Winnipeg @ Ottawa

[Pigskin]

Looks like we will get three practices in this week to cleanup some of our mistakes. Looking for a much better game out of the Bombers. Everyone must be better.

[The Zipp]

Pretty short practice today...

This game should be winnable - they had a chance to shake off the rust, it will still take a few games for BO to get into true game shape.  Ottawa hasn't played and Dru Brown's first start as THE guy. 

If the Bombers and ZC look as off as they did last game and Dru lights us up for 300-400 yards then I will start to get concerned.

[The Zipp]

Brady Oliveira in street clothes for today's practice. He left Thursday's game early.

Wheatfall in for Lawler

From DT

[DM83]

Yup.
Man what a short career Ford will have.  Honestly he has great technique, now if only he could get between the ball and his guy. Anyone have his stats?  He sure was in on a lot of attempts to cover those god like Montreal receivers.  It appeared like no one else could help him out.

[dd]

Who else knows our defensive scheme better than Dru Brown??, I don't take this game lightly at all and wouldn't be surprised if we get dumped in the Nation's capital.

[Blue In BC]

Brady Oliveira in street clothes for today's practice. He left Thursday's game early.

Wheatfall in for Lawler

From DT

May need to give Augustine a few more reps during the game to spell Brady until he gets his game legs.

[The Zipp]

And Bighill is taking reps on D in this 12 on 12 period. Must mean he's coming off the 6-game injured list.

[The Zipp]

Starting dimebacker Redha Kramdi is also a non-participant on Day 1 of the practice week.

From Bauming

[Blue In BC]

Starting dimebacker Redha Kramdi is also a non-participant on Day 1 of the practice week.

From Bauming

At least Cole was taking most reps in TC so that shouldn't hurt too much. Didn't notice him getting nicked so I think it's not too serious?

[Pigskin]

Brady Oliveira in street clothes for today's practice. He left Thursday's game early.

Wheatfall in for Lawler

From DT

Thank you Zipp, for the updates. BO20 had a heavy wrap on his leg last week in practice. I don't think he's 100% yet.

Wheatfall has nice size.   6"2"  195, 4.58/40 and has a 36" vertical.

[The Zipp]

Bighill says he expects to play Thursday in Ottawa.
O'Shea says #Bombers are hopeful Brady Oliveira will be good to go again.

[The Zipp]

At least Cole was taking most reps in TC so that shouldn't hurt too much. Didn't notice him getting nicked so I think it's not too serious?

I liked Cole's game...he seems to be a playmaker

[Pigskin]

I thought BO20 took to many reps in that game for the amount of practice time he had. I thought he should have shared reps with JA27. I hope we don't over work AB4 in his first game back.

I would also like to see the Bombers us Chris-Ike a little more.

[dd]

[quote author=Blue
I ve never understood why Augustine has never been used more on offense, yet we'll put chris streveller in and risk injury to our SY QB, i just don't get it. Augustine would give us a quicker option vs Olivera, and have the defense scheming a whole lot differently than if

May need to give Augustine a few more reps during the game to spell Brady until he gets his game legs.

I ve never understood why Augustine has never been used more on offense, yet we'll put chris streveller in and risk injury to our SY QB, i just don't get it. Augustine would give us a quicker option vs Olivera, spell BO off and keep him fresher and healthier, and force the defense to adjust.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Thank you Zipp, for the updates. BO20 had a heavy wrap on his leg last week in practice. I don't think he's 100% yet.

Wheatfall has nice size.   6"2"  195, 4.58/40 and has a 36" vertical.

Could be an interesting game with 2 rookie receivers and no Oliveira to pound the ball, still think they'll find a way to win but as MOS often says, "it might look different".

[Blueforlife]

Yup.
Man what a short career Ford will have.  Honestly he has great technique, now if only he could get between the ball and his guy. Anyone have his stats?  He sure was in on a lot of attempts to cover those god like Montreal receivers.  It appeared like no one else could help him out.

Ford has a great chance as a future star in this league.  Mistakes will be made as he learns.

Who else knows our defensive scheme better than Dru Brown??, I don't take this game lightly at all and wouldn't be surprised if we get dumped in the Nation's capital.

Game will be a battle, we also know him well.

[Pete]

if Kramdl can't go maybe we put in Griffen II, he played sam well for Calgary ly I thought.

[Blue In BC]

if Kramdl can't go maybe we put in Griffen II, he played sam well for Calgary ly I thought.

Cole would start at SAM if Kramdi can't play.

[J5V]

Dru Brown hasn't seen a Jordan Younger defence so I wouldn't sweat that too much. I think the bomber D will give Drew plenty to think about.

[dd]

Cole would start at SAM if Kramdi can't play.

I like Brian Cole , very athletic and plays big for a SAM

[ModAdmin]

Need to Know | Week 2

"...Getting Bighill back for this week's game against the Ottawa RedBlacks in the capital will be a boost. As head coach Mike O'Shea said after practice: "It's nice to have him back out practising and he looks good. He's so smart, he has so much experience it certainly helps everyone else around him."

Bighill sustained an injury during training camp and was officially placed on the six-game injured list back on May 17th, meaning he had to miss at least one contest before the team could add him back to the lineup.

"Not being out there with my guys is never fun," said Bighill We get to play a game for a living so coming out here and being with the guys is what you want.

"(Getting back this week) is making sure you do everything you can to prepare the right way and not rush anything. I would've liked to have been out there last week but when you're on six-game you're not allowed to so it was as soon as possible.

"I'm coming back at exactly the right time. It's what our medical team believes, it's what I believe and at the end of the day you follow the direction of the people that take good care of us and Al (Couture, head athletic therapist) is the man for that...."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/06/09/need-to-know-week-2-2/

[Blue In BC]

Bombers better come out of the gate with a bad attitude and more precision.All aspects of their 1st game were lacking.

We could see potential in many players but lack of playing time in pre season was clear. It's a short week on the road to a hungry Redblack team.

Regardless. Bombers need to come up with a decisive win starting from the 1st series.

[blue_gold_84]

Bombers better come out of the gate with a bad attitude and more precision.All aspects of their 1st game were lacking.

We could see potential in many players but lack of playing time in pre season was clear. It's a short week on the road to a hungry Redblack team.

Regardless. Bombers need to come up with a decisive win starting from the 1st series.

I can't see them being anywhere near as sloppy as last week's outing.

I fully expect the coaches and veterans to get the team on track this week.

They simply have to be better.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Bombers better come out of the gate with a bad attitude and more precision.All aspects of their 1st game were lacking.

We could see potential in many players but lack of playing time in pre season was clear. It's a short week on the road to a hungry Redblack team.

Regardless. Bombers need to come up with a decisive win starting from the 1st series.

After watching this weekends games, the Bombers better make plenty hay against the weaker teams this season, don't like their early season odds against teams performing well already.  BC and Cgy. games coming up in the next few weeks will be challenging.  Too many new players in the lineup to have a comfortable snap back reaction like they did after losses last season, it's going to take time for the team to come together and perform well in all 3 areas, there may be struggles and it's not a given they finish first.

[blueraid]

I want to see some cohesiveness and spark that was sadly lacking last game....Zack has to be sharper and the special teams have to be a heckuva lot better...I was expecting a lot more from Miller's gang than we showed, and I hope Castillo is back on his game...We need everything working in Ottawa to take the 2pts.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I want to see some cohesiveness and spark that was sadly lacking last game....Zack has to be sharper and the special teams have to be a heckuva lot better...I was expecting a lot more from Miller's gang than we showed, and I hope Castillo is back on his game...We need everything working in Ottawa to take the 2pts.

Don't look for a definitive plan of action from Miller, from his recent interviews it's abundantly clear he's figuring it out as he goes along. O'Shea basically shoved Boudreau out the door and gifted Mike the job, he didn't apply for it and really hadn't even considered becoming a STC as a career, he was anointed.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Don't look for a definitive plan of action from Miller, from his recent interviews it's abundantly clear he's figuring it out as he goes along. O'Shea basically shoved Boudreau out the door and gifted Mike the job.  He didn't apply for it and really hadn't even considered becoming a STC as a career, he was anointed.

Our special teams weren't exactly great last year under Boudreau though. Some of it was personnel but really O'Shea has had to come in to save the day a few times in the last few years.

[The Zipp]

Day 2 of Bombers practice: no Brady Oliveira for the second straight day (knee).
Kenny Lawler is watching practice rocking a cast on his right arm.

Kramdi is back

From DT

[Pete]

Dru Brown hasn't seen a Jordan Younger defence so I wouldn't sweat that too much. I think the bomber D will give Drew plenty to think about.

Its not a secret to beat us, you have to be able to rush Zac so he can't throw mid to long but If our blocking scheme counters that then we will be successful. Offensively teams will throw short outs to take advantage of our new corners, and once they've tried to adjust go long.
  I said last year, we need to diversify our offense to include more short passes, and rather than just hand off the ball to Olivera 90% of the time straight up the middle, run outside more to prevent them stacking up like Montreal did with Sankey and their front four.
As far as Dru knowing our defense, it goes both ways. We should also have a handle on what Dru likes to throw and his strengths/weaknesses, and offset that.

[theaardvark]

Who else knows our defensive scheme better than Dru Brown??, I don't take this game lightly at all and wouldn't be surprised if we get dumped in the Nation's capital.

Who knows Dru Brown's weaknsses better than our D?

[theaardvark]

Clercius was the in game replacement for Lawler... wouldn't be an awful replacement for him long term.  The we'd be starting 11 Nats...

[Pigskin]

Good day at practice.#88 Wheatfall is a big WR with good speed. Made a great shoe top catch at the goal line.

Full practice for AB4. Doesn't look like he's 100% yet. Still has a slight limp. 

#24 Bonds taking most of the PR reps.

#19 Wilson at MLB on a few D set.

#17 Strev. threw a few nice ball

#25 Chris-Ike with a lot of work at RB today.

KL89 doing one handed push ups.

BO2: Did some push ups, but other then that nothing. Not even a light jog. 

JP7: Sat on the bench most of the practice. Has a medium size bandage on his knee. Not moving very well.

[Blue In BC]

Clercius was the in game replacement for Lawler... wouldn't be an awful replacement for him long term.  The we'd be starting 11 Nats...

He caught 2 passes for 16 yards. Not exactly a good sample size.

[Blueforlife]

Party

[Jesse]

He caught 2 passes for 16 yards. Not exactly a good sample size.

Yeah, starting a rookie draft pick would be an awful replacement. No offence to the kid, but if we can't recruit someone more impactful, it's a fail on scouting and coaching.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Yeah, starting a rookie draft pick would be an awful replacement. No offence to the kid, but if we can't recruit someone more impactful, it's a fail on scouting and coaching.

Or it just shows how good the Bomber's are at evaluating talent.

[theaardvark]

He caught 2 passes for 16 yards. Not exactly a good sample size.

2 of 3 of 16 yards...

And Kenny was 3 of 5 for 26 yards...

[blue_gold_84]

2 of 3 of 16 yards...

And Kenny was 3 of 5 for 26 yards...

And got injured in the second quarter.

C'mon, man.

[theaardvark]

And got injured in the second quarter.

C'mon, man.

Late in the second quarter...

So, basically both played a half.

[Blue In BC]

2 of 3 of 16 yards...

And Kenny was 3 of 5 for 26 yards...

Lawler is 218 of 337 for 3472 yards career. Comparing him to Clercius at the moment is beyond a silly suggestion.

[Blue In BC]

Redblacks sign Winston Rose to their PR.

[blue_gold_84]

Late in the second quarter...

So, basically both played a half.

Still a ridiculous and useless comparison - and I think you know as much.

Again: c'mon, man.

[Jesse]

Or it just shows how good the Bomber's are at evaluating talent.

If they are so good at evaluating talent, you should be able to find a guy who is better at this moment in time than a raw rookie.

[theaardvark]

Lawler is 218 of 337 for 3472 yards career. Comparing him to Clercius at the moment is beyond a silly suggestion.

Not comparing them or saying that Clercius can carry Lawler's jockstrap based on career so far. 

Just sayin the kid did good coming in to replace our second highest paid player in his first pro game, and that it wouldn't be ridiculous to give him a shot at playing Rec #5 while Kenny is out, to see what he's got.

[Jesse]

Not comparing them or saying that Clercius can carry Lawler's jockstrap based on career so far. 

Just sayin the kid did good coming in to replace our second highest paid player in his first pro game, and that it wouldn't be ridiculous to give him a shot at playing Rec #5 while Kenny is out, to see what he's got.

He is getting his shot by being able to back-up Wolitarsky.

Anything more than that right now is setting him up to fail; and again, would be a fail on our scouting staff.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Not comparing them or saying that Clercius can carry Lawler's jockstrap based on career so far. 

Just sayin the kid did good coming in to replace our second highest paid player in his first pro game, and that it wouldn't be ridiculous to give him a shot at playing Rec #5 while Kenny is out, to see what he's got.

Abbbbbsolutely not. The only reason he is the "in-game" replacement is because the roster rules don't really allow for American backups. Canadians by necessity almost always back up American starters. If we had any one of our American receivers on the PR dressed, they would have gone in.

That's not a debate or a suggestion. It is fact.

[theaardvark]

Call is a greedy pleasure, but I love seeing our draft picks excel, and Canadians in general.  Wolitarsky and Demski start at WR as Nats.  Both of them broke into the starting lineup in their first year.  Not game 2, but still.

Clercius is such an intriguing player to me. I want to see more of him on the field. I know he will get plenty of reps on teams, but I really want to see what he can do in the offence.  Especially with so many other weapons opening up the field for him.

Reading his draft profile, he seems prime for doing the dirty work that Bailey did, which we do not have on the roster right now.  I wonder if Walters drafted him because he fits the O'Shea mould. 

https://3downnation.com/2024/04/07/2024-cfl-draft-profiles-uconn-rec-kevens-clercius-desire-for-dirty-work-sets-him-apart/

[blue_gold_84]

...I love seeing our draft picks excel, and Canadians in general.

Name a CFL fan who doesn't.

That has nothing to do with making sure a young player like Clercius is put in the right situation in order to develop his skills and excel, though.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Abbbbbsolutely not. The only reason he is the "in-game" replacement is because the roster rules don't really allow for American backups. Canadians by necessity almost always back up American starters. If we had any one of our American receivers on the PR dressed, they would have gone in.

That's not a debate or a suggestion. It is fact.

If they play a rookie Import like Wheatfall in Lawler's spot I honestly don't see much advantage over Clercius, he'll probably be just as lost and ineffective. I think Clercius should be groomed to play Bailey's spot anyway, he's got the muscle power to play inside and help out with run blocking.

If production becomes a problem at receiver they might have to call Agudosi off his couch and see if he's interested in coming back.

[blue_gold_84]

If they play a rookie Import like Wheatfall in Lawler's spot...

That sounds like the plan: https://winnipegsun.com/sports/football/cfl/winnipeg-bluebombers/a-lebron-on-the-field-bombers-wheatfall-ready-to-go-crazy

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

That sounds like the plan: https://winnipegsun.com/sports/football/cfl/winnipeg-bluebombers/a-lebron-on-the-field-bombers-wheatfall-ready-to-go-crazy

That's good, they'll quickly figure out whether Wilson or Wheatfall is the better receiver, competing head to head. 

[BBRT]

That's good, they'll quickly figure out whether Wilson or Wheatfall is the better receiver, competing head to head. 

I am sorry but I have to ask about your handle. Does it relate to Bannatyne Street in the Peg? I have been curious for years regarding your handle and finally have the nerve to ask. My handle is easy it is just my initials with an extra "B" for Bombers - I guess I do not have much imagination. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I am sorry but I have to ask about your handle. Does it relate to Bannatyne Street in the Peg? I have been curious for years regarding your handle and finally have the nerve to ask. My handle is easy it is just my initials with an extra "B" for Bombers - I guess I do not have much imagination. 

It is, derived from The Guess Who song, So Long Bannatyne....hello my Chevrier home.

[BomberFan73]

Abbbbbsolutely not. The only reason he is the "in-game" replacement is because the roster rules don't really allow for American backups. Canadians by necessity almost always back up American starters. If we had any one of our American receivers on the PR dressed, they would have gone in.

That's not a debate or a suggestion. It is fact.

Mitchell?  I didn't notice if he took some plays at WR

[Blue In BC]

That's good, they'll quickly figure out whether Wilson or Wheatfall is the better receiver, competing head to head. 

Transactions show Johnson activated not Wheatfall. Did that change?

Still haven't seen the Depth Chart anywhere.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Transactions show Johnson activated not Wheatfall. Did that change?

Still haven't seen the Depth Chart anywhere.

There won't be a depth chart until tomorrow around midday and the Bombers wouldn't make moves prior to that which would telegraph their game day lineup. They'll make the roster adjustments at the same time as they reveal the game day lineup. That's standard. If they made moves today, they were required today for whatever reason. 

[Blue In BC]

There won't be a depth chart until tomorrow around midday and the Bombers wouldn't make moves prior to that which would telegraph their game day lineup. They'll make the roster adjustments at the same time as they reveal the game day lineup. That's standard. If they made moves today, they were required today for whatever reason. 

I find it funny that they would be worried about telegraphing anything. The other teams know Lawler is on the 6 game IR and there are only 2 receivers on the PR. Both are rookies.

Not sure why they would add Johnson to the AR today if they don't plan for him to play.

I'm sure Ottawa will prepare to see Bighill playing but if he doesn't they won't lose sleep over expecting him to play.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

If they play a rookie Import like Wheatfall in Lawler's spot I honestly don't see much advantage over Clercius, he'll probably be just as lost and ineffective. I think Clercius should be groomed to play Bailey's spot anyway, he's got the muscle power to play inside and help out with run blocking.

If production becomes a problem at receiver they might have to call Agudosi off his couch and see if he's interested in coming back.

Clercius was drafted and projects to be a big body possession type receiver who can block. No one is thinking he's going to be a 1000 yard receiver who's going to make a living catching balls routinely 70 yards downfield. Ever.

Now you're suggesting, one game into his career, that he should fill the void of Kenny Lawler who he plays nothing like and in a role that is vastly different than he was drafted for?

That suggestion is just not understanding or appreciating the talent level of the CFL or even what is even fair to Clercius.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I find it funny that they would be worried about telegraphing anything. The other teams know Lawler is on the 6 game IR and there are only 2 receivers on the PR. Both are rookies.

Not sure why they would add Johnson to the AR today if they don't plan for him to play.

I'm sure Ottawa will prepare to see Bighill playing but if he doesn't they won't lose sleep over expecting him to play.

It's not like they're hiding a big secret. It's just a professional team following a best practice for obvious reasons.

Maybe they will play Johnson. But they didn't officially activate him a day early so Walters can have an easier day tomorrow. You follow?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Clercius was drafted and projects to be a big body possession type receiver who can block. No one is thinking he's going to be a 1000 yard receiver who's going to make a living catching balls routinely 70 yards downfield. Ever.

Now you're suggesting, one game into his career, that he should fill the void of Kenny Lawler who he plays nothing like and in a role that is vastly different than he was drafted for?

That suggestion is just not understanding or appreciating the talent level of the CFL or even what is even fair to Clercius.

Oh, I'm sorry I meant to say Clercius should be groomed to replace Bailey and Wilson, Wheatfall and Johnson can fight for Lawlers job.

[kkc60]

It's not like they're hiding a big secret. It's just a professional team following a best practice for obvious reasons.

Maybe they will play Johnson. But they didn't officially activate him a day early so Walters can have an easier day tomorrow. You follow?

Maybe Johnson for Wilson, Wheatfall for Lawler?

[Blue In BC]

Maybe Johnson for Wilson, Wheatfall for Lawler?

Anything is possible except for CFL.CA transaction pages being accurate. Johnson was shown on the AR all last week even though he had been moved to PR. Lawler still shows on AR although he's been moved to IR. I know movement to IR usually happens the day before but nothing seems in sync.  How hard can it be to have rosters, IR and PR matching to reality.

Johnson might be in for Wilson, but then you'd think they'd transact Wilson to PR at the same time.

Makes the new depth chart always interesting each week.  More interested to see what happens with Bighill and / or the new LB's signed this week. Even though it's a short week, changes to ST's can be done quickly.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Call is a greedy pleasure, but I love seeing our draft picks excel, and Canadians in general.  Wolitarsky and Demski start at WR as Nats.  Both of them broke into the starting lineup in their first year.  Not game 2, but still.

Clercius is such an intriguing player to me. I want to see more of him on the field. I know he will get plenty of reps on teams, but I really want to see what he can do in the offence.  Especially with so many other weapons opening up the field for him.

Reading his draft profile, he seems prime for doing the dirty work that Bailey did, which we do not have on the roster right now.  I wonder if Walters drafted him because he fits the O'Shea mould. 

https://3downnation.com/2024/04/07/2024-cfl-draft-profiles-uconn-rec-kevens-clercius-desire-for-dirty-work-sets-him-apart/

Not greedy at all.  As a Canadian it's great to see Canadians succeed in the CFL.

[CrazyCanuck89]

If they are so good at evaluating talent, you should be able to find a guy who is better at this moment in time than a raw rookie.

You have to stop miss using the word raw.  Not every is raw.  How long has Clercius been playing football?

[Blue In BC]

Not greedy at all.  As a Canadian it's great to see Canadians succeed in the CFL.

I think we all like to see rookie and or depth Canadians get game reps when situations allow. Clercius looks to have talent but reps in practice and in game are important in the development curve.

That said, I felt the same way about O'Leary-Orange and will continue to watch him develop out east.

[Jesse]

You have to stop miss using the word raw.  Not every is raw.  How long has Clercius been playing football?

How many professional football players has he played against in that time? When we scout players, they're coming in from NFL camps, and from universities that produce NFL and CFL players. They're often a few years older.

This is not a talent issue. I'm not taking shots at Clercius. He just at a different point in his career than the guy we need on the field right now.

[CrazyCanuck89]

How many professional football players has he played against in that time? When we scout players, they're coming in from NFL camps, and from universities that produce NFL and CFL players. They're often a few years older.

This is not a talent issue. I'm not taking shots at Clercius. He just at a different point in his career than the guy we need on the field right now.

Raw is for a person like Brubacher.  Only started playing football in University, has athletic talent but needs to work on technique.

If you played highschool football, you aren't.

[CrazyCanuck89]

I think we all like to see rookie and or depth Canadians get game reps when situations allow. Clercius looks to have talent but reps in practice and in game are important in the development curve.

That said, I felt the same way about O'Leary-Orange and will continue to watch him develop out east.

So a an American rookie can come in here and start right away and yourself be fine with it?

[Blue In BC]

So a an American rookie can come in here and start right away and yourself be fine with it?

Absolutely. Simple matter of supply / demand with American college competition greater than in Canada.

[Jesse]

So a an American rookie can come in here and start right away and yourself be fine with it?

I would expect a 26 year old coming off 3 years of NFL experience to beat out a 22 year old out of CIS in most cases, yes.

If we can't find a guy that is more professionally ready at this point in Clercius' career, it is a failure of our scouting staff.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Absolutely. Simple matter of supply / demand with American college competition greater than in Canada.

Even though Clercius went to a DIV 1 school and had a better career than most?

[CrazyCanuck89]

I would expect a 26 year old coming off 3 years of NFL experience to beat out a 22 year old out of CIS in most cases, yes.

If we can't find a guy that is more professionally ready at this point in Clercius' career, it is a failure of our scouting staff.

We're not talking about guys who toiled around the NFL.  Many Yanks come in fresh out of college.

[Blue In BC]

Even though Clercius went to a DIV 1 school and had a better career than most?

Still yes.  Still supply and demand in that larger US pool of players.

I'll be happy if he gets a couple of passes, breaks 5 tackles and scores 2 long TD's. That said, I don't think that's his role yet.

[TecnoGenius]

Redblacks sing Winston Rose to their PR.

That is interesting... I thought he retired?  I guess he was still waiting for a phone call.  I might have started up the "OTT wants our D plan" schtick again, except a) 2 days isn't enough, and b) last year's plan is pretty useless now that Younger is da man.

I've always been a huge Rose fan, but it's clear he's reached the end.  2023 was a bad year for him, and even in the playoffs he didn't up his game.  It's not his fault, DBs just get old fast.  (Love ya Rose!)

This could be plan B for OTT if their weak cast of DBs poop the bed.

Hopefully Rose will be on the sidelines for Strevie and the guys to chat with.  They seemed to get really close in that 2019 season.