Blue Bombers Forum

Well, no rest for any of our players. Have to win or tie this game to get first place. Woli82 should be back. OL will see a lot of what we saw on Friday. You would think Montreal will be resting  some of there players, but this still won't be easy.

Getting Toronto and Montreal to end the season is exactly what the Bombers need. Win or lose we're going to get to see exactly what we're up against in a Grey Cup match up against either of these Eastern clubs. That's going to prove to be very valuable information.

I think Toronto played their very best football last game and they barely won. We now know exactly what we need to do to come out the other side against them should we meet in the Grey Cup.

The Montreal game may be different. I really don't think Montreal is going to be as motivated to beat us as Toronto was. I think we'll disappoint the Riders and take this one from Montreal in their barn for the same reason Toronto beat us -- we're going to want it more and Montreal is not going to risk injury to their star players in a, for them, nothing game.

Even if, for whatever reason, we lay an egg and find a way to lose to Montreal, all is not lost. We are in the playoffs regardless and that's all that really matters. We have already proven that we're perfectly capable of beating any Western team and I see no reason for that to change. We will win the West and play in the Grey Cup. This team has unfinished business and I wouldn't bet against them in a Grey Cup match up against either Toronto or Montreal. I'm really looking forward to it.

Interesting that Montreal will start Davis Alexander in next week's game. Fajardo will be a healthy scratch. I doubt they would sit Fajardo in the game against us (2 weeks in a row before the playoffs) but you never know.

We should try 3 american olinemen for this game.

Quote from: ModAdmin on October 13, 2024, 08:59:04 PMInteresting that Montreal will start Davis Alexander in next week's game. Fajardo will be a healthy scratch. I doubt they would sit Fajardo in the game against us (2 weeks in a row before the playoffs) but you never know.

Why would you doubt it? If I was them there is no way I'd have my #1 QB playing against a team that'll be hungry for a win in a game that means nothing for Montreal.

Griffin to the one game IR, and McGhee to the AR. McGhee was the favorite to make the roster out of TC.

Quote from: Pigskin on October 13, 2024, 09:32:44 PMGriffin to the one game IR, and McGhee to the AR. McGhee was the favorite to make the roster out of TC.

Glad to hear the injury is not too bad for Griffin and great news for McGhee!

I'm really happy that we came out of that slobberknocker with Toronto relatively unscathed. Getting a bye comes at a great time for us to heal some bodies too and to be well prepared for an important game against Montreal.

Montreal plays at home tomorrow against Ottawa then in BC next Saturday followed by Bomber game.

They have a bye after the Bomber game.

The Als may want to play Cody for a bit in the Bomber game.

Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 09:48:54 PMGlad to hear the injury is not too bad for Griffin and great news for McGhee!

I'm really happy that we came out of that slobberknocker with Toronto relatively unscathed. Getting a bye comes at a great time for us to heal some bodies too and to be well prepared for an important game against Montreal.

We don't know the extent of the injuries to Ayers, Alexander and Griffin as it's too late in the season to be placed on the 6 game injured list.

They could have season ending injuries however they need to be placed on the 1 game injured list.

Quote from: gobombersgo on October 13, 2024, 09:55:20 PMWe don't know the extent of the injuries to Ayers, Alexander and Griffin as it's too late in the season to be placed on the 6 game injured list.

They could have season ending injuries however they need to be placed on the 1 game injured list.

Ah, I see. That makes sense. Fingers crossed.

Quote from: Pigskin on October 13, 2024, 09:32:44 PMGriffin to the one game IR, and McGhee to the AR. McGhee was the favorite to make the roster out of TC.

The Bombers don't play again until Oct. 26, don't see the sense adding McGhee to the AR and hope some other DB gets healthy before he has to play in a game. Not his biggest fan.

Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 09:24:17 PMWhy would you doubt it? If I was them there is no way I'd have my #1 QB playing against a team that'll be hungry for a win in a game that means nothing for Montreal.

It's how we've done it in the past. Rest Zach one week, start him in the last game before the bye.

Just so he's never sitting for two weeks in a row.

Quote from: Jesse on October 13, 2024, 11:34:41 PMIt's how we've done it in the past. Rest Zach one week, start him in the last game before the bye.

Just so he's never sitting for two weeks in a row.

Just to keep him sharp in real game action? Still sounds risky.

Likely gets the first half , but unfortunately Alexander looks pretty good too

Quote from: Pete on October 14, 2024, 01:05:50 AMLikely gets the first half , but unfortunately Alexander looks pretty good too

Yeah, might not be much drop off there at all. We're going to have to be ready.

We need to clean up our mistakes and protect Zach and we win.  Won't be easy.

Quote from: Pigskin on October 13, 2024, 09:32:44 PMGriffin to the one game IR, and McGhee to the AR. McGhee was the favorite to make the roster out of TC.

I was surprised when McGhee didn't make the AR.  I thought he was the best looking rookie DB in the PS.  Bonds has worked out great, though, so I'm not complaining.  But imagine if McGhee is as good or better?  That would be awesome.

Wasn't Griffin backing up SAM on the chart?  So McGhee, who I think played exclusively at "real" DB will be the backup SAM, or we'll have an extra "real" DB?

I guess if we're facing Alexander for any length of time, having more DB help makes sense.  That dude will chuck that thing all night with no fear and not a care in the world.  And he knows if he runs for a TD OOB the refs & command have his back  :D  :D  :D

Even though Fletcher is a good RB, he's been severely underused for at least half a season now.  With our good run D, I would expect a pass-heavy game plan from MTL.  Though the weather may dictate that somewhat.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 14, 2024, 04:57:30 AMI was surprised when McGhee didn't make the AR.  I thought he was the best looking rookie DB in the PS.  Bonds has worked out great, though, so I'm not complaining.  But imagine if McGhee is as good or better?  That would be awesome.

Wasn't Griffin backing up SAM on the chart?  So McGhee, who I think played exclusively at "real" DB will be the backup SAM, or we'll have an extra "real" DB?

I guess if we're facing Alexander for any length of time, having more DB help makes sense.  That dude will chuck that thing all night with no fear and not a care in the world.  And he knows if he runs for a TD OOB the refs & command have his back  :D  :D  :D

Even though Fletcher is a good RB, he's been severely underused for at least half a season now.  With our good run D, I would expect a pass-heavy game plan from MTL.  Though the weather may dictate that somewhat.

If BA is out for the remainder, I hope Younger considers rearranging the deck chairs to cover for the lack of experience Kelly and the Hallet boys have at Safety as there shouldn't be a ratio issue. They simply can't roll into the GC game with a huge question mark in the middle of the secondary in what is likely to be a tight game were even one easy TD given up may be one too much. The youngsters can learn the position next season with less consequences, they only have 2 games left to make adjustments and get it right if they need to.

Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 09:24:17 PMWhy would you doubt it? If I was them there is no way I'd have my #1 QB playing against a team that'll be hungry for a win in a game that means nothing for Montreal.

Because I don't think it is wise to sit your starting QB for 2 weeks in a row just prior to the playoffs and expect him to come back rust free and pick up (him and the entire offence) where he left off.  One playoff loss and you're out.  Too much of a risk.

Quote from: J5V on October 14, 2024, 12:15:26 AMJust to keep him sharp in real game action? Still sounds risky.

I don't get that attitude.

Way riskier play is having a guy sit for a month before the play-offs.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 14, 2024, 06:17:00 AMIf BA is out for the remainder, I hope Younger considers rearranging the deck chairs to cover for the lack of experience Kelly and the Hallet boys have at Safety as there shouldn't be a ratio issue. They simply can't roll into the GC game with a huge question mark in the middle of the secondary in what is likely to be a tight game were even one easy TD given up may be one too much. The youngsters can learn the position next season with less consequences, they only have 2 games left to make adjustments and get it right if they need to.

I was surprised that Kelly started at safety over Nick Hallett.

Quote from: Pigskin on October 14, 2024, 03:25:53 PMI was surprised that Kelly started at safety over Nick Hallett.

Hallet has been burned for a couple of TD's directly, he does not seem to be that good in one on one coverage, maybe Kelly is better, but I don't think playoff games are the time to find out. I guess as long as BA is back for the playoffs this won't be an issue.

Quote from: Jesse on October 14, 2024, 02:35:07 PMI don't get that attitude.

Way riskier play is having a guy sit for a month before the play-offs.

Kelly sat for 9 weeks. Doesn't seem to have hurt his game. Same with Trevor Harris who was out a while with injury, and Fajardo, same thing. I'm not sure it works like that. Probably depends on the player and his ability to stay focused.

I'm thinking about a QB getting Marino'd in a nothing game by a dirt bag looking to be a hero. We know they're out there.  :( 

Quote from: Jesse on October 14, 2024, 02:35:07 PMI don't get that attitude.

Way riskier play is having a guy sit for a month before the play-offs.

Agreed. You can limit your 'risk' when playing to simply just get rid of the ball when nothings there. Take your 5 or 7 step drop, and boom, ball is out to your reciever, nothing there, throw it away. You're working on timing with the recievers, that's it. Let you guy sit for 2-3 weeks will be disasterous....look how long it took Collaros to get on track at the first of this season. Montreal is not going to do that with Fajardo.

Quote from: Jesse on October 14, 2024, 02:35:07 PMI don't get that attitude.

Way riskier play is having a guy sit for a month before the play-offs.

I'm clearly out-numbered here so I'll drop it for now but I still don't see the "risk" of resting your starter(s) vs putting them out there in harms way in a game that means nothing. The risk vs reward just doesn't add up for me.

For the record, Chad Kelly's first game back:

24 of 39 (61%) for 322 yards, 0 TD 1 INT.

If that's Zach's statline in the West Final it might not go well for us.

Quote from: Jesse on October 14, 2024, 02:35:07 PMI don't get that attitude.

Way riskier play is having a guy sit for a month before the play-offs.

If you sit a guy in garbage season and he develops rust, then there is hope in the middle of the playoff game he can shake off that rust and get back to form.

If you start a guy in garbage season and he develops an injury, then there is no hope in the middle of the playoff game because you're starting a rookie.

I agree with J5V.  Rest them every time.

And MOS has shown in every previous year when we had the luxury of "garbage season" that he agrees.  He didn't start Zach.

If you're that antsy about it, you start your star QB and he plays a quarter, just like PS.

Quote from: J5V on October 14, 2024, 09:18:44 PMI'm clearly out-numbered here so I'll drop it for now but I still don't see the "risk" of resting your starter(s) vs putting them out there in harms way in a game that means nothing. The risk vs reward just doesn't add up for me.

I agree with you.  A good vet can shake off rust but can't shake off a massive hit at the wrong time of the year.  It's a hard decision but I am all for rest this time of year.  Health is #1 this time of year imo.  Never drop it just because you are out numbered.  We are all here to voice our opinions and yours is valid even if many don't agree.  Thanks for sharing.  Flip the coin and there is merit going in hot and ready.  Fine line but when your have a old club I like rest.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 14, 2024, 11:19:20 PMFor the record, Chad Kelly's first game back:

24 of 39 (61%) for 322 yards, 0 TD 1 INT.

If that's Zach's statline in the West Final it might not go well for us.

I don't get the comparison.  One has limited experience and the other has been with the same club for a very long time.  I don't see how this connection has anything to do with what we could or would expect out of Zach.  Kelly is a good QB that is still learning.  Zach has had one of the best runs ever at QB for this club and is a great veteran QB.  Kelly has shown flashes of brilliance but its not consistent (yet). 

Situations are much different as well.  End of season is a much different scenario.  Zach is a calm proven leader that can deal with adversity.  Kelly appears to need to work on his emotions and is still developing his mental side of the game.  Zach been with the same club and offense for a very long time, Kelly would be very familiar with his surroundings but has had less time to hone his craft with the same group.

A good vet can shake off rust quickly.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 14, 2024, 11:51:03 PMIf you sit a guy in garbage season and he develops rust, then there is hope in the middle of the playoff game he can shake off that rust and get back to form.

If you start a guy in garbage season and he develops an injury, then there is no hope in the middle of the playoff game because you're starting a rookie.

I agree with J5V.  Rest them every time.

And MOS has shown in every previous year when we had the luxury of "garbage season" that he agrees.  He didn't start Zach.

If you're that antsy about it, you start your star QB and he plays a quarter, just like PS.

Agree all but MOS has also shown his stubbornness in keeping vets in too long when games are already out of hand (we up big). 

I believe our success for this year's playoffs is mostly to do with being as healthy as possible.  Get through next game clean and find some magic healing potions for the guys that are nicked.  We are an old club that needs our vets healthy to win.  Would be a real pleasure to watch this club in the playoffs as healthy as possible as the talent we have when that is the case is very strong.

I was thinking that if we don't win this game after a week off, playing an opponent that has nothing to play for, our team isn't good enough to win the Grey Cup.

This should be a win.

Quote from: peg_city on October 15, 2024, 03:33:51 PMI was thinking that if we don't win this game after a week off, playing an opponent that has nothing to play for, our team isn't good enough to win the Grey Cup.

This should be a win.

I don't agree.  Yes a win is nice but our playoff success isn't based on one game.  It's based on our long history of excellence.

Quote from: peg_city on October 15, 2024, 03:33:51 PMI was thinking that if we don't win this game after a week off, playing an opponent that has nothing to play for, our team isn't good enough to win the Grey Cup.

This should be a win.

If we don't win and miss out on first in the West, it will make our road to the GC much harder. I believe we will beat BC at home, but going into Regina for the Western final will be very tough.

Now if we win, we get another week of rest, and the home crowd which would be very good for team. 

Quote from: Pigskin on October 15, 2024, 04:07:42 PMIf we don't win and miss out on first in the West, it will make our road to the GC much harder. I believe we will beat BC at home, but going into Regina for the Western final will be very tough.

Now if we win, we get another week of rest, and the home crowd which would be very good for team. 

Late season injuries last season lost them the GC, hopefully they can avoid any serious injuries to key players and they can go full tilt.

With two weeks until our final/fateful game, I really hope we don't end up overthinking and outplaying ourselves.

We need a simple gameplan and a few twists, and need to watch a ton of film on Patterson Alexander.

Quote from: theaardvark on October 15, 2024, 06:03:50 PMWith two weeks until our final/fateful game, I really hope we don't end up overthinking and outplaying ourselves.

We need a simple gameplan and a few twists, and need to watch a ton of film on Patterson.

Why Patterson?

Quote from: Pigskin on October 15, 2024, 06:28:41 PMWhy Patterson?

Because that's Alexander's real name...  sorry, this old brain confuses shiny things all the time.

I agree if we cant win this game I don't see us being competitive even if we get to the cup. Somehow we need to find a way to be effective against a team with a superior front four d line

Quote from: Pete on October 15, 2024, 08:50:09 PMI agree if we cant win this game I don't see us being competitive even if we get to the cup. Somehow we need to find a way to be effective against a team with a superior front four d line

Lessons learned, upgrade the blocking assignments with extra beef and prepare to move the ball quickly from the start of the game.  If it's the Argos again, try to predict  the countermoves they'll make to mess with the Bombers game plan.

Quote from: peg_city on October 15, 2024, 03:33:51 PMI was thinking that if we don't win this game after a week off, playing an opponent that has nothing to play for, our team isn't good enough to win the Grey Cup.

This should be a win.

Yes, in that sense this is the cup.  It's kind of like the late-season @BC game last season which we had to win to win the West, even when BC was highly favored and killing it.  We clobbered them and showed we deserved to get to the cup.  That win carried over into the WDF when we again pulled off a win over BC.

If we win I think the momentum carries through to the cup.  Not sure if we win it, but we sure as heck will get there.

If we lose then the demoralization of having to go to SSK will likely give the greenies the cup visit this year.

The only way this changes is if craptastic CGY upsets SSK in their final game.

Quote from: theaardvark on October 15, 2024, 06:03:50 PMWith two weeks until our final/fateful game, I really hope we don't end up overthinking and outplaying ourselves.

We need a simple gameplan and a few twists, and need to watch a ton of film on Patterson Alexander.

I'm the opposite.  We need to put our thinking cap on.  The braindead playcalling for much of last game was the reason we lost.  Same old same old, TOR knew it all from film and clobbered us.  It was like they were listening in on Buck's playcalls.

I want twists galore.  I want the entire year's planning of wrinkles for the GC to be hauled out for this game.  Lay it all out there.

And I want to see perfect execution.

If I see another one of those crossers where Zach is slightly off and Demski can't make the catch I'm going to freak.  The other top-3 playoff-bound teams are playing their best ball and everyone, including nobodies, are making circus catches every play.  They all know what time it is.  If we don't keep up, we may not even make it out of the WSF.

Our QB/RB/RECs are way more SMS$ than MTL, TOR and SSK... yet all those lesser-paid players are outplaying us right now.  Even their rookies/sophomores/nobodies are playing better.  It's sad.  Even sadder if an ELC-paid QB starts and beats our $600k'er in this critical game!!

Quote from: Pigskin on October 15, 2024, 04:07:42 PMIf we don't win and miss out on first in the West, it will make our road to the GC much harder. I believe we will beat BC at home, but going into Regina for the Western final will be very tough.

Now if we win, we get another week of rest, and the home crowd which would be very good for team. 

1st place is in our control. We can't let this slip away. Not having to play in the WSF is an extreme advantage. One less game to allow players to get healthy and to not experience additional injuries.

Revenue for a WSF or WDF might be close to the same, but team health and attitude is important.

So clean up the mistakes made last week and win the last game.

My brother will be at this game to complete his 2024 CFL tour. He lives in Oakville, Ont. has been at 6 Bomber home games this season, and one game in every other CFL city this season, so why not Montreal to finish the year off. I would love to go to this game but the horns would drive me nuts. 

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 16, 2024, 03:02:27 AMI'm the opposite.  We need to put our thinking cap on.  The braindead playcalling for much of last game was the reason we lost.  Same old same old, TOR knew it all from film and clobbered us.  It was like they were listening in on Buck's playcalls.

I want twists galore.  I want the entire year's planning of wrinkles for the GC to be hauled out for this game.  Lay it all out there.

And I want to see perfect execution.

If I see another one of those crossers where Zach is slightly off and Demski can't make the catch I'm going to freak.  The other top-3 playoff-bound teams are playing their best ball and everyone, including nobodies, are making circus catches every play.  They all know what time it is.  If we don't keep up, we may not even make it out of the WSF.

Our QB/RB/RECs are way more SMS$ than MTL, TOR and SSK... yet all those lesser-paid players are outplaying us right now.  Even their rookies/sophomores/nobodies are playing better.  It's sad.  Even sadder if an ELC-paid QB starts and beats our $600k'er in this critical game!!

My take on this along with what is needed to make it to the cup is to somehow improve the OL especailly the middle. I think our guards and center are the weakest part of the team at the moment. I am not sure what can take place but whenI look at what strong DL teams do they seem to be able to overpower our center and two guards.

Quote from: Pigskin on October 16, 2024, 06:45:48 PMMy brother will be at this game to complete his 2024 CFL tour. He lives in Oakville, Ont. has been at 6 Bomber home games this season, and one game in every other CFL city this season, so why not Montreal to finish the year off. I would love to go to this game but the horns would drive me nuts. 

Impressive. Something I'd like to do when I retire

No matter what happens with the Bombers the rest of this season I am very proud of this club and the way they battled back from an 0-4, 2-6 start and battled through so many injuries and the loss of some really great players (Shoen, Bighill).

8 games into this season most had already written us off and the playoffs was a pipe dream. The fact that we control our own destiny and can win the West with a victory against the Als in the last game of the regular season is an amazing feat. Kudos to every member of this club. You're all incredible and I'll be cheering for you all right to the end.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 16, 2024, 03:02:27 AMI'm the opposite.  We need to put our thinking cap on.  The braindead playcalling for much of last game was the reason we lost.  Same old same old, TOR knew it all from film and clobbered us.  It was like they were listening in on Buck's playcalls.

I want twists galore.  I want the entire year's planning of wrinkles for the GC to be hauled out for this game.  Lay it all out there.

And I want to see perfect execution.

If I see another one of those crossers where Zach is slightly off and Demski can't make the catch I'm going to freak.  The other top-3 playoff-bound teams are playing their best ball and everyone, including nobodies, are making circus catches every play.  They all know what time it is.  If we don't keep up, we may not even make it out of the WSF.

Our QB/RB/RECs are way more SMS$ than MTL, TOR and SSK... yet all those lesser-paid players are outplaying us right now.  Even their rookies/sophomores/nobodies are playing better.  It's sad.  Even sadder if an ELC-paid QB starts and beats our $600k'er in this critical game!!

I agree to some extent, we have to have a plan in place to offset the other teams rush if they are outmuscling our dline.
Be ready to go to 6 olinemen, have Vanderpool in the lineup.  But it really comes down to execution and not taking penalties.
especially in these areas

We can't seem to execute the quick wide out to the sideline, either Zachs arm isnt strong enough to get it there in time. or were telegraphing the play.


Zach can't continue to just drop back and wait for someone to get open downfield, he should continue to have that in the playbook but right now its too predictable


The quick slant play needs to be sharper as well.

On second and 6 or 7 we very seldom run the ball, again it comes down to keeping the oposing d off balance

Castillo make the darn fgs, you cant not take points when playing a good team.

Some Bomber transactions today:

2024-10-16   WPG  Weitz, Fabian   LB   G   Cologne Centurions (ELF)   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-10-16   WPG  RANDOLPH, Kendall  OL   A   Alabama   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-10-16   WPG   MCGHEE, Tyrique   DB   A   Georgia   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-10-16   WPG   CHARBONNEAU, Max   LB   N   Ottawa   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster

CFL Power Rankings (https://twitter.com/i/status/1846566975486464033)

Quote from: gobombersgo on October 16, 2024, 11:39:12 PMSome Bomber transactions today:

2024-10-16   WPG  Weitz, Fabian   LB   G   Cologne Centurions (ELF)   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-10-16   WPG  RANDOLPH, Kendall  OL   A   Alabama   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-10-16   WPG   MCGHEE, Tyrique   DB   A   Georgia   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-10-16   WPG   CHARBONNEAU, Max   LB   N   Ottawa   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster

think they are just doing this to mess with us on a bye week

Randolph coming back to save the day?

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 17, 2024, 12:41:36 AMRandolph coming back to save the day?

Hopefully he does as our O line was dreadful last game. People are saying we came out flat, no, we just lost the battle at the line of scrimmage terribly and couldn't get anything going. Hopefully things change with Randolph in the lineup

Quote from: Pete on October 17, 2024, 12:30:27 AMthink they are just doing this to mess with us on a bye week

No, I think they are sorting out the TOR debacle right now.  What lost us the game?  Arguably the OL.  Randolph coming back in is the direct solution.  We were instantly better when he slotted in at RG.  Could this hint that one of Dobson or Neufeld was the worst and is being benched or demoted to 6th (or 7th!).

McGhee didn't do much.  Charbonneau didn't do much on D.  In the end TOR didn't have much O, and didn't want to or need to.  Maybe they were brought in mostly to ensure Grant doesn't bust one on ST.  That risk is lower with MTL.

But Cody or Alexander will be hitting us with a big air attack, whether short or long.  They didn't run much vs OTT... they never run much anyhow.  So we can't sleep on the D roster.  Then again, it's really never been the D that lets us down, regardless of who has been rostered.

Maybe we'll realize we need to score big to win, not sit in turtle mode and lose 14-11.

Also, it might be nice to keep Zach from getting creamed for once.  He's still the league's 2nd most fragile QB (after Trevor, of course).

Quote from: J5V on October 16, 2024, 08:23:21 PMNo matter what happens with the Bombers the rest of this season I am very proud of this club and the way they battled back from an 0-4, 2-6 start and battled through so many injuries and the loss of some really great players (Shoen, Bighill).

Well said.  8 weeks ago we were trying to figure out the math just to get into the playoffs.  Now we're upset if we don't lock up first soon enough.  I'm proud of what they've done, even with a 6GIR that has enough talent to populate most teams' starting roster!

Personally I want to see them getting to the cup because the W is so weak, it's almost a gimmee.  (Yes, SSK really only has that short pass game and those DBs, and can't be considered "great".)  So I'll be disappointed if we don't.

Just like the last 2 years, I'm still proud of them if they get to the cup and lose.  A loss always sucks, but to get there is always a huge accomplishment, and it'll be an epic one if this 2-6 starting team achieves it!  That said... I think they don't lose a 3rd one...

Quote from: BBRT on October 16, 2024, 07:06:36 PMMy take on this along with what is needed to make it to the cup is to somehow improve the OL especailly the middle. I think our guards and center are the weakest part of the team at the moment. I am not sure what can take place but whenI look at what strong DL teams do they seem to be able to overpower our center and two guards.

This needs to be addressed in the off-season.  It has directly cost us many games this season because the trickle of "downgrades" year after year since 2019 has finally resulted in a line that clearly isn't good enough.  Not enough to be dominant like '21 or '22.

And yet the other top teams (except maybe SSK) clearly have kept improving their OLs into ones that are top tier and don't let many guys through.  The difference is striking.

If we can't draft a week-1 starter round-1 top hoggie (and it may be hard given we may win the GC this year!), then what's the plan?  KW needs a plan.  Do we get a splash $$ NAT FA, which is completely against our philosophy?  What about sniping a mid-priced top-tier IMP G and change our ratio?  Or is Randolph already that guy?

If somehow the middling unit we have now can get us to, and win, a cup, then I guess we'll have to reevaluate the situation and then pray we don't lose one of them to FA!  But until then, we can criticize an OL that can't hold a candle to ones of our past.

Quote from: gobombersgo on October 16, 2024, 11:39:12 PMSome Bomber transactions today:

2024-10-16   WPG  Weitz, Fabian   LB   G   Cologne Centurions (ELF)   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-10-16   WPG  RANDOLPH, Kendall  OL   A   Alabama   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-10-16   WPG   MCGHEE, Tyrique   DB   A   Georgia   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-10-16   WPG   CHARBONNEAU, Max   LB   N   Ottawa   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster

I've been speculating that if Woli was healthy, then Wietz would come off the AR. This isn't a guarantee that will be the case but does open up that roster spot in theory. That said, so does moving Charbonneau to the PR. It's also possible that Samson or Hubert get added back?

It's no surprise that McGhuee gets bumped back to the PR. His spot may have opened up the ratio on the AR to add Randolph.

Quote from: dd on October 17, 2024, 04:10:09 AMHopefully he does as our O line was dreadful last game. People are saying we came out flat, no, we just lost the battle at the line of scrimmage terribly and couldn't get anything going. Hopefully things change with Randolph in the lineup

I would have liked to see what their PFF was for the first half because it looked terrible after two quarters but overall it wasn't as poor an outing as it seemed.

From PFF:

This week was a struggle for the Blue Bombers compared to their recent play, but they remained a positive factor overall. This unit earned grades of 64.3 overall, 62.3 run-blocking and 63.3 pass-blocking. Simply put, Winnipeg cannot maintain its top-three spot due to a mediocre week and a stellar week for the Elks.

Neufeld (81.6), Bryant (75.2) and Lofton (72.1) all recorded excellent pass protection games, finishing with a pass-blocking grade above 72.0 across 41 pass reps.

Compare that to the Argos offensive line which has been rated tops most of the year and the best offensive line of the week:

It was a solid week for the Argonauts' offensive line. This group earned grades of 68.5 overall, 64.9 run-blocking and 80.7 pass-blocking.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 17, 2024, 09:45:19 AMThis needs to be addressed in the off-season.  It has directly cost us many games this season because the trickle of "downgrades" year after year since 2019 has finally resulted in a line that clearly isn't good enough.  Not enough to be dominant like '21 or '22.

And yet the other top teams (except maybe SSK) clearly have kept improving their OLs into ones that are top tier and don't let many guys through.  The difference is striking.

If we can't draft a week-1 starter round-1 top hoggie (and it may be hard given we may win the GC this year!), then what's the plan?  KW needs a plan.  Do we get a splash $$ NAT FA, which is completely against our philosophy?  What about sniping a mid-priced top-tier IMP G and change our ratio?  Or is Randolph already that guy?

If somehow the middling unit we have now can get us to, and win, a cup, then I guess we'll have to reevaluate the situation and then pray we don't lose one of them to FA!  But until then, we can criticize an OL that can't hold a candle to ones of our past.

I was thinking also that Zach's performance has been really affected. Its not that the Oline is bad, its just average now. Zac has been so used to having the extra time to make those mid to deep passes that its a major adjustment to get the ball out quicker. Harris is the master of this. I also think BLM had to make a similar adjustment to get back his game to a high level.
Buck also needs to adjust
Getting top tier oline is expensive but we may need to sacrifice a receiver salary to do so

Toronto had stacked DL for the game against up, and rotated fresh bodies in. 

Having an extra extra Olineman will allow us to use heavier jumbo packages rather than just one Oline and a FB. And potentially beefing up the interior if/when needed. 

We have WR's that can gain separation, and can win 50/50 balls.  Giving extra protection at the loss of a target is not an unwise option.

How are Randolph's hands?  Is he a potential tight end?  Do we have a short yardage Fridge package?

Quote from: theaardvark on October 17, 2024, 04:15:19 PMToronto had stacked DL for the game against up, and rotated fresh bodies in. 

Having an extra extra Olineman will allow us to use heavier jumbo packages rather than just one Oline and a FB. And potentially beefing up the interior if/when needed. 

We have WR's that can gain separation, and can win 50/50 balls.  Giving extra protection at the loss of a target is not an unwise option.

How are Randolph's hands?  Is he a potential tight end?  Do we have a short yardage Fridge package?

In games like that Buck needs to adjust the receiver routes, they can't have 3 receivers running mid-deeper routes when Zach doesn't have time to wait for them to make their move and get open. Lucky could play a huge role as a secondary relief valve running slants across the middle on every play.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 17, 2024, 02:06:27 PMCompare that to the Argos offensive line which has been rated tops most of the year and the best offensive line of the week:

It was a solid week for the Argonauts' offensive line. This group earned grades of 68.5 overall, 64.9 run-blocking and 80.7 pass-blocking.

How did TOR get such a good OL?  Is it FA splash?  Are they good/lucky in DP?  Scouted some good IMPs?  What's the secret sauce?

Just a few years ago TOR was horrifically bad, bottom of the league, with a garbage OL.  What did they do to fix it?

I'll take some of whatever they've been doing, please!

Quote from: theaardvark on October 17, 2024, 04:15:19 PMHow are Randolph's hands?  Is he a potential tight end?  Do we have a short yardage Fridge package?

I think Randolph showed in his couple of games starting at RG that he was probably better than Neuf and/or Dobson.  I think Randolph should be a starting G and one of the other guys gets demoted to 6th.   Yes, even if that's Neuf.

Randolph was like Bond: he came in and instantly we were better.  At everything.

Winning is more important than OL loyalty at this point.  And whoever gets demoted, they can still be the 6th and on AR for the GC and get their name on the cup.  It's not like they are benched or cut.

Heck, we may be getting near the end of Neuf's career anyhow.  He gets dinged up regularly now and is beat about as much as the much younger 2 guys to his left.  Not good enough at that pay level.

We also need to (next season) scout or FA a much better RT too.  Lofton has been good (better than my PS guestimation), but not always great.  (If this unit without changes makes the cup, I'll take all that back.)

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 18, 2024, 08:19:52 AMHow did TOR get such a good OL?  Is it FA splash?  Are they good/lucky in DP?  Scouted some good IMPs?  What's the secret sauce?

Just a few years ago TOR was horrifically bad, bottom of the league, with a garbage OL.  What did they do to fix it?

I'll take some of whatever they've been doing, please!

Like him or not John Murphy is an excellent scout, he's brought a lot of good import talent into the league, first for the Stamps, then for the Riders and now for the Argos. Vince Magri has also done a great job finding and drafting Natl. talent in the last few years.

With practice today, we should get an update on your injuries.

Montreal depth charts up for 19th vs BC

https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/GM-17-MONTREAL-DEPTH-CHART1.pdf (https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/GM-17-MONTREAL-DEPTH-CHART1.pdf)

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 18, 2024, 08:19:52 AMHow did TOR get such a good OL?  Is it FA splash?  Are they good/lucky in DP?  Scouted some good IMPs?  What's the secret sauce?

Just a few years ago TOR was horrifically bad, bottom of the league, with a garbage OL.  What did they do to fix it?

I'll take some of whatever they've been doing, please!

Stats are a measure of the results of plays, not the situation of the players.  A lot will depend on the playcalling, and teh OC's ability to take advantage of the Oline's strengths.  I don't think Buck has done that well this year.

We have a QB that holds onto the ball too long.  Whether that is a decision or just his mechanics, it is what it is.  So stats are going to be worse when you have to pass protect longer.

Not sure how Brady affects the run block stats, he does make a lot of his own holes and yards after contact.  His success in running may not be reflected in the ratings for the oline, I'm not sure how those are calculated.

Quote from: Mick on October 18, 2024, 04:42:39 PMMontreal depth charts up for 19th vs BC

https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/GM-17-MONTREAL-DEPTH-CHART1.pdf (https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/GM-17-MONTREAL-DEPTH-CHART1.pdf)

This already post in the Montreal Vs BC thread, why post it here?

Quote from: Pigskin on October 18, 2024, 05:25:50 PMThis already post in the Montreal Vs BC thread, why post it here?

Didn't realize that, was posting it as an insight to how they are playing the season out, resting players or not.

Zach's Comments re: Practice (https://twitter.com/i/status/1847339417670701063)

Quote from: theaardvark on October 18, 2024, 04:44:43 PMStats are a measure of the results of plays, not the situation of the players.  A lot will depend on the playcalling, and teh OC's ability to take advantage of the Oline's strengths.  I don't think Buck has done that well this year.

Ya, but there's an absolute level of OL quality that you can see and measure.  Just look at the great OLs, like TOR's.  It doesn't matter what teams send against them, as long as there is a numerical match or advantage the OL just holds everyone back.  Even for 5, 6, 7s sometimes.

It's what we enjoyed with the Couture/Desjar line-up.

I'm talking the OLs that just keep everyone away no matter how long it takes, and maybe let a guy through 0-2 times a game.  Think MTL in the '23 GC, or TOR in the last game.

Bottom line: our OL problem is a lot more than just playcalling and scheme and mistakes and wrong-depths, etc etc.  I know MOS says I'm wrong (Tues coaches show), but I'm not.  (He can't throw anyone under the bus, I can.)  There's an absolute size/speed/talent level that is your base.  The other things are on top of that, and are important; but if you start with a weaker base, your maximum achievable level will be lower.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 18, 2024, 11:27:09 PMYa, but there's an absolute level of OL quality that you can see and measure.  Just look at the great OLs, like TOR's.  It doesn't matter what teams send against them, as long as there is a numerical match or advantage the OL just holds everyone back.  Even for 5, 6, 7s sometimes.

It's what we enjoyed with the Couture/Desjar line-up.

I'm talking the OLs that just keep everyone away no matter how long it takes, and maybe let a guy through 0-2 times a game.  Think MTL in the '23 GC, or TOR in the last game.

Bottom line: our OL problem is a lot more than just playcalling and scheme and mistakes and wrong-depths, etc etc.  I know MOS says I'm wrong (Tues coaches show), but I'm not.  (He can't throw anyone under the bus, I can.)  There's an absolute size/speed/talent level that is your base.  The other things are on top of that, and are important; but if you start with a weaker base, your maximum achievable level will be lower.

case in point.. Ceresna vs Dobson last game. Just got overmatched

Anyone attend practice yesterday? Curious to know if: Alexander, Griffin, Ayers, Feltmate or Woli look to be ready to play next week?

We did see that Randolph was added from the PR but there could be several changes to the roster coming. OTOH, they may wait to give players on IR one more week / two more weeks before the play off game. The question of rest versus practice comes to mind.

IMO the injured players have already been off for awhile and need an actual game before the playoffs. The catch is we don't know how serious some of the recent injuries were or if there is any chance of return.

Any guesses?

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 19, 2024, 02:17:58 PMAnyone attend practice yesterday? Curious to know if: Alexander, Griffin, Ayers, Feltmate or Woli look to be ready to play next week?

We did see that Randolph was added from the PR but there could be several changes to the roster coming. OTOH, they may wait to give players on IR one more week / two more weeks before the play off game. The question of rest versus practice comes to mind.

IMO the injured players have already been off for awhile and need an actual game before the playoffs. The catch is we don't know how serious some of the recent injuries were or if there is any chance of return.

Any guesses?

From Ed:
 
@Wpg_BlueBombers practice update: Whitehead, Wolitarsky, Alexander, Nick Hallett not practising

_______

Griffin was back so should be good to go. Wallace has been practicing for weeks but not active. I don't really expect to see him again. No mention of Feltmate or Ayers so they were probs practicing.

Quote from: Jesse on October 19, 2024, 02:22:32 PMFrom Ed:
 
@Wpg_BlueBombers practice update: Whitehead, Wolitarsky, Alexander, Nick Hallett not practising

_______

Griffin was back so should be good to go. Wallace has been practicing for weeks but not active. I don't really expect to see him again. No mention of Feltmate or Ayers so they were probs practicing.

Whitehead hasn't practised for weeks but seems to play every week. That's not necessarily a bad sign for the others except Woli who needs to practice and get game reps if we're going to see him back in 2025? While the Alexander and Hallett have played more recently it's not the best sign at the moment.

I guess we'll see when they get into daily practice starting tomorrow. After the bye they might have a 3 day + walk thru or at least a 2 day + walk thru?

I'd really like to see Alexander and Griffin back and have been hoping to see Woli for several weeks. Our depth at receiver is thin with Whitehead not 100%.

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 19, 2024, 02:36:06 PMWhitehead hasn't practised for weeks but seems to play every week. That's not necessarily a bad sign for the others except Woli who needs to practice and get game reps if we're going to see him back in 2025? While the Alexander and Hallett have played more recently it's not the best sign at the moment.

I guess we'll see when they get into daily practice starting tomorrow. After the bye they might have a 3 day + walk thru or at least a 2 day + walk thru?

I'd really like to see Alexander and Griffin back and have been hoping to see Woli for several weeks. Our depth at receiver is thin with Whitehead not 100%.

All I know right now is they were given the minimum 4 days off for their bye week (planned that way long ago).

We'll see how that translates to their practice schedule.

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 19, 2024, 02:36:06 PMWhitehead hasn't practised for weeks but seems to play every week. That's not necessarily a bad sign for the others except Woli who needs to practice and get game reps if we're going to see him back in 2025? While the Alexander and Hallett have played more recently it's not the best sign at the moment.

I guess we'll see when they get into daily practice starting tomorrow. After the bye they might have a 3 day + walk thru or at least a 2 day + walk thru?

I'd really like to see Alexander and Griffin back and have been hoping to see Woli for several weeks. Our depth at receiver is thin with Whitehead not 100%.

We're not getting Alexander back this year.

Quote from: Mick on October 19, 2024, 03:48:58 PMWe're not getting Alexander back this year.

Unfortunate but Kelly looked good last game. It is a depth issue though and it's a loss.

Quote from: Pete on October 19, 2024, 12:21:52 AMcase in point.. Ceresna vs Dobson last game. Just got overmatched

Have to agree - I believe Dobson is our weakest OL resouce. I think our center (Kolankowski) is an issue also.

Quote from: Mick on October 19, 2024, 03:48:58 PMWe're not getting Alexander back this year.

Considering how long BA has already been out, I'm not sure wearing a cast disqualifies him from playing in the WSF in 2 weeks, but it might.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 19, 2024, 04:35:21 PMConsidering how long BA has already been out, I'm not sure wearing a cast disqualifies him from playing in the WSF in 2 weeks, but it might.

Even better if we win 1st place and don't need to play the WSF. That gives everyone that can't play next week more time to get healthy. Hopefully we don't have any serious issues in our last game.

I believe if we finish 1st we will be in the Grey Cup a couple of weeks later. Finishing 2nd and we play Rider Hide in their barn. Not impossible but not likely going to win that one.

Quote from: Jesse on October 19, 2024, 02:22:32 PMGriffin was back so should be good to go. Wallace has been practicing for weeks but not active. I don't really expect to see him again. No mention of Feltmate or Ayers so they were probs practicing.

Interesting... why do you say that?  So for weeks we've had Wallace available but chose to not dress him (what roster is he on? 1G or PR?)?  But yet we didn't dress another as 7th, not even Randolph...

It will be very interesting to see if we dress IMP Randolph as 7th (unheard of for us) or as starting guard (and demote an existing guard to 7th).

One would think that after the stinky OL performance last week that we will almost certainly dress a 7th??  If we have healthy bodies, why not go back to what worked so well for us?  Why bother dressing both Halletts at FS when that's not what need to fix our immediate problems?

So in your opinion Wallace is a bust and will be let go in FA?  To me he always seemed like a great 7th for road-grading on Brady runs.  But maybe he really is just too big & slow.  Bummer if true, and further screws up our future plans regarding the OL hopper & dev.

Quote from: Mick on October 19, 2024, 03:48:58 PMWe're not getting Alexander back this year.

Could play with a club.  Been a few years since we've seen that, but it's been done many times by other teams.

However, Kelly was great, so maybe no need to take the chance (hard to wrap-up players with a club).

I know one thing, I don't want another GC where we're dressing guys at 50% and they suck or leave the game (or both).  Learned that lesson.  It's not their fault... it's Mafia's fault for not laying down the law and only dressing guys who are at least 75%.  If that means we get relative n00b guys like Kelly instead of BA37, so be it.

I think the oline can rebound from a bad outing.  We need to figure this out and fast.  Zach likely won't change but he needs to chuck that pig away more or just take the sack and protect his body.  Earlier in his career his one of his strengths was his escapability but father time has eroded that.  Hopefully we can scheme up and protect him.  Montreal is a massive test in this regard, especially if starters get reps all game.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 20, 2024, 10:14:36 AMInteresting... why do you say that?  So for weeks we've had Wallace available but chose to not dress him (what roster is he on? 1G or PR?)?  But yet we didn't dress another as 7th, not even Randolph...

It will be very interesting to see if we dress IMP Randolph as 7th (unheard of for us) or as starting guard (and demote an existing guard to 7th).

One would think that after the stinky OL performance last week that we will almost certainly dress a 7th??  If we have healthy bodies, why not go back to what worked so well for us?  Why bother dressing both Halletts at FS when that's not what need to fix our immediate problems?

So in your opinion Wallace is a bust and will be let go in FA?  To me he always seemed like a great 7th for road-grading on Brady runs.  But maybe he really is just too big & slow.  Bummer if true, and further screws up our future plans regarding the OL hopper & dev.

Wallace is not a bust at all, thought he was great.

It may be a set-back, but he's on his second stint on the 6-game (It's been 8 or 9 weeks). It may be a case of not rushing a young guy into game action when he's not at 100%. Or maybe he's just simply not eligible to come back yet after a being placed on the 6-gamer another time.

But at this point of the season with a rookie OL, and with Randolph being activating and looking good, not really expecting Wallace to factor in again.

Our oline is effective against most teams dlines, But against a team that has a superior interior rush ie argos with Ceresna, Mtrl with Johnson we have a lot of difficulty
 I hope we go more to a max protect pkg due to following
  Mtrl uses a lot of blitzes, in a variety of forms, They are very creative (identifying these and countering with run game can be effective as it means a lb/db has left an area to blitz)
  Additional linemen can help run game especially if we can get them to second level, Randolph is quicker than Dobson/ Neufeld
  We have 4 good recievers capable of beating their dbs, don't need the 5th.(If Zach has the time)
Double team Johnson and be prepared for blitz pkgs is the key, I feel.
  Our d just needs to do what they do. Having Griffin back helps a lot

Quote from: Jesse on October 20, 2024, 02:30:34 PMWallace is not a bust at all, thought he was great.

It may be a set-back, but he's on his second stint on the 6-game (It's been 8 or 9 weeks). It may be a case of not rushing a young guy into game action when he's not at 100%. Or maybe he's just simply not eligible to come back yet after a being placed on the 6-gamer another time.

But at this point of the season with a rookie OL, and with Randolph being activating and looking good, not really expecting Wallace to factor in again.

Agree Wallace is the future, he may become a starter as soon as next season. For now Randolph is the better option to backup multiple positions and ride out the season, he may also become a starter next season if they shake the O-line up.

At this point in the season I think it's safe to assume that what we see this Saturday against Montreal is this season's version of the Bombers going forward. We've had two weeks to prepare and we have lots of film on Montreal. There should be no surprises.

Who Wants it More: I think both teams are going to want to win this game although the Bombers need it to determine their playoff seed and the Als are playing for pride. They are both playing with the desire to end the year on a positive note against a potential Grey Cup contender. The Bombers probably want it/need it, more.

The Threat of Injury: A legitimate concern for both teams as both are playoff bound. The Als *may* want to rest some players but I wouldn't count on it. If the game gets out of hand score wise for one team or the other, then I suspect key performers will find a seat on the bench for both clubs.

O-line Issues: I'm not sure the Bombers have the pieces to solve their leaky O-line issues. For them to be successful is going to depend on how well they can force Montreal to play honest. If they blitz the Bombers have to pick it up and give Zach time to burn Montreal's D. If they can successfully blitz Zach all day without consequence this game is going to be a big problem for this offense.

Montreal has their own O-line issues having lost starting guard Josh Donovan to a knee injury. He was carried off the field by his teammates and had to be carted away. Didn't look good.

Defense: Both defenses are capable of shutting down their opponents. Montreal with their linebackers and their propensity to blitz a lot, the Bombers with what is arguably the best secondary in the league. I'd be surprised if a lot of points were scored in this game.

Offense: Montreal has the edge unless the Bombers find a way to give Zach Collaros the time he needs to be effective. The Bombers like to rush only 3 a lot of the time so I don't see Cody Fajardo being pressured much unless the Bombers can take advantage of the Josh Donovan injury.

Turnovers: The team that makes the fewest mistakes may very well win this game. Turnovers will be a huge factor if one team or the other has ball security issues.

Special Teams: I see this as basically even although Montreal may have the more dangerous return game. Is this a game where Sergio Castillo kicks a 63 yarder to win it?

What to Expect: This could be the game of the year or a complete dud for one team or the other. Both have stumbled of late with Winnipeg losing a nail-biter to the Argos two weeks ago and Montreal getting smoked by BC last game. They both need to find their game to build some momentum going into the playoffs. I suspect that the team that finds their groove first may steamroll the other. It's really a toss-up which makes this game a hard one to predict but I'll give it a try. Bombers win this game late on a long Sergio Castillo field goal, 30-29.

Quote from: J5V on October 21, 2024, 04:07:22 AMO-line Issues: I'm not sure the Bombers have the pieces to solve their leaky O-line issues. For them to be successful is going to depend on how well they can force Montreal to play honest. If they blitz the Bombers have to pick it up and give Zach time to burn Montreal's D. If they can successfully blitz Zach all day without consequence this game is going to be a big problem for this offense.

If you have a decent DL, I don't see why anyone would blitz us.  The best teams have shown they can get through with 4 (or 3!).  Why waste coverage by blitzing?

So I would expect MTL to blitz only infrequently.  They'll bring blockers-minus-one: so if we have 6 OL they'll bring 5.  Just like TOR did.

What we need to watch out for is that bait & switch they use to pick on Zach's smarts.  Where they show a LBer vacating to pass rush but then drop a DL back into his place and pick Zach off throwing into the non-vacated vacated spot.  On short passes and quick beat-the-blitz throws it's hard for Zach to see this trick in advance of the windup.

I trust the Mafia Braintrust has come up with a solution and worked on it with Zach.  I hate it when teams out-Hall us.

Mtrl routinely rushes 5, but they bring them from a lot of different angles. Thorpe does a great job of disguising their rushes bringing a lb or db. Beverette gets in on a lot of different plays (8 tackles for loss 4 sacks), Cantin-Arku has 5 sacks
the main guy on dline that overpowers opponent is Johnson.
 

Quote from: J5V on October 21, 2024, 04:07:22 AMAt this point in the season I think it's safe to assume that what we see this Saturday against Montreal is this season's version of the Bombers going forward. We've had two weeks to prepare and we have lots of film on Montreal. There should be no surprises.

Who Wants it More: I think both teams are going to want to win this game although the Bombers need it to determine their playoff seed and the Als are playing for pride. They are both playing with the desire to end the year on a positive note against a potential Grey Cup contender. The Bombers probably want it/need it, more.

The Threat of Injury: A legitimate concern for both teams as both are playoff bound. The Als *may* want to rest some players but I wouldn't count on it. If the game gets out of hand score wise for one team or the other, then I suspect key performers will find a seat on the bench for both clubs.

O-line Issues: I'm not sure the Bombers have the pieces to solve their leaky O-line issues. For them to be successful is going to depend on how well they can force Montreal to play honest. If they blitz the Bombers have to pick it up and give Zach time to burn Montreal's D. If they can successfully blitz Zach all day without consequence this game is going to be a big problem for this offense.

Montreal has their own O-line issues having lost starting guard Josh Donovan to a knee injury. He was carried off the field by his teammates and had to be carted away. Didn't look good.

Defense: Both defenses are capable of shutting down their opponents. Montreal with their linebackers and their propensity to blitz a lot, the Bombers with what is arguably the best secondary in the league. I'd be surprised if a lot of points were scored in this game.

Offense: Montreal has the edge unless the Bombers find a way to give Zach Collaros the time he needs to be effective. The Bombers like to rush only 3 a lot of the time so I don't see Cody Fajardo being pressured much unless the Bombers can take advantage of the Josh Donovan injury.

Turnovers: The team that makes the fewest mistakes may very well win this game. Turnovers will be a huge factor if one team or the other has ball security issues.

Special Teams: I see this as basically even although Montreal may have the more dangerous return game. Is this a game where Sergio Castillo kicks a 63 yarder to win it?

What to Expect: This could be the game of the year or a complete dud for one team or the other. Both have stumbled of late with Winnipeg losing a nail-biter to the Argos two weeks ago and Montreal getting smoked by BC last game. They both need to find their game to build some momentum going into the playoffs. I suspect that the team that finds their groove first may steamroll the other. It's really a toss-up which makes this game a hard one to predict but I'll give it a try. Bombers win this game late on a long Sergio Castillo field goal, 30-29.

You made a lot of good points, I think the key for the opposition in every game going forward is finding the best way to contain and limit Brady, if they can successfully do that the Bombers stand much less chance of winning. Both the Als and the Argos have very good front 7's, Buck needs to get Brady the ball behind those walls allowing him room to rumble and runover DB's.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 21, 2024, 05:07:52 PMYou made a lot of good points, I think the key for the opposition in every game going forward is finding the best way to contain and limit Brady, if they can successfully do that the Bombers stand much less chance of winning. Both the Als and the Argos have very good front 7's, Buck needs to get Brady the ball behind those walls allowing him to rumble and runover DB's.

Montreal has the 2nd worst run defense in the league, we should have no problem pounding the ball with Brady.

Quote from: Jesse on October 20, 2024, 02:30:34 PMWallace is not a bust at all, thought he was great.

Wallace was regularly our 6th OL for a while on Jumbo sets and I thought he did a good job; better than Eli.  When Neufeld went down, Randolph got on the AR and looked good as well.  U really do think the Bombers have something in those two.

Quote from: VictorRomano on October 21, 2024, 07:52:36 PMWallace was regularly our 6th OL for a while on Jumbo sets and I thought he did a good job; better than Eli.  When Neufeld went down, Randolph got on the AR and looked good as well.  U really do think the Bombers have something in those two.

Plus Wallace was a draft pick this year so he's contracted for at least 2 years.  He spent most of the season on the IR or the PR, so they can afford to be a little more casual with his status than they can with Randolph or Eli. Any players left exposed on the PR after the GC become free agents eligible to sign elsewhere.

Here's something to chew on: MTL can go a long way to choosing who they face in the GC by trying or not trying in the WPG@MTL game.  If I'm Maas and their braintrust, I'm giving this massive thought.

So who would MTL rather face in the GC?  WPG or SSK?  Who does MTL think they match up better against?  Who do they think would be a tougher outing?

My opinion is MTL matches up better against WPG.  Their pass D is basically designed to negate a Zach/Buck mid-mostly + short/deep mix game.  However, their run D will be challenged to keep Brady in check.

On the other hand, SSK is a 95% dink & dunk O, which is much harder for a MTL-style D to defend.  Trevor won't throw up the mids & deeps that allow MTL to get the INTs.  Plus, some people (not me) may think Oullette is nearly as good as Brady.

So all else being equal, I think MTL prefers to face Zach than Trevor.  The WPG&SSK Ds are very different, but somewhat equal in overall effect.  SSK is more dependent on takeaways, but that capability may scare MTL because Cody chucks mids quite a bit and isn't the most accurate.

So bottom line: if I'm right, they'll happily let us win this one.  If I'm wrong, they may play it as hard as the EDF.

Their depth chart may be a hint as to how badly they want to beat us, or not.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 22, 2024, 09:10:47 AMHere's something to chew on: MTL can go a long way to choosing who they face in the GC by trying or not trying in the WPG@MTL game.  If I'm Maas and their braintrust, I'm giving this massive thought.

So who would MTL rather face in the GC?  WPG or SSK?  Who does MTL think they match up better against?  Who do they think would be a tougher outing?

My opinion is MTL matches up better against WPG.  Their pass D is basically designed to negate a Zach/Buck mid-mostly + short/deep mix game.  However, their run D will be challenged to keep Brady in check.

On the other hand, SSK is a 95% dink & dunk O, which is much harder for a MTL-style D to defend.  Trevor won't throw up the mids & deeps that allow MTL to get the INTs.  Plus, some people (not me) may think Oullette is nearly as good as Brady.

So all else being equal, I think MTL prefers to face Zach than Trevor.  The WPG&SSK Ds are very different, but somewhat equal in overall effect.  SSK is more dependent on takeaways, but that capability may scare MTL because Cody chucks mids quite a bit and isn't the most accurate.

So bottom line: if I'm right, they'll happily let us win this one.  If I'm wrong, they may play it as hard as the EDF.

Their depth chart may be a hint as to how badly they want to beat us, or not.

Interesting take and it certainly has merit. I'm more inclined to believe that the Bombers show up in Montreal ready to play a slobberknocker at full intensity and rather than pay the price they'd have to in a nothing game the Als let this one slip away like they did with BC. They didn't like losing Donovan and they never matched BC's intensity and I suspect it'll be more of the same on Saturday.

Montreal is getting a taste of what it's like to be the front runner and they aren't handling it very well. Maas is an emotional train wreck at the best of times and doesn't set a good example of quiet confidence. It is so reminiscent of Hamilton in 2019 and us the last two years. It's hard to carry real intensity into the playoffs/Grey Cup when you have to play nothing games at the end of the season and try to pretend those games are meaningful.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 22, 2024, 09:10:47 AMHere's something to chew on: MTL can go a long way to choosing who they face in the GC by trying or not trying in the WPG@MTL game.  If I'm Maas and their braintrust, I'm giving this massive thought.

So who would MTL rather face in the GC?  WPG or SSK? 

They've already beaten the Argos?  Something to ponder but if they are thinking about anything other than Toronto, they have already lost. I am sure Toronto has not forgotten last year and is coming in to Montreal to prove a point or two.

Quote from: Waffler on October 22, 2024, 10:31:39 AMThey've already beaten the Argos?  Something to ponder but if they are thinking about anything other than Toronto, they have already lost. I am sure Toronto has not forgotten last year and is coming in to Montreal to prove a point or two.

The Argos have already beaten the Redblacks?

The Als seem like they peaked too early. The Als were the best team in the league for most of the first half of the season.The second half of the season the Als have looked pretty ordinary. I expect the Argos will come out of the east.

The Als aren't going to lie down and just give us the game. If we want to win, we'll have to play a good to great playoff style game. 

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 20, 2024, 10:19:24 AMCould play with a club.  Been a few years since we've seen that, but it's been done many times by other teams.

However, Kelly was great, so maybe no need to take the chance (hard to wrap-up players with a club).

I know one thing, I don't want another GC where we're dressing guys at 50% and they suck or leave the game (or both).  Learned that lesson.  It's not their fault... it's Mafia's fault for not laying down the law and only dressing guys who are at least 75%.  If that means we get relative n00b guys like Kelly instead of BA37, so be it.

I'd rather dress a player that is 80% as good that is 100% rather than a player that is at 75%.  Starting a game with everyone healthy reduces the chances of tweaking whatever is wrong and ending up one roster spot short minutes into the game.

Anyone on the roster is there for a reason, AR or PR.  Yes, the difference between a starter, a backup and a PR player is noticable, but its not that huge that the starter playing on 75% health is better, especially if it affects his wheels, or his ability to make moves.   

Quote from: theaardvark on October 22, 2024, 04:14:36 PMI'd rather dress a player that is 80% as good that is 100% rather than a player that is at 75%.  Starting a game with everyone healthy reduces the chances of tweaking whatever is wrong and ending up one roster spot short minutes into the game.

Anyone on the roster is there for a reason, AR or PR.  Yes, the difference between a starter, a backup and a PR player is noticable, but its not that huge that the starter playing on 75% health is better, especially if it affects his wheels, or his ability to make moves.   

Hopefully this is the lesson O'Shea learned from last year's GC, as it is, the team looks to be in much better health than it was last year at this time despite the absence of Bighill and Schoen.

Haven't seen any daily IR reports to give an idea of who might actually be healthy this week.

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 22, 2024, 07:18:03 PMHaven't seen any daily IR reports to give an idea of who might actually be healthy this week.

I did see an update from Derek Taylor that Whitehead was practicing, this is good news.

Quote from: Mick on October 22, 2024, 07:28:57 PMI did see an update from Derek Taylor that Whitehead was practicing, this is good news.

I guess. He hasn't practised much in a month but continues to play. I wasn't expecting him to miss this game.

OTOH: Griffin, Ayers, Feltmate, Fox and Woli could be due to come off the IR and get some game reps before the playoffs.

Those guys have been practising except for possibly Woli. I'm not sure if he has a chance to play.

I heard Adams hurt his hand so Fox might be a choice to replace him for this week, either by choice or by need.

Opening betting line for the game is -3.5 WPG. I'm surprised it's that high, it may indicate some guys not practicing on the MTL side.

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 22, 2024, 07:49:10 PMI guess. He hasn't practised much in a month but continues to play. I wasn't expecting him to miss this game.

OTOH: Griffin, Ayers, Feltmate, Fox and Woli could be due to come off the IR and get some game reps before the playoffs.

Those guys have been practising except for possibly Woli. I'm not sure if he has a chance to play.

I heard Adams hurt his hand so Fox might be a choice to replace him for this week, either by choice or by need.

Good chance to get another look at Fox and decide if they should bring him back next season or not as I believe his contract is up.  CFL.ca has no statistics on him but I believe this is his 3rd season in the league and he's only played in a handful of games so far. He's getting that Stove vibe without the output.

Week 21 Injury Report (https://www.cfl.ca/2024/10/21/cfl-injury-reports-week-21/)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 22, 2024, 08:20:04 PMGood chance to get another look at Fox and decide if they should bring him back next season or not as I believe his contract is up.  CFL.ca has no statistics on him but I believe this is his 3rd season in the league and he's only played in a handful of games so far. He's getting that Stove vibe without the output.

There is a 'Stats' tab for the Miles Fox profile (Click for Profile (https://www.bluebombers.com/players/miles-fox-2/167155/))

Fox has 7 defensive tackles & 1 sack in 7 games.

The CFL profile only credits him with 6 games played - this is a Genius issue. Under the 'Game Log' for 2022 there are 3 games listed but he is only credited with 2 games played (Error).

For historical stats (2022 and older), Genius uses the American method of crediting a player with a game played. In American football, a player in uniform has to participate in at least one play to get credit for a game played. All players with a recorded stat are automatically credited with a game played. Any remaining players who saw the field have to be manually credited after the conclusion of the game. The big issue in US College football is some teams have 100+ players and multiple players wearing the same number. The backups often do not get credit with playing a game due to confusion of identifying these players.

In Canadian football, a player on the active roster is automatically credited with a game played whether he see the field or not. In fact, players on the AR but are away from the team for personal reasons also get credit with a game played. Players for 2023 & 2024 do have the correct games played credited because all data was entered using the Genius stats system.

Genius is testing chipped jerseys in the NCAA this season for player tracking purposes and they hope to apply this technology in the CFL next season.

Quote from: TBURGESS on October 22, 2024, 03:42:12 PMThe Als aren't going to lie down and just give us the game. If we want to win, we'll have to play a good to great playoff style game.

A slobberknocker! LOL!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 22, 2024, 09:10:47 AMHere's something to chew on: MTL can go a long way to choosing who they face in the GC by trying or not trying in the WPG@MTL game.  If I'm Maas and their braintrust, I'm giving this massive thought.

So who would MTL rather face in the GC?  WPG or SSK?  Who does MTL think they match up better against?  Who do they think would be a tougher outing?

My opinion is MTL matches up better against WPG.  Their pass D is basically designed to negate a Zach/Buck mid-mostly + short/deep mix game.  However, their run D will be challenged to keep Brady in check.

On the other hand, SSK is a 95% dink & dunk O, which is much harder for a MTL-style D to defend.  Trevor won't throw up the mids & deeps that allow MTL to get the INTs.  Plus, some people (not me) may think Oullette is nearly as good as Brady.

So all else being equal, I think MTL prefers to face Zach than Trevor.  The WPG&SSK Ds are very different, but somewhat equal in overall effect.  SSK is more dependent on takeaways, but that capability may scare MTL because Cody chucks mids quite a bit and isn't the most accurate.

So bottom line: if I'm right, they'll happily let us win this one.  If I'm wrong, they may play it as hard as the EDF.

Their depth chart may be a hint as to how badly they want to beat us, or not.

Montreal better get its crap together and quick or they aren't getting by Toronto in the playoffs. Toronto is getting better every week since Kelly came back and I think they knock the Als off in the players. That said, they'll go all out to get their A game going against us and once they do, We'll see how long Fajardo stays in the game. But I don't see them just rolling over, as next week is a bye so CJ has to get things going with the offense.

Party

Quote from: Waffler on October 22, 2024, 10:31:39 AMThey've already beaten the Argos?

If they're playing chess, they have to be thinking many moves ahead.  The "what if we lose to TOR" path is irrelevant because if they do, nothing else matters no matter what they plan for.

Quote from: Waffler on October 22, 2024, 10:31:39 AMSomething to ponder but if they are thinking about anything other than Toronto, they have already lost. I am sure Toronto has not forgotten last year and is coming in to Montreal to prove a point or two.

I disagree.  "1 and O each week" is for the players.  The coaches/Mafia preach it, but if the top brains (MOS, Buck, Younger) aren't thinking ahead at all, then they are at a disadvantage.  Especially in situations like this where you can directly impact one of your upcoming games.

Who wouldn't want to be able to pick their future opponent??  You think if Mafia had the choice like this they wouldn't choose to face CGY in the WDF instead of SSK?  If you can make that reality just by losing a meaningless game (i.e. start as many PR players as you can and/or make Campbell/Dickenson-level in-game decisions), of course you'd do it!

The only fly in the ointment is: MTL may not be able to decide who they'd rather face in the GC!  Both WPG and SSK present challenges and neither would be an "easy out".

Quote from: Stats Junkie on October 22, 2024, 10:03:48 PMGenius is testing chipped jerseys in the NCAA this season for player tracking purposes and they hope to apply this technology in the CFL next season.

As long as those chips don't make players fly off in random and erratic directions!

The betting line just shot up to -6.5 for WPG, from -3.5 yesterday. This could be a sign of something coming out of MTL practice as this is their first day of practice, this could indicate a lot of starters sitting out of practice.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 23, 2024, 08:55:13 AMIf they're playing chess, they have to be thinking many moves ahead.  The "what if we lose to TOR" path is irrelevant because if they do, nothing else matters no matter what they plan for.

I disagree.  "1 and O each week" is for the players.  The coaches/Mafia preach it, but if the top brains (MOS, Buck, Younger) aren't thinking ahead at all, then they are at a disadvantage.  Especially in situations like this where you can directly impact one of your upcoming games.

Who wouldn't want to be able to pick their future opponent??  You think if Mafia had the choice like this they wouldn't choose to face CGY in the WDF instead of SSK?  If you can make that reality just by losing a meaningless game (i.e. start as many PR players as you can and/or make Campbell/Dickenson-level in-game decisions), of course you'd do it!

The only fly in the ointment is: MTL may not be able to decide who they'd rather face in the GC!  Both WPG and SSK present challenges and neither would be an "easy out".

I think you are underestimating how much prep work coaches do before each game.

Bombers Injury Report

https://ibb.co/Zxc6QCH (https://ibb.co/Zxc6QCH)

That is a promising injury report.It sounds like we will have  most of our players available this week. Alexander is still questionable but could be ready for the Western Conference Final

Montreal Injury Report

https://ibb.co/qJm9Lvq (https://ibb.co/qJm9Lvq)

Quote from: Mick on October 23, 2024, 07:56:26 PMMontreal Injury Report

https://ibb.co/qJm9Lvq (https://ibb.co/qJm9Lvq)

Good chance those 2 DL won't play and risk further problems.

This screams the Bombers to go Brady Ball full on!

Quote from: Mick on October 23, 2024, 07:11:55 PMBombers Injury Report

https://ibb.co/Zxc6QCH (https://ibb.co/Zxc6QCH)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GamMJUhXQAEfAbq?format=jpg&name=small)

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 23, 2024, 10:24:33 PMThis screams the Bombers to go Brady Ball full on!

I suspect you're right. That's probably plan A.

Brady's Call (https://twitter.com/i/status/1849186243042513252)

Buck Pierce (https://twitter.com/i/status/1848803209503973671)

Double header on Saturday. Bombers at 2pm, Jets at 6pm.

Well we knew the first one was coming, but them adding a WR to AR either someone is resting or another injury not yet reported.

2024-10-23   MTL   DONOVAN, Joshua   OL   A   Arizona           TRF TO SINGLE GAME INJURY    Single Game Injury
2024-10-23   MTL   LINDSEY, Tyjon   WR   A   Oregon State   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER     Game Roster

Quote from: Mick on October 24, 2024, 03:57:31 PMWell we knew the first one was coming, but them adding a WR to AR either someone is resting or another injury not yet reported.

2024-10-23   MTL   DONOVAN, Joshua   OL   A   Arizona           TRF TO SINGLE GAME INJURY    Single Game Injury
2024-10-23   MTL   LINDSEY, Tyjon   WR   A   Oregon State   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER     Game Roster

Probably not. We didn't even know these two were on the PR. There were some other activities that were a bit odd this week including adding Vanterpool and Randolph to the AR.

This must be some sort of roster management volume wise on the PR. I'm not expecting this new receiver or Vanterpool and Randolph all on the AR this week.

It's not a game where we will play anyone that hasn't been with the team fore quite awhile. Certainly not adding 2 import OL unless we have actual OL injuries.

Need to win this game, not rest veterans per se.

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 24, 2024, 06:59:59 PMProbably not. We didn't even know these two were on the PR. There were some other activities that were a bit odd this week including adding Vanterpool and Randolph to the AR.

This must be some sort of roster management volume wise on the PR. I'm not expecting this new receiver or Vanterpool and Randolph all on the AR this week.

It's not a game where we will play anyone that hasn't been with the team fore quite awhile. Certainly not adding 2 import OL unless we have actual OL injuries.

Need to win this game, not rest veterans per se.

Maybe adding them to the AR even on a bye week kicks a little more green into their pockets and helps convince them to come back next season.

Looks like Maas intends to take this game very seriously.

Smoke and mirrors, what's he supposed to say? Were gonna lay an egg Saturday. LOL.

Final MTL Injury Report

https://ibb.co/G53NvCx (https://ibb.co/G53NvCx)

Two starting DL out, 2 DB's Out.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 24, 2024, 07:16:20 PMMaybe adding them to the AR even on a bye week kicks a little more green into their pockets and helps convince them to come back next season.

That's what I'm thinking as well for the most part. OTOH, it's strange to add this WR to the AR that we didn't even see get added to the PR earlier. It makes sense for Vanterpool for example if we end up transferring him to 1 game IR tomorrow. However, it seems they could have done that anyway.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 24, 2024, 07:17:37 PMLooks like Maas intends to take this game very seriously.

He's not going to say they don't care if they win or lose.

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 24, 2024, 08:21:59 PMThat's what I'm thinking as well for the most part. OTOH, it's strange to add this WR to the AR that we didn't even see get added to the PR earlier. It makes sense for Vanterpool for example if we end up transferring him to 1 game IR tomorrow. However, it seems they could have done that anyway.

Those were Montreal transactions.

Someone will be taking Bryce Notree's spot on the roster as he has been moved back to the practice roster.

Nic Taylor has been removed from the practice roster so that might be the end of the road for him.

Quote from: gobombersgo on October 24, 2024, 10:07:25 PMThose were Montreal transactions.

LOL. I missed that. Thanks for clarification.

I see Nick Taylor was deleted from PR and Notree was moved to PR.  I expected Ayers to move to AR this week so moving Notree makes sense.

Still don't understand the earlier moves with Vanterpool and Randolph yet. Tomorrow's depth chart will be interesting to see who actually gets moved to AR this week.

Farhan predicts our game against Montreal ... Farhan's Pick (https://x.com/i/status/1849552696145301843)

Quote from: gobombersgo on October 24, 2024, 10:14:06 PMNic Taylor has been removed from the practice roster so that might be the end of the road for him.

Could also mean a pontential bad injury turned out to be not so bad.  Like BA37.

Or Taylor thought he was in shape, but wasn't in shape "enough".  Who knows, maybe he sticks around in town for another week.  Why not?

Quote from: Mick on October 24, 2024, 03:57:31 PM2024-10-23    MTL    LINDSEY, Tyjon    WR    A    Oregon State    ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER    Game Roster

Mack could still be partial injury.  I was shocked when he showed back up in games a couple of weeks ago.  His injury mid-season looked season-ending.

If Mack was ailing, why risk him getting destroyed in a nothing game?  Save him for the EDF where it really counts.  Maybe he's MTL's version of our 2023 Schoen.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 25, 2024, 07:47:25 AMCould also mean a pontential bad injury turned out to be not so bad.  Like BA37.

Or Taylor thought he was in shape, but wasn't in shape "enough".  Who knows, maybe he sticks around in town for another week.  Why not?

I read elsewhere that Jeff Hamilton mentioned BA had an operation on his hand and is done for the season, but I have not been able to verify that so it may not be true.