Music: {allcanada} LIONS, ESKIMOS READY TO RUMBLE ON TSN

Sunday, July 4, 2010

{allcanada} LIONS, ESKIMOS READY TO RUMBLE ON TSN

Different is nothing new to running back Jamal Robertson.

Signed as a free agent in March, Robertson says he hasn't had any problems adapting to the B.C. Lions' offensive schemes. The former Toronto Argonaut is anxious to show what he's learned when the Lions open their CFL season Sunday against the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium (TSN, 7 p.m. ET).

"You always want to let the organization know they made the right decision," Robertson said. "For me, it's not just for them but it's for myself as well. I want to perform every day in every game."

The Lions were in the market for a running back after Martel Mallett and fullback Rolly Lumbala both jumped to the NFL. Robertson, 33, was available even though he had led the Argos in rushing the last two seasons.

Making the transition to a new team can sometimes be difficult. But after stints in the NFL and NFL Europe before arriving in the CFL, change has been a constant for Robertson.

"If you see my resume, I'm a travelling man," said the soft-spoken Washington, D.C., native. "I've been on many teams.

"I came here with an open mind, ready to accept the new terminology and do the best I can. I use the other systems I've been with to absorb the new terminology."

At five-foot-nine and 215 pounds, Robertson packs an explosive punch in a small package. He rushed for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns on 209 carries last year. He also had 59 catches for 482 yards.

Eskimo defensive back T. J. Hill said Robertson can be a load to handle.

"He's very strong, compact, low to the ground," said Hill. "He's very hard to bring down. He can block as well."

The Lions are eager to erase the memories of last season.

B.C. started the year 0-2 and had just one win after five games while struggling to an 8-10 record.

Opening with a win would get the season off on the right foot.

"It's a good momentum boost," said Robertson. "After all the hard work in the off season and training camp it would feel good.

"It feels like you have accomplished something."

The Lions got a taste of what the Eskimos have to offer when wide receiver Skyler Green hauled in a last-minute touchdown catch as Edmonton beat B.C. 36-32 in a pre-season game.

"They have a fast defence, an explosive defence," said Robertson. "Their offence is very strong, very efficient.

"We have to have all our cylinders firing. We can't go in there half set when we play against the Eskimos."

Casey Printers will start the season at the Lions No. 1 quarterback. Printers will be looking to regain the magic of the 2004 season when he threw for over 5,000 yards and 35 touchdowns and was named the league most valuable player.

Hill said Printers can hurt you with his arm or his legs.

"Casey brings a different dimension to the game," said Hill. ''He's very mobile, very agile and has a strong arm.

"Not only do you have to stay in coverage with your receiver, you also have to keep him in the pocket and try and contain him. You try and limit some things he can do."

The Eskimos hope to build from a 9-9 season last year and still be playing when the Grey Cup is hosted in Edmonton in November.

"We made the playoffs (last year) but that's not our ultimate goal," said Hill. "Like every other team our ultimate goal is to get to the final and win the Grey Cup.

"We made progress last year. We made strides showing we are a good team. But we were inconsistent at times. This year we put in pieces to the puzzle so we can reach our goal."