Vancouver, BC (Best E Casino) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - West. 2007 record - 14-3-1. Playoff result: First in West Division, lost 26-17 to Saskatchewan in division final. Stadium - B.C. Place. Capacity - 29,706. Colors - Orange, black and silver.
The Lions were the CFL's best regular season team last year, registering a league-best 14-3-1 record before losing to Saskatchewan in the West Division final. There's no reason to believe B.C. won't again be the conference's top team.
But there will definitely be change in 2008.
The Lions released veteran quarterback Dave Dickenson in the offseason, leaving youngsters Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson to battle for the starting job. Defensively, B.C. has some big shoes to fill with the retirement of defensive coordinator Dave Ritchie.
However, stability remains with head coach and general manager Wally Buono at the helm. And many of the faces that made up the CFL's top scoring offense and second ranked defense remain.
The quarterback spot would appear to be in good hands with Pierce and Jackson. Pierce battled an assortment of injuries last year but in '06 showed definite signs of being a capable player. However, when Pierce couldn't go, Jackson stepped in and effectively led the Lions to victories. Whoever plays quarterback will have no shortage of capable weapons at his disposal.
Running back Joe Smith returns after leading the CFL in rushing last season with 1,510 yards and 18 touchdowns. Slotback Geroy Simon was the league's top receiver with 1,293 yards. Teammate Jason Clermont was third overall with 1,158 yards while Paris Jackson finished with 962 yards receiving.
The offense will also have former coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine back as a receivers coach, which should make a very potent unit that much stronger.
Defensively, B.C. also promises to be very solid in 2008.
Defensive end Cameron Wake had a brilliant rookie season, leading the league with 16 sacks. That was good enough to earn him both the CFL's top rookie and defensive player awards.
While there's no denying Wake's abilities, he's helped by a veteran Lions front line that includes former Ohio State star Brent Johnson (12 sacks), Aaron Hunt (eight sacks) and Tyrone Williams (five sacks). Veteran linebacker Otis Floyd also finished tied with Wake for the team lead in tackles with 69.
Another weapon for the Lions' defense was defensive back Ryan Phillips, who led the CFL in interceptions with 12. His closest rival was Toronto's Orlondo Steinauer with seven.
Mike Benevides will replace Ritchie as the Lions' defensive coordinator.
The Lions' special teams are in the very capable hands of veteran kicker Paul McCallum. McCallum finished second in CFL scoring last year with 166 points, one behind Hamilton's Nick Setta. McCallum converted 35 of 43 field goal attempts for a solid 81.4 percent success ratio. He was also fourth overall in punting with a 44.3-yard average.
The B.C. Lions will again be the best team in the conference during the regular season. However, if this club doesn't at least make it to the Grey Cup, the 2008 campaign will have been deemed a huge disappointment.
Best E Casino Predicted Finish: First.
