The Lions could finish in top spot in the West....IF...[and it's a big if] they don't implode like they did against SSK this past weekend. The Lions meet the Stamps two more times. If the Stamps knock off SSK and beat Edmonton but lose to the Lions in both meetings, the Lions theoretically could still take 1st by winning all 4 of their remaining games. There are likely other ways the Lions could drop a game [or even two] but this would depend on how SSK and Calgary did in their remaining games as well. I've not figured out all of the possibilities.
Let us say it comes down to Calgary and B.C. vying for top spot. They've met twice so far with Calgary holding a slight edge of 8 points in total points scored during those two meetings. Theoretically the Lions could get past Calgary by winning only one out of the remaining two meetings PROVIDED the Lions hold the edge in total points scored over the 4 meetings. In other words if the teams split the 4 meetings but the Lions outscored the Stamps, the Lions would take 1st place. This is assuming it isn't a 3 way tie involving SSK, Calgary and The Lions. That is quite possible. All three of these teams could be deadlocked with 22 points each. Just like last year!
This is going to be a very exciting ending to the regular season for the Lions, Roughriders and Stamps. However, I must say, that if had to predict the order in which these teams finished it would be:
- Calgary
- SSK
- The Lions.
I would predict a Western Final in Calgary between the Stamps and the Roughriders. That would be some contest involving Sheets [SSK] and Cornish [Calgary]! These are two very solid teams! Yes, I am a loyal Lions fan but I'm also a realist. The Lions have had a suspect O-Line all year. The O-Line remains suspect in my opinion. Lulay may or may not return and even if he does get back into the line-up it will take a length of time for him to get back into things. Harris to me has been a disappointment. He can look brilliant at times while at other times he is completely shut down by the defence. Is Harris the problem? Hard to say. Are there holes there and he isn't hitting them fast enough? Are the holes not there because of a suspect O-Line? Maybe a combination of both but again I would lay it on the O-Line.
Harris has looked brilliant, especially in the open field. He is very fast and has got lightning fast moves BUT, he is not as good as either Sheets or Cornish.
The Lions D can be fabulous but if it cannot shut down guys like Sheets or Cornish the Lions are done. Create a potent ground game, which both Sheets and Cornish are able to do and the respective QBs can be as creative in the air as they choose against the Lions.
I congratulate the Lions for getting into the playoffs one more time but I'm predicting an early exit for the Lions in the playoffs whether they finish in 1st or 2nd. I hope I am proved wrong.