Vernon Adams Jr. lived up to his nickname as "Big Play VA" took apart the Calgary Stampeders in a 41-30 win in the CFL West semifinal.
It was a statement performance for the B.C. Lions quarterback who recorded five touchdowns including four in the first half alone at B.C. Place.
Adams Jr. showed why he led the league in passing yards recording his third game with 400 or more yards this season as he finished with 413 yards against the Stampeders.
This is the version of Adams Jr. the Lions expected when they named him their starter after losing Canadian Nathan Rourke to the NFL this past off-season.
It has been a tough road to this point for Adams Jr., who once agreed to play at receiver in his first CFL gig with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats just to get on the field. Getting traded from the Montreal Alouettes to the Lions last year while Rourke was sidelined with an injury gave Adams Jr. the chance he needed to show he could still be a top quarterback in the league.
Calgary couldn't get anywhere near Adams Jr. as he navigated the pocket and was willing to use his legs when he saw an opening. He led the Lions in rushing with 54 yards on seven carries.
After a strong regular season, it's safe to say Adams Jr. and the Lions have put Rourke in the rearview as they look to keep their momentum going in their pursuit of the team's first championship since 2011.
A night to remember for Hatcher
No player benefited more from Adams Jr.'s big performance than Keon Hatcher as he finished with nine catches on 12 targets for 195 yards and a touchdown.
Just like in last year's West semifinal -- where he had eight catches for 162 yards -- the Stampeders had no answer for Hatcher.
It took some time for Adams Jr. and Hatcher to get things going after a couple of incompletions in the first quarter. After that, there was no stopping the duo with Hatcher finishing the first half with six receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Anyone who has watched Hatcher this season shouldn't be surprised to see him come through with a big performance.
After missing a few games to start the year and sitting out the final one to be ready for the playoffs, Hatcher finished the season third in the CFL in receiving yards. You have to think he would have been a shoo-in for first in the league.
Stampeders' offence leaves a lot to be desired
There is a reason why the Stampeders were a 6-12 team this season.
Calgary was sixth in the league in points scored and what was frustrating was there were opportunities to make this a close game despite the team getting outplayed by B.C.
What was frustrating was seeing the team go down the field on three plays and score a touchdown on their opening drive as they didn't score another touchdown until the final moments of the fourth quarter.
When your opponent scores five touchdowns, it leaves little to no margin for error when you're chasing the game. The Lions were happy to let Calgary settle for field goals (five exactly) as they went 1-for-3 in red zone opportunities.
Jake Maier needed to play clean football but after getting his team ahead 7-0 he threw an interception in B.C. territory that would eventually open the floodgates.
The Lions also ensured the Stampeders' running game couldn't be a factor as Calgary had to abandon it.
Scary collision almost put damper on game
Where the CFL differs from the NFL is there is no fair catch rule on kickoffs of punts.
It generally leads to potentially more exciting and game-changing moments and puts an emphasis on clubs having good special teams units.
One of the reasons the NFL has put in rules to limit kickoff returns is the potential for injuries from players colliding at top speed while trying to chase down plays.
Lions linebacker Jack Hinsperger and Stampeders running back/kick returner Peyton Logan were both injured in the fourth quarter on a kickoff play that led to many concerning looks from all in attendance and watching from home as players on the field gathered in prayer circles.
The speed and impact of the play led to both players being down on the field for a considerable amount of time and the cart being called out. Logan would be the first to rise while Hinsperger stayed down a bit longer before getting up and didn't need assistance.
Many were certainly breathing a huge sigh of relief as it looked like the worst-case scenario was avoided.
Up next
The Lions will travel to Winnipeg to take on the Blue Bombers in the West final.
Last year, the Blue Bombers were victorious with a 28-20 win and would go on to their third-straight Grey Cup.
Winnipeg will be the favourite as the home team and took the season series 2-1.
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