Home Opener and a near sell out crowd again! The first bye next week so the plan is to go into the bye with and 2 and 0 record!
First, the Injury List as of June 9 follows:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HKZopVHWsAA96K4?format=jpg&name=900x900)
A key for this game will be to keep the pressure on on Bo-Levi Mitchell and, based on the previous game, we seem to have the players to accomplish that.
Ed Tait's 48-Hour Primer covers another key area where out focus should be, our Offensive line anchored by Stanley Bryant...
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/06/09/48-hour-primer-home-opener/
A large crowd will maked life unsettling for the Ti-Cats so be there and be loud and proud!
Let's go Bombers!
If they don't sell this game out then that will basically prove the theory that Johnston's moves have shed the 5% who said they were quitting. (And brought in no one new.) All 3 week-1 venues were less filled than last season week 1.
And this would break our streak. Bummer.
C'mon Winnipeg, buy the casuals and fill the place! Half the stadium is under cover so it won't be too wet. Everyone call your friends!
Has WFC released the STH number so we can compare '25 to '26?
Quote from: Tecno on June 10, 2026, 01:18:35 AMIf they don't sell this game out then that will basically prove the theory that Johnston's moves have shed the 5% who said they were quitting. (And brought in no one new.) All 3 week-1 venues were less filled than last season week 1.
And this would break our streak. Bummer.
C'mon Winnipeg, buy the casuals and fill the place! Half the stadium is under cover so it won't be too wet. Everyone call your friends!
Has WFC released the STH number so we can compare '25 to '26?
[/b]
As far as I know, they never do. Another closely guarded CFL secret.
As for attendance, the season starts keep getting earlier and the weather reports are not ideal. I wouldn't assume that n=1 on any direct cause. We're still gonna sell out all our warm summer games.
... We hope!
We shall see. Soon.
In the meantime can someone please fix these stupid tornado alerts. I've gotten 28 today, and that's with reminders disabled. They are coming fast and furious right now, with about one every 3 minutes.
I suspect 2/3 of the people going to the game couldn't list any of the changes made.
Bomber home games are more than a sporting event now.
Quote from: markf on June 10, 2026, 02:04:59 PMI suspect 2/3 of the people going to the game couldn't list any of the changes made.
Bomber home games are more than a sporting event now.
More than 2/3rds.
Quote from: markf on June 10, 2026, 02:04:59 PMI suspect 2/3 of the people going to the game couldn't list any of the changes made.
Casuals, yes. STH are more knowledgeable, and those are the ones that 5% threatened to leave. And in a place like Wpg, the vast majority in the stands are STHs.
I really hope I'm wrong. I'd love to see Yoy increased attendance in all cities by week 2 or 3 when the earlier season effect has ended.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HKdVd4DWQAAVRVW?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Nic Demski good to go for Winnipeg Blue Bombers against Hamilton
by John Hodge June 10, 2026
Nic Demski will be in the starting lineup for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when they take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday night. The team released its official depth chart (below) on Wednesday morning.
The five-time All-West Division selection missed practice on Tuesday due to an ankle injury and was officially listed as questionable. He has not only been listed in the starting lineup, but he does not have a game-time decision designation, which means he's officially good to go.
Demski made two catches for 28 yards in the team's season-opening 30-28 win over the Calgary Stampeders last week. Over 153 regular-season CFL games, the 32-year-old native of Winnipeg has made 496 catches for 6,313 yards and 42 touchdowns.
The Blue Bombers have made three changes to the roster, moving Canadian linebacker Jaylen Smith to the one-game injured list and American defensive lineman De'Shaan Dixon and American linebacker Jaiden Woodbey to the six-game injured list. Smith (head) was a full participant in practice this week, while Dixon (hamstring) and Woodbey (calf) were non-participants.
The three players who have been elevated to the active roster include American defensive linemen David Reese and Michael Fletcher, and Canadian linebacker Charles-Elliott Bouliane.
Reese finished his collegiate career at Syracuse University in 2025, where he made 27 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass knockdowns, and two fumble recoveries over 12 games. The six-foot-two, 250-pound native of Fort Pierce, Fla. spent the previous two seasons at California, where he tallied 58 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, and five pass knockdowns.
Fletcher was a collegiate standout at Appalachian State University, where he recorded 40 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one pass knockdown, and one forced fumble in 23 games. The six-foot-six, 275-pound native of Flint, Mich. attended training camp with the New York Jets in 2025 and made two tackles, one pass knockdown, and one quarterback hit during preseason action.
Bouliane was the team's third-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft out of the Université de Montréal. The five-foot-eleven, 229-pound defender made 78.5 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one pass knockdown over 29 collegiate games, earning a first-team U Sports All-Canadian selection in 2023.
The rest of Winnipeg's lineup remains unchanged from last week's win over Calgary. Zach Collaros completed 17-of-28 pass attempts for 233 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the victory, while Brady Oliveira rushed 15 times for 113 yards and one score. Jake Ceresna was the standout on defence as he recorded five defensive tackles and three sacks in his Blue Bombers debut.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1) at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, June 11, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats are coming off an overtime loss to the Montreal Alouettes, while the Blue Bombers got a walk-off game-winning field goal from Sergio Castillo to beat the Calgary Stampeders.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 21 degrees and a 30 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in to the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/10/nic-demski-good-to-go-for-winnipeg-blue-bombers-against-hamilton/
Braxton Hill to start for Hamilton Tiger-Cats against Winnipeg
by 3Down Staff June 10, 2026
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have Braxton Hill in the starting lineup when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday night. The team issued its official depth chart on Wednesday morning.
The 26-year-old missed last week's loss to the Montreal Alouettes with a calf injury but will start at weak-side linebacker this week. The native of Anaconda, Mon. was a limited participant in practice on Sunday and Monday, then a full participant on Tuesday.
Hill played eight regular-season games with the Tiger-Cats in 2025, recording 16 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, and two interceptions. The University of Montana standout previously spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Wynton McManis, Hamilton's star linebacker and big-name free-agent addition, will remain out with a bone bruise to his knee. Ryan Baker, a former fifth-round draft pick of the University of British Columbia who made one tackle last week, has been listed as the starter at middle linebacker.
Hamilton will also dress Devodric Bynum for the first time since signing him at the end of May.
The 26-year-old defensive back played 19 regular-season games over two seasons with the Edmonton Elks, making 40 total tackles, five interceptions, and one forced fumble. He attended training camp with the Calgary Stampeders but was cut before signing with the Tiger-Cats.
To make room for Hill and Bynum on the active roster, American linebacker Craig Young and American defensive back Kaleb Hayes have been moved to the practice roster.
The Tiger-Cats have also shuffled their offensive line for Thursday's game, moving Chris Kolankowski to a depth role at centre. The 34-year-old, who spent the last five seasons in Winnipeg before being released in January, was limited in practice all week due to a groin injury.
Liam Dobson, who is also a former member of the Blue Bombers, has been moved from guard to centre. Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay, a former first-round pick out of Université Laval, will start in Dobson's usual spot at right guard.
The rest of Hamilton's lineup remains unchanged from last week's overtime loss to the Alouettes. Bo Levi Mitchell completed 34-of-39 pass attempts for 307 yards and one touchdown in the defeat, while Mario Kendricks recorded the defence's lone sack.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0) at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, June 11, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats are coming off an overtime loss to the Montreal Alouettes, while the Blue Bombers got a walk-off game-winning field goal from Sergio Castillo to beat the Calgary Stampeders.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 21 degrees and a 30 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in to the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/10/braxton-hill-to-start-for-hamilton-tiger-cats-against-winnipeg/
lineup looks solid, Woodbey will be missed, new DL faces will be hungry
I like the looks of our DL - even with the Dixon injury. I'm a little scared at receiver. We were already thin with only Corcoran as depth, but Demki's clearly playing hurt already.
I'd like to see one of the DBs exchanged for a receiver.
That looks like a solid d-line.....
Pretty thin at receiver, but the roster looks good.....Va is more elusive and mobile if last week was an indication, even as fast as Bo gets rid of the ball we may just be able to slow him down a bit...
"Bo Levi Mitchell completed 34-of-39 pass attempts in aovertime loss to the Alouettes"
This will be a real test for the secondary, I hope they tighten up on the pass coverage from last week.
Quote from: Jesse on June 10, 2026, 05:11:07 PMI like the looks of our DL - even with the Dixon injury. I'm a little scared at receiver. We were already thin with only Corcoran as depth, but Demki's clearly playing hurt already.
I'd like to see one of the DBs exchanged for a receiver.
We don't have any Canadian receivers on our PR except the new kid signed recently. If we have an in game injury it probably means we see Chris-Ike get some reps and maybe Daniels.
Choices are limited.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 10, 2026, 05:22:03 PM"Bo Levi Mitchell completed 34-of-39 pass attempts in aovertime loss to the Alouettes"
This will be a real test for the secondary, I hope they tighten up on the pass coverage from last week.
That's why I wondered about adding Texada instead of the 2nd DL. That was more of an issue due to losing Woodbey and Smith.
Williams is nicked and there is a risk that he can't finish or is limited etc.
Quote from: Jesse on June 10, 2026, 05:11:07 PMI like the looks of our DL - even with the Dixon injury. I'm a little scared at receiver. We were already thin with only Corcoran as depth, but Demki's clearly playing hurt already.
I'd like to see one of the DBs exchanged for a receiver.
With Clercius on the 6-game IL we are even tighter. I don't hate the combo of Cobb/Corcoran/Daniels sharing that 5th WR spot, but if Demski or Neild gets hurt, I don't trust one of those guys to take on a full role.
We handcuffed ourselves by starting 3 American OL instead of WR. I think it's the right call, but we need to improve on our Canadian WR depth then.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 10, 2026, 05:22:34 PMWe don't have any Canadian receivers on our PR except the new kid signed recently. If we have an in game injury it probably means we see Chris-Ike get some reps and maybe Daniels.
Choices are limited.
I watched the rotation closely last game. Cobb and Daniels were rotating constantly and Corcoran only came on for short yardage plays. I suspect he was subbing in for another receiver (maybe White) as Daniels was also part of the short yardage team.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 10, 2026, 05:31:39 PMI watched the rotation closely last game. Cobb and Daniels were rotating constantly and Corcoran only came on for short yardage plays. I suspect he was subbing in for another receiver (maybe White) as Daniels was also part of the short yardage team.
I know Corcoran dropped at least one pass.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HKdr_wsWYAAgcsT?format=jpg&name=large)
The HAM chart doesn't show the "changes" list, so hard to tell if they are dealing with any injuries of note. The HAM website doesn't have the chart yet... even slower than WPG, lol.
I would like to test that NAT MLB they are starting. And since our fave move is runs up the gut, let's hammer them with it. I suspect Katsantonis will be told to massively help out on run stop though, and he's a nasty bruiser, so gotta avoid getting injured by him.
DB corps doesn't scare me. Go for deeper balls all game. I'd be careful throwing into the flat with their DEs being drop-back capable, and Stubblefield as an extremely talented SAM.
Interesting they are dressing 3 FB/TE. Weird. Watch for max-pro packages when BLM wants to go deep.
And as usual, double-cover Kenny or put Holm on him.
the risk of t showers is steady all evening...could be delays etc
imagine if there was a game last night ?? game over.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 11, 2026, 02:39:02 AMthe risk of t showers is steady all evening...could be delays etc
But the lightning should be an afternoon thing. Evening so far looks like just rain. So that won't stop the game. <crosses fingers>
Cooler but humid... debating whether we'll need sweaters, or whether to do shorts. Tough call. I hate carrying stuff we won't use, but It also is brutal if the kids get cold.
A wet game will probably harm the walk-up crowd and might deny us another sell-out. And many STHs might just stay home (wimps!).
I'll be there no matter what, for as long as it takes! Bring it! If it'll rain all game I know who I'm taking in fantasy...
Quote from: Tecno on June 11, 2026, 02:53:54 AMBut the lightning should be an afternoon thing. Evening so far looks like just rain. So that won't stop the game. <crosses fingers>
Cooler but humid... debating whether we'll need sweaters, or whether to do shorts. Tough call. I hate carrying stuff we won't use, but It also is brutal if the kids get cold.
A wet game will probably harm the walk-up crowd and might deny us another sell-out. And many STHs might just stay home (wimps!).
I'll be there no matter what, for as long as it takes! Bring it! If it'll rain all game I know who I'm taking in fantasy...
come say hi to GoldMemeber at the official tailgate.
Quote from: Tecno on June 11, 2026, 02:53:54 AMBut the lightning should be an afternoon thing. Evening so far looks like just rain. So that won't stop the game. <crosses fingers>
Cooler but humid... debating whether we'll need sweaters, or whether to do shorts. Tough call. I hate carrying stuff we won't use, but It also is brutal if the kids get cold.
A wet game will probably harm the walk-up crowd and might deny us another sell-out. And many STHs might just stay home (wimps!).
I'll be there no matter what, for as long as it takes! Bring it! If it'll rain all game I know who I'm taking in fantasy...
Garbage bags as temp rain coats as needed, less bulky. I am torn too, will bring some warmer stuff just in case. If windy upper deck could get nippy late.
Little shuffle on their OL this week, benching KOLO in favor of Duguay, and moving Dobson to center.
(https://y.yarn.co/0ba585a3-b0df-4b79-84ca-75e59da56431_text.gif)
Quote from: LXTSN on June 11, 2026, 01:41:29 PMLittle shuffle on their OL this week, benching KOLO in favor of Duguay, and moving Dobson to center.
Kolo has a groin injury.
Not sure I've ever seen Dobson snap. Don't they have anyone else? Might get ugly for them. Probe those a-gaps!
Ceresna with another hat trick?
Quote from: Tecno on June 11, 2026, 04:29:18 PMNot sure I've ever seen Dobson snap. Don't they have anyone else? Might get ugly for them. Probe those a-gaps!
Ceresna with another hat trick?
5 sacks. gonna feast at home
Hamilton run game was weak game one. I wonder if they'll try to run more.
Game 1
Attempts/yds/av 16 35 2.19
Poor blocking aside Roundtree does not scare me at all.
Seems to lack explosiveness.
Bomber D just needs to limit the big passes to Lawless Gittens and Mitchell, lol. Yes Mitchell. ;D
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 11, 2026, 06:20:43 PMPoor blocking aside Roundtree does not scare me at all.
Seems to lack explosiveness.
Bomber D just needs to limit the big passes to Lawless Gittens and Mitchell, lol. Yes Mitchell. ;D
But let him throw to Wheatfall. Have to wonder where his head is at this week after literally costing them the game. I feel bad for him, he was trying to get the 1st and suffered the perfect punchout.
And it's sold out.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 11, 2026, 08:32:09 PMAnd it's sold out.
Yay! Rain % went down all day and now it shouldn't rain all game. Maybe some brief drizzles at worst.
The casuals saved the
day streak!
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 11, 2026, 08:42:25 PMIs that now fifteen straight?
Riders are currently about 5-6k short of a sell out for their home opener and GC banner raising and they have just as many excuses for not going. It seems the ghost of Covid still haunts some of these sod busters.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 11, 2026, 08:32:09 PMAnd it's sold out.
Not shocking news at all.
Yeah cool weather but the bombers finally learned from the past mistakes.
Party on lets get another W!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 11, 2026, 08:54:21 PMRiders are currently about 5-6k short of a sell out for their home opener and GC banner raising and they have just as many excuses for not going. It seems the ghost of Covid still haunts some of these sod busters.
The ghost of losing more like. So many fans wrote on forums & called in to CKRM that they were quitting STH before they brought in Mace. They felt disrespected. I don't think they are ever coming back.
Let that be a lesson to Johnston & CFL & all clubs: don't dis your best fans.
Riders game is on a sat, everyone will be at the cottage.
Ours is a Thursday, no one has anything to do...
Hold it, isn't Thursday night the problem Hamilton had last week?
Going to order a Pizza and watch it at home, first opener I've missed in at least a decade. Might even have a couple Rickard's Reds....
Quote from: theaardvark on June 11, 2026, 09:21:15 PMRiders game is on a sat, everyone will be at the cottage.
Ours is a Thursday, no one has anything to do...
Hold it, isn't Thursday night the problem Hamilton had last week?
Going to order a Pizza and watch it at home, first opener I've missed in at least a decade. Might even have a couple Rickard's Reds....
sorry to hear you are missing it Aards - enjoy the 'zah and the game.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 11, 2026, 09:21:15 PMRiders game is on a sat, everyone will be at the cottage.
Ours is a Thursday, no one has anything to do...
Hold it, isn't Thursday night the problem Hamilton had last week?
Going to order a Pizza and watch it at home, first opener I've missed in at least a decade. Might even have a couple Rickard's Reds....
Haha, I just picked up a case of RR. You bring the pizza! ;D
Quote from: Tecno on June 11, 2026, 04:29:18 PMNot sure I've ever seen Dobson snap. Don't they have anyone else? Might get ugly for them. Probe those a-gaps!
Ceresna with another hat trick?
Dobson did the shotgun snaps for Hamilton in the playoffs last year. All-star centre Coulter Woodmansey still handled the under centre snaps.
Dobson also did some snapping for Winnipeg in 2023 & 2024 preseason games. He had one shaky snap. Jakub Szott who is a natural centre had a couple of horrible snaps in 2023 but many posters around here blamed Dobson for those. Szott is now in Hamilton and he is listed on their practice roster.
Ceresna said on the huddle the other day he's expecting us to be loud. So everyone show him how we do things!
Ps just had front row view of strevs retirement party and contest. Lots of love here for strevs.
Perfect football night. Just the right temp!
Go blue!
Just started spitting now. Should go away pretty fast once the game starts
Check that. Full downpour now!
Gold pants
Good to see
big mistake by augustine to not get the first down
Surprised Hamilton punted
No yards, works out to a net 20 yard punt
bad injury. ti cats were calling for help right away
he hasn't moved
Yeah - this sucks to see.
Tommy gotta be better
tommy has to catch that.
zach needs to throw it sooner
Just simply have to catch that. Brutal
Zach will hit that corner to Tommy again to get the confidence back
A lot of past receivers Zach has had always catch that.
moxey was toasted by wheatfall
Wheatfall with a big play. Corners are still a little concerning.
Nice grab by a Demski on sliggggghtly underthrown ball
Usually the half backs abandon coverage and intercept that on Zach
this might be a shootout. if blm connects it is a 100 yard lawler td
The defense looks as bad in person as it did on tv. Worse maybe.
initial reaction - secondary looks slow
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 12, 2026, 01:19:56 AMThe defense looks as bad in person as it did on tv. Worse maybe.
you are correct.
weak point for sure
Have to be pretty concerned with the D so far. No resistance against the run, receivers getting separation down field. Nichols looks like he's lost a step (hoping im wrong cause hes a key cog), and Kelly shouldn't be on the field.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 12, 2026, 01:24:15 AMyou are correct.
weak point for sure
Younger getting absolutely schooled. Guy's a fake.
that is a huge drive by the ti cats
lots of opportunity to stop them and couldn't.
very weak defence
slow and out of position.
Peters looks like concussion to me in binoculars. He was doing the out cold then hands over the face thing. Was moving at first.
They are simply always throwing to moxey. The last time though he was finally in better position.
Quote from: towelie on June 12, 2026, 01:27:26 AMHave to be pretty concerned with the D so far. No resistance against the run, receivers getting separation down field. Nichols looks like he's lost a step (hoping im wrong cause hes a key cog), and Kelly shouldn't be on the field.
Kelly was on for almost every play that TD drive.
Our d is having footing problems. Wrong cleats for the wet field? Two big busts were due to slippage.
Doesn't seem to affect ham d
it's the no defence game
These 100 yard drives need to stop
Some one has to step up and make a play , not follow assignment to a tee
maybe go for it there ??
moxey having a tough game against a number 2 at best reciever
can't make a play on the ball
Throwing to moxey again. They've clearly identified a weakness.
Sucks that it's our big fa signing.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 12, 2026, 01:41:56 AMmoxey having a tough game against a number 2 at best reciever
can't make a play on the ball
I've seen him commit at least 2 PIs that haven't been called....
I'm not very impressed with the D so far this game, can't control Ham run game and Wheatfall is eating Moxey's lunch.
Moxey was penciled in as the starter the moment he signed without any competition. Looking like that might have been a mistake.
bad cfl defence
haven't got a stop all game. augustine screwed up and stopped the offence for them
Um, Youngers guys know it's OK to stop drives, right?
hate to say it but...but it might be time to go back to the 3 man rush
Other than the first Ham drive the Bombers haven't made Ham punt. Ham has scored a TD on 3 of their 4 drives.
Why have Younger and Hall both Defensive masters and our D looks the worst in the leaque. MOS has love for these 2 guys but they haven't shown much so far
i really thought there was PI
This is not professional level defense. Younger needs to go. He's terrible. The system has been broken for two years.
This defence SUCKS.
Thought maybe they'd challenge for RTP not DPI. Looked look Collaros was tackled below the knees after he threw it.
Younger is on track for giving up 48 points and 620 yards of offense in the home opener. Passive secondary. No pressure. Can't get worse .
Cant stop the run. Cant cover receivers.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 12, 2026, 01:48:05 AMhate to say it but...but it might be time to go back to the 3 man rush
I was just hating to think the same thing
Ham offence this half: 3 Td's, 1 Fg, 1 punt.
Instead of a zero man rush?
worst defensive half Ive seen in 5 years. Nichols and Moxey were terrible
Defence is not playing very well. Not impressed with the play calling or execution. No pressure and BLM is killing us.
3 mistakes on offence: missed TD in 1st series, FG hitting upright and then the pic. Those hurt and cost us 10 point possibly more.
Who was that, that thought Wheatfall was not very good?
Ayers has been on defence for some plays. I have yet to see him make a play. That's sad when he's our current best option left healthy.
There was predominantly the 3-man line on at least one of the Hammy TD drives. They had 5 guys on the line but 2 of them were Griffin and Jones. That was the drive Kelly seemed to be playing safety every snap.
No pressure, soft coverage. Not doing anything right tonight. Gonna need a major flip of the script to get back in this game.
Quote from: Jesse on June 12, 2026, 02:07:11 AMThere was predominantly the 3-man line on at least one of the Hammy TD drives. They had 5 guys on the line but 2 of them were Griffin and Jones. That was the drive Kelly seemed to be playing safety every snap.
No pressure, soft coverage. Not doing anything right tonight. Gonna need a major flip of the script to get back in this game.
Maybe Vaval makes a great return.
Nield hauls that in, and Zach doesn't overthrow into coverage and the game is almost tied.
Execution is winning.
See that bo td where he puts the ball in the air way before the rec even turns to look? Timing routes trusting your recs. We NEVER do those, and that's why the DBs always get there.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 12, 2026, 02:06:11 AMDefence is not playing very well. Not impressed with the play calling or execution. No pressure and BLM is killing us.
3 mistakes on offence: missed TD in 1st series, FG hitting upright and then the pic. Those hurt and cost us 10 point possibly more.
Who was that, that thought Wheatfall was not very good?
Ayers has been on defence for some plays. I have yet to see him make a play. That's sad when he's our current best option left healthy.
Very disappointed in the play of Ayers and the coaching decision to get Jake Kelly in so often. Among other things, of course.
offence was good except for:
tommy drop
sergio miss
zach pick
absolutely terrible defence
kenny is going to break one yet
Ayers, Kelly, Moxie, Nichols and the play calling/scheme has all been terrible. Younger's defense is just so horribly flawed. At least it's getting exposed for what it is.
Ya except its not Kelly stinking up the joint, its moxey. The worst you can say about Kelly tonight is he's not close enough on these plays to help.
Maybe they learned and and Kelly is never left alone in man.
Quote from: Tecno on June 12, 2026, 02:09:02 AMNield hauls that in, and Zach doesn't overthrow into coverage and the game is almost tied.
Execution is winning.
See that bo td where he puts the ball in the air way before the rec even turns to look? Timing routes trusting your recs. We NEVER do those, and that's why the DBs always get there.
Yes. The defence is awful, but the offence is also making mistakes that could change the flow of this game.
Nice snag Pokey
We so need a safety, maybe we should go back after Lamont
relying on blm to make a mistake is just sad
I see we're still implementing those no arm tackles
Nichols again missed the tackle
Field side out is always open in Younger's system
Deatrick Nickles
I hate youngers defence its so frustrating to just give up 1st downs
Is Kyrie Wilson any good?
I watched him last few series... not doing much at all.
Quote from: markf on June 12, 2026, 02:41:40 AMIs Kyrie Wilson any good?
I watched him last few series... not doing much at all.
Oshea loves him
Due to get hurt in next few games.
I think he's made 1 play in 8 years
yeah our aging is starting to show, Nichols, Bryant, Wilson
The defense has played one good quarter in seven so far in 2026.
Kramdl needs to be at sam, and we need to have a decent safety, otherwise the secondary is lost esp when Kelly goes in
Well that's the game on a DPI on Williams. Off to watch the hockey game.
This is going to be a blowout
T8me to go cut the grass methinks.
QuoteThis is going to be a blowout
This IS a blow out
QuoteKramdl needs to be at sam, and we need to have a decent safety, otherwise the secondary is lost esp when Kelly goes in
Kelly shouldn't be in our starting lineup he's strictly ST only
Looks like Zach calling his own plays
Hamilton O line just dominating
Legghio putting the nail in the coffin! Bombers were beaten in the trenches!
Lack of D is gonna be the end of this team this year. The O is not the problem.
The difference is Hamilton is able to pressure Zach and try as we may we can't lay a finger on Bo!! He basically picked us apart.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 12, 2026, 03:08:34 AMLegghio putting the nail in the coffin! Bombers were beaten in the trenches!
Even blitzing one or two bombers can't get pressure.
We need a quick score and an on-side KO recovery....odds not great! Miracles can happen and we need a major one....just to tie it!
Zach doesn't know new 3 minute rule or that it's 3rd down. Geez. Saved by the flag
HUGE break on the IC....
Well....we aren't dead yet....not quite
Well....we'll make it an interesting finish! Should we go for the short KO or gamble that we'll have a two and out and get the ball back with a minute and change left? Odds are better for an onside kick recovery than for a 2 and out stop
wow....our D is so much like Swiss as in Cheese!!
Lapo invented this game ending QB switch
only fitting that nichols gets picked on again
we need a stop right now and.....no! Well now we are dead in the water!!
a pathetic defensive display pretty much all around.....no stops ever when we really needed one!!
we never laid a finger on Bo! Our D will be our Achilles heel! Our offence is pretty good and special teams are solid. Today we needed all 3 phases to,win and we fell well short.....I mean how many times did we force Hamilton into punting? Nichols was beaten deep too many times as was Moxey.
Defense was rough...
Not much pressure, couldn't stop the deep ball, and couldn't stop the run when we needed to.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 12, 2026, 03:33:50 AMwe never laid a finger on Bo! Our D will be our Achilles heel! Our offence is pretty good and special teams are solid. Today we needed all 3 phases to,win and we fell well short.....I mean how many times did we force Hamilton into punting? Nichols was beaten deep too many times as was Moxey.
the thing is we have the guys to make a good defence... I think it's younger not putting them in a great position.
Quote from: Pete on June 12, 2026, 03:23:45 AMonly fitting that nichols gets picked on again
Nichols and Moxey....saw a lot of #1 and #2 beaten like a wet dog on the hi-lite reel!!
Congratulations to Bo and the Ti-Cats for a well deserved win!!
Once again our defence couldn't get a stop with the chips on the line at the end of the game. Also allowed a 100+ yard TD drive is unforgivable.
Our DL had a combined 5 DT's: Jenkins, Fletcher, Lawson and Reese did essentially nothing.
Ayers had 1 DT and no ST's. Tell me again why he's playing? Oh yes, the only healthy choice although I did suggest another DB might be a better choice ( Texada )in the ratio.
On offence Cobb had 1 reception. Daniels and Corcoran had nothing thrown their way. Again we have no better option.
Never been a fan of Younger. No pressure and too many big plays given up. We lose TOP most of the time and that hurts us.
OTOH, Collaros had a very good game. OL not so much on the running game. One dropped pass by Neild cost us 4 point and changed possible momentum. Missed FG and an int that was a turning point.
Very disappointed. In the loss yes, but because of systemic problems on defence. No turnovers created. Barely knocked a pass down.
Younger better come up with better planning or this season is going to be frustrating
Hamilton only punted twice. Bombers only punted once. It's always somewhat of a chicken or egg question. Did the offence play so well or did the opposition defence play so badly? In some cases it's both but I think tonight our defence lost us the game.
It's hard to blame only play or one series but that 102 yard TD drive was the end IMO.
Crowd got louder the more people left, lol. You can tell who the real fans are. We gave the d a chance on that last drive, but they had their heads up their butts.
Bo still has good bo and bad bo. Tonight at got the best bo. Sucks for us. Not sure anyone would have been stopping that level of play.
Rained again a bit in the third. That cleared out the ezs pretty good and made a must-pass comeback unlikely.
I can accept bo picking us apart, but the garbage run d is unacceptable. Just horrid, against a nobody rb, who did absolutely nothing last week.
Looked like Hamilton finally played up to their potential.
Zach played ok but he can't gun sling like BLM.
It's always the same problem. Younger's whole thing is safe zones and elaborate coverages that always put defensive backs in passive mode all game. We never attack. We never dictate. We never disrupt. We never come down hill and make plays.
It's back up, back up, back up, controlled rush, controlled rush, controlled rush.
The whole unit plays like a safety playing some kind of last play prevent defense.
It's garbage. It hasn't won. It will never win. It's not how effective professional defense is played. Bo won't even need a day off. He could play again tomorrow.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 12, 2026, 03:56:52 AMIt's always the same problem. Younger's whole thing is safe zones and elaborate coverages that always put defensive backs in passive mode all game. We never attack. We never dictate. We never disrupt. We never come down hill and make plays.
It's back up, back up, back up, controlled rush, controlled rush, controlled rush.
The whole unit plays like a safety playing some kind of last play prevent defense.
It's garbage. It hasn't won. It will never win. It's not how effective professional defense is played. Bo won't even need a day off. He could play again tomorrow.
Nailed it!
Quote from: Tecno on June 12, 2026, 03:54:36 AMCrowd got louder the more people left, lol. You can tell who the real fans are. We gave the d a chance on that last drive, but they had their heads up their butts.
Bo still has good bo and bad bo. Tonight at got the best bo. Sucks for us. Not sure anyone would have been stopping that level of play.
Rained again a bit in the third. That cleared out the ezs pretty good and made a must-pass comeback unlikely.
I can accept bo picking us apart, but the garbage run d is unacceptable. Just horrid, against a nobody rb, who did absolutely nothing last week.
They had a combined 170 yards on the ground....Brady had 32 yards on 8 rushes. He had to fight and scrap for every inch. Not a good look for our O-Line! Our D-Line wasn't much better not being able to pressure and giving up a lot of big gains along the ground.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 12, 2026, 03:54:46 AMLooked like Hamilton finally played up to their potential.
Zach played ok but he can't gun sling like BLM.
BLM had all day and when he took off he usually made the first down! Zach played well enough to win this game if our D could have made a stop or two. Dropped pass in the end zone....a pick in the end zone and ringing one off the goal post on a missed FG didn't help matters. Hamilton just executed better and made more plays than we did....hats off to them!
D needs to do some homework on their week off....Younger needs to revamp his bend and break defensive philosophy!
That may have been the worst game Deatrick Nichols has ever had. He's actually lucky because he could have been burned for a TD if not for an overthrow by BLM midway through the game.
Well that was disappointing.
Quote from: bomberjunkie on June 12, 2026, 04:28:06 AMThat may have been the worst game Deatrick Nichols has ever had. He's actually lucky because he could have been burned for a TD if not for an overthrow by BLM midway through the game.
Agree, don't often see him isolated in deeper pass coverage like tonight, he's not big or particularly fast. Linebackers seem to be running around trying to do too many things, they need to form a second wall of defence, too often the job of tackling is left to Holm, Kramdi and Nichols.
The D was flat out terrible.
Younger's was embarrassingly bad both and concept and practice.
Early Nield drop didn't help.
Our D is probably going to be league worse by end of year
Quote from: bomberjunkie on June 12, 2026, 04:28:06 AMThat may have been the worst game Deatrick Nichols has ever had.
I'm a Nichols fan, but it was clear he was losing a step last season. This game tonight may have been his worst. He may be hitting the best before date that DBs seem to hit so fast and abruptly.
I hope we didn't just sign him to a multi-year in FA26 that we're on the hook for with vet retention rules...
As usual, the team was looking towards the bye and lazing it up for a stinker. How many games-into-byes have we lost in 3 seasons? Like 95%? I should have known better than to think they'd break that streak.
Coaches and leaders not leading enough.
I'm sure they'll do better next time. Coming off the bye our record is superb.
That was a tough one to witness live tonight, especially the D. Hate to say it, but the fact my PVR screwed up and didn't record the game likely saved me another 3 hours of frustration.
Doug Brown made a point on the post-game. BLM seemed to know exactly which of his receivers would be in man coverage every play, and then threw to them. It was like he knew the D before the snap. Is our D that predictable already? I know Younger depends on deception and confusion, but it didn't seem to work tonight.
so what do our coach have to say about that performance ? word salad about viewing the film?
Game before bye week stinkers continue. the score flattered us. Outplayed in every phase and out coached too. My patience with Younger is over. He has better talent than last year but manages to get the same results. Considering Hogan lasted the year, Younger will too. I appreciate that the Bombers shook it up in the off season but it didn't go far enough. Younger was a piece that needed shaking.
Seems to be the story often the past few years - D is not up to par to start the year. I feel we really need that physical presence at safety that we haven't had since BA. Allen showed sparks.
I don't know how many games Zach will last with the way he's trying to scramble. That 3rd down one late was a bad call, and not getting that play off before the 3 min warning was terrible.
What happened when Ford went in for an easy first down around the end?
Armchairing here, but did the coaches notice it was Ford?
There were a lot of instances of ticat receivers finding a nice open spot between THREE
Defenders. My wife, who doesn't follow football at all, commented on it.
With Wilson and Kelly in there, it's like playing two men short. They contribute little that I can see. Wilson wouldn't need to clean his uniform after the game. His effort level is low. Can't believe they "watch the tape," and think he's good enough.
Not being able to stop a drive late in the game is a problem going back a while
Most disappointing for me was the D line, completely handled, and blitzing, which didn't work at all.
Yes there was a lot of things to be frustrated about / concerned about. How did we manage to give up over 100+ yards rushing in 2 consecutive games? I've already mentioned we've given up 100+ yard drives in both games.
It's a familiar story. We don't get enough pressure and QB's have too much time to find open receivers. We don't tackle well and we don't cover well.
I cut a little slack to newbies on defence but most were invisible, made mistakes and just bad overall.
Injuries are part of the problem but I'm also not convinced those missing would be better. I don't know what the answers are currently but management better start figuring it out. Soon.
Let the blood letting begin.
Losing is never good. Having an opponent own our defence is confidence shattering.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 12, 2026, 01:08:41 PMInjuries are part of the problem but I'm also not convinced those missing would be better. I don't know what the answers are currently but management better start figuring it out. Soon.
Let the blood letting begin.
We've changed the players. It hasn't helped.
Next stop is changing the coaching. Looking right at you, JY.
I am actually thankful that they're going into a bye to stew on this. I get that the O-Line stacking made it hard to get to BLM, but the 100yd game for Rountree was inexcusable.
The zone coverage is inexcusable. If they're playing the zone, it needed to be deeper because those DBs were losing all the foot races.
I half wonder if there is also a lot of miscommunication going on too. Near the end of the game, Griffin was finger pointing with 3 other players and they were also discussing stuff well after the play too. I never see Kramdi as the last line of defense and that concerns me for the free safety position.
Nichols needs a ball hawk by his side to be successful I think. DeAundre Alford, Demerio Houston, Tyrell Ford. Terrell Bonds and Jamal Parker didn't move the needle at all.
Major Williams better start to learn to use his arms to tackle or he's going to have a very short run in this league.
A lot to work on...
Plyer changes won't do anything. They were not put in positions to be successful. Way to many 1 on 1 on iso down the field. Poor scheme cost us not player talent....
We were heavily out coached last night....
Quote from: LXTSN on June 12, 2026, 03:35:31 AMDefense was rough...
Not much pressure, couldn't stop the deep ball, and couldn't stop the run when we needed to.
Well said. Reese look confused every time he came into the game. Nichols missed a couple tackles he has to make.
Quote from: VictorRomano on June 12, 2026, 01:40:56 PMWe've changed the players. It hasn't helped.
Next stop is changing the coaching. Looking right at you, JY.
O'Shea will give Younger until the end of the season, with Richie Hall at his side he should be able to adapt back to a system that worked well in the past.
I noticed in the second half of last season the Safety was hanging back playing Safety, last night Kramdi was all over the place, blitzing the QB, run stopping, covering receivers in the flats. I'm sure BLM noticed where he was every time he snapped the ball, some of this stuff might work against lesser QB's like Fajardo or Maier but Bo is at the top of his game and he ate it up.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 12, 2026, 04:44:12 PMO'Shea will give Younger until the end of the season, with Richie Hall at his side he should be able to adapt back to a system that worked well in the past.
I noticed in the second half of last season the Safety was hanging back playing Safety, last night Kramdi was all over the place, blitzing the QB, run stopping, covering receivers in the flats. I'm sure BLM noticed where he was every time he snapped the ball, some of this stuff might work against lesser QB's like Fajardo or Maier but Bo is at the top of his game and he ate it up.
I may be the minority but I'd make the switch now. Give Richie Hall the headset. It can't be worse.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 11, 2026, 10:08:33 PMHaha, I just picked up a case of RR. You bring the pizza! ;D
Dominos has their $14.99 (advertised $13.99) any size, any toppings.
So, its any size but XL, and any toppings up to 7, close enough I guess.
Had 3 RR's my limit, took the edge off the loss.
Leftover pizza for lunch today.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 12, 2026, 05:02:03 PMI may be the minority but I'd make the switch now. Give Richie Hall the headset. It can't be worse.
I'm convinced what you're seeing is already a Hall D. This has been evolving long before Younger "took over". It's essentially a Hall D with Younger flourishes.
I'm not convinced that anything would change should you swap them now.
Execution problems are one thing, but if the fundamental system is easily destroyed by a pro like BLM then we can't continue with it.
That said, last season our D eviscerated BLM here. What happened in the interim? Can we get back to that level again?
At least we didn't lose against a divisional team. But I fear SSK is watching this tape and getting ready to copy what Milanovitch/BLM did.
Quote from: markf on June 12, 2026, 12:26:42 PMWhat happened when Ford went in for an easy first down around the end?
Armchairing here, but did the coaches notice it was Ford?
Was that Ford or some other QB? I thought I heard them say some other name. Guess that run matches what Ford would do.
I sure as heck didn't notice the sub. Team probably didn't either. If I had known it was Ford, I'd be telling everyone to run blitz & contain. No way HAM trusts Ford to chuck it at that point in the game. So dumb.
Quote from: markf on June 12, 2026, 12:26:42 PMThere were a lot of instances of ticat receivers finding a nice open spot between THREE
Defenders. My wife, who doesn't follow football at all, commented on it.
That's the soft zone. They are trying to get pressure to make BLM make a mistake so one of those 3-4 guys gets a pick. We got almost no pressure, thus no picks, and easy 15Y zone sit completions all night long.
To be fair, though, Zach was given a few zone sits he got nice chunks on too. But I noticed HAM baited him with the softer zone earlier and then tightened up and tried to get INTs later on. They got close. Not sure why we can't do the bait & switch with our zone D too!
Quote from: Tecno on June 12, 2026, 11:18:16 PMWas that Ford or some other QB? I thought I heard them say some other name. Guess that run matches what Ford would do.
I sure as heck didn't notice the sub. Team probably didn't either. If I had known it was Ford, I'd be telling everyone to run blitz & contain. No way HAM trusts Ford to chuck it at that point in the game. So dumb.
Ford came in 1st and 10 on the Ti-Cat 34 with his own package and ran for 22 yds, if he needed say 8 yds. on 2nd down they probably would have put Bo back in to get it and maintain the drive. The Bomber D totally failed to get the ball back when they needed it, the Ti-Cats toyed with them right through to the end.
Quote from: Tecno on June 12, 2026, 11:14:04 PMI'm convinced what you're seeing is already a Hall D. This has been evolving long before Younger "took over". It's essentially a Hall D with Younger flourishes.
I would argue the "flourishes" have done more harm than good. Younger seems less flexible than Hall. We were told we had to promote him before another team hired him.... I'll just let that thought sit there.
I feel like he's had enough time to sink or swim now. MOS won't do anything mid year though.
Quote from: Waffler on June 13, 2026, 03:42:04 PMI would argue the "flourishes" have done more harm than good. Younger seems less flexible than Hall. We were told we had to promote him before another team hired him.... I'll just let that thought sit there.
I feel like he's had enough time to sink or swim now. MOS won't do anything mid year though.
Must have been true for Hogan, they still have him!
I dunno. These types of things are rarely ever black and white. When things have gone well for this D we have thought of JY as a genius. I just doubt he's suddenly become an idiot. I suspect we just haven't had enough time to figure out how best to use what we've got. It was game two of eighteen so there's a long way to go yet.
Last year Calgary looked unbeatable early on but flamed out as the season went along.
Win or lose I want to see our team improve game by game and catch fire late into the season and playoffs. This is no time to panic and I don't think there will be any panic from this coaching and management group. I'm expecting much better days ahead.
We've now seen every team play; including our own team twice. I don't know about you but I'm really scared of at least half the teams. SSK, BC, HAM, TOR, MTL are all playing at a level we can't even dream of. Excluding TOR those other teams are playing at least as good ball as they were to end last season. Maybe even better.
SSK has lost nothing that matters. If their D is slightly worse, who cares because their O will dink & dunk for 6 nearly every possession. They'll just out barnstorm you. BC is clearly revved up to take everyone out, for "their time". MTL is unstoppable as long as that hammy holds up (which is 50/50 at this point). Kelly looked as good as ever. Bo will dissect anyone if he plays at the level of this week.
And all the D's are tight and hard hitting. SSK/BC were beating the tar out of each other. Many players nicked.
Now do us. Our O is sputtering and not much better than how we ended the ESF. Nothing comes easy. Brady has to struggle to get 4 every time. Every 2nd down conversion is a miracle. Ignore the big yards from this last game as it was all garbage time to HAM as they knew we didn't have the time nor could we stop BLM. Broxton hasn't made a big impact yet. Sterns looking like a world-beater in MTL, but we moved on to whiffer Nield and Cobb.
Our D does extreme soft zone with zero adjustments. And when in man, that man gets beat 90% of the time. Everyone is left alone, never any FS help. Our DL didn't do a single thing against HAM, and their OL isn't that great!! What's up with that! Ceresna was no better than Fox or Garbutt in that regard. Our LBs once again are getting gashed by the run, by nobody no-name RBs.
I'm not saying we can't get better. Broxton & Ceresna simply have to be better, for example. But out of the gate we are going to go 10% win/loss vs the aforementioned teams. And it's those teams we HAVE to beat this year to get anywhere in the post-season.
Ya, we stunk because we always do going into the bye, but there's more to it than that. Did we really build a still-substandard team? Did MOS really once again not drive them hard enough in TC, and then rest them all in PS2 -- something he said he'd not do?
And Zach needs to up his game. It's not just the young studs that can run that make him look bad (Rourke, Alexander), it's even the geriatrics like Trevor & Bo who are playing miles above him. Why have those geezers improved so much in '25-'26 and Zach is just, Zach? What's the secret sauce we are missing?
After the bye we better destroy EDM, or I'm afraid I'll be betting/picking against WPG for many weeks to come until I see something to be optimistic about. Our current team's play is good enough to do well in 2021 or 2022, but it's nowhere near good enough to compete against most teams in 2026. Have we been left behind?
Quote from: Tecno on June 15, 2026, 08:14:34 AMWe've now seen every team play; including our own team twice. I don't know about you but I'm really scared of at least half the teams. SSK, BC, HAM, TOR, MTL are all playing at a level we can't even dream of. Excluding TOR those other teams are playing at least as good ball as they were to end last season. Maybe even better.
SSK has lost nothing that matters. If their D is slightly worse, who cares because their O will dink & dunk for 6 nearly every possession. They'll just out barnstorm you. BC is clearly revved up to take everyone out, for "their time". MTL is unstoppable as long as that hammy holds up (which is 50/50 at this point). Kelly looked as good as ever. Bo will dissect anyone if he plays at the level of this week.
And all the D's are tight and hard hitting. SSK/BC were beating the tar out of each other. Many players nicked.
Now do us. Our O is sputtering and not much better than how we ended the ESF. Nothing comes easy. Brady has to struggle to get 4 every time. Every 2nd down conversion is a miracle. Ignore the big yards from this last game as it was all garbage time to HAM as they knew we didn't have the time nor could we stop BLM. Broxton hasn't made a big impact yet. Sterns looking like a world-beater in MTL, but we moved on to whiffer Nield and Cobb.
I'm very down on our defence, but definitely not as high as you on the other teams and flat out disagree with you on our offence.
1. Other teams
The league has allowed like 5 separate 400 yards passers so far this season? I don't know you call Sask/BC "tight and hard hitting". Rourke through for 330 and Harris for 417. It's been a free for all for offences out there.
2. Our Offence
I'm not sure what you're watching, but our offence isn't spluttering...Brady ran for over 100 with a 7 yard average in week one. His stats were suppressed in Week 2 and we took the opportunity to pass for over 400. I'm not going to ignore the passing yards because Zach threw for half of those yards in the first half, it was not a garbage time stat. Our second down conversion rate is about 50% which should be better but certainly isn't a "miracle". Neild's off to a faster start than Sterns and feels like an instrumental part of our offence so far. I honestly don't understand what you're seeing.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PMI'm very down on our defence, but definitely not as high as you on the other teams and flat out disagree with you on our offence.
1. Other teams
The league has allowed like 5 separate 400 yards passers so far this season? I don't know you call Sask/BC "tight and hard hitting". Rourke through for 330 and Harris for 417. It's been a free for all for offences out there.
2. Our Offence
I'm not sure what you're watching, but our offence isn't spluttering...Brady ran for over 100 with a 7 yard average in week one. His stats were suppressed in Week 2 and we took the opportunity to pass for over 400. I'm not going to ignore the passing yards because Zach threw for half of those yards in the first half, it was not a garbage time stat. Our second down conversion rate is about 50% which should be better but certainly isn't a "miracle". Neild's off to a faster start than Sterns and feels like an instrumental part of our offence so far. I honestly don't understand what you're seeing.
Our offence has been very good. The issue as we've said is that we lose TOP and field position on defence. That's generally why a team loses. Hamilton only punted twice. That's a bad sign.
Quote from: Tecno on June 15, 2026, 08:14:34 AMWe've now seen every team play; including our own team twice. I don't know about you but I'm really scared of at least half the teams. SSK, BC, HAM, TOR, MTL are all playing at a level we can't even dream of. Excluding TOR those other teams are playing at least as good ball as they were to end last season. Maybe even better.
SSK has lost nothing that matters. If their D is slightly worse, who cares because their O will dink & dunk for 6 nearly every possession. They'll just out barnstorm you. BC is clearly revved up to take everyone out, for "their time". MTL is unstoppable as long as that hammy holds up (which is 50/50 at this point). Kelly looked as good as ever. Bo will dissect anyone if he plays at the level of this week.
And all the D's are tight and hard hitting. SSK/BC were beating the tar out of each other. Many players nicked.
Now do us. Our O is sputtering and not much better than how we ended the ESF. Nothing comes easy. Brady has to struggle to get 4 every time. Every 2nd down conversion is a miracle. Ignore the big yards from this last game as it was all garbage time to HAM as they knew we didn't have the time nor could we stop BLM. Broxton hasn't made a big impact yet. Sterns looking like a world-beater in MTL, but we moved on to whiffer Nield and Cobb.
Our D does extreme soft zone with zero adjustments. And when in man, that man gets beat 90% of the time. Everyone is left alone, never any FS help. Our DL didn't do a single thing against HAM, and their OL isn't that great!! What's up with that! Ceresna was no better than Fox or Garbutt in that regard. Our LBs once again are getting gashed by the run, by nobody no-name RBs.
I'm not saying we can't get better. Broxton & Ceresna simply have to be better, for example. But out of the gate we are going to go 10% win/loss vs the aforementioned teams. And it's those teams we HAVE to beat this year to get anywhere in the post-season.
Ya, we stunk because we always do going into the bye, but there's more to it than that. Did we really build a still-substandard team? Did MOS really once again not drive them hard enough in TC, and then rest them all in PS2 -- something he said he'd not do?
And Zach needs to up his game. It's not just the young studs that can run that make him look bad (Rourke, Alexander), it's even the geriatrics like Trevor & Bo who are playing miles above him. Why have those geezers improved so much in '25-'26 and Zach is just, Zach? What's the secret sauce we are missing?
After the bye we better destroy EDM, or I'm afraid I'll be betting/picking against WPG for many weeks to come until I see something to be optimistic about. Our current team's play is good enough to do well in 2021 or 2022, but it's nowhere near good enough to compete against most teams in 2026. Have we been left behind?
A positive with so many top level teams this season is there will plenty of exciting crack ups with unexpected results when they play each other. No one team is invincible enough to dominate all others and the difference between winning and losing may come down to circumstances of the game, weather, injuries and turnovers being huge factors. Inevitably once starting QB's start to miss games due to injuries the advantages will be more clear and the high quality of the games we've seen so far will likely drop significantly.
The purge of the old boys coaching network is probably the best thing that happened in the CFL, no longer easy to point out the weak sisters with the retreaded coaching staff that never finds the way to win, every team has the potential to become great.
Missed seeing this game but caught the highlights on you tube, verrrrry questionable PI call on Lawler in the end zone which was far less contact than the interference on Wilson in the end zone that went uncalled. Brutal officiating, that's a 14 point turnaround and the ball game right there.
Quote from: dd on June 15, 2026, 11:36:02 PMMissed seeing this game but caught the highlights on you tube, verrrrry questionable PI call on Lawler in the end zone which was far less contact than the interference on Wilson in the end zone that went uncalled. Brutal officiating, that's a 14 point turnaround and the ball game right there.
Agree that call was questionable.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PMI'm very down on our defence, but definitely not as high as you on the other teams and flat out disagree with you on our offence.
I don't know how else to say it, but there is zero chance we beat MTL, SSK or BC if we played them tomorrow. There is no way our O will keep up with those barnstormers, and no way our D will stop the MTL/BC QBs from running for first down every time we blanket cover. And HAM we just proved we can't beat. And even TOR/Kelly will give us a run for our money.
The only teams we
might beat tomorrow are EDM/OTT. That's about the level we're playing it. As for beating CGY, I chalk that up to bad VAJ showing up that day, and for some reason CGY came out of camp even less ready than us.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PM1. Other teams
The league has allowed like 5 separate 400 yards passers so far this season? I don't know you call Sask/BC "tight and hard hitting".
"Tight" as in D was playing close to their man and most times a REC caught it he was severely punished. It's the opposite of our useless ubiquitous soft zone and horrid always-2-yards-behind man coverage. And tight as in crisp fast execution on O with zippy QBs and clean quick/timing routes with so few dropsies.
Hard-hitting as in knocking the snot out of the other team. It's clear the top teams are way more physical and enthused. They attempt to crush the will to live. Our D, they just play D.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PMI'm not sure what you're watching, but our offence isn't spluttering...Brady ran for over 100 with a 7 yard average in week one. His stats were suppressed in Week 2
Brady week 2, avg 4Y. Which isn't enough to use him often. That means the other team successfully took him off the table. And like I said, every single 4Y was a massive grind, never an open hole, nothing easy. Now watch the good running teams with gaping holes and massive run explosions. Like HAM did to us.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PMand we took the opportunity to pass for over 400. I'm not going to ignore the passing yards because Zach threw for half of those yards in the first half, it was not a garbage time stat.
The whole second half felt like garbage time to me. Especially after our first possession didn't get us a TD. HAM started playing the clock knowing they'd probably get points on most drives, and just gave us everything underneath. We weren't suddenly better than the first half, HAM just started giving us the short stuff. It was clear by their D alignment: almost always playing way off and deep. Even when they showed a tighter formation they all backed up by the snap.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PMOur second down conversion rate is about 50% which should be better but certainly isn't a "miracle".
But is is a miracle compared to SSK/BC/MTL/HAM. Like was pointed out, HAM barely punted. SSK barely punted. MTL barely punted. The top teams seem to convert 2nd & 10+ most of the time, and
they make it look effortless. You know, kind of like BLM did to us on Thursday. It was just like back when he was (good) in CGY, no matter what we'd do on first down, he'd move the sticks on second. Every time we got a sack or pass breakup or run-stuff, it didn't matter -- they converted anyhow, WITH EASE.
We converted nothing with ease. Every play was a "cross your fingers" moment. You know, just like last season.
Quote from: Jesse on June 15, 2026, 05:45:39 PMNeild's off to a faster start than Sterns and feels like an instrumental part of our offence so far. I honestly don't understand what you're seeing.
Their week 2 stats were similar, but Nield had the advantage of a garbage time second half. Luke Wilson was talking like Sterns is the second coming and next big thing. I haven't yet watched out game on PVR, but I have a feeling no one has calling Nield that.
Again, it's not that I think we played too badly. It's just that I think the best teams are playing at a massively higher level. They score on most drives. We are lucky to score on even a third of the drives. They are playing sooo good so early in the season it just doesn't seem fair. And it's quite abnormal from a CFL-norm standpoint. So many teams are clearly "going for it", and many seem to really believe they can do it. Pretty sure our D has zero confidence in "the system" after it was brutalized in the game.
If the D's are not up to snuff this year -- or just not yet -- it'll come down to keeping up with the other team's majors. And right now we can't do that. The other teams get TDs soooo easily. We struggle, and whiff, and make bad calls, and don't execute. Just like last season.
I'll try to take your word for it that we don't suck compared to the other contenders. I'll do a rewatch shortly. Maybe I got too bummed out getting wet in the stands. But man, that SSK/BC game was at a whole other level compared to what I remember seeing!
Did anyone get or see if they had the BBQ feasts for this game? I could swear none of my 200-level spots had it on the menu anymore. I didn't even bother asking as we opted for lighter fare this time.
after 2 weeks, I agree that Mtl, Tor, BC and Sask all look far better on O and D than we do. If we played them tomorrow, ya, I don't think it ends well for us. But we're still trying to figure things out on D, our O is middle of the road right now, but hopefully in time, Tim White busts some big ones for us. Wilson has played well and Demski will get going.
Quote from: dd on June 17, 2026, 10:43:51 PMbut hopefully in time, Tim White busts some big ones for us. Wilson has played well and Demski will get going.
"2 more weeks, brah". Smoke that hopium!
Starting to sound like 2025. Which sounded like 2024...
I'll join you, because I prefer to be an optimist. But that "get going" better get going real darn soon. Except garbage time, White hasn't done much of anything yet. I think teams are purposely taking him away, as he's our this year's Kenny.
Quote from: dd on June 17, 2026, 10:43:51 PMafter 2 weeks, I agree that Mtl, Tor, BC and Sask all look far better on O and D than we do. If we played them tomorrow, ya, I don't think it ends well for us. But we're still trying to figure things out on D, our O is middle of the road right now, but hopefully in time, Tim White busts some big ones for us. Wilson has played well and Demski will get going.
Well one thing for sure the Bombers are no longer a dominant team and will have to fight like hell to get to the Grey Cup. Could be Zach's last ride.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 18, 2026, 12:48:50 AMWell one thing for sure the Bombers are no longer a dominant team and will have to fight like hell to get to the Grey Cup. Could be Zach's last ride.
Agreed. Its going to be a dog fight all year just to stay in contention
Nield not good enough? Watching the other top NATs & up&comers in the other week 1-3 games... I think we may have a middling guy at best. Heck, maybe not even Woli level.
That dropsie in the EZ by Nield would have been caught by the best NATs in the league, and easily by most non-last-read IMPs. What a beaut spiral by Zach, and in the perfect place (though he could have recognized coverage was a step slow and could have thrown a little less deep).
The margins are so thin this season you have to make those TDs. There is no excuse. Just have to make them.
Nield was a nobody I barely noticed in his previous seasons until that 2025 WDF catch. He literally was not on my radar. Never a good fantasy pick. Not particularly great hands. No diving "Dressler" ability. No Kenny ladder circus. Just a bigger body guy who seems at Woli level and has the right passport.
Then we signed him at pretty big money, for a non-star NAT who has basically done only one thing of note in his career so far. Mistake? And, as such, asking too much of him on that all-Nield first drive?
The pass immediately after, we throw a quick dig to tiny Cobb, who whiffs because the DB was on his back and just reached around his tiny body. THAT is the play that Nield is made for! Not the corner fade. Bass ackwards.
We may need to temper our expectations on Nield. We want the next McInnis (even since he's been diminished in mid-2025), but we may be lucky to have a Brissett.
One thing I will add in his favor, though, is he seems spot on with his routes, and it's nice that teams aren't keying on him so he's often more open than a star would be.
1Q5:47 On the Cobb attempt after the Nield TD whiff, someone (probably Demski) is getting severely molested 6-8Y downfield on the double-move post route by HAM #1. Like total egregious IC all day long. Blind refs see naaaathing.
That's probably why Zach goes for the won't-be-first-down-anyhow Cobb-with-DB-draped read.
I think Demski would have been a clean TD over the crossbar had he not been impeded because it was man, probably cover 1. Maybe Zach needs to learn to throw to the accosted REC rather than avoid him because he clearly won't get open. Let MOS challenge if zebras don't spot the DPI.
Glad to hear CFL/TSN playing up how well WFC runs its business, and how good us fans are. 2Q14:49 they are talking about the post-game on-field stuff, which I always say the league should mandate every team do. And they need to advertise it heavily. It's not like a NHL team will ever let the crowd on the ice after a game! Play it up.
I think the panel mentioned it too. I think there's been a memo sent out to highlight our success.
Quote from: Tecno on June 22, 2026, 09:46:22 AMNield not good enough? Watching the other top NATs & up&comers in the other week 1-3 games... I think we may have a middling guy at best. Heck, maybe not even Woli level.
That dropsie in the EZ by Nield would have been caught by the best NATs in the league, and easily by most non-last-read IMPs. What a beaut spiral by Zach, and in the perfect place (though he could have recognized coverage was a step slow and could have thrown a little less deep).
The margins are so thin this season you have to make those TDs. There is no excuse. Just have to make them.
Nield was a nobody I barely noticed in his previous seasons until that 2025 WDF catch. He literally was not on my radar. Never a good fantasy pick. Not particularly great hands. No diving "Dressler" ability. No Kenny ladder circus. Just a bigger body guy who seems at Woli level and has the right passport.
Then we signed him at pretty big money, for a non-star NAT who has basically done only one thing of note in his career so far. Mistake? And, as such, asking too much of him on that all-Nield first drive?
The pass immediately after, we throw a quick dig to tiny Cobb, who whiffs because the DB was on his back and just reached around his tiny body. THAT is the play that Nield is made for! Not the corner fade. Bass ackwards.
We may need to temper our expectations on Nield. We want the next McInnis (even since he's been diminished in mid-2025), but we may be lucky to have a Brissett.
One thing I will add in his favor, though, is he seems spot on with his routes, and it's nice that teams aren't keying on him so he's often more open than a star would be.
Nield's biggest advantage is Zach seems to like throwing the ball at him, brings back good memories of Greg Ellingson and Andy Fantuz I guess. Like them Nield is a big target with a good catch radius and the ability to get open farther downfield. Probably doesn't have any acrobatic ability but that's the trade off, considering the rest of his receivers are shifty and fast but undersized, it seems he has a preference for bigger targets.
Shocking how ignored White was vs HAM. You'd think you'd give the ex-HAM the chance to stick it to his old team. You know, like Wheatie did to us.
I'm halfway through my rewatch and there are very little angles to show why we weren't targeting White much.
Why force it to Nield so much?
3Q10:57 WPG FG attempt. Could probably flag the D closest to the LS as he appears to be inside the LS's pads. That's an illegal alignment.
They used that same rule on us later on, early in the 4th, but for the 7+ men aspect of it. And note in that we had our guy miles away from the LS.