The B.C. Lions hope to rebound from a season-opening loss on Saturday when they host the Calgary Stampeders in their home opener in Vancouver.
While a pregame concert from Grammy Award-winning artist 50 Cent likely will stir an expected crowd of over 50,000 at BC Place into a frenzy, the Lions (0-1) want to give their fans a strong performance on the field as well.
B.C., which is hoping to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2019, committed five turnovers in its 35-27 setback to the Toronto Argonauts last week.
Vernon Adams Jr. completed 25 of 33 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns. Impressive numbers to be certain but Adams also had an interception, two fumbles and was sacked six times.
“Ultimately, at the end of the day as a quarterback I’ve got to take care of the ball,” Adams said.
“I had too many fumbles and an interception so if I take care of the ball, I think we’re in a better spot at winning the game. It’s the first one of the season and all we can do is get better.”
Calgary (1-0) took the first step toward getting better following a 6-13 season in 2023. The Stampeders posted a 32-24 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their season opener last week.
Jake Maier completed 21 of 26 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He was named to the CFL honor roll on Tuesday.
“That feels great — it really does,” Maier said, per the Calgary Herald. “When you come off a six-win season, you look forward to hitting that reset button and getting back at it.
“But this is just one game. Nobody in this room or in this organization should jump the gun. It’s a good start for us, and we have a long way to go.”
Clark Barnes and Cam Echols each reeled in a touchdown reception. Kicker Rene Paredes drilled a 52-yarder among his six made field goals in the season opener.
