It took six weeks, but the B.C. Lions were finally able to put forward a complete effort in their 35-20 win over Saskatchewan last Friday.

But it was their play on defense that won the game for the Lions. Six Saskatchewan turnovers - three picks and three fumble recoveries - turned the tide for the Leos.

Sacking 'Rider quarterbacks Darian Durant and Steven Jyles five times - three sacks courtesy Brent Johnson - was a welcome change from the impotent pass rush the team had shown in losses to Calgary and Hamilton.

While the addition of linebacker JoJuan Armour didn't pay immediate dividends for the Leos against the Green Riders - he had one tackle - but his speed and attitude are just what the team needed on defense.

To be fair, Javy Glatt, who played in some packages as a safety on Friday, but was mostly used on special teams, wasn't the problem with the B.C. defense that caused them to start 1-4, but Armour is a superior player who eats nails for breakfast.

The team also got an inspired effort from their offensive personnel, with rookie running back Martell Mallett, who had 99 yards on the ground, and quarterback Buck Pierce, completing 26 of his 34 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown.

Mallett was a lone wolf in the backfield for the Leos last week, with free agent signee A.J. Harris taking time to learn the playbook.

Despite his struggles with interceptions this year, Pierce has still completed 63 per cent of his passes, which puts him fourth in the CFL among starting quarterbacks in completion percentage.

What will be key in Friday's matchup with Toronto is getting Geroy Simon going. The star slotback has only 20 catches for 311 yards in 2009, putting him on pace for his first season under 1,000 yards since 2002.

Gametime from the Rogers Centre in Toronto is 4:30 Friday on TSN with a simulcast on TEAM 1040. Check BCLocalNews.com for a recap immediately following the game and be sure to follow us on Twitter @BCLNSports.