big blue better be ready for Rankin, he is the real deal
not sure we can stop him with the bodies we have
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HLR8JfRWsAAgdJd?format=jpg&name=small)
Elsbury away for personal reasons and should be back soon, says Ed.
After watching Edmonton slug it out with Montreal I am not confident at all. Hopefully the rest vs short week helps.
If it's looking like rain we REALLY we need to alter our normal plan and have a special rain plan. Every season we see a rain game like the MTL@EDM game where one team has a rain plan, the other is trying to run their normal O. The normal O team invariably loses.
What was the game last year? I think it was something like OTT beating unstoppable CGY? Ya, that's what I'm talking about.
And wasn't the Crumback game we lost a couple/few years back in the rain?
So what works in the rain? Run, duh. But not just Brady, you need sweeps and draws, and must get more players involved. I think the short pass game doesn't work in the wet, as RECs can't adjust to a slight misthrow and it's too slippery to catch heaters. So I'd do what both MTL/EDM did and throw a lot of deep 50/50 balls. It's usually man because everyone is coming up to help stop the run, and conventional wisdom is "they won't dare throw deep". Other ideas? We're going to need them.
But don't just expect your normal game to work. And for all that is holy wear the proper cleats. We've had enough games the last couple of season where we're slipping all over and the other team isn't.
We better figure out how to stop Rankin. He had 179 yards rushing and 50 receiving.
The Rankin show is the one we need to change the channel on big time, you can't stop him, just need to limit the explosion plays, which he leads in.
no demski practicing and no ontaria wilson practicing
hopefully they can play
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HLXne4ZWIAAzZns?format=jpg&name=small)
Quote from: The Zipp on June 21, 2026, 10:01:39 PMno demski practicing and no ontaria wilson practicing
hopefully they can play
And if they can play can they be effective at all?
The am worried the D won't hold against the run game. Rankin looks awesome.
I have no faith the Younger's BS system any longer.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 22, 2026, 12:13:47 AMThe am worried the D won't hold against the run game. Rankin looks awesome.
If we keep Jones @ WILL and Griffin @ SAM this will be a superb test of whether it's a better combo for stopping the run. Rankin is a speed-around-the-edge or outer gap scat/speed back. My theory is this is exactly what we "upgraded" at both positions.
I'm cautiously optimistic.
And anyone notice the power backs (Brady, Mills, Oullette) are having a tough go this season so far and the speed backs are having a field day? Is there something changing on the D's / schemes causing this? Or did just everyone figure out the edges are more vulnerable in a CFL D?
Sucks we have a power back if so...
For poops and giggles, let's try a couple of snaps with Demski @ tailback or get Peterson in for a series where we test the edge. Both are infinitely faster than Brady. Or go 2-tail looks where it's 50/50 whether it's gut with Brady or edge with Demski. Both backs immediately attack their spot and no one knows which has the ball. Then later run that set and throw to a wide open Daniels.
Rankin is hella scary because he's the combination of Cornish and Sheets. He's as slippery and untackleable and unknockoverable as Cornish. And he's as fast and accelerate-able as sheets.
His only downside is he's not terribly powerful. But he doesn't need it because whenever he's hitting walls he slips out and bounces another direction.
I didn't watch much football in the late-80's, and 90's/00's... who does Rankin look like compared to the best from that era?
AI says Rankin is making $145k a year until FA28. That's an outright steal and basically half of Brady. Just sayin'...
Maybe this is the year of the speed back.
Demski and Pokey if healthy will be effective, they are our stars
The heavy negativity on Younger isn't warranted imo, while we have issues on D and it's ok to be critical and some is warranted, the pot seams to be boiling a little early
D and coaches need to step up, won't be an easy game by any stretch after laying a couple eggs on D. Doesn't mean the chickens won't hatch this time LOL
Maybe the hens needed to sit on them a little longer
Quote from: Tecno on June 22, 2026, 07:19:58 AMIf we keep Jones @ WILL and Griffin @ SAM this will be a superb test of whether it's a better combo for stopping the run. Rankin is a speed-around-the-edge or outer gap scat/speed back. My theory is this is exactly what we "upgraded" at both positions.
I'm cautiously optimistic.
And anyone notice the power backs (Brady, Mills, Oullette) are having a tough go this season so far and the speed backs are having a field day? Is there something changing on the D's / schemes causing this? Or did just everyone figure out the edges are more vulnerable in a CFL D?
Sucks we have a power back if so...
For poops and giggles, let's try a couple of snaps with Demski @ tailback or get Peterson in for a series where we test the edge. Both are infinitely faster than Brady. Or go 2-tail looks where it's 50/50 whether it's gut with Brady or edge with Demski. Both backs immediately attack their spot and no one knows which has the ball. Then later run that set and throw to a wide open Daniels.
pass on Peterson, BBB all day baby, yes sprinkle in a little Demski
If Brady gassed sure give Peterson a couple touches
I am also worried about our run D
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 22, 2026, 03:01:56 PMDemski and Pokey if healthy will be effective, they are our stars
The heavy negativity on Younger isn't warranted imo, while we have issues on D and it's ok to be critical, the pot seams to be boiling a little early
D and coaches need to step up, won't be an easy game by any stretch after laying a couple eggs on D. Doesn't mean the chickens won't hatch this time LOL
Maybe the hens needed to sit on them a little longer
pass on Peterson, BBB all day baby, yes sprinkle in a little Demski
If Brady gassed sure give Peterson a couple touches
We'd have to take another Canadian off the roster to get Peterson on. It's possible as a choice but I doubt it happens for now. Those are the players that are used extensively on ST's.
Peterson wouldn't get too many reps on offence so it's a counter productive choice. OTOH Chris-Ike is faster and possibly a choice to be used in this fashion 2 or 3 times a game even if it's not totally successful. He's on the field as a FB at times and could be used in draws or sweeps just to add a wrinkle to what the defence has to plan against.
Quote from: Tecno on June 22, 2026, 07:19:58 AMIf we keep Jones @ WILL and Griffin @ SAM this will be a superb test of whether it's a better combo for stopping the run. Rankin is a speed-around-the-edge or outer gap scat/speed back. My theory is this is exactly what we "upgraded" at both positions.
I'm cautiously optimistic.
And anyone notice the power backs (Brady, Mills, Oullette) are having a tough go this season so far and the speed backs are having a field day? Is there something changing on the D's / schemes causing this? Or did just everyone figure out the edges are more vulnerable in a CFL D?
Sucks we have a power back if so...
For poops and giggles, let's try a couple of snaps with Demski @ tailback or get Peterson in for a series where we test the edge. Both are infinitely faster than Brady. Or go 2-tail looks where it's 50/50 whether it's gut with Brady or edge with Demski. Both backs immediately attack their spot and no one knows which has the ball. Then later run that set and throw to a wide open Daniels.
It's certainly a big test early in the season. We also need our newbies on the DL to become more effective. I've noticed them being caught inside too often. Ceresna can't do everything.
It will be something of a role reversal , we will/need to focus on stopping the run and forcing elks to beat us through the air.
Edmon strengths
Much more physical defense than us
Rankin and Fajardo running game is more diversified , we basically run off tackle with Olivera
Younger and faster more aggressive secondary
Winnipeg strengths
Receiving core
Collaros is better than Fajardo
Specialty teams
Dline has potential to be more impactful if Willie comes to play
Should be a good one.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 22, 2026, 03:10:25 PMWe'd have to take another Canadian off the roster to get Peterson on. It's possible as a choice but I doubt it happens for now. Those are the players that are used extensively on ST's.
Peterson wouldn't get too many reps on offence so it's a counter productive choice. OTOH Chris-Ike is faster and possibly a choice to be used in this fashion 2 or 3 times a game even if it's not totally successful. He's on the field as a FB at times and could be used in draws or sweeps just to add a wrinkle to what the defence has to plan against.
I was still in last seasons AR mode. You are 100% about Peterson. Great point. Agree on Chris-Ike.
Faj like's to get outside and Rankin excels outside tackle and bouncing plays outside, contain is going to be very important this game, our DE's and/or LB's need to really focus on keeping Cody between the tackles and in the pocket while also trying to force Ranking up the middle due to edges being sealed off.
Quote from: 3rdand1.5 on June 22, 2026, 04:01:59 PMFaj like's to get outside and Rankin excels outside tackle and bouncing plays outside, contain is going to be very important this game, our DE's and/or LB's need to really focus on keeping Cody between the tackles and in the pocket while also trying to force Ranking up the middle due to edges being sealed off.
Excellent keys to the game
Justin Rankin is a feast or famine type of back. He has explosive speed and can break away for huge gains. He also gets dropped for a loss more than any other RB. Reminds me of Fred Reid in that regard.
Rankin was tackled for a loss 41 times in 2025 and 8 times in 2026.
By comparison, Oliveira was tackled for a loss 12 times in 2025 & 0 times this far in 2026.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 22, 2026, 03:17:46 PMIt's certainly a big test early in the season. We also need our newbies on the DL to become more effective. I've noticed them being caught inside too often. Ceresna can't do everything.
Agree, I think a few members of the D-line were guilty of "playing young" against the Ti-Cats, abandoning their assignments in pursuit of BLM. Of the 7 starting only 3 have CFL experience, with that many rookies it's going to take awhile for Coach Jake to sort things out.
As for Rankin the Bombers did pretty well containing him last season, if you can ignore the 64 yd. run in game #19. The Bombers lost that game 25-20 but even late in the season they were still fighting for a playoff berth, so they didn't field their B-squad.
Wk. #4 7 30 0 4.3 11
Wk. #19 18 138 1 7.7 64
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 22, 2026, 04:56:49 PMJustin Rankin is a feast or famine type of back. He has explosive speed and can break away for huge gains. He also gets dropped for a loss more than any other RB. Reminds me of Fred Reid in that regard.
Rankin was tackled for a loss 41 times in 2025 and 8 times in 2026.
By comparison, Oliveira was tackled for a loss 12 times in 2025 & 0 times this far in 2026.
Some interesting facts there, if he is like Fred Reid, other teams are in trouble!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 22, 2026, 05:52:06 PMAgree, I think a few members of the D-line were guilty of "playing young" against the Ti-Cats, abandoning their assignments in pursuit of BLM. Of the 7 starting only 3 had CFL experience, with that many rookies it's going to take awhile for Coach Jake to sort things out.
As for Rankin the Bombers did pretty well containing him last season, if you can ignore the 64 yd. run in game #19. The Bombers lost that game 25-20 but even late in the season they were still fighting for a playoff berth, so they didn't field their B-squad.
Wk. #4 7 30 0 4.3 11
Wk. #19 18 138 1 7.7 64
hope
Not really sure what to say at this point other than I myself and probably many others here are nervous about the D. It's entirely possible that we adjust our biggest mistakes from last game on both plan/system and maybe some individual errors (not that I noticed anything in-game) and we bounce back and can hold off CoFaj and Rankin. That would be a sigh of relief.
Or we have another repeat of last week and see them rolling over us. If you thought a mostly civil discussion in a Jordan Younger-dedicated thread was bad last game, it will be much much worse if it happens that way again and I don't expect there to be much grace.
I don't really know what to expect though. Sure hoping it's the first one obvs.
Quote from: blue_or_die on June 22, 2026, 07:22:37 PMNot really sure what to say at this point other than I myself and probably many others here are nervous about the D. It's entirely possible that we adjust our biggest mistakes from last game on both plan/system and maybe some individual errors (not that I noticed anything in-game) and we bounce back and can hold off CoFaj and Rankin. That would be a sigh of relief.
Or we have another repeat of last week and see them rolling over us. If you thought a mostly civil discussion in a Jordan Younger-dedicated thread was bad last game, it will be much much worse if it happens that way again and I don't expect there to be much grace.
I don't really know what to expect though. Sure hoping it's the first one obvs.
O if we lay another egg on D, the forum will come close to the pre mini dynasty run level of worry.
I enjoyed your take here.
Quote from: gobombersgo on June 22, 2026, 07:51:39 PM
Elsbury took an extra day on bye week to get married, seems like bad planning on his part, maybe he never expected to make the team? Hope he's at least bringing his poor wife back to Wpg. with him, not much of a honeymoon for her.
what is the injury status of Demski and Wilson?? Are they out for this game?
Quote from: dd on June 22, 2026, 09:33:11 PMwhat is the injury status of Demski and Wilson?? Are they out for this game?
Both practiced today
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HLcU4ilXkAAbvZs?format=jpg&name=small)
Elks ranked #4, Bombers ranked #6, can't argue with that.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/22/3downnation-cfl-power-rankings-b-c-lions-turned-upside-down/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/06/22/3downnation-cfl-power-rankings-b-c-lions-turned-upside-down/)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 22, 2026, 09:02:22 PMElsbury took an extra day on bye week to get married, seems like bad planning on his part, maybe he never expected to make the team? Hope he's at least bringing his poor wife back to Wpg. with him, not much of a honeymoon for her.
No better honeymoon than joining your new hubby at PAS and watching them get a dominant win! Plenty of time for the hotel post-game!
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 22, 2026, 04:56:49 PMJustin Rankin is a feast or famine type of back. He has explosive speed and can break away for huge gains. He also gets dropped for a loss more than any other RB. Reminds me of Fred Reid in that regard.
Rankin was tackled for a loss 41 times in 2025 and 8 times in 2026.
By comparison, Oliveira was tackled for a loss 12 times in 2025 & 0 times this far in 2026.
Misleading stat, IMHO. Is Rankin getting -3 because he's dancing looking for the home run any worse than Brady getting 1-2 on most runs? Because when Brady finally gets lucky he gets 8 instead of 2. Woopee. When Rankin busts it he gets 50Y and 2-3 TDs a game.
I'm pretty sure a ton of WPG and SSK and CGY fans are looking at Rankin right about now and drooling. Doesn't mean it can't change... but for now there's only 1 back that's winning games all on his own. And it ain't the power backs.
The saving grace is ours is the only NAT. Everyone else has to screw with the ratio to get an IMP RB and often a DI backup.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 22, 2026, 03:37:35 PMI was still in last seasons AR mode. You are 100% about Peterson. Great point. Agree on Chris-Ike.
Holy smokes, for some reason I didn't realize/remember we PR'd Peterson to go with our 2 FB/TE set. Changes things a bit; but makes sense.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 22, 2026, 03:10:25 PMOTOH Chris-Ike is faster and possibly a choice to be used in this fashion 2 or 3 times a game even if it's not totally successful.
Is Ike really faster than Peterson? Peterson looks more like a Rankin than a Brady to me. High burst and top-end. Ike is taller/bigger so shouldn't he be slower??
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 22, 2026, 10:55:21 PMElks ranked #4, Bombers ranked #6, can't argue with that.
LOL, that will NOT last. Beating EDM is easy if you shut Rankin down. We've done it several times. Cody is not going to beat you only with his arm, without any splash run game opening things up for the RECs.
EDM #4. ;D ;D ;D ;D Oh my sides!
ya, Edmonton has the upset of the season and now all of a sudden is unbeatable, whatever. Teams will key in on rankin, meaning fajardo will hit the odd play to Mack, as he's a stud receiver, but other than that, what does Edmonton really have?? It's good the elks are 2-0, but heck they played Ottawa, th free spot on the bingo card, and upset Montreal in the rain. They ll still be 4th or 5th in the west when the season ends
Quote from: Tecno on June 23, 2026, 01:31:17 AMHoly smokes, for some reason I didn't realize/remember we PR'd Peterson to go with our 2 FB/TE set. Changes things a bit; but makes sense.
Makes two of us lol
Quote from: Tecno on June 23, 2026, 01:32:20 AMIs Ike really faster than Peterson? Peterson looks more like a Rankin than a Brady to me. High burst and top-end. Ike is taller/bigger so shouldn't he be slower??
My money on Peterson, someone needs to pull their sprint speeds
Quote from: dd on June 23, 2026, 01:44:31 AMya, Edmonton has the upset of the season and now all of a sudden is unbeatable, whatever. Teams will key in on rankin, meaning fajardo will hit the odd play to Mack, as he's a stud receiver, but other than that, what does Edmonton really have?? It's good the elks are 2-0, but heck they played Ottawa, th free spot on the bingo card, and upset Montreal in the rain. They ll still be 4th or 5th in the west when the season ends
The Bombers have had problems covering Julien-Grant at times, he's had some significant games against them.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 02:30:30 AMMakes two of us lolMy money on Peterson, someone needs to pull their sprint speeds
40 yard dash: 4.51 vs 4.64
20 yard shuttel: 4.19 vs 4,46
3 cone drill : 6.71 vs 7.47
You just lost your money
Quote from: bunker on June 23, 2026, 03:30:17 AM40 yard dash: 4.51 vs 4.64
20 yard shuttel: 4.19 vs 4,46
3 cone drill : 6.71 vs 7.47
You just lost your money
Not much of a difference but I think Peterson is a downhill runner like Oliveria. Chris-Ike is a little slipperier I think.
I could be wrong about that but a feeling I have.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 23, 2026, 03:34:39 AMNot much of a difference but I think Peterson is a downhill runner like Oliveria. Chris-Ike is a little slipperier I think.
I could be wrong about that but a feeling I have.
Those are actually significant differences in times. Whether it actually translates to quickness as a running back is a whole other discussion.
Wow, then why aren't we running sweeps & outside runs with Ike? He can more easily be the "forgotten man" in formations.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 03:14:16 AMThe Bombers have had problems covering Julien-Grant at times, he's had some significant games against them.
That's because our D always leaves half (or more!) of the flat wide open, especially on longer developing pass plays.
And we're really bad about the sneak out 5th/6th read, the crossing FB or TE, etc. That means the FB/TE/5th read REC will often have great stats and TDs against us. It's a serious problem we need to solve.
It's like any little wrinkle or trick and our D has no response, and no one is using their brains to spot the danger. Sad.
That's why Meng destroyed us last game. Pitiful.
Quote from: bunker on June 23, 2026, 03:41:31 AMThose are actually significant differences in times. Whether it actually translates to quickness as a running back is a whole other discussion.
I was just looking at the dash straight ahead speed as a reference. Speed versus quickness.
Quote from: bunker on June 23, 2026, 03:30:17 AM40 yard dash: 4.51 vs 4.64
20 yard shuttel: 4.19 vs 4,46
3 cone drill : 6.71 vs 7.47
You just lost your money
Thanks!
Quote from: Tecno on June 23, 2026, 03:52:24 AMWow, then why aren't we running sweeps & outside runs with Ike? He can more easily be the "forgotten man" in formations.
It's frustrating and don't know if O'Shea will ever change his approach, once he clicks into a thought pattern he's locked in no matter the diminishing results, it looks like Brady is once again 100% of the running game, why would you want to hand the ball off to anyone else??? Until he breaks, then he'll hand the ball off to someone else to carry the entire load.
There's no thought of adding diversity or complexity to the running game to help take the focus off Brady. Hogan is the running back coach who should be advocating this approach to Condell, can't imagine what that guy does now to earn his paycheque.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 03:47:44 PMIt's frustrating and don't know if O'Shea will ever change his approach, once he clicks into a thought pattern he's locked in no matter the diminishing results, it looks like Brady is once again 100% of the running game, why would you want to hand the ball off to anyone else??? Until he breaks, then he'll hand the ball off to someone else to carry the entire load.
There's no thought of adding diversity or complexity to the running game to help take the focus off Brady. Hogan is the running back coach who should be advocating this approach to Condell, can't imagine what that guy does now to earn his paycheque.
Each year there is a small but vocal group at times that suggests that we take away touches from Brady to get others the ball. When you have the best back in the land, one of best Cdns ever, you give him the rock. He is an effective runner in all conditions, reliable, blocks well and catches the ball well. There is no reason to spell him unless he is nicked, tired or we up by 2 or 3 scores. Our other backs are good enough as temp replacements but nowhere near the level of Brady. Once the weather turns, Brady will be the heart beat of this offensive. His success and how well the OL plays will dictate the success of this season imo. When BBB is in full effect, it's hard to stop us.
I would like it the other way, more touch for Brady. Couple for Demski. Maybe a sweep with a recevier.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 04:09:59 PMEach year there is a small but vocal group at times that suggests that we take away touches from Brady to get others the ball. When you have the best back in the land, one of best Cdns ever, you give him the rock. He is an effective runner in all conditions, reliable, blocks well and catches the ball well. There is no reason to spell him unless he is nicked, tired or we up by 2 or 3 scores. Our other backs are good enough as temp replacements but nowhere near the level of Brady. Once the weather turns, Brady will be the heart beat of this offensive. His success and how well the OL plays will dictate the success of this season imo. When BBB is in full effect, it's hard to stop us.
I would like it the other way, more touch for Brady. Couple for Demski. Maybe a sweep with a recevier.
The reason is to give the opponent defence something more to think about and prepare for against the Bombers. It's also a good idea to manage workload even for the TOP players..
Our run game is too simplified and it's why defences know when we're going to run and either stuff or limit yardage.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 04:09:59 PMEach year there is a small but vocal group at times that suggests that we take away touches from Brady to get others the ball. When you have the best back in the land, one of best Cdns ever, you give him the rock. He is an effective runner in all conditions, reliable, blocks well and catches the ball well. There is no reason to spell him unless he is nicked, tired or we up by 2 or 3 scores. Our other backs are good enough as temp replacements but nowhere near the level of Brady. Once the weather turns, Brady will be the heart beat of this offensive. His success and how well the OL plays will dictate the success of this season imo. When BBB is in full effect, it's hard to stop us.
I would like it the other way, more touch for Brady. Couple for Demski. Maybe a sweep with a recevier.
Last game the Ti-Cats held Brady to 32 yds. on 8 carries, nobody else was handed the ball and the Bombers lost. This was not an isolated event, we've seen it before when opponents shut down the Bombers running game, what do you think Edmonton is going to do based on that game film?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 05:27:55 PMLast game the Ti-Cats held Brady to 32 yds. on 8 carries, nobody else was handed the ball and the Bombers lost. This was not an isolated event, we've seen it before when opponents shut down the Bombers running game, what do you think Edmonton is going to do based on that game film?
Exactly, when they keep the middle loaded to stuff Brady - run Chris to the outside.
Keep them honest.
Our running game has got to be more complex than hand it to Brady. That one dimensional approach will be stuffed, as it was vs the Ti Cats and our inability to adapt and fake the ball to Brady and run it to someone else leads to exactly what we got, a loss.
I m thinking the Elks will be keying on Brady so a quick hitting passing game should work when they re flooding the box, thing is, are we going to go off script or just keep running it to Brady??
Same can be said for Elks offense, how are we going to stop Rankin, our run defense is hopeless. and if we do key on Rankin, I can see Fajardo rolling out and running as well. They know we can't stop the run, its going to be run, run , run.
Quote from: Jesse on June 23, 2026, 05:31:22 PMExactly, when they keep the middle loaded to stuff Brady - run Chris to the outside.
Keep them honest.
The running game should produce at least 100 yds per game, anything less is a poor performance, Demski, White, Cobb and MCI can all contribute. Elks use Javon Leake when too much attention is paid to Rankin.
The suggestion that running the ball solely with Brady and having it not be effective is false. Since he has been here and going back to the Harris days we are a one back show and that will continue. Keep em honest with Demski and receiver's getting a touch on occasion. Otherwise, run your show horse and run him often. He is a generational talent. No team in this league has shown they can shut down Brady since he came here on a consistent basis. You simply build that run game, let him get hot and step on the throat in the 4th quarter. Brady cooks when he is in the kitchen and your top chef don't like it when the line cooks and plating.
Facts:
https://www.cfl.ca/players/brady-oliveira/164872/
Looking for 2023 like carries. There is one player on this club we can trust with a 110% workload. BBB all day baby. He is in his prime, in a few years spell him, until then, hard pass. He will not want to come out, full stop. The best one are to be left on the field.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 06:35:11 PMThe running game should produce at least 100 yds per game, anything less is a poor performance, Demski, White, Cobb and MCI can all contribute. Elks use Javon Leake when too much attention is paid to Rankin.
I like the idea of a little Cobb action. But nothing more than sprinkles.
If they stuff the run with Brady, screen pass it a bit and stretch the field. Lots of ways to skin a cat without taking world class talent off. Load management comes to play later in the season, with older players, players that are nicked or when you have a playoff spot locked up. Until then you run your horse HARD. If you have a significant talent behind your featured back sure, when you have backup, prospects, unproven players, they stay on the sidelines. Did I mention ball security?
This all said I really like both our backups and see a future. Just not right now. Let Brady cook up something special and we shall continue to feast.
We have a very good veteran OC that can scheme things to death just using Brady. I would sprinkle in Elgersma and Perkins to keep em honest and also allow for development in a position that we need a fresh face to lead soon. Brady be here for 5 min more years. Nobody taking his job.
By spelling Brady you are creating a problem when there was never one. Don't fix what ain't broke. Brady will get nicked and the backups will have time then for reps. They wait their turn, they earn their turn. Brady can run off tackle as needed. Harris could too.
To suggest that just b/c get got stuffed back against Hammy running the ball means very little. One game, looks at how many times Brady has been successful. Every team, every week their primary game plan will be to shut down Brady, likely 8 o 9 times out of then, they simply can't. This all said, we need a very good OL and deep ball to make Brady cook. I think by 1/4 to 1/2 through the season both these things will be sizzling like food serviced on a hot platter.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 06:40:54 PMThe suggestion that running the ball solely with Brady and having it not be effective is false. Since he has been here and going back to the Harris days we are a one back show and that will continue. Keep em honest with Demski and receiver's getting a touch on occasion. Otherwise, run your show horse and run him often. He is a generational talent. No team in this league has shown they can shut down Brady since he came here on a consistent basis. You simply build that run game, let him get hot and step on the throat in the 4th quarter. Brady cooks when he is in the kitchen and your top chef don't like it when the line cooks and plating.
Facts:
https://www.cfl.ca/players/brady-oliveira/164872/
Looking for 2023 like carries. There is one player on this club we can trust with a 110% workload. BBB all day baby. He is in his prime, in a few years spell him, until then, hard pass. He will not want to come out, full stop. The best one are to be left on the field.
I like the idea of a little Cobb action. But nothing more than sprinkles.
If they stuff the run with Brady, screen pass it a bit and stretch the field. Lots of ways to skin a cat without taking world class talent off. Load management comes to play later in the season, with older players, players that are nicked or when you have a playoff spot locked up. Until then you run your horse HARD. If you have a significant talent behind your featured back sure, when you have backup, prospects, unproven players, they stay on the sidelines. Did I mention ball security?
This all said I really like both our backups and see a future. Just not right now. Let Brady cook up something special and we shall continue to feast.
We have a very good veteran OC that can scheme things to death just using Brady. I would sprinkle in Elgersma and Perkins to keep em honest and also allow for development in a position that we need a fresh face to lead soon. Brady be here for 5 min more years. Nobody taking his job.
By spelling Brady you are creating a problem when there was never one. Don't fix what ain't broke. Brady will get nicked and the backups will have time then for reps. They wait their turn, they earn their turn. Brady can run off tackle as needed. Harris could too.
Nobody said take Brady off the field, hand the ball to players already on the field creating a diversion.
2025 ESF, the Als held Brady to 38 yds. on 8 carries and nobody else runs the ball, remember that one? I'll go through the Bombers other 8 losses last season and see if it's just a coincidence.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 05:27:55 PMLast game the Ti-Cats held Brady to 32 yds. on 8 carries, nobody else was handed the ball and the Bombers lost. This was not an isolated event, we've seen it before when opponents shut down the Bombers running game, what do you think Edmonton is going to do based on that game film?
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Totally agree. We need to keep teams off balance.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 07:08:58 PMNobody said take Brady off the field, hand the ball to players already on the field creating a diversion.
2025 ESF, the Als held Brady to 38 yds. on 8 carries and nobody else runs the ball, remember that one? I'll go through the Bombers other 8 losses last season and see if it's just a coincidence.
Correction and fact, it was suggested that we spell Brady, which I don't agree with. How about you go through all Brady games and report back how many times we run the ball down their throat and won with BBB in the 4th quarter? I'll save you the trouble (has to be north of 70%, guessing). For 5 years Brady has run the ball as effectively ON HIS OWN as well as anyone we have seen. Charlie and Harris level. You don't take those talents off, unless someone else was better.
I already agreed to having receivers get limited touches. Yes they are already on the field. I don't see us using two back sets very often nor will Brady be spelled imo.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 23, 2026, 07:14:06 PMQuote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 05:27:55 PMLast game the Ti-Cats held Brady to 32 yds. on 8 carries, nobody else was handed the ball and the Bombers lost. This was not an isolated event, we've seen it before when opponents shut down the Bombers running game, what do you think Edmonton is going to do based on that game film?
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Totally agree. We need to keep teams off balance.
Agree and there are ways to do this without spelling Brady.
Now one thing I don't know is how often MCI is already on the field so far this season. Further to that, how many times has he been in the backfield. If he is already part of the schemes and available for an occasional touch (in the back field), I would warm up to it a little. I haven't watched closely enough to know.
My guess he has been in their blocking a bit only? Does he play teams?
This is how I would play it (in order of how often). People getting touches other than Brady:
1. Demski, bread and butter, few time a game maybe. Not right now though, wait till 110% healthy.
2. Cobb, sprinkle in on occasion maybe
3a. MCI change of pace (use this more when Brady nicked, gassed or we up)
3b. Speed receiver on the sweep
4. Cobb, MCI on screen pass
5. Brady down field
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 07:24:24 PMCorrection and fact, it was suggested that we spell Brady, which I don't agree with. How about you go through all Brady games and report back how many times we run the ball down their throat and won with BBB in the 4th quarter? I'll save you the trouble (has to be north of 70%, guessing). For 5 years Brady has run the ball as effectively ON HIS OWN as well as anyone we have seen. Charlie and Harris level. You don't take those talents off, unless someone else was better.
I already agreed to having receivers get limited touches. Yes they are already on the field. I don't see us using two back sets very often nor will Brady be spelled imo.
Agree and there are ways to do this without spelling Brady.
Now one thing I don't know is how often MCI is already on the field so far this season. Further to that, how many times has he been in the backfield. If he is already part of the schemes and available for an occasional touch (in the back field), I would warm up to it a little. I haven't watched closely enough to know.
This is how I would play it. People getting touches other than Brady:
1. Demski, bread and butter, few time a game maybe. Not right now though, wait till 110% healthy.
2. Cobb, sprinkle in on occasion maybe
3a. MCI change of pace (use this more when Brady nicked, gassed or we up)
3b. Speed receiver on the sweep
I am not talking about spell Brady. I am talking about using Brady as a decoy.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 23, 2026, 07:41:45 PMI am not talking about spell Brady. I am talking about using Brady as a decoy.
Who would you take off to get both him and MCI on the field at the same time? How often would you run this? How often has this already occurred?
I am guessing most times we try to decoy, they stack the box and shut us down and results in a tackle for a loss.
I would simply run it up the gut consistently and mix and match a bit (schemes) to flip the script. This has worked for a long time. If that stops working screen pass em and stretch em. Maybe a little backup QB run, bootleg or run fake.
Could always just run Zach, he did it last year (JOKING).
Another thing I thought of was maybe some direct snap action.
the keying in on Brady is the main strategy every team uses against the bombers. Knowing this we have to take advantage of this such as faking the handoff andd throwing just behind the linebackers. When we force the other team to adjust then go back to Brady.
The other factor might be to hand off to brady on second and 6-8 yds. Condell is much less predictable than Hogan so hopefully we can be more creative. Do our guards ever pull and lead running plays off the edge? It always seems to be off tackle and try to bulldoze
Quote from: Pete on June 23, 2026, 07:53:27 PMthe keying in on Brady is the main strategy every team uses against the bombers. Knowing this we have to take advantage of this such as faking the handoff andd throwing just behind the linebackers. When we force the other team to adjust then go back to Brady.
The other factor might be to hand off to brady on second and 6-8 yds. Condell is much less predictable than Hogan so hopefully we can be more creative. Do our guards ever pull and lead running plays off the edge? It always seems to be off tackle and try to bulldoze
love these ideas, love a run on 2nd and long, just keep running the rock until you can't imo
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 07:42:23 PMWho would you take off to get both him and MCI on the field at the same time? How often would you run this? How often has this already occurred?
I am guessing most times we try to decoy, they stack the box and shut us down and results in a tackle for a loss.
I would simply run it up the gut consistently and mix and match a bit (schemes) to flip the script. This has worked for a long time. If that stops working screen pass em and stretch em. Maybe a little backup QB run, bootleg or run fake.
Could always just run Zach, he did it last year (JOKING).
Another thing I thought of was maybe some direct snap action.
The same thing we do when Daniels goes on as a TE, or MCI as a FB. The 3rd Canadian receiver comes off. The suggestion is that once in awhile we actually throw to Daniels or have MCI in a variant of a running play. That could be as a receiver or in an actual running play, possibly a draw or a sweep.
The point being is that Daniels and MCI can't be totally ignored as offensive weapons. Opponents have to believe that they will occasionally be used. Even using them as a decoy now and again has the same effect. The difference being feigning a block and going out as a receiver for example.
3 or 4 times a game depending on the success rate, but that's what I suggest.
A direct snap is another viable option in some situations during the season.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 23, 2026, 08:32:10 PMThe same thing we do when Daniels goes on as a TE, or MCI as a FB. The 3rd Canadian receiver comes off. The suggestion is that once in awhile we actually throw to Daniels or have MCI in a variant of a running play. That could be as a receiver or in an actual running play, possibly a draw or a sweep.
The point being is that Daniels and MCI can't be totally ignored as offensive weapons. Opponents have to believe that they will occasionally be used. Even using them as a decoy now and again has the same effect. The difference being feigning a block and going out as a receiver for example.
3 or 4 times a game depending on the success rate, but that's what I suggest.
A direct snap is another viable option in some situations during the season.
I would be more for throwing to them on occasion, also love me a draw
Forgot about Daniels! I would put him above Cobb for pecking order touches
I would invovle Daniels / MCI once or twice a game max.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 08:55:43 PMI would be more for throwing to them on occasion, also love me a draw
Forgot about Daniels! I would put him above Cobb for pecking order touches
I would invovle Daniels / MCI once or twice a game max.
Sure. The thing is, is that you can run more than one look out of the same formation. You let Daniels block on one series and on the next your run him out into the flat as a decoy, from the same formation. Or you do it on 2nd and 4 and throw to him.
Cobb only has 3 targets and 2 reception in 2 games so good point. Daniels or MCI would be closer to the LOS for a quick throw to pick up a 1st down.
Condell seems to be less predictable and offence is often about illusion to keep them guessing.
Ditto with MCI. Just give the defence a slight pause in where they focus.
All that said, we seem to run right up the middle on the 1st play of most games.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 23, 2026, 09:01:50 PMSure. The thing is, is that you can run more than one look out of the same formation. You let Daniels block on one series and on the next your run him out into the flat as a decoy, from the same formation. Or you do it on 2nd and 4 and throw to him.
Cobb only has 3 targets and 2 reception in 2 games so good point. Daniels or MCI would be closer to the LOS for a quick throw to pick up a 1st down.
Condell seems to be less predictable and offence is often about illusion to keep them guessing.
Ditto with MCI. Just give the defence a slight pause in where they focus.
All that said, we seem to run right up the middle on the 1st play of most games.
And it will work 60% of the time min.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 23, 2026, 10:36:33 PMAnd it will work 60% of the time min.
Good if you're content to win 60% of the games, that won't be good enough come the playoffs.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2026, 11:09:46 PMGood if you're content to win 60% of the games, that won't be good enough come the playoffs.
I didn't say that I have successfully counter a lot of your positions and now you are deflecting and making stuff up
60% of time the run up the gut will work on the 1st play
Wow fantasy 🏝 must be fun place lol
For the record 70% is my # for win % lol reg season
I hate bye weeks...I need some Bomber football.
I rewatched the HAM@WPG game. Useless run game was 80% on OL. 20% Brady. 95% of the time HAM was stopping Brady with just the front 7. In fact, often just the DL.
Also watched carefully what HAM was doing with their run game on O. Holy Moses it's night and day what what their OL is doing compared to ours. Our OL NEVER properly blocks the 2nd level (LBers) -- they barely block the DL properly. HAM OL+RECs at times would make a perfect flawless 20Y corridor with all remaining 10 players. Every single guy making his block. It was a thing of beauty; and disgusting because it was HAM and not WPG doing it.
Don't know what HAM is putting in that OL wheaties. Ya, you'd think Dobson would be good, but the other guys aren't known as CFL superstars. I just don't get it. Maybe back to my theory of other teams spending more time in off-season getting all of this setup. Maybe they practice/scheme more/harder. Maybe they meet outside of practice hours and do it on their own because they want to win. Maybe their OL coach is better.
Our OL is having a good pass pro year, but the run block is just as pathetic and weak and useless as 2025. Every other team max-holds to make the wash or shed difficult. But DLs shed off our OL like water off a duck. So many instances last game. So Brady or scrambling Zach get reamed from the guy our OL should be gripping furiously!
And Brady often goes down on the low trip or low bump. In fact, I think teams may have figured out that's his weak spot. He never hurdles. He seems to easily get off balance when touched low. I think he should go study the old Cornish tapes and watch how Cornish would shift to baby-steps mode whenever anything was coming in low -- BEFORE it came in. Cornish had like half the beef & strength of Brady, and yet it's Brady that goes down when you touch his feet. All that core & upper body strength doesn't help Brady at all if no one tries to tackle him high. So teams just have a DL/LB slash laterally at Brady's feet.
This is coachable. Fix it. Embarrassing that mediocre Oullette hurdles guys for an extra 6Y every other game and we just stink up the joint. Should never have burnt that AH33 bridge... another lost opportunity. What's Cornish doing? Hire him as RB advisor.
Quote from: Pete on June 22, 2026, 03:37:05 PMIt will be something of a role reversal , we will/need to focus on stopping the run and forcing elks to beat us through the air.
Edmon strengths
Much more physical defense than us
Rankin and Fajardo running game is more diversified , we basically run off tackle with Olivera
Younger and faster more aggressive secondary
Winnipeg strengths
Receiving core
Collaros is better than Fajardo
Specialty teams
Dline has potential to be more impactful if Willie comes to play
Should be a good one.
IT will be a great game.
Now, I love Zach, but is he better than Cody? In certain things yes. I love Fajardo's leadership (ZC8's too), but I think Fajardo just has that extra something. He's tough. Gritty. ZC has a bit of that, but man, something about Fajardo, I wouldn't be mad if he was a Bomber QB. He's my 2nd fave CFL QB. I do cheer for him vs everyone else. He has definitely grown a lot over the years.
Having said that, let's go beat him! :)
Quote from: Tecno on June 22, 2026, 07:45:12 AMRankin is hella scary because he's the combination of Cornish and Sheets. He's as slippery and untackleable and unknockoverable as Cornish. And he's as fast and accelerate-able as sheets.
His only downside is he's not terribly powerful. But he doesn't need it because whenever he's hitting walls he slips out and bounces another direction.
I didn't watch much football in the late-80's, and 90's/00's... who does Rankin look like compared to the best from that era?
AI says Rankin is making $145k a year until FA28. That's an outright steal and basically half of Brady. Just sayin'...
Maybe this is the year of the speed back.
Really?!! And I bet he gets the ball twice as much!
Give the ball to Brady!!
Quote from: tlf on June 24, 2026, 03:29:02 AMReally?!! And I bet he gets the ball twice as much!
Give the ball to Brady!!
If Brady ripped off 60Y in his first 4 carries I bet we'd give Brady the ball more too... (not to mention being over 200Y every single game)