coaching

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The back breaker plays for me was the Strev pick six and then the defense lining up leaving the WR open at the 5 yd line. Why didn't Holm run offside and kill the play?? He knew he was outmanned before the ball was even snapped, yet we went ahead with the play. That tells me players and coaches aren't focussed and in the game. Teams in High School pull that stunt when there's a blown alignment before the snap, especially at the goal line!!

Last person you should blame is Holm, he takes an offside penalty and they move the ball to the one yd. line, that ensures a TD.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Lol - let's accuse the best defender we have on the team by a good amount of 'not being focused'. Umm, no. If we had 3 more Evan Holms we'd be undefeated.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Who's defending him or his play?

I'd gladly defend Jake Thomas on his play every game, I think he completes his assignments 90% of plays, he drives O-linemen back into the pocket as consistently as any other DT on the team. If this was no longer the case I believe the coaching staff would not hesitate to replace him in the lineup as they have a number of available options.

DT is a thankless job, they have to fight humans 50-100 lbs. heavier than they are, who often double up in their effort to defend the QB. Old school DT's job is not to slip past these behemoths to chase the QB, but to physically tangle them up so they can't create holes in the defence. Making tackles are rather difficult when a 300+ lb O-lineman has a death grip on your jersey.

I'm no football expert but I watch every game twice win or lose, first I watch the ball, the second I watch the line play and opposition players. He may not be quick but I believe Jake has a naturally strong core much like the shot putter or power lifter, neither of which has the look of a great athlete but have enormous strength.  I listen to the pre-game shows every week and I've never heard Doug Brown or any other football professional ever criticize Jake Thomas for his performance. Jake is a convenient target for frustration, but really a minor actor in the total outcome of games. 

[Jesse]

I'd gladly defend Jake Thomas on his play every game, I think he completes his assignments 90% of plays, he drives O-linemen back into the pocket as consistently as any other DT on the team. If this was no longer the case I believe the coaching staff would not hesitate to replace him in the lineup as they have a number of available options.

DT is a thankless job, they have to fight humans 50-100 lbs. heavier than they are, who often double up in their effort to defend the QB. Old school DT's job is not to slip past these behemoths to chase the QB, but to physically tangle them up so they can't create holes in the defence. Making tackles are rather difficult when a 300+ lb O-lineman has a death grip on your jersey.

I'm no football expert but I watch every game twice win or lose, first I watch the ball, the second I watch the line play and opposition players. He may not be quick but I believe Jake has a naturally strong core much like the shot putter or power lifter, neither of which has the look of a great athlete but have enormous strength.  I listen to the pre-game shows every week and I've never heard Doug Brown or any other football professional ever criticize Jake Thomas for his performance. Jake is a convenient target for frustration, but really a minor actor in the total outcome of games. 

In Jake Thomas' best years, he gets around 20 tackles per year. This is the sold but not spectacular player that people defend. Last year was his career high at 23, as he played more snaps than necessary is desired, so got a few more tackles out of the deal.

In a poor Jake Thomas season, he gets 15ish. That's when people start asking what he's even doing out there.

This season he on pace for around 7 tackles. For the whole season. Say whatever you want about pushing the pile, he's being effective right now. Even if your standard is simply what he's always given us.

[Blue In BC]

Who's defending him or his play?

Blueforlife   And apparently TLB ( see above )

[dd]

Last person you should blame is Holm, he takes an offside penalty and they move the ball to the one yd. line, that ensures a TD.

That's the lesser of 2 evils. Leave a WR uncovered at the 5 yd line and its a pitch and catch TD, just like what happened. Easiest TD that guy will ever get. Go offside, you get a chance to at least line up in proper formation, 2.5 yds closer to your end zone, but we've made goal line stands before.

I am not picking on Evan Holm, in fact, he is by far, my favourite Bomber, no one else is even close. He flies around and makes plays and brings the hammer while doing it. My point is, when someone of his caliber doesn't recognize the severity of the situation, he is either tuned out of the game, or not properly coached.

[Pete]

we keep making excuses for our defensive line, JT doesn't need sacks he fills the gaps, Willies role has changed to keep contain, etc What it boils down to is that they aren't good enough and we haven't done nearly enough to fix this.
The argos, The stamps both switched out their entire dlines and are both better than us.
If your going to say JT isn't a issue than what is? (or do you feel that were fine.) We're also last in tackles for loss,

team sacks
mtl 15
Tor  14
sask  13
bc 11
cal 9
ham   9
ott 9
wpg 6
edm 3

[Blueforlife]

Continue?

Jake Thomas - 5 games played. 2 DTs.

He's easy to pick on (and people shouldn't) -- I think we owed it to him to keep with him until he can't. But it's also fair to say we might have reached 'can't.' 2024 was a major regression from 2023 and it appears it's continued. I don't blame the Bombers for wanting to keep as many pieces of that core. But at some point...

Yes I believe he provides value and will continue to contribute as a depth rotational Canadian

It's not though.

For me it is at this stage of his career and at Lawson's stage of development and factoring in coming off his injury

This approach indicates members of the fanbase know more about personnel evaluation than the team's coaching staff, which is a delusional concept to begin with.  Are you prepared to debate Jordan Younger on the merits of Jake Thomas?  What facts can you actually bring to the discussion, other then random observations made from the 27th row?

Agree all, more behind Thomas remaining and our lineup decisions than people make it out to be
Arm chair QBs never throw ints lol

thats the whole purpose of this forum so that we couch coaches and gms can vent. If I went to younger and said it would have been smarter to go after Greene to replace Ford than add another lb in the off season would he agree who knows. All I can go by is my experience as 30 year+ fan of the game. And yes I would debate him in terms of adding another option at tackle is a good idea.
I don't think he has a lot of choice in playing Thomas cause the alternatives aren't much better, also likely why we resort to three man fronts too much

Three man fronts are league wide trend, been that way for a bit

The defense as a whole is a responsible for that, not just a single player on the D-line.

The same way the offense as a whole is responsible for their part in the loss on Friday. Singling out players isn't productive and undermines the complexity of a team sport such as football.

I won't speak on behalf of TLB, but I don't think that's the implication.

My interpretation of what he posted is that coaches generally know better than fans - for pretty obvious reasons.

Agree all x2, we win and lose as a team, the Bombers have been great due to the sum of the parts and incredible team culture, not individual achievements, Thomas is part of the puzzle, not a corner piece and a pretty easy one to place early but still continues to the entire picture 😉

You're saying coaches are infallible and don't make mistakes and can never lose?

Stretching here imo

I obviously went too far, but we see this argument all the time. We criticize certain decisions and some posters attack saying, "coaches know better". Obviously different coaches make different decisions and some are simply mistakes.

We have a pretty accomplished group of coaches that have proven to be right more than wrong

The interior of the DL is responsible for giving up 130 yards rushing. Thomas is responsible for RB's running by him and getting washed out by the OL. He's responsible for only having 2 DT's in 5 games.

Yes the rest of the DL has not played well but there is no pressure from the inside players. Those are the ones that should be making DT's when RB's are running up the gut.  If they aren't getting to the QB, which they aren't then we shouldn't be seeing the LB's making the tackles 5 - 8 yards downfield as a result.

Defending the play of Thomas is questionable at best. He's a non factor.

Defending the run comes down to play calling and a team effort between the DL and LBs.  DL needs to be better.  Need to shore up our run D.  Thomas is good against the run imo.  No pressure from the interior isn't true.  Limited pressure would be more accurate imo.  All the runs we gave up are not just through the interior of the defence.

He's a total non factor, but a fan sentimental favourite--why I'll never know. You can either make plays and contribute, or not, and he is sadly in the 'or not' category. He's done well to make a career of the limited skill set he has, but it was time last season to hang em up, this season is embarassing.

Understating what Thomas has done over a long term with us.  Calling him embarrassing doesn't show him any respect.  I don't believe you would say that to him in person and believe that tone shouldn't be presented here.

Thomas is at the end of a good career as a good depth rotational DL.  End is near but not now.  If he was done he wouldn't be getting the reps he does.  He also backups the OL.  I and other fans will be proud of him when he retires.  His longevity and ability to stay healthy is very rare.

[Blue In BC]

Yes I believe he provides value and will continue to contribute as a depth rotational Canadian For me it is at this stage of his career and at Lawson's stage of development and factoring in coming off his injuryAgree all, more behind Thomas remaining and our lineup decisions than people make it out to be
Arm chair QBs never throw ints lolThree man fronts are league wide trend, been that way for a bitAgree all x2, we win and lose as a team, the Bombers have been great due to the sum of the parts and incredible team culture, not individual achievements, Thomas is part of the puzzle, not a corner piece and a pretty easy one to place early but still continues to the entire picture 😉 Stretching here imoWe have a pretty accomplished group of coaches that have proven to be right more than wrong Defending the run comes down to play calling and a team effort between the DL and LBs.  DL needs to be better.  Need to shore up our run D.  Thomas is good against the run imo.  No pressure from the interior isn't true.  Limited pressure would be more accurate imo.  All the runs we gave up are not just through the interior of the defence.Understating what Thomas has done over a long term with us.  Calling him embarrassing doesn't show him any respect.  I don't believe you would say that to him in person and believe that tone shouldn't be presented here.

Thomas is at the end of a good career as a good depth rotational DL.  End is near but not now.  If he was done he wouldn't be getting the reps he does.  He also backups the OL.  I and other fans will be proud of him when he retires.  His longevity and ability to stay healthy is very rare.

Delusional even when you're seeing it with your own eyes. The scouting, drafting or free agency could have resolved this. Limited pressure is another way of saying we aren't playing well. If he's filling gaps he'd be making tackles on the RB.

He's only the best option because we failed in all those aspects. There were many good DT's available in free agency

[dd]

Delusional even when you're seeing it with your own eyes. The scouting, drafting or free agency could have resolved this. Limited pressure is another way of saying we aren't playing well. If he's filling gaps he'd be making tackles on the RB.

He's only the best option because we failed in all those aspects. There were many good DT's available in free agency

Totally delusional!!

[Blueforlife]

Delusional even when you're seeing it with your own eyes. The scouting, drafting or free agency could have resolved this. Limited pressure is another way of saying we aren't playing well. If he's filling gaps he'd be making tackles on the RB.

He's only the best option because we failed in all those aspects. There were many good DT's available in free agency

Thomas is playing at a level close to Lawson.  Never said our DL was great.  Defending Thomas as I think he is still a decent Canadian rotational DL that we should keep as we figure out what Lawson is.  Yes we could have drafted or brought in more talent but we didn't.  Lots of factors why, SMS a leading one imo.  Far from our biggest issue.  Need more pressure from the unit as a group.  A Canadian on the DL at a good price.  Can't expect the world at this stage of his career.

Calling someone delusional shows a a lack of respect for me and this forum.  It's not about me, we are here to debate the Bombers and all opinions and debating is welcome.

There is no reason for us to continue debating Thomas, we did that already, there is a topic about it.  We both stated our opinions, agree to disagree.  Time to move on.  I love a debate on here, we can all do without the personal attacks please.  Some still support Thomas on here, a small group is against him and most are meh...imo

I believe our DL will improve throughout the year and Woods will help in that regard.  Lawson will get better hopefully and we can rest Fatboi for a final push to the cup baby.

[Blue In BC]

Thomas is playing at a level close to Lawson.  Never said our DL was great.  Defending a Thomas as I think he is still a decent Canadian rotational DL that we should keep as we figure out what Thomas was.  Yes we could have drafted or brought in more talent but we didn't.  Far from our biggest issue.  Need more pressure from the unit as a group.  A Canadian on the DL at a good price.  Can't expect the world.

Calling someone delusional shows a a lack of respect for me and this forum.  It's not about me, we are here to debate the Bombers and all opinions and debating is welcome.

I'm calling a spade a spade. I'd also mention that Thomas is the primary Canadian starter at DT and not the rotational DT. Lawson might be starting to get more reps but that's uncertain. He's coming off a season ending injury and Thomas is not. He's completely healthy.

Our DL on defence is our biggest issue on defence. It was posted that we're 2nd last in team sacks and last in TFL.

Opinions are welcome that are based on reality not emotion. I've mentioned this to you before. You're just hung up on his longevity and hard working attitude. The rest of us are forming opinions on results in a descending trend.

We also had the option of retaining Fox. He has 9 DT's so far. Yes he's an import but we had the option of going with 2 import DT's going into the season. Oliveria getting hurt game one may have changed that, but in TC that would have been an option.

Bombers let him go to free agency and sign in Hamilton. Woods got hurt in TC and we didn't keep anyone that we had in TC even if only on the PR.

Our DL is not even middle of the road. We're probably 7th at the moment. Middle of the road would be a steep improvement. We'll see how they fare against the bottom feeding Argos. If the Argos control the LOS, then heads should roll.

[Blueforlife]

I'm calling a spade a spade. I'd also mention that Thomas is the primary Canadian starter at DT and not the rotational DT. Lawson might be starting to get more reps but that's uncertain. He's coming off a season ending injury and Thomas is not. He's completely healthy.

Our DL on defence is our biggest issue on defence. It was posted that we're 2nd last in team sacks and last in TFL.

Opinions are welcome that are based on reality not emotion. I've mentioned this to you before. You're just hung up on his longevity and hard working attitude. The rest of us are forming opinions on results in a descending trend.

We also had the option of retaining Fox. He has 9 DT's so far. Yes he's an import but we had the option of going with 2 import DT's going into the season. Oliveria getting hurt game one may have changed that, but in TC that would have been an option.

Bombers let him go to free agency and sign in Hamilton. Woods got hurt in TC and we didn't keep anyone that we had in TC even if only on the PR.

Our DL is not even middle of the road. We're probably 7th at the moment. Middle of the road would be a steep improvement. We'll see how they fare against the bottom feeding Argos. If the Argos control the LOS, then heads should roll.

Not everyone shares your view.  You are posting your opinion.  You make it sound like fact.  Yes I would have tried to keep Fox, Garbutt and Haba, can't keep em all.  Fox has looked good.  Likely couldn't afford those guys or went a different way.  Yes we needed Cdn depth behind Thomas and Lawson but easy to fix as needed.  Woods will be worth the wait, injuries happen.  No heads will roll regardless of outcome Sat.  I'm not posting based on emotion, that argument holds zero weight.  We rotate everyone on the DL, by the end of the year Thomas will likely have less reps than Lawson, already close and Lawson played less.  I see Thomas as a rotational piece.  Always has been for the most part.  Agree on the DL, it needs work.  Focusing on Thomas isn't our biggest issue imo.  Others can step up and improve and we will be middle of the pack by years end imo.  If healthy.

I think we can get more pressure, Bridges will slowly rebound and our depth at LB will help our D recover from a couple of terrible outing.  Too early to state what we are, by labour day we will know.

Yes all about controlling the LOS.

[Blue In BC]

Not everyone shares your view.  You are posting your opinion.  Yes I would have tried to keep Fox, Garbutt and Haba, can't keep em all.  Fox has looked good.  Likely couldn't afford those guys or went a different way.  Yes we needed Cdn depth behind Thomas and Lawson but easy to fix as needed.  Woods will be worth the wait, injuries happen.  No heads will roll regardless of outcome Sat.  I'm not posting based on emotion, that argument holds zero weight.  We rotate everyone on the DL, by the end of the year Thomas will likely have less reps than Lawson, already close and Lawson played less.  I see Thomas as a rotational piece.  Always has been for the most part.  Agree on the DL, it needs work.  Focusing on Thomas isn't our biggest issue imo.  Others can step up and improve and we will be middle of the pack by years end imo.  If healthy.

I think we can get more pressure, Bridges will slowly rebound and our depth at LB will help our D recover from a couple of terrible outing.  Too early to state what we are, by labour day we will know.

A bunch of us are posting hard facts in stats. Stats are the result of performance.  Those are not opinions. How many times do you need to see Thomas with his arm outstretched and not being able to bring or even slow down a RB?

Another hard fact is that we knew going into 2025 that we had to improve our DL substantially. We choose to re-sign Thomas and let Fox go among others.

Since this topic is about coaching that is the basis of the complaint as much as it is about Thomas. In re-signing him, it was guaranteed he'd be starting, even before TC started.

See problem. Fix problem. Not even close. Walters had options in free agency. O'Shea had options in selecting the final roster or even approving re-signing Thomas.

Yes Vaughters was a decent signing but if there was any competition in TC, it's long gone all across the DL.

Knowing that Lawson might take awhile to get up to speed, may have made sense to re-sign Thomas as a back up plan per se. However, there should have been a focus looking at potential upgrades in free agency.

Instead we chose to sign Mitchell for $165K and let him sit on the 1 game IR so far this season. I think it's safe to say that we could have signed a pretty good Canadian elsewhere on the roster. J. Jones was signed for $124K. While both are good players and may be needed, I'd call that poor judgment assembling our roster.

We lost 2 starting Canadians and did nothing to improve that impact to the ratio.

[Blueforlife]

A bunch of us are posting hard facts in stats. Stats are the result of performance.  Those are not opinions. How many times do you need to see Thomas with his arm outstretched and not being able to bring or even slow down a RB?

Another hard fact is that we knew going into 2025 that we had to improve our DL substantially. We choose to re-sign Thomas and let Fox go among others.

Since this topic is about coaching that is the basis of the complaint as much as it is about Thomas. In re-signing him, it was guaranteed he'd be starting, even before TC started.

See problem. Fix problem. Not even close. Walters had options in free agency. O'Shea had options in selecting the final roster or even approving re-signing Thomas.

Yes Vaughters was a decent signing but if there was any competition in TC, it's long gone all across the DL.

Knowing that Lawson might take awhile to get up to speed, may have made sense to re-sign Thomas as a back up plan per se. However, there should have been a focus looking at potential upgrades in free agency.

Instead we chose to sign Mitchell for $165K and let him sit on the 1 game IR so far this season. I think it's safe to say that we could have signed a pretty good Canadian elsewhere on the roster. J. Jones was signed for $124K. While both are good players and may be needed, I'd call that poor judgment assembling our roster.

We lost 2 starting Canadians and did nothing to improve that impact to the ratio.

Stats don't tell the entire story.  A few us have pointed that out.  You post as your narrative is the only valid one.  I believe we made reasonable decisions with our roster with a few holes to fill or shore up in order.
OL (always key)
DE (I want more pressure)
Corner (Bridges might work out)
Receiver (new guy might be ok?)

I see us figuring it our with the faces we have and if we do poorly we can pick some new guys up from NFL cuts, have a face or two return and call back cuts from camp if needed.  I believe we did a good job balancing our SMS. 

Mitchell was a mistake, I would cut him.

J Jones was worth it considering we didn't know Wilson would come back so strong or get injuried.  Amazing depth if we get injuries and we will.  He will earn his cake imo.  Some were playing the Wilson is too slow, old and injury prone tune.  Weird how they tuned out lol.  Our depth at LB will set us up for a very long time.  Pillar of our D imo.

Season is young you post like it's 3/4 done.  Let it simmer, patience has paid off for over half a decade and it will again.  We are a middle of the road team who will peak late if healthy.  Works for me. 

Thomas and Lawson are a good combo platter.