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The Lions are close to the middle of the pack in average points allowed and they’ve given up 27 touchdowns, second only to Montreal (26) in the number of six-point tries scored against them. Their two premier defensive players — Elimimian and Bighill — are second and third, respectively, in the individual tackles race.

Moreover, the Lions have allowed opponents 16 touchdowns on passing plays, tied with Ottawa — Saturday’s opponent at B.C. Place Stadium — and second only to Montreal (14) leaguewide.

Bitten by the long ball from time to time, the defence bending a little, but never breaking, what’s it really matter that a collective show of steel hands on contested throws is mitigated by a good rush and relentless, intimidating play from their linebackers?

“I’m not dissatisfied with our pressure on the quarterback,” says coach Wally Buono. “My biggest dissatisfaction (last game) was our (lack of) aggressiveness and our inability to make a play on the ball. I don’t think we’ve been overly good when the ball’s in the air — deep. It’s not every game, every throw and it’s not on one individual. But it’s enough.

“I would just like to see us come down with the ball more. I can probably think of 15-16 occasions when we should have come down with the ball, say, eight times. Turnovers are what turns a game around.”

With today’s CFL an aerial spectacle as never before — 69 per cent of plays are throws — it’s a little baffling, and concerning on Buono’s part, that the Lions haven’t been heading more teams off at the pass.