THE CANADIAN PRESS
Circumstances made it an easy decision for Jeff Tedford to make, for this week anyway.
The BC Lions’ head coach didn’t hesitate to say rookie Jonathon Jennings would be the starting quarterback when the Leos (5-9) face the Edmonton Eskimos (11-4) Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.
Jennings’ strong play in his previous three starts had as much to do with Tedford’s choice as did the fact veteran Travis Lulay is still recovering from a knee injury.
“Travis is probably 90 per cent,” said Tedford. “But Jonathon is playing as good as any quarterback in the league right now.
“He’s had some big games and is doing a really nice job. We’re going to stick with it because of those reasons.”
Sound logic no doubt. But as Lulay’s health improves Tedford and the rest of the Lions’ management face some quarterback decisions that will affect the CFL team not only for the rest of this season, but looking into the future.
The 23-year-old Jennings offers the promise of youth. You can only guess at his potential. Lulay, 32, has battled injuries the last two seasons and becomes a free agent at the end of the year. He also gives you the comfort of a veteran who has got the job done in the past.
If the Lions were a better football team, or maybe even a little worse, Tedford might have an excuse to hand the reins over to Jennings for the rest of the year. But BC, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-10) and Montreal Alouettes (5-9) are in a three-way scrap for the final playoff spot in the West.
Tedford has to decide if he wants to gamble the Lions’ playoff hopes — and possibility his job — on a rookie, or bet the farm that Lulay can return to the form that saw him be the CFL and Grey Cup most valuable player in 2011.
Jennings has just one win in his three starts, but has injected excitement and confidence into Lions’ offence. He’s more mobile than Lulay and able to scramble out of trouble. He also has given new life to the Lions’ deep threat and helped return Emmanuel Arceneaux to one of the most dangerous receivers in the CFL.
“There is a youthful energy that he really brings,” said receiver Shawn Gore. “That’s no knock on anybody else, it’s just his own type of energy. When we are out there we can be part of it.
“His ability to elude defenders is amazing. He keeps plays going and he throws on the run. I would probably say at least half of his big plays are probably scrambling plays that should have been dead. That really helps our offence continue.”
In last week’s 29-26 loss to Winnipeg, Jennings had a brilliant first half, throwing for 307 yards and three touchdowns as B.C. built a 23-9 lead. Things changed dramatically in the second half when the Columbus, Ohio, native was limited to 65 throwing yards and no points.
Since taking over from the injured John Beck early in a Sept. 18 loss to Calgary, Jennings has completed 76 of 114 passes for 1,269 yards, six interceptions and nine touchdowns.
In nine starts this year Lulay has completed 153 of 246 passes for 1,772 yards, 10 interceptions and 12 touchdowns.
Jennings’ story has the makings of a Hollywood movie. The quarterback from Saginaw Valley State came to camp this year as an unknown and is now basking in the spotlight.
“He’s done what you expect because that’s why he’s here,” said Tedford. “I think the pose and his production and consistency so far has been really impressive.
“Sometimes when you get young guys like that they are a little bit up and down. The games he’s played he’s been very consistent. That is what is most impressive about a young rookie like that.”
| Lions’ playoff hopes rest on Jennings |
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While the BC Lions own the last remaining playoff spot in the West, they’ve lost four of their last five games and are facing pressure from Winnipeg and Montreal. Can Jonathon Jennings lead the Lions to the post-season? |
Jennings smiled when told that Tedford said he’s playing as good as any quarterback in the CFL.
“I would say so,” he said. “There are still some things I need to work on. I’m trying to be that guy.”
As good as he’s been, Jennings knows there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“There are just so many little things you learn from each week,” he said. “Knowing how to turn your shoulders to move a defensive back, seeing pressures and how you react to those things.
“The little things are very important. The big things are going to come as long as you trust in the process.”
Lulay suffered a partial tear in his MCL on Sept. 3. He returned from the six-game injured list earlier than expected and dressed as the backup for the game against Winnipeg.
He admitted he probably wasn’t ready to start against Edmonton.
“Honestly I have to get healthy first,” he said. “You are at the mercy of the symptoms when it comes to injuries.
“The focus first is to continue to improve and get better.”
While Jennings has made the most of his chance to prove himself he understands Lulay’s recovery could determine how long he continues to start games.
“I’m OK with it,” said Jennings. “It’s his team.
“My job was to be the backup. When my opportunity came I was just trying to win games. Travis is the man here.”
The Lions’ playoff fate remains in doubt. After Edmonton, BC plays Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto and Calgary. So far this year the Lions are 1-6 in games against teams with records of .500 or better.
It’s hard to believe Tedford would keep a healthy Lulay on the sidelines. Lulay’s status as a veteran gives him the right to return as a starter.
Once the season ends, the question will be if Jennings has done enough to convince the Lions’ management they can afford to let Lulay be a starter with another team.
