Winnipeg @ Toronto pre-game

[GOLDMEMBER]

DL is long over due for a real dominant game.

[Blue In BC]

I read a couple of interesting things. Novak might not be able to play. He's been good on ST's and it was suggested that either Canadian DB Ball or global Bailey would be the possible replacements.

The other comment was that Vaval was getting some reps at the # 1 spot at CB. It doesn't necessarily mean a definitive statement that he starts there but it's the 1st time I've heard that from any practice.

[Blueforlife]

I read a couple of interesting things. Novak might not be able to play. He's been good on ST's and it was suggested that either Canadian DB Ball or global Bailey would be the possible replacements.

The other comment was that Vaval was getting some reps at the # 1 spot at CB. It doesn't necessarily mean a definitive statement that he starts there but it's the 1st time I've heard that from any practice.

Vaval in a year will likely be a big part of our club, his ST could land him a chance to rotate on D.  Ball I only know the name.  Novak is a good utility guy.

[Blue In BC]

Vaval in a year will likely be a big part of our club, his ST could land him a chance to rotate on D.  Ball I only know the name.  Novak is a good utility guy.

Vaval had a good pre season. If we didn't have Bridges as a holdover from 2024, then he might have been a front runner at CB. However, that doesn't quite fit MOS strategies where he goes with the player that has served his dues.

Bridges has been prone to biting on some 1st moves. He has to clean that up or may be seeing the bench soon. He does have some ability and the leash might be tightening somewhat.

That's not the worst idea and there is no proof that Vaval would have been a better CB than Bridges. It's a lot to expect for even the 2nd year player not to make some mistakes. To a large degree that can be handled by coaching.

But he might start to get some opportunities on defence as well. We're thin in the secondary because of injuries and it might help keeping them fresher and create some different looks on defence.

Ball was a 6th round draft pick and I don't know much about him. He was originally a receiver that converted over to DB. That suggests some athleticism, although raw. He should have the speed and tackling ability to play ST's.

[Blueforlife]

Vaval had a good pre season. If we didn't have Bridges as a holdover from 2024, then he might have been a front runner at CB. However, that doesn't quite fit MOS strategies where he goes with the player that has served his dues.

Bridges has been prone to biting on some 1st moves. He has to clean that up or may be seeing the bench soon. He does have some ability and the leash might be tightening somewhat.

That's not the worst idea and there is no proof that Vaval would have been a better CB than Bridges. It's a lot to expect for even the 2nd year player not to make some mistakes. To a large degree that can be handled by coaching.

But he might start to get some opportunities on defence as well. We're thin in the secondary because of injuries and it might help keeping them fresher and create some different looks on defence.

Ball was a 6th round draft pick and I don't know much about him. He was originally a receiver that converted over to DB. That suggests some athleticism, although raw. He should have the speed and tackling ability to play ST's.

I think Bridges will come around.  Vaval better served slow roasted.  Hopefully Ball can make the transition.

[TecnoGenius]

The other comment was that Vaval was getting some reps at the # 1 spot at CB.

Can anyone be worse than Bridges?  It can't hurt to try Vaval.  Heck, Bond is getting burnt sometimes too.  But Bridges is clearly the target for smart OCs.

Isn't Houston still unsigned...?  Don't we still have $400k extra SMS just sitting there??

[TecnoGenius]

I'd be SHOCKED if we see Kelly this week and maybe not next week either.

Ya, but TOR is already done 1/3rd of their season, with only 1 win to show for it.  They risk not only not finishing first, but losing out to a crossover team.  They need Kelly back so they can go back to being an .800 team.

[TecnoGenius]

Clercius is an excellent blocker

There's 1.  How about the other 4...

[TecnoGenius]

I saw a play from a few years ago.... Receiver blocking was impressive. Current  guys.... Nope.

Darvin Adams was the best blocker IMHO, then Bailey.  Darvin would get in D's heads and mess with them to no end.

I'm not sure we have any trashtalker anymore.

[Blue In BC]

Can anyone be worse than Bridges?  It can't hurt to try Vaval.  Heck, Bond is getting burnt sometimes too.  But Bridges is clearly the target for smart OCs.

Isn't Houston still unsigned...?  Don't we still have $400k extra SMS just sitting there??

Yes someone could be worse than Bridges.

I'm trying to remember who beat Bridges in both games and it might have been Alford? Just thinking there was not much film on him as a rookie and he's been very good as a rookie. Does that " newness " influence a 1st year starter in Bridges?

Maybe and it's not the best excuse.  I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that he'll have learned something over the last 2 weeks.

There is also a coaching strategy at play here since QB's are throwing mostly outside. That's ok if we don't keep jumping routes and learn to tackle better. Our inside secondary are very good and they will look outside by their design and our game plan on defence.

Check back after Saturday and see if we've learned something and adjusted our play.

[Stats Junkie]

Vaval DNP today, opportunity to let Case handle the returns and bring on a different NI, Ayers is not playing enough snaps at this point to warrant a roster spot. maybe time to bring on Mitchell, Allen, J. Jones, Person or Bailey to see if any of them can add a spark.

Interesting that Vaval showed as 'DNP' for Tuesday's practice on the Tuesday injury report. On the Wednesday injury report, Vaval shows as a 'Full' participant for both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Some notes from today

@DTonOB
Day 2 of Bombers practice: still no Stanley Bryant and LB/ST Lane Novak.
If Novak can't go I would think that rookie DB Ethan Ball would be in line for his CFL debut.

D and O look the same as yesterday. Zach Collaros has taken all the starter reps that you'd expect.


@jfreysam
#Bombers REC Dalton Schoen rocking a brace on that left knee at practice today.
First time I've seen that.
LT STanley Bryant, RB Peyton Logan and LS Mike Benson still not practising.

[ModAdmin]

[GOLDMEMBER]

Schoen with a brace now is not good news.

[Jesse]

Ok, seriously. What is up with Logan?

Is he done for the season? We could really use him.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Ok, seriously. What is up with Logan?

Is he done for the season? We could really use him.

It's a bit of an odd injury. Really severe thigh can take months to heal though so it's sort of what it's looking like.