Official Game Day Thread - Ottawa @ Winnipeg, August 14, 2026

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I don't have the game to review, but didn't BO20 release through the B gap on the blindside hit?  With no one else in the backfield?

Maybe they should start lining Daniels/Clercius up as TE beside Broxton, and bring them back across the line to either take out a blindside rush, or release into that flat.

Takes their cover guy as well.

Brady slips out of the backfield without chipping anyone far too quickly and far too often, of course he wants the ball on every single play but Condell should make it a rule that he only leaves after making sure no one has a free shot at the QB. Watch the Als protect Alexander, the RB always steps up and looks for someone to block if he's not running the ball, it's his job and there is no B plan except to protect their most valuable asset.

[bunker]

What is it about opponent RBs/TEs/FBs sneaking out to be wide open for huge passes against us?  So many teams are reaming us this way, sometimes more than once a game, seemingly every week.  And no one ever adjusts or corrects for this simple ruse!

I can understand some of the players being dumb, but what about the braintrust?  Can't they task a guy on each side who is responsible for the extra guy?

This shouldn't be difficult.  And it shouldn't happen every single week.  It got OTT a free easy TD this time.

Younger's schemes and personal substitution are very (probably overly) complex. Its really hard to follow. There are a few patterns, like an extra DB like Ball coming in on second and long, and someone like Lawson going out. But there are times when Jones comes in on second and long, (who's not great in coverage IMO) and then lines up on the line, only to back off into coverage. They were doing the same thing with Reese, bringing him in on second and long, and then having him back up into coverage, even though he lined up as a DT. There is alot of change off of LBs also, with Wilson and Jones frequently going on for each other. (Smith and Woodbey were getting most of the reps, and rarely came off). I can't imagine all those substitutions and changes in roles doesn't increase the risk of mistakes and busted coverages.

I was actually impressed with out D-line last game. Granted its Ottawa, and Maier presents less challenges than someone like Fajardo, but they got excellent pressure rushing 4, and 2 of their sacks were actually rushing 3 if I remember correctly. I thought Willy, Ceresna, Fletcher, Reese and Lawson all played well, both against the run and pressuring against the pass. Curious to see if they can continue that against Edmonton.

On the negative, 3/5s of our secondary was terrible. Moxey and Kelly are terrible in coverage, and Nichols is not much better. I don't think the huge cushions they are giving is all scheme either, since Williams plays tighter. I think its partly that Nichols and Moxey no longer have the speed to close on a receiver if they get behind them and the cushion is a survival strategy to avoid an explosion play.

[Tecno]

I don't have the game to review, but didn't BO20 release through the B gap on the blindside hit?  With no one else in the backfield?

I didn't post my review of that play yet? I guess it's in the tecnos takes I'm composing still.

Short of it is, yes Brady was in and vacates during the snap count, but Zach says he tells Brady when to vacate and in this instance I think he's doing just that. You can hear him doing it. So no one spotted it, and it's Zach to blame imho. Someone needs to spot it and communicate.

[bunker]

I didn't post my review of that play yet? I guess it's in the tecnos takes I'm composing still.

Short of it is, yes Brady was in and vacates during the snap count, but Zach says he tells Brady when to vacate and in this instance I think he's doing just that. You can hear him doing it. So no one spotted it, and it's Zach to blame imho. Someone needs to spot it and communicate.

Easier said then done.The tell was not really there until just at the snap. By then Zach's eyes are already focused on receiving the snap and looking downfield.
I just rewatched the Edmonton Toronto game. Cody was sacked 3 times from the blind side by Toronto on blitzes. Blitz happens.

[Tecno]

Someone's gotta solve it though. One of these days it'll be the last time we see Zach. Surely there's a solution.

[bunker]

Someone's gotta solve it though. One of these days it'll be the last time we see Zach. Surely there's a solution.

Best solution is a dominant O-line and an offense where the QB gets rid of the ball quickly. Like Calvillo in his heyday with Montreal, you couldn't get near him. Or Harris in Saskatchewan now. But we don't have that O-line and we don't have that QB.

[blue_gold_84]

Someone's gotta solve it though. One of these days it'll be the last time we see Zach. Surely there's a solution.

Solving these issues midway through the season is no easy task. Upgrading personnel on the O-line is typically an off-season thing, and making significant changes to the system in place is pretty rare.

I think the team is stuck slogging it out as is. It's unfortunate because it's starting to feel similar to last season.

[Tecno]

But no amount of allstar hoggies would have saved Zach from his 2 big hits this season.

Both were extra blocker and Zach vision failures.

The problem is thus scheme and or auxiliary blocking personnel. If the former, that means it's solvable.

[Blue In BC]

I think Fletcher and Reese are good new players as they get more playing time. Gatkouth seems to be on the field often and might also be starting to make an impact. Sample sizes are still a little small, but signs are good.

Smith led the team with 7 DT's. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing depending on assignment on each play. However he is showing up and looks like a keeper going forward.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

But no amount of allstar hoggies would have saved Zach from his 2 big hits this season.

Both were extra blocker and Zach vision failures.

The problem is thus scheme and or auxiliary blocking personnel. If the former, that means it's solvable.

Take "max protection" seriously and use whenever needed, when employing there should be no side projects that distract from it's purpose.  It is to be used for deep developing routes only, taking long shots, which are inherently low percentage risky plays to begin with that should only be used in moderation.

Nothing wrong with the O-line personnel per se other than Stan aging out, no one is constantly whiffing or getting knocked on their butt by bull rushes, the personnel is big, strong and solid.  If anything communication of assignments on switch overs and stunts has been their biggest liability.