Geno Lewis is available

[The Zipp]

At one time considered a top receiver in the cfl has been released.

[theaardvark]

Sign him.

Vet presence, can still play.  Just wasn't worth his deal on an 0fer RB team.

Signed a new deal in the offseason, not sure if he came down off the $239k he was due to earn...

[Blue In BC]

No we don't have the ratio luxury and we have rookie receivers on our PR.

[Blueforlife]

Pass

[Pigskin]

I would take Gino everyday of the week, once we have an OL that can protect our QB. Spend that money on protecting our QB. 

[bluebeard]

Lewis.... old, slow and unproductive the last couple of years,  no thanks.

[Pigskin]

Lewis.... old, slow and unproductive the last couple of years,  no thanks.

Slow maybe? Unproductive? 2100 yards and 16 TDs is still pretty productive. And lets not forget the QBs he played with.

[BBRT]

Lewis.... old, slow and unproductive the last couple of years,  no thanks.

Lewis.... old, slow and unproductive the last couple of years,  no thanks.

Our existing core of receivers are old or young all slow so anything would be a step up IMHO.

[Jesse]

I'd absolutely be benching one of the Canadian receivers and getting him on the field asap.

Not sure if it would help, but we have to do something and you gotta take the opportunities you're given.

[Pete]

Another aged vet who is on the downside...no thanks we have enough of our own.

[dd]

Wow, talk about sending a message to your 0-6 roster, Geno, you're done!!!

Geno would make a difference on our roster, but he'd have to take a cut, and even then, we're in ratio hell right now, so how do you get him on the field?? We have Wilson and White on our roster right now, we sit a NAT receiver, you have to start one somewhere else. Kramdi is out, and we have 3 IMP O line as it is, I just don't see it working.

[Jesse]

Wow, talk about sending a message to your 0-6 roster, Geno, you're done!!!

Geno would make a difference on our roster, but he'd have to take a cut, and even then, we're in ratio hell right now, so how do you get him on the field?? We have Wilson and White on our roster right now, we sit a NAT receiver, you have to start one somewhere else. Kramdi is out, and we have 3 IMP O line as it is, I just don't see it working.

Sit a Canadian receiver and force the defence to use one. JY has pretty much an all-American defence and they still suck.

[Tecno]

You guys said it all already. Except, I'll add he's a deep threat and not too useful in the possession game. That's why he isn't useful to dinwiddie.

Our game is evolving the same way. No OL plus qbs who struggle to throw 55Y point to point and can't hit someone in stride if their life depended on it, means Gino would be as wasted here as he is there.

Now put hardy up for sale and I'll give you my left nut for him.... That's the type we need.

MTL, BC or TOR should take Gino. That's the type of qb and oc Gino needs. He'll be top 5 again quickly if they do.

[Blueforlife]

You guys said it all already. Except, I'll add he's a deep threat and not too useful in the possession game. That's why he isn't useful to dinwiddie.

Our game is evolving the same way. No OL plus qbs who struggle to throw 55Y point to point and can't hit someone in stride if their life depended on it, means Gino would be as wasted here as he is there.

Now put hardy up for sale and I'll give you my left nut for him.... That's the type we need.

MTL, BC or TOR should take Gino. That's the type of qb and oc Gino needs. He'll be top 5 again quickly if they do.

Agree all

[The Zipp]

if i was geno - i may wait a bit to decide. 

[Blueforlife]

if i was geno - i may wait a bit to decide. 

If I was Geno, I would take any offer and run with it. 

[Tecno]

if i was geno - i may wait a bit to decide. 

Not if the 2 to 3 teams with top and up and coming young qbs come calling! That's how you revive a career.

MTL with Gino as last read instead of spieker... Can you imagine?? Insane

[Blueforlife]

Not if the 2 to 3 teams with top and up and coming young qbs come calling! That's how you revive a career.

MTL with Gino as last read instead of spieker... Can you imagine?? Insane

Spieker is pretty good

[Tecno]

Spieker is pretty good

That's my point. Gino is better. By a mile.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Can he protect a QB? I see no reason for improvement if acquired.

[BlueInCgy]

Have to have a QB who can make use of a deep threat, and we don't have that.  Also have to have an Oline that can provide time for the play to develop, don't have that either.

[The Zipp]

Not if the 2 to 3 teams with top and up and coming young qbs come calling! That's how you revive a career.

MTL with Gino as last read instead of spieker... Can you imagine?? Insane

exactly - wait for the right opportunity with a true contender.  if montreal doesn't come knocking maybe wait a bit

[dd]

I can see Edmonton picking him up,and upgrading their receiving corps.

[TrueBlue4]

What does everyone think of the db they also released Shakur Brown? My recollection is he was pretty physical not sure how good he can cover. Maybe others have more insight. I think we need to be more physical on D.

[Blueforlife]

What does everyone think of the db they also released Shakur Brown? My recollection is he was pretty physical not sure how good he can cover. Maybe others have more insight. I think we need to be more physical on D.

Very interested as well.  My buddy likes him.  I can't recall much.

[theaardvark]

So, he got 1000 yards with Dru Brown as his main QB?

Hello?

[dd]

Geno would get 1000 yds with any Qb throwing him the ball. 

Calgary could pick him up to fill in for begelton and narrow the gap between them and Edmonton and Saskatchewan 

[Tecno]

I can see Edmonton picking him up,and upgrading their receiving corps.

Doesn't match Cody's lack of deep threat.  He heaves them full strength and still underthrows and RECs wait for an hour.  Gino's had enough of that in OTT.

EDM could pull the trigger, but he'd be wasted.  Besides, EDM has a future star in Luther -- dude has been lighting up fantasy lately.  Even Cephus is doing better than our 5th read NAT.

[Tecno]

So, he got 1000 yards with Dru Brown as his main QB?

Hello?

Meh, IIRC those were hard yards, with few explosions, and a few decently-timed passes to catch him in stride for YAC.

I suppose if you thought Dru had some sort of magic affinity for Gino in particular you could give it a try.  Though the ratio problem remains unless you start Smith or Shay.

What's the actual word on what happened to Gino?  Outright released??  If so, he won't take any new deal without upfront bonuses and big money.  It's not the same situation as the trade for Dru where almost everything came for "free" vis a vis the SMS.

If he was outright released that means every team was called and zero people wanted him!!  That might mean he got little bonus and has a high SMS hit.  If I was Gino I'd be very disturbed that I wasn't valued enough by any CFL team!

[BlueInCgy]

What does everyone think of the db they also released Shakur Brown? My recollection is he was pretty physical not sure how good he can cover. Maybe others have more insight. I think we need to be more physical on D.

Dru hit him 5 times last game, sign him and put him at receiver....

[Sway]

exactly - wait for the right opportunity with a true contender.  if montreal doesn't come knocking maybe wait a bit

Exactly.  Why would he even want to come here and run 15 yard hook patterns into overloaded zones

We don't throw 1 on 1 balls for receivers to go up and make plays.

[Blue In BC]

Clearly we don't want to change the ratio for a 3rd import receiver. Whether he would be worth adding is basically moot.

[Jesse]

Clearly we don't want to change the ratio for a 3rd import receiver. Whether he would be worth adding is basically moot.

Obviously that equation can change if you add new players, though.

[Tecno]

We don't throw 1 on 1 balls for receivers to go up and make plays.

Zach has a few times. Mostly to Nield and pokey. Because height and circus, respectively. Most were failures, and must because of the receiver.

So maybe if Zach was back Gino could make better use of 50/50. Then again, he wasn't making good use of them in OTT lately...

[Blue In BC]

Obviously that equation can change if you add new players, though.

Sure but we already have 2 import receivers on our PR. It's been mentioned that the 3 Canadian receivers was a " plan " before the start of TC. Gino isn't going to change that.

[theaardvark]

Meh, IIRC those were hard yards, with few explosions, and a few decently-timed passes to catch him in stride for YAC.

I suppose if you thought Dru had some sort of magic affinity for Gino in particular you could give it a try.  Though the ratio problem remains unless you start Smith or Shay.

What's the actual word on what happened to Gino?  Outright released??  If so, he won't take any new deal without upfront bonuses and big money.  It's not the same situation as the trade for Dru where almost everything came for "free" vis a vis the SMS.

If he was outright released that means every team was called and zero people wanted him!!  That might mean he got little bonus and has a high SMS hit.  If I was Gino I'd be very disturbed that I wasn't valued enough by any CFL team!

If Zach stays the full stint on the 6G, we have more than enough room to pay him whatever he wants.

Wonder if we were in on Mauldin... would have been nice.

[Jesse]

Sure but we already have 2 import receivers on our PR. It's been mentioned that the 3 Canadian receivers was a " plan " before the start of TC. Gino isn't going to change that.

I don't know how Walters feels about the 2026 version of Geno Lewis. But 2 random import receivers who have never played a game before didn't change the 3 Canadian receiver plan. A all-star receiver suddenly becoming available could easily change that.

[Blue In BC]

I don't know how Walters feels about the 2026 version of Geno Lewis. But 2 random import receivers who have never played a game before didn't change the 3 Canadian receiver plan. A all-star receiver suddenly becoming available could easily change that.

He was an all star receiver but he is no longer at that level. We brought in a dozen or more rookie receivers. When do we put the problem on recruiting?

Lewis is so good the Redblacks released him outright. It's reasonable to think they may tried to trade him for a late round draft choice and came up with no takers.

I guess we'll see if gets picked up elsewhere. I can't imagine it will be here based on the ratio choice made. That has nothing to do wither whether the team thinks Singer is not a good receiver.

[Jesse]

He was an all star receiver but he is no longer at that level. We brought in a dozen or more rookie receivers. When do we put the problem on recruiting?

Lewis is so good the Redblacks released him outright. It's reasonable to think they may tried to trade him for a late round draft choice and came up with no takers.

I guess we'll see if gets picked up elsewhere. I can't imagine it will be here based on the ratio choice made. That has nothing to do wither whether the team thinks Singer is not a good receiver.

5 years ago, we're well past the point.

But given that we're failing at the recruiting thing, we have to take opportunities as we get them. Lewis was a 1000 yard receiver last year and had the vast majority of his production when Dru was starting. His stats bottomed out when Dru was injured.

Right now the difference between Cobb and our imports is so little that we're not willing to make the change. But the difference between Cobb and Lewis is stark, imo.

[Blue In BC]

5 years ago, we're well past the point.

But given that we're failing at the recruiting thing, we have to take opportunities as we get them. Lewis was a 1000 yard receiver last year and had the vast majority of his production when Dru was starting. His stats bottomed out when Dru was injured.

Right now the difference between Cobb and our imports is so little that we're not willing to make the change. But the difference between Cobb and Lewis is stark, imo.

That's a very narrow view. Cobb is our 5th receiver and a Canadian. It might be argued that Lewis is a better choice than White but he's a good receiver and has been productive. Suggesting there is little difference between Cobb and our imports on our PR is hard to substantiate. It's a ratio choice, not a quality choice. If it is in fact a quality choice then our recruiting is worst than I imagined.

There is no argument that Lewis is better than Cobb, Corcoran and Nield.

I asked on another thread, which import will you take off the roster and where will you start another Canadian to off set the addition of ANY additional import receiver?

If you come up with an answer I'll continue the thought. The closest I can come with is starting a Canadian LB, probably Smith at WIL.

[theaardvark]

Dru has had more reps with Gino than any of our receivers.  The throw zig when the receiver zags is less of an issue, plus Gino is one that can adapt to the zig after he zags.

Watching any RB game this year, the high points have usually been a spectacular Gino catch.  Unfortunately, too few, and his $SMS was too high for a trade (who could absorb that?) and he is a waste in a 0fer rebuild.

He's clutch, and I think he'd be the ultimate 2 point convert guy.  Well worth making the space for.  And again, if ZC stays 6 game for the full term, lots of cap for Gino.  Would be a HUGE incentive for ZC8 to sit and heal fully, if that means he gets Gino to throw to.

[Blue In BC]

Dru has had more reps with Gino than any of our receivers.  The throw zig when the receiver zags is less of an issue, plus Gino is one that can adapt to the zig after he zags.

Watching any RB game this year, the high points have usually been a spectacular Gino catch.  Unfortunately, too few, and his $SMS was too high for a trade (who could absorb that?) and he is a waste in a 0fer rebuild.

He's clutch, and I think he'd be the ultimate 2 point convert guy.  Well worth making the space for.  And again, if ZC stays 6 game for the full term, lots of cap for Gino.  Would be a HUGE incentive for ZC8 to sit and heal fully, if that means he gets Gino to throw to.

Lots of ifs in those comments. We don't know how long Collaros will be on the IR and he hasn't played with Lewis.

Make an argument about how to change the starting ratio and which import would be removed.

Of course there are always alternatives but is the trade off worth it?  We could start Eli at OC in order to start a 3rd import. We could start a Canadian LB as a full timer ( Smith ).

Realistically it wouldn't be Cobb getting bumped, it would be Nield. Lewis as a 5th receiver makes no sense unless Nield moves into Cobb's role which also makes no sense from an SMS point of view.

Every choice is a trade off. Pick the one you prefer.

[theaardvark]

Lots of ifs in those comments. We don't know how long Collaros will be on the IR and he hasn't played with Lewis.

Make an argument about how to change the starting ratio and which import would be removed.

Of course there are always alternatives but is the trade off worth it?  We could start Eli at OC in order to start a 3rd import. We could start a Canadian LB as a full timer ( Smith ).

Realistically it wouldn't be Cobb getting bumped, it would be Nield. Lewis as a 5th receiver makes no sense unless Nield moves into Cobb's role which also makes no sense from an SMS point of view.

Every choice is a trade off. Pick the one you prefer.

Never thought of the Nield trade off, has he been earning his contract?  Can we swap those deals and release Nield? 

ZC would love to have Gino as a target.  That's exactly the type of receiver that ZC can take advantage of.

[Blue In BC]

Never thought of the Nield trade off, has he been earning his contract?  Can we swap those deals and release Nield? 

ZC would love to have Gino as a target.  That's exactly the type of receiver that ZC can take advantage of.

Lewis would be an improvement over Nield. He'd open up the passing game more which in turn would open up the run game more as well. No dispute there. I don't even think SMS would be that big of an issue.

Who we have as a starting QB going forward or when is a TBD. OTOH do we really want to keep adding expensive, older rentals.

The SMS was an argument for not adding Sankey on defence.

Also noting that the Redblacks used 4 import receivers often and 3 at the least. Eberhard, Hardy, Pimpleton and Lewis all in the mix when healthy.

Their Canadians White and Mardner were both 1st round picks.

[theaardvark]

Lewis would be an improvement over Nield. He'd open up the passing game more which in turn would open up the run game more as well. No dispute there. I don't even think SMS would be that big of an issue.

Who we have as a starting QB going forward or when is a TBD. OTOH do we really want to keep adding expensive, older rentals.

The SMS was an argument for not adding Sankey on defence.

Also noting that the Redblacks used 4 import receivers often and 3 at the least. Eberhard, Hardy, Pimpleton and Lewis all in the mix when healthy.

Their Canadians White and Mardner were both 1st round picks.

So...

Yes?

Sign him?

[Blue In BC]

So...

Yes?

Sign him?

No, don't sign him. The trade off to start another Canadian elsewhere off sets any gain IMO.

Griffin has 35 DT's. Smith has just started getting more rotational reps and has 14 DT's.  We have more issues on defence than on offence and that is a problem.

We gave up 120+ point over the last 3 games and 377 yards rushing in the last game.  Taking Griffin off wouldn't be my 1st choice. I'm not sure any other Canadian would improve our defence or our offence at the moment.

Maybe if Kramdi was healthy we could leave Kelly at safety and move Kramdi back to SAM. Management didn't pick that option and there is no real timeline when Kramdi can return.

[Jesse]

No, don't sign him. The trade off to start another Canadian elsewhere off sets any gain IMO.

There are three options to start another Canadian.

1) Smith starts at LB - probably sitting Wilson

2) Korny/Smeck start ahead of Fletcher at DT

3) Ball starts at CB ahead of Moxey

Between Smith and the DL, we generally have at least 2 Canadians on the defence anyways, but we choose to only list one starting position on the defence. We can easily change that to include another Canadian receiver. The club has obviously not wanted to do that to get Singer on the roster, but for Lewis, I would.

[Blue In BC]

There are three options to start another Canadian.

1) Smith starts at LB - probably sitting Wilson

2) Korny/Smeck start ahead of Fletcher at DT

3) Ball starts at CB ahead of Moxey

Between Smith and the DL, we generally have at least 2 Canadians on the defence anyways, but we choose to only list one starting position on the defence. We can easily change that to include another Canadian receiver. The club has obviously not wanted to do that to get Singer on the roster, but for Lewis, I would.

I'm all for sitting Wilson but I'm not even sure Smith is the right choice for MLB. He may be more suited at SAM but it's early days.

When has Ball ever come up in the conversation to start at CB? Yikes. I'd rather take the risk of a dual role for Vaval to flip the ratio.

Ball was a 6th round pick that changed from a receiver to DHB in college and is little more than a rookie ST player.

[Jesse]

I'm all for sitting Wilson but I'm not even sure Smith is the right choice for MLB. He may be more suited at SAM but it's early days.

Then you list Jones there. You worry about where players are listed on the depth chart more than MOS or JY does.

[Blue In BC]

Then you list Jones there. You worry about where players are listed on the depth chart more than MOS or JY does.

Not exactly. You're making arbitrary suggestions just to start a back up. It has little to do with depth chart but are we replacing any player with a better choice overall not just on defence.

Jones was our starting MLB so obviously that part would work. Changing our WIL or SAM with a currently rotational player is a risk made to accommodate a change on offence.

[Tecno]

2) Korny/Smeck start ahead of Fletcher at DT

Fletcher has been a beast and opens things up a bit more for the other monsters.  I really like our current setup with beast IMPs starting and heavy rotation of the fresh NATs, who aren't slouched either.

I wouldn't change anything on the DL.  It's literally our strongest unit this season.

[Tecno]

Of course there are always alternatives but is the trade off worth it?  We could start Eli at OC in order to start a 3rd import.

Hahahhaha ahahhahah ahhahahahahah aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

Oh wait, you were being serious?

[Tecno]

Watching any RB game this year, the high points have usually been a spectacular Gino catch.

Uh, it's Hardy making all the hard grabs this season.  Gino has basically only gotten the odd wide out, and he whiffs on half of those.  They tried giving Gino some harder middle stuff, but he's not as good as Hardy, and doesn't seem to like the abuse.

I haven't seen Gino appear to "try" since probably in EDM.  It's almost certainly any lack of effort or impetus or gravitas that caused Dinwiddie to dump his butt.  Whether he'd try harder on a better team remains to be seen.

[Tecno]

Suggesting there is little difference between Cobb and our imports on our PR is hard to substantiate. It's a ratio choice, not a quality choice. If it is in fact a quality choice then our recruiting is worst than I imagined.

Recruiting has been lackluster since Rigmaiden left.

I was going to point to Major as our home run hit this season -- but then I found out it was Major who contacted WFC, not the other way around.  Major sold himself hard to Mafia -- he just landed in their lap.  No scouting required.

[Tecno]

1) Smith starts at LB - probably sitting Wilson

Since Kyrie is the punching bag, it's a viable option to put Jones at MLB and Smith at WILL.  However, I really think he has to be ready -- is he?  I'm not done grading the last game yet.  How much is Smith responsible for all those 80Y runs?

[Blue In BC]

Hahahhaha ahahhahah ahhahahahahah aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

Oh wait, you were being serious?

No I'm just saying just because we have Canadians on the roster it doesn't mean we should " start" those on the DL at the cost of to gain an import.

Somebody even suggested starting Ball at CB.  So I just mentioned Eli as something we can do but not something we should do potentially. However I'm also not convinced Elsbury is a huge upgrade at all.

The best suggestion is Smith taking on a starting role and taking an import LB off the roster.

[Blue In BC]

Since Kyrie is the punching bag, it's a viable option to put Jones at MLB and Smith at WILL.  However, I really think he has to be ready -- is he?  I'm not done grading the last game yet.  How much is Smith responsible for all those 80Y runs?

The bigger question is whether K. Wilson is still above average or should a change be made. I also made the argument that he'd be a better DI than Ayers as far as ability to fill an in game rotation / injury situation.

[Tecno]

So I just mentioned Eli as something we can do but not something we should do potentially. However I'm also not convinced Elsbury is a huge upgrade at all.

I've been studying our runs in depth the last 3-4 games and awarding half points for meaningful blocks/seals.  Els is continually racking up the points -- important considering Brady loves his A-gap.  I don't recall Ko-man being as effective.

And no one can argue Els' pass-pro isn't better than Ko-man's.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I've been studying our runs in depth the last 3-4 games and awarding half points for meaningful blocks/seals.  Els is continually racking up the points -- important considering Brady loves his A-gap.  I don't recall Ko-man being as effective.

And no one can argue Els' pass-pro isn't better than Ko-man's.

Elsbury is a much bigger player than Kola, like Gabe very unlikely anyone would be able to overpower him.

[Blueforlife]

There are three options to start another Canadian.

1) Smith starts at LB - probably sitting Wilson

2) Korny/Smeck start ahead of Fletcher at DT

3) Ball starts at CB ahead of Moxey

Between Smith and the DL, we generally have at least 2 Canadians on the defence anyways, but we choose to only list one starting position on the defence. We can easily change that to include another Canadian receiver. The club has obviously not wanted to do that to get Singer on the roster, but for Lewis, I would.

Hard no on all these ideas.  Others have made some good counter points.
1. Don't rush the young man, not ready, perhaps not the right spot, I prefer to slow roast our future stars
2. Fletcher is >>> them
3. Instant way to get worse on D.  I like Ball but he ain't ready nor suited.

The bigger question is whether K. Wilson is still above average or should a change be made. I also made the argument that he'd be a better DI than Ayers as far as ability to fill an in game rotation / injury situation.

Ayers ain't coming off, if he was he would have previously

Fletcher has been a beast and opens things up a bit more for the other monsters.  I really like our current setup with beast IMPs starting and heavy rotation of the fresh NATs, who aren't slouched either.

I wouldn't change anything on the DL.  It's literally our strongest unit this season.

Well said, couldn't agree more.  A bright light on an otherwise gloomy season.

Don't fix what ain't broke.

[Jesse]

Don't fix what ain't broke.

Except lots is broke.

[Blue In BC]

Hard no on all these ideas.  Others have made some good counter points.
1. Don't rush the young man, not ready, perhaps not the right spot, I prefer to slow roast our future stars
2. Fletcher is >>> them
3. Instant way to get worse on D.  I like Ball but he ain't ready nor suited.Ayers ain't coming off, if he was he would have previously
Well said, couldn't agree more.  A bright light on an otherwise gloomy season.

Don't fix what ain't broke.

By default you're suggesting there is no ratio option acceptable to add Lewis. While I'm not in favour of adding Lewis, those that do make some valid suggestions. In particular adding a starting receiver by eliminating Ayers as a DI is worth considering in that context. I do see the value of another import receiver but as mentioned there are several issues in doing so.

All that said, if we throw up another defensive stinker and lose to Ottawa, then all bets are off. Something will have to change, so we'll see what they do next week.

At the very least I think Jones back to MLB and Wilson to WIL might be an improvement.

None of us are sure which if either of our QB's will be healthy and starting. That's the 1st question we need to see for our roster.

It does come down to the choice between K.Wilson and Ayers as a DI as the best option. OTOH I agree that means Smith starts a LB and that may or may not be a wise choice at the moment.

[blue_gold_84]

Bringing in Lewis would be akin to applying an old band-aid to a gaping wound.

Pass.

[Blueforlife]

By default you're suggesting there is no ratio option acceptable to add Lewis. While I'm not in favour of adding Lewis, those that do make some valid suggestions. In particular adding a starting receiver by eliminating Ayers as a DI is worth considering in that context. I do see the value of another import receiver but as mentioned there are several issues in doing so.

All that said, if we throw up another defensive stinker and lose to Ottawa, then all bets are off. Something will have to change, so we'll see what they do next week.

At the very least I think Jones back to MLB and Wilson to WIL might be an improvement.

None of us are sure which if either of our QB's will be healthy and starting. That's the 1st question we need to see for our roster.

It does come down to the choice between K.Wilson and Ayers as a DI as the best option. OTOH I agree that means Smith starts a LB and that may or may not be a wise choice at the moment.

No I am saying hard no to all those three options and also hard no to Lewis full stop

Good discussion here though enjoy your take

My opinion is that Lewis isn't worth brining in at this point due to the impact to the roster, based on how it's currently structured.  I like him but not enough to shuffle the deck for him.

Except lots is broke.

Except the DL.  Don't touch the DL.  Your suggestion on the DL makes it weaker.

Never said lots wasn't broke.

[dd]

We don't need another older, high priced under achieving player we have plenty right now on our roster and are trying to get rid of them. Ottawa did the right thing, dump the expensive dead weight.

[Blue In BC]

No I am saying hard no to all those three options and also hard no to Lewis full stop

Good discussion here though enjoy your take

My opinion is that Lewis isn't worth brining in at this point due to the impact to the roster, based on how it's currently structured.  I like him but not enough to shuffle the deck for him.
Except the DL.  Don't touch the DL.  Your suggestion on the DL makes it weaker.

Never said lots wasn't broke.

We agree on no to Lewis but we disagree on the options necessary to add another receiver. Unless we add a receiver from our PR, there aren't any apparent other receiver choices.

That's not quite the issue. The issue is the unwillingness to make a change / consider at LB if there was a receiver available.  Those are the options available. We can't take out a DB and have no other DL depth / ratio so a change at LB is the choice.

Don't look now but your loyalty is showing. I think there needs to be a change at LB regardless of the decision at receiver.

Starting Smith is a risk, but so is giving up 377 yards rushing.

If I have to flip the switch, I'm moving Jones to MLB and probably starting Woodbey at WIL with Smith rotating in. What that causes for K. Wilson or Ayers is just collateral damage.

My trade off choice is to move out Ayers and keep Wilson as the DI. Flip a coin. Either could be moved to the RR if that makes some happy.

First choice would be to delete Wilson outright. It's time to on and forward. O'Shea is not likely to do any of this which in itself is a major problem. He's a status quo guy.

EDIT: We've won 4 games by a total of 14 points. That includes 1 game winning by 9 points. That means 3 games won by a total of 5 points. None of that is close to a good defensive perform thoughout the course of 8 games.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

We agree on no to Lewis but we disagree on the options necessary to add another receiver. Unless we add a receiver from our PR, there aren't any apparent other receiver choices.

That's not quite the issue. The issue is the unwillingness to make a change / consider at LB if there was a receiver available.  Those are the options available. We can't take out a DB and have no other DL depth / ratio so a change at LB is the choice.

Don't look now but your loyalty is showing. I think there needs to be a change at LB regardless of the decision at receiver.

Starting Smith is a risk, but so is giving up 377 yards rushing.

If I have to flip the switch, I'm moving Jones to MLB and probably starting Woodbey at WIL with Smith rotating in. What that causes for K. Wilson or Ayers is just collateral damage.

My trade off choice is to move out Ayers and keep Wilson as the DI. Flip a coin. Either could be moved to the RR if that makes some happy.

First choice would be to delete Wilson outright. It's time to on and forward. O'Shea is not likely to do any of this which in itself is a major problem. He's a status quo guy.

EDIT: We've won 4 games by a total of 14 points. That includes 1 game winning by 9 points. That means 3 games won by a total of 5 points. None of that is close to a good defensive perform thoughout the course of 8 games.

Griffin likely out for awhile, don't think they'll reduce their LB contingent, Woodbey, Ayers and Smith will likely contest for his reps at SAM while also spelling Kyrie out.  Don't think Tony Jones ever comes off the field.

[theaardvark]

If Lewis was cut loose for play, it would be a hard pass.

But Lewis was victim of a very. very bad RB team, and his high $SMS.

They get no benefit keeping him (he wouldn't be signed next year, guys like Hardy are first priority), and his $SMS hit can be used to resign guys like Hardy early.

I'm surprised other vets in OTT haven't been cut, but I guess they have to keep a semblance of credibility if they want to sell any tickets.

[Blue In BC]

Griffin likely out for awhile, don't think they'll reduce their LB contingent, Woodbey, Ayers and Smith will likely contest for his reps at SAM while also spelling Kyrie out.  Don't think Tony Jones ever comes off the field.

I didn't see Griffin get injured. Do we know what his injury was or potential for missing time? That would change the dynamic but it may open a roster spot for an import starter. Woodbey and Ayers would have both been DI's.

I still don't think Lewis is a good choice but a receiver might be a choice from the PR.Our other choices are to add Jackson back as another LB.

Does that make the most sense for the choices we have? An ST player versus a starter?

[Blueforlife]

We agree on no to Lewis but we disagree on the options necessary to add another receiver. Unless we add a receiver from our PR, there aren't any apparent other receiver choices.

That's not quite the issue. The issue is the unwillingness to make a change / consider at LB if there was a receiver available.  Those are the options available. We can't take out a DB and have no other DL depth / ratio so a change at LB is the choice.

Don't look now but your loyalty is showing. I think there needs to be a change at LB regardless of the decision at receiver.

Starting Smith is a risk, but so is giving up 377 yards rushing.

If I have to flip the switch, I'm moving Jones to MLB and probably starting Woodbey at WIL with Smith rotating in. What that causes for K. Wilson or Ayers is just collateral damage.

My trade off choice is to move out Ayers and keep Wilson as the DI. Flip a coin. Either could be moved to the RR if that makes some happy.

First choice would be to delete Wilson outright. It's time to on and forward. O'Shea is not likely to do any of this which in itself is a major problem. He's a status quo guy.

EDIT: We've won 4 games by a total of 14 points. That includes 1 game winning by 9 points. That means 3 games won by a total of 5 points. None of that is close to a good defensive perform thoughout the course of 8 games.

You are making this into something its not about.

All I said was no to Lewis and no to those three suggested roster moves.

This has nothing to do with loyalty, nice try.  Just stating my counter argument on the 3 roster suggested changes to accommodate Lewis.

I would like Ayers to stay.  I would like Wilson to stay on AR.  I have said more reps for Smith but don't start him.  I would put Kramdi back at LB if we could find a veteran safety which I have called for since the season began.  Almost impossible!

I don't think our receivers are the biggest fish to fry.

My order is:
1. OL
2. Find FS
3. OC
3. Shuffle roster for Kramdi
4. Nichols
5. Run the **** rock
6. Sling nasty with a healthy Zach

Don't paint me with a brush that doesn't suit my colour scheme lol.

Change is needed but hard no to Lewis and these three roster changes, that was all.

Jones in the middle sure.  Woodbey more reps sure.

I would consider trading an LB if we could get a return but that's a pipe dream lol.

I would consider other roster moves if another receiver was available, depending who.  I would try Singer before bringing in someone else, no rush but eventually I would give him 2 games.  There is no unwillingness change, my opinion on change is based on who comes on and if their on field impact is greater than the roster impact of the addition.  Lewis simply not worth it imo.  Close but no cigar.

[Blue In BC]

You are making this into something its not about.

All I said was no to Lewis and no to those three suggested roster moves.

This has nothing to do with loyalty, nice try.  Just stating my counter argument on the 3 roster suggested changes to accommodate Lewis.

I would like Ayers to stay.  I would like Wilson to stay on AR.  I have said more reps for Smith but don't start him.  I would put Kramdi back at LB if we could find a veteran safety which I have called for since the season began.  Almost impossible!

I don't think our receivers are the biggest fish to fry.

My order is:
1. OL
2. Find FS
3. OC
3. Shuffle roster for Kramdi
4. Nichols
5. Run the **** rock
6. Sling nasty with a healthy Zach

Don't paint me with a brush that doesn't suit my colour scheme lol.

Change is needed but hard no to Lewis and these three roster changes, that was all.

Jones in the middle sure.  Woodbey more reps sure.

I would consider trading an LB if we could get a return but that's a pipe dream lol.

I would consider other roster moves if another receiver was available, depending who.  I would try Singer before bringing in someone else, no rush but eventually I would give him 2 games.  There is no unwillingness change, my opinion on change is based on who comes on and if their on field impact is greater than the roster impact of the addition.  Lewis simply not worth it imo.  Close but no cigar.

The changes at LB were a potentially a separate idea over and above whether we'd add an import receiver. You tend to be a status quo poster and resist trying to change something when it needs a new outlook.

I did mention the possibility of adding a receiver from the PR and what it would take to do so. It's linked but not part of all the comments about how to configure the LB's.

You rejected the options and then doubled down by saying you want Ayers and Wilson on the AR. The only option you suggested was more reps for Smith or Woodbey. You did agree with moving Jones to MLB without explaining how or why we'd keep Wilson on the AR.

Kramdi is injured for an indeterminate amount of time. We don't appear to have an import alternate at safety. So those are not real alternatives today. It does nothing to really address the poor performance of our LB's as a group.

That's about as unwilling an overview as I could imagine. You're painting that picture not me or others . We're suggesting actual changes that could be made for the next game.

A trade is not likely and another OL isn't going to be found growing on trees.  Suggestions were made based on the health of Broxton but you want a choice we don't have. It's shuffle those we have up to and including considering Poncius.

That's irrespective of Lewis who some posters are suggesting as a choice. You don't think our receivers are a primary issue?

[Blueforlife]

The changes at LB were a potentially a separate idea over and above whether we'd add an import receiver. You tend to be a status quo poster and resist trying to change something when it needs a new outlook.

I did mention the possibility of adding a receiver from the PR and what it would take to do so. It's linked but not part of all the comments about how to configure the LB's.

You rejected the options and then doubled down by saying you want Ayers and Wilson on the AR. The only option you suggested was more reps for Smith or Woodbey.

Kramdi is injured for an indeterminate amount of time. We don't appear to have an import alternate at safety. So those are not real alternatives today. It does nothing to really address the poor performance of our LB's as a group.

That's about as unwilling an overview as I could imagine. You're painting that picture not me or others . We're suggesting actual changes that could be made for the next game.

A trade is not likely and another OL isn't going to be found growing on trees.  Suggestions were made based on the health of Broxton but you want a choice we don't have. It's shuffle those we have up to and including considering Poncius.

That's irrespective of Lewis who some posters are suggesting as a choice. You don't think our receivers are a primary issue?

I stated my opinion and how I would approached our problems as whole not just for this week.  There are no big changes coming this week.  There are no fresh bodies (yet).  I want change but there are very few current options that I have seen presented that would make an impact now.

In the end we have some injuries, some aging vets and prospects that are decent but not ready for prime time.  The reason I'm not agreeing with the changes as I don't really see a way out in the next couple games than to play who we have, get healthy and hope to god we can bring in some talent

My opinion on Ayers and Wilson is not doubling down, its been the same for 2 or 3 years.  You want Ayers off and have for years, that's ok.  Would it help, who knows but I see him a lifer here.

I am more willing and open to change than you give me credit for.

[blue_or_die]

TLDR

If this was a version of the Bombers 2-3 years ago and even a 2026-version Lewis were available, I'd 100% be down to sign him. But with this team today...how would the ball even get thrown in his direction? We can't even get fundamentals right. We are multiple stages away from having the luxury of adding a circus catch playmaker kinda guy. I just don't see how he helps us, as much as I think he's still elite or close to.

[Blue In BC]

I stated my opinion and how I would approached our problems as whole not just for this week.  There are no big changes coming this week.  There are no fresh bodies (yet).  I want change but there are very few current options that I have seen presented that would make an impact now.

In the end we have some injuries, some aging vets and prospects that are decent but not ready for prime time.  The reason I'm not agreeing with the changes as I don't really see a way out in the next couple games than to play who we have, get healthy and hope to god we can bring in some talent

My opinion on Ayers and Wilson is not doubling down, its been the same for 2 or 3 years.  You want Ayers off and have for years, that's ok.  Would it help, who knows but I see him a lifer here.

I am more willing and open to change than you give me credit for.

You said to give the team time to gel. The next game is game 9 and the mid point of the season. If this isn't the time to consider some of the options we have on the table, then when it would be?

Posters have fielded switching Jones with Wilson. The chance of starting Smith and juggling who plays where has been suggested.

OTOH, you've somewhat agreed with moving Jones, but still want to keep Wilson on the AR. Essentially that's benching a starter and making him a DI. You didn't say to move Wilson back to WIL but maybe that was what you're thinking.

That doesn't really ever work. It's side stepping the decision by the coaches. I don't think he plays ST's much so how many reps does he get as Woodbey and Smith get more?

We've been rotating all sorts of players on and off the ST groups. Younger and faster with some doing better than others. Can we afford to have 2 LB's as basically ST players? Yes, Ayers also sees a few reps on defence but even that is curious and not particularly effective.

I wonder if any one has tracking on how many reps all the LB's are actually getting.

Hard to say what the team was planning to do with Santos-Knox so it's unclear whether K. Wilson would have made the AR barring injury. Obviously Jones is the more dominant between those choices.

You may be correct that there may not be any significant changes this week. However there are many options available and the current lineup is not working.

Bombers have a good chance to beat the Redblacks is one or both of our QB's are healthy. That said we're going into the hard part of the schedule with one foot out the door and the other one stepping on the banana peel.

If we don't try something to improve, we'll have a very difficult road against the Elks, Riders, Stamps, Als and even the Lions.

Like I said, status quo is no longer an option based on the last 3 games and what I mentioned about how marginally we won 4 games. We are not a good defensive team.

[Blueforlife]

You said to give the team time to gel. The next game is game 9 and the mid point of the season. If this isn't the time to consider some of the options we have on the table, then when it would be?

Posters have fielded switching Jones with Wilson. The chance of starting Smith and juggling who plays where has been suggested.

OTOH, you've somewhat agreed with moving Jones, but still want to keep Wilson on the AR. Essentially that's benching a starter and making him a DI. You didn't say to move Wilson back to WIL but maybe that was what you're thinking.

That doesn't really ever work. It's side stepping the decision by the coaches. I don't think he plays ST's much so how many reps does he get as Woodbey and Smith get more?

We've been rotating all sorts of players on and off the ST groups. Younger and faster with some doing better than others. Can we afford to have 2 LB's as basically ST players? Yes, Ayers also sees a few reps on defence but even that is curious and not particularly effective.

I wonder if any one has tracking on how many reps all the LB's are actually getting.

Hard to say what the team was planning to do with Santos-Knox so it's unclear whether K. Wilson would have made the AR barring injury. Obviously Jones is the more dominant between those choices.

You may be correct that there may not be any significant changes this week. However there are many options available and the current lineup is not working.

Bombers have a good chance to beat the Redblacks is one or both of our QB's are healthy. That said we're going into the hard part of the schedule with one foot out the door and the other one stepping on the banana peel.

If we don't try something to improve, we'll have a very difficult road against the Elks, Riders, Stamps, Als and even the Lions.

Like I said, status quo is no longer an option based on the last 3 games and what I mentioned about how marginally we won 4 games. We are not a good defensive team.

I said the OL needed to gel, which it did and a few including yourself said that wasn't the case.  Others suggested we didn't have time for the line to gel which is true.  That said injuries have complicated things on the OL a bit.

Tracking reps at LB would be immensely informative.

I'm not as down on Wilson as some are.  I want to slow roast Smith.  Love what Jones and Griffin do.

I am considering other options but unfortunately the answers don't lie in a deck shuffle or bringing folks on from the PR.

I would like to improve our depth on the OL and sign a FS.  These are wishlists that only Santa could deliver lol.

I am not ready to start Smith but he is getting close.

Knox would have brought us incredible depth and flexibility at LB. One LB wouldn't be on the club if he was healthy.

Lineup ain't working yes, immediate solutions available, not really.

We need guys to step up, young guns to develop faster, get healthy and the coaches to pull up the undies a bit lol.

Beating the top clubs will be hard even with change.  But its possible.  I listed what I believe we need to improve on.  All starts with OL, once that stabilizes we have a chance.  If they suffer like they have at times, game over.  We also need Zach back, bad.  Unless Dru can find the deep ball and fast. 

Game is won in the trenches and only one is clicking for us.

Its not about when to make the changes but with who.  I see the current AR as the best option for the most part for now. 

The debate about what to do, with who and when will rage on.  I don't see a lot of easy wins on the AR or PR to help much, for now.  A debate for the ages.

[Blue In BC]

It should be noted that other teams have lost 2 or even 3 OL and played better than the Bombers. The most recent example was the Lions who lost both OT's before the game and then suffered another injury during the game. And they ran for 377 yard!!!!!

Better preparation before TC,m during TC and coaching have to be considered.

[Blue In BC]

I said the OL needed to gel, which it did and a few including yourself said that wasn't the case.  Others suggested we didn't have time for the line to gel which is true.  That said injuries have complicated things on the OL a bit.

Tracking reps at LB would be immensely informative.

I'm not as down on Wilson as some are.  I want to slow roast Smith.  Love what Jones and Griffin do.

I am considering other options but unfortunately the answers don't lie in a deck shuffle or bringing folks on from the PR.

I would like to improve our depth on the OL and sign a FS.  These are wishlists that only Santa could deliver lol.

I am not ready to start Smith but he is getting close.

Knox would have brought us incredible depth and flexibility at LB. One LB wouldn't be on the club if he was healthy.

Lineup ain't working yes, immediate solutions available, not really.

We need guys to step up, young guns to develop faster, get healthy and the coaches to pull up the undies a bit lol.

Beating the top clubs will be hard even with change.  But its possible.  I listed what I believe we need to improve on.  All starts with OL, once that stabilizes we have a chance.  If they suffer like they have at times, game over.  We also need Zach back, bad.  Unless Dru can find the deep ball and fast. 

Game is won in the trenches and only one is clicking for us.

Its not about when to make the changes but with who.  I see the current AR as the best option for the most part for now. 

The debate about what to do, with who and when will rage on.  I don't see a lot of easy wins on the AR or PR to help much, for now.  A debate for the ages.

You see the current roster as the best option which is somewhat understandable based on lack of proven replacements.

OTOH, that OL got both QB's injured and hasn't been able to stay on the field. We're at a season's crossroad and need to consider any change. I'm not sure how much worse it can be on defence. 120+ points over the last 3 games.

If we play badly and / or lose to the Redblacks, that's a slid I don't think we recover from. A loss to a team that might be 0 - 8 by the end of the week.

[Blueforlife]

You see the current roster as the best option which is somewhat understandable based on lack of proven replacements.

OTOH, that OL got both QB's injured and hasn't been able to stay on the field. We're at a season's crossroad and need to consider any change. I'm not sure how much worse it can be on defence. 120+ points over the last 3 games.

If we play badly and / or lose to the Redblacks, that's a slid I don't think we recover from. A loss to a team that might be 0 - 8 by the end of the week.

Depending who is at QB and OL, we might be ok.  Drag ourselves off the mat and box another round. Yes a loss might be a knockout.

[Tecno]

By default you're suggesting there is no ratio option acceptable to add Lewis.

Smith was regularly getting tricked into crashing into the box instead of staying on edge contain in a few of those big BC runs.  His athleticism may be there, but the brain aspect isn't yet.

As for starting another IMP REC... we could EASILY do it by using the DNA.  In fact, our situation right now is TAILOR MADE for the DNA cheat code!  We have 2 garbage starting NATs just taking up space.  One of those could instantly be Singer or Gino for 25 snaps (more than enough to be effective), and we don't even need to pull a regular NAT starter to do it.  (Yes, we'd still lose a DI on D.)

I get that Mafia hates using DNA and has never used it even once... but that was when we were going to the cup every year.  Now we suck total donky nads.  Maybe swallow our pride, and the supp 2RDP, and do what's best for the team.  We can do it on D, too, to get Kelly the heck out of starting.

[Tecno]

It should be noted that other teams have lost 2 or even 3 OL and played better than the Bombers. The most recent example was the Lions who lost both OT's before the game and then suffered another injury during the game. And they ran for 377 yard!!!!!

Better preparation before TC,m during TC and coaching have to be considered.

Yes, I noted that in the GDT.  And they went down another OL in-game and then proceeded to get most of the 400 rush yards after that!  Our OL couldn't make anything for Brady to get much more than 0-4Y after halftime.

It's truly shocking how bad our starting OL is, and even worse how bad our backups our.  Even if they're "doing ok" on pass-pro (which they do, mostly) they are still pretty useless at run block.  I see them trying to implement good Condell ideas but they just can't pull it off!!  And 90% of the failures are them moving downfield faster than Brady is so the behind/edge guys circle back in and easily tackle Brady's legs.

It's really stupid and tiresome.  Even mediocre and run-last teams make this stuff look so easy.

I'm really starting to question Costello.  He's the constant in our OL sucking since Dobson left (and I might even argue since Desjar left!!).

[theaardvark]

A:  Dru has thrown to him for 2 years.

B:  He can catch anything thrown NEAR him.  That's his talent.  He gets to balls that he shouldn't have any chance of catching.  He makes a QB better.

C:  He's a parachute that costs us nothing, especially if ZC8 stays his full time on the 6 game.  Which he should, even if he thinks he can play.  No need to get re-injured.

[blue_gold_84]

A:  Dru has thrown to him for 2 years.

They only played together in Ottawa last season. Lewis was in Edmonton in 2024.

[theaardvark]

They only played together in Ottawa last season. Lewis was in Edmonton in 2024.

Ooops... but still... Dru has thrown to him more than any Bomber Rec

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

They only played together in Ottawa last season. Lewis was in Edmonton in 2024.

I remember watching an unscripted game ball celebration in the Elks dressing room back when Geno was with the team, 2 excited young receivers were fooling around in his vicinity celebrating a rare Elks victory while he was trying to make a presentation speech, he looked over his shoulder and literally growled at them.  You could hear their reaction when one receiver warned the other "be careful he'll throw that ball right at your head", the other replied, "yah, I know he would".  From this encounter a sleuth might conclude Geno is a no nonsense kind of guy that is respected but feared by his teammates. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Smith was regularly getting tricked into crashing into the box instead of staying on edge contain in a few of those big BC runs.  His athleticism may be there, but the brain aspect isn't yet.

As for starting another IMP REC... we could EASILY do it by using the DNA.  In fact, our situation right now is TAILOR MADE for the DNA cheat code!  We have 2 garbage starting NATs just taking up space.  One of those could instantly be Singer or Gino for 25 snaps (more than enough to be effective), and we don't even need to pull a regular NAT starter to do it.  (Yes, we'd still lose a DI on D.)

I get that Mafia hates using DNA and has never used it even once... but that was when we were going to the cup every year.  Now we suck total donky nads.  Maybe swallow our pride, and the supp 2RDP, and do what's best for the team.  We can do it on D, too, to get Kelly the heck out of starting.

Kelly hasn't been a problem for 4 games now, as his confidence grows he's morphing into an Evan Holm style DB, who appears to have taken Kelly under his wing. By next year he'll be a fixture at Safety, couple of more years he could be an all-star.

[Jesse]

Kelly hasn't been a problem for 4 games now, as his confidence grows he's morphing into an Evan Holm style DB, who appears to have taken Kelly under his wing. By next year he'll be a fixture at Safety, couple of more years he could be an all-star.

Our defense has averaged 33 points against during those games where he hasn't been a problem.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Our defense has averaged 33 points against during those games where he hasn't been a problem.

I guess the same could be said for every member of the defence then.