First regular game of the season. First game under an arguably a majorly revised team with several new faces on Offence, defence and special teams. An important game against a western rival. First game with a new offensive coordinator.
Several players are out for this game and two are questionable...
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The news pundits are picking Calgary as are some Winnipeg fans. Time to prove them wrong.
Ed Tait's 48-Hour Primer is here...
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/06/03/48-hour-primer-game-1-blue-bombers-at-stampeders/
Let's get it on and discuss the game and results here. Go Bombers!
I predict Vanterpool on the reserve or 1 game IR.
Since teams are paying players on the reserve, we might see nicked players parked their instead of 1 game IR. Otherwise it's a double hit to some degree.
As mentioned Vanterpool might be one of those going to the reserve whether he's nicked or not.
These are my keys to beating Calgary:
1. Control the tempo on offence. Keep the pass rush on their toes with some quick hitters over the middle and in the flats. We can tire our their top guys by keeping them moving. Keep them on the field as long as possible.
2. Eliminate the deep ball. Vernon Adams is as good as anyone at throwing the deep ball. I hope Kramdi is ready to take him on! I think the bombers and Kramdi knew all off-season that he would be safety, so he will be prepared!
3. Our linebackers need to dominate. Mills is a beast, he's had great games against us. They need to be all over him tomorrow! I have lots of faith in MOS to coach LB's and I think in this game, they will be our biggest advantage.
Should be a fun one! Derek Taylor has mentioned a few times that he thinks its BC at the top, huge gap, then the other 4 teams in the West. It's wide open, and Calgary should be right on our level!
They haven't seen the Condell offense yet, edge Winnipeg.
Our pass rush is much improved, Adams should not be able to buy as much time as he did on us last year. Adams usually starts the season hot until he accumulates a few nicks.
Special teams is where we win it. Vaval is the best in the league. Sergio easily out kicks 41 year old Paredes.
No surprises on the gameday roster. Elsbury to start at C and the Major is ready for his first start at corner!
Quote from: Waffler on June 04, 2026, 02:01:44 PMThey haven't seen the Condell offense yet, edge Winnipeg.
Our pass rush is much improved, Adams should not be able to buy as much time as he did on us last year. Adams usually starts the season hot until he accumulates a few nicks.
Special teams is where we win it. Vaval is the best in the league. Sergio easily out kicks 41 year old Paredes.
We think our pass rush has improved. Jenkins has played 1 regular season game. Dixon is a rookie and may not be on the AR depending on ratio.
I guess Eli out made Cobb starting a necessity but...don't love it
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 04, 2026, 02:21:02 PMWe think our pass rush has improved. Jenkins has played 1 regular season game. Dixon is a rookie and may not be on the AR depending on ratio.
Last year we started the season with Willie, Vaughters, Jake Thomas and Adams.
This year we have Willie, Ceresna, Lawson, and Jenkins. Plus we have Dixon and Gatkouth rotating in.
We haven't seen them play all together yet, but I'd say having the opinion that we've improved our DL is valid!
I didn't count them up but what are the odds that Dixon isn't on the AR? That would be very disappointing to me. I'm ready to become a big fan of his!
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Not gonna lie, I'm excited about the new faces on this 2026 team.
Quote from: kkc60 on June 04, 2026, 02:28:16 PMI guess Eli out made Cobb starting a necessity but...don't love it
I'm starting to think this was the plan for the ratio since sometime last season. Build up the national WR's and start a third American.
KOLO was released early, and it seemed a little odd.
Neild was a quick pick up for us.
Elsbury was on the PR all of last season. He's 6'6 333lbs and only 24 years old. He could be a big piece for us moving forward.
I'll eat crow with Kramdi at safety!
With our depth at LB the move is understandable, we are freaking stacked here!!!!
I was paying good odds he wouldn't start nobody took the bet ;)
This lineup top to bottom is excellent
Eli will help when healthy
I expect the OL to start slow and gel hopefully when healthy
Time for Cobb to step up
Williams will be tested, I hope they give him a long rope
Kelly at HB (backup scares me)
Jenkins will be good I think
Quote from: LXTSN on June 04, 2026, 02:34:03 PMI'm starting to think this was the plan for the ratio since sometime last season. Build up the national WR's and start a third American.
KOLO was released early, and it seemed a little odd.
Neild was a quick pick up for us.
Elsbury was on the PR all of last season. He's 6'6 333lbs and only 24 years old. He could be a big piece for us moving forward.
Setting a starting CFL lineup is always an exercise in optimization. Let's face it, the "bottom" one or two receivers on the field are rarely going to be targeted anyway. Whereas the OL is only as strong as its weakest link. When in doubt, and if the import is a significant upgrade, I'd always vote to field your strongest O-line.
Quote from: LXTSN on June 04, 2026, 02:34:03 PMI'm starting to think this was the plan for the ratio since sometime last season. Build up the national WR's and start a third American.
KOLO was released early, and it seemed a little odd.
Neild was a quick pick up for us.
Elsbury was on the PR all of last season. He's 6'6 333lbs and only 24 years old. He could be a big piece for us moving forward.
I guess we will see, Cobb just has such little upside or even big-play potential. Obviously the focus is on the run game but ehhh. Just don't love it.
Quote from: kkc60 on June 04, 2026, 03:25:52 PMI guess we will see, Cobb just has such little upside or even big-play potential. Obviously the focus is on the run game but ehhh. Just don't love it.
I'm with you. I don't love it either.
The bright side is that Clercius had a great season last year and I'd imagine that he would be the starter when he gets back.
Honestly, I was really thinking Singer would get the 5th WR spot, but we'll settle for this...
Quote from: pdirks67 on June 04, 2026, 02:54:17 PMLet's face it, the "bottom" one or two receivers on the field are rarely going to be targeted anyway.
That's how I feel too. White, Wilson, Demski. 80% of the passes are going here. As good a top 3 as any in the league. Nield will contribute and maybe Olivera. This is far stronger than what we started last year with.
Cobb can play, he's not a star but good enough that you've got to account for him.
"Huge gap" between us and BC.
After we signed there best OL.
How is this possible?
Anyways I'm most looking forward to improvements in the trenches on both side of the ball.
Secondly our new additional FAs flourishing in White, Ceresna, Moxey in particular.
Big Blue look like a complete roster of excellent talent throughout with few holes.
As expected Ball, Novak and Allen added to the 6 game IR. Not expected was Vanterpool added to the 6 game IR.
Vibert moved to the 2 man reserve. At the moment he's the only one. I'm not sure having 2 is mandatory or not. I think we have 1 too many imports but that's less clear at the moment.
Also we have open spots for globals on the PR but Sheehan is the only global on our roster.
So were saving a few schekels on the opening day roster as far as SMS. lol
Eli is on the AR but did Elsbury actually beat him out or are they waiting for him to have some additional low activity to recover from nicks in TC?
I thought Jones at WIL and K. Wilson at MLB was just a TC thing but it appears that is actually the plan. Kramdi at safety to all 3 LB positions switched around.
I was watching Jay Onrait last night and he had Luke Wilson on for his CFL review. Luke Wilson is picking the Bombers to win the west and Montreal to win the east. Let the games begin.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 04, 2026, 04:37:19 PMAs expected Ball, Novak and Allen added to the 6 game IR. Not expected was Vanterpool added to the 6 game IR.
Vibert moved to the 2 man reserve. At the moment he's the only one. I'm not sure having 2 is mandatory or not. I think we have 1 too many imports but that's less clear at the moment.
Also we have open spots for globals on the PR but Sheehan is the only global on our roster.
So were saving a few schekels on the opening day roster as far as SMS. lol
Eli is on the AR but did Elsbury actually beat him out or are they waiting for him to have some additional low activity to recover from nicks in TC?
I thought Jones at WIL and K. Wilson at MLB was just a TC thing but it appears that is actually the plan. Kramdi at safety to all 3 LB positions switched around.
The two man reserve is optional, I believe .
Cobb while the underdog might show flashes
I haven't seen a depth chart yet, but Cobb was always with the #1 team all training camp, whereas I don't recall ever hearing Clercius was. He always came in with the 2nd team.
Quote from: Jesse on June 04, 2026, 04:51:54 PMI haven't seen a depth chart yet, but Cobb was always with the #1 team all training camp, whereas I don't recall ever hearing Clercius was. He always came in with the 2nd team.
The depth chart is up on the site and Cobb is shown as the starter with Corcoran the back up.
Quote from: Jesse on June 04, 2026, 04:51:54 PMI haven't seen a depth chart yet, but Cobb was always with the #1 team all training camp, whereas I don't recall ever hearing Clercius was. He always came in with the 2nd team.
Cobb backed up by Corcoran
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Game Preview | #1: Blue Bombers at Stampeders
Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC
They did a forward somersault dive with a zillion rotations into the Canadian Football League free agent pool, made some dramatic changes to Mike O'Shea's coaching staff, plucked some new homegrown talent in the draft and unearthed the usual collection of finds from south of the border.
Yet, it could be said the most important player for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as the lights go up on their 2026 season is the most obvious: quarterback Zach Collaros.
Now, no doubt some of you at this point are screaming aloud — 'thanks for the brilliant insight, Eddie boy' — but sometimes if the dots are that big, that fat and obviously staring you right in the mug, you simply go ahead and draw the straight lines to connect them all.
Kickoff: Friday, 8 p.m. CDT; McMahon Stadium, Winnipeg
TV/Streaming: TSN, CBS SportsNetwork; CFL+
Radio: 680 CJOB (pre-game: 6 p.m/. CDT); Play-by-play: Derek Taylor/analyst: Doug Brown
Calgary weather forecast: Sunny with a high of 22C; Clear overnight, low 10C
Preseason records: Wpg: 0-2; Cal.: 2-0
PlayNow odds: The Stampeders are favoured by 1.5.
So, let's not complicate things here: if the Blue Bombers are to flex in the CFL's West Division again, they'll need their MIP — Most Important Player — to stay healthy and find his mojo again after his most difficult season in blue and gold a year ago.
And, sure, you could certainly say the same **** thing about every football team in every league, but as Collaros goes in 2026, so go the Blue Bombers.
To that end, they've parachuted in a familiar face to him in new offensive coordinator Tommy Condell, went out and snagged the best offensive tackle on the market in Jarell Broxton and added two quality starting receivers in Tim White and Tommy Nield.
The early returns through training camp have been nothing but positive and, with that, hope has again entered the Blue Bombers offensive huddle. And so, Nic Demski, what should we expect this season from Collaros, the veteran 37-year-old pivot who turns 38 in August?
"A lot," began the veteran receiver this week. "Zach's a competitor. He's ready for a lot of big plays and he has a familiar face in Tommy, as well. That revamped him in a way, so I think it's going to be a great year.
"Zach was very heavily involved in the offseason in making our playbook and installing everything and even when we're in our meetings, he's very vocal with what he wants from the receivers and when you delete the assumptions from the quarterback position as well it doesn't leave a lot of room for error.
"As long as we perform for him, I know he's going to deliver the ball to where it needs to be."
This is a massive year for Collaros in so many ways as he enters the final year of his current contract. Over the last two years his touchdown-to-interception differential dipped to 34:31, including a career-high 16 picks last year. Just for context, from 2021 through 2023 that ratio of 90:34 as he won back-to-back CFL Most Outstanding Player Awards in 2021-22.
Yet, ask anyone who has been around him this winter through training camp and they'll insist his competitive fire is still raging.
"He's so competitive, man," said White, one of the new targets. "He's not just a competitor in the way you might think, he's internally motivated and driven. If he makes a bad throw, he's on himself hard. He's such a leader. Being around him has already been a great experience.
"You see how many reps he takes in practice and you're like, 'Man, this guy is driven.' It makes you want to take more reps as well."
"He's still got that fire and that high compete level," added Nield. "He's a veteran leader out there. Whatever people may be saying about him, I don't know. I will say he's still doing it at a high level."
More on Game 1 Preview here...
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/06/04/game-preview-1-blue-bombers-at-stampeders/
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markonfootball @Markonfootball
Position chart; Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Calgary Stampeders, June 5, 2026
Stampeders have placed veteran place kicker Rene Paredes on the six-game injured list, ending his consecutive game streak at 247. He has played every game since his debut July 8, 2011
INSTA-ANALYSIS: Will be strange seeing the Stamps without Paredes in a game! Secondary juggled as Jackson Sombach draws in at safety shifted Damon Webb to halfback. Chris Fortin wins battle at center as Bryce Bell is sixth OL
To be honest, I'm not overly impressed or scared of this Calgary roster without Hutchings.
They just have a lot of new names. Don't get me wrong... they could be very good! Just a lot of unknowns...
If it's going to be Cobb over Clercius long-term, I would be a little less happy but still okay. It's our 5th WR after all...
Winnipeg Blue Bombers to start rookie centre Tyler Elsbury against Calgary
by John Hodge June 4, 2026
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have listed Tyler Elsbury as their starting centre against the Calgary Stampeders for their regular-season debut on Friday night. The team issued its official depth chart on Thursday morning.
The University of Iowa product made the team's practice roster out of training camp last year but left the squad in mid-July to attend to a personal matter. He rejoined the club in December and made the active roster after training camp.
The 24-year-old native of Byron, Ill. will start over veteran Tui Eli, who reportedly gained weight this offseason to move from tight end to centre. Last year's starting centre, Chris Kolankowski, was released in January and has since signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Blue Bombers will have two other inexperienced players in the starting lineup against the Stampeders, both of whom are on the defensive side of the ball.
Kydran Jenkins, a 23-year-old out of Purdue University, played the team's regular-season finale in 2025 and recorded one tackle and one sack. The six-foot, 270-pound defender has won the starting job opposite Willie Jefferson, though newcomer De'Shaan Dixon will also dress in a depth role.
Major Williams will start at boundary cornerback, filling a spot that was a revolving door last year. The Carson-Newman University product had a stint on Winnipeg's practice roster late last season and returned for 2026, beating out Warren Burrell and Ridge Texada for the starting job.
Other rookies who have cracked the roster in depth roles include backup quarterbacks Taylor Elgersma and Bryce Perkins, first-round draft pick Nuer Gatkuoth, second-round draft pick Dante Daniels, and mid-round draft picks Brody Clark and Ethan Stuart.
Five of Winnipeg's big-name free-agent additions will be in the starting lineup, including receivers Tim White and Tommy Nield, offensive tackle Jarell Broxton, defensive tackle Jake Ceresna, and field-side cornerback Jonathan Moxey.
White played only one series in the preseason but caught three passes for 57 yards from Zach Collaros, leading to a touchdown from Brady Oliveira against Saskatchewan.
The team has also shifted a few veteran players, flip-flopping Tony Jones to weak-side linebacker and Kyrie Wilson to middle linebacker. Redha Kramdi has moved from strong-side linebacker to safety, with Michael Griffin II filling Kramdi's old spot.
Off the field, the Blue Bombers have placed Canadian offensive lineman Ethan Vibert on the reserve roster, a new designation for 2026. The Regina native was a third-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft out of South Dakota State University and spent his entire rookie year on the practice roster.
Six players have also hit the six-game injured list, including Canadian receiver Kevens Clercius, American offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool, Canadian defensive lineman Tanner Schmekel, Canadian linebacker Lane Novak, American linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox, American defensive back Cam Allen, and Canadian defensive back Ethan Ball.
Santos-Knox has already been ruled out for the year due to an injury he suffered on the first day of training camp.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-0) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (0-0) at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 5 with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Blue Bombers are coming off an East Semi-Final loss to the Montreal Alouettes, while the Stampeders lost last year's West Semi-Final to the B.C. Lions.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-to-start-rookie-centre-tyler-elsbury-against-calgary/
Calgary Stampeders sit out Jaylon Hutchings, Folarin Orimolade against Winnipeg
by 3Down Staff June 4, 2026
The Calgary Stampeders will not have two of their defensive stalwarts in the lineup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night after all. The issued its official depth chart on Thursday morning.
Jaylon Hutchings and Folarin Orimolade were both cleared to practice this week, making it appear they'd be available to boost the team's defensive line. The former was a limited participant due to a hamstring injury, while the latter was a full participant coming off an Achilles tear he suffered last season. Despite that, both will sit for Week 1.
Hutchings signed a three-year contract with the team this past weekend, rejoining the squad on which he was named All-CFL in 2025. The six-foot, 304-pound defender signed with the Minnesota Vikings in January but was waived in April with an injury designation. He remained a free agent until he signed back with the Stampeders.
Orimolade suffered a torn Achilles in September. The 30-year-old made 19 defensive tackles and four sacks over 12 regular-season games in 2025, his first season back in Calgary since he was reacquired via trade.
"I thought (Orimolade) looked great," said head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson during the practice week. "I've been ready to activate him for a couple of weeks now. He's just flying around. I will be smart but if (he and Hutchings are) good to go, they're playing."
Instead, Orimolade has been placed on Calgary's reserve roster, while Hutchings is on the one-game injured list. Also on the one-game injured list are Canadian receiver Clark Barnes, American linebacker Morice Blackwell II, and Canadian defensive back Anton Haie.
Dejon Brissett, who signed with the team in February, will start at field-side wideout. The Mississauga, Ont. native led the Toronto Argonauts with 65 catches for 907 yards and three touchdowns last season.
The Stampeders have also had to make a change at kicker with Rene Paredes being placed on the six-game injured list. Jude McAtamney, the team's first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Global Draft, will handle placekicking duties. The native of Derry, Northern Ireland played collegiately at Rutgers University before a stint with the New York Giants.
Also on Calgary's six-game injured list to open the season are American receiver Reggie Begelton, American offensive lineman Preston Nichols, Canadian defensive linemen Daniel Joseph and Justin Sambu, American defensive back Sheldon Arnold II, and Global defensive back Bailey Devine-Scott.
Damon Webb has shifted from safety to boundary halfback, with third-year veteran Jackson Sombach starting at safety. The 26-year-old defender was originally a seventh-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft out of the University of Regina.
The Calgary Stampeders (0-0) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-0) at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 5 with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Blue Bombers are coming off an East Semi-Final loss to the Montreal Alouettes, while the Stampeders lost last year's West Semi-Final to the B.C. Lions.
The weather forecast in Calgary calls for a high of 20 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and 770 CHQR in Calgary.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/04/calgary-stampeders-sit-out-jaylon-hutchings-folarin-orimolade-against-winnipeg/
That's good news for us. Like our week one lineup significantly more than last year.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 04, 2026, 05:43:44 PMThat's good news for us. Like our week one lineup significantly more than last year.
hope is on the rise
Cobb was anointed as the starter in week 1 when we got all the good press about him.
No Hutchings, Orimolade, Begelton or Paredes. Gotta change my pick to the Bombers.
Eli still not the starting centre despite being given every opportunity. Maybe he's already peeked at extra O linemen.
Jones is going to get a lot of work with Ceresna and Jefferson on the other side.
Go Bombers!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 04, 2026, 04:50:11 PMThe two man reserve is optional, I believe .
Good to know. It's still seems a curious change to rosters. From an SMS point of view the cost is the same as adding that player to the 1 game IR. OTOH, I suppose that player COULD be added to the AR as a late GTD. Tht can't be done from the 1 game IR on the same day.
In the case of Vibert we don't really need a 7th OL so it's moot.
I think Woodbey is a DI so he may see less reps than his previous role? Not sure that's true. Glad he's still on the roster though.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 04, 2026, 04:37:19 PMAs expected Ball, Novak and Allen added to the 6 game IR. Not expected was Vanterpool added to the 6 game IR.
Vibert moved to the 2 man reserve. At the moment he's the only one. I'm not sure having 2 is mandatory or not. I think we have 1 too many imports but that's less clear at the moment.
Also we have open spots for globals on the PR but Sheehan is the only global on our roster.
So were saving a few schekels on the opening day roster as far as SMS. lol
Eli is on the AR but did Elsbury actually beat him out or are they waiting for him to have some additional low activity to recover from nicks in TC?
I thought Jones at WIL and K. Wilson at MLB was just a TC thing but it appears that is actually the plan. Kramdi at safety to all 3 LB positions switched around.
Wow mind blowing, an official depth chart released more than 24 hours prior to game time, O'Shea must be turning over a new leaf! Offensive backups look scant, a couple of injuries and they could be in a heap of trouble, little depth at receiver and the O-line, Vibert on the game reserve is a bit of a surprise. Not sure if Eli is nicked up or he got beat out, but might be putting his health at risk if they have to use him a lot.
Strange Vanterpool ended up on the 6 game, did they know that before they cut Randolph? All in all I'd guess they're not done manipulating the roster and may bring in a few more players in next week to fill in a few gaps.
Quote from: LXTSN on June 04, 2026, 05:27:38 PMTo be honest, I'm not overly impressed or scared of this Calgary roster without Hutchings.
They just have a lot of new names. Don't get me wrong... they could be very good! Just a lot of unknowns...
If it's going to be Cobb over Clercius long-term, I would be a little less happy but still okay. It's our 5th WR after all...
Hicks and Brown can still be pretty dangerous, Brown is the same monster that took out Strev. and Zach 2 years ago when he was wearing green.
I don't know why people are placing cgy on a pedestal. I checked play now and pretty sure we're the 1.5 favourites now. Plus, they have Wpg more favoured to win the West and cup than cgy.
Cgys chart doesn't scare me. Lots of question marks. And vaj has been known to have totally off years from time to time for no apparent reason. He's overdue...
We need revenge for their 3 win sweep last season. We won't let teams walk all over us like before.
I agree that we can't read much into the starting center situation. It's been said for over a week that Eli is dinged. Maybe he's close but iffy and can do some jumbo, but best not to play every snap.
And if the plan really was elsbury to be desired starting c, then ya that starts to get intriguing. I've been asking for that paradigm for a couple of years now. Most intriguing is that we put the imp at c and not lg...
Quote from: kkc60 on June 04, 2026, 03:25:52 PMI guess we will see, Cobb just has such little upside or even big-play potential. Obviously the focus is on the run game but ehhh. Just don't love it.
Focus on the run game and they'll lose most games, at best it's a 60/40 split and in reality probably an 80/20 split in favour of the passing game. A run centric team could not keep up in the CFL, it takes too long to march the field and score. A good running game is a great compliment to a passing attack, but to prioritize the run looks a lot like a low scoring Strevy led game from last season, which is pretty awful.
It seems like we are falling into the same pattern of only 6 dlinemen, in order to accommodate extra lbs. (cal has 8 )
1 goes down and were worn out by 4th
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 04, 2026, 05:51:09 PMGood to know. It's still seems a curious change to rosters. From an SMS point of view the cost is the same as adding that player to the 1 game IR. OTOH, I suppose that player COULD be added to the AR as a late GTD. Tht can't be done from the 1 game IR on the same day.
In the case of Vibert we don't really need a 7th OL so it's moot.
I think Woodbey is a DI so he may see less reps than his previous role? Not sure that's true. Glad he's still on the roster though.
Looks like there's going to be a whole lot of rotation among the LB's, including Tony Jones who didn't come off the field much last season, he's not a pass coverage guy so can't see why he would play WIL. Expect to see plenty of Woodbey, Smith, Shay, and Ayers rotating with Kyrie and Jones, danger is too much rotation can lead to an increase in confusion.
Quote from: Tecno on June 04, 2026, 06:18:21 PMI agree that we can't read much into the starting center situation. It's been said for over a week that Eli is dinged. Maybe he's close but iffy and can do some jumbo, but best not to play every snap.
And if the plan really was elsbury to be desired starting c, then ya that starts to get intriguing. I've been asking for that paradigm for a couple of years now. Most intriguing is that we put the imp at c and not lg...
I think they might like Wallace more than they like Eli.
If Eli is good to play Friday, why wouldn't they start him?
I don't think it would make sense to AR Eli if he was good to go Friday, but not quite good enough to start the game.
I believe they've had their eyes on Elsbury for a little while, and they just weren't bringing that info forward. Or he just won that position in camp...
Quote from: Pete on June 04, 2026, 06:31:58 PMIt seems like we are falling into the same pattern of only 6 dlinemen, in order to accommodate extra lbs. (cal has 8)
1 goes down and were worn out by 4th
Won't be surprised if we see a lot of 3 man front as well, hopefully an extra LB can help out with the rush, no matter who they are relying on 3 to pressure the QB is never going to work.
The Shay/Kyrie swap is also intriguing. I think we saw some of this in the PS1 game?
I like the move as I think we were hurt by not having more violence & beef at WILL. Kyrie isn't much beef, and in his old age he may not be wanting to lay as much wood as is required at that spot. Whereas Jones is a bit of a nutter who can mollywop you.
It also puts more brains at MLB, where it's supposed to be. Kyrie is the wise old sage. He can direct things better from there. If Kyrie is running the show from the middle LB level, then Kramdi can focus on running the DBs from the middle FS spot. This could really help stop all the brain toots like we saw in the ESF where we couldn't stop the deep pass OR the run.
Plus, getting Jones used to WILL might be us getting ready for the "real solution" (i.e. brains + braun, a la Biggie) to move into MLB, probably in 2027. That real solution might be a target in FA.
I had hoped it would be Shay, but it would appear he's at least another 1-2 seasons off. Or a total bust.
This also could help stop all the outside run explosions the good teams exploited against us in '25. We were pretty good at stopping the gut runs. It was when they bounced it outside, through a B seal-off or C gap or edge around, that they would ream us. I still have nightmares. We now have beef at SAM (instead of lightweight Kramdi) and beef at WILL. The middle isn't as important as it gets more help from the cavalry.
In 2026, we simply can't have Oullette, Mills, and Scott just waltzing in for 15Y TDs just by going a bit outside the tackles.
Quote from: LXTSN on June 04, 2026, 06:43:44 PMI think they might like Wallace more than they like Eli.
If Eli is good to play Friday, why wouldn't they start him?
I don't think it would make sense to AR Eli if he was good to go Friday, but not quite good enough to start the game.
I believe they've had their eyes on Elsbury for a little while, and they just weren't bringing that info forward. Or he just won that position in camp...
You might be right. But it does have major ratio implications if this is our desired way to roll in '26. It will absolutely force that 3rd NAT REC, which may or may not end up being ideal.
Keep in mind that it will mean Clercius/Cobb/Corcoran instead of a potential Singer.
That said, I'm all for it. I'm always keen on more IMPs on OL. Overall much cheaper than vying for the top NATs. And if Elgersma gets any starts this season, throw Vant in at Wallace's spot! :o :o :o
3 IMP OL could be the talking point of the season.
I think you're all still putting way too much focus on a depth chart that doesn't show how our players line up.
If Eli can benefit from another week of rest, you rest him, sorry. If he's 100%, he goes.
The last thing you want to do is have an opening game season ender. These guys will be giving it their all at game speed, and that opens up anyone with nagging injuries to make them worse.
If we can make the ratio work with 3 Int Oline, better to rest Eli.
With the lineup as shown, there is going to be a lot of different looks for opponents to work against. Many, many moving pieces. And we should get an early idea on how effective our 6 DB and 6 OL type sets are going to do.
Quote from: Tecno on June 04, 2026, 07:11:36 PMThe Shay/Kyrie swap is also intriguing. I think we saw some of this in the PS1 game?
I like the move as I think we were hurt by not having more violence & beef at WILL. Kyrie isn't much beef, and in his old age he may not be wanting to lay as much wood as is required at that spot. Whereas Jones is a bit of a nutter who can mollywop you.
It also puts more brains at MLB, where it's supposed to be. Kyrie is the wise old sage. He can direct things better from there. If Kyrie is running the show from the middle LB level, then Kramdi can focus on running the DBs from the middle FS spot. This could really help stop all the brain toots like we saw in the ESF where we couldn't stop the deep pass OR the run.
Plus, getting Jones used to WILL might be us getting ready for the "real solution" (i.e. brains + braun, a la Biggie) to move into MLB, probably in 2027. That real solution might be a target in FA.
I had hoped it would be Shay, but it would appear he's at least another 1-2 seasons off. Or a total bust.
This also could help stop all the outside run explosions the good teams exploited against us in '25. We were pretty good at stopping the gut runs. It was when they bounced it outside, through a B seal-off or C gap or edge around, that they would ream us. I still have nightmares. We now have beef at SAM (instead of lightweight Kramdi) and beef at WILL. The middle isn't as important as it gets more help from the cavalry.
In 2026, we simply can't have Oullette, Mills, and Scott just waltzing in for 15Y TDs just by going a bit outside the tackles.
ESF last season had Kyrie in the middle trying to get his hands on Stevie Scott and Tony Jones at WIL standing off by himself in space looking for someone to hit, it could be a continuation of that strategy.
Possible theory most RB's are not coming up the middle, they're going through the B or C gaps unless it's short yardage, Jones and Griffin should be free of the O-line blocking by attacking from the outside in, and Kyrie is going to hang back covering the flats for dump passes and escapees. LB's simply plugging gaps is a waste of athleticism, they are better used to attack the ball carrier, Berserkers on the football field.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 04, 2026, 06:46:49 PMWon't be surprised if we see a lot of 3 man front as well, hopefully an extra LB can help out with the rush, no matter who they are relying on 3 to pressure the QB is never going to work.
The entire league has done 3 man fronts for the last number of years, it's been a trend, it works and well. Yes you switch it up with different looks, 4 man front but the 3 man front will be used across the CFL for max pass pro, it's a passing league. The 3 man front trend might slowly fade but I don't see that happening any time soon. 3 guys can get a push. LB's and DB's can stunt, lots of a ways to skin a cat and that's how our D works, as complex and variable as it comes. GO BLUE!
I like our chances better after seeing the Cal. depth chart.....I have my TCB Willie beer's chilled and ready let's goooooooooo......
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 04, 2026, 06:42:33 PMLooks like there's going to be a whole lot of rotation among the LB's, including Tony Jones who didn't come off the field much last season, he's not a pass coverage guy so can't see why he would play WIL. Expect to see plenty of Woodbey, Smith, Shay, and Ayers rotating with Kyrie and Jones, danger is too much rotation can lead to an increase in confusion.
I am very surprised they moved Tony Jones from MLB. I thought he did a good job from last year, but Kyrie Wilson will be interesting playing MLB. Hopefully Kramdi can succeed as the safety. I agree alot of confusion in our new lineup.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 04, 2026, 07:50:18 PMIf Eli can benefit from another week of rest, you rest him, sorry. If he's 100%, he goes.
The last thing you want to do is have an opening game season ender. These guys will be giving it their all at game speed, and that opens up anyone with nagging injuries to make them worse.
If we can make the ratio work with 3 Int Oline, better to rest Eli.
With the lineup as shown, there is going to be a lot of different looks for opponents to work against. Many, many moving pieces. And we should get an early idea on how effective our 6 DB and 6 OL type sets are going to do.
That said, MOS never rests players like that. If they say they can play, they play, even if they're detrimental to team success.
Hard to believe he's dressing Eli and not starting him "just to give him another week".
Quote from: Jesse on June 04, 2026, 11:57:15 PMThat said, MOS never rests players like that. If they say they can play, they play, even if they're detrimental to team success.
Hard to believe he's dressing Eli and not starting him "just to give him another week".
He still has a role in " heavy OL sets " and it's a choice between him or Vibert. Makes sense to dress him.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2026, 01:08:18 AMHe still has a role in " heavy OL sets " and it's a choice between him or Vibert. Makes sense to dress him.
I'm not saying he shouldn't be dressed (unless he's hurt). I'm just saying it's hard to believe the argument he won the starting job but is being given some kind of transition week.
With the heavy rotation and a million different looks, the positions don't matter as much on D. Everybody going to get reps for most part. Pillar of strength for this club. Our D has been good for years because of this and it will continue with growing pains from new faces.
Quote from: barbk on June 04, 2026, 11:49:37 PMI am very surprised they moved Tony Jones from MLB. I thought he did a good job from last year, but Kyrie Wilson will be interesting playing MLB. Hopefully Kramdi can succeed as the safety. I agree alot of confusion in our new lineup.
Wilson will get hurt at MLB, he's too light to play there. And Jones was lights out last year there, what the heck is going on???!!
Quote from: barbk on June 04, 2026, 11:49:37 PMI am very surprised they moved Tony Jones from MLB. I thought he did a good job from last year, but Kyrie Wilson will be interesting playing MLB. Hopefully Kramdi can succeed as the safety. I agree alot of confusion in our new lineup.
It's not so much Jones was bad at MLB, as Kyrie was weaker at WILL. Yes, Jones was great at MLB, and I think he'll be great at WILL. Jones is also way faster than Kyrie, so this gives us flexibility where it may count more.
I think our system allows for a weaker/slower MLB, especially if he's the "smarter" one. Shades of Hurl... but not quite, because Kyrie has talent and just came off one of his best years, and without being hurt.
I think the move at SAM is more important. More beef and more speed, and a sound brain, should help rid us of those run explosions we gave teams for free in '25. Most of the explosions were farther-outside gaps, and most of those were strong side. Everyone attacked Kramdi.
I think we did a good job in planning this off-season to solve the shortcomings of '25.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 04, 2026, 08:05:35 PMESF last season had Kyrie in the middle trying to get his hands on Stevie Scott and Tony Jones at WIL standing off by himself in space looking for someone to hit, it could be a continuation of that strategy.
I'll take your word for it, I was there without binocs and not able to pay as much attention to player scheme as I normally do. A bit bummed if that scheme was a bust in ESF. Maybe they've shored it up in camp. The rest of what you said is 100%.
Quote from: Jesse on June 04, 2026, 07:26:45 PMI think you're all still putting way too much focus on a depth chart that doesn't show how our players line up.
That line applies to D. Not to O. There's none of the wild special sets on O as there is on D. The only toying with sets you'll get on O is how many jumbo/FB/TE are in.
As such, Eli being charted at jumbo DOES signify something. Exactly what, remains to be seen.
I want to see WPG come out with the intensity and energy the HAM D (and later MTL O) did in the game last night. I think part of the problem in the couple of seasons is we lack fire. Too much insouciance.
I want to see that energy we had in '18, '19 and '21. While it didn't work for HAM last night, the higher energy team usually has the edge.
it's game day, we all play, let's go bombers
(https://y.yarn.co/15c69dbb-780d-433f-8602-3417a6807c70_text.gif)
Go Blue!!
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 11:21:27 AMIt's not so much Jones was bad at MLB, as Kyrie was weaker at WILL. Yes, Jones was great at MLB, and I think he'll be great at WILL. Jones is also way faster than Kyrie, so this gives us flexibility where it may count more.
I think our system allows for a weaker/slower MLB, especially if he's the "smarter" one. Shades of Hurl... but not quite, because Kyrie has talent and just came off one of his best years, and without being hurt.
I think the move at SAM is more important. More beef and more speed, and a sound brain, should help rid us of those run explosions we gave teams for free in '25. Most of the explosions were farther-outside gaps, and most of those were strong side. Everyone attacked Kramdi.
I think we did a good job in planning this off-season to solve the shortcomings of '25.
Thought Wilson was our best run stopper at point of attack, Jones made a lot of tackles about 5yds deep . Our dline was partly at fault too
Am hoping to see a good dose of Woodbey/Ayers
Just going over the depth chart and trying to understand how all the ratios work. We've got 20 Americans, 21 Canadians, a Global and 3 QB (nationality doesn't matter) for 45 players.
The rules say we can only have up to 19 Americans. Am I missing something here?
Quote from: Pete on June 05, 2026, 02:03:59 PMThought Wilson was our best run stopper at point of attack, Jones made a lot of tackles about 5yds deep . Our dline was partly at fault too
Am hoping to see a good dose of Woodbey/Ayers
Woodbey will be boss, Ayers is killer on teams, there are few that rag on him and don't think he should be on the AR, he is there for a good reason and he will stay, I love the props!
Agree all!
Quote from: bomberjunkie on June 05, 2026, 02:38:36 PMJust going over the depth chart and trying to understand how all the ratios work. We've got 20 Americans, 21 Canadians, a Global and 3 QB (nationality doesn't matter) for 45 players.
The rules say we can only have up to 19 Americans. Am I missing something here?
one of our more senior / detailed members will be with your shortly, sorry for the delay LOL
I should get a denny jersey LOL
I need some heat on Vernon.
Quote from: Pete on June 05, 2026, 02:03:59 PMThought Wilson was our best run stopper at point of attack, Jones made a lot of tackles about 5yds deep . Our dline was partly at fault too
Am hoping to see a good dose of Woodbey/Ayers
You need a MLB that can cover receivers coming across the field ( Bighill for example ). I don't know that having a slower MLB is what you want but perhaps Wilson is still better than Jones. That was a weakness Jones seemed to have in his tool box.
I guess we'll see how the shift of all 3 of our starting LB's works out. TBD.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2026, 03:54:46 PMYou need a MLB that can cover receivers coming across the field ( Bighill for example ). I don't know that having a slower MLB is what you want but perhaps Wilson is still better than Jones. That was a weakness Jones seemed to have in his tool box.
I guess we'll see how the shift of all 3 of our starting LB's works out. TBD.
Too paraphrase Jordan Younger a few days a go, "The depth chart don't mean nothing, it's just to show who's playing."
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 05, 2026, 05:36:05 PMToo paraphrase Jordan Younger a few days a go, "The depth chart don't mean nothing, it's just to show who's playing."
Sure. But we have 2 new veteran starters on defence: Moxey and Ceresna.
Three rookies: Williams and Jenkins ( he's essentially a rookie ) and Dixon
Three veteran LB's whose roles have changed to some degree.
Losses of experienced defensive depth from the PR and / or the AR
Early injuries to some players from 2025 that might have had a role in 2026: Ball, Novak, Munier-Bailey to name a few.
I'm not sure what to expect or how long it will take to gel on defence. The 1st game will be an interesting test.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2026, 05:46:29 PMSure. But we have 2 new veteran starters on defence: Moxey and Ceresna.
Three rookies: Williams and Jenkins ( he's essentially a rookie ) and Dixon
Three veteran LB's whose roles have changed to some degree.
Losses of experienced defensive depth from the PR and / or the AR
Early injuries to some players from 2025 that might have had a role in 2026: Ball, Novak, Munier-Bailey to name a few.
I'm not sure what to expect or how long it will take to gel on defence. The 1st game will be an interesting test.
(https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/Jordan_Younger_2024_02.jpg)
"....next question".
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 05, 2026, 06:00:02 PM(https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/Jordan_Younger_2024_02.jpg)
"....next question".
I'm both optimistic and pessimistic. The beginning of every season is a bit like that. Calgary has some serious injuries and getting to play them early even on the road is probably an advantage for Winnipeg.
So GO BOMBERS
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2026, 06:21:42 PMI'm both optimistic and pessimistic. The beginning of every season is a bit like that. Calgary has some serious injuries and getting to play them early even on the road is probably an advantage for Winnipeg.
So GO BOMBERS
I think it all comes down to how well Zach plays, does he have the capability to bounce back from 2.5 years of downward play and make the most out of his new teammates? I'm giving him 50/50 odds right now, if we see a repeat of the same old issues in the next few games, I think it's over for him and this could turn into a long year.
This is what I'm expecting/hoping for today...
Start off with a good scripted first drive. Gotta score on drive #1 whether it's a FG or a TD.
Build a strong connection between Zach and the new receivers (White and Neild).
I don't expect to score more than 25 points, so we need to hold them off as much as possible. A good night would be only letting up 21 points from the defense.
Limiting the downfield throws. Would like to see Kramdi or our DB's break up some long balls, you know they are going to throw long!
What are the likely last minute roster additions or deletions?
One area could be LB as a weaker area on the roster but guys like Griffin, Jones, Wilson need to make plays and no missed tackles.
DL should be able to get more pressures etc...
I like our DBs
Kramdi will be interesting at safety.
GO D GO
No answer to bomberjunkie's roaster question? BinBC?
Quote from: bomberjunkie on June 05, 2026, 02:38:36 PMJust going over the depth chart and trying to understand how all the ratios work. We've got 20 Americans, 21 Canadians, a Global and 3 QB (nationality doesn't matter) for 45 players.
The rules say we can only have up to 19 Americans. Am I missing something here?
The ratio rules are so stupid.
One of the Americans counts as one of the 21 Canadians as a naturalized American. Clear as mud?
You need a minimum of 44. But 45 can dress as long as 45 is a real national or global player.
I believe they also changed the QB national rule, not for roster counts, but practically speaking as one of your starting 8 a couple years ago.
In practice then for tonight, we have 19 real Americans, 20 nationals, one naturalized American who counts as a national bringing that count to 21 and one additional national since we've only got one global (in addition to three QBs).
Why on earth the best can't just play is beyond me but it makes for fascinating clarification posts among super fans.
Calling all CFL Fantasy Players! Who's got who tonight? I have Zack and Tim White.
I think there was a miscount somewhere. I counted 19 Americans. 21 Canadians. 1 Global. And the 3 QBs.
Stomp the Stamps! I want to see Ceresna pound some bodies tonight!
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 09:50:54 PMNo answer to bomberjunkie's roaster question? BinBC?
I haven't heard of any changes. I think we're only allowed to draw from the reserve or 1 game IR an hour before games. We don't have anyone on the 1 game IR to pull and Vibert would only be added if we had an OL or another Canadian come down not feeling well or something.
OTOH, I'm not quite sure whether we have one too many imports and need to send him to the reserve.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 05, 2026, 10:50:12 PMThe ratio rules are so stupid.
One of the Americans counts as one of the 21 Canadians as a naturalized American. Clear as mud?
You need a minimum of 44. But 45 can dress as long as 45 is a real national or global player.
I believe they also changed the QB national rule, not for roster counts, but practically speaking as one of your starting 8 a couple years ago.
In practice then for tonight, we have 19 real Americans, 20 nationals, one naturalized American who counts as a national bringing that count to 21 and one additional national since we've only got one global (in addition to three QBs).
Why on earth the best can't just play is beyond me but it makes for fascinating clarification posts among super fans.
No kidding. The league made it more complicated than necessary. The comments earlier were that the " reserve " is not mandatory and we only listed Vibert there.
So what's the point of all this? Increase the number of paid players but then it's " optional ". I'm not even clear what the mix of nationalities in the reserve is allowed. It's moot since they could just as easily be paid full salaries on the PR or 1 game IR if a team wanted. So were just moving chess pieces on the board so to speak.
The number of PR spots is restricted and I wouldn't expect players to paid fall salaries. That just wastes a PR roster spot. May as well put them on the 1 game IR as I mentioned in conversations last year.
looks windy there
The test process begins for Condell. I hope to not see the so often typical and predictable run up the gut on 1st down as in the past. Obviously, sometimes you run on 1st down. The problem is when you can see it in the alignment and everybody in the park knows what's coming.
OTOH, if you do it and get 5+ yards doing it, then keep doing it. But I don't want to see 6 defenders tackling Oliveria for a 2 yard loss a bunch of times.
Watching the OL run block should be improved this year.
Oh and win the coin toss to get the wind in Q4.
Tray Vaval my X Factor.
Man, that Calgary stadium looks awful.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 01:02:28 AMMan, that Calgary stadium looks awful.
was just going to type that. dump.
looks like the old winnipeg stadium - tired and old
I'd love to see Collaros go absolutely crazy with White and Pokey.
I'd love Brady to out rush Mills.
I'd love Ceresna to be the beast up the middle we're expecting.
I'd love Vaval to pick up where he left off.
Really hoping Ceresna is the solution to our pressure problems.
Just want to see some energy.
Last years team was just so slow.
The 3 man no pass rush is frustrating and boring. But if it wins i guess we live with it
Go Blue
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 01:05:23 AMI'd love to see Collaros go absolutely crazy with White and Pokey.
I'd love Brady to out rush Mills.
I'd love Ceresna to be the beast up the middle we're expecting.
I'd love Vaval to pick up where he left off.
Pretty much sums it up for me.
Moxey with a pick to.
Come on D
ayers got his ankles broken by VA on that scramble
terrible looking crowd
i still say season should start july 1 weekend
Quote from: The Zipp on June 06, 2026, 01:13:55 AMayers got his ankles broken by VA on that scramble
Was Ayer's on the field?!?
Nice stop.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 06, 2026, 01:15:45 AMterrible looking crowd
i still say season should start july 1 weekend
That was the best.
My Tsn stream is absolute crap.
Runs for ten seconds and then stops.
Fixed it
perkins - short yardage hmmmmmmm
That's a great throw by Zach.
Tommy Boy!
Perkins is looking good. Amazing when your short yardage QB has two knees.
Yessssssss. Great start. Patient run. Brady running smart to go along with his tough.
Good start
great drive
Big Hole
Wow
TD
Brady should have a massive year.
Impressive blocking throughout.
Need more pressure on VA
Great drive. Zach is moving well. Run blocking looks good.
Man, that was fun.
Big slam Elsbury
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 01:26:34 AMGreat drive. Zach is moving well. Run blocking looks good.
Man, that was fun.
Clicking on that drive
Cheater!
Suitor is clueless
Aw, nuts.
Back to JYs regularly scheduled no pressure defense.
Willie arm
Here we go! Hi all....been MIA for a spell. Good to be back!
soft D...not good
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 01:33:50 AMBack to JYs regularly scheduled no pressure defense.
Other team gets paid too. Not gonna be a year of shut outs.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 06, 2026, 01:35:36 AMHere we go! Hi all....been MIA for a spell. Good to be back!
Welcome back!!
Our d sucks
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 01:35:49 AMOther team gets paid too. Not gonna be a year of shut outs.
Full quarter though and we haven't really breathed on VA yet. Meanwhile, Collaros is taking hits to make plays.
It's early. But it's also familiar.
Real soft in the middle against the run. Not impressed so far.
Quote from: VictorRomano on June 06, 2026, 01:37:50 AMReal soft in the middle against the run. Not impressed so far.
Suit Jake Thomas back up :D
Terrible run D
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 01:40:56 AMTerrible run D
Terrible run d. Terrible pass rush. Soft passive unconstested secondary play. Classic Younger defense in mid season form. But good thing Willie batted a ball down. That was good for basically nothing.
Mills is a quality back but that did look pretty easy for the stamps.
make some adjustments and tighten up
Holy crap people get down on the team fast...
😂
If im Calgary im running up the middle
Sucks to immediately get a 2 and out. Time of possession is getting uneven early.
Bryant just got schooled.
Aw, Nichols...
good VA tonight
Quote from: Blue_midnight on June 06, 2026, 01:47:25 AMBryant just got schooled.
On CJOB they said Broxton was getting beat
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 06, 2026, 01:48:59 AMOn CJOB they said Broxton was getting beat
There was another guy coming around that side too but Broxton seemed to push him wide.
Willie J with the dumbass penalty to keep the drive alive....***
Quote from: VictorRomano on June 06, 2026, 01:50:45 AMWillie J with the dumbass penalty to keep the drive alive....***
That wasn't Willie J that got the penalty. Whoever #3 is
Gotta coach that guy up better on hitting QB
Cover zero and roughing the passer.
Brutal 3
confused D
should have practiced another time this week
Quote from: VictorRomano on June 06, 2026, 01:50:45 AMWillie J with the dumbass penalty to keep the drive alive....***
Wasn't Willie. He doesn't get pressure anymore but that's okay, apparently.
Our D is kinda like Swiss cheese....need a stop on 2nd down....would accept for a RP call!! That just looked too easy.....Bomber D looks suspect
Tissue paper D
Wow, not good
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 01:52:09 AMWasn't Willie. He doesn't get pressure anymore but that's okay, apparently.
He gets pass knockdowns.... a lot of them!
Is Calgary this good? Is Winnipeg this bad? Way too early to tell.
not a great run back.....and a bad throw. 2nd and long!
We know Suitor is this bad. lol
Is Suitor drunk.
Zach looks limp noodle arm
But...
Quote from: bluengold204 on June 06, 2026, 01:51:53 AMThat wasn't Willie J that got the penalty. Whoever #3 is
My eyesight is going. Was Woodbey.
Better throw this time....Nields looking good
this looks a lot like last year. no short game
O line letting calgary take Zachs lunch
OL doesn't seem to be giving much time.
Losing in the trenches
I have no confidence in this D now.
Zach under pressure again....and the Stamps are short on their D-line!
There's big Ceresna!!
And there's Vaval!!!
Ceresna makes a play
Vaval!!
Daniels looks like he could have caught that if it was thrown 4 yards in any direction. Big catch radius.
DANIELS
lol
Brady!!
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 02:01:46 AMCeresna makes a play
Absolutely needed that. Huge difference in the game and it's just one pressure/sack that we wouldn't have got last year.
Wallace impressive
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 01:56:42 AMIs Suitor drunk.
Zach looks limp noodle arm
But...
Suitor's always drunk.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 06, 2026, 02:04:39 AMdude is a monster
Got to get him the ball more somehow. He looks like he could punish dudes.
Quote from: J5V on June 06, 2026, 02:04:50 AMSuitor's always drunk.
Suitor gets drunk on non alcoholic beer
Perkins is a star short yardage QB :D
Guy had an excellent first half.
PI
Perkins time!
Nice drive.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 02:06:56 AMPerkins is a star short yardage QB :D
Guy had an excellent first half.
Another underrated upgrade.
We got a game again....thanks to Trey for that stellar run back!
PI was a touch weak
Suitor van Gō jump in a lake.
Ford and The Mullet are worlds better.
D needs to continue with the pressure.
Good downfield tackle on the KO....ouch!!
Gross run D Gross
Sloppy Moxey
I get that it's early and patience and all that but at some point JY needs to be held accountable. The numbers are beyond terrible and the eyeball test is even worse. He's brutal.
like i said like last year, getting beat deep, Kramdl isnt a safety and kelly is awful
Suitor is drinking the whiskey behind the desk.
Was that Jake Kelly in coverage
What was he doing out there?
Quote from: Pete on June 06, 2026, 02:12:56 AMlike i said like last year, getting beat deep, Kramdl isnt a safety
Ten steamboats for VA too.
The sound is brutal on TSN when Dustin shouts, it crackles.
Our D is really soft.....when we don't pressure the QB they exploit our secondary with ease.....
why a bomb and into double coverage as well?!
do we have a middle linebacker?
2nd and long and they run for a first down?
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 06, 2026, 02:18:36 AMwhy a bomb and into double coverage as well?!
Hogan is play calling still?
This is hard to watch.
That stadium is so pathetic, lol
The defense got absolutely carved. Its tough to imagine they could play any worse. The offense looks alright for week one. Special teams is probably happy.
Hey....we got a stop! Lucky to get out of the half down 5.....man our D is really suspect!
Good D call for the full blitz on that 2nd and 10
VA was lost and just chucked it up
A couple of good TD drives for us. Brady looks pretty good. Not loving the pass blocking.
But even though the D was getting carved up, we're within 5 with plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 06, 2026, 02:23:43 AMHey....we got a stop! Lucky to get out of the half down 5.....man our D is really suspect!
you mean they suck for the most part,yes. Inconsistent at best.
Mills over a hundred yards in the first half....Brady not too bad either
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 02:25:15 AMA couple of good TD drives for us. Brady looks pretty good. Not loving the pass blocking.
But even though the D was getting carved up, we're within 5 with plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball.
Big Stan has trouble blocking a fast outside rush.
Quote from: markf on June 06, 2026, 02:27:04 AMBig Stan has trouble blocking a fast outside rush.
Hicks has owned him....
Quote from: markf on June 06, 2026, 02:27:04 AMBig Stan has trouble blocking a fast outside rush.
I'm on record in the off season saying we should have went with Broxton and Randolph. The first half wasn't quite vintage Stan.
Two questions
-how did Kelly make this team
-where is Demski
I don't want to let Zach or Condell off the hook either. Need an outlet when blocking breaks down.
Quote from: Blue72 on June 06, 2026, 02:32:49 AMTwo questions
-how did Kelly make this team
-where is Demski
Not sure why I've seen Kelly on the field so often. He should be ST only.
Ugly half for Stan.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 02:33:14 AMI don't want to let Zach or Condell off the hook either. Need an outlet when blocking breaks down.
2nd and 6 play was stupid
Same old, chuck it up 30 yards when you need 7
Need a quick hit play or a run to get 4 or 5 to go for it on 3rd
Zach is really bad on 2nd and medium
It's only one half of football into the season for these teams so it's hard to prognosticate but Calgary looks just like they did last year. Almost identical. Winnipeg, however, looks much better than they did early last year, but again, it's early.
VAJ Often starts the year on fire. He's never been able to finish, however.
He's also had a couple near picks, so hopefully we can get a couple of turnovers in the second half.
so far the Wilson at mlb isnt working
Quote from: Pete on June 06, 2026, 02:39:43 AMso far the Wilson at mlb isnt working
I'm shocked. :D
Quote from: Blue72 on June 06, 2026, 02:32:49 AMTwo questions
-how did Kelly make this team
-where is Demski
Seems like Kelly is good for giving up one touchdown every game he's in.
Got his first already. Stumbling through the back of the endzone while his guy catches a td pass.
and of course Wilson makes a play!
Good start to 2nd half
Some blocking on an outside run.... Couldn't do that last season
Demski done
Best new player on the field is Perkins ;D
Perkins looking good on short yardage
Zach's arm strength is looking good too. He's actually had a couple of long over-throws in this game. Last year his throws were constantly short.
Zach with time! Great start to the second half (just like the first). Gotta keep it going now.
Good drive
Good play calls
White! First TD as a Bomber! Under review! Good TD and Calgary loses a TO!!
OL improvement there
Congrats Tim!
Good start to the 2nd half.....now if our D could get a stop!!
Just nice to see half time adjustments pay off
Last year 3rd quarters were atrocious
Wilson and Demski got involved in that drive as well. Pass blocking looked a little better.
That will only help as the game goes on.
Just getting off work. Did I miss anything notable? Trying to skim through the thread. Why is Kelly playing? Is Demski out?
Our single points are starting to add up.
Another single.....was that intentional or did the returner misjudge the KO?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 03:01:07 AMOur single points are starting to add up.
MOS playing chess
Dickie Checkers
Come on D!!
FUMBLE
Jesus
that play call had Zero chance , the execution was awful
POS
What are you doing Zach
Just a brutal decision,
Can he see what he is doing?
I don't trust Zach anymore :(
What was that? Another squandered opportunity!
Throw to a fb drapped over 2 yards behind line of scrimmage
Stupid
Run the freeking ball.....
Adams killing us with his legs
well....we got a stop finally....and the FG issssss....wide right! Not sure about running it out though
Abandoned the running game.
Brady unable to break a one on one tackle....but we gamble on 3rd and just make it! Whew!!
Condell bs in the back field
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 03:13:57 AMAbandoned the running game.
using Brady a lot on check downs though!
So far so good even know I dislike the play calling at times.
Some credit where it's due. A much improved quarter on defense. VA still killing us with his legs but at least we're attacking and playing free on the defensive line a little bit. It looks a little more like real, conventional defense.
Man, we got through the 3rd quarter and I thought we were safe from the ******* interview.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 06, 2026, 01:15:45 AMterrible looking crowd
i still say season should start july 1 weekend
So I asked someone in Calgary why.. and their answer was it was 10 and they were expecting rain.
It took everything in me to not respond and mention our weather patterns here (-30 to +30) and we have sellouts. I didn't, but man..temptation.
Nield nice catch
Great. Now we get to hear how Wally out coached our cocky 2001 team
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 02:24:53 AMShut up Suitor you loser
Save yourself and sync up your radio..it's soul saving
Shut up Wally
Quote from: Sway on June 06, 2026, 03:20:45 AMGreat. Now we get to hear how Wally out coached our cocky 2001 team
This is ridiculous. They're just ignoring the game they're paid to cover.
hope dazn never does in game interviews
take all my tv money...
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 03:17:02 AMSo far so good even know I dislike the play calling at times.
I think it's better than last year. Much less predictable. I like it.
Quote from: tlf on June 06, 2026, 03:22:24 AMI think it's better than last year. Much less predictable. I like it.
Not hard to beat but yes, better
There we go!
Willie too old they cried
Willie slowing down they claimed
Beast
Best of his gen
Nice return Vaval!
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 03:31:32 AMWillie too old they cried
Willie slowing down they claimed
Beast
Best of his gen
Can you just celebrate the play and enjoy the moment without trying to make a point?
ground and pound time
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 03:31:32 AMWillie too old they cried
Willie slowing down they claimed
Beast
Best of his gen
It's his 4th in 18 games. Great play but he is a defensive end. He's supposed to get sacks and we need him to.
Lets have another nice drive here...
BRADY BALL TIME!
Perkins solid
Big first down
Cobb
I hate the call to Wilson
Cresna just a little upgrade from Thomas
Ceresna again!
Noice
CMON D!!
Quote from: Sway on June 06, 2026, 03:40:37 AMCresna just a little upgrade from Thomas
No one knows where to line up anymore but somehow it's more effective ;D
Dustin is so annoying sometimes.
gonna be a finish
LOL
CERESNA
I think we'll keep this Ceresna guy!
D collapsing in the last 3 minutes. Same JY defense as 2025.
Can the D make some adjustments..maybe cover some people? Maybe?
they're still moving the ball....mostly against our pass D
Maybe cover these guys dammit
Same D Different Day. I'm tired of feeling this way in the last moments of a game.
Thsi is ********
\i hate youngers defence
Make a defensive back field play
Holy f
JY's defensive philosophy is so frustrating. We're finally getting pressure and he's still playing soft zones everywhere behind it.
Call something that gives our secondary a chance.
Why are there wide open WR all over the place.
giving up a 100+ yard drive would be terrible
This is embarrassing to watch.
it's do or die for this D now....
Ah bend and break D how I missed you
We literally cannot defend the pass. What in the actual F....
soft d
well there we go. Fire Younger. Get someone who knows defense.
Younger is never going to win anything. Too passive. Too safe. Always ineffective. Always the same result if the QB can read zones.
When your d philosophy is just hope the receiver drops it this happens
I actually don't hate the D most of the game. But if it's within a score at the end, guaranteed the opposition is marching on us. Frustrating.
Nice of them to leave us a little time on the clock though...
Yep....104 yard drive to score....and pull ahead with a minute on the clock. It will have to be on our offence now....
Quote from: bluengold204 on June 06, 2026, 03:52:37 AMAh bend and break D how I missed you
Wjat - you don't like a bend & break D?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 03:53:47 AMYounger is never going to win anything. Too passive. Too safe. Always ineffective. Always the same result if the QB can read zones.
Disgusting.
Anyone have a D Coordinator we can borrow? Asking for a friend..
Just run it and let Sergio do his job! Woo!
Just like we planned it!!!! Big win
Yeah baby yeah!
The offense bails out the defense. We'll take it. Lots of work to do. Someone needs to sit down Younger because what he's selling just doesn't work.
down to the last play....and....it's good!!
Wooo
But i Absolutley despise the no blitz pressure defense
Sergio money
Screw you Calgary!
What a game! Both Ds were suspect but the O's stole the show. Clutch kick by Sergio against a tricky wind!
I think Zach played well..he's got some zip in that arm still. Brady was a stud. Tim White..welcome to Winnipeg! Love it!
1-0 this week. Let's GO!
Goldie is happy, errr
Not liking Younger.
Woodbey out long term will hurt
WHEW.
Castillo is MONEY!!!!
As usual I'll have to re-watch the game to get a more detailed analysis. However:
1. We played better in the 2nd half after a slow start.
2. Stamps were 2nd and 16 on their goal line and we allowed 109 yard TD drive. How does that ever happen.
3. Ceresna with 3 sacks in his 1st game. He certainly earned his money.
4. I wonder if Demski was nicked going into the game. We only threw to him once. 2 running plays
5. Woodbey. I fear an achilles from a non contact injury. That did not look good.
6. Dixon also injured, but hard to determine how seriously.
Real character win by the Bombers. Both teams played extremely well.
O line looked very good. Brady and ZC8 both had a strong game. Most the most part receivers where also very good.
D line got press that was nice to see. D gave up far to many rushing yards, and our DBs where not very good.
Injuries: Dixon, and Woodbey. Woodbey didn't look good.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 04:07:56 AMNot liking Younger.
I think ya'll getting way too emotional.
Adams was 17/27 for 239 yards.
They scored 21 points in the 2nd Q and that was it until the drive at the end.
We had 4 sacks.
In a win, this was an absolutely fine performance against a top offence that has perhaps the best rushing attack in the league.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 06, 2026, 04:08:51 AMWoodbey out long term will hurt
Not worried. If he really has a blown Achilles we'll probably bring back Ja'Kobe Clinton. It's not like we're hurting for will backer options.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 04:13:01 AMI think ya'll getting way too emotional.
Adams was 17/27 for 239 yards.
They scored 21 points in the 2nd Q and that was it until the drive at the end.
We had 4 sacks.
In a win, this was an absolutely fine performance against a top offence that has perhaps the best rushing attack in the league.
Man you and JY got shares in something. Defense was terrible tonight outside of the 3rd quarter. You usually don't win games like that. And it's not the players. There's enough talent there. JYs whole outlook on football is to sit back and hope the other team makes mistakes. He runs into trouble when they don't. Ceresna helps big time. But we need to play a more assertive form of football on defense if we're going to win playoff and championship games.
The style will pummel Jake Maier into the dirt and allow VA and other real quarterbacks to have a field day. Every single time.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 04:13:01 AMI think ya'll getting way too emotional.
Adams was 17/27 for 239 yards.
They scored 21 points in the 2nd Q and that was it until the drive at the end.
We had 4 sacks.
In a win, this was an absolutely fine performance against a top offence that has perhaps the best rushing attack in the league.
How many those completions were drops or fumbles by their receivers?
Darn right I'm emotional about it because of what I witnessed on that hundred+ yard drive
A win in hostile territory against a good team....Adams and Zach were both good today...Pokey making a great catch in our last drive! Sergio with a t clutch FG from the 38 against a tricky wind!! Gold!!
Overall our O looked great and our D didn't....but neither did Calgary's D.
Vaval letting the ball roll out of the end zone was key for the win.
After game 1, my thoughts so far:
Ceresna is a massive upgrade to our D-line
Brady- wow!
Zach seemed to have more time in the pocket and I don't think we had one offensive hold??
Special teams, solid
Secondary is a weak spot
Few catchable balls dropped by receivers
Although they nearly blew it, I am optimistic for the season.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 04:14:34 AMNot worried. If he really has a blown Achilles we'll probably bring back Ja'Kobe Clinton. It's not like we're hurting for will backer options.
Feel horrible for the guy. Watched the replay and he steps back to push off. I'd be praying it's not a torn achilles, but it's very likely the end of his season.
Easily our deepest position, but sucks for the kid.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 04:14:34 AMNot worried. If he really has a blown Achilles we'll probably bring back Ja'Kobe Clinton. It's not like we're hurting for will backer options.
Except that Woodbey does a lot of coverage assignments. It's tough to say that Clinton could do that as well.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 04:15:13 AMMan you and JY got shares in something. Defense was terrible tonight outside of the 3rd quarter. You usually don't win games like that. And it's not the players. There's enough talent there. JYs whole outlook on football is to sit back and hope the other team makes mistakes. He runs into trouble when they don't. Ceresna helps big time. But we need to play a more assertive form of football on defense if we're going to win playoff and championship games.
The style will pummel Jake Maier into the dirt and allow VA and other real quarterbacks to have a field day. Every single time.
But is 239 yards a "field day"?
In week one, with some first half troubles that were mostly corrected in the second half, was this really that terrible?
Our DBs struggled, but I think VAJ was just that good today. Most of the time there was no space to throw but he put it in the perfect place for the WR to make a play. A+ game from him despite solid pressure from our DL!
Quote from: TrueBlue75 on June 06, 2026, 04:18:56 AMVaval letting the ball roll out of the end zone was key for the win.
After game 1, my thoughts so far:
Ceresna is a massive upgrade to our D-line
Brady- wow!
Zach seemed to have more time in the pocket and I don't think we had one offensive hold??
Special teams, solid
Secondary is a weak spot
Few catchable balls dropped by receivers
Although they nearly blew it, I am optimistic for the season.
Yeah, even if he gave up a point it still gave us the ball on the 40 yard line. If he fielded the ball we don't know where he could have reached with a return. The ball did roll through the end zone so no point and no time off the clock.
I thought the offence wasted too much time on the last drive. Another 10 seconds could have gotten us a few yards closer. Kicking the FG was not a guarantee because of the wind problems.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 04:22:59 AMBut is 239 yards a "field day"?
In week one, with some first half troubles that were mostly corrected in the second half, was this really that terrible?
Yes and no. We lost contain on VA too often. We drew a 48 yard PI that set up a TD. Calgary has a bunch of 2nd and long before the last drive and completed passes.
I'd like to think when a team is 2nd and 16 yards on the goal line we have a better than 50 / 50 chance to stop them.
Soft coverage last year and still this year. I don't know why Kelly ever sees the field in the secondary.
BTW: Ayers seemed to be on defence quite a bit in the 1st half. That was a surprise.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 04:29:58 AMYes and no. We lost contain on VA too often. We drew a 48 yard PI that set up a TD. Calgary has a bunch of 2nd and long before the last drive and completed passes.
I'd like to think when a team is 2nd and 16 yards on the goal line we have a better than 50 / 50 chance to stop them.
Soft coverage last year and still this year. I don't know why Kelly ever sees the field in the secondary.
BTW: Ayers seemed to be on defence quite a bit in the 1st half. That was a surprise.
Saw a lot of Jake Kelly too and I can't figure why he should ever come in.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 04:31:53 AMSaw a lot of Jake Kelly too and I can't figure why he should ever come in.
Unfortunately with the 2 DI LB strategy, we have not DI HB/Safety. Meaning come injury or wanting an extra DB, we are actually in a tough spot. Either you play a canadian (Kelly/Hallett/Stuart) or you move Moxey or Williams in and put Vaval in. If either Dixon or Woodbey are out long-term, we could see Texada play some snaps.
Quote from: kkc60 on June 06, 2026, 04:36:34 AMUnfortunately with the 2 DI LB strategy, we have not DI HB/Safety. Meaning come injury or wanting an extra DB, we are actually in a tough spot. Either you play a canadian (Kelly/Hallett/Stuart) or you move Moxey or Williams in and put Vaval in. If either Dixon or Woodbey are out long-term, we could see Texada play some snaps.
Potentially, could also use Ayers and Smith to cover for Woodbey. Did anyone notice if Smith or Shay took any reps?
Quote from: LXTSN on June 06, 2026, 04:23:35 AMOur DBs struggled, but I think VAJ was just that good today. Most of the time there was no space to throw but he put it in the perfect place for the WR to make a play. A+ game from him despite solid pressure from our DL!
His pass on second and 16 from his endzone was very good... and fingertip from being deflected
Game Recap | Wpg 30 Cal 28
Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC
CALGARY — They may have flubbed a few lines and struggled a bit in the first couple acts, but the 2026 debut of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers deserves a couple of hearty thumbs up and bravos across the board.
The Blue Bombers' curtain raiser saw them waltz into southern Alberta and exit with a 30-28 last-play win over the Calgary Stampeders in front of 17,743 fans at McMahon Stadium.
So, considered all of these Week 1 goals as mission accomplished:
Season opening win: check ✔.
Road win: check✔. ✔.
Season opening road win vs. a divisional opponent: ✔. ✔. ✔.
"We've got a resilient group, man, that will fight to the end. A scrappy, scrappy group," said running back Brady Oliveira, who was sensational with 113 yards rushing on 15 carries and a touchdown and an additional 24 yards on three receptions.
"In this league, in any league, it's extremely difficult to win. There's a lot of work that goes into every win. So, to get this against a divisional opponent — and look at what Calgary did last year, they're a good team, great defence and with Vernon Adams at the helm — you're going to see a lot of games in the West come down to the end just like that.
"And I love that our group will just fight to the end."
The dramatic win featured some last minute drama, as the Stampeders took the league 28-27 on an Adams, Jr. three-yard TD run with just over a minute remaining.
The Blue Bombers then got the ball with 64 seconds remaining with Zach Collaros connecting with Pokey Wilson for a 27-yard gain to the Calgary 23, followed by two Oliveira runs of 13 yards. That set up a game-winning 38-yard field goal by Sergio Castillo for the W.
"That never gets old, especially having my wife and two kids here," said Castillo inside a rambunctious Blue Bombers locker room. "They flew into Calgary because it was going to be 13 hours for them to fly to Winnipeg (with connections). So, for the same price, we flew to Calgary.
"To be able to do that with them here, amazing."
More on the Blue Bombers season opening win from our view in the press box...
INSTANT TAKEAWAYS
Some key takeaways to munch on in the immediate aftermath:
-Winnipeg cranked out 359 yards passing against one of the CFL's stingiest defences, including 233 yards passing by Zach Collaros (17-0f-28) and a TD to Tim White.
-Jake Ceresna's Blue Bomber debut was superb as he finished with five tackles and three sacks. Willie Jefferson was effective two with a sack and two pass knockdowns.
"I've got to get Osh (head coach Mike O'Shea) to never let me play in the preseason game again," said Ceresna, who didn't take a snap in the two preseason games, with a chuckle. "I was just glad we were able to come out with a team win.
"Sometimes they just fall you way and they were falling for me tonight."
-White led the team with five receptions for 60 yards in his debut.
-The Blue Bombers were gashed for 21 points and 120 yards rushing in the first half — including 95 yards by Dedrick Mills — but surrendered just seven points in the final 30 minutes while Mills was limited to just 117 yards in the second half.
"In the first half we just weren't on the same page," said Ceresna. "A lot of missed assignments... we have so much to clean up, even myself. I feel at times I wasn't playing good.
"In the second half were were most assignment sound. That drive at the end (by Calgary), we've got to be more assignment sound to not put our offence in that position, but I'm glad they bailed us out tonight and we got the 'W.'"
-And Oliveira's 113 yards allowed him to move past Gerry James into fifth spot on the franchise's all-time rushing list at 5,594. James finished his hall of fame career at 5,541 yards. Next on the list for Oliveira is Jim Washington in fourth place at 5,736.
"That was a wild game, a wild finish," said Collaros. "That's pure CFL football right there. It was pretty cool. The conditions were crazy — the wind was nuts pretty much the entire game. I thought we did a good job of handling that in all three phases. We've got to clean some stuff up for sure, but I'm just really proud of the effort that we played at.
"... It feels good to come into somebody's house and win games. First win of the season, you get the first win out of the way and Calgary is a great football team and a great organization, so this is good."
Let's not complicate things here — when a game is decided on a last play field goal, that's the key moment. And Castillo's 38-yarder as time expired was the perfect capper to an outstanding night.
Empty heading
Winnipeg was 0-3 against Calgary last year and just 4-6 against the West Division, so to come into Cowtown and get a W was mammoth. Critical was the in-game bounce back by the defence, which surrendered just the one TD in the final 30 minutes after getting crushed for three scores in the second quarter.
The Blue Bombers return to Winnipeg for next week's home opener vs. the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday, June 11th, with a 7:30 p.m. start. Of note: let's keep this rolling — the club is looking to extend its consecutive sellout streak to 15.
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/06/06/game-recap-wpg-30-cal-28/
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 03:33:39 AMIt's his 4th in 18 games. Great play but he is a defensive end. He's supposed to get sacks and we need him to.
The criticism is heavily overstated imo
Knock down king, will feast this year for sacks
One of best players in last 20 years here
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 03:33:07 AMCan you just celebrate the play and enjoy the moment without trying to make a point?
Can you let me celebrate my way, which is partially for entertainment value?
Changing the channel to crow fest, 2026. I have already feasted on Kramdi crow but because its late not sure if I have time to pull out the OL crow out of the freezer as boy we gelling early. This is bird I'll be happy eating as Kramdi in time might be a decent option at safety and when healthy this OL won't be serving crow but plenty of Brady bully ball (Bbb).
Calling it early, WE BACK!
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 04:22:59 AMBut is 239 yards a "field day"?
In week one, with some first half troubles that were mostly corrected in the second half, was this really that terrible?
If it was his first time with the headset I'm with you. But it's week one of his third year and really outside of year one where the system was new and offensive coordinators hasn't schemed it yet, it has looked like it did last night against better talent.
You have to at least admit we won pretty much in spite of the defense last night (even though there were some things to like about the unit and there always has been).
It's not just me, in year one he was getting press for being then next defensive mastermind with a novel approach. No one is saying that over the last season and no one would say that from watching the game yesterday.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 06, 2026, 04:08:51 AMWoodbey out long term will hurt
Ya, who did we let go at WILL after camp? Clinton's name was mentioned. JSK's injury is looming large now. He would have stepped right in according to plan. We're taking 2 lumps at the same position, and that's never good.
Also need to investigate who's still out there as unsigned vets. If we take another hit to MLB or WILL we're screwed like the 2024 early season REC debacle.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 04:03:13 AMScrew you Calgary!
Post of the thread. I fully concur. Eat that, VAJ.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 03:01:07 AMOur single points are starting to add up.
Ironic, isn't it -- after Johnston tried so hard to neuter the rouge, we get a game with 3 of them! And a non-rouge ex-rouge that probably won us the game (putting us at the 40).
The main problem now is when the ball is made dead in the EZ I'm scrambling in my head "what's the rule about this
now?". And I could totally tell the booth guys were having the EXACT same reaction. (Heck, I never truly mastered the old rouge rules! Now back to square one.)
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 06, 2026, 02:14:05 AMThe sound is brutal on TSN when Dustin shouts, it crackles.
Ya, disappointing! So many years to get this right. Yet TSN still screwing up:
1. Bad audio clipping when Dustin gets over-excited. They hired Helen Keller to run the audio booth?
2. TSN yellow/blue sticks lines were making mistakes all this game and last. How is it in current year they still can't get this right? Does the NFL ever have marker lines messed up like this?
Quote from: Pete on June 06, 2026, 02:12:56 AMlike i said like last year, getting beat deep, Kramdl isnt a safety and kelly is awful
I'm pretty sure opponent's OC plan is "dink & dunk until Kelly is on the field, then bomb it his way". We saw this all last season. He's hopeless. Hallett was bad a few years ago in the same role, but I don't think he was THIS bad! He's a free bingo spot and shouldn't even be out there. Him trailing the dude looking totally lost and ineffectual should be the last straw. If it was for Hallett, it should be for Kelly.
Can Ball please get healthy like yesterday?
Oh ya, and Kelly is usually in on 2 safety and max-coverage looks -- so why is he always isolated? The only time Kelly should be out there is when he has guaranteed help and is never left one on one, no matter what route is run.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 01:22:04 AMPerkins is looking good. Amazing when your short yardage QB has two knees.
Ouch. Low blow... like Brown when he ruined said knees.
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 12:35:26 PMYa, who did we let go at WILL after camp? Clinton's name was mentioned. JSK's injury is looming large now. He would have stepped right in according to plan. We're taking 2 lumps at the same position, and that's never good.
Also need to investigate who's still out there as unsigned vets. If we take another hit to MLB or WILL we're screwed like the 2024 early season REC debacle.
I'd say Jaylen Smith is next up for Woodbey snaps.
He's not really a WILL. In my head cannon, Kramdi, Griffin, and Woodbey all play free safety and roam around the whole field.
" The Blue Bombers were gashed for 21 points and 120 yards rushing in the first half — including 95 yards by Dedrick Mills — but surrendered just seven points in the final 30 minutes while Mills was limited to just 117 yards in the second half."
I think he meant Mills 22 yards in the second half.... Is that correct?
Quote from: markf on June 06, 2026, 12:49:14 PM" The Blue Bombers were gashed for 21 points and 120 yards rushing in the first half — including 95 yards by Dedrick Mills — but surrendered just seven points in the final 30 minutes while Mills was limited to just 117 yards in the second half."
I think he meant Mills 22 yards in the second half.... Is that correct?
Yes.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 02:06:56 AMPerkins is a star short yardage QB :D
Perkin's will have to be careful though. He pauses to peruse & choose. That may hose us one of these days. Normally I'm yelling just ride the back & butt of the hoggie. That way off / delay thing can get you caught by edge rushers or submariners.
I'd love to know if this new SY style is what is being taught/requested, or if Perkins is going off-script...
Also, playnow thought Elgersma was our SY and only had him as a TD option. LOL. No one won the WPG first TD bet because the guy who got it wasn't even listed. Hope they'll correct that.
Quote from: markf on June 06, 2026, 12:49:14 PMI think he meant Mills 22 yards in the second half.... Is that correct?
Mills got stuffed for 0-2 2-3 times in 2nd half and Dickenson The Greater just said screw it. Big mistake, methinks. Mills was able to gash us for 30Y at any moment -- it's just a numbers thing, give him enough chances and he'd do it again.
With VAJ able to convert basically every 2nd & 8-25, why not give Mills a ream shot every 1st down?
Gotta hand it to our D HT adjustements: they caused CGY to abandon the run.
There was a Humorous Dickensen bros moment when Craig, started ranting at a ref whereupon Dave dismissed craig with a wave of his hand and Craig slunk away back to his corner.
Only Dave is allowed to do that.
I just looked at Dave's Wikipedia page lots of good stuff there including
" Dickenson is considered by many to be one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play for the University of Montana."
No ego there.
Love beating those two.
De
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 12:46:39 PMOuch. Low blow... like Brown when he ruined said knees.
It's not meant to be. I think we've weighted decisions too aggressively towards our long tenured veterans in the last two years or so. It's nice to see some new faces (even if they're not exactly young) come in and contribute right away and make a difference.
We don't win that football game without Condell, Ceresna, White and even Perkins looked really good for what we need out of him.
We need more of that. Where we struggled tended to be from people (players and coaches) who have been here awhile. Just one game. But still. Food for thought.
Ok. Re-watched game again this morning. A few more observations.
1. Woodbey will be missed if he's out and it appears that is likely. It was mentioned that we might recall someone like Clinton. While that's possible I think that requires players on the roster to pick up the slack. Replacing with a new LB is not the only option.
This potentially is a ratio changing aspect and how they choose to fill it will be interesting.
We could add in Texada to provide more depth in the secondary. Or we could flip the extra import to offence with someone like Singer.
2. Dixon's injury appeared less serious but he might still miss a game or 2. Fletcher or Reese are available. IMO Reese would be next up, but that's just a guess.
3. Jenkins and Dixon added some speed / pressure on defence. Both lost contain a few times and VA got outside causing problems. Rookie mistakes / learning curve stuff. Both could be good players as the season progresses, injury status aside.
4. Vaval. He's a difference maker and made some exceptional plays on his returns.
5. We play the Stamps twice more in Winnipeg with a good chance to win the season series. That's never a bad thing.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 03:15:12 PMOk. Re-watched game again this morning. A few more observations.
1. Woodbey will be missed if he's out and it appears that is likely. It was mentioned that we might recall someone like Clinton. While that's possible I think that requires players on the roster to pick up the slack. Replacing with a new LB is not the only option.
This potentially is a ratio changing aspect and how they choose to fill it will be interesting.
We could add in Texada to provide more depth in the secondary. Or we could flip the extra import to offence with someone like Singer.
2. Dixon's injury appeared less serious but he might still miss a game or 2. Fletcher or Reese are available. IMO Reese would be next up, but that's just a guess.
3. Jenkins and Dixon added some speed / pressure on defence. Both lost contain a few times and VA got outside causing problems. Rookie mistakes / learning curve stuff. Both could be good players as the season progresses, injury status aside.
4. Vaval. He's a difference maker and made some exceptional plays on his returns.
5. We play the Stamps twice more in Winnipeg with a good chance to win the season series. That's never a bad thing.
Woodbey is a key cog, agree on Clinton.
Good summary.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 03:48:17 PMWoodbey is a key cog, agree on Clinton.
Good summary.
I wonder whether Clinton was offered a spot on the PR and he declined. I can understand why a player might decline. However that does sort of fall into the FIFO theory.
OTOH, if we didn't offer him a PR spot then I think chances of a recall are slim.
Same points / questions about Cretsinger who is nearly identical size as Woodbey.
Realistically I think Ayers and the Canadian LB's get more reps in the short term. Another import like a DB or receiver more likely to be added. This is where JSK if healthy would have been an immediate solution.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 03:59:07 PMI wonder whether Clinton was offered a spot on the PR and he declined. I can understand why a player might decline. However that does sort of fall into the FIFO theory.
OTOH, if we didn't offer him a PR spot then I think chances of a recall are slim.
Same points / questions about Cretsinger who is nearly identical size as Woodbey.
Realistically I think Ayers and the Canadian LB's get more reps in the short term. Another import like a DB or receiver more likely to be added. This is where JSK if healthy would have been an immediate solution.
No it doesn't. I have no idea his situation but players decline PR spots for different reasons, sometimes financially, they can't make it work. We have no idea and I wouldn't speculate on that part of it.
stamps will be very different with their injured players back and in the lineup.
great first win of the season - 2 points in June count the same as in October
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 04:15:05 PMNo it doesn't. I have no idea his situation but players decline PR spots for different reasons, sometimes financially, they can't make it work. We have no idea and I wouldn't speculate on that part of it.
Sure and I said that, but I also think my point could be valid. It would depend on the context of a conversation about a possible offer.
The bigger question was did they offer him or Cretsinger a PR spot?
Quote from: The Zipp on June 06, 2026, 04:26:00 PMstamps will be very different with their injured players back and in the lineup.
great first win of the season - 2 points in June count the same as in October
Injuries are a large part of winning or losing. They were missing some key players that may be playing as soon as the next game. Injuries happen every week so who knows who is lost game to game. It's a very fluid situation for every team.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 03:59:07 PMI wonder whether Clinton was offered a spot on the PR and he declined. I can understand why a player might decline. However that does sort of fall into the FIFO theory.
OTOH, if we didn't offer him a PR spot then I think chances of a recall are slim.
Same points / questions about Cretsinger who is nearly identical size as Woodbey.
Realistically I think Ayers and the Canadian LB's get more reps in the short term. Another import like a DB or receiver more likely to be added. This is where JSK if healthy would have been an immediate solution.
On last Monday's Coach's Show O'Shea allowed DT 3 guesses on players that declined PR assignment and every guess was right, Randolph, M-Bailey and the big punter all declined. Kinda makes you wonder how many more declined and how far down the list some of the players they kept were.
They might bring Clinton back to replace Woodbey but I don't think he would see any playing time, solution is in house between Kyrie, Ayers, Smith, Shay and whoever else can fill in at WIL.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 03:15:12 PMOk. Re-watched game again this morning. A few more observations.
1. Woodbey will be missed if he's out and it appears that is likely. It was mentioned that we might recall someone like Clinton. While that's possible I think that requires players on the roster to pick up the slack. Replacing with a new LB is not the only option.
This potentially is a ratio changing aspect and how they choose to fill it will be interesting.
We could add in Texada to provide more depth in the secondary. Or we could flip the extra import to offence with someone like Singer.
2. Dixon's injury appeared less serious but he might still miss a game or 2. Fletcher or Reese are available. IMO Reese would be next up, but that's just a guess.
3. Jenkins and Dixon added some speed / pressure on defence. Both lost contain a few times and VA got outside causing problems. Rookie mistakes / learning curve stuff. Both could be good players as the season progresses, injury status aside.
4. Vaval. He's a difference maker and made some exceptional plays on his returns.
5. We play the Stamps twice more in Winnipeg with a good chance to win the season series. That's never a bad thing.
Jenkins doesn't even think about contain, his objective seems to be solely to get after the QB, they might have to use him sparingly in certain situations. Dixon looked to be more cautious and seems to be more aware of not getting trapped inside, although he still got caught a few times. It's fair to say VA is the slipperiest QB in the CFL.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 06, 2026, 04:45:13 PMOn last Monday's Coach's Show O'Shea allowed DT 3 guesses on players that declined PR assignment and every guess was right, Randolph, M-Bailey and the big punter all declined. Kinda makes you wonder how many more declined and how far down the list some of the players they kept were.
They might bring Clinton back to replace Woodbey but I don't think he would see any playing time, solution is in house between Kyrie, Ayers, Smith, Shay and whoever else can fill in at WIL.
Interesting. I did think that Randolph would have been added to the 2 man reserve. Since filling both spots is not mandatory it does have an SMS implication. OTOH, adding 2 import OL to the PR also has a cost. Poncius looks to be the emergency OT on the PR. I don't know how much more or less upside he has compared to Randolph.
Vanterpool might have also been a choice for the reserve if not injured. We haven't heard the extent / timeline of his return and what happens then. Having one of them healthy and on the reserve would have been preferable but that didn't work out.
It will be awhile before we hear how long Woodbey will be out. Regardless I don't think it will be soon even if it's a calf pull. So a roster choice will need to be made.
As I suggested and you agree the replacement will be choices on the roster. What they do with an extra import spot is limited to choices on the PR at the moment.
The way I see it, there are 3 types of choices. A DB, a receiver or one more of the 2 DL. If Dixon misses a game then that will happen anyway. However if he can play then they could still see that as a reasonable choice.
BLM is less dangerous too escape the pocket so fresh DL rotation is viable. Of course adding Texada so Kelly doesn't play on defence against a top passing QB is certainly worth considering.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 06, 2026, 04:54:05 PMJenkins doesn't even think about contain, his objective seems to be solely to get after the QB, they might have to use him sparingly in certain situations. Dixon looked to be more cautious and seems to be more aware of not getting trapped inside, although he still got caught a few times.
Agreed but we don't know what Jenkins told as far as responsibilities. My impression was youthful inexperience. You can't allow a good running QB to escape contain if you don't have a LB at 2nd level to prevent that.
I did notice Dixon take an inside route at least once where it cause us.
So another week of practice and coaching we should see improvement.
BLM doesn't escape the pocket like VA can, so a different defensive strategy will be taken.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 05:06:00 PMAgreed but we don't know what Jenkins told as far as responsibilities. My impression was youthful inexperience. You can't allow a good running QB to escape contain if you don't have a LB at 2nd level to prevent that.
I did notice Dixon take an inside route at least once where it cause us.
So another week of practice and coaching we should see improvement.
BLM doesn't escape the pocket like VA can, so a different defensive strategy will be taken.
Noticed the defensive ends more aggressive in the second half. Think it was partly an adjustment. A controlled rush is great but it needs to get home sometimes. The second half was more the defense that I think is largely effective. Beat the man in front of you, attack the QB, and force decisions. Younger tries way too hard to make sure every square inch of field is accounted for because his system needs to account for the QB holding the ball forever instead of punching teams in the mouth.
We'll win more games if we play more like the second half and less like the first half when Younger's defense isn't quite as structured. In big moments he has to be more aggressive and not shrink back into "please drop the ball" defense that seems to be his safe place.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 05:01:54 PMInteresting. I did think that Randolph would have been added to the 2 man reserve. Since filling both spots is not mandatory it does have an SMS implication. OTOH, adding 2 import OL to the PR also has a cost. Poncius looks to be the emergency OT on the PR. I don't know how much more or less upside he has compared to Randolph.
Vanterpool might have also been a choice for the reserve if not injured. We haven't heard the extent / timeline of his return and what happens then. Having one of them healthy and on the reserve would have been preferable but that didn't work out.
It will be awhile before we hear how long Woodbey will be out. Regardless I don't think it will be soon even if it's a calf pull. So a roster choice will need to be made.
As I suggested and you agree the replacement will be choices on the roster. What they do with an extra import spot is limited to choices on the PR at the moment.
The way I see it, there are 3 types of choices. A DB, a receiver or one more of the 2 DL. If Dixon misses a game then that will happen anyway. However if he can play then they could still see that as a reasonable choice.
BLM is less dangerous too escape the pocket so fresh DL rotation is viable. Of course adding Texada so Kelly doesn't play on defence against a top passing QB is certainly worth considering.
Scary thing is Stan's replacement no longer seems to be in house, at least Randolph could play OT, not sure anyone else on the team can, besides Broxton. Randolph probably did not want to accept a non-playing role and maybe already knew he was wanted elsewhere. With Vanterpool on the 6 game O-line depth is terribly thin, hopefully a valuable draft pick will show up after NFL cuts.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 06, 2026, 05:24:26 PMScary thing is Stan's replacement no longer seems to be in house, at least Randolph could play OT, not sure anyone else on the team can, besides Broxton. Randolph probably did not want to accept a non-playing role and maybe already knew he was wanted elsewhere. With Vanterpool on the 6 game O-line depth is terribly thin, hopefully a valuable draft pick will show up after NFL cuts.
I don't think moving a player to the 2 man reserve is a choice for the player. He isn't being released which is what happen being moved to PR. Any player might be upset about a non playing role but it's the nature of the sport at times.
Randolph had played 6 games in 2024 but was not far from a rookie and starting in 2025. Poncius may have a future or he could be replaced during the season with another PR player. He has great size.
Mazzucca does seem more geared to a guard position.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 05:18:12 PMNoticed the defensive ends more aggressive in the second half. Think it was partly an adjustment. A controlled rush is great but it needs to get home sometimes. The second half was more the defense that I think is largely effective. Beat the man in front of you, attack the QB, and force decisions. Younger tries way too hard to make sure every square inch of field is accounted for because his system needs to account for the QB holding the ball forever instead of punching teams in the mouth.
We'll win more games if we play more like the second half and less like the first half when Younger's defense isn't quite as structured. In big moments he has to be more aggressive and not shrink back into "please drop the ball" defense that seems to be his safe place.
Yes it was an adjustment in the 2nd half. That said, it's not like we didn't know VA can be a dangerous running threat. In windy weather if may have been less risk with the adjustments then in good weather allowing him time to throw.
Vaval was a primary difference maker last night.
Brady ran great, but Calgary was missing two excellent DL's.
Callaros had lots of time, but Calgary was missing two excellent DL's.
Game eventually came down to the kickers. No surprise that we won that battle.
I was very worried when Calgary got the late TD.
New kicking rules mean we didn't have to return the kick resulting in getting the ball at the 40. It worked out for us, but robbed the fans of a couple (few?) returns.
We lose if Calgary could make a 45-yard FG.
Love a game that comes down to the last play or two.
Quote from: TBURGESS on June 06, 2026, 06:25:43 PMVaval was a primary difference maker last night.
Brady ran great, but Calgary was missing two excellent DL's.
Callaros had lots of time, but Calgary was missing two excellent DL's.
Game eventually came down to the kickers. No surprise that we won that battle.
I was very worried when Calgary got the late TD.
New kicking rules mean we didn't have to return the kick resulting in getting the ball at the 40. It worked out for us, but robbed the fans of a couple (few?) returns.
We lose if Calgary could make a 45-yard FG.
Love a game that comes down to the last play or two.
Last drive totally expected Zach to heave the ball into a crowd and make the receiver go get it, glad to see he's back to playing smart football.
Good analysis of the game from Dickie.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 03:59:07 PMI wonder whether Clinton was offered a spot on the PR and he declined. I can understand why a player might decline. However that does sort of fall into the FIFO theory.
OTOH, if we didn't offer him a PR spot then I think chances of a recall are slim.
Same points / questions about Cretsinger who is nearly identical size as Woodbey.
Realistically I think Ayers and the Canadian LB's get more reps in the short term. Another import like a DB or receiver more likely to be added. This is where JSK if healthy would have been an immediate solution.
Ayers was getting some reps in D, anyone notice him.
I am curious about Clinton too. Yes sure would have been nice to have all our LBs healthy.
Sure working out having now extra bodies now at LB.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 07:57:10 PMAyers was getting some reps in D, anyone notice him.
I am curious about Clinton too. Yes sure would have been nice to have all our LBs healthy.
Some like to rag on the club for how we roster LBs. Sure working out having now extra bodies now.
Some like to pretend that shooting rainbows out their eyeballs is wisdom worth bragging about.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 07:57:10 PMAyers was getting some reps in D, anyone notice him.
I am curious about Clinton too. Yes sure would have been nice to have all our LBs healthy.
Some like to rag on the club for how we roster LBs. Sure working out having now extra bodies now.
I did notice him a lot in the 1st Q. He didn't record a stat on defence and it wasn't quite clear who he was on the field for when he was on. He's shown as a DE on the depth chart but I thought I saw him rushing the QB and dropping in coverage. This week he was actually listed as MLB but as I said, he seemed to be more to the outside as a LB or off the edge as a DE.
The concern is that I have not seen him make a good play on defence last year or against the Stamps. Woodbey was always making plays so I wouldn't like to see him take on that role per se.
JSK would have been the obvious choice but the injury took away that choice.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2026, 08:28:33 PMSome like to pretend that shooting rainbows out their eyeballs is wisdom worth bragging about.
Reported, please don't take person attacks. This isn't about bragging or rainbows, its the pillar of strength for this club, being deep at LB has worked out for many years, bringing us a very good defense which continues. These are facts and the reality of the club. I have you on ignore please do the same. Please talk about ball not me. There is no value imo in posts like this and others have voiced similar frustrations.
I have seen value in rostering so many LBs and this has been my opinion for many years. We have developed a bunch of guys and continued to retain and attract talent to this group. I believe it will anchor us into our next phase as we continue to find continuity and success on D while slowly transitioning to new faces.
Ayers. Just to point out that no defensive stats can be misleading. He may force a QB to change his mind by taking away a route etc.
Without knowing exactly who he was rotating for and what his assignments are each time, it's more difficult to assess.
All that said, when that happens for a DB that's usually a good thing. For a LB I expect him to be knocking someone down often. Woodbey, Griffin, Jones and K. Wilson make plays. They get more reps but it's a question for me whether he's effective.
Someone else might be able to offer another point of view.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 08:45:19 PMReported, please don't take person attacks. This isn't about bragging or rainbows, its the pillar of strength for this club, being deep at LB has worked out for many years, bringing us a very good defense which continues. These are facts and the reality of the club. I have you on ignore please do the same. Please talk about ball not me. There is no value imo in posts like this and others have voiced similar frustrations.
I have seen value in rostering so many LBs and this has been my opinion for many years. We have developed a bunch of guys and continued to retain and attract talent to this group. I believe it will anchor us into our next phase as we continue to find continuity and success on D while slowly transitioning to new faces.
He literally said the same thing that you repeatedly say about other posters. Don't call out others if you don't want to be called out. You've been told this before by the mods you're reporting to.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 08:54:47 PMAyers. Just to point out that no defensive stats can be misleading. He may force a QB to change his mind by taking away a route etc.
Without knowing exactly who he was rotating for and what his assignments are each time, it's more difficult to assess.
All that said, when that happens for a DB that's usually a good thing. For a LB I expect him to be knocking someone down often. Woodbey, Griffin, Jones and K. Wilson make plays. They get more reps but it's a question for me whether he's effective.
Someone else might be able to offer another point of view.
Saw Ayers chasing after VA a few times early in the game he is super fast, I think he was in for Kyrie. Noticed Tony Jones attempting to do the same thing later in the game with less success. Woodbey didn't look great in shallow pass coverage but that's a difficult job for any LB to do.
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 09:08:27 PMHe literally said the same thing that you repeatedly say about other posters. Don't call out others if you don't want to be called out. You've been told this before by the mods you're reporting to.
I never called out anyone just made a general statement, nor did I do personal attack. I haven't agreed with others who have been critical of how many LBs we have rostered and with two recent injuries, its sure nice to have the depth.
My post was within the forum rules, personal attacks are not. Please put me on ignore, I have done the same.
I don't agree with what you have said (we didn't say the same thing imo) and there is no value in continuing this exchange. This is a game day thread, lets talk ball.
Others have been frustrated with how SirBnG have recently interacted with them and I echo that.
I am no angel on here but trying to keep the peace, stay on topic and talk ball. A little razzing is part of the fun as long as its within the rules, not targeted or personal imo. I have found ignoring users who often don't get along a very good way to keep the peace.
I will remove part of my post as a good will gesture. Lets move on please, agree to disagree .
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 06, 2026, 09:11:01 PMSaw Ayers chasing after VA a few times early in the game he is super fast, I think he was in for Kyrie. Noticed Tony Jones attempting to do the same thing later in the game with less success. Woodbey didn't look great in shallow pass coverage but that's a difficult job for any LB to do.
Chasing is not catching though which is kind of the point. Yes he's faster and maybe he improves given more reps. That didn't happen last year so it begs the question why didn't it happen and why has he not seemed to move up the depth chart?
He's a very good ST player but I haven't been happy to see him on defence so far.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 06, 2026, 05:24:26 PMScary thing is Stan's replacement no longer seems to be in house, at least Randolph could play OT, not sure anyone else on the team can, besides Broxton.
You answered your own question. Stan's replacement is 100% in the house. And it is Broxton. If Stan gets hurt, Brox goes left and whoever takes over RT. Maybe Neuf temporarily, maybe Vant longer term. Maybe even Wallace -- he got some stints at OT in PS!
When Stan retires it's Broxton to LT for 3-9 years.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 05:06:00 PMBLM doesn't escape the pocket like VA can, so a different defensive strategy will be taken.
Except when he's running it in for a TD, hook-sliding, but command says "he was going for it". But ya, that's a rarity. Hilariously, though, betting odds now put BLM more around Zach levels. Used to be like 100-1 for 1st TD. Now, like 11. Ya, like BLM is going to rush for a TD ever 11-ish games, LOL.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 05:01:54 PMIt will be awhile before we hear how long Woodbey will be out. Regardless I don't think it will be soon even if it's a calf pull. So a roster choice will need to be made.
Woodbey is toast, achilles. Bye. (No, I don't have inside info, but I'm calling it now.)
Our DL depth is anemic, put a DI there. Though WILL depth is also anemic... you really want to have a NAT as the only backup at WILL? Smith is being pegged more as a SAM, and Shay more as a MLB. That means Shay is probably the best choice. But clearly Mafia think he's not even close to ready yet.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 03:59:07 PMI wonder whether Clinton was offered a spot on the PR and he declined. I can understand why a player might decline. However that does sort of fall into the FIFO theory.
It's rare anyone goes straight from their rookie camp to the AR or PR, especially at the packed LB positions. What usually happens when a new kid flashes like Clinton is we invite them back for roster expansion and/or next TC. Then they get a bit more cred.
We all liked that Clinton move chasing down Rourke. But besides that did he do anything else of note at all all TC and PS? Granted, if he was here chasing down VAJ this last game, that sure would have helped!
If JSK and Woodbey are season-ended, we totally have SMS to go after a couch vet. Who's out there? Also could eye a trade if other teams get double-whammied at a position like we just did.
See how good Zach is when you give him time! Condell + Zach + OL giving time = magic. Like the Pokey connection to win the game. Zach was delivering those most of the night, and would have been better if not for a couple of dropsies by the NATs, IMPs just losing a couple of 50/50s, and OL pooping the bed for most of H1.
Zach seemed "done" in '25 because the pass pro was so stinky. Now he's looking better than T.Harris who was anointed as the second coming of Ray last season. Funny that, eh?
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 10:04:24 PMIt's rare anyone goes straight from their rookie camp to the AR or PR, especially at the packed LB positions. What usually happens when a new kid flashes like Clinton is we invite them back for roster expansion and/or next TC. Then they get a bit more cred.
We all liked that Clinton move chasing down Rourke. But besides that did he do anything else of note at all all TC and PS? Granted, if he was here chasing down VAJ this last game, that sure would have helped!
If JSK and Woodbey are season-ended, we totally have SMS to go after a couch vet. Who's out there? Also could eye a trade if other teams get double-whammied at a position like we just did.
Woodbey was still on an ELC. JSK would have gotten a decent contract but nothing excessive. I can't think of any veteran out there that we might be interested in bringing in. Trades once the season has started less likely.
JSK was PLAN B and that didn't work out. Our imports can play multiple spots and roles. Shouldn't we expect the same from a high 1st round pick, 6th overall?
On a short week I think it has to be someone internally already on the roster. After that is anybody's guess. We have a bye after the TiCat game.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 10:28:24 PMOn a short week I think it has to be someone internally already on the roster. After that is anybody's guess. We have a bye after the TiCat game.
Well, if you're talking Shay, then it's kind of a no-op as he's already been on AR for a while. The question is will they rotate him in as much as they did Woodbey. And since Shay probably hasn't even taken 1 reg season D snap ever, I'm thinking that chance is slim.
Short term, for sure, it's someone here. Probably will ask Jones/Wilson to play longer with less spells. And my guess is Ayers spells. Still doubt Shay will.
Medium term I think we're totally on the horn for options. I thought that even before Woodbey went down! JSK was an important piece. Now down 2? Forget about finding 2 guys in house. KW is on the case as we speak.
Such a bummer... JSK was literally perfect for this role.
Oh ya, and since no one really is better than using Ayers/Shay, it's probably 100% we get a DB or DL DI next game.
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 10:19:57 PMSee how good Zach is when you give him time! Condell + Zach + OL giving time = magic. Like the Pokey connection to win the game. Zach was delivering those most of the night, and would have been better if not for a couple of dropsies by the NATs, IMPs just losing a couple of 50/50s, and OL pooping the bed for most of H1.
Zach seemed "done" in '25 because the pass pro was so stinky. Now he's looking better than T.Harris who was anointed as the second coming of Ray last season. Funny that, eh?
Nailed it so many crapped on Zach a little early imo. Give the man time, a good OL, good OC and weapons and he can still sling. Now at his age does he still have durability?
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 10:37:50 PMWell, if you're talking Shay, then it's kind of a no-op as he's already been on AR for a while. The question is will they rotate him in as much as they did Woodbey. And since Shay probably hasn't even taken 1 reg season D snap ever, I'm thinking that chance is slim.
Short term, for sure, it's someone here. Probably will ask Jones/Wilson to play longer with less spells. And my guess is Ayers spells. Still doubt Shay will.
Medium term I think we're totally on the horn for options. I thought that even before Woodbey went down! JSK was an important piece. Now down 2? Forget about finding 2 guys in house. KW is on the case as we speak.
Such a bummer... JSK was literally perfect for this role.
Oh ya, and since no one really is better than using Ayers/Shay, it's probably 100% we get a DB or DL DI next game.
Silver lining the next gen will get reps
But yes a bummer!
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 06, 2026, 10:28:24 PMWoodbey was still on an ELC. JSK would have gotten a decent contract but nothing excessive.
As for money, Woodbey + JSK totally equals a JSK-level vet. Easy. SMS won't be the issue. It's like you said "who is still out there".
Checking out FA26 tracker:
Jon Jones
Maruo
Gauthier (lol)
Avery
Biggie (lol)
Herdman-Reed
I guess no reason to hire a NAT, better to use Shay/Smith. Maruo is intriguing as a GLOB. Jones might be available again and is kind of a JSK jack of all trades. I can't remember if Avery was any good.
Jones actually might be perfect as he's dual-threat and knows our system.
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 10:43:24 PMAs for money, Woodbey + JSK totally equals a JSK-level vet. Easy. SMS won't be the issue. It's like you said "who is still out there".
Checking out FA26 tracker:
Jon Jones
Maruo
Gauthier (lol)
Avery
Biggie (lol)
Herdman-Reed
I guess no reason to hire a NAT, better to use Shay/Smith. Maruo is intriguing as a GLOB. Jones might be available again and is kind of a JSK jack of all trades. I can't remember if Avery was any good.
Jones actually might be perfect as he's dual-threat and knows our system.
Can't remember much about Jones tell me more
Also who knows the next LB after Clinton who was cut but might be a potential call back?
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 09:08:27 PMHe literally said the same thing that you repeatedly say about other posters. Don't call out others if you don't want to be called out. You've been told this before by the mods you're reporting to.
Yes, you are right Jesse.
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 10:43:24 PMAs for money, Woodbey + JSK totally equals a JSK-level vet. Easy. SMS won't be the issue. It's like you said "who is still out there".
Checking out FA26 tracker:
Jon Jones
Maruo
Gauthier (lol)
Avery
Biggie (lol)
Herdman-Reed
I guess no reason to hire a NAT, better to use Shay/Smith. Maruo is intriguing as a GLOB. Jones might be available again and is kind of a JSK jack of all trades. I can't remember if Avery was any good.
Jones actually might be perfect as he's dual-threat and knows our system.
Woodbey is more like Griffin and Kramdi as an all over the field guy. I think Jaylen Smith will slide in nicely in the role.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 10:50:08 PMCan't remember much about Jones tell me more
He was the "JSK of 2025" -- here all '25 but never saw the field. Injured a bit/lot? Not good enough a bit? I think he's quite aged.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 06, 2026, 10:50:08 PMAlso who knows the next LB after Clinton who was cut but might be a potential call back?
That's a very good question. PS charts say... Cretsigner? That seems to be the only IMP after Clinton who was charted at WILL or MLB (in this case the latter). Clinton flashed, whereas I'm not sure anyone even remembers seeing Cretsinger.
What was up with that simultaneous OS/IP offsetting penalties? You don't see that often. That would have to mean the OL got up the instant the D got in the neutral zone? Should be nearly impossible.
I think I've seen that only once before?
Almost as wacky as Proulx's infamous IP on D.
Will need to rewatch & study this one!!
Quote from: Jesse on June 06, 2026, 11:17:42 PMWoodbey is more like Griffin and Kramdi as an all over the field guy. I think Jaylen Smith will slide in nicely in the role.
shows the issue with Ayers when you use a di spot for s mainly a special teams player if hes not good enough to back up an injured lb, you're in trouble
Was Zach hugging Thik Nik after the game? Only saw his back, but not many guys have that silhouette!
John Jones was released by the Argos. So he is available, in game shape and knows our defence. So he's a reasonable stop gap that could fill a role. He's not as good as JSK or Woodbey though.
In theory he could be here by Monday and dressed for the game on Thursday. Honestly I don't expect that but I can't think of a better option besides our Canadian LB's.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 07, 2026, 02:20:58 AMJohn Jones was released by the Argos. So he is available, in game shape and knows our defence. So he's a reasonable stop gap that could fill a role. He's not as good as JSK or Woodbey though.
In theory he could be here by Monday and dressed for the game on Thursday. Honestly I don't expect that but I can't think of a better option besides our Canadian LB's.
Jon Jones is a mean MLB, not a guy that could cover receivers at WIL. He didn't play because Tony Jones never gave him the chance to steal his job.
Quote from: Tecno on June 06, 2026, 10:04:24 PMIt's rare anyone goes straight from their rookie camp to the AR or PR, especially at the packed LB positions. What usually happens when a new kid flashes like Clinton is we invite them back for roster expansion and/or next TC. Then they get a bit more cred.
We all liked that Clinton move chasing down Rourke. But besides that did he do anything else of note at all all TC and PS? Granted, if he was here chasing down VAJ this last game, that sure would have helped!
PS#1 Clinton looked pretty good, how soon we forget.