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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive front may soon be adding some more Canadian Football League star power in versatile tackle/end Jake Ceresna.

John Hodge of 3 Down Nation has reported the club has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the veteran defensive end, who spent last season with the Edmonton Elks.

Ceresna (6-4, 295, Cortland State) also has experience with the Toronto Argonauts and the Ottawa Redblacks and is a two time CFL All-Star (2022, 2024) and was a member of the '24 Grey Cup champion Argos.

FYI, the CFL's negotiating window opened Sunday at 11 a.m. allowing teams and pending free agents around the league to negotiate, with any new agreements not to be officially announced until February 10th when the market opens.

Ceresna's reported addition to the Blue Bombers comes to a position group which features Willie Jefferson at the end but is potentially undergoing change with James Vaughters and defensive tackle Jamal Woods both just days away from becoming free agents.

Ceresna's reported addition to the Blue Bombers comes to a position group which features Willie Jefferson at the end but is potentially undergoing change with James Vaughters and defensive tackle Jamal Woods both just days away from becoming free agents.

Ceresna's 2025 season was dramatically impacted by a meniscus tear in is one his knees that he tried to fight through before being shut down and needing surgery after the Labour Day Classic. He had one sack and 16 tackles in 11 games, but has been a consistent sack producer in his career with 46 quarterback take-downs in 102 games, including a career best 12 in 2023. Over a stretch from 2018-24 and before last year's injury, Ceresna averaged just under nine sacks per season.

The CFL's full free agent tracker can be found here:

Official 2026 Free Agent Tracker (https://www.cfl.ca/fa26/?_gl=1*1qa997*_gcl_au*OTIwNTM0My4xNzY4ODYxOTg4)

WHAT?!?!

IT HAPPENED!?!?!?!

Wow Walters going to war!

@TSNDaveNaylor
Ceresna's two-year deal with @bluebombers is for $490K in hard money.
$235K for 2026
$255K for 2027
$120K signing bonus in 2026.

Someone tell Wade I'm buying an extra beer for each of the FA's at each home game this season.

It's like Walters could hear us, outside of Canadian depth I think this team is about set.

Quote from: kkc60 on February 01, 2026, 07:08:40 PMIt's like Walters could hear us, outside of Canadian depth I think this team is about set.

I think this indicates they are happy with the  3 young DE 's they previewed at the end of last season.

Probably just solved our biggest weakness......Love this signing

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 01, 2026, 07:11:07 PMI think this indicates they are happy with the young 3 DE 's they previewed at the end of last season.

Probably, I personally really like De'Shaan Dixon as well.

Amazing signing. Surely that has to be it for vets/free agents though right???

Quote from: towelie on February 01, 2026, 07:34:23 PMAmazing signing. Surely that has to be it for vets/free agents though right???

I can't think of anymore big additions. We've already signed arguable the top OL, DL, WR, Canadian WR, and CB on the market. 

O line is next.
Edit

Oops.... Broxton.

Rourke quote " I think JB is just incredibly versatile, does what we want to do in our offence, but is really underrated in the pass protection game. His IQ and all the things he does for us, it can't be understated," Rourke said. "Obviously, I'm hoping that works out numbers-wise. I don't know the specifics, but really hoping that he's a guy who can be a B.C. Lion next year."

Ive been wanting to see Ceresna in blue and gold for
3 years!!

Ok. now I know it's real. This is the reload we all wanted.

Quote from: Pete on February 01, 2026, 08:17:46 PMIve been wanting to see Ceresna in blue and gold for
3 years!!

Remember Ceresna's knee locking up last season and him being carted off on a stretcher only to come back and play later in the game. That's one tough dude.  The following article provides the grisly details.

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/29/jake-ceresna-healthy-after-injury-plagued-season-ready-for-cfl-free-agency/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/01/29/jake-ceresna-healthy-after-injury-plagued-season-ready-for-cfl-free-agency/)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 01, 2026, 08:37:23 PMRemember Ceresna's knee locking up last season and him being carted off on a stretcher only to come back and play later in the game. That's one tough dude.

He played a bunch of games after that, through that injury, before shutting it down. Agree.

Excuse me, we going to be an ok club.

Ceresna is a great signing!  I'm very happily surprised. Lots of dough, but the best cost the most.

On a side note the Riders roster is getting pillaged. :)

They've lost a bunch of top talent.

Oh wow it keeps Gettin better!

Excellent. Really looking forward to next year!

I thought this was a hoax but it's legit, awesome, I thought we were dreaming getting him here. Awesome signing, just hope he doesn't have any lingering knee problems

I had that happen when I was 12.  Would be walking down the stairs and my knee would lock and down I would go.

Quote from: Ducky on February 02, 2026, 12:15:51 AMI had that happen when I was 12.  Would be walking down the stairs and my knee would lock and down I would go.

Happened to me too when I used to climb mountains, no problem going up but when heading back down both knees would lock up.  Never got a proper diagnosis, but learned, best to stay away from mountains.

An awesome signing!

Things have been so stagnant for so long! We've been watching the team decline, and now we have without a doubt upgraded our roster this offseason!
Tim White > Sterns
Ceresna > Vaughters
Nield > Clercius (although Clercius should stay on the roster as a 3rd NAT WR)
Moxey > Lawson/Houston/Whoever else we've started there
Broxton > Lofton or whoever gets bumped from the lineup

We didn't have the talent last season but now we have the talent and leadership at every position!
Collaros has guys to throw to.
Willie has Ceresna to take some focus off of him.
Signing Broxton is our biggest OL signing since signing Bryant, and that's going to light a fire under the butt of every other OL on the squad, plus our RB's!

I couldn't be happier with this offseason so far!!!!!

This is one of those sexy signings that everyone wants but you never actually expect to happen. Like when Walters brought Bighill, Demski, Harris or Jefferson here.

We just got the best Canadian at a position we've neglected and cheaped out on for YEARS!.

Biggest Canadian DL signing since Doug Brown lmao!

Quote from: blue_or_die on February 02, 2026, 07:07:00 PMThis is one of those sexy signings that everyone wants but you never actually expect to happen. Like when Walters brought Bighill, Demski, Harris or Jefferson here.

We just got the best Canadian at a position we've neglected and cheaped out on for YEARS!.

Biggest Canadian DL signing since Doug Brown lmao!

He isn't Canadian, unfortunately. Just awesome.

Anyone want to guess if he'll play either DT or DE? I believe he can play both.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 07:11:52 PMHe isn't Canadian, unfortunately. Just awesome.

Oh I totally thought he was. Ah well.

Quote from: peg_city on February 02, 2026, 07:12:23 PMAnyone want to guess if he'll play either DT or DE? I believe he can play both.

He'll be listed as a DT who'll be placed in every position along the DL.

If we find a good DE or 2, it will be like a cheetah with Ceresna in the middle...  Or Ayers, rookie, Ceresna, Willie...

I think Willie just got a lot better having this Jake in the rotation.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 07:17:58 PMHe'll be listed as a DT who'll be placed in every position along the DL.

I pray they play mostly 4 man front this year or blitz LB's more, can't win without pressure.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 02, 2026, 07:50:58 PMI pray they play mostly 4 man front this year or blitz LB's more, can't win without pressure.

Younger's not going to suddenly overhaul his entire system. But with Ceresna/Lawson, we should get more pressure.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 08:22:38 PMYounger's not going to suddenly overhaul his entire system. But with Ceresna/Lawson, we should get more pressure.

So far we'll have 5 new starters on defence. That might include 2 rookie CB's and 2 rookie or near rookie DE's. That calls for some sort of adjustment.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 08:22:38 PMYounger's not going to suddenly overhaul his entire system. But with Ceresna/Lawson, we should get more pressure.

He will if O'Shea tells him he has to. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 02, 2026, 09:00:54 PMHe will if O'Shea tells him he has to. 

But Youngers defence ranks first in nearly every relevant category. I'm sure MOS is telling him to keep it up.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 08:22:38 PMYounger's not going to suddenly overhaul his entire system. But with Ceresna/Lawson, we should get more pressure.

He needs to cover less and attack more especially with a shorter field coming in 2027 so he better start overhauling now or he'll be overhauling his resume next.  He cannot pretend that no pressure defense is a successful strategy anymore and he's being given pieces to ensure personnel is not an excuse. Time to go back to the basics and the conventional underpinnings of pro football. He's smart. But he's not that smart.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 02, 2026, 11:11:15 PMHe needs to cover less and attack more especially with a shorter field coming in 2027 so he better start overhauling now or he'll be overhauling his resume next.  He cannot pretend that no pressure defense is a successful strategy anymore and he's being given pieces to ensure personnel is not an excuse. Time to go back to the basics and the conventional underpinnings of pro football. He's smart. But he's not that smart.

I still think of our offence stops turning the ball over, we're not talking about the defence at all.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 11:33:21 PMI still think of our offence stops turning the ball over, we're not talking about the defence at all.

Sure, but on the other hand, it's turnover margin that's probably most important and turns out giving QBs seven steam boats a play results in very few turnovers gained and that part of equation is very much on the defense. Pressure equals mistakes. Mistakes equals turnovers. Since modern football has been invented. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 02, 2026, 11:34:59 PMSure, but on the other hand, it's turnover margin that's probably most important and turns out giving QBs seven steam boats a play results in very few turnovers gained and that part of equation is very much on the defense. Pressure equals mistakes. Mistakes equals turnovers. Since modern football has been invented. No need to reinvent the wheel.

He's not reinventing the wheel, he's running his version of Rich Stublers defence that he ran in the CFL since the 80s.

That both he and O'Shea played in during their playing days under Stubler for the Argos.

That said, given the changes along the line, we've obviously identified that we should still be generating more pressure within the system. It just won't be done by playing a strait 4-3. There's zero chance of that.

Our interior part of our D 1ine went from Jake Thomas to Jake Ceresna, that's a MASSIVE upgrade in ta1ent. Lawson wi11 be in there because of his passport but with Ceresna pushing up the midd1e, we shou1d see improved performance of our other 3 1ineman as they can't sing1e b1ock our D tack1es and doub1e pressure from the edge. Ceresna is the game changer we needed

Quote from: Jesse on February 03, 2026, 12:09:42 AMThat said, given the changes along the line, we've obviously identified that we should still be generating more pressure within the system. It just won't be done by playing a strait 4-3. There's zero chance of that.

You need to be able to get pressure with 4.  We couldn't, and that's why we switched to a lot of 3.

With upgraded pieces on the DL we should be able to get there with 4.  We don't have to get sacks, but we need the QB to know/feel he doesn't have all day.  He has to feel he needs to get the ball out after 4-5s nearly every snap.

Quote from: Jesse on February 02, 2026, 11:33:21 PMI still think of our offence stops turning the ball over, we're not talking about the defence at all.

Except our best years (GC wins) had exceptional D's.  A superb O might get you close to a cup, but you need a top-3 D to win it.

'18 we had great O.  Matty Ice putting up tons of yards and TDs.  But it wasn't enough.

Quote from: DCM on February 01, 2026, 06:48:41 PM@TSNDaveNaylor
Ceresna's two-year deal with @bluebombers is for $490K in hard money.
$235K for 2026
$255K for 2027

Double ouch.  Same question as I'm putting on all the FA threads.  Where da munny?

Don't get me wrong, this is a great signing.  But it's like $80k more than Vaughters cost.

We also have to wonder & worry about the knee.  There was a chance other teams weren't going to risk it, especially for this kind of money.  With such a signing bonus, there's a big risk of him 6GIRing early and leaving us in the lurch.

I would have liked to keep Vaughters too at a low price, but it looks like SSK grabbed him?  He's a great work horse and his absence will leave a big question at the other DE position.  The line can live with 1 "lesser" guy (Lawson, NAT), but I'm not sure it can succeed with 2.  You can't just "Hurl" up the other DE and expect we'll be any more effective.  So now that spot becomes crucial...

Broxton will help a ton... Ceresna is great too...

Quote from: Tecno on February 03, 2026, 03:14:34 AMYou need to be able to get pressure with 4.  We couldn't, and that's why we switched to a lot of 3.

With upgraded pieces on the DL we should be able to get there with 4.  We don't have to get sacks, but we need the QB to know/feel he doesn't have all day.  He has to feel he needs to get the ball out after 4-5s nearly every snap.

You need to be able to get pressure regardless of which front you're playing.

Pressure is not an option. No proven defense theory suggests this. Never in my life have I ever heard that playing a three man front means you don't need to attack the QB. This is just weird fake theory that some Bombers fans latched on to after watching our defense last year.

We do not need to lead the league in sacks or blitz rate. We do need to make the quarterback play faster than he wants while punishing him physically if he holds the ball.

These are baseline, generally agreed upon defensive requirements no matter the league or country.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 03, 2026, 05:23:45 PMYou need to be able to get pressure regardless of which front you're playing.

Pressure is not an option. No proven defense theory suggests this. Never in my life have I ever heard that playing a three man front means you don't need to attack the QB. This is just weird fake theory that some Bombers fans latched on to after watching our defense last year.

We do not need to lead the league in sacks or blitz rate. We do need to make the quarterback play faster than he wants while punishing him physically if he holds the ball.

These are baseline, generally agreed upon defensive requirements no matter the league or country.

And we often sent 4, Tony Jones acting as a guy on the line, but we just weren't good at it, as you've mentioned.

And the team is clearly trying to address that. Younger's system is still going to be what it is, but hopefully Lawson/Ceresna make it work better.

Pressure should be priority #1 for any D-line. Unfortunately, this team has lacked the horses on said D-line to do that consistently in recent years. I'm not sure the system in place has/had any bearing on that.

Ceresna is a stellar addition to remedy that issue. I still wonder about the bookend opposite Jefferson, though.

Quote from: Jesse on February 03, 2026, 05:34:42 PMAnd we often sent 4, Tony Jones acting as a guy on the line, but we just weren't good at it, as you've mentioned.

And the team is clearly trying to address that. Younger's system is still going to be what it is, but hopefully Lawson/Ceresna make it work better.

If Younger wants to continue his 3 front line they should move to a 3-4 set with a different LB or DB coming on every play.  Mix it up like Noel Thorpe does, so the QB can never predict where pressure will come from.  Bombers had outstanding success rushing QB's with 3-4 sets back in the day.

Quote from: Jesse on February 03, 2026, 05:34:42 PMAnd we often sent 4, Tony Jones acting as a guy on the line, but we just weren't good at it, as you've mentioned.

And the team is clearly trying to address that. Younger's system is still going to be what it is, but hopefully Lawson/Ceresna make it work better.

This means JY's system fundamentaly didn't work last year with the personnel we deployed.

I'm fine if that's the conclusion and I'm hopeful things will work better this year. In my opinion, the system needs to go back to a more conventional approach which is no secret to anyone here.

It's important to recognize that the difference between Richie Hall's defense and where JY took us. It felt like it should be a continuation since it happened slowly but the result are metric tonnes apart.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 04, 2026, 05:02:12 PMThis means JY's system fundamentaly didn't work last year with the personnel we deployed.

I'm fine if that's the conclusion and I'm hopeful things will work better this year. In my opinion, the system needs to go back to a more conventional approach which is no secret to anyone here.

But how do you reconcile that with the fact that our defence was 1st in points allowed?

Quote from: Jesse on February 04, 2026, 05:04:39 PMBut how do you reconcile that with the fact that our defence was 1st in points allowed?

We were fairly good in the red zone but did allow teams to consume time and long drives to get there. That's not the best combination. It impacts TOP for our offence and field position.

Quote from: Jesse on February 04, 2026, 05:04:39 PMBut how do you reconcile that with the fact that our defence was 1st in points allowed?

Does that really matter when they're the 6th best team in the league?  The defence was relatively ineffective playing against the CFL's best QB's.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 04, 2026, 05:17:25 PMDoes that really matter when they're the 6th best team in the league?  The defence was relatively ineffective playing against the CFL's best QB's.

It does matter. The defense was still a stronger phase of this team than the offense was last season. I know that isn't necessarily saying much but it should be considered when breaking down the issues that impacted this team in 2025 - on both sides of the ball.

The lack of generating pressure up front seemed to stem from a poorly built D-line, which only hindered the defensive unit as a whole. The defense was solid in the redzone but struggled elsewhere on the field, surrendering long drives and big plays to opposing offenses far too often, particularly top tier ones.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 04, 2026, 05:17:25 PMDoes that really matter when they're the 6th best team in the league?  The defence was relatively ineffective playing against the CFL's best QB's.

They lost games because the offence kept turning the ball over. That's not on the defence.

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 04, 2026, 05:13:35 PMWe were fairly good in the red zone but did allow teams to consume time and long drives to get there. That's not the best combination.

That's literally the "bend but don't break" D.  Hall (now Younger) is basically the epitome of that.  So this should surprise no one.

Some actually do think that's the best combination.  It's the "force the dink & dunk as it can't be sustained for 60Y" paradigm.  It's not wrong, usually.  Only SSK recently mastering the "dink & dunk to the nth degree" has put a fly in that ointment.

My biggest beef with the D last season was how many running TDs we gave up, especially to SSK and MTL.  That was embarrassing.  You need to force teams to the risk of passing TDs, not let them just waltz in!  I want that to stop completely in '26.  Back to the Stove-era run stop.  Make them earn their TDs.

Quote from: Tecno on February 04, 2026, 09:45:09 PMThat's literally the "bend but don't break" D.  Hall (now Younger) is basically the epitome of that.  So this should surprise no one.

Some actually do think that's the best combination.  It's the "force the dink & dunk as it can't be sustained for 60Y" paradigm.  It's not wrong, usually.  Only SSK recently mastering the "dink & dunk to the nth degree" has put a fly in that ointment.

My biggest beef with the D last season was how many running TDs we gave up, especially to SSK and MTL.  That was embarrassing.  You need to force teams to the risk of passing TDs, not let them just waltz in!  I want that to stop completely in '26.  Back to the Stove-era run stop.  Make them earn their TDs.

Yes but that's usually has a defence that applies more pressure on the QB to force mistakes. You can't let a QB have that much time and have the DB's give 10 yards of cushion.

Field position and TOP are critical as well.

Quote from: Jesse on February 04, 2026, 05:04:39 PMBut how do you reconcile that with the fact that our defence was 1st in points allowed?

Truly good defenses pass an eye test. Dominate defenses can power teams to championships. There are plenty of examples of this.

Our defense in 2025 was never one of those. They beat up some bad quarterbacks and had some good games against better talent but then would go out the next week and get absolutely torched. 

When the chips were down, they got pounded into the sand.

I don't put much stock into an average over the course of the season. Games are won and lost individually. JYs defense might have been better than our offense for big chunks of the year but it was ultimately a flawed unit who very much deserved to go out in the East Semi.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 04, 2026, 10:45:11 PMTruly good defenses pass an eye test. Dominate defenses can power teams to championships. There are plenty of examples of this.

Our defense in 2025 was never one of those. They beat up some bad quarterbacks and had some good games against better talent but then would go out the next week and get absolutely torched. 

When the chips were down, they got pounded into the sand.

I don't put much stock into an average over the course of the season. Games are won and lost individually. JYs defense might have been better than our offense for big chunks of the year but it was ultimately a flawed unit who very much deserved to go out in the East Semi.

that we allowed 42 points against in the playoff game against Mtrl is an indicator that our regular season defense wasn't as good as the stats say. The inability of our defense to generate pressure was a big factor. We only had 6 dline dressed and Munier=bailey hardly played. They were gassed by the end of the game.
LY we insisted on playing a ton of linebackers we need to find a way to rectify this . Most teams dress 7-9 dlinemen no one else dresses just 6.(especially with one being Thomas and the other being a global) Personally I think we need another quality dt especially since we haven't re-signed Woods. The other factor is we can't afford to have an import lb that only plays special teams.

Quote from: Pete on February 05, 2026, 12:21:29 AMthat we allowed 42 points against in the playoff game against Mtrl is an indicator that our regular season defense wasn't as good as the stats say. The inability of our defense to generate pressure was a big factor. We only had 6 dline dressed and Munier=bailey hardly played. They were gassed by the end of the game.
LY we insisted on playing a ton of linebackers we need to find a way to rectify this . Most teams dress 7-9 dlinemen no one else dresses just 6.(especially with one being Thomas and the other being a global) Personally I think we need another quality dt especially since we haven't re-signed Woods. The other factor is we can't afford to have an import lb that only plays special teams.

Agree and add... in a game where pressure would have been doubly effective playing a QB on one and a half legs.

Our D last year gave up way too many points in the 4th Q. That was the biggest problem. Turnovers did not help, nor did the O keeping them on the field.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 01:25:46 AMOur D last year gave up way too many points in the 4th Q. That was the biggest problem. Turnovers did not help, nor did the O keeping them on the field.

I don't know about 4th Q, but IIRC we lost every reg season 3rd Q except one, and another we tied at 0.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 04, 2026, 10:45:11 PMTruly good defenses pass an eye test. Dominate defenses can power teams to championships. There are plenty of examples of this.

Our defense in 2025 was never one of those. They beat up some bad quarterbacks and had some good games against better talent but then would go out the next week and get absolutely torched. 

Yes, it points to our D being what it was, which was one thing, and being unable to adjust or morph into what was needed to win against certain schemes.

There simply wasn't the option of switching from max coverage to suddenly being a pressure / blitzing D.  Even if it was desperately needed.

In the heydays of '19-'22 we could be a pressure D or a max coverage D, or a random who-knows-what-it'll-be D.

We need more D flexibility.

Ceresna is going to have a huge impact on our DL. He will provide pressure from wherever we line him up. He draws a lot of double teams and not a lot of DEs do. We will also put him in at DT and he will be effective inside and out. He provides a ton of different looks to our DL that will give other OLs fits

Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 01:52:28 AMCeresna is going to have a huge impact on our DL. He will provide pressure from wherever we line him up.

So it's likely we'll normally put Willie & Cersna together on one side, probably against the RG/RT?  They'll have to shift more resources to cover that side, freeing up some sneaky play on the "weaker" side?

Can't sneeze at Lawson, either.  Boy, it would sure be nice if we could have a super-effective final DE to put the nail in the O's coffin.

Quote from: Tecno on February 05, 2026, 01:38:04 AMYes, it points to our D being what it was, which was one thing, and being unable to adjust or morph into what was needed to win against certain schemes.

There simply wasn't the option of switching from max coverage to suddenly being a pressure / blitzing D.  Even if it was desperately needed.

In the heydays of '19-'22 we could be a pressure D or a max coverage D, or a random who-knows-what-it'll-be D.

We need more D flexibility.

Agree we need to be better. I'm not sure we need flexibility. Not getting pressure on the QB is not really a viable option as an every down defense.

I'm not against a 3-4 look that doesn't put pressure on the quarterback as a wrinkle. But it needs to be a wrinkle.

We see teams do this more than we know. Or versions of it. There's whole sets of simulated pressure. If we're getting in on the QB and making him play fast it absolutely makes sense to simulate and drop 8 at times.

It just all falls apart when there is so little pressure that QBs consistanty extend plays beyond the time that zones realistically hold or man coverage can survive.

No amount of JY X's and O's can overcome that.

We need guys who can eventually get home in a 3 man front. There isn't a Qb in this league that won't carve you up if he's able to thru all his reads.

Quote from: Tecno on February 05, 2026, 01:59:46 AMSo it's likely we'll normally put Willie & Cersna together on one side, probably against the RG/RT?  They'll have to shift more resources to cover that side, freeing up some sneaky play on the "weaker" side?

Can't sneeze at Lawson, either.  Boy, it would sure be nice if we could have a super-effective final DE to put the nail in the O's coffin.

I think we will give all kinds of looks with both the 3 and 4 man looks. Guys will be lining up everywhere. Ceresna, and Jake out allows for it. Be very interesting to watch. If we can get opposing QBs confused they aren't going thru their reads as effectively. Plus we need to punish QBs more even if it isn't a sack. We allowed old timers like Harris to sit in the pocket and go virtually untouched. That cant happen or he will carve you up. Harris, and VA fall apart if you hit them.

Quote from: Tecno on February 05, 2026, 01:38:04 AMWe need more D flexibility.

A better D-line capable of generating consistent pressure would've done wonders last season.

No shade from me on JY's defense - but I think it was effective despite the lack of big boy talent and not because the design was so pristine. IMO we accomplished an incredible feat last year by holding off so much scoring given the lack of talent we had up front. And I don't care if you say we had no pressure because it was by design - it was by that design because of the lack of personnel to get the pressure.

All of that is moot now though because Ceresna instantly fixes that hole in the middle of the line and frees up JY to basically do anything, especially if our young DEs (if that's the direction we end up going there) overperform and it allows Willie to do Willie things and allows us to present any sort of D combination we need to in order to respond to how the other O is playing at any particular time.

Quote from: blue_or_die on February 05, 2026, 06:33:50 PMNo shade from me on JY's defense - but I think it was effective despite the lack of big boy talent and not because the design was so pristine. IMO we accomplished an incredible feat last year by holding off so much scoring given the lack of talent we had up front. And I don't care if you say we had no pressure because it was by design - it was by that design because of the lack of personnel to get the pressure.

All of that is moot now though because Ceresna instantly fixes that hole in the middle of the line and frees up JY to basically do anything, especially if our young DEs (if that's the direction we end up going there) overperform and it allows Willie to do Willie things and allows us to present any sort of D combination we need to in order to respond to how the other O is playing at any particular time.

I am unclear why everyone thinks we signed Ceresna to be a DT. He plays mostly DE.

This is super-exciting news! I'm pumped!

Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 07:12:20 PMI am unclear why everyone thinks we signed Ceresna to be a DT. He plays mostly DE.

He had 1 sack in 11 games last year, strong he is, fast he ain't.  Pretty sure he cycles into the DT rotation in place of Woods and DE's will be chosen from a different pile.

Here he runs over Stanley, this must have been his only sack.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 07:12:20 PMI am unclear why everyone thinks we signed Ceresna to be a DT. He plays mostly DE.

Because they had Taylor, Barlow and Smith as their DE's in 2025. On every depth chart Ceresna was listed as a DT. I man re-watch an Elks game I have on PVR but I don't remember him primarily used outside as a DE.

Sure DL are used in many different fronts but like I said at 295 lbs that makes no sense as a full time diet.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 07:12:20 PMI am unclear why everyone thinks we signed Ceresna to be a DT. He plays mostly DE.

Probably best not to label him as either as clearly he doesn't fit into the traditional positions. This has been the case in the league for a while now, with highly athletic players coming in and breaking the mold and forcing/allowing coordinators to optimize these talents by making "hybrid" or rotational types of roles. Clay Matthews 10 or 15 years ago comes to mind as an example in the NFL. I think we even used Odell Willis in a DE/LB hybrid role for a while there too when he was in his prime. Another example are the hyper-athletic QBs like Taysom Hill or even Tebow (lol).

Anyway, he's a big dude that can do it all and that's better than what we had 2 weeks ago on an undertalented Dline so that's all that matters to me I guess.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 05, 2026, 07:36:06 PMHe had 1 sack in 11 games last year, strong he is, fast he ain't.  Pretty sure he cycles into the DT rotation in place of Woods and DE's will be chosen from a different pile.

Here he runs over Stanley, this must have been his only sack.

Not sure you watched the video you posted... Jake is definitely playing DE in this clip, walking right over Big Stan to Collaro's blind side.

Quote from: theaardvark on February 05, 2026, 09:47:14 PMNot sure you watched the video you posted... Jake is definitely playing DE in this clip, walking right over Big Stan to Collaro's blind side.

He's capable of playing DE at times but it depends on the QB he's playing against. I wouldn't want to see him trying to do that against Rourke or VAJ for example.  Collaros is more of a sitting duck in that sense and is not going to run around and by most DE's. 

Quote from: theaardvark on February 05, 2026, 09:47:14 PMNot sure you watched the video you posted... Jake is definitely playing DE in this clip, walking right over Big Stan to Collaro's blind side.

Well as a DE he wasn't very effective, he got through to the QB one time in 11 games.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 05, 2026, 10:55:22 PMWell as a DE he wasn't very effective, he got through to the QB one time in 11 games.

He was injured all last season. He's been one of the premier pass rushers in the CFL for like 5 years.

No kidding, the man's a force to be reckoned with and has been for years. I just hope his knee prob1ems are behind him.

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 05, 2026, 10:26:57 PMHe's capable of playing DE at times but it depends on the QB he's playing against. I wouldn't want to see him trying to do that against Rourke or VAJ for example.  Collaros is more of a sitting duck in that sense and is not going to run around and by most DE's. 

68.9% of his snaps in 2024 was at DE. He will definitely play both inside and out on our D but he excels at both. As a big man capable of playing DE he will likely play there in our 3 man fronts so that another big man can line up in the DT.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 06, 2026, 05:17:13 AM68.9% of his snaps in 2024 was at DE. He will definitely play both inside and out on our D but he excels at both. As a big man capable of playing DE he will likely play there in our 3 man fronts so that another big man can line up in the DT.

I expect a lot of what we'll see is Jefferson-Lawson-Ceresna, with Griffin/Woodbey as the extra defender.

Quote from: Jesse on February 06, 2026, 10:59:35 AMI expect a lot of what we'll see is Jefferson-Lawson-Ceresna, with Griffin/Woodbey as the extra defender.

That would be my guess for a 3 man front as well. I expect that Ceresna will line up outside in the 4 man a fair deal. Ceresna can move for a big man and OTs are not used to being bullrushed by a 300 lber.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 06, 2026, 05:17:13 AM68.9% of his snaps in 2024 was at DE. He will definitely play both inside and out on our D but he excels at both. As a big man capable of playing DE he will likely play there in our 3 man fronts so that another big man can line up in the DT.

That may well be true but that was Edmonton and this is Winnipeg. Edmonton may have had a better interior of choices at DT. Winnipeg had squat and our need is / was at DT. The returning players from our PR are DE types. Most of the rookies we've signed are DE types. The only returning back up DL we have is Schmekel. Our DL is in full re-build mode with 3 departures.

Obviously players will line up at various spots. Depth charts are not written in stone but I suspect he'll be listed at DT. How many snaps he takes at DT or DE is going to depend on how well we recruit at DE and DT as variables. Defensive strategy comes into play.

I don't care if they put him in at MLB. 

Just get him on the field.

He is legit Jefferson quality, and will give Willie some relief.  If he lines up at DT beside Willie, woe be that oline... and by extension, QB.

To heck with the blindside, I want them in the QB's face.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 06, 2026, 05:17:13 AM68.9% of his snaps in 2024 was at DE. He will definitely play both inside and out on our D but he excels at both. As a big man capable of playing DE he will likely play there in our 3 man fronts so that another big man can line up in the DT.

Where did you get that precise number?  Now days it doesn't matter so much where they line up but DE's and DT's still have distinctly different responsibilities and dimensions, even though the jobs have morphed a bit, I see Ceresna as strictly a DT.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2026, 05:38:36 PMWhere did you get that precise number?  Now days it doesn't matter so much where they line up but DE's and DT's still have distinctly different responsibilities and dimensions, even though the jobs have morphed a bit, I see Ceresna as strictly a DT.

It sort of makes sense.
On first downs, he would play more DE and they bulk up their interior, and then on second downs they replace a DT with another DE and move Ceresna to the middle. There's more 1st downs and 3rd and 1's, than there is 2nd and longs.

I see him moving around our d-line just like Willie does. Sometimes you want to seek out size or speed mismatches.
Ultimately, he's a fantastic pick up and wherever they put him, he's going to be a big upgrade!!

Jake Ceresna is officially a Bomber.

https://3downnation.com/2026/02/06/edmonton-elks-transfer-jake-ceresnas-playing-rights-winnipeg-blue-bombers-make-contract-official/

Blue Bombers Sign All-CFL Defensive Lineman Jake Ceresna

WINNIPEG, MB., February 6, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed All-CFL defensive lineman Jake Ceresna to a two- year contract. Ceresna's rights were transferred by Edmonton to Winnipeg today.

Ceresna (6-4, 295; Cortland State; born: July 9, 1994, in New Fairfield, CT) joins the Blue Bombers after spending last season with the Edmonton Elks and following previous stints with the Toronto Argonauts (2024), Edmonton (2018-23) and the Ottawa Redblacks (2017).

A two-time All-CFL (2022, 2024), Ceresna is a veteran of 102 Canadian Football League regular season games and was a member of the 2024 Grey Cup champion Argonauts. He returned to Edmonton as a free agent in 2025.

Ceresna is coming off a 2025 campaign in which his production was impacted by an injury he attempted to play through before having his season come to an end in the Labour Day Classic. He finished the year with 16 defensive tackles, one sack and one interception in 11 games.

A versatile lineman who has started games at both defensive end and defensive tackle, Ceresna has 201 defensive tackles, 46 quarterback sacks and seven forced fumbles in his CFL career.

He posted a career high 12 sacks in 2023 with the Elks, following a 2022 season in which he had 10 sacks and was named Edmonton's Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Ceresna's CFL career began with Ottawa in 2017, and he was then traded to Edmonton in February of 2018 for defensive end Odell Willis. He was traded again in January of 2024 along with the rights to a player off Edmonton's negotiation list to Toronto for receiver Kurleigh Gittens, Jr. and a seventh-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft.

Ceresna first turned pro with the New York Jets in 2016 as an undrafted free agent and following a collegiate career split between Southern Connecticut State (2012) and Cortland State (2013-15).

 

Jake Ceresna will be available to media Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m.

Three technique in a 4-3 and four tech in a 3-4.

Quote from: ModAdmin on February 07, 2026, 05:48:40 AMCeresna's rights were transferred by Edmonton to Winnipeg today.

Curious that Edm can be so accommodating to Ceresna after leaving Ford hang out to dry until the last minute.

Why?

Good article in the Sun about how this "assign the playing rights" has never happened before.

https://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/winnipeg_blue_bombers/bombers-puzzling-trade-with-elks-leaves-fans-confused/article_33c7344f-38c9-4bcb-8906-892089bf61e2.html

I'm not sure why people are making such a big deal about this "never happening before". The tampering window has only existed for a couple of years. It's not like it's earthshaking that someone decided to try something that we haven't seen in all of 2 years.

It gets Ceresna his signing bonus. It accelerates the process for both teams. It frees up a roster spot for Edmonton. It's a sign of respect for a longtime all-star.

If the leagues cool with it, have at'r.

So, his rights got transferred to WPG before FA started so he could sign?

What did WPG give up in the transfer?  (can't read the article behind the paywall, and the CFL.CA article doesn't say)

Classic Paul Friesen article.

Ceresna may have wanted his signing bonus sooner or the media appearance worked better last week instead of this one. CFL players have lives too.

All they did was do the required paperwork a week early and they needed Edmonton's help for that. It's nice when everyone is nice.

The end.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 08, 2026, 05:25:36 PMIt's nice when everyone is nice.

It is. My question is why they weren't nice to Ford?

Quote from: theaardvark on February 08, 2026, 04:59:52 PMSo, his rights got transferred to WPG before FA started so he could sign?

What did WPG give up in the transfer?  (can't read the article behind the paywall, and the CFL.CA article doesn't say)

The release says Edmonton has agreed to "assign the playing rights" of Ceresna to the Bombers.

Huh? He's about to become a free agent on Feb. 10. Yet this makes it sound more like a trade.
It's not a trade though. The Bombers confirmed they're not getting anything in return.

The release goes on to say the Elks are doing this "in order to demonstrate cooperation with fellow member clubs and to allow the acquiring club to begin its onboarding process."

That "onboarding process" includes "travel arrangements and event planning."

Again, we've never seen anything like this before.

Nothing would have stopped the Bombers from making travel arrangements and planning a news conference with Ceresna without his rights being transferred.
-Winnipeg Sun

Think of it as essentially paperwork, not a trade where things go to each team.

The Bombers get his rights, that allows us to register the contract which allows us to pay him and do the press release, media, a little early. Technically a trade likely consistutes something for both teams and so therefore they don't call it that, strictly speaking.

Whatever the exact terminology is, it's just a slow day for Paul who got to sound indignant which is the only time he's ever been relevant.

Quote from: Waffler on February 08, 2026, 05:27:59 PMIt is. My question is why they weren't nice to Ford?

1. Who cares about Ford?

2. It could literally be any number of reasons, including Ford not wanted to, hoping another team will still offer him a better deal.

3. This is not something anyone is obligated to do for anyone. Without knowing why one or more or the people involved initiated this process, hard to say why they aren't doing in a separate instance involving different people.

Quote from: Jesse on February 08, 2026, 06:54:01 PM1. Who cares about Ford?

I do and they should also since his twin brother is still employed by the Edm club. What they did was kind of dirty although they will say it's just business. Since no one profited by waiting all it did was tarnish the Elk brand.

When something happens that no team has ever done before and it's the same team that just gave the middle finger to their former starting QB, I'm just a little curious as to what is going on. I will also note that since this happened no other team has followed suit. Seems a one off initiated by the Elks. Only natural to wonder what the thinking is there. Bad Elk one week and good Elk the next?

Quote from: Waffler on February 08, 2026, 07:52:04 PMI do and they should also since his twin brother is still employed by the Edm club. What they did was kind of dirty although they will say it's just business. Since no one profited by waiting all it did was tarnish the Elk brand.

When something happens that no team has ever done before and it's the same team that just gave the middle finger to their former starting QB, I'm just a little curious as to what is going on. I will also note that since this happened no other team has followed suit. Seems a one off initiated by the Elks. Only natural to wonder what the thinking is there. Bad Elk one week and good Elk the next?

I guess I disagree that that did anything wrong in this instance. What middle finger did they give Ford other than handing him the starter position to start the year?

And also, what does Ceresna have to do with Ford in the first place? One thing has nothing to do with the other.

Quote from: Jesse on February 08, 2026, 08:42:35 PMWhat middle finger did they give Ford

I guess you didn't read him talking about how Edm treated him. They didn't even talk to him, Just made him wait until the day before his bonus. The classy thing to do was let him go early.

"I actually didn't hear from them until the day they released me. They called me, 'We're gonna make it public.' Knowing the situation and extending Cody, I wasn't oblivious to what was going to happen. I knew what was coming and then they gave me a quick phone call before the release."

Ford indicated there were no conversations with Edmonton about potentially restructuring his contract and staying in the Alberta capital as Fajardo's backup.  It's an idea he thought about on his own due to relationships with people on the team and owning a house in the city.

Quote from: Waffler on February 08, 2026, 10:44:22 PMI guess you didn't read him talking about how Edm treated him. They didn't even talk to him, Just made him wait until the day before his bonus. The classy thing to do was let him go early.

"I actually didn't hear from them until the day they released me. They called me, 'We're gonna make it public.' Knowing the situation and extending Cody, I wasn't oblivious to what was going to happen. I knew what was coming and then they gave me a quick phone call before the release."

Ford indicated there were no conversations with Edmonton about potentially restructuring his contract and staying in the Alberta capital as Fajardo's backup.  It's an idea he thought about on his own due to relationships with people on the team and owning a house in the city.

What's interesting about these new fangled telephone we are using is they work both ways.

If Ford had wanted to restructure his deal, he could have called the Elks and told them a new number/deal that he would be willing to take.

Saying that they never called him is kinda lame.

Quote from: Waffler on February 08, 2026, 10:44:22 PMI guess you didn't read him talking about how Edm treated him. They didn't even talk to him, Just made him wait until the day before his bonus. The classy thing to do was let him go early.

"I actually didn't hear from them until the day they released me. They called me, 'We're gonna make it public.' Knowing the situation and extending Cody, I wasn't oblivious to what was going to happen. I knew what was coming and then they gave me a quick phone call before the release."

Ford indicated there were no conversations with Edmonton about potentially restructuring his contract and staying in the Alberta capital as Fajardo's backup.  It's an idea he thought about on his own due to relationships with people on the team and owning a house in the city.

Don't think the Elks did anything nefarious, Ford was paid twice what Streveler received and won fewer games, plus he used that overpayment to set himself up in the B&B business with a couple of properities to rent out, including one near Hamilton which he will be moving into.  Also had 3 clubs bidding for his services and is ok with what transpired, watch the 3DN interview instead of reading the article and you may come away with a different interpretation.

Quote from: Waffler on February 08, 2026, 10:44:22 PMI guess you didn't read him talking about how Edm treated him. They didn't even talk to him, Just made him wait until the day before his bonus. The classy thing to do was let him go early.

"I actually didn't hear from them until the day they released me. They called me, 'We're gonna make it public.' Knowing the situation and extending Cody, I wasn't oblivious to what was going to happen. I knew what was coming and then they gave me a quick phone call before the release."

Ford indicated there were no conversations with Edmonton about potentially restructuring his contract and staying in the Alberta capital as Fajardo's backup.  It's an idea he thought about on his own due to relationships with people on the team and owning a house in the city.

Yeah, we hear the same story from every player who isn't retained. It's only one side of the story.

The bonus was put into his contract by his agent to ensure an early release if it came to that, and that's exactly wha happened. There were no surprises.

Paul Friesen loves to fry up nothing burgers. He's got no other skills.

Quote from: Jesse on February 09, 2026, 10:49:49 AMYeah, we hear the same story from every player who isn't retained. It's only one side of the story.

The bonus was put into his contract by his agent to ensure an early release if it came to that, and that's exactly wha happened. There were no surprises.

Bonuses make teams make decisions ahead of FA.  Definitely.  But those decisions should be made in consultation with the player.

Unless the intent was never to consider his return, which should have led to him immediate release, or the trade of his player rights to another team for a neg lister and a case of gatorade.  Hanging him out until the day before  bonus is due is disrespectful.  Legal, but disrespectul.

But again, the phone call to the Elks by the agent saying "Hey, you want to renegotiate? Or are we in your plans?  If not, can you cut us loose now?"  was not an impossible call to make, and ends the disrespect. 

Sometimes, a p1ayer knows its time to move on, yes Ford cou1d have ca11ed to try and renegotiate, but then thought why bother, they suck, they have 1itt1e to no fan support, 1et's move on. I think that's what happened here and he's going to be happier c1oser to home and have more success and 1ess trave1 p1aying in the east

Quote from: dd on February 10, 2026, 05:23:41 PMSometimes, a p1ayer knows its time to move on, yes Ford cou1d have ca11ed to try and renegotiate, but then thought why bother, they suck, they have 1itt1e to no fan support, 1et's move on. I think that's what happened here and he's going to be happier c1oser to home and have more success and 1ess trave1 p1aying in the east

Sure, but if that was the case, you can't then disparage the team for not reaching out. 

Live in a couple of hours.



At 33:08 Ed Tait and Derek Taylor  do a breakdown of  the big moves made in free agency by all teams.

I am stoked to see this guy in a blue and gold jersey. He seems pretty pumped to be here.

Quote from: GCn19 on February 06, 2026, 05:17:13 AM68.9% of his snaps in 2024 was at DE

Ya, you're gonna have to cite a source for this, as no one will believe you are Ceresna's biggest fan who literally tracks his every snap.  If PFF or whatever is giving out that info free, tell us how so we can make use of it!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 08, 2026, 11:58:02 PMFord was paid twice what Streveler received and won fewer games

This is a really hilarious stat.

Quote from: Waffler on February 08, 2026, 10:44:22 PMI guess you didn't read him talking about how Edm treated him. They didn't even talk to him, Just made him wait until the day before his bonus. The classy thing to do was let him go early.

Uh, Mafia has been accused of doing the exact same thing many times, and by players way more "important" than Tre Ford.

Football is a poopy business, and teams seem to mistreat players all the time.  Unfortunately, I've grown to just accept it as business as usual.

I think teams just prioritize spending their time on p1ayers they want to sign and dont waste time ca11ing p1ayers that aren't in their p1ans. Not rea1 c1assy, wou1dnt take much time, but its a co1d business

Quote from: dd on February 11, 2026, 05:55:20 PMI think teams just prioritize spending their time on p1ayers they want to sign and dont waste time ca11ing p1ayers that aren't in their p1ans. Not rea1 c1assy, wou1dnt take much time, but its a co1d business

Yeah, those pesky phone calls can take hours... on wait.  No, 5 minutes.  If you don't have 5 minutes for a player that you signed to a multi year deal, then you ain't cold, you crass.

Quote from: theaardvark on February 11, 2026, 07:42:38 PMYeah, those pesky phone calls can take hours... on wait.  No, 5 minutes.  If you don't have 5 minutes for a player that you signed to a multi year deal, then you ain't cold, you crass.

When Walters speaks on this topic for Bomber players, he's pretty adamant that conversations are being had. Some players just want to play the blame game after they lose their job.

Quote from: dd on February 11, 2026, 05:55:20 PMI think teams just prioritize spending their time on p1ayers they want to sign and dont waste time ca11ing p1ayers that aren't in their p1ans.

Yes, and time is limited for the Mafia at the top (like KW).  However, no law says you can't assign some low-level underling to make those calls.  That would cost almost nothing.

However, the fact these stories are so prevalent, from many teams, means that maybe players should just understand this is how it works and not take it personally.

Quote from: Tecno on February 12, 2026, 05:57:01 PMYes, and time is limited for the Mafia at the top (like KW). However, no law says you can't assign some low-level underling to make those calls.  That would cost almost nothing.

However, the fact these stories are so prevalent, from many teams, means that maybe players should just understand this is how it works and not take it personally.

That's Darren Cameron's job but he doesn't pay much attention to the difficult tasks on his list.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 12, 2026, 07:29:46 PMThat's Darren Cameron's job but he doesn't pay much attention to the difficult tasks on his list.

What's with the needless, petty dig at Darren Cameron?

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 12, 2026, 07:41:35 PMWhat's with the needless, petty dig at Darren Cameron?

Plenty of anecdotal evidence he doesn't handle the exit door very well, I don't think he's qualified for his job.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 12, 2026, 08:00:03 PMPlenty of anecdotal evidence he doesn't handle the exit door very well, I don't think he's qualified for his job.

Oh. Well, that settles it, then.

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbTE5ZzZhazluNzljZTk2Z3pjdHU5a2NwajZ6aDRjejFvNzJndjRzdyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/Rhhr8D5mKSX7O/giphy.gif)

He's been with the organization for nearly 20 years. Seems like he's doing something right with that amount of tenure.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 12, 2026, 08:17:21 PMOh. Well, that settles it, then.

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbTE5ZzZhazluNzljZTk2Z3pjdHU5a2NwajZ6aDRjejFvNzJndjRzdyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/Rhhr8D5mKSX7O/giphy.gif)

He's been with the organization for nearly 20 years. Seems like he's doing something right with that amount of tenure.

Started as a ball boy?

If Ceresna is healthy, his leadership and skills will prove to be what puts the Bombers back to the Grey Cup.

I'm rewatching the ESF and it's clear what we need desperately is a DL that can shed blocks in the box and make the tackles on passing carriers.  We were SO bad at that.  And I'm watching MTL in that game, and SSK in the GC, and their best DL effortlessly shed OL and stop the run.

Oh ya, and we really need to have our OL grab/obstruct the DL's more to let Brady actually do something.  Everyone sheds our OL like they don't exist!!  No wonder SSK/MTL went to the GC and we stunk out the ESF.  It's pathetic on both sides of the ball!

Quote from: Tecno on February 15, 2026, 06:59:30 PMI'm rewatching the ESF and it's clear what we need desperately is a DL that can shed blocks in the box and make the tackles on passing carriers.  We were SO bad at that.  And I'm watching MTL in that game, and SSK in the GC, and their best DL effortlessly shed OL and stop the run.

Oh ya, and we really need to have our OL grab/obstruct the DL's more to let Brady actually do something.  Everyone sheds our OL like they don't exist!!  No wonder SSK/MTL went to the GC and we stunk out the ESF.  It's pathetic on both sides of the ball!

Wonder how secure Younger's job actually is, a repeat of multiple issues seen last season may have many hoping he gets poached by another team as HC.  Of the 3 coordinators Mike Miller did the best job, Hogan got demoted and Younger fell somewhere in between.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 15, 2026, 07:56:22 PMWonder how secure Younger's job actually is, a repeat of multiple issues seen last season may have many hoping he gets poached by another team as HC.  Of the 3 coordinators Mike Miller did the best job, Hogan got demoted and Younger fell somewhere in between.

I think it's ridiculous fan nonsense to think Younger has any sort of pressure on him.

Quote from: Jesse on February 15, 2026, 09:12:28 PMI think it's ridiculous fan nonsense to think Younger has any sort of pressure on him.

All coaches should feel pressure. Ask Jason Hogan.

This is a put up or shut up year for JY in my opinion. He had a great first year and then talented offensive coordinators schemed him up pretty bad last year. He's either going to call an effective defense in 2026 or there's going to be some very hard questions. You're a big fan. I'm a big fan of results. He's 1 for 2 in that department.

With the recent acquisition and of FA talent, expectations are running a little higher this year vs last. That said, BC has upped their defense with Sankey, so they ll be tough, riders got poached this off season so they ll be a bit weaker but still formidable as will Calgary but we should be top 2 in the west

Quote from: Jesse on February 15, 2026, 09:12:28 PMI think it's ridiculous fan nonsense to think Younger has any sort of pressure on him.

... so far...

Ya, being top-3 in many D stats last season will buy a DC some wiggle room.  Keep in mind he was working with what many would have considered the league-worst DL personnel group in '25.  That also buys you some wiggle room.  If the GM gives you a D filled with Sam Hurls, no one can fault you for sucking.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 15, 2026, 09:26:11 PMAll coaches should feel pressure. Ask Jason Hogan.

While I agree all coaches should feel pressure to succeed in their respective roles (no differently from the players), Hogan was basically a rookie who couldn't manage any real or sustained success in his role as OC.

That's not even remotely similar to Younger's siutation.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 16, 2026, 01:09:33 PMWhile I agree all coaches should feel pressure to succeed in their respective roles (no differently from the players), Hogan was basically a rookie who couldn't manage any real or sustained success in his role as OC.

That's not even remotely similar to Younger's siutation.

Agreed that Jordan Younger's football career and coaching journey are both in a different stratosphere than Hogan.

There are also plenty of defensive coordinators who have more experience than JY and get relieved of duties an annual basis in pro football.

JY system has resulted in a mixed bag. Novel and different in 2024. Major regression in 2025. I'm not sure how anyone could conclude otherwise?

I'm pulling for him but it's either going to get better this year or it's not. When I say better, he needs to prove his system is capable of: getting pressure, disrupting offensive timing, generating negative plays, forcing turnovers. He doesn't need to lead the league in any of those categories but it needs to be miles better than 2025.

If it isn't then we've got a real problem. That would be the definition of make or break year in my opinion.

Quote from: Tecno on February 16, 2026, 02:59:37 AM... so far...

Ya, being top-3 in many D stats last season will buy a DC some wiggle room.  Keep in mind he was working with what many would have considered the league-worst DL personnel group in '25.  That also buys you some wiggle room.  If the GM gives you a D filled with Sam Hurls, no one can fault you for sucking.

Every coach was hired to be fired. So we can say "so far" for every person in the the league.

But heading into 2026, I think that MOS, Walters, Wade think that Younger is as extraordinary coach who is performing exactly as they want and expect.

We can make up an imaginary scenario where his defence is completely ineffective in 2026 and that would cause him to feel pressure, but right now I think any sort of job insecurity only exists in the minds of certain fans.

JY has had Hall in his back pocket all along, Hogan got Jackson as a "mentor", and he showed up late.

Not trying to justify Hogan's bad year, but id he had had, say, Lapo as CO assistant, you think things might have been different?

I'm not saying Lapo is as good a coach as Hall, but he's still a step up on Jackson.

Quote from: Jesse on February 16, 2026, 03:05:19 PMEvery coach was hired to be fired. So we can say "so far" for every person in the the league.

But heading into 2026, I think that MOS, Walters, Wade think that Younger is as extraordinary coach who is performing exactly as they want and expect.

We can make up an imaginary scenario where his defence is completely ineffective in 2026 and that would cause him to feel pressure, but right now I think any sort of job insecurity only exists in the minds of certain fans.

It's always an imaginary scenario for everyone.

The questions are whether or not he can adapt his 3-4 to get more pressure and generally speaking, be more effective. Whether or not he can expand his system to include more 4-3 and if he can be effective with it.

He probably can. But I want to see it. Don't you?

Quote from: Jesse on February 16, 2026, 03:05:19 PMEvery coach was hired to be fired. So we can say "so far" for every person in the the league.

But heading into 2026, I think that MOS, Walters, Wade think that Younger is as extraordinary coach who is performing exactly as they want and expect.

We can make up an imaginary scenario where his defence is completely ineffective in 2026 and that would cause him to feel pressure, but right now I think any sort of job insecurity only exists in the minds of certain fans.

They came in 4th in the West one up from the bottom, that's performing well below the water-line, no coach with the exception of Miller performed up to expectations, including O'Shea.  Do it again this season and another head or two might roll.  Pretty obvious in the Bomber organization pressure to course correct comes down from the very top.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 16, 2026, 05:20:17 PMIt's always an imaginary scenario for everyone.

The questions are whether or not he can adapt his 3-4 to get more pressure and generally speaking, be more effective. Whether or not he can expand his system to include more 4-3 and if he can be effective with it.

He probably can. But I want to see it. Don't you?

Again, I think his system works well enough to win the Grey Cup and our offence is our handicap.

I want to see what this defence looks like when Collaros is scoring TDs instead of throwing pick sixes or going 2 and out late in games allowing the opponent to lean on the run game.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 16, 2026, 02:43:53 PMJY system has resulted in a mixed bag. Novel and different in 2024. Major regression in 2025. I'm not sure how anyone could conclude otherwise?

I'm looking at the statistics from 2024 and 2025.

2024 (https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/cfl/team-stats/defense-totals/2024/regular-season?sort=ydsgm): fewest points allowed, sixth fewest rushing yards allowed, fewest passing yards allowed, fewest total yards allowed.

2025 (https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/cfl/team-stats/defense-totals/2025/regular-season?sort=ptsgm): third fewest points allowed, third fewest rush yards allowed, third fewest passing yards allowed, third fewest total yards allowed.

I see a regression but nothing that qualifies as a major one, with a minor improvement in rushing yards allowed. I have to wonder how much better the 2025 defensive unit does with a stronger D-line more capable of generating pressure on opposing QBs.

Quote from: theaardvark on February 16, 2026, 03:15:03 PMJY has had Hall in his back pocket all along, Hogan got Jackson as a "mentor", and he showed up late.

Hogan had Pierce as a mentor from the moment he joined the WFC in 2022. He didn't seem to learn much based on how his short-lived stint as OC went.
The Mafia should carry the bulk of the blame considering it was their in-house promotion after Pierce's departure.

The regression in 2025 was primarily from our offense, how many time and games did they throw pick six or fumble the ball and give the opponent half a field to score?? A lot.

I expect our O to be far better with Wilson in our lineup from day 1 and with the addition of Tim white and Broxton on our o line.

Ceresna will really improve our D line but we still need a stud D tackle

Quote from: dd on February 16, 2026, 08:06:55 PMThe regression in 2025 was primarily from our offense, how many time and games did they throw pick six or fumble the ball and give the opponent half a field to score?? A lot.

I expect our O to be far better with Wilson in our lineup from day 1 and with the addition of Tim white and Broxton on our o line.

Ceresna will really improve our D line but we still need a stud D tackle

Ceresna is the stud D tackle, Walters made it clear he's playing inside .

Overall the D-line is looking seriously vulnerable with only 3 experienced vets in Willie, Lawson and Ceresna locked in place, lose any of those 3 to long-term injury could cause serious problems in performance, experience and leadership that they might have to fill from outside.  Schmeck should be ready to step up as a regular in rotation this season but the rest of the spots will consist of new to the CFL players of which there are 7 competing.

Not sure why we let vaughters go then I thought it was because we signed ceresna but if he's playing inside we need someone else to threaten from the edge other than Willie

Quote from: dd on February 17, 2026, 01:00:38 AMNot sure why we let vaughters go then I thought it was because we signed ceresna but if he's playing inside we need someone else to threaten from the edge other than Willie

Can't pay everyone. Good point though. I would have kept Vaughters and passed on Willie.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 16, 2026, 08:00:42 PM2024 (https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/cfl/team-stats/defense-totals/2024/regular-season?sort=ydsgm): fewest points allowed, sixth fewest rushing yards allowed, fewest passing yards allowed, fewest total yards allowed.

2025 (https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/cfl/team-stats/defense-totals/2025/regular-season?sort=ptsgm): third fewest points allowed, third fewest rush yards allowed, third fewest passing yards allowed, third fewest total yards allowed.

Is it that we got 2 places worse, or that 2 other teams upped their game to do it better??  Looking at the absolute numbers may answer that.  My guess is a bit of both.

Our big problem in '25 was that we got a bit worse, but SSK, CGY, BC all made big improvements.

Quote from: Tecno on February 17, 2026, 06:28:37 AMIs it that we got 2 places worse, or that 2 other teams upped their game to do it better??  Looking at the absolute numbers may answer that.  My guess is a bit of both.

Our big problem in '25 was that we got a bit worse, but SSK, CGY, BC all made big improvements.

Well, BC got worse in terms of points allowed. But Sask got a couple points better, Calgary took a full TD a game off their points allowed, and we started allowing 3 points more per game (from 2024 to 2025).

That said, we were still first in defensive points allowed. In the context of our time of possession dropping a full minute per game, our turnover ratio going from +4 to -11. And that's only from '24 to '25. Our offensive play was also down in '24. If we can get our offensive play above what we've seen in the last 2 years, this defense (just as we've seen it) is more than good enough. But they are also identifying weaknesses and making moves.

Quote from: Jesse on February 17, 2026, 10:55:48 AMWell, BC got worse in terms of points allowed. But Sask got a couple points better, Calgary took a full TD a game off their points allowed, and we started allowing 3 points more per game (from 2024 to 2025).

That said, we were still first in defensive points allowed. In the context of our time of possession dropping a full minute per game, our turnover ratio going from +4 to -11. And that's only from '24 to '25. Our offensive play was also down in '24. If we can get our offensive play above what we've seen in the last 2 years, this defense (just as we've seen it) is more than good enough. But they are also identifying weaknesses and making moves.

There's always more going on under the hood especially when you look at complementary football and bring that up as an reason why the other unit didn't succeed.

I don't really love that because it creates excuses where there really aught not to be.

For example: Our defense, by design, gives up yards and so what was our average starting field position? We didn't generate very many defensive turnovers so our offense didn't get many chances at sudden change points. You can of course inverse these.

Both units need to be better. Dominate offense and dominate defenses can carry teams to championships. Neither unit was good enough last year and both deserved the cross over exit in the end.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 17, 2026, 01:25:44 AMCan't pay everyone. Good point though. I would have kept Vaughters and passed on Willie.

That would be akin to passing on Collaros and keeping Brown... sounds good on paper, but...

No way ever that that would happen, unless Willie had been injured, and even then, unlikely.

Willie is here until he says he can't play anymore, or until it is clearly evident he can't play any more.  Last year was not a great year, but I'd conjecture it was more a team lull, and a Dline as a whole lull, than a Willie failure.

Ceresna is going to make Willie a lot better.

Quote from: theaardvark on February 17, 2026, 05:44:59 PMThat would be akin to passing on Collaros and keeping Brown...

(https://y.yarn.co/99c7c50c-733b-461a-9b2a-70d4373ac0eb_text.gif)

Quote from: theaardvark on February 17, 2026, 05:44:59 PMThat would be akin to passing on Collaros and keeping Brown... sounds good on paper, but...

No way ever that that would happen, unless Willie had been injured, and even then, unlikely.

Willie is here until he says he can't play anymore, or until it is clearly evident he can't play any more.  Last year was not a great year, but I'd conjecture it was more a team lull, and a Dline as a whole lull, than a Willie failure.

Ceresna is going to make Willie a lot better.

And I'm saying Vaughters will probably have a better season in 2026 than Willie. Would anyone be surprised about that?

 He arguably had a better 2025. It was at least a push and now we fast forward a year. It certainly is not a forgone conclusion Willie will be the better player in 2026, in any case.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 17, 2026, 09:30:58 PMAnd I'm saying Vaughters will probably have a better season in 2026 than Willie. Would anyone be surprised about that?

 He arguably had a better 2025. It was at least a push and now we fast forward a year. It certainly is not a forgone conclusion Willie will be the better player in 2026, in any case.

Not doubting that possibility, and Dru would have probably have had a better year than Zach if he wasn't injured.

2026 Willie may not be better than 2025 Willie, but with Ceresna on the line, it makes his job easier.  Even adding Santos Knox to the pass rush could help him.

It might have been close talent level wise, but from a leadership and intangibles point of view it wasn't much of a decision and when you throw in O'Sheas track record with long time bomber vets it's not surprising at all especially when its a future hall of famer. (Bighill was one we did move on from, but that was influenced a lot by injury)
From an entertainment angle, Willie brings a lot.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 17, 2026, 05:30:35 PMThere's always more going on under the hood especially when you look at complementary football and bring that up as an reason why the other unit didn't succeed.

I don't really love that because it creates excuses where there really aught not to be.

For example: Our defense, by design, gives up yards and so what was our average starting field position? We didn't generate very many defensive turnovers so our offense didn't get many chances at sudden change points. You can of course inverse these.

Both units need to be better. Dominate offense and dominate defenses can carry teams to championships. Neither unit was good enough last year and both deserved the cross over exit in the end.

Our average yard line to start offensive drives was 36.7. Ottawa was best at 39.6, Edmonton worst at 34.9. We were about league average. You could argue Vaval helped us in this stat, but it does not appear the D was leaving us in a huge whole.
Our turnovers were -11, second worst in the league. We forced 34 turnovers, tied for 5th. We committed 45, second worst in the league, primarily because we led the league in interceptions at 27.
To me, the D needs some tinkering, particularly in terms of getting pressure (we were last in sacks at 23), but the O was a bigger factor in our poor showing.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 17, 2026, 05:30:35 PMThere's always more going on under the hood especially when you look at complementary football and bring that up as an reason why the other unit didn't succeed.

I don't really love that because it creates excuses where there really aught not to be.

For example: Our defense, by design, gives up yards and so what was our average starting field position? We didn't generate very many defensive turnovers so our offense didn't get many chances at sudden change points. You can of course inverse these.

Both units need to be better. Dominate offense and dominate defenses can carry teams to championships. Neither unit was good enough last year and both deserved the cross over exit in the end.

If we give up yards by design, why were we 3rd in yards allowed?

We had the lowest TD% allowed in the league.

We had the highest percentage of opponent 2&outs.

The average opponent field percentage was 4th in the league, but that was only one yard off of Calgary's, (36 vs 35 yard line).

Quote from: Jesse on February 18, 2026, 01:57:58 PMIf we give up yards by design, why were we 3rd in yards allowed?

We had the lowest TD% allowed in the league.

We had the highest percentage of opponent 2&outs.

The average opponent field percentage was 4th in the league, but that was only one yard off of Calgary's, (36 vs 35 yard line).

Because games aren't won by averages over the course of the season and it largely doesn't matter how things average out. The question is, does the unit win?

Annihilating Montreal's fourth string QB a day before their bye and getting trucked in the East Final averages out on paper to fairly respectable stat lines over the course of two games. 

Are you claiming that that's a win? I'm not. If the unit was great last year we'd have done better than losing in the East Semi, no?  You do not win anything for being good "on paper" that I'm aware.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 18, 2026, 03:30:31 PMBecause games aren't won by averages over the course of the season and it largely doesn't matter how things average out. The question is, does the unit win?

Annihilating Montreal's fourth string QB a day before their bye and getting trucked in the East Final averages out on paper to fairly respectable stat lines over the course of two games. 

Are you claiming that that's a win? I'm not. If the unit was great last year we'd have done better than losing in the East Semi, no?  You do not win anything for being good "on paper" that I'm aware.

I think the unit does win. I think the offence is our achilles heel. I think that our weaknesses were identified as pass rush and corners which we've attempted to address in FA.

Going back to my original point, I don't think Younger is under any undue pressure. I think he's done a great coaching job and the pieces that need improvement come down to player recruitment.

Quote from: Jesse on February 18, 2026, 05:33:50 PMI think the offence is our achilles heel.

The passing game in particular. It was second worst (https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/cfl/team-stats/offense-totals/2025/regular-season?sort=passypg) in the CFL last season.

Quote from: Jesse on February 18, 2026, 05:33:50 PMI think the unit does win. I think the offence is our achilles heel. I think that our weaknesses were identified as pass rush and corners which we've attempted to address in FA.

Going back to my original point, I don't think Younger is under any undue pressure. I think he's done a great coaching job and the pieces that need improvement come down to player recruitment.

That's fine. I'm not sure any of us can prove whether or not JY is under any extra pressure. It's a high pressure high stakes job to begin probably.

Now that we've got the pieces, if the system works we should see a noticable difference from last year year, yes? Because if it's the same result no one is going to like the outcome.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 18, 2026, 03:30:31 PMBecause games aren't won by averages over the course of the season and it largely doesn't matter how things average out. The question is, does the unit win?

True.  So many games we lost last year (incl the ESF) because we couldn't sustain a drive, or stop a drive, when it mattered most -- like the final 3 mins.  We lost that killer instinct and ability to close in like '23.  The other teams find ways to do better than their average at the right moment.

On the other hand, a full 60 min game should revert to the mean of each team's ability, and that's one of the great things about football compared to "best of 7" sports like hockey.  But still, the teams that know how to win will often find a way to get that little bit extra at the end, if they've kept the game close.

Willie J: he's specifically said in presser lately he's working on sealing the deal when he gets pressure.  He knows he's been less of an influence because when he gets to the QBs they manage to get away.  Cody escaping his grasp in the '23 GC, or Alexander doing the same in the ESF... so many examples.

I think the main problem is the league has shed most of the QBs that get flustered when Willie gets in there, and the ones that do (oldsters) are generally protected by the league-best OL's (like SSK).  It used to be Willie would get back there and the QBs would just turtle, as they weren't very mobile anyhow.

But now you have Alexander and Rourke and VAJ who don't get flustered by anything and think they can escape everything.  So when Willie gets a hand on them, if he's not bringing them down, they just escape to the least congested area and get the 1st down.  (Doesn't help by our low-pressure DL and oft-vacating LB flat.)

So ya, Willie needs to start finishing.  They all do.  And we need better ways to keep the 3 dangerous QBs from always running for 10.

Quote from: Tecno on February 18, 2026, 10:03:09 PMWillie J: he's specifically said in presser lately he's working on sealing the deal when he gets pressure.  He knows he's been less of an influence because when he gets to the QBs they manage to get away.  Cody escaping his grasp in the '23 GC, or Alexander doing the same in the ESF... so many examples.

I think the main problem is the league has shed most of the QBs that get flustered when Willie gets in there, and the ones that do (oldsters) are generally protected by the league-best OL's (like SSK).  It used to be Willie would get back there and the QBs would just turtle, as they weren't very mobile anyhow.

But now you have Alexander and Rourke and VAJ who don't get flustered by anything and think they can escape everything.  So when Willie gets a hand on them, if he's not bringing them down, they just escape to the least congested area and get the 1st down.  (Doesn't help by our low-pressure DL and oft-vacating LB flat.)

So ya, Willie needs to start finishing.  They all do.  And we need better ways to keep the 3 dangerous QBs from always running for 10.

He's always been a pretty poor tackler. He needs the to hit the QB when they're not looking or turtling, like you say.

Quote from: Tecno on February 18, 2026, 10:03:09 PMWillie J: he's specifically said in presser lately he's working on sealing the deal when he gets pressure.  He knows he's been less of an influence because when he gets to the QBs they manage to get away.  Cody escaping his grasp in the '23 GC, or Alexander doing the same in the ESF... so many examples.

I think the main problem is the league has shed most of the QBs that get flustered when Willie gets in there, and the ones that do (oldsters) are generally protected by the league-best OL's (like SSK).  It used to be Willie would get back there and the QBs would just turtle, as they weren't very mobile anyhow.

But now you have Alexander and Rourke and VAJ who don't get flustered by anything and think they can escape everything.  So when Willie gets a hand on them, if he's not bringing them down, they just escape to the least congested area and get the 1st down.  (Doesn't help by our low-pressure DL and oft-vacating LB flat.)

So ya, Willie needs to start finishing.  They all do.  And we need better ways to keep the 3 dangerous QBs from always running for 10.

Their poor performance against the top teams in the West is the marker I always look at, 0-3 against the Stamps in which 2 games were not close, 1-2 against the Riders, with their win coming in a meaningless late season game in Wpg. or they'd have been 0-3 against them too.  They got lucky with the Lions and beat them twice early in the season before Rourke found his game, a late season matchup might have been ugly. 

Games against the East are never as definitive, but if they can't win the season series against their Western opponents, the odds of advancing in the playoffs are poor.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 18, 2026, 10:49:40 PMGames against the East are never as definitive, but if they can't win the season series against their Western opponents, the odds of advancing in the playoffs are poor.

I'm thinking "beating SSK" (and CGY, and BC) is the top priority for '26.  We're back to '18 and '19 where "beating CGY" was all that mattered as they were the main impediment to getting to the cup.

I would hope at minimum they are going to find a way to go 50/50 with SSK, and maybe the remaining game be a close one.  If SSK plows us again, we probably won't get far in the playoffs again.

Quote from: Tecno on February 18, 2026, 11:15:02 PMI'm thinking "beating SSK" (and CGY, and BC) is the top priority for '26.  We're back to '18 and '19 where "beating CGY" was all that mattered as they were the main impediment to getting to the cup.

I would hope at minimum they are going to find a way to go 50/50 with SSK, and maybe the remaining game be a close one.  If SSK plows us again, we probably won't get far in the playoffs again.

I'm optimistic we are a match for the riders. We actually played them close in both the labour day and banjo bowl. IMO we are significantly better, and they are a bit worse this year based on current roster changes. Of course injuries could change everything.

Quote from: bunker on February 18, 2026, 11:20:05 PMI'm optimistic we are a match for the riders.

Ya, the Mace/Mueller O is actually very simple.  Find a way to stop the run, and disrupt the short game.  Everything beyond that you can leave man coverage 1-on-1.  No busts, though.

But you gotta stop that run.  They are like WPG with AH... they'll just run all over you to open everything else up.

Quote from: bunker on February 18, 2026, 11:20:05 PMI'm optimistic we are a match for the riders. We actually played them close in both the labour day and banjo bowl. IMO we are significantly better, and they are a bit worse this year based on current roster changes. Of course injuries could change everything.

Zach has to keep pace with Harris in point production as he gets the ball off so fast and accurately even an improved rush will not be enough to rattle his cage. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 18, 2026, 10:49:40 PMTheir poor performance against the top teams in the West is the marker I always look at, 0-3 against the Stamps in which 2 games were not close, 1-2 against the Riders, with their win coming in a meaningless late season game in Wpg. or they'd have been 0-3 against them too.  They got lucky with the Lions and beat them twice early in the season before Rourke found his game, a late season matchup might have been ugly. 

Games against the East are never as definitive, but if they can't win the season series against their Western opponents, the odds of advancing in the playoffs are poor.

This is closest to the truth. If you want to look at results for the defense, look at how well they faired against top teams game to game. Or even the better zone reading QBs. Arbuckle embarrassed our zone coverages mid way though the season. It never really got any better against the QBs who could do that.

The defense did have their moments, they played really well in a home game against Hamilton late in the season (as just one example) but it really was a middling year for the unit overall and for that reason, JY needs to have a good year. It shouldn't be hard for him if he's half a good as some of you think he is.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 18, 2026, 11:36:33 PMThis is closest to the truth. If you want to look at results for the defense, look at how well they faired against top teams game to game. Or even the better zone reading QBs. Arbuckle embarrassed our zone coverages mid way though the season. It never really got any better against the QBs who could do that.

The defense did have their moments, they played really well in a home game against Hamilton late in the season (as just one example) but it really was a middling year for the unit overall and for that reason, JY needs to have a good year. It shouldn't be hard for him if he's half a good as some of you think he is.

the other thing is when teams have had enough of a chance to focus on the Bombers prior to games ie the semifinal and final games they are able to come up with an offensive plan to exploit our defense. This is why we need to have the ability to switch it up. Last year with our dline personnel (ie JT and only 6 dline dressed) we couldn't effectively do this.
  Adding Ceresna, and hopefully one of our young def ends prove effective, we should be better equipped to do this. (providing we utilize one of our DI's on the line and not a lb that only plays special teams)

Defensive end Keydran Jenkins looked good last season. Maybe he'll contribute to get more pressure.

Highlights from college.  He's fast.   Solid open field tackle at 9:40

Caused a sack fumble returned by him for td 10.00

https://youtu.be/On-u7BCZJfY?si=K3M5zEfcM--uN0Vt