Jun 17, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) makes a cross in opposition to the Edmonton Elks within the second half at BC Place. BC received 22-0. Necessary Credit score: Bob Frid-Imagn Pictures The B.C. Lions are again the place they began.
For his or her regular-season finale Saturday night time in opposition to the visiting Montreal Alouettes, the Lions have re-installed Vernon Adams Jr. at quarterback.
Adams bought B.C. off to a 5-1 begin earlier than the workforce hit the skids. Since then, the Lions are 3-8, together with an unpleasant 39-8 loss final week at Saskatchewan that clinched a third-place end within the West. That can pressure them to go on the street in two weeks for his or her first playoff recreation.
Adams has thrown for two,544 yards this yr with 14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions however has tried solely seven passes within the final 9 video games. Coach Rick Campbell went with Nathan Rourke in the midst of B.C.’s struggles.
Except for overpowering wins in opposition to Ottawa and Montreal in a seven-day span, Rourke hasn’t been the identical quarterback who starred for B.C. in 2022 after which earned NFL possibilities with 4 completely different franchises. Rourke has thrown for 1,781 yards in eight video games with solely 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
“We’ll roll with no matter provides us one of the best possibilities within the playoffs,” Campbell mentioned.
Whereas the Lions (8-9) search for momentum, the Alouettes (12-3-1) know they will be the East’s prime seed for the playoffs. All they must do to play for a second straight Gray Cup is win the convention closing at dwelling on Nov. 9.
Montreal is coming off a 19-12 win Monday in opposition to Ottawa that noticed backup quarterback Davis Alexander hit 14 of 24 passes for 208 yards with an interception. Alexander changed Cody Fajardo, who was in Nevada for the beginning of his second little one.
There isn’t any query that Fajardo is the starter when able to return however Alexander is greater than able to profitable. He is received all 4 of his begins this yr, filling in throughout the summer time when hamstring troubles shelved Fajardo.
Alexander ran for a landing within the win in opposition to the Redblacks, however coach Jason Maas needs him to be extra prudent as time goes on when it comes to looking for contact when he runs.
“We’re by no means enthusiastic about him taking any hits like that,” Maas mentioned. “You’d desire him to not be (hit).”
–Subject Stage Media