Ottawa @ Winnipeg

[TecnoGenius]

Great points Tecno, well stated.  I don't think we are at risk of an empty stadium even if it is CGY and HAM (that hurt to type that - it won't happen).  Too many tickets are sold already

Oh, I don't think we'll lose money.  We're almost sold out already.  But us not being in it (or worse: hated rivals being in it!) will cost us actual butts-in-seats and all the concession/tchotchke revenue.

What happens is, as soon as we are eliminated a ton of STH will list their tix in the aftermarket.  And if the forecast is cold come the week before GC, then the huge dump will begin.

It's not a dump on WPG fans: this happens in every city, every GC, every fan base.  It's how I score cheap GC tickets year after year (except this year of course)...

[The Zipp]

Oh, I don't think we'll lose money.  We're almost sold out already.  But us not being in it (or worse: hated rivals being in it!) will cost us actual butts-in-seats and all the concession/tchotchke revenue.

What happens is, as soon as we are eliminated a ton of STH will list their tix in the aftermarket.  And if the forecast is cold come the week before GC, then the huge dump will begin.

It's not a dump on WPG fans: this happens in every city, every GC, every fan base.  It's how I score cheap GC tickets year after year (except this year of course)...

if sask is in and Bombers aren't i have a buyer for our GC tickets lined up.  i will attend for any team but sask.  Cant do it. 

[TecnoGenius]

if sask is in and Bombers aren't i have a buyer for our GC tickets lined up.  i will attend for any team but sask.  Cant do it.

Ya, LOL.  I'm actually very curious to see what wins out if SSK is in it:
1) WPG fans dumping their GC tickets
or
2) SSK fans snapping up the cheap GC tickets

Can green fans drive over to the tune of 10,000-15,000?  Probably not.  But it sure would be funny!

I'll go regardless, as I quietly become one of those "go to every cup" guy for some reason.  Heck, I might even cheer for green because if you satiate that hunger, they may be easier to beat next season.  But if CGY is in it?  ABC rules.

[Big Daddy]

Ya, LOL.  I'm actually very curious to see what wins out if SSK is in it:
1) WPG fans dumping their GC tickets
or
2) SSK fans snapping up the cheap GC tickets

Can green fans drive over to the tune of 10,000-15,000?  Probably not.  But it sure would be funny!

I'll go regardless, as I quietly become one of those "go to every cup" guy for some reason.  Heck, I might even cheer for green because if you satiate that hunger, they may be easier to beat next season.  But if CGY is in it?  ABC rules.

Sorry to be that guy that points out discrepancies, but I think you will appreciate this and re-think.  You said you "might even cheer for green", yet your tag, postscript, whatever it's called at the bottom of every post says "Never go full Rider!".

So - no matter what, don't go full rider (I don't capitalize the enemy - kinda like talking about the leafs...).  Cheering for them in the GC is going full.

I'm sure I'll be there as well, unless someone offers me enough to cover my ST's next year to go and my beloved Blue are not there.

[55 Stick Car]

I think it would be a good time to bring back Rasheed Bailey.He was an excellent blocker on run plays and very consistent on catching the ball.

[TecnoGenius]

Sorry to be that guy that points out discrepancies, but I think you will appreciate this and re-think.  You said you "might even cheer for green", yet your tag, postscript, whatever it's called at the bottom of every post says "Never go full Rider!".

Ya, I may feel differently if they have just hosed us in a WDF... I won't commit to cheering for anyone quite yet.  But anything is possible.

I still think we'll be in it, anyhow.   

Thanks for the face slap.   

[TecnoGenius]

I think it would be a good time to bring back Rasheed Bailey.He was an excellent blocker on run plays and very consistent on catching the ball.

Maybe a good idea.  But I'm 99% sure we won't.  Sterns may have more upside as  REC.  Maybe.  Certainly isn't as good a blocker, though.

I still think all the chips have to be put on Pokey.  And Schoen needs to be re-activated and stay healthy.  If both won't/can't come to pass, THEN we have to make some panic moves (couch or trade).  Also, if we had a great OL, nearly any REC would look good and make plays (see: CGY & SSK).

[Jesse]

I don't think anyone sitting on the couch is better than what we have.

I also feel like our receivers would be more successful if Zach was given a little more time in the pocket or if our offence was a little more conducive for some quicker routes and/or screens, much like we did in the first half against Calgary.

[Blue In BC]

I don't think anyone sitting on the couch is better than what we have.

I also feel like our receivers would be more successful if Zach was given a little more time in the pocket or if our offence was a little more conducive for some quicker routes and/or screens, much like we did in the first half against Calgary.

Critical game. Let's see how it goes.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I don't think anyone sitting on the couch is better than what we have.

I also feel like our receivers would be more successful if Zach was given a little more time in the pocket or if our offence was a little more conducive for some quicker routes and/or screens, much like we did in the first half against Calgary.

Re-watched the second half of the last game last night, Zach has to be more decisive, lingering in the pocket too long led to a number of sacks. If the primary target is not open, he needs to get back to using his legs to move away and extend plays to keep out of the reach of defenders. So many times the pocket collapses on him and he seems to have no awareness he needs to get rid of the ball immediately.

They also have to balance using Brady as a receiver or a blocker, too many times he's sneaking off towards the flat when Zach could have used his protection.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

He holds the ball. He always holds the ball. Even with a fantastic receiver core in 2021-23 he held the ball. He has admitted it in interviews so this isn't a new trend or a hot take. He's a hard QB to pass protect for. It worked when he had the foot speed to get himself out of trouble. It doesn't anymore. Ball needs to come out or he's going to continue to make things way harder than they need to be. He needs to play faster with his head now that his body is slower. It's the only way 37 year old QBs have success. People have been saying that since early last year.

[The Zipp]

He holds the ball. He always holds the ball. Even with a fantastic receiver core in 2021-23 he held the ball. He has admitted it in interviews so this isn't a new trend or a hot take. He's a hard QB to pass protect for. It worked when he had the foot speed to get himself out of trouble. It doesn't anymore. Ball needs to come out or he's going to continue to make things way harder than they need to be. He needs to play faster with his head now that his body is slower. It's the only way 37 year old QBs have success. People have been saying that since early last year.

all true - also easier to do that when you have prime Bryant and Hardrick blocking for you.

father time is a cruel taskmaster - the elusiveness is pretty much gone.

remember how fast Mike Reilly went from hero to zero?  his o-line wasn't great but ours isn't that much better. 

[Horseman]

If Sask makes the GC, I would go and yell my loudest when they are on offence. HATE, HATE, HATE them...did I mention I HATE them!!!!!!!!

[blue_gold_84]

all true - also easier to do that when you have prime Bryant and Hardrick blocking for you.

father time is a cruel taskmaster - the elusiveness is pretty much gone.

remember how fast Mike Reilly went from hero to zero?  his o-line wasn't great but ours isn't that much better. 

The Lions really mismanaged his second stint there. He put up solid numbers in 2019 and 2021 but those were some really bad teams as I recall. Remember that 45-0 drubbing at IGF in late October 2021?

And then he just retired.

[Pete]

the reason Harris has managed to stay good for so long is his quick read and release, BLM has worked on this part of his game as well, for Zac to become effective he needs to as well.