At the end of last season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats felt good enough about their direction to bring nearly their entire roster back for another run in 2010.
But after Sunday's deeply disappointing loss to Toronto in the Eastern Semifinal, change is in the wind over Ivor Wynne Stadium, as the ‘Cats will scrutinize every part of their roster, with the exception of their defensive front-seven.
And two players whose futures will come under the most scrutiny are likely to be kicker Sandro DeAngelis and running back DeAndra' Cobb.
After signing as a free agent last winter, DeAngelis had an inconsistent season, capped by his missing 17-yard field goal attempt Sunday in what turned into a three-point loss.
Meanwhile, Cobb, who burst onto the scene a year ago, was rarely a difference-maker for the ‘Cats this season. And after being held to just eight yards on six carries against the Argos on Sunday, Hamilton will focus on finding competition for the starting tailback role next season.
It's likely, the Hamilton could have as many as a half-dozen new starters as they look to improve on this season's 9-9 record and playoff defeat.
In BC, a team laden with first and second-year CFL players, appears to be on the upswing.
The Lions got great second-half production from such young players as quarterback Travis Lulay, linebacker Solomon Elimimian, receiver Steven Black and Jonas Davis -- pointing to a brighter future in BC.
The Lions could lose receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux to interest from the NFL, but overall roster turnover should be minimal heading into 2011.
As for head coach Wallly Buono, the 60-year-old says he will decide early this off-season whether to return to the sidelines for another season. But no one will be surprised if he's back on the sidelines to try and reap the rewards of a young team that took great strides during this season's second half.