The news was very refreshing and the disappointment resonated with everyone in the Lions organization. But when team night members wake up on Monday, they’ll find that the 2022 BC Lions are still in a very good place. And the main man is more ready than anyone else to stand up for his fallen teammates.
With an 8-1 record and a chance for the Saskatchewan Roughriders to be in full rear-view mirrors this Friday night, it’s a situation the club would have been thrilled with when they first converged at camp. . Now they have to do without the number 12 behind center.
Following Sunday’s official news that Nathan Rourke is out for a long period with an injured leg that requires surgery, Michael O’Connor has the keys to a shiny car, also known as the BC Lions Offense. I am grateful for the opportunity to do so, but it is still very difficult to process as O’Connor prepares for his first official CFL start on Friday.
“I was in pain. Nate is a brother to me,” said the former UBC standout after receiving news of Rourke’s impending surgery.
“You hate to see one of your brothers fall. It’s hard to hear, but I know who he is. I know he’ll come back stronger.” It’s always hard to see a brother fall.We all have his back.Rest in peace with him.I know he will get back on his feet.”
If you’re dealing with this poignant turn of events with a “glass half full” approach, there are some positive signs that can be pointed out. The group, which includes receiving yards leader Dominic Rimes, healthy Brian Burnham and playmaker Lucky Whitehead, is still on a five-game winning streak.
The team’s defense is also at or near the top of the league in most major categories, especially in the late games, losing just 16 points in total after being broken in the last five games, including a 2-2. Is not … -Half Shutout. It’s a team sport, and the group is closer than any Lions team in years.
“I think it all starts with Rick and the culture he built,” O’Connor explained.
Leaders like Barnum, TJ, and all veterans. they are great leaders. It’s really special to be part of this team. We he is one big family. Lots of personality but no ego. Everyone cares about what they can do for this team. I am honored to be part of it. ”
A quarterback who is behind in first place on the depth chart should always be ready. O’Connor approached every practice rep, much like Rourke himself did last season as backup to Michael His Riley. And all game readiness, as if he receives a call.
These traits look to pay off as the Lions complete their season sweep of Saskatchewan and take another step toward battling for the lead in the West after Labor Day.
“I’m ready. I don’t know when my number will be called,” he said.
“The way I see it, it doesn’t matter if it does, but when. I am confirming that there is
His CFL resume may only have 24 appearances, 236 yards and 1 touchdown pass (as a member of the Toronto Argonauts in 2019), but O’Connor is a big game player. The best example of that is in 2015 he earned Vanier his Cup MVP honors when the UBC Thunderbirds completed the storybook turnaround with a victory over Montreal in the championship game.
The Orleans, Ontario native was also a highly sought-after recruit, agreeing to go to Penn State before head coach Blake Nill lured him to the Point Gray campus. Suffice it to say that he was waiting for this moment.
“I have been playing this game for a long time and I think these experiences will prepare me for the next one. You are always prepared for these moments, I don’t think you have to reinvent anything.”
O’Connor, Antonio Pipkin and Kevin Thomson have a solid mix of veteran experience and youth in the quarterback room. They and the team are on a mission to rally for Nathan. Friday could be a memorable chapter in the 2022 novel.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com
