BY PERRY LEFKO
sportsnet.ca
B.C. Lions' owner David Braley flew from his residence in Burlington to Vancouver on Friday to meet with general manager/head coach Wally Buono because he’s concerned about the team's woeful performance and its impact on ticket sales, sportsnet.ca.has learned.
Sources told Sportsnet that Braley made the unscheduled trip following the Lions' 25-20 loss to Winnipeg, dropping B.C. to 0-5, worst overall in the 2011 season. The Lions are the only team without a win this year.
Buono has come under criticism for the team's woeful start and some curious decisions made in some of the games. However, he is in no danger of losing or relinquishing any of his jobs, according to sources. Team president Dennis Skulsky indicated that in no uncertain terms in a radio interview with Vancouver radio station CKWX on Friday. Braley told the same radio station last week that Buono's job is secure.
The Grey Cup will be played in Vancouver this year and the game has already sold out, but Braley is concerned about the Lions' slow start and how it could negatively impact ticket sales this year. The Lions are in their second season playing at Empire Stadium, while B.C. Place continues to be renovated for the team's return there in the fall, leading up to the hoopla for the Cup.
The way the Lions are playing, self-destructing on offence with dropped balls and missed passes, and on defence with blown coverages, they show no signs of qualifying for the playoffs. The Lions won their first game of the 2010 season, then dropped their next seven and turned things around with key player changes, notably at quarterback, and finished 8-10 and qualified for the post-season.
The slow start in 2011 was not expected and frustration has clearly set in among fans and, to an even greater extent, Braley.
There are growing indications that Buono may be required to make some critical player personnel decisions again, resulting in as many as three starters losing their jobs or dropped into backup roles. Receiver Dobson Collins, who dropped several passes in the loss to Winnipeg, could be cut. He has been among a legion of Lions' receivers who have killed drives and potential touchdowns by dropping easy catches.
Veteran Davis Sanchez has been targeted by opposing teams, which led to him being moved from wideside cornerback to safety early into the season. Because he's a Canadian and is one of the Lions' seven starting non-imports, replacing him or moving him into a backup role would require starting a Canadian elsewhere. Non-import receiver Paris Jackson, who has been hampered by knee injuries the last two seasons, may be moved into a starting role if there's a need to change the ratio.
The Lions have signed import defensive back Tad Kornegay, who was recently cut by Saskatchewan. Buono may also have to reconsider the team's defensive alignment, which began with three down linemen and four linebackers but hasn't worked as well as planned.
