Are we still doing a thread per game for non-Bomber games? I like 'em!
How do people feel about the depth charts for MTL & HAM on Thu? I have a few observations:
MTL:
1. MTL starting IMP RG but NAT RT! Who is Shanks? Is he one of this year's draft?
2. Sterns should do well in MTL's system -- not sure what more we wanted out of him, unless it was simply cost-cutting.
3. MTL starting 2 NAT DL. Uguak backing up?? Is he still dinged?
4. MTL DB corps is stout -- but what will losing Dequoy do? LB corps stout too.
HAM:
a. Lawler gets to be DNA like they always did with White. That means 25 snaps only. And HAM messed up nomenclature (no surprise), he's not the NA, he's the DNA. If he was just the NA he'd have to start!!
b. Ko-man reunites with Dobson. When we play HAM, attack their A-gap! Remember their A-gap problems here? Dobson to RG instead of LG.
c. NAT MLB Baker? Who is this guy?
d. HAM DB corps suspect until proven otherwise. Alexander might "ESF them".
e. JA27 still has a job. Good for him.
f. DL all-IMP, should be stout.
Bonus:
Check out what both teams did with the new reserve roster (RR). MTL has 2 no-name guys on it. HAM only has 1 guy on theirs! Pretty sure that's illegal! Pretty sure each team MUST have 2... unless CFL worded it ambiguously (wouldn't be the first time).
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJ5hngoWIAEfZ1U?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJ5hcwSXsAAwFaq?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats banged up at linebacker against Alouettes for season-opener
by 3Down Staff June 3, 2026
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be without their two top linebackers when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Wednesday night, according to the official depth chart they released on Wednesday morning.
Wynton McManis, who was ruled out on Tuesday, has officially been placed on the one-game injured list after missing practice this week with a knee injury.
Braxton Hill, who was a limited participant in practice and listed as questionable for Friday's game, has also been placed on the one-game injured list. The 26-year-old is suffering from a calf injury.
With both projected starters out, Hamilton will look to Ryan Baker at middle linebacker and Jordan Crook at weak-side linebacker.
Baker, a fifth-round draft pick out of UBC, has made 51 defensive tackles and 14 special team tackles over 31 career games with the Tiger-Cats. The North Vancouver native made eight starts for the team as a rookie in 2024 but exclusively filled a depth role last season behind Devin Veresuk, who has since departed for the NFL.
Crook is a CFL rookie out of Arizona State University, where he made 101 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass knockdowns, and one interception over 13 games in 2025.
Fortunately for the Tiger-Cats, it doesn't appear McManis will miss much time.
"It's not too bad, he has a bone bruise," head coach Scott Milanovich told the media on Wednesday. "I'm not sure exactly when he'll be back, but it's certainly not gonna be long term."
On the offensive side of the ball, things have stayed relatively consistent from last season in Steeltown.
Larry Rountree III won the starting job at running back in place of Greg Bell, while free-agent additions Keric Wheatfall and Kurleigh Gittens Jr. earned starting roles in the receiving corps, and Trevor Reid and Chris Kolankowski are new starters along the offensive line.
The rest of the unit, including franchise quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and star receiver Kenny Lawler, is the same.
Defensively, there were questions about how Hamilton would fill the field-side of its secondary following the departures of DaShaun Amos and Jonathan Moxey. Quavian White has won the starting job at field-side halfback, while Gregory Junior has been listed as the starting field-side cornerback.
White played two regular-season games with the Tiger-Cats last year, making one special teams tackle. The 25-year-old played collegiately at Georgia State University, where he tallied 200 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, and 42 pass knockdowns over 52 games. He also had an NFL stint with the Arizona Cardinals.
Junior is a CFL rookie but was once a sixth-round NFL draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The six-foot, 203-pound native of Crossett, Ark. made 17 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one knockdown over 10 regular-season NFL games before deciding to come north.
Hamilton's defensive line has remained virtually unchanged from 2025, while Reggie Stubblefield, Stavros Katsantonis, Jamal Peters, and Destin Talbert all remain starters in the secondary.
Marc Liegghio has returned as the placekicker, while returner Isaiah Wooden Sr. recently rejoined the team after a stint in the NFL. Mitch McCarthy won the punting job, replacing Nik Constantinou.
The Tiger-Cats have also placed five players on the six-game injured list: American receiver Shemar Bridges, Canadian offensive linemen Jonathan Denis and Arvin Hosseini, American defensive lineman TyJuan Garbutt, and Canadian defensive back Devynn Cromwell.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-0) will host the Montreal Alouettes (0-0) at Hamilton Stadium on Thursday, June 4 with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT. The Alouettes are coming off a Grey Cup loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while the Tiger-Cats lost last year's East Final to Montreal.
The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 26 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on TSN 690 in Montreal and Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/03/hamilton-tiger-cats-banged-up-at-linebacker-against-alouettes-for-season-opener/
Nate Beauchemin starts at safety for Montreal Alouettes in Week 1 against Tiger-Cats
by 3Down Staff June 3, 2026
The Montreal Alouettes have chosen their replacement at safety for the retired Marc-Antoine Dequoy: Nate Beauchemin. The Calgary native was listed as the starter on Montreal's official depth chart, which was released on Wednesday morning.
The 23-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft and played 10 regular-season games as a rookie, making one defensive tackle and eight special teams tackles. Beauchemin played collegiately for his hometown Dinos, earning a first-team U Sports All-Canadian selection in 2024 as well as the Presidents' Trophy, which is awarded annually to the top upright defender in the country.
Jonathan Sutherland, who signed with the team after a three-year stint in the NFL, has been listed as Beauchemin's backup, while Arthur Hamlin, who started three games at safety in place of Dequoy last year, is the backup at strong-side linebacker.
The rest of Montreal's defence is mostly unchanged from last season, including the return of perennial All-CFL weak-side linebacker Tyrice Beverette, two-time Most Outstanding Canadian nominee Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, and defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson, who missed most of 2025 due to injury.
Robert Kennedy III has taken over at field-side halfback in place of Ciante Evans, while Geoffrey Cantin-Arku is now the starting middle linebacker, replacing Darnell Sankey. Joshua Archibald has also been listed as a starter at defensive end over Lwal Uguak, though both are expected to rotate throughout the game.
On offence, Travis Theis has been given the start at running back with Stevie Scott III out with a hamstring injury. Theis played 12 regular-season games as a CFL rookie in 2025, rushing for 365 yards, catching 19 passes for 162 yards, and returning 32 kicks for 539 yards and one touchdown.
Alexander Hollins will start at boundary wideout in place of Charleston Rambo, while Jerreth Sterns will start at slotback in place of Austin Mack. Rambo remains a free agent, while Mack signed with the Edmonton Elks following his release from Montreal.
The rest of Montreal's starting offence is the same, including franchise quarterback Davis Alexander, start receivers Jalen Philpot and Tyler Snead, as well as the entire offensive line.
The team's special teams trio of José Maltos Díaz, Joseph Zema, and Louis-Philippe Bourassa is the same from last year, though the new return specialist is Phillip Brooks.
The 26-year-old has had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and B.C. Lions, dressing for two regular-season games with B.C. in 2025. Veteran return specialist DeVonte Dedmon, who joined the team in free agency, has been placed on the six-game injured list due to a hamstring issue.
Others who have joined Dedmon on the six-game injured list include Canadian fullback David Dallaire, American offensive lineman Des Holmes, Canadian receiver Hakeem Harris, and Canadian linebacker Gabriel Lessard.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/03/natnate-beauchemin-starts-at-safety-for-montreal-alouettes-in-week-1-against-tiger-cats/
Myron Mitchell made the roster for the TiCats and Lawler is listed as a DI? Either way, 2 OL and 3 receivers are ex Bombers.
Quote from: Tecno on June 04, 2026, 09:51:40 AMAre we still doing a thread per game for non-Bomber games? I like 'em!
How do people feel about the depth charts for MTL & HAM on Thu? I have a few observations:
MTL:
1. MTL starting IMP RG but NAT RT! Who is Shanks? Is he one of this year's draft?
2. Sterns should do well in MTL's system -- not sure what more we wanted out of him, unless it was simply cost-cutting.
3. MTL starting 2 NAT DL. Uguak backing up?? Is he still dinged?
4. MTL DB corps is stout -- but what will losing Dequoy do? LB corps stout too.
HAM:
a. Lawler gets to be DNA like they always did with White. That means 25 snaps only. And HAM messed up nomenclature (no surprise), he's not the NA, he's the DNA. If he was just the NA he'd have to start!!
b. Ko-man reunites with Dobson. When we play HAM, attack their A-gap! Remember their A-gap problems here? Dobson to RG instead of LG.
c. NAT MLB Baker? Who is this guy?
d. HAM DB corps suspect until proven otherwise. Alexander might "ESF them".
e. JA27 still has a job. Good for him.
f. DL all-IMP, should be stout.
Bonus:
Check out what both teams did with the new reserve roster (RR). MTL has 2 no-name guys on it. HAM only has 1 guy on theirs! Pretty sure that's illegal! Pretty sure each team MUST have 2... unless CFL worded it ambiguously (wouldn't be the first time).
Shanks was drafted last year and started a couple games at RT as a rookie.
Archibald outplayed Uguak in preseason.
Beauchman is a good replacement for Dequoy.
Baker was drafted in 2024 and started 8 games as a rookie. Injuries and ratio played a part of that, but he has gotten better each year for a 5th round pick. Plus with the drafting of Veresuk, that threw a wrench in his development.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 04, 2026, 02:19:35 PMMyron Mitchell made the roster for the TiCats and Lawler is listed as a DI? Either way, 2 OL and 3 receivers are ex Bombers.
M. Mitchell was always right on the bubble for a spot here. Looked ok in 2024 camp, looked better in 2025 camp. But just not quite good enough.
I look forward to seeing what he can do now that he has his starting shot! Hopefully we didn't drop the next pokey!
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on June 04, 2026, 04:30:29 PMShanks was drafted last year and started a couple games at RT as a rookie.
Archibald outplayed Uguak in preseason.
Beauchman is a good replacement for Dequoy.
Thanks that's very useful info. Outplaying uguak... Yikes, that's nuts. Well, if mtl wants to drop uguak I'll take him!
As for fs, pretty sure no one can play it like dequoy. It's the guy even going to try, or is he going to be a more traditional harder hitting, run stopping, CFL fs?
Quote from: Tecno on June 04, 2026, 06:05:48 PMThanks that's very useful info. Outplaying uguak... Yikes, that's nuts. Well, if mtl wants to drop uguak I'll take him!
As for fs, pretty sure no one can play it like dequoy. It's the guy even going to try, or is he going to be a more traditional harder hitting, run stopping, CFL fs?
He's still going to be in the rotation, just not starting.
He still has range, just not as much range as Dequoy.
Why is Lawler 2nd on the DC?
Wheatie, Mitchell/Lawler, Dobson, Kolankowski start, with Augustine and Legghio for the Hamilton BomberCats... or is it TigerBombers.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 04, 2026, 10:35:51 PMWhy is Lawler 2nd on the DC?
Wheatie, Mitchell/Lawler, Dobson, Kolankowski start, with Augustine and Legghio for the Hamilton BomberCats... or is it TigerBombers.
Watch em start a Natl. for one play than sub in Lawler for the rest of the game as a Natl, it's a trick Calgary came up with in the first year the rule was implemented that many other teams have copied, including the hated Riders. It's being used to subvert the intention of the rule, while the CFL stares blankly ahead allowing them to do so.
Did anyone tell TiCat fans their season began today?
Half full stadium. Just pathetic.
Referee blind to pass interference. Rough start with the officials.
I don't blame Scotty to challenge this at all.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 04, 2026, 11:38:04 PMWatch em start a Natl. for one play than sub in Lawler for the rest of the game as a Natl, it's a trick Calgary came up with in the first year the rule was implemented that many other teams have copied, including the hated Riders. It's being used to subvert the intention of the rule, while the CFL stares blankly ahead allowing them to do so.
Ive had issue with this stupid rule too.
You start* 8 Canadians then they dont have to play the rest of the game?
I dont think refs are counting how many Canadians are on the field every play
Could TSN eliminate the wind noise from the broadcast? :D :-\
Alexander throws that long sideline pass really well
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 04, 2026, 11:38:04 PMWatch em start a Natl. for one play than sub in Lawler for the rest of the game as a Natl, it's a trick Calgary came up with in the first year the rule was implemented that many other teams have copied, including the hated Riders. It's being used to subvert the intention of the rule, while the CFL stares blankly ahead allowing them to do so.
I hate it, but it's not a trick, it's the literal rule. MOS just refuses to use it because he also doesn't like it.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 04, 2026, 11:41:04 PMDid anyone tell TiCat fans their season began today?
Half full stadium. Just pathetic.
Might be a lot of laid off people cause of Trumps illegal tarrifs
Quote from: markf on June 05, 2026, 12:01:25 AMMight be a lot of laid off people cause of Trumps illegal tarrifs
Can't imagine TiCat games are particularly expensive to attend in Hamilton.
Alexander already tweaks his leg, lol
New Play clock screws/lame substitution up Montreal
Leggs great year last year and looks good. So many gave up on him, proud of what he has done.
Nice throw Alexander TD Als. Beautiful play.
Banks, worthy CFL HOFer. Good for him. The guy is Blink Roberts tiny. Same size as Kate, lol
New Hammy RB is pretty meh.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2026, 12:07:54 AMAlexander already tweaks his leg, lol
That's why I picked Hamilton.
Quote from: Jesse on June 05, 2026, 12:31:07 AMThat's why I picked Hamilton.
he looks alright and had a nice TD Pass afterwards.
That being said Hammy D is making sure tackles.
I like Luke Wilson as a colour guy.
Quote from: bunker on June 05, 2026, 12:36:43 AMI like Luke Wilson as a colour guy.
So far I am enjoying his commentary. Him and Ford work well together.
Wow Kolo67 got absolutely beat on that blitz
League doing a good job making sure calls are right so far.
Montreal with the stupid penalties.
Maybe Hammy should cover Snead! Jesus Murphy.
stands look a lil empty
Quote from: The Zipp on June 05, 2026, 12:53:51 AMstands look a lil empty
It is disappointing see in a place like Hammy where people apparently love their Cats.
Do you have to kick off after a FG within 3 mins til Half Time?
The entire TiCats receiving corps are ex bombers.
Mitchell still earning a cheque, lol
Might see good ol Psycho Coach Mass if they keep taking all these penalties
Wheatfall looks alright
Quote from: bunker on June 05, 2026, 12:59:18 AMWheatfall looks alright
All TiCat receivers are making plays. Shame no one is there to see it in person.
Well executed late half drive.
Thanks to Noel Thorpe for trotting onto the field of play while coaching.
What a dumbass.
Good on Hamilton keeping Bo in on goal line and run actual plays and not boring sneaks
No Rouge, oh well.
Again the Ham RB Roundtree is uninspiring.
Mr Mullet for sure thrives as colour. Side line reporting not so much.
Wheatfall with the Sideshow Bob haircut. :D
Neither team seems able or willing to run the ball. Of course, both teams are pass-focused.
Maybe Bob "the caretaker" Young needs to sell the Cats to someone who can generate some genuine fan interest and make the donut box a cool place to be on game day.
Als beat up on offense missin top OL, WR, and RB
Montreal failing epically with the penalties.
Is Kate in every commercial?
Everyone sure kisses Lawler's butt to death. Holy moly are there any other stars on the field?
Brutal pic six Bo, Booooo
Way to go Howdy Doody
Seeing Bo throw the pick-6 brings me joy.
Quote from: Jesse on June 05, 2026, 01:48:30 AMSeeing Bo throw the pick-6 brings me joy.
:D
Very nice timing and play by Kennedy
Mitchell, pffft. Couldn't do **** here.
Zero running room for Johnny Aug.
Mitchell looks like money
Sterns returning interesting
Ford trying to keep up with da Mullet, lol
Sick catch
World class talent
Philpot what a brilliant snag.
Hammy fragile
Alexander sure gets pumped. :D
Hammy NEEDS to respond ASAP
Both teams have forgotten about running the ball at all.
Brutal play call on the bomb to Lawler.
Leggio, like a Rash that won't go away. :D
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2026, 02:07:28 AMBoth teams have forgotten about running the ball at all.
Both teams are built around their QBs and WRs. I don't think they ever planned to run all that much.
Call the game Rod, frick
Als need to burn the time out due to the fast play clock.
Welp that is now 3 F-Bombs clearly on the air so far... ;)
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2026, 02:17:16 AMCall the game Rod, frick
And learn the new rules
TSN needs an over haul of new announcers and let Rod and Glen Suitor retire already
Alexander makes some dumb decisions. Lucky
Wow, didn't think they'd go for that one.
Great game!
great opening game !!
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2026, 02:20:35 AMWelp that is now 3 F-Bombs clearly on the air so far... ;)
and a bare bum
Wheatfall blows it!
wheatfall - ugh.
ticats should be absolutely ashamed of themselves blowing a 14 point lead, and Wheatfall, that's why you're not here!!
Wow Hamilton just blew that one, royaly.
12-0 regular season for Alexander
Quote from: dd on June 05, 2026, 02:41:03 AMticats should be absolutely ashamed of themselves blowing a 14 point lead, and Wheatfall, that's why you're not here!!
Good riddance!
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2026, 02:38:42 AMWheatfall blows it!
Was it Wheatfall or Mitchell? I thought it was # 7 Mitchell but was not totally focused on TV. Mitchell caught 2 of 3 as well. Why do we have to criticize ex Bombers?
Either way, he had 6 receptions for 46 yards. Lets see how his replacements do. Lots of mistakes in early season. BLM threw a pick 6 which turned the game momentum around. Als couldn't stop taking penalties. Alexander throws a ball away to avoid a sack could have cost them another return TD.
Ya, the pick 6 was the turning point, Ti cats had all the momentum up until then and then seemed totally collapse.
We're up next!
its was wheatfall...my god you can't turn the ball over in overtime, instant loss right there. He wouldn't dress next game if i was coach, not protecting the ball in overtime is a rookie mistake, thing is, he isn't a rookied, he's just not starter material.
Great game, very disappointed in the Hamilton fans, are they butt hurt over the Sabres losing or just waiting for the Bills season to begin? Haven't they heard about "elbows up"?
Very entertaining game. Glad CFL football is back.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2026, 02:50:02 AMWas it Wheatfall or Mitchell? I thought it was # 7 Mitchell but was not totally focused on TV. Mitchell caught 2 of 3 as well. Why do we have to criticize ex Bombers?
Either way, he had 6 receptions for 46 yards. Lets see how his replacements do. Lots of mistakes in early season. BLM threw a pick 6 which turned the game momentum around. Als couldn't stop taking penalties. Alexander throws a ball away to avoid a sack could have cost them another return TD.
wheatfall
It was an outstanding highly entertaining, hard hitting, close, action packed contest.
I like Mullet Willlson as colour to.
Who is calling the Bomber game? Is that annoying crazy younger guy?
Quote from: Sway on June 05, 2026, 12:57:03 AMDo you have to kick off after a FG within 3 mins til Half Time?
No. That only applies in the final 3 minutes of the game. It's a weird case where the 3 min rule changes differ between halves.
2025 book: rule 3, section 2, article 2
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2026, 12:27:22 AMBanks, worthy CFL HOFer. Good for him.
a) They paused the game mid-quarter to talk to Banks? Seemed much longer than the usual 1.5-2.0 minutes allowed for in-quarter, non-3-min-warning breaks?
b) Have they ever pre-announced a HoF pick before? Is that a thing? Not saying I don't like it, but precedent yada yada. After all this first and foremost is a show / entertainment. Home fans will like this, and I'm fine with it.
c) Ya, good for Speedy B. He was never a bad guy, always pretty fair. From memory the worst anyone ever had to say about him was he could come off as whiny.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 04, 2026, 10:35:51 PMWhy is Lawler 2nd on the DC?
Point (a) in the first post of the thread. It's the DNA 25-snap rule added like 3-4 years ago. They used it most of 2025 on Tim White. After 25 he can only play if another IMP comes off -- which would probably be Wheatie. It's basically a league-allowed ratio cheat code.
Quote from: Sway on June 04, 2026, 11:45:16 PMYou start* 8 Canadians then they dont have to play the rest of the game?
No. This only applies to ONE guy... the guy they specify as DNA. And he can only come in when one of the (many) specified DNS's goes off. And only for 25 snaps. This does NOT apply to the entirety of the starting NATs.
Quote from: Sway on June 04, 2026, 11:45:16 PMI dont think refs are counting how many Canadians are on the field every play
Yes they are! And in realtime, because they have to warn the bench when they get close to 25 snaps!
And then the 2 teams that use this "trick" the least at the end of the season get the extra 2RDPs. Always us and some other team.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 04, 2026, 11:43:10 PMReferee blind to pass interference. Rough start with the officials.
I don't blame Scotty to challenge this at all.
I thought the ball was uncatchable. It was pretty far away from Kenny's jump point. It seemed to me Kenny thought he wasn't going to make it and instead put the brakes on to draw DPI.
Definite contact. But what happens if it's clearly DPI but uncatchable? By rule that's not DPI. So can they give them IC instead or is it just no penalty?
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 04, 2026, 11:41:04 PMHalf full stadium. Just pathetic.
The shots during the Speedy B thing showed the camera side and it was pretty well attended. I think what we're seeing here is yet another case of "everyone wants to sit on camera side to avoid the sun, and then the cameras are facing the empty undesired side".
Although, usually HAM can fill up the "bad" side better than that. I've noticed their fan base dwindling for about 4 seasons. Maybe the very good 2025 season didn't help that as much as you'd think.
To make it look better for TV, every team needs to have the "SSK price premium" to sit on the "good" side. AFAIK only SSK does that. It's 10-20% savings to sit on the bad side. It helps even out the crowd, helps ease up overburdening one side's concessions/etc. And it makes it look better for TV. I think it should almost be league-mandated, as should allowing fans on the field after the game. Near zero-cost ideas that improve the product.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2026, 02:50:02 AMWhy do we have to criticize ex Bombers?
I'm not for piling on. However, when it's a guy who just left, we're all sitting here anxious to see if:
a) he turns into the next Big Thing, meaning we were stupid to let him walk
or
b) he stinks up the joint, meaning we made the right call to ditch him
That's really all there is to it. I guess (b) is preferable, otherwise we have to admit a mistake and wonder what might have been.
We'll see if the team rallies around Wheatie or shuns him. If you are going to make changes, you're going to do it early in the year so you can get the next man up up to speed. Sucks that Wheatie blew it in week 1.
Bonus: ask yourself: where is Patterson, the loser of the GC...
Quote from: The Zipp on June 05, 2026, 02:36:30 AMand a bare bum
And the CFL female viewership just shot up 50%. Promise them a QB bum every game and it might go up 100%!
Quote from: The Zipp on June 05, 2026, 02:34:35 AMgreat opening game !!
You bet. But Johnston thinks the product sucks and needs major overhauls ::) ::) ::)
Extra thoughts:
- both teams got their FBs massively involved. Lots of work for Litre, for example. I want that for us with Ike & Daniels getting many touches.
- HAM D legit mean and prepared. Love to see it. DB corps suspect, as I said pre-game, but everyone was riled up and ready to inflict pain.
- Sterns whiff on a totally catchable mid ball -- another one we're ok with having let go? Needed to catch with his hands, not wait for the gut hit.
- Can a team just keep committing blatant DPI at 1st & G from the 1 to stop a TD and drain the almost-gone clock? Like MTL was doing to end H1. No punishment at all for doing that. Forced HAM to run it even when they wanted to pass. Interesting scenario.
- M.Mitchell looked ok but totally caused that pick-6 by not coming towards the ball. How many times a season do we see that. Situational awareness. Makes up for it with a sensational, tough rail grab a couple of plays later.
- MTL & HAM both so fast at ball release and making reads. Wow. I just don't see how we can match that, in terms of both play design and arm strength. Alexander on some RPO passes it's just one fluid in-the-basket-then-whip-up-and-ball-gone -- no defense possible. Also throwing before they are certain a guy will be open/there / timing routes -- we don't do that either.
3-person booth? Is this a first?
Looked crowded in the booth. But I thought it went well. Nice to get more takes on things. Is this going to be an every-week thing? I don't think they have enough people for this!
Maybe this is the phase-out "training" in anticipation of Rod or Forde leaving next year?
Brit did almost nothing on the sidelines. Like why was Theis gone 2/3rds of the game. Holy smokes, go find out and tell us! Where was Loves-Me-Some-HAM Scianeti?
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 10:50:05 AMThe shots during the Speedy B thing showed the camera side and it was pretty well attended. I think what we're seeing here is yet another case of "everyone wants to sit on camera side to avoid the sun, and then the cameras are facing the empty undesired side".
Although, usually HAM can fill up the "bad" side better than that. I've noticed their fan base dwindling for about 4 seasons. Maybe the very good 2025 season didn't help that as much as you'd think.
To make it look better for TV, every team needs to have the "SSK price premium" to sit on the "good" side. AFAIK only SSK does that. It's 10-20% savings to sit on the bad side. It helps even out the crowd, helps ease up overburdening one side's concessions/etc. And it makes it look better for TV. I think it should almost be league-mandated, as should allowing fans on the field after the game. Near zero-cost ideas that improve the product.
from John Hodge:
Last night's reported attendance in Hamilton: 18,577.
If you don't count 2021 (COVID) or 2013-14 (Ron Joyce Stadium), it was the team's worst-attended home-opener since 2003.
Surprising and disappointing considering this team is a Grey Cup contender.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 05, 2026, 02:16:30 PMLast night's reported attendance in Hamilton: 18,577.
(https://media.tenor.com/wOtAhIYIbVAAAAAM/yikes-alexis.gif)
That's not good news.
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 11:53:31 AMI'm not for piling on. However, when it's a guy who just left, we're all sitting here anxious to see if:
a) he turns into the next Big Thing, meaning we were stupid to let him walk
or
b) he stinks up the joint, meaning we made the right call to ditch him
That's really all there is to it. I guess (b) is preferable, otherwise we have to admit a mistake and wonder what might have been.
We'll see if the team rallies around Wheatie or shuns him. If you are going to make changes, you're going to do it early in the year so you can get the next man up up to speed. Sucks that Wheatie blew it in week 1.
Bonus: ask yourself: where is Patterson, the loser of the GC...
Wheatfall looked great up to that last play, made some nice catches and was running the Bombers long forgotten sweep effectively. Can't remember if they let him go or cut him lose, but either way he would have ended up on the PR here as a backup if he couldn't prove he was better than Tim White. I think he'll do well in Hamilton with BLM, just has to learn to protect the ball better.
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 11:53:31 AMI'm not for piling on. However, when it's a guy who just left, we're all sitting here anxious to see if:
a) he turns into the next Big Thing, meaning we were stupid to let him walk
or
b) he stinks up the joint, meaning we made the right call to ditch him
That's really all there is to it. I guess (b) is preferable, otherwise we have to admit a mistake and wonder what might have been.
We'll see if the team rallies around Wheatie or shuns him. If you are going to make changes, you're going to do it early in the year so you can get the next man up up to speed. Sucks that Wheatie blew it in week 1.
Bonus: ask yourself: where is Patterson, the loser of the GC...
I mean he fumbled, but played well outside of that. S*** happens. BLM also threw a pick-6
Seeing a lot of Wheatfall discourse. Maybe it's a rare take here, but I like seeing our former players succeed (just not against us). Fumble sucks but it happens. His time here he played well when given a shot, didn't mope or affect the team when changes were made and seemed to be Zachs favourite guy to throw hospital balls to.
He's not here because there was no need for him and he obviously got an offer somewhere. As well, he never fumbled for us. So to those saying "that's why he's not with us anymore", sorry but you are wrong
Quote from: kkc60 on June 05, 2026, 09:48:46 PMI mean he fumbled, but played well outside of that. S*** happens. BLM also threw a pick-6
Ya, bo did... But not in overtime.
Also see, that guy who fumbled that late ball in that gc for cgy in 17 or 18. He was out of the team pretty fast after that.
Ya, those are cups or playoffs, so it is different. But one must consider this is the first game with the team, which makes it seem worse. And I think many have the impression he was a throwaway by the Bombers.
Not like we couldn't have afforded his tiny salary ask.
I'm sure it'll all be fine. But... Maybe not. Wouldn't want to be him in the locker room after. That's why he sat on that bench way after that game ended. Feel sorry for the guy.
Speaking of hospital balls, who was that guy that got wasted on one in this game. An outlet hitch ball to the left of the qb. I think stubblefield blew him up.
Once his head stopped spinning he was looking at the qb like, why you trying to get me killed?
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 09:55:30 PMYa, bo did... But not in overtime.
Also see, that guy who fumbled that late ball in that gc for cgy in 17 or 18. He was out of the team pretty fast after that.
Ya, those are cups or playoffs, so it is different. But one must consider this is the first game with the team, which makes it seem worse. And I think many have the impression he was a throwaway by the Bombers.
Not like we couldn't have afforded his tiny salary ask.
I'm sure it'll all be fine. But... Maybe not. Wouldn't want to be him in the locker room after. That's why he sat on that bench way after that game ended. Feel sorry for the guy.
I think that was the worst thing he could do, have to shrug those plays off and carry on, everyone makes mistakes but have to take into account it was an excellent play by the tackler. See that D-lineman trying to punch the ball out on the short yardage play, he threw 3 or 4 hard punches, IMO should have been a penalty.
The attendance number is worrying me... Hamilton has been the third biggest bastion of CFL support for a decade. Those fans used to come out no matter what. To see that stadium around half full is concerning.
Add in the fact the ps game they had was basically empty in the rain. So that wasn't just a fluke.
This is the first game a season ticket holder could have quit since Johnston's wild and wacky changes started. Are we seeing the beginning of the 5 percent who said they were quitting? And is it turning out to be more than 5 percent?
If this is a league wide thing the attendance will be horrid in Calgary tonight, as they were already down to like half full last season, without any help from stu.
If so, the owners, and this stu, knew about this for months as sths didn't renew. And if so, stu may have just robbed dazn!
Who knows. But we shall see! I really hope wfc sells out pas in 1 week without having to paper over too many seats.
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 10:34:14 PMAre we seeing the beginning of the 5 percent who said they were quitting? And is it turning out to be more than 5 percent?
We need more than one game sample size. I regard this as the last true year of Canadian football so I am still watching. Next year, no chance. Just thinking of the construction equipment in PAS makes me feel sick.
Quote from: Tecno on June 05, 2026, 10:34:14 PMThe attendance number is worrying me... Hamilton has been the third biggest bastion of CFL support for a decade. Those fans used to come out no matter what. To see that stadium around half full is concerning.
Add in the fact the ps game they had was basically empty in the rain. So that wasn't just a fluke.
This is the first game a season ticket holder could have quit since Johnston's wild and wacky changes started. Are we seeing the beginning of the 5 percent who said they were quitting? And is it turning out to be more than 5 percent?
If this is a league wide thing the attendance will be horrid in Calgary tonight, as they were already down to like half full last season, without any help from stu.
If so, the owners, and this stu, knew about this for months as sths didn't renew. And if so, stu may have just robbed dazn!
Who knows. But we shall see! I really hope wfc sells out pas in 1 week without having to paper over too many seats.
It would be nice to know the season ticket numbers across the league and whether they went up or down, that would be a good barometer that indicates which way a franchise is heading.
Quote from: kkc60 on June 05, 2026, 09:48:46 PMI mean he fumbled, but played well outside of that. S*** happens. BLM also threw a pick-6
true enough, but when you fumble in overtime, you lose the game, simple as that. Why oh why are you carrying the ball flailing it around like a loaf of bread is beyond me, and that's on the player, you have to be mentally aware of the moment in which you are playing in
Alexander still hasn't lost a regular season game! 12-0!!