Turns out B.C.’s McCallum is human after all
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/07/2012 (5150 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
SURREY, B.C. — Contrary to public perception, Paul McCallum actually struggles once in a while.
The B.C. Lions kicker hopes to put in a better effort against the Edmonton Eskimos tonight (TSN, 9 p.m.) after a couple of rare misses last weekend.
McCallum, who was almost perfect last season, missed two field goal attempts in a 23-20 loss to Saskatchewan. On the second one, Tristan Jackson returned the ball 129 yards for the decisive touchdown.
But McCallum, who booted a record 30 consecutive three-pointers in 2011, is not dwelling on his mistakes as the Lions (2-1) host the Eskimos (1-2) at B.C. Place Stadium.
“It’s professional sports,” McCallum said Thursday after a practice at the Lions’ facility in Surrey, B.C. “You’re not going to be perfect. So you’ve just gotta put it behind you and go out in this game here and try and correct the mistakes you made and work hard. That’s all you can do.”
The 40-year-old Surrey, B.C., native made 50 of 53 field goal attempts last season while helping the Lions roar back from a 0-5 start to win the Grey Cup. But he has already missed three this season while making good on nine of 12 attempts.
He has spent the past week reviewing video of his kicks from this season and previous campaigns in a bid to avoid more miscues.
“My timing was a little bit off,” said McCallum, who aims for a smooth golf-like swing with his kicking motion.
He was also approaching the ball differently and made an adjustment. The Lions are also deploying a new holder in backup quarterback Mike Reilly, the replacement for Jarious Jackson, who was released and signed with Toronto as a free agent.
Centre Angus Reid has also become the new snapper on field goals following Dan McCullough’s retirement. McCallum is still adjusting to the changes.
“It’s a work in progress,” said McCallum. “I’m not going to lie. Those guys are doing their jobs. But it’s a comfort level for me. The more work I get with them, the better.”
Reilly said Reid, also the centre on regular downs, has been able to position the ball well despite fatigue from drives down field, and he has been able to get the ball down on McCallum’s kicking tee every time. But the unit’s alignment was off the last game.
— The Canadian Press
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