Catching Calgary remains our best chance of making the playoffs. Calgary has games against the RBs, Elks, Elks, Als, Riders, BC, Elks, Ticats, and Riders. They sit at 4-5. I can see them finishing 8-10.
We have games against BC, Ticats, Riders, Riders, Elks, Elks, Ticats, Argos, and Als. We'd have to go 5-4 to finish at 8-10 to catch the Stamps. I think we can do it.
To catch BC if we finish 8-10 they'd have to go 3 and 7 the rest of the way and we'd have to have the season series against them.
With the tie the Riders got against the RBs last night they might not be catchable unless they completely collapse.
I thought we would go 500 early in the season, then settled on 8 and 10. With a little luck we will sneak in.
I consider it a given that we pass Calgary at this point.
Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 03:35:11 AMWith the tie the Riders got against the RBs last night they might not be catchable unless they completely collapse.
If we can win LDC+BB, which is doable (if tough) then the sky is the limit. The big question is: are SSK posers? T.Harris is formidable, but I'm not sold on the rest of the team. They are still weak at WR. They also have injury issues, and their OL has been shuffled a few times. Oullette has been a huge disappointment, to say the least: when he comes back in place of Hickson, I think it weakens them.
I think there is a real possibility we pull "a '23 MTL" and win a whole slew of games sliding into the post-season near-totally healthy. It would be an epic comeback for the ages and a fitting segue into our home GC year.
A lot will hinge on whether Lawler coming back can help the O find their mojo. A lot of our problems are in the head: if they start believing again, they can do anything.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 10, 2024, 05:15:36 AMIf we can win LDC+BB, which is doable (if tough) then the sky is the limit. The big question is: are SSK posers? T.Harris is formidable, but I'm not sold on the rest of the team. They are still weak at WR. They also have injury issues, and their OL has been shuffled a few times. Oullette has been a huge disappointment, to say the least: when he comes back in place of Hickson, I think it weakens them.
I think there is a real possibility we pull "a '23 MTL" and win a whole slew of games sliding into the post-season near-totally healthy. It would be an epic comeback for the ages and a fitting segue into our home GC year.
A lot will hinge on whether Lawler coming back can help the O find their mojo. A lot of our problems are in the head: if they start believing again, they can do anything.
I do like your optimism for our beloved Bombers and I've been thinking along the same angle that if we can get healthy with two more byes later in the season we still have a shot.....albeit it's seeming like a long shot at this moment in time....But it's a shot nonetheless!
We're a game behind the 3rd place team in the West (whom we won the season series against) with 9 games left to play. That's definitely not a longshot and not even just a shot. It's right in the race for a playoff spot.
Lots to ponder. I know you can break it all down per opponent but there's half a season left and lots can change.
Calgary is still not a great football team. They're really limited on offense. Better on defense but there's only so far that team can go.
If we can't figure out a way to get one more win than they do over the next 9 games we don't deserve the playoffs.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 10, 2024, 01:39:35 PMLots to ponder. I know you can break it all down per opponent but there's half a season left and lots can change.
Calgary is still not a great football team. They're really limited on offense. Better on defense but there's only so far that team can go.
If we can't figure out a way to get one more win than they do over the next 9 games we don't deserve the playoffs.
I have the feeling both the Bombers and the Stamps will overtake the Riders, and all will be right in the universe again.
That one point the riders got gifted is huge for them.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 10, 2024, 04:05:28 PMI have the feeling both the Bombers and the Stamps will overtake the Riders, and all will be right in the universe again.
Post of the day right there. :D
Our last game of the regular season is against the Als. If it comes down to us needing that win we could be in tough. Then again, if our goal is to win it all, which I'm sure it is, then that game would be a great test and beating the Als to make the playoffs would be a great way to start a playoff run. There is also a chance that the Als will be chilled out by then and resting starters which would also play in our favour.
Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 06:56:08 PMOur last game of the regular season is against the Als. If it comes down to us needing that win we could be in tough. Then again, if our goal is to win it all, which I'm sure it is, then that game would be a great test and beating the Als to make the playoffs would be a great way to start a playoff run. There is also a chance that the Als will be chilled out by then and resting starters which would also play in our favour.
Maybe depends if the Als have the East locked up and are resting players by then, but if they see the opportunity to kick the Bombers out of the playoff race, they may consider doing everything in their power to eliminate them early.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUkciXQW8AMzkRs?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Quote from: bomb squad on August 10, 2024, 01:25:55 PMWe're a game behind the 3rd place team in the West (whom we won the season series against) with 9 games left to play. That's definitely not a longshot and not even just a shot. It's right in the race for a playoff spot.
Well....at 3-6 the numbers dictate the odds...there's no guarantee we won't have more injuries and if Zach goes down our "shot" will be a long shot. If we were 5-4 I'd say we have a legitimate shot at even 2nd place however 3-6 are the numbers we need to work with at the moment. Teams have been known to overcome these odds however it's not the norm.
Playing BC in BC will tell us a lot about what our Bombers are made of and rest assured the Lions will be out to avenge their humiliating loss to us. If we win, I like our chances of making up some ground on our playoff hopes. If we lose we're a 3-7 team and definitely a long shot, just based on statistical odds staring us in the face.
However, despite the odds, I remain ever hopeful as I have for over 60 years of being a Bomber fan.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on August 11, 2024, 12:25:00 AMWell....at 3-6 the numbers dictate the odds...there's no guarantee we won't have more injuries and if Zach goes down our "shot" will be a long shot. If we were 5-4 I'd say we have a legitimate shot at even 2nd place however 3-6 are the numbers we need to work with at the moment. Teams have been known to overcome these odds however it's not the norm.
Playing BC in BC will tell us a lot about what our Bombers are made of and rest assured the Lions will be out to avenge their humiliating loss to us. If we win, I like our chances of making up some ground on our playoff hopes. If we lose we're a 3-7 team and definitely a long shot, just based on statistical odds staring us in the face.
However, despite the odds, I remain ever hopeful as I have for over 60 years of being a Bomber fan.
Looking at our record in a vacuum has zero statistical merit. It doesn't matter that we're 3-6. What matters is we're one win from being in a playoff position.
Then you take into account BC missing VAJ and we can take that series as well as potentially placing ourselves within one win of BC as well? These aren't long odds.
Quote from: The Zipp on August 10, 2024, 04:51:02 PMThat one point the riders got gifted is huge for them.
I look it as the one point command stole from SSK is a huge gift for us! SSK basically had that game wrapped up. Saskfans is mega angry.
Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 07:45:53 PM(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUkciXQW8AMzkRs?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Is that VAJ laying on the ground injured under our guys in that pic?? Talk about rubbing salt in the wound if true!
Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 06:56:08 PMOur last game of the regular season is against the Als. If it comes down to us needing that win we could be in tough. Then again, if our goal is to win it all, which I'm sure it is, then that game would be a great test and beating the Als to make the playoffs would be a great way to start a playoff run. There is also a chance that the Als will be chilled out by then and resting starters which would also play in our favour.
Al's probably sitting a ton of players as you state if they have first place wrapped up by then or even a solidified playoff spot they cannot improve on.
Are we back on the field tomorrow?
I love the swagger in this thread. Having said that, I think it will be tough to secure a home playoff game this season. I'm just hoping that we can sneak in ahead of the Stamps. If we can make it in, and our D continues to gel, I don't think anyone will want to play us in the playoffs, home or away.
Quote from: pdirks67 on August 11, 2024, 08:57:09 PMI love the swagger in this thread. Having said that, I think it will be tough to secure a home playoff game this season. I'm just hoping that we can sneak in ahead of the Stamps. If we can make it in, and our D continues to gel, I don't think anyone will want to play us in the playoffs, home or away.
Shouldn't be any swagger from anyone in Wpg, the team has played inconsistently this season and hasn't yet proven they don't have any stinkers left in their bag of tricks. If they can win the next 4 in a row that would demonstrate they're back on the right track. This season any playoff spot will do.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 11, 2024, 09:27:40 PMShouldn't be any swagger from anyone in Wpg, the team has played inconsistently this season and hasn't yet proven they don't have any stinkers left in their bag of tricks. If they can win the next 4 in a row that would demonstrate they're back on the right track. This season any playoff spot will do.
Well, I disagree with all of this.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on August 11, 2024, 06:51:47 PMAre we back on the field tomorrow?
This is no official practice on Monday.
My guess is their practice week will start on Tuesday with an extra day of practice (game on Sunday).
Quote from: Jesse on August 11, 2024, 09:28:58 PMWell, I disagree with all of this.
You think they're over the hump and going to have smooth sailing the rest of the way?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 11, 2024, 10:00:54 PMYou think they're over the hump and going to have smooth sailing the rest of the way?
I think if they don't believe they are and play with some swagger then we are finished.
I think our defence has played great all year and Zach's been dealing with an all new OL and receiver core for half a season and we're seeing slow, predictable progress.
I think Brady was injured for all of TC and we've only seen him back for the past 4 games or so.
I think no one has run away with the west and we're only 2 games out of a home play-off spot.
I think the last half of our schedule is far more reasonable than our first 10 week gauntlet.
I think there are far more reasons to be optimistic than to be concerned.
Quote from: Jesse on August 11, 2024, 10:53:34 PMI think if they don't believe they are and play with some swagger then we are finished.
I think our defence has played great all year and Zach's been dealing with an all new OL and receiver core for half a season and we're seeing slow, predictable progress.
I think Brady was injured for all of TC and we've only seen him back for the past 4 games or so.
I think no one has run away with the west and we're only 2 games out of a home play-off spot.
I think the last half of our schedule is far more reasonable than our first 10 week gauntlet.
I think there are far more reasons to be optimistic than to be concerned.
I sincerely hope you're right, just seems some games Zach shows up with a hangover and nothing much goes right. UNPREDICTBLE which games they will underperform the last 2 seasons.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 12, 2024, 12:36:30 AMI sincerely hope you're right, just seems some games Zach shows up with a hangover and nothing much goes right. UNPREDICTBLE which games they will underperform the last 2 seasons.
I agree....and despite our so called "resurgence" as of late....we have a long way to go just to be a .500 team. With the Elks now coming on the West just gets more competition and Zach has yet to string some good games together. He did look to be in great form against the Lions....now he needs to get on a roll. If he does, I like our chances.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on August 12, 2024, 01:30:21 AMI agree....and despite our so called "resurgence" as of late....we have a long way to go just to be a .500 team. With the Elks now coming on the West just gets more competition and Zach has yet to string some good games together. He did look to be in great form against the Lions....now he needs to get on a roll. If he does, I like our chances.
The door is being held wide open for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to march right into a playoff spot. BC, Sask, and Calgary have all dropped off from their early starts and their lead in the West is evaporating. If the Bombers can get on a roll look out! This could be a very interesting second half.
Quote from: J5V on August 12, 2024, 01:44:36 AMThe door is being held wide open for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to march right into a playoff spot. BC, Sask, and Calgary have all dropped off from their early starts and their lead in the West is evaporating. If the Bombers can get on a roll look out! This could be a very interesting second half.
The opportunity is there, they just need to execute.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 12, 2024, 02:43:18 AMThe opportunity is there, they just need to execute.
Agree the oppourtunity is definitely there especially after this past weekends results and aftermath of injuries and momentum. Now it's up to these Bomber players and coaches to execute and make it happen.
I am quite optimistic they WILL the playoffs now, but whether they finish in the 1 to 3 seed is the question. I don't see Hamilton having any chance of a cross over berth as they are a horrible team. Now they boot BO out for some reason?!.....musical chairs it seems in Steeltown. Maybe they hired Chris Jones in secret to "help" them out! :D
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 11, 2024, 09:27:40 PMShouldn't be any swagger from anyone in Wpg, the team has played inconsistently this season and hasn't yet proven they don't have any stinkers left in their bag of tricks. If they can win the next 4 in a row that would demonstrate they're back on the right track. This season any playoff spot will do.
That bolded part could be applied to any team in the West Division at this point.
Not a single team in this division has demonstrated it's head and shoulders above its peers.
Our playoff chances look way better now than they did 3 weeks ago.
We only need to win one more game than Calgary in the 2nd half of the season to get the last playoff spot.
This weeks game is huge. Win it and we only need to win one more game than BC in the second half. Lose it and we need to win 3 more games.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on August 12, 2024, 01:39:08 PMThat bolded part could be applied to any team in the West Division at this point.
Not a single team in this division has demonstrated it's head and shoulders above its peers.
The difference being, nobody on a Bomber forum cares about those other teams, they're welcome to stink it up every weekend!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 12, 2024, 03:51:50 PMThe difference being, nobody on a Bomber forum cares about those other teams, they're welcome to stink it up every weekend!
It matters because, when we're looking hopeless early in the year, people were spouting off nonsense about needing to be 9-9 to make the playoffs, which just isn't true.
The 8-10 Ti-cats and 6-12 Stamps were in the playoffs last year. You just need to be one point better or have the advantage over the 4th place team.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on August 12, 2024, 01:39:08 PMThat bolded part could be applied to any team in the West Division at this point.
Not a single team in this division has demonstrated it's head and shoulders above its peers.
Agreed, with a caveat. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber defense has shown itself to be an elite defense, head and shoulders above and unmatched by any other in the West and perhaps only Montreal's in the East. Should the Bomber offense come alive then you'd have your team.
How about now? ;D
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on August 19, 2024, 02:35:32 PMHow about now? ;D
Already planning my tailgate party in the IGAC parking lot across from Princess Auto Stadium and finding my long johns
The DRIVE FOR FIVE IS ALIVE LADS!! :)
Quote from: blue_or_die on August 19, 2024, 02:48:20 PMAlready planning my tailgate party in the IGAC parking lot across from Princess Auto Stadium and finding my long johns
Yup, WDF in PAS here we come!! BC or SSK, I don't care, bring it on!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Now is a great time for a West snapshot because all West teams have played 10 games.
Only looking at probable #1 contenders BC/SSK/WPG it appears BC has the hardest remaining games. SSK's ia much easier. And WPG's is the easiest of all (assuming EDM reverts to mean).
I see the remaining win counts being:
BC 3
SSK 4
WPG 5
But a ton of that will hinge on the result of LDC and BB. Win 1 and we can still do ok, win 2 and we likely win the W.
If SSK plays as expected, and they win both games, SSK likely wins the W because of the extra 1/2 point.
But at the very least if we play up to our current level we can likely own the WSF.
Having the season series on BC & CGY will do wonders for ensuring we aren't out of the playoffs.
It's a good place to be in! And there's always the option for SSK to be just like the last 2 seasons and finish the season with a huge losing streak. That would mean a WPG home WDF and likely GC appearance.
Still, anything can happen! Can't completely count out EDM and CGY.
If the Lions and Rider lose this week and the Bombers win, then we are in 2nd place closing in on 1st place.
All of those possibilities are reasonable expectations.
The Bombers control their destiny at this point...first place is possible, so is last place and missing the playoffs.
win this week vs hamilton, a sweep vs the riders will be tough but possible...the battle of the "Fords" is shaping up to be epic...can you imagine our Ford getting a pick 6 off his bro??
The season is getting real fun!
Quote from: The Zipp on August 21, 2024, 01:33:15 PMThe Bombers control their destiny at this point...first place is possible, so is last place and missing the playoffs.
win this week vs hamilton, a sweep vs the riders will be tough but possible...the battle of the "Fords" is shaping up to be epic...
you imagine our Ford getting a pick 6 off his bro??
The season is getting real fun!
I've been talking about this since before Tre took over that starting job. I want it to happen so bad, lol.
Quote from: Jesse on August 12, 2024, 04:25:03 PMIt matters because, when we're looking hopeless early in the year, people were spouting off nonsense about needing to be 9-9 to make the playoffs, which just isn't true.
The 8-10 Ti-cats and 6-12 Stamps were in the playoffs last year. You just need to be one point better or have the advantage over the 4th place team.
It's a rule of thumb. Last year was an anomaly. Last year excepted, you have to go back to 2015 to find a western team finish in 3rd and be under .500 In fact, more years you need to be better than .500 than under. This year is so close that anything can still happen which is good for us.
Quote from: The Zipp on August 21, 2024, 01:33:15 PMwin this week vs hamilton, a sweep vs the riders will be tough but possible...the battle of the "Fords" is shaping up to be epic...can you imagine our Ford getting a pick 6 off his bro??
I worry more about brothers rigging games together... something much easier to do if one plays D and the other O... If the worse brother was about to lose his job, would the better brother try to make him look good??
Yes, I realize it's just me... it's just the way my mind works. It may not be probable, but it certainly is possible!
I don't think the Bombers have been inconsistent this year, rather, they started the year off playing bad, top to bottom, due to injuries, Collaros was waaaay off, D line was getting zero pressure, but every week they were getting better and now are hitting their stride.
I see us going 6-2 in our last 8 games and finishing 10-8 or at worst 9-9, we'll make the playoffs but its going to be a dogfight all the way to the end.
I hope the Bombers can go 6-2 including sweeping the LDC and BB.
Not only would that likely secure a home playoff game but would also give the team 10 wins for the 8th straight year.