no idea on his contract status for next year..i would support a trade for him if Zach is done for the season.
I think he stays in Toronto
We should take Arbuckle, or the kid we let go to Ottawa, or what's his name in Edmonton.
Ditch the guys who are done. We have a bunch.
Quote from: DM83 on September 07, 2025, 12:15:46 AMI think he stays in Toronto
We should take Arbuckle, or the kid we let go to Ottawa, or what's his name in Edmonton.
Ditch the guys who are done. We have a bunch.
i think we have to do something - Strev ian not the answer. MOS gaslighting us saying the playbook doesn't change with Strev at qb...he can't throw anywhere as good as Zach, he just can't.
I don't think I'm watching any games if we have have Chad Kelly starting. That would alienate me as a fan.
No to Chad Kelly. He may have talent as a player but he's not the kind of character I want on the team I support.
Arbuckle might be a choice in 2026. I don't know his contract status. Our problems are deeper than any change at QB. We're being out coached every game.
No this is NOT a matter of being patient. We retained too many of the old guard and were ineffective in free agency as well. Better talent might have overcome some of the coaching issues but that's uncertain.
Chances are we finish 3rd or at as the crossover team. Edmonton is playing better now that either the Bombers of Lions.
Injuries may dictate how things play out but if Collaros goes to 6 game IR on Monday, we're done IMO. Streveler and the other problems are not a winning formula.
We had a big opportunity to win this game but self destructed.
Nope
Arbuckle all the way. By far and away the best option out there. No to dry brown waaaay to injury prone
Bring on arbuckle and some me D line and O line help
Quote from: Jesse on September 07, 2025, 12:21:39 AMI don't think I'm watching any games if we have have Chad Kelly starting. That would alienate me as a fan.
Totally agree. The guys a creep. We re desperate but not that desperate and I d like to think we have more integrity than to even consider that —and we have our dignity and brand reputation to protect. I couldn't cheer for a team that employs him
Quote from: dd on September 07, 2025, 01:03:26 AMArbuckle all the way. By far and away the best option out there. No to dry brown waaaay to injury prone
Bring on arbuckle and some me D line and O line help
Good chance Arbuckle demands upper QB wages next season, forcing the Argos to let him go, pretty good for an unwanted QB that was sitting on his couch a few months ago.
Quote from: The Zipp on September 06, 2025, 11:55:35 PMno idea on his contract status for next year..i would support a trade for him if Zach is done for the season.
Probably not going to happen but worth a phone call.
Pass, let's just hope Zach is ok
But finding a win now option will be on our radar if he isn't
Tough day to be a Bomber fan
Kelly - nope, he's as injury prone as Schoen with other downsides.
Ford - I mean if our QBs have to run for their lives because of the O line, I guess having a runner would be good...
Based on what I saw this weekend and last, we're only better than Montreal, and they'll be back if Alexander gets healthy.
I'll revise my previous forecast - we don't make the playoffs with Zach, we definitely won't with anyone else. Let's watch the rest of the season tank and hope we purge hard in the off season.
Ya, you just gotta come to grips with reality— it's just not happening this year. Even before zach got hurt tonight, he wasn't very good. And our D, barf, our D line has went from bad to make me sick! They're horrible. Our defensive strategy of rush only 3 and hope the offense self destructs isn't a very good one. I d love to be a Qb playing against our D line. Zero worry of injury because you ll never be touched!!
Oh well, we had a good run, time to watch other teams play in the playoffs and grey cup.
Oh HELL no...
Quote from: dd on September 07, 2025, 03:06:36 AMYa, you just gotta come to grips with reality— it's just not happening this year. Even before zach got hurt tonight, he wasn't very good. And our D, barf, our D line has went from bad to make me sick! They're horrible. Our defensive strategy of rush only 3 and hope the offense self destructs isn't a very good one. I d love to be a Qb playing against our D line. Zero worry of injury because you ll never be touched!!
Oh well, we had a good run, time to watch other teams play in the playoffs and grey cup.
Zach having an average year
Our defense isn't nearly as bad as you suggest
DL C+
DB B (assuming Houston can play like he did in the past)
FS C+, trending up
LB A
With Zach we make the playoffs sans Zach nope
Quote from: The Zipp on September 06, 2025, 11:55:35 PMno idea on his contract status for next year..i would support a trade for him if Zach is done for the season.
a) Zach isn't done. We've literally seen this a dozen times.
b) TOR won't trade Kelly for anything, even all our DPs for the next 5 years.
c) Half the fans hate Kelly because they think he was violent (false), or he's a creep (true).
d) Kelly is probably damaged into uselessness. I had a buddy shatter his leg like that and get plates and screws and everything and 20 years later he still limps like crazy and can't run for poop. Kelly earned his chops on being mobile. Now take that away... is he as valuable?
Quote from: dd on September 07, 2025, 01:03:26 AMArbuckle all the way. By far and away the best option out there. No to dry brown waaaay to injury prone
Bring on arbuckle and some me D line and O line help
We could have had Arbuckle for a song & dance when nobody wanted him. TOR took him because there was no one else, not because they thought he was a future starter. Everyone considered him washed up before he won the cup.
Oh ya, and what's TOR's record this season with Arbuckle starting? Ya, like we want that here. And TOR's OL is great and REC corps is above average! Imagine Arbuckle here with zero time to throw. Ya, not happening.
Nope, if we get the Next QB in FA, it's going to be a younger superstar: Alexander, Alexander, or maybe Alexander. Or if we want to cheap out and take a flyer: Powell.
The Cody's & Arbuckles of the CFL won't do any better here than they are on their current teams, which is .500 at best.
Quote from: BlueInCgy on September 07, 2025, 02:38:20 AMI'll revise my previous forecast - we don't make the playoffs with Zach, we definitely won't with anyone else.
We'll easily make the playoffs, maybe even a home spot. Dooming will get you no where. Remember, VAJ & Trev, only 1 hit...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 07, 2025, 05:15:37 AMWe'll easily make the playoffs, maybe even a home spot. Dooming will get you no where. Remember, VAJ & Trev, only 1 hit...
I think they'll make 3rd place as long as BC doesn't go on a run, which they could. Problem is I don't think the Bombers have the horsepower to get past the first round, when the chips are down, they fall over now more often than not.
Perfect moment for Elgersma to come north, rip[ it up like Rourke, and maybe get another look down south.
Sounds like he's a quick study, and we know he knows 3 down ball.
It's my understanding Arbuckle signed for 26.
Fajardo only signed a 1 year so far.
Crum could be available in Ottawa.
Will Ford be trade bate in Edmonton?
harris will sign in Regina. Maier 1 year contract.
Pickings are slim out there. >:(
Quote from: The Zipp on September 06, 2025, 11:55:35 PMno idea on his contract status for next year..i would support a trade for him if Zach is done for the season.
As a female I'd never set food in the stadium again and I'd give up my seasons. I know others would not support this as well. Hell no. I cannot believe Toronto still employs this creep and the CFL allows it. Gross.
Just my opinion of course, but I'd be done with going to games or spending any money on this team.
Quote from: tlf on September 08, 2025, 12:26:25 AMAs a female I'd never set food in the stadium again and I'd give up my seasons. I know others would not support this as well. Hell no. I cannot believe Toronto still employs this creep and the CFL allows it. Gross.
Just my opinion of course, but I'd be done with going to games or spending any money on this team.
Proud of you for saying that and sticking to your convictions. Hard to argue with you.
Quote from: bluebeard on September 07, 2025, 10:59:22 PMPickings are slim out there. >:(
That doesn't include potential FA though. We could get anyone we wanted (Alexander, Alexander, or Alexander) if we, early on, let it "slip out" we wanted to pay "a top QB" $700k + $200k MMM. Everyone has a price to jump their current ship (cough Kenny). The key is to get the word out
before their existing team locks them in (like the day after the GC).
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 07, 2025, 05:46:53 PMI think they'll make 3rd place as long as BC doesn't go on a run, which they could. Problem is I don't think the Bombers have the horsepower to get past the first round, when the chips are down, they fall over now more often than not.
I think we can. As Mr. Banned said, we do have most everything we need in-house. Keep doing the strategic adds we've been doing and we can fix the "talent" issues.
I think the bigger issue is upping our braintrust game on O. I don't care what "collaboration" needs to be done, but they all need to get a'collaboratin' right now. Our schemes suck, we use the most basic playbook in the CFL, nothing is ever new, no one falls for anything, RECs are swamped on every catch, and we don't double-bluff anyone to overcome our limitations and tendencies.
I'm not saying Hogan is a failure, I'm saying the effort and brain level put in to date is 1/10th what is required. And practice level. Everyone in the halls of PAS need to massively up their effort.
The buck stops with MOS. He needs to step in and make sure these things get done.
Quote from: tlf on September 08, 2025, 12:26:25 AMAs a female I'd never set food in the stadium again and I'd give up my seasons. I know others would not support this as well. Hell no. I cannot believe Toronto still employs this creep and the CFL allows it. Gross.
And that would be a consideration that Wade would take seriously. They'd certainly have to run a STH focus group ahead of time to gauge reactions.
However, we do have to keep in mind that probably a (vast?) majority of STHs have no idea about Kelly's antics. Not everyone reads 3down or the Sun.
It's a silly thing to ponder, though, because it'll never happen, way before it ever gets to the "how would WPG fans feel" stage.
But how about that Alexander guy? You see him on the sidelines in the MTL games these past weeks! He's like a kid on Christmas. That's the kid you want on your team, especially since he's the best (so far) of his generation. I think he's miles better than Rourke.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 07, 2025, 07:58:35 PMPerfect moment for Elgersma to come north, rip[ it up like Rourke, and maybe get another look down south.
Sounds like he's a quick study, and we know he knows 3 down ball.
He played in last year's cannier cup and sucked/was outplayed by the other Qb who's team won the cup. Can't beliece this guy got an nfl look, and I assure you, he ain't no Rourke, not even remotely close. People are putting huge expectations on this guy and I think he gets cut if and when he finally does come to camp.
Could you imagine getting all your STH to lock-in for 3 years to secure Grey Cup tickets and then after self-destructing that season turn around and signing someone who was suspended for half a year due to the CFLs Violence Against Women Policy because an Argonauts Trainer was fired due to refusing his repeated sexual advances?
Quote from: Mikerahl on September 08, 2025, 05:37:26 AMCould you imagine getting all your STH to lock-in for 3 years to secure Grey Cup tickets and then after self-destructing that season turn around and signing someone who was suspended for half a year due to the CFLs Violence Against Women Policy because an Argonauts Trainer was fired due to refusing his repeated sexual advances?
It's a silly thread because there is 0% chance of that happening. It's impossible. Kelly is not coming here, for many reasons. Kelly is staying in TOR.
Have you seen TOR's record without Kelly? They NEED Kelly. Arbuckle isn't anyone's future. If he was the best thing ever he'd have a record like VAJ or even BLM. Kelly will come back just in time for the playoffs and, assuming they make it, he'll likely lead them to EDF or GC.
Quote from: Jesse on September 07, 2025, 12:21:39 AMI don't think I'm watching any games if we have have Chad Kelly starting. That would alienate me as a fan.
Ditto. Hard pass on that petulant headcase.
Hamilton has 4 QB's. One, Harrison Frost, is healthy and on the one game injury list. And the other that would be available is Dolegala. I wouldn't be surprised to see him back after we play them. You can complain all you want but this is the way of MOS. Go with guys he knows. All this depends on Zach's health of course. Which at the time of this writing we don't know.
Straight up of the Bombers signed Kelly, I would burn my Bombers gear in public and buy a Riders jersey the same day.
Quote from: VictorRomano on September 08, 2025, 02:41:31 PMStraight up of the Bombers signed Kelly, I would burn my Bombers gear in public and buy a Riders jersey the same day.
(https://y.yarn.co/c123bff8-1f13-40d1-aeff-015ac447ddb4_text.gif)
Quote from: VictorRomano on September 08, 2025, 02:41:31 PMStraight up of the Bombers signed Kelly, I would burn my Bombers gear in public and buy a Riders jersey the same day.
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExNHR3NXUyaXJxNTVmZzcyZHE4NHFoZTF3ZmVjMGtmejUzdWxmNHJ1aSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/LPHXLKEOZw6T6/giphy.gif)
Quote from: VictorRomano on September 08, 2025, 02:41:31 PMStraight up of the Bombers signed Kelly, I would burn my Bombers gear in public and buy a Riders jersey the same day.
:o ;)
OK, people, tell us how you REALLY feel about Kelly.
Just my opinion, but there was never a chance, ever, that we'd even consider Kelly as an option, regardless availability or price. Just not a fit with this team.
But I'm glad to see our fans making this stand.
The Elks may have a Ford problem, Fjardo just won his 4th game and came within a dropped TD pass of beating the Riders a few weeks ago for his 5th. Cody becomes a FA at the end of this season, how likely is Hervey to let him go, and will Ford be content to remain a backup?
Walters could swing for the fences in the off-season and bring the Ford brothers to Wpg. in a massive trade of assets, but they may not get any more out of Tre than the Elks have. For pure entertainment value I'd go for it, even knowing it probably wouldn't work out well in the end.
Quote from: VictorRomano on September 08, 2025, 02:41:31 PMStraight up of the Bombers signed Kelly, I would burn my Bombers gear in public and buy a Riders jersey the same day.
Now that will be going much too far. I have my doubts that Kelly would go any place as his home is in Buffalo NY. He wouldn't sign in Edmonton as at that time they had his rights. They traded him to TO.
What is Kelly's status right now? Is he #2 and ready to play if needed? Not much being said about that on the telecasts.
Quote from: bomb squad on September 08, 2025, 07:22:52 PMWhat is Kelly's status right now? Is he #2 and ready to play if needed? Not much being said about that on the telecasts.
I expect he'll start getting a few game reps in the next few weeks, don't think they'll fully commit to him starting till late Sept.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 08, 2025, 07:41:25 PMI expect he'll start getting a few game reps in the next few weeks, don't think they'll fully commit to him starting till late Sept.
Unless there's a drop off in Arbuckle's play (or an injury of course) I would be surprised if we see Kelly this year as a starter. The wins are starting to come as well.
Quote from: bomb squad on September 08, 2025, 09:56:17 PMUnless there's a drop off in Arbuckle's play (or an injury of course) I would be surprised if we see Kelly this year as a starter. The wins are starting to come as well.
I think if 100% he starts eventually but yes no need for now
Quote from: bomb squad on September 08, 2025, 07:22:52 PMWhat is Kelly's status right now? Is he #2 and ready to play if needed? Not much being said about that on the telecasts.
I'm pretty sure he's had setbacks. They thought he was good to go after the first 6GIR, but something has gone terribly wrong. Doctors might have made some mistakes with the break surgery. Who knows.
Quote from: bomb squad on September 08, 2025, 09:56:17 PMUnless there's a drop off in Arbuckle's play (or an injury of course) I would be surprised if we see Kelly this year as a starter. The wins are starting to come as well.
Arbuckle at best will win them .500, and that's not enough. They won't even make the postseason with .500 down the stretch.
They simply aren't as good this year, so they NEED the difference maker. And if it's Arbuckle in the ESF he's toast.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 08, 2025, 06:01:39 PMWalters could swing for the fences in the off-season and bring the Ford brothers to Wpg. in a massive trade of assets
I'd rather roll with Elgersma than Ford. Ford is totally the wrong fit for WFC. Nothing here is designed to support that kind of QB.
And not only trading huge assets for The Fords(TM), but then having to shoulder their outlandish $$ is a recipe for complete disaster. Now, if they're cut and we want to put in a lowball bid, I'd be game.
I have a feeling Kelly will stay in Toronto as the CFL will want a marquee name in Toronto.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 09, 2025, 07:15:02 AMI'd rather roll with Elgersma than Ford. Ford is totally the wrong fit for WFC. Nothing here is designed to support that kind of QB.
And not only trading huge assets for The Fords(TM), but then having to shoulder their outlandish $$ is a recipe for complete disaster. Now, if they're cut and we want to put in a lowball bid, I'd be game.
Sooner or later Tre Ford has to change his game if he wants to succeed, he's now in his 4th season, I'm surprised he hasn't figured that out yet. Ty Ford makes outlandish wages for a DB, Tre slips in below average for a "starting" QB.
At what point will Kelly have paid enough for his poor judgement.He served a suspension and has been cleared by the league. Can he ever redeem himself?
Quote from: bwiser on September 09, 2025, 09:11:34 PMAt what point will Kelly have paid enough for his poor judgement.He served a suspension and has been cleared by the league. Can he ever redeem himself?
No
absolutely no to Ford as Qb, never.
Go get Fajardo and move on. Bring Arbuckle as our #2 if we can, but that may be dreaming, and we're set. But I am thinking Edmonton will make a decent pitch to keep him there as they know Ford won't get it done for them ever.
Quote from: bwiser on September 09, 2025, 09:11:34 PMAt what point will Kelly have paid enough for his poor judgement.He served a suspension and has been cleared by the league. Can he ever redeem himself?
I say sure. Not to open the can of worms again, but the report that the CFL wrote about what he did to/with that trainer was pretty tame compared to all the media hype.
And I don't think Kelly is evil or bad, I just think he's a) stupid (really stupid), b) clueless, c) a DB.
But even complete social morons can be trained like a new puppy dog to follow the rules, even if they don't understand them.
Still don't want him here! I want Alexander! That would please everyone.
Quote from: bwiser on September 09, 2025, 09:11:34 PMAt what point will Kelly have paid enough for his poor judgement.He served a suspension and has been cleared by the league. Can he ever redeem himself?
A person could. We've seen many athletes re-write their narratives.
I don't think Kelly will because at every opportunity he gets, he makes the same bad decisions. Remember that this is only the latest in a long string of events and he no longer gets to hide behind youthful arrogance.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 10, 2025, 07:55:02 AMI say sure. Not to open the can of worms again, but the report that the CFL wrote about what he did to/with that trainer was pretty tame compared to all the media hype.
And I don't think Kelly is evil or bad, I just think he's a) stupid (really stupid), b) clueless, c) a DB.
But even complete social morons can be trained like a new puppy dog to follow the rules, even if they don't understand them.
Still don't want him here! I want Alexander! That would please everyone.
So how are you getting Alexander here? He's under contract for a few more years.
Quote from: dd on September 10, 2025, 01:33:08 AMabsolutely no to Ford as Qb, never.
Go get Fajardo and move on. Bring Arbuckle as our #2 if we can, but that may be dreaming, and we're set. But I am thinking Edmonton will make a decent pitch to keep him there as they know Ford won't get it done for them ever.
As long as Edm keeps Ford they cannot out bid anyone on a QB. They have roughly $400k tied up there. Not sure what they do now.
Quote from: Waffler on September 10, 2025, 01:30:39 PMAs long as Edm keeps Ford they cannot out bid anyone on a QB. They have roughly $400k tied up there. Not sure what they do now.
Hervey is in a good position to force Ford to renegotiate his contract and Ford finds himself in a bad position to claim he shouldn't. If Fajardo continues to do well I could see them re-signing him for another 2 years and trading Ford if he doesn't agree to hang around for backup wages.
Quote from: Pigskin on September 10, 2025, 01:09:53 PMSo how are you getting Alexander here? He's under contract for a few more years.
That's KW's problem! ;) ;) ;) ;)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 10, 2025, 03:37:25 PMHervey is in a good position to force Ford to renegotiate his contract and Ford finds himself in a bad position to claim he shouldn't.
The Ford Bros leveraged their familial status to get both huge paydays. So does it work the other way when one clearly should have his salary cut in half? Too bad, Ty, so sad.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 09, 2025, 03:58:31 PMSooner or later Tre Ford has to change his game if he wants to succeed, he's now in his 4th season, I'm surprised he hasn't figured that out yet. Ty Ford makes outlandish wages for a DB, Tre slips in below average for a "starting" QB.
He should change his position. I think he's athletic enough to play receiver.
He's not a full time starter or backup qb, that's been proven.
Quote from: bwiser on September 09, 2025, 09:11:34 PMAt what point will Kelly have paid enough for his poor judgement.He served a suspension and has been cleared by the league. Can he ever redeem himself?
He has had a history of this crap, and continues it. This is not a one off that he can plead forgiveness for. Its not a single incident of bad judgement.
It is who he is, the essential being of the Chad.
When he moves on to a new job, a new industry, that hasn't been exposed to his actions, he may have a chance of redeeming himself with his actions going forward.
He's burned that bridge in football.
I guess there is always Arena league.
Quote from: Sway on September 10, 2025, 11:48:59 PMHe should change his position. I think he's athletic enough to play receiver.
He's not a full time starter or backup qb, that's been proven.
Even if he could change his position it's unlikely he gets the same money as a QB, even a back up Qb. It wouldn't be a surprise if he's released during the off season. A trade seems unlikely at his current salary. I suppose it could be conditional trade with him re-signing a new deal etc.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 12, 2025, 03:49:38 PMEven if he could change his position it's unlikely he gets the same money as a QB, even a back up Qb. It wouldn't be a surprise if he's released during the off season. A trade seems unlikely at his current salary. I suppose it could be conditional trade with him re-signing a new deal etc.
I think they would have to trade Ford to avoid paying the guaranteed money in his contract, I believe the Elks were burned when they cut Cornelius who was guaranteed $100k for the 2024 season.
Speaking of Cornelius, both him and Ford have plenty of tools in their toolboxes, no reason a great QB coach couldn't make either of them into viable QB's if they bought into the changes they need to make and invested the time to do so. VA took forever to get to the point he is now, maybe Ford has to kick around the league for 4 or 5 years to find the same path.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 12, 2025, 05:08:29 PMI think they would have to trade Ford to avoid paying the guaranteed money in his contract, I believe the Elks were burned when they cut Cornelius who was guaranteed $100k for the 2024 season.
Speaking of Cornelius, both him and Ford have plenty of tools in their toolboxes, no reason a great QB coach couldn't make either of them into viable QB's if they bought into the changes they need to make and invested the time to do so. VA took forever to get to the point he is now, maybe Ford has to kick around the league for 4 or 5 years to find the same path.
If he gets traded his contract goes with him including guaranteed money. Unless it's a conditional trade which provides the condition of that new contract.
At the moment he's not a trade commodity all things considered.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 12, 2025, 06:17:48 PMIf he gets traded his contract goes with him including guaranteed money. Unless it's a conditional trade which provides the condition of that new contract.
At the moment he's not a trade commodity all things considered.
Exactly, who in their right mind would have this project as their future Qb?? Edmonton gambled and lost big time, doubt there will be anyother takers.
Quote from: dd on September 12, 2025, 09:42:52 PMExactly, who in their right mind would have this project as their future Qb?? Edmonton gambled and lost big time, doubt there will be anyother takers.
I think there are 4 teams that could make Ford productive if they had adequate time to work with him as a backup, Argos, Als, Stamps and the Ti-Cats. Not surprisingly all 4 are coached by former QB's.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 12, 2025, 05:08:29 PMSpeaking of Cornelius, both him and Ford have plenty of tools in their toolboxes, no reason a great QB coach couldn't make either of them into viable QB's if they bought into the changes they need to make and invested the time to do so. VA took forever to get to the point he is now, maybe Ford has to kick around the league for 4 or 5 years to find the same path.
That's the issue. The path VAJ took may not be available to many/any QBs going forward. CFL teams don't have that kind of patience anymore. 1 QB spot is your starter/star. 1 is dedicated SY. That leaves only 1 spot for you to find the next Dru Brown. You can't waste 5 years having that be Ford on your roster.
And the problem with Ford vs VAJ, is VAJ had some early games where he flashed. Ford really hasn't, especially when you back out wins that were basically all due to his running. VAJ showed he could get it down the field from day 1.
And no one is going to help EDM get rid of their punishing 2-Fords contract situation.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 13, 2025, 02:43:20 AMThat's the issue. The path VAJ took may not be available to many/any QBs going forward. CFL teams don't have that kind of patience anymore. 1 QB spot is your starter/star. 1 is dedicated SY. That leaves only 1 spot for you to find the next Dru Brown. You can't waste 5 years having that be Ford on your roster.
And the problem with Ford vs VAJ, is VAJ had some early games where he flashed. Ford really hasn't, especially when you back out wins that were basically all due to his running. VAJ showed he could get it down the field from day 1.
And no one is going to help EDM get rid of their punishing 2-Fords contract situation.
I don't believe that. League's are so QB deprived that these guys hang around for as long as they want to. We bring in prospects who are 27-30 years old.
Physical traits do not mean you can learn to be great. The ability to process information quickly in the heat of the moment just is not a common nor a learned trait.
Quote from: Jesse on September 13, 2025, 02:57:54 AMI don't believe that. League's are so QB deprived that these guys hang around for as long as they want to. We bring in prospects who are 27-30 years old.
I can be both. It IS both. Even with the dearth of decent QBs coming up, there are a whackton of Chase The Greeks et al cycling through every season. All it would take is some flash by a Chase-type guy in 2 games and Ford will be dropped like a hot potato.
The ONLY thing "protecting" Ford, and giving him another year or 2, is his passport. Because him being good AND NAT would be a huge advantage for a team. Remember, BC is able to completely forgo fancy $ NAT OL and drafting/dev and just start 4 IMP OL,
ONLY because of Rourke's passport.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 13, 2025, 03:27:29 AMI can be both. It IS both. Even with the dearth of decent QBs coming up, there are a whackton of Chase The Greeks et al cycling through every season. All it would take is some flash by a Chase-type guy in 2 games and Ford will be dropped like a hot potato.
The ONLY thing "protecting" Ford, and giving him another year or 2, is his passport. Because him being good AND NAT would be a huge advantage for a team. Remember, BC is able to completely forgo fancy $ NAT OL and drafting/dev and just start 4 IMP OL, ONLY because of Rourke's passport.
BUT:
Cameron Dukes
Matt Shiltz
Chase Brice
Caleb Evans
Dustin Crum
Taylor Powell
Tommy Stevens
All of whom are in at least their third year with passing attempts this season. None of whom are protected by passport.
Quote from: Jesse on September 13, 2025, 03:32:38 AMCameron Dukes
Matt Shiltz
Chase Brice
Caleb Evans
Dustin Crum
Taylor Powell
Tommy Stevens
All of whom are in at least their third year with passing attempts this season. None of whom are protected by passport.
Only the bolded guys are more "longer term" guys. And those 3 (as well as Stevens) have mostly been relegated to "SY QB" status.
Forget the SY-only guys, they are peripheral to the discussion, which is about trying to dev Ford into a legit starter. No one is going to pay Ford more than $125k to make him a SY guy. Which he'd suck at anyway since he probably weighs less than VAJ.
Now add in more of the Brices and Chases and T.Wilsons. Ford is in year 4 and the question of whether he gets year 5, 6 & 7 has more to do with his passport than anything else. Take Brice for example, I doubt he is in the CFL next season.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 13, 2025, 03:40:35 AMOnly the bolded guys are more "longer term" guys. And those 3 (as well as Stevens) have mostly been relegated to "SY QB" status.
Forget the SY-only guys, they are peripheral to the discussion, which is about trying to dev Ford into a legit starter. No one is going to pay Ford more than $125k to make him a SY guy. Which he'd suck at anyway since he probably weighs less than VAJ.
Now add in more of the Brices and Chases and T.Wilsons. Ford is in year 4 and the question of whether he gets year 5, 6 & 7 has more to do with his passport than anything else. Take Brice for example, I doubt he is in the CFL next season.
Crum has been in the CFL for the same amount of time as any of the others. These are all guys in their third year or more. All Americans. There may be 3rd string and PR guys who rotate out every year, but the guys who get snaps are recycled forever (Dominique Davis).
If a guy has the skill, he'll have the opportunity to show it.
Quote from: Jesse on September 13, 2025, 03:48:05 AMCrum has been in the CFL for the same amount of time as any of the others. These are all guys in their third year or more. All Americans. There may be 3rd string and PR guys who rotate out every year, but the guys who get snaps are recycled forever (Dominique Davis).
But again, those are guys (like Dom Davis) who are either slotted in as
A) pure SY with no attempt to pretend they'll ever be otherwise
B) good SY guys who they hold out some hope might still be a real QB
Dom's first year after leaving WPG they thought he might be (B). Turns out he was (A), and barely that.
Now name the guys who have been brought up here to see if they can be "none of the above" and be a real QB (think Dru Brown). Brice would qualify.
So who are the Brices of every team? For us it's T.Wilson. Forget the known-qty decent-SY guys.
Bottom line, Ford will eventually get more years-in-league than T.Wilson OR Brice, or most of the other no-name new/dev guys teams bring in. (Let alone the 4th string guys like Chase The Greek who often never see the field in reg season.)
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 13, 2025, 03:54:09 AMBut again, those are guys (like Dom Davis) who are either slotted in as
A) pure SY with no attempt to pretend they'll ever be otherwise
B) good SY guys who they hold out some hope might still be a real QB
Dom's first year after leaving WPG they thought he might be (B). Turns out he was (A), and barely that.
Now name the guys who have been brought up here to see if they can be "none of the above" and be a real QB (think Dru Brown). Brice would qualify.
So who are the Brices of every team? For us it's T.Wilson. Forget the known-qty decent-SY guys.
Bottom line, Ford will eventually get more years-in-league than T.Wilson OR Brice, or most of the other no-name new/dev guys teams bring in. (Let alone the 4th string guys like Chase The Greek who often never see the field in reg season.)
But that's because so few QBs experience success. They are few and far between.
I think your original point was that players would not have time to follow the VAJ path, and I maintain that is not true. Any player that doesn't show flashes, like VAJ or Dru or even Crum, will continue to get opportunities.
Quote from: Jesse on September 13, 2025, 03:59:39 AMBut that's because so few QBs experience success. They are few and far between.
I think your original point was that players would not have time to follow the VAJ path, and I maintain that is not true. Any player that doesn't show flashes, like VAJ or Dru or even Crum, will continue to get opportunities.
VAJ is probably the worst example you could have picked, though. He didn't have success until his year 4, then was stinky/injured and forgotten about in year 5 & 6. He was left for dead and BC picked him up and he started playing his best ball in year 7.
My whole point is many QBs may not get to that year 4 shot, let alone to
year 7 when VAJ really finally looked like a reliable star QB.
I bet a better example exists to prove your point.
I think its time for the Bombers to move on from Streveler.He will never be a starter and finding a SY Qb is not that hard to find.Wilson has already proven he can handle short yardage. The Bombers need a QB to develop who could eventually be a starter. Letting Dru Brown walk last year is looking like a mistake.Overpaying a backup would have made a lot of sense for the Bombers transition to a future QB.
For me there is only one QB that can play reasonably well at QB and that is Crum. This season he learned how to throw the ball and not always have to use his feet and speed. As far as Brown goes... I'm beginning to wonder if heis that type of QBthat is always injured. To be a good QB you have to be on the field.
I'm hoping that the USFL league or what ever it is called now will fold and a couple of good QBs become available. Long shot ??
Quote from: bluebeard on September 13, 2025, 04:09:09 PMFor me there is only one QB that can play reasonably well at QB and that is Crum. This season he learned how to throw the ball and not always have to use his feet and speed. As far as Brown goes... I'm beginning to wonder if heis that type of QBthat is always injured. To be a good QB you have to be on the field.
I'm hoping that the USFL league or what ever it is called now will fold and a couple of good QBs become available. Long shot ??
Taylor Powell in Hamilton was upset when BLM took the starting QB job from him last season and there is no sign he'll ever get it back or that Bo wants to retire anytime soon. He showed well in his early starts and may be interested in testing FA, don't see many other bidders stepping up to the plate willing to give him a shot as a starting QB.
Quote from: bluebeard on September 13, 2025, 04:09:09 PMFor me there is only one QB that can play reasonably well at QB and that is Crum. This season he learned how to throw the ball and not always have to use his feet and speed. As far as Brown goes... I'm beginning to wonder if heis that type of QBthat is always injured. To be a good QB you have to be on the field.
I'm hoping that the USFL league or what ever it is called now will fold and a couple of good QBs become available. Long shot ??
Crum is interesting, he seems content to remain a backup, but maybe he has higher ambitions.
Above all I would like to see someone on the Bomber staff that is good at developing QB's, so far Jarious Jackson has not proven he's that guy.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 13, 2025, 06:03:04 PMTaylor Powell in Hamilton was upset when BLM took the starting QB job from him last season and there is no sign he'll ever get it back or that Bo wants to retire anytime soon.
Crum is much improved. Progressing nicely, but still "not there" yet, IMHO.
But ya, I'd be
all over Powell as starter if Zach is done in '26 and we can't get Alexander via surreptitious means. If he's unhappy waiting in HAM, it may be doable.
I'm pretty sure we can't afford him as a backup, though; and why would he go from backup to backup? We'd have to make him the starter. As a bonus, we could offer to pay him pretty low salary as a starter until he proves himself.
There are so many potential QB's out there, and so many possibilities... but the biggest issue in moving forward is Zach.
Will he be healthy in 2026? Will he be the same skill level? Is he viable.
Should we have kept Dru and walked from Zach? Of course, we did not have a crystal ball, and could not known he was going to be injured so often, or could we?
Edm moving on from Ricky Ray turned out horrible. BLM is making CGY regret going with Maier (although the VA situation turned out pretty solid). Fajardo is making multiple teams regret moving on.
I am surprised that Walters/MOS couldn't make the move though. With the way they were able to move on from Jeffcoat/Harris/Biggie/Alexander and so many others, many without viable replacements, you'd think with a viable QB to replace Zach, they'd have made the move.
I know they gave Zach guaranteed money, and walking from him means eating $SMS. But we probably can't sign a viable #1 prospect with him still under contract.
If he plays next week, and then misses any of the rest of the season, we really need to rip the bandage off.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 13, 2025, 06:12:16 PMCrum is interesting, he seems content to remain a backup, but maybe he has higher ambitions.
Above all I would like to see someone on the Bomber staff that is good at developing QB's, so far Jarious Jackson has not proven he's that guy.
Well, god himself couldn't develop Streveler and was haven't seen Wilson in action, so tough to tell what JJ has done with our Qb's.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 15, 2025, 12:47:06 AMShould we have kept Dru and walked from Zach? Of course, we did not have a crystal ball, and could not known he was going to be injured so often, or could we?
Dru was healthy for the ESF last season and lost miserably. Whereas Zach got us to the cup and might have won if not for sharp fingernails.
Zach is keeping us in the hunt this season, barely. Dru has been MIA and even when in he's losing regularly.
I'd say we 100% made the correct choice. Dru might not be "really good" until '26 or '27 or beyond, or never.
If we find protection for Zach, and Hogan takes some ginko biloba, Zach is still 100% capable of getting us to a cup. And I bet he will be in '26. We just need to keep him as clean as 2021. If we fail this season, then let's make that top priority in '26. Spend everything on OL.