Quarterback Travis Lulay a double threat for B.C. Lions in Grey Cup

VANCOUVER – Tim Burke faces an unenviable task.

Burke is the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defensive co-ordinator whose job it is to find a way to contain B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay in the Grey Cup on Sunday.

Lulay was the CFL’s outstanding player in 2011, emphatically rallying the Lions from an 0-5 start to wins in 11 of their 13 remaining regular-season contests and top spot in the West Division standings. Last weekend, he led B.C. to a 40-23 victory over Edmonton in the conference final.

Trouble is, Lulay can impact a game more than one way.

He’s an effective passer, throwing for 4,815 yards to finish second overall behind Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo (5,251 yards). And the two ended the regular season with a league-leading 32 TD strikes.

But Lulay, 28, brings the added dimension of mobility. The third-year player was the league’s leading rusher among quarterbacks, running for 391 yards on 47 carries (8.3-yard average) with three TDs.

The rushing threat Lulay presents forces pass-rushing defensive lineman to not only come hard and fast, but remain disciplined and stick to their respective lanes. Take a chance to freelance and Lulay run where the lineman should’ve been for a huge gain.

That was evident in last weekend’s West Division final when Lulay cemented B.C.’s victory with a 61-yard TD run in the fourth quarter against Edmonton. This was after throwing two touchdown passes.

Now, Burke has a few factors working in his favour. Winnipeg led the CFL in sacks (55) and fewest passing yards (223.1 per game). But he will have to devise a strategy to negate the Lion’s attempt to roll the pocket and not only get Lulay away from potential pressure but give him more time and a clear view downfield to either find the open receiver or tuck the ball under his arm and take off to pick up crucial first downs and keep potential scoring drives alive.

Again, not an enviable task at all.

Here’s a look at other potential game-changers in Sunday’s game:

Arland Bruce III: The slick slotback received a new lease on his football life early this season when dealt to B.C. by Hamilton. Bruce has combined with veteran Geroy Simon to give the Lions a formidable 1-2 receiving punch. Bruce had 58 catches for 859 yards and eight TDs during the regular season but added four receptions for 82 yards — including a key 43-yard grab — in the playoff victory over Edmonton.

Geroy Simon: Still a threat at the age of 36. The Lion’s veteran slotback was the CFL’s second-leading receiver this season with 84 catches for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns. Simon was a factor in the West Division final win over Edmonton with six catches for 106 yards and a TD.

Andrew Harris: The Winnipeg native was B.C.’s rushing leader this season with 458 yards, averaging 4.8 yards a carry. Harris is also a very competent receiver, registering 30 catches for 395 yards and seven TDs. He had two touchdowns — one rushing, one receiving — in the West Division final.

Korey Banks: The B.C. Lions defensive back anchors a solid secondary that has over 35 years of CFL experience combined. Banks had a key 46-yard interception return against Edmonton in the West Division final but also posted a team-high six tackles.

Paul McCallum: The 41-year-old kicker, the CFL’s oldest player, was nearly automatic for the Lions. The league’s top special-teams player hit 50-of-53 field goals and showed he still has plenty of leg with a season-long boot of 53 yards.

Chris Garrett: It’s hard to imagine Winnipeg’s ground game not skipping a beat after starting tailback Fred Reid went down with a season-ending knee injury. But Garrett, who was cut earlier in the season, returned to rush for 576 yards and average a solid 6.3 yards per attempt. Garrett was a one-man show in the East Division final, running for 190 yards and a TD in Winnipeg’s 19-3 win over Hamilton.

Terrence Edwards: Winnipeg had the CFL’s second-worst passing attack (249.7 yards per game) but Edwards remains one of the league’s top receivers. He had a team-high 66 catches for 1,124 yards and eight touchdowns and is a go-to guy, be it with either incumbent Buck Pierce or backup Alex Brink under centre.

Clarence Denmark: The Lions can’t really afford to double-team Edwards because of the presence of this prized rookie. Denmark had 65 catches for 818 yards with five touchdowns. He’s not only fast enough to turn a short reception into a big gain but is also very elusive after catching the ball.

Odell Willis: There’s no quicker defensive lineman off the ball and Willis used that quickness to finish the season tied for the CFL lead in sacks with 13. He also helped anchor a Bombers’ defence that forced a league-high 54 turnovers, including a CFL-best 22 interceptions.

Jovon Johnson: The CFL’s top defensive player was a key cog in Winnipeg’s stingy pass defence. He posted a league-high eight interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. Johnson is also a potential game-changing punt returner, when given the chance.

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