jenn chan/Flickr

There’s no question the Lions’ running game has been lacklustre, and if they are going to make a playoff push that has to change.

Ranking last in the league in yards-per-game and attempts the team has not been able to connect the dots averaging a measly 60.3 yards. Since 2004, the lowest B.C. has averaged per game in a full season is 81.3 rushing yards and 17.3 attempts so fingers crossed no records are broken.

Head coach Rick Campell has been concerned for a few weeks now, like forgetting if you left the stove on. But after the last game against the Bombers and their starting tailbacks combining for two net yards, the coach says they’ll have to go back to the basics if they want a chance.

 “We’re just trying to focus on what we’re good at, just getting back to the basics. We kind of got away from that

these last couple of weeks.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVG9WS6JYoi/

The B.C. Lions have relied far too heavily on the golden arm of quarter-back Michael Reilly whose second in the CFL in passing with 2, 047 yards and third in touchdowns with 10. However, football isn’t a one-man show (unless you’re Tom Brady). On the upside, if they can put together any sort of consistent grown game, it’ll free up Reilly to work his magic.

“I think (the run game) is very important these last few stretches of these games, just being able to control the clock … keep the ball in Mike’s hands, be ready to make plays in the offence, and give the defence a rest.”

With only six games to go in the regular season, the Lions are currently third in the West with a 4-4 record. They are currently tied in points but have a chance to change that Saturday against the Calgary Stampeders, who visit B.C. Place Stadium. It won’t be easy as the Stamps have won five of their last seven games, including two back-to-back wins against the second-place Saskatchewan Rough Riders.

Who knows what will happen but what I can tell you is that I’ll be there cheering them on and hope you’ll join me.