Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2026, 12:16:33 AMYou said we'll have a better than average team and better than last year. When we have 18 potential free agents remaining that is blind faith. You think our D will be great when we don't know who will on the roster. There is nothing yet to base that on.Nothing I have posted is blind faith. Our D has been good for about a decade, I expect that trend to continue. We have a good core and a great coach. Signings will come, patience grasshopper. I have clearly stated my opinion based on my knowledge, facts and data. Just because you don't agree doesn't mean that its it's sunshine, lollipops and roses. Nobody knows how the season will turn out and nobody is right or wrong here, just fans making predictions. Let's talk ball. I am not expecting a great team, never said that. I think we improve on last year and our strength will be teams and our D. Like I said, free agency and finding a few gems in camp will be key. We are allowed to have early opinions and predictions on here (I am well aware that it's early season and we have a lot of work to do). Let's leave this alone, no value in continuing the back and forth. The Lawler example is really obvious, we all understand that point and was a very simple concept.
That's more than an opinion. It's sunshine, lollipops and roses. An opinion has to be based on data. If and when we sign Lawler ( he's not a free agent but an example ) ( or a similar talent ), it could be said our receiving group has improved and our offence will be improved overall.
That's the difference between blind faith and substantive data.
Those changes might happen in free agency. However I can't suggest our defence will be better when still have 5 potential free agents.
Quote from: Pete on January 21, 2026, 12:37:47 AMIf we try to improve these areas thru free agency, it will be an overpay in relation to the rest of the team. Its just the nature of the beastThat could be true but might not be. We could sign players at value or find some deals and hidden gems. Camp could bring surprises. Overpaying isn't the only way to he successful and we have shown that over the years by being patient and financially responsible. We will likely do a combo or Overpaying, fair deals and get a few pleasant surprises.
A quality starter will have several teams bidding for them
We tried the bargain route/ hidden gems ly
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 11:08:18 PMNothing I have posted is about blind faith. There is no reason to bring that up imo. Might want to read what I posted again. Nobody knows what this season will look like, we come on here to voice our opinions and make educated guesses. I am cautiously optimistic and that is allowed.If we try to improve these areas thru free agency, it will be an overpay in relation to the rest of the team. Its just the nature of the beast
I liked the part about the weighted scale.Improve the OL and DL yes, overpaying, hard no imo.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2026, 11:08:39 PMIt does sound like it, although he said he was looking forward to him taking that next step at camp and competing there, so maybe they bring in someone else?
Neuf suggesting Eli is next man up at Center.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 11:08:18 PMNothing I have posted is about blind faith. There is no reason to bring that up imo. Might want to read what I posted again. Nobody knows what this season will look like, we come on here to voice our opinions and make educated guesses. I am cautiously optimistic and that is allowed.
I liked the part about the weighted scale.Improve the OL and DL yes, overpaying, hard no imo.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2026, 07:15:56 PMThat could be an indication they're offering unsigned incumbents low ball salaries and intend to go after an established receiver or two in FA. See no reason Stearns or Wheatfall shouldn't be invited back to TC to compete for their jobs as they did as well as could be expected with the targets they received. Wouldn't mind seeing Robustelli brought in to compete for Schoen's job at a moderate cost and maybe Tommy Nield as an upgrade over Clercius..I think you are correct.