Why did Walters sign him to a extension? We need a younger quarterback, we had one in Dru Brown but that ship sailed. Streveler is not a starter or even a backup. He was just here at the right time in 2019 he is not good. Other teams seemed to solidify a decent back up, god look Arbuckle beat us in the grey cup last year. Even Masoli or Crum is better than no.17.
I didn't love extending him before the season. Felt like after last season, we should be doing extensions with him after GC week. I think we're just gonna see Walters keep Collaros until he retires, then find a way to bring in Brown. This team cannot find QBs, so I could see them just running back to the only real one they've ever scouted and developed
Quote from: Strevy on July 19, 2025, 05:37:49 AMDude is garbage. Walter's needs to resign.
Your thread about MOS Walters made zero sense and so does this imo
Zach will be fine, needs to heal
Quote from: kkc60 on July 19, 2025, 05:16:16 AMI didn't love extending him before the season. Felt like after last season, we should be doing extensions with him after GC week. I think we're just gonna see Walters keep Collaros until he retires, then find a way to bring in Brown. This team cannot find QBs, so I could see them just running back to the only real one they've ever scouted and developed
Can't find QBs but we signed Zach and he has been dominate
Can't find QBs but we developed Brown
Can't find QBs but we have a couple decent prospects on the club
Disagree
Strev had a bad game and isn't great but we have decent depth
Salary cap limits the talent we could retain or sign
Quote from: Austin85 on July 19, 2025, 05:02:49 AMWhy did Walters sign him to a extension? We need a younger quarterback, we had one in Dru Brown but that ship sailed. Streveler is not a starter or even a backup. He was just here at the right time in 2019 he is not good. Other teams seemed to solidify a decent back up, god look Arbuckle beat us in the grey cup last year. Even Masoli or Crum is better than no.17.
We signed Zach because he is our best option at the moment
We signed Zach because he has been a consistent winner for us
We signed Zach because he is a good to great Qb
Zach was mostly doing ok before leaving this time. From @PAS memory the only pick(s) were super long bombs? I can accept that, it's a punt.
Heck, we were even leading at one point with Zach in. Absolutely astounding since we were going to lose this one by a mile no matter what.
Did you see how bad the OL was? Do I need to say it? Toldyaso. The tackles were plain awful. Interior got blown up a fair bit by that hoggie-level DT. Zach had zero time and guys in his face the whole time. Didn't improve for Strevie.
No team will succeed with that level of OL play, let alone a non-mobile QB (Zach) against a top front-4/7.
If our D had been able to do something, anything, and if Zach stayed healthy, maybe just maybe we squeak out a win in this game. Maybe. The main problem is not Zach. And it's not like anyone else is available anyhow, nor will they be in next FA.
You want better O? You put in what I called the desired OL asap:
Stan Randolph Ko-man Neuf Lofton
(possibly sub Vant for Randolph, they seem to be about equal)
And we need to get a league top-5 REC in if Schoen is gone. Demski can't win the whole game for you. And teams have zero respect for the other RECs.
Oh ya, and coords need to get away from the pub and start actually working on opponent-specific planning 14-hours a day, every day.
Zach is not the main issue.
Zach's huge bomb to Demski in the 1st was 48 yards from where it left his hand. Basically at his range limit. In fact, I think CGY DBs were coached up to park at the 45Y range and wait for the INT underthrow, knowing Zach's limitation. Burned them that time.
But this time Zach got that little extra on it and allowed Demski separation. Cool, since he had some CGY DL right in his face.
Showing that the coords/coaches are working to Zach's ability and everyone involved is getting the timing down that's required to keep these deep shots in our repertoire.
Zach was exactly what he always is before he got concussed. But he remains our best option (by far) and had us in the game before he went out.
Not sure why you're dogging on him.
O line was dreadful, Tom Brady wouldn't have done anything last night.
The play of both lines is sub par, and the game is won and lost in the trenches
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 19, 2025, 07:43:01 AMZach's huge bomb to Demski in the 1st was 48 yards from where it left his hand. Basically at his range limit. In fact, I think CGY DBs were coached up to park at the 45Y range and wait for the INT underthrow, knowing Zach's limitation. Burned them that time.
But this time Zach got that little extra on it and allowed Demski separation. Cool, since he had some CGY DL right in his face.
Showing that the coords/coaches are working to Zach's ability and everyone involved is getting the timing down that's required to keep these deep shots in our repertoire.
Was thinking of you on that bomb he beat your 45 yard threshold lol 😆
I told buddies you measure
Quote from: Strevy on July 19, 2025, 02:32:58 PMLetting Brown go is a joke, Oshay is the one who should have been sent packing. Hopefully Jackson takes over soon or this season will be lost by LDC.
Letting Brown go was a necessity based on many factors, most money. He is good not great thus far.
MOS is going nowhere, if he did, we would crumble. Jackson taking over, full stop no.
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 19, 2025, 05:08:08 PMI told buddies you measure
Hope this isn't taken out of context!
The Zach concussion is entirely upon Eli and the OL. Eli whiffed on getting over to block the stunt in time.
The OL was whiffing on the simplest of DL stunts all night. In fact, this has been the case much of the year. It seemed to be getting a bit better vs EDM, but clearly we've reverted with the OL changes.
This is basic, basic stuff. It's actually embarrassing, and now it's costing us QBs.
And the hit was on jumbo with Eli, and there weren't even any +1 rushers. Just normal match-up, or even +1 for O because of Brady. The entire point of jumbo on passing is to buy Zach 1-2 more seconds. Yet our jumbo was giving up pressure just the same as the normal OL.
Get our "desired" OL setup in there pronto, and if any one of those guys is struggling badly then bring in Chungh or someone.
Our OL is by far the worst out of the West contenders. Even SSK's with all the injuries is playing miles above ours. Look at all the time T.Harris has to do his thing tonight.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 20, 2025, 12:42:34 AMThe Zach concussion is entirely upon Eli and the OL. Eli whiffed on getting over to block the stunt in time.
The OL was whiffing on the simplest of DL stunts all night. In fact, this has been the case much of the year. It seemed to be getting a bit better vs EDM, but clearly we've reverted with the OL changes.
This is basic, basic stuff. It's actually embarrassing, and now it's costing us QBs.
And the hit was on jumbo with Eli, and there weren't even any +1 rushers. Just normal match-up, or even +1 for O because of Brady. The entire point of jumbo on passing is to buy Zach 1-2 more seconds. Yet our jumbo was giving up pressure just the same as the normal OL.
Get our "desired" OL setup in there pronto, and if any one of those guys is struggling badly then bring in Chungh or someone.
Our OL is by far the worst out of the West contenders. Even SSK's with all the injuries is playing miles above ours. Look at all the time T.Harris has to do his thing tonight.
They're not getting much mileage out of MCI these days, question if they are ignoring him or if he is officially a draft pick bust, likely the former. When I think of FB's role, I want Ante Milanovic-Litre level of involvement, some running, some catching, some blocking. Big strong player with decent speed, surely Hogan can work MCI into the offensive plan a couple of times per game.
Did Zach get 6 gamed from the concussion?
Hope he's okay, league needs players like him.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 20, 2025, 12:42:34 AMOur OL is by far the worst out of the West contenders.
We end up losing an olineman every year to free agency. How long can you do that?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 20, 2025, 02:15:52 AMThey're not getting much mileage out of MCI these days, question if they are ignoring him or if he is officially a draft pick bust, likely the former. When I think of FB's role, I want Ante Milanovic-Litre level of involvement, some running, some catching, some blocking. Big strong player with decent speed, surely Hogan can work MCI into the offensive plan a couple of times per game.
I'm not sure why people ever put these expectations on MCI. He's a FB. He's on the field being a FB. This is all he was ever supposed to be.
This isn't the 70's. Many teams don't even have the position anymore. We're not giving Brady the ball enough, I don't want to take more reps away from him.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 20, 2025, 02:15:52 AMThey're not getting much mileage out of MCI these days, question if they are ignoring him or if he is officially a draft pick bust, likely the former. When I think of FB's role, I want Ante Milanovic-Litre level of involvement, some running, some catching, some blocking. Big strong player with decent speed, surely Hogan can work MCI into the offensive plan a couple of times per game.
MCI is the lead blocker for Vaval, and is participating on ST.
He is an RB, but when you have Brady ahead of you it is tough to make an impact. Ask Johnny Augustine.
I think it is far too early to use the "bust" word...
Quote from: Jesse on July 20, 2025, 12:51:52 PMI'm not sure why people ever put these expectations on MCI. He's a FB. He's on the field being a FB. This is all he was ever supposed to be.
This isn't the 70's. Many teams don't even have the position anymore. We're not giving Brady the ball enough, I don't want to take more reps away from him.
If he's out there anyway MCI should be the last line of defence protecting Zach, Brady slipped past the D-line headed for the flats on the play Zach got smoked.
Quote from: Ridermania on July 20, 2025, 12:03:20 PMDid Zach get 6 gamed from the concussion?
Hope he's okay, league needs players like him.
No news yet I believe on the nature or seriousness of the injury, not on 6 game to my knowledge. Gut tells me out one or two. Agree we need all our stars to be healthy in this great league.
Quote from: Waffler on July 20, 2025, 12:48:26 PMWe end up losing an olineman every year to free agency. How long can you do that?
That's why I like the idea of planning around a 3 IMP OL. The FA OL losses are always NATs. They are the extreme high-value "can't keep 'em all" ratio signings.
IMPs demand far less $ per unit of talent, and aren't FA sniped as much. Yoshi is the rare exception, and was only paid $$ because SSK wanted a big run game improvement.
I think our OL will be good if they do my "desired lineup". AND *if* Big Stan can maintain 80%+ of '24 performance.
But Neuf also has to stop ending up on his butt, which is becoming an every-game thing.
Go back to Eli+Wallace on jumbo. Our jumbo has suffered with only Eli.
I am convinced that 75% of our O problems are the OL right now. That and no legit REC threat.
Zach made a couple of really nice in-stride hits in this last game. You know, the bread & butter stuff most good QBs do in their sleep. Ya, we rarely do that.
The best connection was a short crosser to Demski where the ball is placed perfectly in front of him at full sprint with a D draped on his back, near the lane, trying to get an INT. (Yes, I think that was better/harder than the big bomb.)
That's the Zach we need to see, and the tough-catch REC play we need to see. For that play the OL held up enough. Amazing what Zach can do when he has a moment to throw!
My point is, Zach wasn't playing bad at all on the plays the OL held them back.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 21, 2025, 01:29:25 AMThat's why I like the idea of planning around a 3 IMP OL. The FA OL losses are always NATs. They are the extreme high-value "can't keep 'em all" ratio signings.
IMPs demand far less $ per unit of talent, and aren't FA sniped as much. Yoshi is the rare exception, and was only paid $$ because SSK wanted a big run game improvement.
I think our OL will be good if they do my "desired lineup". AND *if* Big Stan can maintain 80%+ of '24 performance.
But Neuf also has to stop ending up on his butt, which is becoming an every-game thing.
Go back to Eli+Wallace on jumbo. Our jumbo has suffered with only Eli.
I am convinced that 75% of our O problems are the OL right now. That and no legit REC threat.
Live and die on back of OL
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 21, 2025, 01:32:50 AMZach made a couple of really nice in-stride hits in this last game. You know, the bread & butter stuff most good QBs do in their sleep. Ya, we rarely do that.
The best connection was a short crosser to Demski where the ball is placed perfectly in front of him at full sprint with a D draped on his back, near the lane, trying to get an INT. (Yes, I think that was better/harder than the big bomb.)
That's the Zach we need to see, and the tough-catch REC play we need to see. For that play the OL held up enough. Amazing what Zach can do when he has a moment to throw!
My point is, Zach wasn't playing bad at all on the plays the OL held them back.
Agree all, those critical of Zach this season are being a little harsh imo
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 21, 2025, 01:34:50 AMLive and die on back of OL
It's funny how when your OL is good to great, you don't think about it at all and take it for granted. You just think "this is how it works". And then when you have an OL that looks worse than EDM's or OTT's you realize how nothing else can be done until that problem is fixed.
The funny part is Mafia has always known this and prioritized this. This may be the worst year for OL troubles since 2014?
Oh ya, at this moment (and perhaps forever more) Vanterpool and/or Randolph are NOT the answer at LT (toldyaso). Heck, I'm not sure either is the answer at RT, though Randolph has been ok. We need Big Stan near 100% at LT, and Lofton back at RT. Van or Ran are LG. Wallace to jumbo. Boom, we're back to a top OL.
Then prioritize sniping the next Big Stan in FA, no matter the cost. Maybe steal from CGY again...
Dru returned to sidelines in civvies the HAM@OTT game after getting concussed (well, on protocol at least)...
Edit: and Dru does chaw? That's a weird habit for a QB
Collaros, Brown and Alexander all injured this week. Alexander moved to 6 game IR today. We'll see what happens with Collaros and Brown to see if they miss games or how many.
In 2025, we've seen Kelly out from injury in 2024. Brown and Alexander had already missed some time. Rourke and Harris missed some time.
Every QB that played this weekend threw at least 1 pick. I think I counted 18 in total.
Tough week.
Just finished recording our latest @Wpg_BlueBombers
Handled Internally podcast with Zach Collaros, Pat Neufeld and Darren Cameron.
Should be available later today.
- Ed Tait
This must be good news for Collaros!
In the last few seasons Zach always has a couple/few games on the "worry list" then returns. It's gotten pretty normal. I guess we should knock wood that's all that happens.
any word on ZC from the coaches show?
from ed tait:
Zach Collaros offers a health update to open the podcast: "Good. Feeling better today. Obviously with my history of upper-body related injuries in this league it (coming out of the game) was kind of a precautionary thing there in the middle of the game.
Obviously I wish I could have stayed out there."
Good to go this week?
"We'll see as the week goes on."
Quote from: The Zipp on July 22, 2025, 02:47:11 AM"We'll see as the week goes on."
Padawan Zach learning well from Master MOS. ;D ;D ;D
He ll play vs Argos. Sounds like he's feeling better
Zach taking first reps at practice this morning, according to Derek Taylor.
That's good news.
Collaros back is a step in the right direction, but Stan isn't practicing....we need him at LT or Zack will get killed again
Are Kelly, Woods and Logan practising and to what level. I think Kelly was starting to practice last week.
Bryant doesn't specifically need to practice but how healthy does he look? I mean is he on crutches hobbling around or is he walking normally now?
EDIT: I heard that Makonzo is back practising. He'd be a good addition to depth. In theory several of our 6 game IR players will be eligible to return after this week. That can't hurt.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 22, 2025, 06:17:36 PMAre Kelly, Woods and Logan practising and to what level. I think Kelly was starting to practice last week.
Bryant doesn't specifically need to practice but how healthy does he look? I mean is he on crutches hobbling around or is he walking normally now?
Apparently Stan has a bad ankle, maybe it's effected his performance so far but he hasn't been better than any of the other O-line, who seem to be taking turns screwing up.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 22, 2025, 06:17:36 PMAre Kelly, Woods and Logan practising and to what level. I think Kelly was starting to practice last week.
Bryant doesn't specifically need to practice but how healthy does he look? I mean is he on crutches hobbling around or is he walking normally now?
EDIT: I heard that Makonzo is back practising. He'd be a good addition to depth. In theory several of our 6 game IR players will be eligible to return after this week. That can't hurt.
Woods is practicing, but is in week 4 of 6. Haven't heard a peep about Logan. I'm personally writing him off unless we hear otherwise.