Kadie Smith
With their first preseason game against the Edmonton Eskimos coming up on Friday, the Lions hit the field for their last two-a-day of training camp with some extra energy.
The defence and offence were competing hard today, with a good amount of friendly fire coming from the sidelines. The guys are turned up as we get down to the wire. Everyone is fighting for a spot on that roster with some key rookies stepping up in a big way.
The Rookies:
Not enough can be said for the campaign that Bryan Burnham has been running at camp. The receiver had several stellar catches in the team periods today including one highlight-reel snag on a 20-yard lob from Kevin Glenn in double coverage. Burnham stumbled, but broke free of the tackle and took off up field for a sure TD.
Quarterback Travis Partridge is proving to be a quick study of the Canadian game demonstrating strong downfield vision and quick feet on the run. The pivot saw some serious pressure from the D-
line in the team periods but maintained confidence in the pocket, finding open receivers when the intended routes were blocked.
Whitman Tomusiak, or Tin Tin, as the guys call him, is developing into a solid receiver. He had several big plays in the team periods that included a rolling, one-handed snag off a high pass. After spending last season on the practice roster, he returned to camp this season stronger and faster, and is impressing offensive coordinator Khari Jones with his intelligence and commitment to running effective routes.
Porkchop! Porkchop! The hero of yesterday’s Can a Linman Catch a Football had a strong practice today, keeping the offence at bay throughout the first team period and blocking off routes during the short-yardage plays near the end of practice.
All About the D:
Brandon McDonald had his second interception is as many days today, maintaining close coverage in man-on-man and stripping the ball away from the waiting receiver. Thomas Spoletini also recorded an interception in the first team period.
Khalif Mitchell was all over the QBs today, twice shedding blocks to rush in the team periods and repeatedly beating his man during the inside-run period. Dante Marsh had a couple solid pass breakups in the team periods as well.
The Run Game:
The O-line was excellent during the team periods, with Akwasi Antwi, who recently shifted from linebacker to fullback, and Andre Ramsey making all kinds of room for the quick-footed running back Tim Brown to maneuver.
Quotes of Note:
“Way to work yours asses off for two weeks. Now we get to hit someone else!”- Offensive lineman Dean Valli on the upcoming Edmonton game as he broke down practice.
Watching:
Cody Husband (foot), Emmanuel Arceneaux (hand), Hunter Steward (knee), Solomon Elimimian (hamstring), Cord Parks (shoulder), Adam Bighill (groin), Brandon Jordan (shoulder), Cam Chism (foot), Rob Lohr (knee), Khreem Smith (hamstring), and Steven Doege (upper body) did not participate today.