Adams worries about win as Lion prepares to take controls from Rourke

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Vernon Adams Jr. He’s a Nathan Rourke fan.

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Additionally within the close to future is Vernon Adams Jr.

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When Rourke started working with NFL golf equipment this winter, Lions co-general managers Neil McEvoy and Rick Campbell mentioned Adams would begin as first quarterback subsequent season if Rourke did not return. Coincidentally, Rourke introduced on Sunday that he’s able to signal a three-year take care of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Adams was the Lions’ quarterback introduced in by commerce with the Montreal Alouettes when Rourke was shelved final August with a Lisfranc sprain in his foot. He says he was completely happy for each Rourke and himself when he heard the Jacksonville information.

“The followers can count on me to work arduous and have some enjoyable and we’ll get some wins,” mentioned 30-year-old, 1.70-foot, 200-pound Adams, talking from his household’s house in Tacoma on Monday. , wash. “I am not Nate. What Nate did final 12 months was unimaginable. He was decided to interrupt each document. It will likely be troublesome to repeat this.

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“I’ve been a winner. That is what I am apprehensive about. There will likely be ups and downs alongside the way in which, however I’d like to see us win greater than 14 common seasons and be undefeated at house.

“I am 30, I am on high, I am completely unhealthy and I am prepared, man.” I am prepared to indicate folks that Large Play VA this crew can deal with the monsters round me.”

Adams has proven each arm energy and foot pace up to now to make the aforementioned spotlight reel video games with both the go or the frenzy.

He threw for 3,942 yards and 24 touchdowns in 16 video games with the Alouettes in 2019, and threw for 394 yards and 12 touchdowns. He suffered an damage after that, fell out of favor with Als, and BC kicked him out of Montreal for the 2023 first-round draft decide.

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He received off to a 4-2 begin with BC final season, sprinting for 1,504 yards and 6 touchdowns, and dashing for 129 yards and failing to attain. McEvoy believes he’ll be considerably higher with a full bootcamp beneath his belt. Adams was on the cellphone with assault coordinator Jordan Maksymic on Sunday, shortly after the information of Rourke was made public.

“He simply wants a while with these coaches,” McEvoy mentioned.

Rourke, 24, led the Lions to a 12-6 document final 12 months, marking their first season of wins since 2016. Extra importantly, it sparked their curiosity. He was a Canadian quarterback who has been the envy of the league and its followers for years and has often made the Lions a nationwide story.

The BC was 8-1 and Rourke, who was born in Victoria and grew up in Oakville, Ont., was the league chief with 3,281 yards and 25 targets when it was introduced that he wanted surgical procedure attributable to his out-of-play damage. The subsequent phases of the August 19 sport.

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He returned to coaching on October 11 and performed in BC’s final common season sport and two playoff video games on October 28.

Regardless of the time missed, he was nonetheless named the CFL’s Most Distinguished Canadian.

Comparisons will come. Adams is absolutely conscious of this. BC’s common viewership introduced for the common season was 20,387, a rise from 17,803 in 2019, the final season earlier than being affected by COVID-19. The Lions additionally had a crowd of 30,114 for his or her 30-16 West Division semi-final win over the Calgary Stampeders.

“Most of what occurred was about Nate and what he was doing,” Adams mentioned to get the Lions extra consideration. “Canadian in Canadian sport. Folks adore it. It has helped the followers come again and we’ll proceed to assist them come again by bringing them wins.”

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BC ought to have a core group just like final 12 months once they opened the common season on June 8 away in opposition to the Stampeders. They will not get the courageous Bryan Burnham, who retired on the finish of final season. McEvoy mentioned he did not count on to chase after a significant go catcher in free company. Keon Hatcher thinks the welcome crew, which incorporates Fortunate Whitehead, Jevon Cottoy and Dominique Rhymes, is in talks for the perfect of the league and can make up for Burnham’s misplaced manufacturing.

McEvoy says the crew continues to be deciding on backup quarterback standing. BC facilities Michael O’Connor and Antonio Pipkin, who had been behind Rourke after which Adams final season, are ready to be launched. The free company opens on February 14.

Rourke’s CFL rights stay with the Lions. He needs to combat for the #2 job in Jacksonville.

SEwen@postmedia.com

twitter: @SteveEwen

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