Toronto @ Winnipeg Pregame

[Pigskin]

The Bombers have a lot to deal with this week. A few players coming off the 6 game. ZC8 has turned into a Int machine. OL only gave up 1 sack, but things need to improve. Lofton and SB, would help. Penalties, and turnovers are big issues.

[BomberFan73]

For me, start with the easy stuff - penalties.  Like how is this all of a sudden a problem?  We've been the least penalized team the past 5 years for a reason.  How did we all of a sudden lose that?

Fix that and the rest are easier to fix. I still have hope we'll get a win at home next week.

[Pete]

Its time to realize status quo is no longer a viable strategy
The past few years weve been trying to maintain vs improving.
Whats the saying"if your not moving forward your moving backwards" this  team embodies that

Or as Will Rogers, said "even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there"
 Well we've just been run over three times.

[Pigskin]

For me, start with the easy stuff - penalties.  Like how is this all of a sudden a problem?  We've been the least penalized team the past 5 years for a reason.  How did we all of a sudden lose that?

Fix that and the rest are easier to fix. I still have hope we'll get a win at home next week.

Agree, when a vet like Cad are taking penalties on returns it hurts this team.

[Pigskin]

Its time to realize status quo is no longer a viable strategy
The past few years weve been trying to maintain vs improving.
Whats the saying"if your not moving forward your moving backwards" this  team embodies that

Or as Will Rogers, said "even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there"
 Well we've just been run over three times.

Changes need to made. D looked better once Vaughter moved inside and Person and Willy at DE. Also, Vaval replacing Bridges was a good move. 

[Blueforlife]

Hopefully Vaval ok and no other major injuries
Need to get our OL healthy and improved and a lot will get better as a result
Didn't know they moved Vaughters inside, but no I remember a nice rush up the gut
Person made and impact and will continue his rise likely
Case gone means an addition on offence, I would like to see Cobb
Anyone notice if Ball got reps?
I don't anticipate that many changes, just additions from healthy folks returning (hope)

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

For me, start with the easy stuff - penalties.  Like how is this all of a sudden a problem?  We've been the least penalized team the past 5 years for a reason.  How did we all of a sudden lose that?

Fix that and the rest are easier to fix. I still have hope we'll get a win at home next week.

The absence of Bighill might be one reason for the increase in penalties, he may have been like the warden constantly reminding players not to cross the line and control their emotions. He would have been respected for his work ethic and his closer ties to the coaching staff than any other player on the team.

On the other hand the penalties the Bombers are taking recently are mostly game related mistakes and not malicious. Willie may be his own problem, he seems to be experiencing some frustration he can't properly express.

[bwiser]

Changes need to made. D looked better once Vaughter moved inside and Person and Willy at DE. Also, Vaval replacing Bridges was a good move. 

If the Bombers move on from Bridges I would have no problem with that. He is the weak link in a weak secondary. Parker has been mostly ineffective at safety. Maybe its time to approach Alexander about ending his retirement and putting him at safety and moving Parker to Bridges spot.

[BomberFan73]

The absence of Bighill might be one reason for the increase in penalties, he may have been like the warden constantly reminding players not to cross the line and control their emotions. He would have been respected for his work ethic and his closer ties to the coaching staff than any other player on the team.

On the other hand the penalties the Bombers are taking recently are mostly game related mistakes and not malicious. Willie may be his own problem, he seems to be experiencing some frustration he can't properly express.

I agree with the thought on Bighill.  Alexander as well.

[The Zipp]

penalties happen when you are getting beat mentally and physically.  we aren't the punchers in the mouth anymore - we are getting punched and when you are the weaker opponent you look to even the field by going outside the rules - you may not even consciously decide in the moment you are goin to do it - you just do it cause you are still competitive and trying, you just can't match the opponent. 

the teams with the pooer records generally are the most penalized team - it's a viscous circle and we are in it.

it's a talent problem.  we aren't the stronger, faster team anymore - that belongs to Calgary. we are older and slower and then you have to hold, you take some bad penalties cause you are frustrated. 

there is no magic pill to get faster and stronger - experience can fill the gap but when you have lost it...it's gone. then layer in the younger guys who may be faster but a 5'8" DB has to be really, really faster to make up the size difference.

it hurts to see our favorite team decline - we aren't dominating anymore and apart from us Winnipeg fans the rest of the league is celebrating. 

[GOLDMEMBER]

Wade and management need to wake up. It is not going to work with the status quo in the year we are hosting the GC!

Miller must be quaking in his boots.

Do something Walters this assembled team looks in tatters in all 3 phases!

[kkc60]

Agree, when a vet like Cad are taking penalties on returns it hurts this team.

or a vet like Jefferson is jumping offsides

[Stats Junkie]

For me, start with the easy stuff - penalties.  Like how is this all of a sudden a problem?  We've been the least penalized team the past 5 years for a reason.  How did we all of a sudden lose that?

Fix that and the rest are easier to fix. I still have hope we'll get a win at home next week.

Including last night's game, Winnipeg is the least penalized CFL team in 2025.

Top 3
WPG - 6.33 penalties per game
MTL - 6.42 penalties per game
CGY - 6.57 penalties per game

Just like 2024, Winnipeg opponents have learned to play disciplined football against the Blue Bombers. Fewest penalties drawn:

Bottom 3
WPG - 5.67 penalties per game
OTT - 5.71 penalties per game
HAM - 6.67 penalties per game

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

or a vet like Jefferson is jumping offsides

In other seasons that was normal for Willie, it happened almost every game, just trying to get a jump on the play.

[kkc60]

If the Bombers move on from Bridges I would have no problem with that. He is the weak link in a weak secondary. Parker has been mostly ineffective at safety. Maybe its time to approach Alexander about ending his retirement and putting him at safety and moving Parker to Bridges spot.

or play Allen. It can't get worse, and Parker was pretty good at corner. Not sure the Bombers will do it (they will push a square into a round hole as long as possible) but that would be an example of two guys playing in their appropriate roles as opposed to whatever this is right now