Keon Hatcher, the crew’s second-leading receiver final season who has been out with a foot damage, debuts Monday for B.C. in opposition to Toronto.
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Lacking the primary three B.C. Lions video games this season with an damage had receiver Keon Hatcher feeling somewhat disregarded.
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“You’re watching everybody have enjoyable. It’s like everyone goes to the sweet retailer and getting sweet however you,” Hatcher stated after apply on Wednesday on the CFL membership’s Surrey house base. “However that point is over. Time’s up. It’s time to get to work.”
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The Lions (3-0) are anticipated to drag Hatcher (foot) off the six-game injured record early and insert him into the line-up for Monday’s go to to the Toronto Argonauts (2-0), including to the offensive arsenal of a B.C. crew that has appeared very very similar to a respectable Gray Cup contender to start out the marketing campaign.
B.C. is coming off an intensive 30-6 dismantling of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on the street final week. That was one thing we haven’t seen occur typically to the Blue Bombers the previous few seasons — they’ve been the league’s benchmark franchise. It was the primary Bombers loss at house to a West Division foe since 2018. Former Lions coach Wally Buono tweeted that it was the “most dominant win I’ve seen within the final 10 years” for a B.C. squad.
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The 6-foot-1, 212-pound Hatcher is anticipated to be a core member of this yr’s group. He was already final yr. Hatcher, 28, had 70 catches for 1,043 yards in 2022, with 5 landing receptions. He was second on the Lions in receiving yards and seventh within the CFL.
“He means lots. He can do all the things,” Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. stated. “He can go up and get it. He’s quick, he’s fast. He catches all the things.
“He was a man that I labored out lots with once I got here up within the low season. I’m blissful to have him again. ”
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B.C. additionally received in Winnipeg with out Dominique Rhymes (foot), who was damage in Week 2’s 22-0 win over the Edmonton Elks. He led the squad in receiving yards (1,401), receptions (85) and receiving touchdowns (11) final season.
Working again Taquan Mizzell (knee), a newcomer who received the starter’s spot popping out of coaching camp, required medical consideration after the Winnipeg recreation as nicely.
Rhymes and Mizzell had been each on the sphere for Wednesday’s apply, which was a stroll via. Coach Rick Campbell stated that they each might play Monday in Toronto, however he wanted to see them in a full apply earlier than being sure.
If Hatcher, Rhymes and Mizzell are all good to go, it is going to be the primary time that B.C. has had all of its key offensive performers for the reason that early days of coaching camp.
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“You’ve seen what it’s appeared like with some items lacking. You’ll be able to solely think about what it’s going to appear to be when the items get again collectively,” Hatcher stated of the offence. “It needs to be thrilling.
“We’re an excellent soccer crew. That’s what I can say. We’ve bought items all over the place. We are able to do all the things. I don’t see any shortcomings with us. So long as we keep wholesome and keep centered, we’re going to be good.”
B.C.’s defence goes into Monday wanting so as to add to its stellar begin to the season as nicely. The Lions have given up simply 21 factors — together with a single landing — whereas forcing seven turnovers and recording 11 quarterback sacks. In response to the Lions, that’s the second-best three-game stretch to open a season by any Lions defence. The 1964 crew allowed simply 16 factors via three video games on its solution to successful a Gray Cup.
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“Our mindset is to be a dictating defence,” stated defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips. “I don’t wish to be a counterpuncher. We’re not Floyd Mayweather. On the finish of the day, we wish to dictate and let you know what you may and can’t do. At this level, we’re beginning to hit that and I believe we’re going to proceed to develop in these areas.
“We nonetheless have room for enchancment. That’s a great factor. There are performs we missed out on, however I’ll undoubtedly take the place we’re at now and proceed to thrive off these moments.”
The largest optimistic for Lions’ followers on this begin is perhaps the truth that gamers don’t appear overly enamoured with how nicely issues have gone to this point and the way centered they appear to be on big-picture, longer-term aspirations. You’ll have understood getting overly wrapped up within the Winnipeg win. They had been decidedly business-like.
“We all know we are able to’t win the Gray Cup right this moment,” Adams stated. “You need to deal with the crew that’s in entrance of you proper now. This can be a good league. It’s anyone’s day on any given day. You need to be prepared and work arduous and respect your opponent.”
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Originally posted 2023-06-28 22:30:01.
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