Watch him while we can

The last few weeks of CFL viewing have brought one thing into open field; Jesse Lumsden is the real deal.

The former McMaster star, who joined the Ti Cats late last season after a taste of NFL training camp life, has had a pretty remarkable return to the Black and Yellow this season. He has been at times the only bright light in a difficult start and now with the rest of his team mates beginning to gel nicely, Lumsden seem poised to carry them on his back.

Last week’s amazing two touch down performance and the accompanying yardage that went with it, has blazed him to the top of the CFL depth charts in the running back position, Power is what you seem when Lumsden gears up and takes off. Against Winnipeg he battered defenders and hiked up the acceleration on the way to the Tiger Cats first victory of the season.

With Lumsden as a threat in the Ti Cat backfield defending teams are changing their plans, leaving gaps in the deeper zones which Ti Cat receivers began to exploit last Friday night. His ability to blast through the line and take defenders down the field with him, is going to be a major bit of help to embattled QB Jason Maas, who began to hit his stride last Friday as well.

If Charlie Taaffe is wise, (as he seems to be) his offense will contain a fair amount of the ground game courtesy of Lumsden, it may be the recipe to help turn the fortunes of the Cat around this season. Just give the ball to Jesse and climb aboard.

Lumsden, of a famous Canadian football bloodline is showing the talent and desire that many of his followers have been talking about since his McMaster days. It’s sometimes hard for a son to follow a famous father into the same sport. It’s a rare occasion as a matter of fact, but in this instance Dad may one day be the second of the Lumsden’s that comes to mind when you talk about Canadian football, something he probably won’t mind one little bit.

Then again, the big dance to the south may come knocking on the door again soon. As Jesse powers his way through CFL defenses this season, word will no doubt get back to the NFL teams that took a pass on him last year. As selfish as CFL fans may be to keep him here above the 49th, the lure to prove yourself in the major show that the NFL has become may once again be there for him.

It would be hard to begrudge him the trip across the border, but we’re kind of hoping we have him for a while longer.

It’s been an amazing start of the year for him and for the fans you can’t help but take note when the Cats offence returns to the field. It signals a chance to see a thoroughbred about to be let loose out of the corral. For CFL fans, the decision should be easy in that Ti Cat huddle, just give the ball to Jesse…