Quote from: Blue In BC on June 23, 2025, 03:22:01 PMRe-watch any Bomber game and look to see whether Thomas is on the field when the opponent makes a big play. That is a lack of pressure / contain less than when Lawson is on the field. This is not to say Lawson is perfect but it's almost predictable that Thomas is a larger deficit and the opponent more likely to make a big play.
Note that I suggest a similar thing when Gauthier is on defence. Although he's getting less reps and those are usually in very short field position in the red zone. I question whether he's the best option essentially as a run stopper inside our 10 yard line.
Gauthier and Thomas are good depth players that help us win. Gauthier's reps are likely less now, not sure. I like him on run D (in the past). I see Thomas continuing to help this club. Lawson will develop in time and will learn from Thomas and his teammates. Yes Thomas will get beat and won't contribute on each down. He is strong, steady, consistent and never gets hurt. I am with techno and believe he has provided a couple examples of the value Thomas bring. He just does his job well, play in play out. I like how Thomas can stop the run. I like the power he has to push the OL. I like how he gets double teamed sometimes. He does a lot of hard work to help his teammates who are better athletes make plays. I haven't watch Gauthier this year at all. Anyone see how many reps he gets or if he has made any plays? I am not sure at all on him (this year). I greatly value the consistency that Thomas and Gauthier have provided this ball club. Can't all be ballers. These are the glue depth guys with the right passport.
Both will get beat at their ages, but they will also make plays and do a lot of things most won't notice but are consistent and steady. Their influence on the club is starting to set, they are old but I believe still a part of our dominance on D, even if they don't jump out of the page and / or get beat sometimes.
You present some valid points, we have a different take on both players and that's ok. I haven't paid enough attention to see the comparison between Thomas and Lawson this year. Will be interesting to see how that develops and if others have insight on it thus far.
Quote from: Jesse on June 23, 2025, 08:27:24 PMI can't stand how you admit to not paying attention but go ahead and argue the point against people who have anyway.
I can't stand how you chime in just for the sake of taking a personal shot. Saying I'm not paying attention is a false statement. I provided some detail about Thomas's game that I like. Been watching him for a decade. No secret what he does for us and what he can't do. I didn't present an argument for or against Gauthier other than my general thoughts. I wasn't arguing a point, I was having a discussion here. You are really stretching here. We all come on here to talk Bombers and I value everyone's input. I like to provide mine. Nobody is right or wrong, we all have our take on the club and league.
I stand by what I said. Gauthier is good against the run (in the past). I also don't know how many reps he has taken this year. I was hoping that others would chime in on Gauthier this year.
I stand by what I have said about Thomas. I don't have enough comparison this season between him and Lawson. Perhaps other posters have more info on the subject. I like both players. I am happy that we continue to give Thomas reps and are developing Lawson. I like how the team is approaching the roster decisions and playing time of our DL.
Notice in my post I said to BnBC that he presents some valid points. I provided a balanced and respectful reply to what he said and do believe he made some good points on the topic.
I would suggest that if you don't like what I post then please ignore me. We are all here to talk and debate football. There is no need to make this personal. Chime in on Gauthier / Thomas / Lawson, that would be welcome here.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2025, 01:24:27 PMThis is awesome dude. The anti Thomas herd has thinned out a bit it seams. So proud of what he was done for this club.
Everyone can say what they want about Thomas, but there's one incredible point everyone seems to miss: Fatboi never really changes, never really gets worse, doesn't seem to be aging.
Many say he is aging or getting slower or whatever, but they're wrong. He's always been precisely this! People say he has less impact, but he's always been middle of the pack and nothing more.
This is precisely why he seems to be on the roster until the end of time. He is precisely what he is, and Mafia knows exactly what that is, and he stays that way. No surprises. If they didn't can him for being him 5 seasons ago, why would they do so now? Nonsense.
But anyone who dismisses Fatboi isn't watching all the mayhem he's causing back there. They're not watching how he's plowing over top 350lb OL multiple times a game. They're not watching him getting his mitt back there in the face of the QB when he thinks he's safe to throw. And he does this every game.
I don't care about the stat sheet for him. And I promise you Mafia doesn't care either. As long as he keeps doing what he's been doing for a decade, and we haven't found the next next NAT DT (need 2!), he'll be on the AR in some capacity.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 24, 2025, 06:17:18 PMLawson is coming back from a serious injury and it takes awhile to get back to game speed. Lawson is already taking reps that Thomas would have been getting so this is likely to continue. Lawson missed the entire 2024 season.
I also think that the coaches adjust to accommodate his deficiencies. That means more 34 fronts as one of the options.
Even when Lawson is 100% there will still be plenty of rotation with Jake, if anyone is going to eventually replace him it has to be Schmeck or Kornelson, and it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. The narrative that Jake is a liability to the team is unfounded lunacy and it's spread like propaganda by a handful of people.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 24, 2025, 08:48:34 PMEven when Lawson is 100% there will still be plenty of rotation with Jake, if anyone is going to eventually replace him it has to be Schmeck or Kornelson, and it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. The narrative that Jake is a liability to the team is unfounded lunacy and it's spread like propaganda by a handful of people.
Both forums think he should be pushed to more of a back up role. Go read 3rd down more. Even here I'd suggest more agree with that idea than support him as a starter.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 24, 2025, 08:48:34 PMEven when Lawson is 100% there will still be plenty of rotation with Jake, if anyone is going to eventually replace him it has to be Schmeck or Kornelson, and it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. The narrative that Jake is a liability to the team is unfounded lunacy and it's spread like propaganda by a handful of people.
Agree with most, our strength is our rotation and Thomas will get his reps
Some folks claimed that Jake wasn't good enough when he came back to the club after a brief break. Some argue year after year he isn't good enough. Yes some say he is a liability. They have been proven wrong time and time again. Props to those that have shown Fatboi the love. Well earned.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 24, 2025, 09:17:08 PMBoth forums think he should be pushed to more of a back up role. Go read 3rd down more. Even here I'd suggest more agree with that idea than support him as a starter.
Ah they must be right over there if it's posted as such
Thomas has been and remains an important part of this club.
Lawson shows promise and will take his turns and will play more and more when the time is right. As he builds confidence in himself and management sees him get back to game shape he will be an important rotational piece. I like em both, best of both worlds imo.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 24, 2025, 05:05:36 PMYou think the coaching staff doesn't watch what Jake does and evaluate accurately his effectiveness in film breakdown, game in and game out? One thing about Jake, he puts in 100% effort every play from start to finish, no matter how many snaps he plays. Adams has looked great a few times, but in both games he's faded away badly and becomes a non-factor later in the game.
Well said agree all, Thomas is strong, consistent and never gets hurt, won't jump of the page but is steady and doesn't disappear
Quote from: theaardvark on June 24, 2025, 08:15:04 PMBoth Thomas and Lawson were getting deep into the backfield. Repeatedly. Which forces the QB out.
Against a mobile QB, it puts things into the DE and LB's hands to finish him off.
No soft pockets with Thomas and Lawson bullrushing.
Facts are presented above imo
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 24, 2025, 09:17:08 PMBoth forums think he should be pushed to more of a back up role. Go read 3rd down more. Even here I'd suggest more agree with that idea than support him as a starter.
The other forum has had a hate-on for Fatboi forever. This forum is more of a split.
But everyone agrees Jake is no Nevis. But who cares. Nevis didn't give us the ratio. Nevis had a mega-short career. Nevis bailed on us. Who provided more overall value to the team, even though Nevis was 3X the DT Fatboi is?
Sometimes you need to start Clericius instead of the next Kenny because that's what you have to do in the CFL. I'd rather it be Fatboi than a nothingburger like Ternowski when it comes to filling the ratio.
It's not really as bad as you make it sound. He's often more noticeable than the other NAT DTs in the league, and certain had more longevity. And in the end you'll get your wish because he can't keep it up forever and Lawson is right there to be the next man up.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 25, 2025, 07:21:10 AMThe other forum has had a hate-on for Fatboi forever. This forum is more of a split.
But everyone agrees Jake is no Nevis. But who cares. Nevis didn't give us the ratio. Nevis had a mega-short career. Nevis bailed on us. Who provided more overall value to the team, even though Nevis was 3X the DT Fatboi is?
Sometimes you need to start Clericius instead of the next Kenny because that's what you have to do in the CFL. I'd rather it be Fatboi than a nothingburger like Ternowski when it comes to filling the ratio.
It's not really as bad as you make it sound. He's often more noticeable than the other NAT DTs in the league, and certain had more longevity. And in the end you'll get your wish because he can't keep it up forever and Lawson is right there to be the next man up.
Well written, bang on. Sure happy we have you here bud. We haven't always seen eye to eye but this year we have. Can you just please lie to me and say Zach can throw 50 yards 😪. I am even starting to agree with you on that one. Admitting is the 1st step lol.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 25, 2025, 07:21:10 AMThe other forum has had a hate-on for Fatboi forever. This forum is more of a split.
But everyone agrees Jake is no Nevis. But who cares. Nevis didn't give us the ratio. Nevis had a mega-short career. Nevis bailed on us. Who provided more overall value to the team, even though Nevis was 3X the DT Fatboi is?
Sometimes you need to start Clericius instead of the next Kenny because that's what you have to do in the CFL. I'd rather it be Fatboi than a nothingburger like Ternowski when it comes to filling the ratio.
It's not really as bad as you make it sound. He's often more noticeable than the other NAT DTs in the league, and certain had more longevity. And in the end you'll get your wish because he can't keep it up forever and Lawson is right there to be the next man up.
We see the same comments on this forum about Thomas that he should be more back up than starter. Anyway, we don't want to hijack the game thread. Start a poll or new thread.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:18:08 PMWe see the same comments on this forum about Thomas.
Not really.
The only thing we see about Thomas here is that he's an effective rotational player and is set up perfectly with Lawson back.
Last year was not the plan. Thomas had to take more snaps than anyone wanted because Lawson was injured and the young DTs were not ready.
Quote from: Jesse on June 25, 2025, 01:29:51 PMNot really.
The only thing we see about Thomas here is that he's an effective rotational player and is set up perfectly with Lawson back.
Last year was not the plan. Thomas had to take more snaps than anyone wanted because Lawson was injured and the young DTs were not ready.
You just proved my point. Rotational player not starter as his role.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:35:19 PMYou just proved my point. Rotational player not starter as his role.
Because the word "starter" in our defence doesn't mean anything.
If at the end of the season,Thomas and Lawson have the same amount of snaps, who do you want to call the starter? It's an arbitrary word.
Quote from: Jesse on June 25, 2025, 01:40:52 PMBecause the word "starter" in our defence doesn't mean anything.
If at the end of the season,Thomas and Lawson have the same amount of snaps, who do you want to call the starter? It's an arbitrary word.
That's a pretty thin argument. It's not a question about where he's listed on the depth chart. I asked earlier if anyone had a rep count so far in 2025. The context of the argument is that he should be getting less reps as time progresses and Lawson gets up to game speed.
Any player getting more than 50% of the reps then is the starter and not the back up.
It's about whether he has become less effective and frequently washed out of plays to the point where he's a liability on the field.
We're seeing Lawson starting to look good and even Kornelson is getting on the field more in rotation.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:53:58 PMThat's a pretty thin argument. It's not a question about where he's listed on the depth chart. I asked earlier if anyone had a rep count so far in 2025. The context of the argument is that he should be getting less reps as time progresses and Lawson gets up to game speed.
Any player getting more than 50% of the reps then is the starter and not the back up.
It's about whether he has become less effective and frequently washed out of plays to the point where he's a liability on the field.
We're seeing Lawson starting to look good and even Kornelson is getting on the field more in rotation.
1. You first claimed that posters here were saying the same as the other board. They're not. The other board wants Jake cut, we simply accept that his value increases when he's being spelled. I think both boards expect Lawson's involvement to continue to grow.
2. No one counts reps in the CFL. Something I enjoy seeing after NFL games, but alas, we don't get that info. Your 50% marker is irrelevant for out defence, imo. The defence show's a 4-3 line up when that's not always how we line up. DL are coming off, extra LBs or DBs are coming in. If Jake gets 55 reps and Lawson gets 51 reps and Griffin get 47 reps, is Jake the only "starter"?. I just think you're being very black and white about things that are in shades of gray.
Quote from: Jesse on June 25, 2025, 02:06:28 PM1. You first claimed that posters here were saying the same as the other board. They're not. The other board wants Jake cut, we simply accept that his value increases when he's being spelled. I think both boards expect Lawson's involvement to continue to grow.
2. No one counts reps in the CFL. Something I enjoy seeing after NFL games, but alas, we don't get that info. Your 50% marker is irrelevant for out defence, imo. The defence show's a 4-3 line up when that's not always how we line up. DL are coming off, extra LBs or DBs are coming in. If Jake gets 55 reps and Lawson gets 51 reps and Griffin get 47 reps, is Jake the only "starter"?. I just think you're being very black and white about things that are in shades of gray.
There are a few on both sites that suggest he should be cut. I've said that in the past. The catch last year was Lawson getting injured. The other aspect is we use a DT as part of our ratio. Last year our imports were not very good and we had lots of injuries.
We know O'Shea loves to consider everybody including PR players as " starters".
Regardless it was possible at times that we could have had 2 import DT's on the AR taking away reps from the Canadians. We also lined up 3 DE's often instead of a usual DL.
The 50% marker is just a comparison between Lawson and Thomas. It is not a reflection of total plays or whether we're in various defensive sets. Using Griffin in the equation is irrelevant. He's not lining up and taking on a role a DT might take.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 02:31:57 PMThe catch last year was Lawson getting injured.
This is the thing for me. Jake doesn't miss games and coaches love that. DURABLE. Don't think he has missed a game since 2016.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:35:19 PMYou just proved my point. Rotational player not starter as his role.
Every DT is a rotational player because they're engaged in an ongoing wrestling match which is exhausting, you'll never see one play an entire game like a DE sometimes does.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 25, 2025, 05:25:51 PMEvery DT is a rotational player because they're engaged in an ongoing wrestling match which is exhausting, you'll never see one play an entire game like a DE sometimes does.
We all know that but we have the choice of adding Schmekel as depth and have chosen to not do that at the moment. Kornelson is getting some of the reps. Ratio doesn't allow us to have an import DT on the AR to spread the load. Our import DT's in 2024 were rookies and not good enough to dictate a ratio change.
In fact we don't have a healthy import DT at the moment. Bailey and Person are both lighter and speed players.
Woods was moved to 6 game IR before the 2nd game. Nothing really telling us when or if he'll be available. We might see someone added to the PR in the next week or so.
QuoteThe other forum has had a hate-on for Fatboi forever. This forum is more of a split.
The other forum also has people who think Holm is bad. Kramdi is bad. We are starting the wrong Jones. Quite a few there want to fire O'Shea. Comical Stuff.
Thomas ties up two blockers regularly. He doesn't physically look like he should be able to, but he does.
Lawson.... That guy is a force.
Quote from: markf on June 25, 2025, 10:51:39 PMThe other forum also has people who think Holm is bad. Kramdi is bad. We are starting the wrong Jones. Quite a few there want to fire O'Shea. Comical Stuff.
Thomas ties up two blockers regularly. He doesn't physically look like he should be able to, but he does.
Lawson.... That guy is a force.
I don't go on there much but some folks on here dumped on Kramdi pretty hard when he was learning his trade, while others including me seen the talent early on. He got torched a bit but that's the best way to learn!
I can't believe anyone would dump on Holm. Lots on here wanted Hall and MOS gone a few years ago. Seen it all. Yup Thomas can demand a double team and Lawson if we are lucky will continue to develop and have the longevity we have enjoyed with Thomas.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 02:31:57 PMThere are a few on both sites that suggest he should be cut. I've said that in the past. The catch last year was Lawson getting injured. The other aspect is we use a DT as part of our ratio. Last year our imports were not very good and we had lots of injuries.
We know O'Shea loves to consider everybody including PR players as " starters".
Regardless it was possible at times that we could have had 2 import DT's on the AR taking away reps from the Canadians. We also lined up 3 DE's often instead of a usual DL.
The 50% marker is just a comparison between Lawson and Thomas. It is not a reflection of total plays or whether we're in various defensive sets. Using Griffin in the equation is irrelevant. He's not lining up and taking on a role a DT might take.
Those that suggest Thomas should have been cut were wrong imo. Don't get better by deleting a proven steady Canadian.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:53:58 PMThat's a pretty thin argument. It's not a question about where he's listed on the depth chart. I asked earlier if anyone had a rep count so far in 2025. The context of the argument is that he should be getting less reps as time progresses and Lawson gets up to game speed.
Any player getting more than 50% of the reps then is the starter and not the back up.
It's about whether he has become less effective and frequently washed out of plays to the point where he's a liability on the field.
We're seeing Lawson starting to look good and even Kornelson is getting on the field more in rotation.
The continued suggestion that Thomas could be a liability on the field isn't correct imo. We rotate enough to keep everyone fresh imo.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:53:58 PMIt's about whether he has become less effective and frequently washed out of plays to the point where he's a liability on the field.
Reread my post about him always being him.
List the ways he's "become less effective"... now subtract the list of ways you (and other people) have said the same about for years.
I bet you can't find a single bad thing about him that hasn't been said about him for about 10 years. And if he was rostered then, then why wouldn't we roster him now?
Wake me up when he actually gets "worse".
Oh ya, also, "frequently washed out of plays" describes what our OL does to most DTs on most plays. So ya, not gonna bash Fatboi on that one. If you watch the way most teams stop our runs, it's LBers stuffing holes or DEs/LBs getting around the edge to stop them while the blocks are setting up. The latter being much more common lately (grrrr).
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 25, 2025, 01:16:00 PMCan you just please lie to me and say Zach can throw 50 yards 😪. I am even starting to agree with you on that one. Admitting is the 1st step lol.
Zach can throw 50 yards. There, I said it and it's true! However, the ball will be at the RECs feet by the time it gets there, and thus INTed.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 26, 2025, 06:31:45 AMZach can throw 50 yards. There, I said it and it's true! However, the ball will be at the RECs feet by the time it gets there, and thus INTed.
Lol, fact. I think you are right but I also hope to see some air on the ball tonight! With zip!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 26, 2025, 06:30:00 AMReread my post about him always being him.
List the ways he's "become less effective"... now subtract the list of ways you (and other people) have said the same about for years.
I bet you can't find a single bad thing about him that hasn't been said about him for about 10 years. And if he was rostered then, then why wouldn't we roster him now?
Wake me up when he actually gets "worse".
Oh ya, also, "frequently washed out of plays" describes what our OL does to most DTs on most plays. So ya, not gonna bash Fatboi on that one. If you watch the way most teams stop our runs, it's LBers stuffing holes or DEs/LBs getting around the edge to stop them while the blocks are setting up. The latter being much more common lately (grrrr).
Well if you think he isn't slower than he was 10 years ago, you don't know much. We've often had Canadians that weren't good enough but it's all we could accomplish. Hurl as a starting MLB? Who was that Canadian safety we had before we moved to Alexander?
Our Canadian talent has improved as has our depth. We have 4 draft choices form 2025 that made the AR. Another is on the PR and we traded to get Peterson.
It will be the same next spring when we draft more players. There will be current players that we move on from.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 26, 2025, 01:22:25 AMI don't go on there much but some folks on here dumped on Kramdi pretty hard when he was learning his trade, while others including me seen the talent early on. He got torched a bit but that's the best way to learn!
I can't believe anyone would dump on Holm. Lots on here wanted Hall and MOS gone a few years ago. Seen it all. Yup Thomas can demand a double team and Lawson if we are lucky will continue to develop and have the longevity we have enjoyed with Thomas.
Those that suggest Thomas should have been cut were wrong imo. Don't get better by deleting a proven steady Canadian.
The continued suggestion that Thomas could be a liability on the field isn't correct imo. We rotate enough to keep everyone fresh imo.
You mean by not deleting players like Noah Hallett, Augustine or Woli for example? Rosters are always changing. A time comes for every player including Canadians.
Augustine and Woli played 6 and 7 seasons respectively and close to 100 games. That's about 1/2 the total for Thomas.
Nobody rests on their laurels forever.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 12:56:18 PMYou mean by not deleting players like Noah Hallett, Augustine or Woli for example? Rosters are always changing. A time comes for every player including Canadians.
Augustine and Woli played 6 and 7 seasons respectively and close to 100 games. That's about 1/2 the total for Thomas.
Nobody rests on their laurels forever.
We all know rosters change. Yes we are well aware players can't play forever. I was specifically speaking to deleting Thomas in my post. Excited for Lawson to take the torch (soonish).
Woli is a great example of not getting better by deletion, we will miss him. Like Thomas nothing but rock steady! That said we found a couple decent replacements.
Hallett was a fringe players that is a weak comparison to what Thomas has contributed to this club. Augustine contributed and showed promised but didn't impact like Thomas has. I liked Johnny though!
I believe folks were wrong when they said we should have cut Thomas and the performance on the field of our defense and the Bomber brass would agree.
Nobody said Thomas would play forever, stretching here imo
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 12:52:15 PMWell if you think he isn't slower than he was 10 years ago, you don't know much. We've often had Canadians that weren't good enough but it's all we could accomplish. Hurl as a starting MLB? Who was that Canadian safety we had before we moved to Alexander?
Our Canadian talent has improved as has our depth. We have 4 draft choices form 2025 that made the AR. Another is on the PR and we traded to get Peterson.
It will be the same next spring when we draft more players. There will be current players that we move on from.
Don't agree with the comparisons. Hurl was terrible.
You clearly don't value our depth / role Canadian players like Thomas and Woli, that's ok but Techno and I do!
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 26, 2025, 01:44:29 PMWe all know rosters change. Yes we are well aware players can't play forever. I was specifically speaking to deleting Thomas in my post. Excited for Lawson to take the torch (soonish).
Woli is a great example of not getting better by deletion, we will miss him. Like Thomas nothing but rock steady! That said we found a couple decent replacements.
Augustine and Hallett are fringe players that are a weak comparison to what Thomas has contributed to this club.
I believe folks were wrong when they said we should have cut Thomas and the performance on the field of our defense and the Bomber brass would agree.
Nobody said Thomas would play forever, stretching here imo
Don't agree with the comparisons. Hurl was terrible.
You clearly don't value our depth / role Canadian players like Thomas and Woli, that's ok but Techno and I do!
I always value depth. I ask the same question every year. Who are at the bottom of the list by ranking them. Whether by age, injury history, SMS hit or replacements in the pipeline.
Going into 2026 there will be same question knowing that we draft 8 or 9 players and 3 - 5 will make the AR. A few players will leave one way or the other. It's not difficult to think the oldest will be targeted somewhat.
Teams often keep players beyond their best before dates because of the ratio. I don't know if Schmekel will be good down the line. I do know we're paying him full salary on the 1 game IR. That can't continue forever. We may not have known that Lawson would recover completely and quickly and get up to game speed. In that sense they needed to commit to Thomas.
BTW. Hurl was terrible but O'Shea was always saying how good and valuable he was. So you have to take what coaches say and do with a grain of salt. Supply and demand forces some choices.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 02:05:29 PMI always value depth. I ask the same question every year. Who are at the bottom of the list by ranking them. Whether by age, injury history, SMS hit or replacements in the pipeline.
Going into 2026 there will be same question knowing that we draft 8 or 9 players and 3 - 5 will make the AR. A few players will leave one way or the other. It's not difficult to think the oldest will be targeted somewhat.
Teams often keep players beyond their best before dates because of the ratio. I don't know if Schmekel will be good down the line. I do know we're paying him full salary on the 1 game IR. That can't continue forever. We may not have known that Lawson would recover completely and quickly and get up to game speed. In that sense they needed to commit to Thomas.
BTW. Hurl was terrible but O'Shea was always saying how good and valuable he was. So you have to take what coaches say and do with a grain of salt. Supply and demand forces some choices.
Techno and I and other like what Thomas does because of his play and what we see, not because of what MOS says. At the time Hurl had value as he was all we had and was Canadian. We all knew he wasn't the answer, just a temp. placeholder until we found another option.
Agree supply and demand played a role.
Thomas has remained employed mostly because of his play and passport imo.
The same thing happens with imports. We decided to not re-sign either Bighill or Alexander. Both could have been decent back ups but we choose to go with younger, less expensive players like Ayers and so on. I even suggested Bighill would make a good DI but also struggled with having so many other import LB's.
Both were long time fan favourites but their decline was obvious even to the most loyal. Add in injury history and SMS hit, then it was a clear choice.
Our starting secondary is very good but I'm not sure what happens if we have an injury. Vaval might get bumped by Logan eventually. Griffith can step in a varied role as a starter but it all depends on who gets hurt and when.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 04:24:58 PMThe same thing happens with imports. We decided to not re-sign either Bighill or Alexander. Both could have been decent back ups but we choose to go with younger, less expensive players like Ayers and so on. I even suggested Bighill would make a good DI but also struggled with having so many other import LB's.
Both were long time fan favourites but their decline was obvious even to the most loyal. Add in injury history and SMS hit, then it was a clear choice.
Our starting secondary is very good but I'm not sure what happens if we have an injury. Vaval might get bumped by Logan eventually. Griffith can step in a varied role as a starter but it all depends on who gets hurt and when.
Bighill was hurt bad and that's why we moved on
Alexander lost a step and we had better options
Yeah I loved them both and believe Biggie brought us our #1d swagger (I made a sign to the effect his 1st game)
Thomas remains our best current option to rotate and teach Lawson the ropes and we are in good shape
I love our depth at LB and agree our secondary is great
End is near for Fatboi but not now, hope eats tonight or opens up space for others to feast
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 26, 2025, 04:28:39 PMBighill was hurt bad and that's why we moved on
Alexander lost a step and we had better options
Thomas remains our best current option to rotate and teach Lawson the ropes and we are in good shape
I love our depth at LB and agree our secondary is great
Canadians have that advantage. I don't know if Schmekel will ever be a good player. I agree Thomas might be the best current option but what option did we have in free agency or in the draft?
The best current option is a tough sell when there are always things that might have been done. I mentioned Samson although we used him as a trading chip to get Peterson and Bailey. Samson is unproven. However we always have the option to trade for a better option which would become the back up. Or free agency.
We'd need to know all the ins and outs of trade considerations and draft considerations. I can't say they considered anything except retaining him. OTOH, they may have tried and deemed he was the best choice in a given moment in time.
I'd be interested to know what they think about Schmekel. Draft pick # were nearly the same. Of course every draft is different but Schmekel picked at # 36 is not a bad pick.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 04:37:57 PMCanadians have that advantage. I don't know if Schmekel will ever be a good player. I agree Thomas might be the best current option but what option did we have in free agency or in the draft?
The best current option is a tough sell when there are always things that might have been done. I mentioned Samson although we used him as a trading chip to get Peterson and Bailey. Samson is unproven. However we always have the option to trade for a better option which would become the back up. Or free agency.
We'd need to know all the ins and outs of trade considerations and draft considerations. I can't say they considered anything except retaining him. OTOH, they may have tried and deemed he was the best choice in a given moment in time.
I'd be interested to know what they think about Schmekel. Draft pick # were nearly the same. Of course every draft is different but Schmekel picked at # 36 is not a bad pick.
It looks pretty clear, he's on the one game IR now but they initially assigned him to the PR, unless injured, he's behind Lawson, Thomas and rookie Kornelson.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 26, 2025, 05:28:41 PMIt looks pretty clear, he's on the one game IR now but they initially assigned him to the PR, unless injured, he's behind Lawson, Thomas and rookie Kornelson.
Both were drafted in 2023. Schmekel at # 35 and Kornelson at # 44. Kornelson went back to school but Schmekel played a bit in 2023 and 2024. That would suggest either there is an injury or he was beaten out in TC and pre-season.
I'm going to have to watch Kornelson to see how he's doing and how many reps he's getting. Too small a sample to know what his future is at the moment.
From a business point of view I don't like the idea we're paying players on 1 game IR to NOT play. I understand why that is happening but the CFL needs to figure out the new SMS and what to do in 2026.
I've often said, even before the SMS increase to increase the roster size. I'd settle for 2 more Canadians to aid in development but I'd prefer 1 more DI and 1 more Canadian.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 05:48:38 PMBoth were drafted in 2023. Schmekel at # 35 and Kornelson at # 44. Kornelson went back to school but Schmekel played a bit in 2023 and 2024. That would suggest either there is an injury or he was beaten out in TC and pre-season.
I'm going to have to watch Kornelson to see how he's doing and how many reps he's getting. Too small a sample to know what his future is at the moment.
From a business point of view I don't like the idea we're paying players on 1 game IR to NOT play. I understand why that is happening but the CFL needs to figure out the new SMS and what to do in 2026.
I've often said, even before the SMS increase to increase the roster size. I'd settle for 2 more Canadians to aid in development but I'd prefer 1 more DI and 1 more Canadian.
I like it, maybe the list has the wrong name but it allows them to keep an active reserve squad of players that are good enough to contribute immediately which differentiates them from PR players. Once injuries start to crop up it's going to be very helpful, without it they may have already lost Jon Jones, Vanterpool, Schmeck and Mitchell if they weren't willing to accept PR wages.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 26, 2025, 06:29:46 PMI like it, maybe the list has the wrong name but it allows them to keep an active reserve squad of players that are good enough to contribute immediately which differentiates them from PR players. Once injuries start to crop up it's going to be very helpful, without it they may have already lost Jon Jones, Vanterpool, Schmeck and Mitchell if they weren't willing to accept PR wages.
I get that but my pitch is to increase the size of the roster in 2026. I've suggested 2 and I've suggested 4. Two more DI's and 2 Canadians with a possible reduction of the PR size by 2.
If we don't increase the size of the roster we probably see the extra SMS spread around to a small number of the highest paid players.
I'd rather see 2 more players than top QB's salaries rising to $800K as an example.
2025 is kind of a make do because the revenue sharing didn't have a proper implementation plan.
It's also a bit dangerous if we end up actually needing to add more injured players to the 1 game IR during the season.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 07:52:09 PMI get that but my pitch is to increase the size of the roster in 2026. I've suggested 2 and I've suggested 4. Two more DI's and 2 Canadians with a possible reduction of the PR size by 2.
If we don't increase the size of the roster we probably see the extra SMS spread around to a small number of the highest paid players.
I'd rather see 2 more players than top QB's salaries rising to $800K as an example.
2025 is kind of a make do because the revenue sharing didn't have a proper implementation plan.
It's also a bit dangerous if we end up actually needing to add more injured players to the 1 game IR during the season.
Sure that would work, might as well dress them if they're healthy, if a game gets out of hand they're available for further evaluation helps players above them stay focused.
It wasn't best game for our DL but it wasn't the worst either. Made Ford beat with his passing game and he's not there yet.
In 3 games in the 2025 season, Thomas has yet to record a tackle. None. Zippo. Zilch. Nuff said on this
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 27, 2025, 03:44:11 AMIt wasn't best game for our DL but it wasn't the worst either. Made Ford beat with his passing game and he's not there yet.
Weird rotation at DT, Jake was out there 90% of the time, Lawson didn't play much till the 2nd Q, and Adams didn't play much in the 4th, saw Kornelson less than a handful of times. Don't know if some of these guys are nursing injuries or if their game stamina is low, Jake is the ultimate energizer bunny.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 27, 2025, 04:28:35 AMWeird rotation at DT, Jake was out there 90% of the time, Lawson didn't play much till the 2nd Q, and Adams didn't play much in the 4th, saw Kornelson less than a handful of times. Don't know if some of these guys are nursing injuries or if their game stamina is low, Jake is the ultimate energizer bunny.
I think it was Lawson that rushed Ford into throwing that near pick by Bonds that was overturned on replay. I speed re-watched the game this morning. It's hard to see the different combinations of players coming in and going out. Overall for the most I think they made ford uncomfortable. The contained him from running but he is a very elusive QB that did buy some time.
Watching T.Jones sack him once was amazing.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 27, 2025, 04:28:35 AMWeird rotation at DT, Jake was out there 90% of the time, Lawson didn't play much till the 2nd Q, and Adams didn't play much in the 4th, saw Kornelson less than a handful of times. Don't know if some of these guys are nursing injuries or if their game stamina is low, Jake is the ultimate energizer bunny.
Assuming that's true, you never know what the long term thinking is with Lawson getting that knee fully back. It's usually year two you start to feel really comfortable and it's only been about a month since he started playing after sitting out most of camp. It was also a short week which would factor in for a guy like that coming off the injury he had.
Just because he's playing again doesn't mean there's not still some medical and strategic decision making around making sure he's ramping up in a responsible way.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 27, 2025, 02:12:20 PMI think it was Lawson that rushed Ford into throwing that near pick by Bonds that was overturned on replay. I speed re-watched the game this morning. It's hard to see the different combinations of players coming in and going out. Overall for the most I think they made ford uncomfortable. The contained him from running but he is a very elusive QB that did buy some time.
Watching T.Jones sack him once was amazing.
Lawson definitely has the skill and the speed to make big plays, more so than any other DT I would say. He's already made 4 or 5 big plays this season were he's gotten through to the QB and caused a sack, interception or havoc to occur. If he can stay healthy he's going to be a good one.
After 3 games the DTs have a grand total of 5 tackles. CL99,3. DA94,1. CK97,1. JT95, 0.
DEs. JV93, 6. WJ5 4, and 1 sack, and a head butt. lol.
TJ33 with 19 DTs, 1 ST, and 1 sack.
Cad with 7 STs, Ayers 5, and Hallett 3.
KW19 leads with 2 sacks
MB9 leads with 2 Int.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 26, 2025, 12:52:15 PMWell if you think he isn't slower than he was 10 years ago, you don't know much.
Ok, you list 1 theoretical attribute. Speed.
1) Is that it? The Fatboi detractors list so many bad things about him now. And you list just one that existed since his first few seasons?
2) You find me one person who said he was "fast" (the opposite of "slow") in his first few seasons. Or is it more likely he's never been fast?
My homework assignment was to find a negative attribute he has now
that he didn't have before. Not attributes he's
always had.
In other words, find me some plaudit he got in the past for which he now gets bashed. I'll wait...
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 26, 2025, 12:17:27 PMLol, fact. I think you are right but I also hope to see some air on the ball tonight! With zip!
He actually threw it a tad farther than last game! If you do the trig (I will do it later) it might be near 50 or even a touch beyond. However, 50 landing at the REC hip/chest area.
WFC also got my memo (or they're just as smart at film study, LOL) and Zach was letting it go a partial steamboat sooner. And that was all it took to reach the receivers without them having to stop/backtrack the underthrow. The best ones were still under 50.
Love to see it. Dialing Zach in early is imperative!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 28, 2025, 08:53:48 AMOk, you list 1 theoretical attribute. Speed.
1) Is that it? The Fatboi detractors list so many bad things about him now. And you list just one that existed since his first few seasons?
2) You find me one person who said he was "fast" (the opposite of "slow") in his first few seasons. Or is it more likely he's never been fast?
My homework assignment was to find a negative attribute he has now that he didn't have before. Not attributes he's always had.
In other words, find me some plaudit he got in the past for which he now gets bashed. I'll wait...
I've said he was slower, non athletic and seldom makes and impact. He isn't making tackles or getting sacks. Watch the last game. The best thing I might say is that he MIGHT have forced their RB's inside and helped prevent them from going outside. If he was slow to start his career and is slower now, that's not a good thing. I'd also say he's like any older player, not as quick or strong against younger players.
I seriously doubt that is done by design by a large DT against a faster RB.
It's been suggested he's getting 90% of the reps as Lawson is eased back into game form and shape. Lawson has 3 DT and Thomas has ZERO this year.
Not sure what you need to see or hear. Are we watching the same game? Like I said re-watch the last game or any game this year. I'll wait.
Feel free to create any form of highlight film.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 28, 2025, 01:36:07 PMI've said he was slower, non athletic and seldom makes and impact. He isn't making tackles or getting sacks. Watch the last game. The best thing I might say is that he MIGHT have forced their RB's inside and helped prevent them from going outside. If he was slow to start his career and is slower now, that's not a good thing. I'd also say he's like any older player, not as quick or strong against younger players.
I seriously doubt that is done by design by a large DT against a faster RB.
It's been suggested he's getting 90% of the reps as Lawson is eased back into game form and shape. Lawson has 3 DT and Thomas has ZERO this year.
Not sure what you need to see or hear. Are we watching the same game? Like I said re-watch the last game or any game this year. I'll wait.
Feel free to create any form of highlight film.
You are wrong that he seldom makes an impact. He has impacted many games for many years with sacks and fumble recoveries. He biggest impact is his consistency in using his strength and size to push the OL back and open holes for the faster and or more skilled players. I believe he will make an impact this year as well. His stats won't be impressive but he will continue to get it done while allowing Lawson to develop and recover on his terms.
Techno already previously detailed a couple situations where Thomas was making an impact. I am with Techno here. Thomas isn't a highlight machine though, he is a rock of consistency. I think he will record some stats this year but he isn't a highlight machine.
Non athletic is overstating the negative on his physical abilities. Yes he isn't the fastest but for a big man at his age he has an impressive ability to remain powerful enough to take on two OL at times. Athletic enough to play pro ball for what a decade?
With the number of reps he is getting, it proves that the Bomber brass continue to trust him to get it done. Our defense has been very good and Thomas has contributed to that through doing his assignments well and being consistent. We got play makers on this team that Thomas helps enable. Thomas is a glue guy that is part of our defensive puzzle. Not a corner piece but one somewhere in the middle, maybe the leaf piece on the cdn flag lol.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 28, 2025, 02:25:08 PMYou are wrong that he seldom makes an impact. He has impacted many games for many years with sacks and fumble recoveries. He biggest impact is his consistency in using his strength and size to push the OL back and open holes for the faster and or more skilled players. I believe he will make an impact this year as well. His stats won't be impressive but he will continue to get it done while allowing Lawson to develop and recover on his terms.
Techno already previously detailed a couple situations where Thomas was making an impact. I am with Techno here. Thomas isn't a highlight machine though, he is a rock of consistency. I think he will record some stats this year but he isn't a highlight machine.
Blah, blah, blah. What he did many years ago is just a load of crap. Consistency and not getting injured are nice but that and $5 gets you a cup of coffee. The point is what has he done for us lately. You just want to rest on past glories. I never said he never made an impact in his entire career.
Against the Elks, their DT's had a combined 5 DT's and stuffed our running game until the 4th Q. Adams was our only interior DT to make a DT and the Elks running game was pretty good throughout the game. So who was he opening holes for to make an impact? As I pointed out the Elks were stopping running plays at the LOS. The Bombers were making plays 4 - 6 yards beyond the LOS by their LB's and secondary. The Elks also won TOP and field position for most of the game as a result.
Ceresna ( an import ) has 194 DT's and 46 sacks in 94 games. Thomas has 157 DT's and 25 sacks in 208 games. While different teams have different strategies and may be on the field longer or less, it's just one example of player that makes an impact.
In Montreal
Uguak ( Canadian ) has 9 DT's this year
Oakman ( Import ) has 8 DT's this year
In Hamilton
Sayles ( import ) has played in 69 games and has 157 DT's and 25 sacks. That's about equal stat wise to Thomas in 208 games.
Fox ( import ) has 5 DT's. In 3 games last year in Winnipeg he had 3.
Our DL overall improved from 2024 due Vaughters and Lawson but our interior DL is still not good or a strength.
You know where I think yuo can take your use of " consistency ". That's just another word for average. Average is for back ups.
In 2025 we have 7 Canadian starters, where do you rank him in that group?
In 2024 we had 8 - 10 Canadian starters. where would you have ranked him in that group?
Copied from the other site. Yes I know he doesn't think much of Thomas either at this point in his career but he's just stating facts.
Speaking of Wheatfall..watch the first 2 defensive snaps by us after the kick off...watch the work of the dline and then look at the useless work of Thomas on snap 1...and Kornelson on snap 2...Thomas get no push..bullied...spun around...Kornelson meets his lineman..no push...gets pushed back.. and has no motor to get involved in play to try and assist in a sack....that's what we get with them...jackshit..and that's not just an isolated cherry pick...just a nice example of snap after snap for most part
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 28, 2025, 03:05:06 PMCopied from the other site. Yes I know he doesn't think much of Thomas either at this point in his career but he's just stating facts.
Speaking of Wheatfall..watch the first 2 defensive snaps by us after the kick off...watch the work of the dline and then look at the useless work of Thomas on snap 1...and Kornelson on snap 2...Thomas get no push..bullied...spun around...Kornelson meets his lineman..no push...gets pushed back.. and has no motor to get involved in play to try and assist in a sack....that's what we get with them...jackshit..and that's not just an isolated cherry pick...just a nice example of snap after snap for most part
No offence, if we want to read there, we will.
Form your own opinions and add them to the discussion.
Quote from: Jesse on June 28, 2025, 05:22:52 PMNo offence, but you have to stop cutting/pasting from other site. If we want to read there, we will.
Form your own opinions and add them to the discussion.
Those are the same as my opinion and just used as an example about others feeling the same thing. I'm still waiting to hear the pro Thomas show some specific examples of making a play in recent history. I'm being as objective as I can but it seems there is a " blind faith " contingent on the pro support side.
I have copied similar comments and opinions from this site and CFL stats as well. Information is information. I've compared results between our players and those on other teams. That's a pretty standard metric in forming an opinion.
The Bombers gave up 72 yards rushing in the 1st half. That's not good. It's pretty easy to watch those plays and see our DT's were not that effective.
Some could argue that was part of our defensive strategy to hamper the passing game. Possible but we're talking about an ineffective passing QB. You'd think we could have done better against the run. This was while the outcome of the game was still in doubt. I've re-watched the game and still come away with the same feeling as watching it live.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 28, 2025, 03:05:06 PMCopied from the other site. Yes I know he doesn't think much of Thomas either at this point in his career but he's just stating facts.
Speaking of Wheatfall..watch the first 2 defensive snaps by us after the kick off...watch the work of the dline and then look at the useless work of Thomas on snap 1...and Kornelson on snap 2...Thomas get no push..bullied...spun around...Kornelson meets his lineman..no push...gets pushed back.. and has no motor to get involved in play to try and assist in a sack....that's what we get with them...jackshit..and that's not just an isolated cherry pick...just a nice example of snap after snap for most part
Pretty much sums it up. Not hard to not get hurt when you don't do anything. Our interior DL is the weakness of our team, period. We can't be strong everywhere, but our weakest area is in between the DE's, and has been since Sayles left.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 28, 2025, 05:39:14 PMThose are the same as my opinion and just used as an example about others feeling the same thing. I'm still waiting to hear the pro Thomas show some specific examples of making a play in recent history. I'm being as objective as I can but it seems there is a " blind faith " contingent on the pro support side.
I have copied similar comments and opinions from this site and CFL stats as well. Information is information. I've compared results between our players and those on other teams. That's a pretty standard metric in forming an opinion.
The Bombers gave up 72 yards rushing in the 1st half. That's not good. It's pretty easy to watch those plays and see our DT's were not that effective.
Some could argue that was part of our defensive strategy to hamper the passing game. Possible but we're talking about an ineffective passing QB. You'd think we could have done better against the run. This was while the outcome of the game was still in doubt. I've re-watched the game and still come away with the same feeling as watching it live.
Jeezus man, Jake is playing 80% of the snaps, do you think that's out of charity or because they have no other options at DT? He's on the field for every critical play, 3rd down sneak, and goal line stand, because he understands his assignment and completes them, play after play after play. He's graded on a game by game basis, so it's not like he can slip by unnoticed. Do you believe Younger has no say in the personnel he deploys?
He's an old school DT, it's not about sacks and tackles, his job is to plug a gap and condense the pocket by pushing hard. Similar to Cleyon Laing in Ottawa anoher Natl DT who has started for 12 seasons, not because he's spectacular pass rusher but because he strong and provides a consistent and reliable presence.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 28, 2025, 06:15:49 PMJeezus man, Jake is playing 80% of the snaps, do you think that's out of charity or because they have no other options at DT? He's on the field for every critical play, 3rd down sneak, and goal line stand, because he understands his assignment and completes them, play after play after play. He's graded on a game by game basis, so it's not like he can slip by unnoticed. Do you believe Younger has no say in the personnel he deploys?
He's an old school DT, it's not about sacks and tackles, his job is to plug a gap and condense the pocket by pushing hard. Similar to Cleyon Laing in Ottawa anoher Natl DT who has started for 12 seasons, not because he's spectacular pass rusher but because he strong and provides a consistent and reliable presence.
It's been mentioned repeatedly that the team may be working Lawson back into game speed slowly. He's coming off of missing an entire season with a serious issue. The only other choice is Kornelson who has very little experience. So yes we have few options. I mentioned Uguak and referenced his stats. IIRC he was a free agent this spring. I don't know if we tried to sign him or he had any interest in leaving Montreal. Also not sure what his SMS cost was, however we signed Mitchell for $160K and J. Jones for $124K. Thomas probably close to $100K so how much delta between someone like Uguak?
We don't really know what the snap count is but that is a question I've asked.
Did we stop any 3rd and short on a running play? Did we stop a 3rd and goal? No we didn't, so hard to give the interior credit for those failures.
If his role is to fill a gap you better check out the last game and see how he didn't do that and watched as the RB ran past him. That's the point in a nutshell.
Old school? That's a laugh. Today is not old school CFL. Comparing him to Laing? He played 48 games less, had 59 more DT's and twice as many sacks at 50. Extrapolate that to an equivalent number of games. That's not a very good example on your part. Those are just facts in the comparison you suggested.
Choices come in free agency to fill the greatest area of weakness.
If I am playing the BB, I am running right up the gut on us, away from the outside rush and into the soft interior, I'd have whomever is linedup on JT to chip him and go second level to the MLB and you could run all day and night on us. I am shocked teams keep to the conventional CFL passing game against us, as our secondary is our strength and our interior DL is our weakness. Wisdom says attack the weakness.
Quote from: dd on June 28, 2025, 08:09:58 PMIf I am playing the BB, I am running right up the gut on us, away from the outside rush and into the soft interior, I'd have whomever is linedup on JT to chip him and go second level to the MLB and you could run all day and night on us. I am shocked teams keep to the conventional CFL passing game against us, as our secondary is our strength and our interior DL is our weakness. Wisdom says attack the weakness.
Stamps rushed for nearly 150 yards against the Redblacks. It will be a test to stop the run while trying to force Adams into errors.
Quote from: Jesse link=msg=1659103 date=175
Form your own opinions and add them to the discussion.
/quote]
Just because an opinion is posted elsewhere means nothing to me
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 28, 2025, 06:15:49 PMJeezus man, Jake is playing 80% of the snaps, do you think that's out of charity or because they have no other options at DT? He's on the field for every critical play, 3rd down sneak, and goal line stand, because he understands his assignment and completes them, play after play after play. He's graded on a game by game basis, so it's not like he can slip by unnoticed. Do you believe Younger has no say in the personnel he deploys?
He's an old school DT, it's not about sacks and tackles, his job is to plug a gap and condense the pocket by pushing hard. Similar to Cleyon Laing in Ottawa anoher Natl DT who has started for 12 seasons, not because he's spectacular pass rusher but because he strong and provides a consistent and reliable presence.
Well written, well said agree all, nice that now there are three amigos minimum on the Thomas train, props man props
Quote from: dd on June 28, 2025, 08:09:58 PMIf I am playing the BB, I am running right up the gut on us, away from the outside rush and into the soft interior, I'd have whomever is linedup on JT to chip him and go second level to the MLB and you could run all day and night on us. I am shocked teams keep to the conventional CFL passing game against us, as our secondary is our strength and our interior DL is our weakness. Wisdom says attack the weakness.
Nope, we are holding the other teams to under 100 yards a game and our run D has been strong
If our run D was weak it already would have been exposed
I hope they run on our middle our dl and deep rotational lbs will feast
Bring it
Quote from: dd on June 28, 2025, 06:04:05 PMPretty much sums it up. Not hard to not get hurt when you don't do anything. Our interior DL is the weakness of our team, period. We can't be strong everywhere, but our weakest area is in between the DE's, and has been since Sayles left.
Nah, he has contributed plenty, understating the significance of him staying healthy
Lots of tackles, sacks, ff and an int!
Jake Thomas - CFL.ca https://share.google/JHd0uVnExxG10kRFo
Man the stats at the top of his web page hit you like a shovel in the face- Defensive Tackles - 0, Special Teams Tackles - 0, Interceptions- 0, Sacks - 0. Total impact- 0. End of discussion.
Quote from: dd on June 29, 2025, 01:17:45 AMMan the stats at the top of his web page hit you like a shovel in the face- Defensive Tackles - 0, Special Teams Tackles - 0, Interceptions- 0, Sacks - 0. Total impact- 0. End of discussion.
Nah he does a lot of things well for over a decade
His stats are consistent and will pick up
Will never jump off the page
Discussion won't end until he retires, lol, some of us been defending Thomas for YEARS
I'll take a bet his stats this year if healthy and he gets reps will be slightly lower than his career average but still decent
Quote from: dd on June 27, 2025, 04:13:31 AMIn 3 games in the 2025 season, Thomas has yet to record a tackle. None. Zippo. Zilch. Nuff said on this
In 3 games Willie has only recorded 1.33 tackles a game. Near none. Near zilch. Nuff said on that?
Fire Willie?
Watch. The. Pressers. It's all about pressure. From my vantage point Fatboi has caused more pressure than Willie this season! And, for those really watching, Fatboi's motor keeps running until the whistle. Willie tries his 1-2 moves and then stops if they didn't work (until playoffs).
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 29, 2025, 03:59:03 AMIn 3 games Willie has only recorded 1.33 tackles a game. Near none. Near zilch. Nuff said on that?
Fire Willie?
Watch. The. Pressers. It's all about pressure. From my vantage point Fatboi has caused more pressure than Willie this season! And, for those really watching, Fatboi's motor keeps running until the whistle. Willie tries his 1-2 moves and then stops if they didn't work (until playoffs).
How many knockdowns has Willie had, forced fumbles?
Yeah, Thomas keeping running until the play is over but at that point he was just in chase mode and the offensive player is already down.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 28, 2025, 11:11:58 PMYeah it's getting annoying the cutting and pasting agree it's gotta stop
The 1st time I let it go but someone who feels that they need another forum to backup their point is on thin ice imo
Just because an opinion is posted elsewhere means nothing to me
Well written, well said agree all, nice that now there are three amigos minimum on the Thomas train, props man props
Nope, we are holding the other teams to under 100 yards a game and our run D has been strong
If our run D was weak it already would have been exposed
I hope they run on our middle our dl and deep rotational lbs will feast
Bring it
Nah, he has contributed plenty, understating the significance of him staying healthy
Lots of tackles, sacks, ff and an int!
Jake Thomas - CFL.ca https://share.google/JHd0uVnExxG10kRFo
It's annoying that you quote 4 different comments in one post rather than adding actual information / facts. How many times do we have to hear your main argument that he's played 200 games and seldom injured?
Assessment is always a comparison against others is similar roles whether on our team or others.
I've asked twice already: In 2024 and in 2025 where does Thomas rank against our starters?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 29, 2025, 03:59:03 AMIn 3 games Willie has only recorded 1.33 tackles a game. Near none. Near zilch. Nuff said on that?
Fire Willie?
Watch. The. Pressers. It's all about pressure. From my vantage point Fatboi has caused more pressure than Willie this season! And, for those really watching, Fatboi's motor keeps running until the whistle. Willie tries his 1-2 moves and then stops if they didn't work (until playoffs).
Willie has different responsibilities. I think the fair comparison is to compare Thomas to Lawson. Who is getting pressures and turning them into tackles with less time on the field.
And again, I'm fine with Thomas as a vet member of the team. I'm just with the proponate that thinks he's going to be able to be more effective with less reps. Willie too, for that matter - We've also needed a rotational DE since Kongbo left.
Quote from: Jesse on June 29, 2025, 01:27:56 PMWillie has different responsibilities. I think the fair comparison is to compare Thomas to Lawson. Who is getting pressures and turning them into tackles with less time on the field.
And again, I'm fine with Thomas as a vet member of the team. I'm just with the proponate that thinks he's going to be able to be more effective with less reps. Willie too, for that matter - We've also needed a rotational DE since Kongbo left.
Yes our DL is older and thin on bodies. At some point we might be able to flip the ratio. Person might get an opportunity to see some game time. Bailey as global could help and Weitz could get bumped.
Obviously we've got a lot of talent at LB but we need to be able to stop the run at the LOS and not 4 - 6 yards after. I think we've improved on not letting opponents get outside as often with any running attack. We're seeing a lot up the gut so to speak.
5 pages of discussion about one of the worst players on the team? SMH.
Quote from: TBURGESS on June 29, 2025, 02:04:41 PM5 pages of discussion about one of the worst players on the team? SMH.
I know, never has so much been said about someone who has done so little!!!
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 29, 2025, 01:37:32 PMYes our DL is older and thin on bodies. At some point we might be able to flip the ratio. Person might get an opportunity to see some game time. Bailey as global could help and Weitz could get bumped.
Obviously we've got a lot of talent at LB but we need to be able to stop the run at the LOS and not 4 - 6 yards after. I think we've improved on not letting opponents get outside as often with any running attack. We're seeing a lot up the gut so to speak.
They're giving up an average of 66 yds. on the ground per game, is that worthy of a lineup shuffle? I doubt the coaches are losing sleep at night. So far this season there isn't a paticipating player that has fallen short of expectations that has under-performed, they've all played remarkably well.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 29, 2025, 04:44:11 PMThey're giving up an average of 66 yds. on the ground per game, is that worthy of a lineup shuffle? I doubt the coaches are losing sleep at night. So far this season there isn't a paticipating player that has fallen short of expectations that has under-performed, they've all played remarkably well.
Agree all, our defense has been very good and has stopped the run well. Thomas has been part of a rotation this year and for over a decade simply getting the job done. I am excited to see if we can get some other players on our DL some more reps this year so we can continue to develop depth in this area.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 29, 2025, 04:44:11 PMThey're giving up an average of 66 yds. on the ground per game, is that worthy of a lineup shuffle? I doubt the coaches are losing sleep at night. So far this season there isn't a paticipating player that has fallen short of expectations that has under-performed, they've all played remarkably well.
If you read what I said, then possibly yes. Teams have been running less against us because they have been behind from the get go. A slight change of strategy might also work but we're going to be up against a better QB this week. Note that I pointed out a lack of youth on our DL. That can be an issue and possible scenario of injury.
The fact teams can run against us when they want to can become an issue. The Elks ran for 90 yards on 16 runs. Ford only had 6 yards on his 1 carry.
Mills is a better RB than the Elks have and he rushed for 96 yards on 15 carries.
We've only got 6 DL on the roster when other teams have 7 or 8. In the last game we were losing TOP and field position. That's much harder on the DL when rotation is more limited. Dropping in LB's means more space at the LOS and better runs by the opponent.
So if we get an early lead, then Calgary goes to more passing and less running at some point. Lots of factors in play here.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 29, 2025, 06:49:34 PMIf you read what I said, then possibly yes. Teams have been running less against us because they have been behind from the get go. A slight change of strategy might also work but we're going to be up against a better QB this week. Note that I pointed out a lack of youth on our DL. That can be an issue and possible scenario of injury.
The fact teams can run against us when they want to can become an issue. The Elks ran for 90 yards on 16 runs. Ford only had 6 yards on his 1 carry.
Mills is a better RB than the Elks have and he rushed for 96 yards on 15 carries.
We've only got 6 DL on the roster when other teams have 7 or 8. In the last game we were losing TOP and field position. That's much harder on the DL when rotation is more limited. Dropping in LB's means more space at the LOS and better runs by the opponent.
So if we get an early lead, then Calgary goes to more passing and less running at some point. Lots of factors in play here.
Great point. Our D hasn't been stopping the run, rather, we get up 14+ points in a game and the other team has to go pass heavy to try and generate some points quick. I'd pound the rock against us and at the very least, try and keep the ball out of our offenses hands.
Calgary's recieving corps is missing Begelton, so I am thinking they'll start out with running the ball as Mills is a very decent RB.
Quote from: dd on June 29, 2025, 03:25:42 PMI know, never has so much been said about someone who has done so little!!!
It's a pretty regular occurrence as guys get to the back 9 of their career.
https://youtu.be/E5nX6QTfFr4?si=k5eKFVgBEqyUwAVH
https://youtu.be/N09NFvgH3bA?si=yIDtH8UBKATNd8j-
Thomas highlights last two years