaten in the West semifinal by the Roughriders.

KEY ADDITIONS

Ben Archibald, OT: When last year’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman became available in the off-season due to salary constraints in Calgary, the Lions jumped at the chance to shore up their offensive line. Archibald has been a CFL All-Star the past two years and, although 33-years-old, should be able to provide a few more solid seasons in BC.

Eric Taylor, DT: With Archibald helping to solidify the Lions’ o-line, Taylor was brought in via free agency to help shore up the d-line. Opponents averaged 135.8 rushing yards per game against the Lions last season, ranking them second worst in the league. With Taylor on board, BC should improve upon those numbers this year.

KEY DEPARTURES

Emmanuel Arceneaux, WR: Arceneaux parlayed two strong seasons with the Lions into a contract offer from the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. Arceneaux was second on the team in receiving yards with 1,114, behind only perennial all-star Geroy Simon. In his two years in BC, the 23-year-old had 12 touchdowns.

Yonus Davis, KR: In his rookie year with the Lions, the dynamic Davis was named the West Division’s most outstanding special teams player. Davis was fourth in the league in combined return yards with 1,642 and scored four touchdowns on the year. The 26-year-old got into legal trouble in the off-season and was released by BC.

Other Notable Departures: Tad Crawford, S; Joe McGrath, OL; Sherko Haji-Rasouli, OL O'Neil Wilson, WR; Sean Whyte, K/P

THE EXPERTS WEIGH IN

Chris Shultz's Team Overview: Last year was a struggle for the B.C. Lions, as everything was second-guessed. This year should be different, first and foremost because of quarterback Travis Lulay. I don't think Lulay will ever dominate the CFL quarterbacking statistical charts, but he will win and become an identifiable player as B.C. enters a new era. More...

Matt Dunigan's Quarterback Analysis: Travis Lulay has the reigns to lead the Lions offense, for now. Lulay is fearless and undaunted while learning the nuances of the Canadian game. Watching this process unfold is pure joy for me, as the kid attacks the game and has fun doing it. More...

Duane Forde's Canadian Content: SB Paris Jackson is one of the CFL’s most dynamic receivers, regardless of nationality but the Lions need him to be healthy. Davis Sanchez is rock solid at the field corner spot. Breakout Canadian: Receiver Shawn Gore was outstanding on special teams after his midseason arrival last year and gets a shot at a full time job on offense in 2011. More...

DRAFT OVERVIEW

Originally slated to select third overall, the Lions traded down to sixth, grabbing extra picks from the Stampeders in the process. When it did come time for the Lions to make their first pick, they selected Harvard receiver Marco Ianuzzi. In a bit of a surprise move, B.C. used their next pick to take kicker Hugh O’Neill. The Lions already had two kickers on the roster, but later traded Sean Whyte to the Alouettes for a future first-rounder, opening up the apprentice role for O’Neill.

Draft Results

2010 Team Statistics