Official Game Day Thread - Winnipeg @ Calgary, June 5, 2026

ModAdmin · Official Game Day Thread - Winnipeg @ Calgary, June 5, 2026

First regular game of the season. First game under an arguably a majorly revised team with several new faces on Offence, defence and special teams. An important game against a western rival. First game with a new offensive coordinator.

Several players are out for this game and two are questionable...

The news pundits are picking Calgary as are some Winnipeg fans. Time to prove them wrong.

Ed Tait's 48-Hour Primer is here...

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/06/03/48-hour-primer-game-1-blue-bombers-at-stampeders/

Let's get it on and discuss the game and results here. Go Bombers!

Throw Long Bannatyne · **Today** at 08:48:27 AM

I predict Vanterpool on the reserve or 1 game IR.

Blue In BC · **Today** at 01:13:37 PM

Since teams are paying players on the reserve, we might see nicked players parked their instead of 1 game IR. Otherwise it's a double hit to some degree.

As mentioned Vanterpool might be one of those going to the reserve whether he's nicked or not.

LXTSN · **Today** at 01:47:26 PM

These are my keys to beating Calgary:

1. Control the tempo on offence. Keep the pass rush on their toes with some quick hitters over the middle and in the flats. We can tire our their top guys by keeping them moving. Keep them on the field as long as possible.

2. Eliminate the deep ball. Vernon Adams is as good as anyone at throwing the deep ball. I hope Kramdi is ready to take him on! I think the bombers and Kramdi knew all off-season that he would be safety, so he will be prepared!

3. Our linebackers need to dominate. Mills is a beast, he's had great games against us. They need to be all over him tomorrow! I have lots of faith in MOS to coach LB's and I think in this game, they will be our biggest advantage.

Should be a fun one! Derek Taylor has mentioned a few times that he thinks its BC at the top, huge gap, then the other 4 teams in the West. It's wide open, and Calgary should be right on our level!

Waffler · **Today** at 02:01:44 PM

They haven't seen the Condell offense yet, edge Winnipeg.
Our pass rush is much improved, Adams should not be able to buy as much time as he did on us last year. Adams usually starts the season hot until he accumulates a few nicks.

Special teams is where we win it. Vaval is the best in the league. Sergio easily out kicks 41 year old Paredes.

LXTSN · **Today** at 02:15:16 PM

No surprises on the gameday roster. Elsbury to start at C and the Major is ready for his first start at corner!

Blue In BC · **Today** at 02:21:02 PM

Quote from: Waffler on Today at 02:01:44 PMThey haven't seen the Condell offense yet, edge Winnipeg.
Our pass rush is much improved, Adams should not be able to buy as much time as he did on us last year. Adams usually starts the season hot until he accumulates a few nicks.

Special teams is where we win it. Vaval is the best in the league. Sergio easily out kicks 41 year old Paredes.

We think our pass rush has improved. Jenkins has played 1 regular season game. Dixon is a rookie and may not be on the AR depending on ratio.

kkc60 · **Today** at 02:28:16 PM

I guess Eli out made Cobb starting a necessity but...don't love it

LXTSN · **Today** at 02:28:56 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on Today at 02:21:02 PMWe think our pass rush has improved. Jenkins has played 1 regular season game. Dixon is a rookie and may not be on the AR depending on ratio.

Last year we started the season with Willie, Vaughters, Jake Thomas and Adams.

This year we have Willie, Ceresna, Lawson, and Jenkins. Plus we have Dixon and Gatkouth rotating in.
We haven't seen them play all together yet, but I'd say having the opinion that we've improved our DL is valid!

I didn't count them up but what are the odds that Dixon isn't on the AR? That would be very disappointing to me. I'm ready to become a big fan of his!

blue_gold_84 · **Today** at 02:29:36 PM

Not gonna lie, I'm excited about the new faces on this 2026 team.

LXTSN · **Today** at 02:34:03 PM

Quote from: kkc60 on Today at 02:28:16 PMI guess Eli out made Cobb starting a necessity but...don't love it

I'm starting to think this was the plan for the ratio since sometime last season. Build up the national WR's and start a third American.
KOLO was released early, and it seemed a little odd.
Neild was a quick pick up for us.
Elsbury was on the PR all of last season. He's 6'6 333lbs and only 24 years old. He could be a big piece for us moving forward.

Blueforlife · **Today** at 02:48:22 PM

I'll eat crow with Kramdi at safety!

With our depth at LB the move is understandable, we are freaking stacked here!!!!

I was paying good odds he wouldn't start nobody took the bet

This lineup top to bottom is excellent

Eli will help when healthy

I expect the OL to start slow and gel hopefully when healthy

Time for Cobb to step up

Williams will be tested, I hope they give him a long rope

Kelly at HB (backup scares me)

Jenkins will be good I think

pdirks67 · **Today** at 02:54:17 PM

Quote from: LXTSN on Today at 02:34:03 PMI'm starting to think this was the plan for the ratio since sometime last season. Build up the national WR's and start a third American.
KOLO was released early, and it seemed a little odd.
Neild was a quick pick up for us.
Elsbury was on the PR all of last season. He's 6'6 333lbs and only 24 years old. He could be a big piece for us moving forward.

Setting a starting CFL lineup is always an exercise in optimization. Let's face it, the "bottom" one or two receivers on the field are rarely going to be targeted anyway. Whereas the OL is only as strong as its weakest link. When in doubt, and if the import is a significant upgrade, I'd always vote to field your strongest O-line.

kkc60 · **Today** at 03:25:52 PM

Quote from: LXTSN on Today at 02:34:03 PMI'm starting to think this was the plan for the ratio since sometime last season. Build up the national WR's and start a third American.
KOLO was released early, and it seemed a little odd.
Neild was a quick pick up for us.
Elsbury was on the PR all of last season. He's 6'6 333lbs and only 24 years old. He could be a big piece for us moving forward.

I guess we will see, Cobb just has such little upside or even big-play potential. Obviously the focus is on the run game but ehhh. Just don't love it.

LXTSN · **Today** at 03:40:38 PM

Quote from: kkc60 on Today at 03:25:52 PMI guess we will see, Cobb just has such little upside or even big-play potential. Obviously the focus is on the run game but ehhh. Just don't love it.

I'm with you. I don't love it either.
The bright side is that Clercius had a great season last year and I'd imagine that he would be the starter when he gets back.
Honestly, I was really thinking Singer would get the 5th WR spot, but we'll settle for this...