Personnel changes for next game

[dd]

We can't airlift new personnel in for next game, but what changes would you be making to our current lineup, I d start with the following

#1- Collaros needs to come back and run our offense

#2- we need Jones back at MLB, Wilson is gone

#3- we need a safety

#4 - Broxton in/Bryant out

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Jake Kelly was the only one who hit anyone on defense last game and it's unlikely he was responsible for a lot of the rushing yards given up. JY sucks but his run defense isn't so hopeless he's counting on the safety to stop the rush most downs. And we gave up basically nothing through the air except for the usual gifts from Deatrick Nichols.

We need a half back more than a safety at the moment. We simply can't let Nichols "Jake Thomas " his way through this season. It's too expensive and too obvious.

[Blue In BC]

Veteran cut down guarantees are rapidly coming into play. Our next game is game 9. So changes during the bye would be appropriate if we plan to release some of those players. From a PR point of view I could live with adding them to the 6 game IR ( if they agree ) to guarantee their pay off the SMS charge.

[Jesse]

I wonder what Vaval in at CB would look like. He's a talented guy.

I like what Smith brings to the defence. Have him at WIL/MLB, bench Wilson.

Defence needs to stay in a base package more and eliminate the constant substitution packages which have to be contributing to all the missed coverages.

Hard to know what to do on offence without knowing who's going to be healthy. You hope that Zach and Broxton are healthy and that Zach can do something with Condell's offence, but the whole offensive scheme looks like it needs to be thrown in the garbage.

[Waffler]

All seems futile without scheme changes.

That said, Peterson needs to play so we can run more. Easier to block for the run and it keeps the QB healthier.

[blue_or_die]

1. Condell should think about the play he wants to call, and then just do the opposite
2. We should take a portion of our defensive gameplan and add a component that possibly focuses on not letting the other team run 377 yards on them
3. Broxton at LT
4. Zach
5. 13th and 14th player added to the field to give a 7 man oline so that nobody touches Zach's neck
6. Give O'Shea a pair

[Donny C]

We can't airlift new personnel in for next game, but what changes would you be making to our current lineup, I d start with the following

#1- Collaros needs to come back and run our offense

#2- we need Jones back at MLB, Wilson is gone

#3- we need a safety

#4 - Broxton in/Bryant out

If the Bombers can only win with Zach (which I disagree with, I don't think he's winning the last game) then the Bombers are in massive trouble in 2027!

Zach is not the saviour, and the Bombers  brought in Brown for exactly this situation.

Either the Bombers overestimated Brown, or their plays and execution stink...and likely both.

[Tecno]

Zach is not the saviour, and the Bombers  brought in Brown for exactly this situation.

But Zach has the full book.  Dru was given maybe 20% of the book last game.  Absolutely nothing over top.  He was given even less than he got vs CGY!  Because he's an INT machine -- just like he was in OTT sometimes.

Just having the whole book opens up the whole game.  It opens up the run.  Opens up the short pass.  Opens up the zone hole sits.  And allows us to take the shots.

The fact that week to week Dru's book moved BACKWARDS is very telling.

Anyone who says Zach wouldn't win that game vs BC is, I hate to say it, nuts.  We'd convert at least half of those ones we FG'd on, and we'd have more hope at the end because Zach wouldn't take that hit, he'd slide.

[Blueforlife]

Wilson stays on but yes play Smith more.

Bryant is aging but must play.

Hard no on Peterson.

Play calling is terrible and this needs a major change.

Zach in only if 110%.

Signing a safety would be good (vet).  Next to impossible.

Something major must change on how we stop the run.

Some great points and debate here.

To suggested Nichols is this years Jake Thomas doesn't show any respect.  Yes Nichols is struggling but no need to be like that.

Rotating on D should remain imo.

Vaval on D isn't a good idea, he is too valuable to play both positions.  He is decent on D.  Emergency replacement.

MOS and all the coaches must adjust.

[theaardvark]

But Zach has the full book.  Dru was given maybe 20% of the book last game.  Absolutely nothing over top.  He was given even less than he got vs CGY!  Because he's an INT machine -- just like he was in OTT sometimes.

Just having the whole book opens up the whole game.  It opens up the run.  Opens up the short pass.  Opens up the zone hole sits.  And allows us to take the shots.

The fact that week to week Dru's book moved BACKWARDS is very telling.

Anyone who says Zach wouldn't win that game vs BC is, I hate to say it, nuts.  We'd convert at least half of those ones we FG'd on, and we'd have more hope at the end because Zach wouldn't take that hit, he'd slide.

Was Brown's playbook actually only 20%?  I could see that being the case game 1 back, but they have had to install much more since then, especially since he ran Condell's O in Ottawa.

Was the "nothing over the top" a scheme issue, or a Dru issue.  Guy threw 4 picks last game, and had a Pick completion % of only 45% (meaning he had 5 picks dropped).  Was his hesitance to throw "over the top" related to scheme or fear? 

If they actually schemed away from it, and cut his legs out (his big complaint about getting demoted in Ott was that he had a better deep ball than Maier), that's bad.  Shows a lack of confidence, which then gets him to question himself.

If it was fear, then what is he doing under centre?

BC abandoned Price after one bad game.  Will he be back?  Rourke it the #1, and Salter just sauntered his way past Price.  Have to hand it to Buck, but I guess 1-5 makes that decision easier.  4-3, its hard to make the change to an unknown in Perkins.

But with 2 beatdowns in a row by teams behind us in the division, I really hope either Zach is back, Elgersma steps up, or they give Perkins his Salter shot.

Dru, especially hobbled, cannot start the next game.

[Blueforlife]

Was Brown's playbook actually only 20%?  I could see that being the case game 1 back, but they have had to install much more since then, especially since he ran Condell's O in Ottawa.

Was the "nothing over the top" a scheme issue, or a Dru issue.  Guy threw 4 picks last game, and had a Pick completion % of only 45% (meaning he had 5 picks dropped).  Was his hesitance to throw "over the top" related to scheme or fear? 

If they actually schemed away from it, and cut his legs out (his big complaint about getting demoted in Ott was that he had a better deep ball than Maier), that's bad.  Shows a lack of confidence, which then gets him to question himself.

If it was fear, then what is he doing under centre?

BC abandoned Price after one bad game.  Will he be back?  Rourke it the #1, and Salter just sauntered his way past Price.  Have to hand it to Buck, but I guess 1-5 makes that decision easier.  4-3, its hard to make the change to an unknown in Perkins.

But with 2 beatdowns in a row by teams behind us in the division, I really hope either Zach is back, Elgersma steps up, or they give Perkins his Salter shot.

Dru, especially hobbled, cannot start the next game.

The lack of shots was a big issue 100%.  Either took it away, receivers were not open or not confident on Brown.  Likely a combo platter.  A real good take here.

I believe our success on O will come only if three things happen.
1. OL healthy and figures it out
2. Brady cooks
3. Zach slings nasty med to deep

Bombs and Bbb its our only hope.  Come on hogs! One more year lol.

[BBRT]

I am a strong believer in trend analysis (hence my doctoral dissertation) and the trend line for Bomber personnel and related has trended downward for 3 years at least IMHO. The 2026 talent pool is just not good enough to compete effectively regardless of who you plug and play. And this is not a new issue. IMHO it has been going on for 3 years or so. Too many older veterans past their best before dates and a lack of solid talent bought in to supplement or grow the talent pool. I believe from a top management perspective (Miller and Walters) we are good, however from there on down not sure if changes are needed. Will not happen this year but if Miller wants sold out stadiums in 2027 he will probably need to make some changes within the coaching and scouting ranks.

For 2026 I believe all we will be able to do is make minor cosmetic changes etc. Just my opinion from the outside looking in.

[Blue In BC]

Wilson stays on but yes play Smith more.

Bryant is aging but must play.

Hard no on Peterson.

Play calling is terrible and this needs a major change.

Zach in only if 110%.

Signing a safety would be good (vet).  Next to impossible.

Something major must change on how we stop the run.

Some great points and debate here.

To suggested Nichols is this years Jake Thomas doesn't show any respect.  Yes Nichols is struggling but no need to be like that.

Rotating on D should remain imo.

Vaval on D isn't a good idea, he is too valuable to play both positions.  He is decent on D.  Emergency replacement.

MOS and all the coaches must adjust.

Smith is improving but I did notice he got caught inside on Salter's 1st big run outside. It may not have been his assignment but then a couple of other players missed tackles as well. He's made other what appears to be errors but it's to be expected with just starting to get more reps.

Quit defending K. Wilson. He was a liability last year and that continues this year. You suggest something major to change on the ability to stop the run but decline all the comments about K. Wilson.

I don't know if Vaval is a better option at DB than Moxey. We have Womack as a back up returner and receiver. Vaval could still also be returning kicks.

We also have Jackson who appears to be a SAM or DHB option.

I think the defensive strategy of 10 yards off the ball is hurting the secondary. Nichols didn't forget how to play and often is covering a top receiver.

It's a consideration but we don't know if it's a good one since we don't see every rep in practice. Our defence is more of an issue than any possible " damage " to our return game. 

Other teams have other RB's to use in different situations on their AR. That's something we lack. In the red zone on 2nd and 3 or 4 we give it to Oliveria and he gets stuffed. Defences know what to expect.

Could slipping in Peterson as a variable be effective? Unless we do it we'll never know. The counter point is that if players like Womack, Peterson and Texada are only warm bodies for emergency that is an issue.

Bryant is another issue but whether we have a better alternative is less clear. Collaros was injured on a blindside hit. Moving Broxton to LT OT and leaving Vanterpool at RT may be a necessary change. Our offence has not been great all season. Even less so with Brown learning the playbook.

Do we expect any of Bryant, Nichols or K. Wilson back in 2027?

Status quo is not an option.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Smith is improving but I did notice he got caught inside on Salter's 1st big run outside. It may not have been his assignment but then a couple of other players missed tackles.

Quit defending K. Wilson. He was a liability last year and that continues this year. You suggest something major to change on the ability to stop the run but decline all the comments about K. Wilson.

I don't know if Vaval is a better option at DB than Moxey. We have Womack as a back up returner and receiver. Vaval could still also be returning kicks.

I think the defensive strategy of 10 yards off the ball is hurting the secondary. Nichols didn't forget how to play and often is covering a top receiver.

It's a consideration but we don't know if it's a good one since we don't see every rep in practice. Our defence is more of an issue than any possible " damage " to our return game. 

Other teams have other RB's to use in different situations on their AR. That's something we lack. In the red zone on 2nd and 3 or 4 we give it to Oliveria and he gets stuffed. Defences know what to expect.

Could slipping in Peterson as a variable be effective? Unless we do it we'll never know. The counter point is that if players like Womack, Peterson and Texada are only warm bodies for emergency that is an issue.

Condell is continuing the trend of not involving Clercius or MCI in the offence's plans as well as ignoring Cobb and now Nield, tracing back to Ottawa did he ever make good use of his Natl. players?  I see from last years Ottawa roster he employed Luther Hakunavanhu and Daniel Adeboboye who were underused and let go at the end of last season.

[Blueforlife]

Smith is improving but I did notice he got caught inside on Salter's 1st big run outside. It may not have been his assignment but then a couple of other players missed tackles as well. He's made other what appears to be errors but it's to be expected with just starting to get more reps.

Quit defending K. Wilson. He was a liability last year and that continues this year. You suggest something major to change on the ability to stop the run but decline all the comments about K. Wilson.

I don't know if Vaval is a better option at DB than Moxey. We have Womack as a back up returner and receiver. Vaval could still also be returning kicks.

We also have Jackson who appears to be a SAM or DHB option.

I think the defensive strategy of 10 yards off the ball is hurting the secondary. Nichols didn't forget how to play and often is covering a top receiver.

It's a consideration but we don't know if it's a good one since we don't see every rep in practice. Our defence is more of an issue than any possible " damage " to our return game. 

Other teams have other RB's to use in different situations on their AR. That's something we lack. In the red zone on 2nd and 3 or 4 we give it to Oliveria and he gets stuffed. Defences know what to expect.

Could slipping in Peterson as a variable be effective? Unless we do it we'll never know. The counter point is that if players like Womack, Peterson and Texada are only warm bodies for emergency that is an issue.

Bryant is another issue but whether we have a better alternative is less clear. Collaros was injured on a blindside hit. Moving Broxton to LT OT and leaving Vanterpool at RT may be a necessary change. Our offence has not been great all season. Even less so with Brown learning the playbook.

Do we expect any of Bryant, Nichols or K. Wilson back in 2027?

Status quo is not an option.

Don't tell me what/how to post and while I have defended Wilson in the past, I suggested he stays on the AR but give Smith more reps. No need to be like that.  Fake news I don't decline all comments about Wilson but nice try! Lol


2026
WPG   8   22   2   0

His numbers are consistent with his career, near the end, yes.  Good enough to remain on the AR, yes.

Make a lot of good points, didn't notice Smiths mistake but our group at the game thought he looked good.  Did notice Wilson with a big tackle/stuff!

Wilson had a good year last year.  He wasn't a liability imo.  The facts suggest you are wrong, 2nd best tackle total best sack total (matched 2019).  Dems the facts jack.  Played all the game.  D was good last year.
2025
WPG   18   49   2   3

Moxie >>>> Vaval, Vaval on D would be an experiment/future development opportunity.  Would hurt more than help now.  Might pay off for future.

As mentioned before putting Peterson on isn't worth who comes off.  Other ways to give people touches in thr backfield as mentioned previously.  Brady is our guy and needs more touches not less. Now we did swing that too far on Thurs, over compensated.

Do we expect any of Bryant, Nichols or K. Wilson back in 2027? No

I am a strong believer in trend analysis (hence my doctoral dissertation) and the trend line for Bomber personnel and related has trended downward for 3 years at least IMHO. The 2026 talent pool is just not good enough to compete effectively regardless of who you plug and play. And this is not a new issue. IMHO it has been going on for 3 years or so. Too many older veterans past their best before dates and a lack of solid talent bought in to supplement or grow the talent pool. I believe from a top management perspective (Miller and Walters) we are good, however from there on down not sure if changes are needed. Will not happen this year but if Miller wants sold out stadiums in 2027 he will probably need to make some changes within the coaching and scouting ranks.

For 2026 I believe all we will be able to do is make minor cosmetic changes etc. Just my opinion from the outside looking in.

Hard to argue with any of this