With the CFL playoffs just around the corner, things appear to be as undecided as they were at the start of the season, but hey, that’s how the CFL likes to roll I guess. Within a league mired in inconsistency not too many things remain in one place for long, and fitting that bill is Arland Bruce.
He’s been an impact player on three different teams now, breaking out with the Argos in 2005. He was also the turning point for a Ti-Cats team that went from 3-15 to 9-9 in 2009. With enough skill to be a perennial all-star, Bruce has frequently done so.
It’s the gaps in between those moments of greatness that solidify Bruce’s position as one of the most enigmatic wide receiver in the league. In 2009, a rift between him and then head coach, Bart Andrus, forced the Argos to deal him to the Ti-Cats. He was moved again, this year, when he was essentially played out of a roster spot, and was subsequently traded by the Ti-Cats to the Lions after only two seasons in Hamilton.
The Lions, who were off to an embarrassing 0-5 start, were in desperate need of a receiver. Their talented corps of rookies looked anything but talented. They were being outplayed by the opponents’ secondaries, and worse yet, dropping balls. In a three down league there is no team that can afford to drop balls on a regular basis, needless to say, the offence went dead. Cue the comeback.
The vibe completely changed with the arrival of Bruce, who is now second on the team in receiving yards, trailing only future hall of famer, Geroy Simon. The B.C. Lions now find themselves as the hottest team in the CFL, holding onto a playoff spot at 9-7. The only question remaining is how long until Bruce finds himself in a colour other than orange?
-The Great Babini
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