Let the real games begin!
What better way to start the season as against the team that beat you in the Grey Cup. Motivation can be a great winning tool.
Drew Wolitarsky speaks to that in Ed Tait's 48 Hour Primer... (https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/06/04/48-hour-primer-2024-home-opener/)
"..."There's definitely going to be some bad blood," said Blue Bombers receiver Drew Wolitarsky as the club completed its final full practice before Wednesday's walk-through and the CFL curtain raiser Thursday night at Princess Auto Stadium. "It's not the exact same teams, obviously, because there have been roster changes, but it's going to be two fighters who think they're the best going into another fight..."
The big questions..."Will the Bombers starters be fully ready for this game after sitting for the pre season games?" "Will the Rookies selected to be active for this game be ready to step in for the players they are replacing?"
There is a ton of motivation for the Bombers to come out charged and motivated for this first game of the season.
Already a statement game for the Blue Bombers so, "Let's go Bombers!"
Remember the BC game in like week 18 last season? The game many were trying to say was just a game. But some of us said it was the most critical game of the season, kind of the GC before the GC?
Ya, this is that game. Right now, in week 1.
Win this game and the fluke is vindicated forever. Lose it and we really deserved what we got. Whatever team wins it will likely go .800+ for the next 5 weeks. The loser may have an ugly early season...
We can do it! Go BLUE!
WPG heavily favored in the Riderfans forum pickems, around 3 or 4 to 1. When the people who throw up every time they type the word "Bombers" are picking you, that's a sign you're supposed to win.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 05, 2024, 07:29:56 AMWPG heavily favored in the Riderfans forum pickems, around 3 or 4 to 1. When the people who throw up every time they type the word "Bombers" are picking you, that's a sign you're supposed to win.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 05, 2024, 07:20:56 AMRemember the BC game in like week 18 last season? The game many were trying to say was just a game. But some of us said it was the most critical game of the season, kind of the GC before the GC?
Ya, this is that game. Right now, in week 1.
Win this game and the fluke is vindicated forever. Lose it and we really deserved what we got. Whatever team wins it will likely go .800+ for the next 5 weeks. The loser may have an ugly early season...
We can do it! Go BLUE!
I want to win (like absolutely crush them). But there are zero implications on either team's season beyond this week. Early season CFL games do not have that kind of impact.
I think this game could go either way. With player changes on both teams and injuries it is a little up in the air.
That said Fajardo has talent but lacks consistency. Mack is gone to NFL but Houston is also gone.
I hope Willie can get pressure w/o Jeffcoat and Bighill injured.
Our secondary will be tested but Fajardo gives you the turn over opportunities.
If O line plays average and Brady and Zach play average we should win. Castillo is reliable and while he will miss some he gives us peace of mind.
Guessing a high scoring, mistake filled game won by the Bombers. The early questions on D should more than be made up for by the O.
Bombers will WANT it more and should get it, but still a 2 point game. Nothing is really decided here. I reserve must wins for western series deciding games and playoffs.
Quote from: Jesse on June 05, 2024, 11:14:28 AMI want to win (like absolutely crush them). But there are zero implications on either team's season beyond this week. Early season CFL games do not have that kind of impact.
Exactly. this game will have little bearing on the season, other than the 2 points available.
Roster is out, looks like Gauthier starting at MLB.
(https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/1798349585791807658)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPUFZqiWoAA1rUQ?format=jpg&name=large)
Interesting that Adams is backing up Willie, when he's more of a DT
Hope they can get enough pressure on Cody.
I still have an issue with not having an actual de available to replace injury. We went thru this last year, you'd think wed have learned.
Our scouting is lacking and we haven't picked up any one from other teams cuts
Hoping we see a lot of Jefferson,Fox Woods and Haba as a unit with Adams rotating in.
10 starting Canadians?
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 05, 2024, 02:54:43 PMInteresting that Adams is backing up Willie, when he's more of a DT
Hope they can get enough pressure on Cody.
They seem to be holding onto more DT's than necessary, I think they could have dropped Woods to the PR and kept either Rivers or Upshaw.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2024, 03:15:06 PM10 starting Canadians?
Does FB count as a starter? If so 11
Offence: Brady, Demski, Wolly, 3 OL, FB?
Def: Jake, Ford, Gauthier, Kramdi
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 05, 2024, 03:26:27 PMDoes FB count as a starter? If so 11
Offence: Brady, Demski, Wolly, 3 OL, FB?
Def: Jake, Ford, Gauthier, Kramdi
That would mean we have 13 starters. I'm not sure how they figure it out, but we have a FB, RB and SB that are all Canadian so whoever is subbing out, it doesn't really matter.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2024, 03:15:06 PM10 starting Canadians?
Kramdi must be better than Cole, Gauthier must be better than Ayers and Ford must be better than Bridges.
Either way, I'm sure all three of those guys get to see the field for defensive snaps at some point in game one. 100% they will be a big part of special teams too.
I really liked Ayers in preseason. I saw him make solid tackles and was really quick to get to there.
Admittedly I'm not the biggest fan of Gauther, but I'd really like to see Ayers get a bunch of reps while Biggie is out!
Quote from: LXTSN on June 05, 2024, 03:28:38 PMThat would mean we have 13 starters. I'm not sure how they figure it out, but we have a FB, RB and SB that are all Canadian so whoever is subbing out, it doesn't really matter.
When the FB is on the field, we'd take either our RB or receiver off the field. In some cased the FB will be on the field for running downs. On other downs he may be on the field on passing downs although I'd think more likely we see an OL come in as a TE as well. Situationally the player coming off could be either a Canadian or an import. Down and distance plus field position will determine who at different times.
It appears that our DI's are Mitchell ( returner ), Castillo, Woods and Adams. Bridges and Ayers are just non starting imports. Why don't they show who the DI's are each game? The extra imports can replace either an import or a Canadian but the DI's can only replace an import. So it's important to know.
The CFL.CA doesn't show the actual movement but Kelly, Garbutt, McGhee, Samson are off. Bighill, Hallett, Lawson and Parker were already 6 game IR players.
There was room for 4 more players on PR, so those " new " transactions could be headed there I suppose.
Quote from: Pete on June 05, 2024, 03:06:17 PMI still have an issue with not having an actual de available to replace injury. We went thru this last year, you'd think wed have learned.
Our scouting is lacking and we haven't picked up any one from other teams cuts
Hoping we see a lot of Jefferson,Fox Woods and Haba as a unit with Adams rotating in.
I'll normally defend the mafia and scouting department to the end... this is one I really agree with though. We have a total of 3 DE's on the roster plus one national on the PR (Hubert is more of a DT though). It takes one injury and we have no one to replace him.
The only thing I could see happening, is going bigger on first down with Adams and Willie. Then on passing downs, maybe have Cole or Charbonneau replacing them in rotation.
Wilcots was cut by the way. I'm not against bringing him back if we have the room in the budget.
Quote from: LXTSN on June 05, 2024, 03:42:21 PMI'll normally defend the mafia and scouting department to the end... this is one I really agree with though. We have a total of 3 DE's on the roster plus one national on the PR (Hubert is more of a DT though). It takes one injury and we have no one to replace him.
The only thing I could see happening, is going bigger on first down with Adams and Willie. Then on passing downs, maybe have Cole or Charbonneau replacing them in rotation.
Wilcots was cut by the way. I'm not against bringing him back if we have the room in the budget.
Bring back Cedric!
Ok. Now I'm really confused with CFL.CA info. Garbutt and Kelly added to 6 game IR. Lawson and Noah Hallett still show on the AR. Is that good news for Lawson and Noah Hallett?
Samson is on the 1 game IR.
McGhee and Johnson also still show on the AR. None of that info matches the depth chart.
According to the Depth Chart & Roster sheet:
1-Game
Kyle Samson
6-Game
Adam Bighill
TyJuan Garbutt
Noah Hallett
Jake Kelly
Cameron Lawson
Jamal Parker
Winnipeg does not list any players as DA
Montreal lists as DA:
29 Leblanc
30 Cosby
89 Letcher
99 Moultrie
The referee for the game is Andre Proulx
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 05, 2024, 04:28:20 PMAccording to the Depth Chart & Roster sheet:
1-Game
Kyle Samson
6-Game
Adam Bighill
TyJuan Garbutt
Noah Hallett
Jake Kelly
Cameron Lawson
Jamal Parker
Winnipeg does not list any players as DA
Montreal lists as DA:
29 Leblanc
30 Cosby
89 Letcher
99 Moultrie
The referee for the game is Andre Proulx
Where are you seeing the IR report and roster? I see the depth chart in this string. The IR doesn't show all of these on IR although they should be there. It is the 1st we've heard that Kelly and Garbutt are 6 game IR players.
If Kelly and Noah Hallett are both on 6 game IR, then will we consider bring back MacDougall?
The 2 extra imports should be moved to PR in theory.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 05, 2024, 04:28:20 PMAccording to the Depth Chart & Roster sheet:
1-Game
Kyle Samson
6-Game
Adam Bighill
TyJuan Garbutt
Noah Hallett
Jake Kelly
Cameron Lawson
Jamal Parker
Winnipeg does not list any players as DA
Montreal lists as DA:
29 Leblanc
30 Cosby
89 Letcher
99 Moultrie
The referee for the game is Andre Proulx
Wonderful
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2024, 04:37:01 PMWhere are you seeing the IR report and roster? I see the depth chart in this string. The IR doesn't show all of these on IR although they should be there. It is the 1st we've heard that Kelly and Garbutt are 6 game IR players.
I have access to a couple of CFL distribution lists.
Winnipeg Depth Chart (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABV7Wa6-TThmloAf8NelX-fa/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Depth%20Chart/Week%201/WPG%20Depth%20Chart%20Wk%201.pdf?e=2&dl=0)
Montreal Depth Chart (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABXPAxJiDA_6hgcAD8pHh_la/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Depth%20Chart/Week%201/MTL%20Depth%20Chart%20Wk%201.pdf?e=1&dl=0)
CFL Game Notes (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABipZJW-EzXGIWA16mz2X1Ba/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Game%20Notes/Week%201/2024_GN_Gm_10_Wpg_vs_Mtl.pdf?e=1&dl=0)
Quote from: LXTSN on June 05, 2024, 03:33:39 PMKramdi must be better than Cole, Gauthier must be better than Ayers and Ford must be better than Bridges.
Either way, I'm sure all three of those guys get to see the field for defensive snaps at some point in game one. 100% they will be a big part of special teams too.
I really liked Ayers in preseason. I saw him make solid tackles and was really quick to get to there.
Admittedly I'm not the biggest fan of Gauther, but I'd really like to see Ayers get a bunch of reps while Biggie is out!
I think Gauthier gets this game and will probably be listed as a starter, but Ayers will slowly get more snaps
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 05, 2024, 04:42:34 PMI have access to a couple of CFL distribution lists.
Winnipeg Depth Chart (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABV7Wa6-TThmloAf8NelX-fa/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Depth%20Chart/Week%201/WPG%20Depth%20Chart%20Wk%201.pdf?e=2&dl=0)
Montreal Depth Chart (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABXPAxJiDA_6hgcAD8pHh_la/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Depth%20Chart/Week%201/MTL%20Depth%20Chart%20Wk%201.pdf?e=1&dl=0)
CFL Game Notes (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABipZJW-EzXGIWA16mz2X1Ba/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Game%20Notes/Week%201/2024_GN_Gm_10_Wpg_vs_Mtl.pdf?e=1&dl=0)
Thats good to know but in a perfect world, the CFL should be able to make the info on CFL.CA more accurate.
Lots to learn this game, our LB's are not going to be dominate, they may get the job done and maybe force a fumble but i just don't see teams fearing the combo of Gauthier, Kramdi and Wilson. Prove me wrong guys...
I also don't want ZC taking big hits - that O-line had better be ready, I do expect that if zach has time this offense could be better than last year with the addition of Strevy.
Legit worried about us getting pressure on the QB
Our Oline will be tested for sure with the changes resulting from the loses of Grey and Hardrick. Montreal will try to bring pressure on Zach. I'm sure Buck will have a plan to try to offset that pressure but it will be there throughout the game I believe.
Not as scary a roster as prior years. Everyone take some deep breaths! It's going to be okay!
The line-up person is still in pre-season form:
1. Alexander is an import, but listed as a National (unless he's naturalized and that's how they specify that, which would be odd and needlessly confusing).
2. Dobson is a National and listed as an import.
3. Demski is a National and listed as an import.
By my count that is 10 National starters.
I have concerns about the OL, front 7, and corners. Well, I'm not worried about Ford and in fact I'm bullish on him, just seen little of him and not for a long time. Losing an all star in Houston is going to sting.
I think given it's this version of the OL's first time as a unit together, we see more of Strev than we should get used to as we will not want to take chances on Zach, especially if we show that we can't make our blocks and they start sending the house more and more.
I expect our weak front 7 to control the run to hopefully a decent extent, but they will probably give CoFaj plenty of time. Aside from Bonds, our secondary is a proven elite unit, and it certainly helps that CoFaj sucks.
Crowd should play a big factor. Lots of h8 among us fans after what happened against this team in November and we all need to be there and give it to 'em good.
Andre Proulx I thought did a good job with Blue Bombers of late.
No problem with OL Andre.
10 Nat starters is insane. Of course, goes to 9 when Bighill slots back in, but still, that's a lot of Nats.
Can't wait for ST's, Chrish-Ike and Clercius are supposed to be heavy hitters.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 05, 2024, 07:30:24 PM10 Nat starters is insane. Of course, goes to 9 when Bighill slots back in, but still, that's a lot of Nats.
Can't wait for ST's, Chrish-Ike and Clercius are supposed to be heavy hitters.
It's unlikely to be sustainable. It also may not look like that in game. We have declare our nationals on offense and defense prior to the game so while a depth chart says one thing, we can, (I believe) for example, only list 3 defensive Canadian players on defense and therefore sub players more freely (benefits being all Americans on the defensive line as part of a rotation or Cole in for Kramdi in certain situations).
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 05, 2024, 06:52:55 PMThe line-up person is still in pre-season form:
1. Alexander is an import, but listed as a National (unless he's naturalized and that's how they specify that, which would be odd and needlessly confusing).
2. Dobson is a National and listed as an import.
3. Demski is a National and listed as an import.
By my count that is 10 National starters.
No kidding. How hard can it be to get the info right? lol
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPUyLj4akAEWwma?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPVYafZX0AAOJqH?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPVYbUQXEAAWQC7?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
https://3downnation.com/2024/06/05/ontaria-wilson-to-make-first-career-start-as-blue-bombers-meet-alouettes-in-grey-cup-rematch/
what happened to Geoff Gray??
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 05, 2024, 06:56:38 PMAndre Proulx I thought did a good job with Blue Bombers of late.
No problem with OL Andre.
Best ref in the CFL
Quote from: dd on June 05, 2024, 10:15:10 PMwhat happened to Geoff Gray??
He wasn't signed in free agency. Whether he was deciding to move on from football or whether the Bombers even offered a contract IDK. However, he hasn't signed elsewhere either. I tend to think he's move on to his post football career. Of course I may be in error and he could sign somewhere soon.
Depending on how things go with our OL, we can't rule out anything. Bombers didn't spend money they allocated for Grant and if Bighill and Lawson are on 6 game IR for longer, they may be considering other options.
Really stoked for some Bomber football. Some changes I hope work out...
Not loving our MLB situation with Gauthier starting. Was hoping they could have unearthed another US linebacker to fill in and potentially be groomed behind Bighill.
Hoping Dobson can surprise us and be solid as a starter on the o-line but he's past 30 and never stuck anywhere as a starter so not optimistic.
Will be interesting to see what pressure the d-line can bring with Fox and Haba in full time this year. Liked Haba so hoping he rises to another level.
And if I'm not mistaken, two new corners who will be tested.
But with the core intact and Strev back it'll be a big dose of arse kicking for the Als tomorrow!
Quote from: gordo on June 06, 2024, 02:46:52 AMReally stoked for some Bomber football. Some changes I hope work out...
Not loving our MLB situation with Gauthier starting. Was hoping they could have unearthed another US linebacker to fill in and potentially be groomed behind Bighill.
Hoping Dobson can surprise us and be solid as a starter on the o-line but he's past 30 and never stuck anywhere as a starter so not optimistic.
Will be interesting to see what pressure the d-line can bring with Fox and Haba in full time this year. Liked Haba so hoping he rises to another level.
And if I'm not mistaken, two new corners who will be tested.
But with the core intact and Strev back it'll be a big dose of arse kicking for the Als tomorrow!
Liam Dobson is 26 and has only played for the Blue Bombers professionally.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 05, 2024, 02:37:02 PMRoster is out, looks like Gauthier starting at MLB.
Looks like this is going to be one of those years...
No charts on bluebombers.com
https://www.bluebombers.com/2024-depth-position-charts/
(as of 10:45pm central Jun 5)
Nor cfl.ca
https://www.cfl.ca/games/6401/winnipeg-blue%20bombers-vs-montreal-alouettes/#/preview
If someone can find the pages containing the links to bb.com or cfl.ca (not a random url @cfl.ca, but the page that lets you discover the random url via a link), where they really should be available by the deadline(!), please correct me. It looks like the teams are posting it to cfl.ca somehow but I can't find any cfl.ca page that links to them, and directory-listing is disabled for the url's base dir, so I can't discover the non-standardized filename.
I'm sure the bb.com one will show up eventually, usually a few hours before the game, but that doesn't help me doing my fantasy/pickems the night before.
MTL has theirs up...
https://en.montrealalouettes.com/depth-chart/
Holy smokes: I just looked at the twatter roster and it's a) not print-friendly like the "real" chart (then again, it never was) and b) it's got errors up the wazoo. They have #37 as a NAT and Dobson as an IMP! Why do we bother putting 2 charts out: the twatter one and the real one that eventually goes on bb.com and cfl.ca??
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 05, 2024, 04:42:34 PMI have access to a couple of CFL distribution lists.
Winnipeg Depth Chart (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/848xcto61lv1gxy/AABV7Wa6-TThmloAf8NelX-fa/2024%20CFL%20Stats/Depth%20Chart/Week%201/WPG%20Depth%20Chart%20Wk%201.pdf?e=2&dl=0)
Where did you get those URLs!??!?!?!?!?!? Those are the legit final charts that I seek so desperately. So they exist and people have them but they aren't in game-tracker nor bb.com!??! That is reaaaaaaly aggravating me.
If there's some magic secret, please PM me. This stuff is important to me.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on June 05, 2024, 04:28:20 PMWinnipeg does not list any players as DA
The "real" chart from Junkie does have the NAT/IMP designations correct. However, even it does not show the DA's. By rule the teams MUST designate the DAs. I guess we're back to "but they do it on the secret roster handed to the league" which does us fans no good whatsoever.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 05, 2024, 03:26:27 PMDoes FB count as a starter? If so 11
BinBC gave the long answer. I'll give the short answer: No (just treat FB as though it was listed under RB on the chart).
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 05, 2024, 06:52:55 PMThe line-up person is still in pre-season form:
1. Alexander is an import, but listed as a National (unless he's naturalized and that's how they specify that, which would be odd and needlessly confusing).
2. Dobson is a National and listed as an import.
3. Demski is a National and listed as an import.
By my count that is 10 National starters.
Haha, you found one I didn't. Good one! :D :o :o :P
10 NAT ratio is unheard of in modern CFL. Back to my "insanity" postulation.
If Mafia was Chris Jones they'd have 10 new rookie IMPs fly up overnight to "tryout" in the game to get back down to 7-8, as well as another 10 2nd year guys on some fake injury roster he could pull from.
I really can't recall the last time any team other than us started 9 NATs, let alone 10 (outside of garbage or pre-season).
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 06, 2024, 04:13:46 AMHaha, you found one I didn't. Good one! :D :o :o :P
10 NAT ratio is unheard of in modern CFL. Back to my "insanity" postulation.
If Mafia was Chris Jones they'd have 10 new rookie IMPs fly up overnight to "tryout" in the game to get back down to 7-8, as well as another 10 2nd year guys on some fake injury roster he could pull from.
I really can't recall the last time any team other than us started 9 NATs, let alone 10 (outside of garbage or pre-season).
You're not incorrect and yet both Dickie and Jones stand with their necks already fitted for nooses as the 2024 season gets under way, which leads to the rhetorical question, who's approach has proven to work better theirs or MOS's?
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 05, 2024, 10:39:54 PMHe wasn't signed in free agency. Whether he was deciding to move on from football or whether the Bombers even offered a contract IDK. However, he hasn't signed elsewhere either. I tend to think he's move on to his post football career. Of course I may be in error and he could sign somewhere soon.
Depending on how things go with our OL, we can't rule out anything. Bombers didn't spend money they allocated for Grant and if Bighill and Lawson are on 6 game IR for longer, they may be considering other options.
I FINALLY rewatched the GC 2023 game last night for the very first time. Figured best to relive the horror before the revenge game to start the season! Gray was manhandled by Sankey a lot I noticed while being really focused on the replay game. Could be why they never invited him back or he knew his days were done. Was quite noticeable on several plays Sankey just ran past of overpowered him like a pylon.
Also Collaros threw a VERY BAD interception to Lawler deep in the endzone before halftime. The flat was WIDE open with someone running out there (did not catch the number) with a few yards of separation from the defender. Zach missed that read badly as would have been an easy TD or very close to the goal line at least. Funny how you can notice certain things afterwards when not wrapped up wildly in the game! :)
Quote from: ichabod_crane on June 06, 2024, 05:16:06 AMI FINALLY rewatched the GC 2023 game last night for the very first time.
Also Collaros threw a VERY BAD interception to Lawler deep in the endzone before halftime. The flat was WIDE open with someone running out there (did not catch the number) with a few yards of separation from the defender.
Ya. If you missed it the first time 'round (too much pain still...) check out my posts on the GC:
break down on the Lawler INT:
http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=55431.msg1616281;topicseen#msg1616281
my slight mea culpa on Cody and earlier MTL game comparison with GC:
http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=55576.msg1620096#msg1620096
The takeaway from the GC is don't try nice ball placement for Kenny, just throw it beyond him and let him get it. Otherwise Ento will get the INT. Just let Kenny be Kenny. Zach needs to know when not to feather it in there.
I want a ton more go routes. Basically wherever Dequoy cheats to, to the other way, to avoid the over the top INT. And do the unexpected. If Buck does GC Buck things, we may have the same result. I want major confusion caused by our O schemes.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 06, 2024, 04:46:50 AMYou're not incorrect and yet both Dickie and Jones stand with their necks already fitted for nooses as the 2024 season gets under way, which leads to the rhetorical question, who's approach has proven to work better theirs or MOS's?
TOR's in 2022
MTL's in 2023
None ever start more than 8 NAT. Usually 7.
We shall see!!
Quote from: ichabod_crane on June 06, 2024, 05:16:06 AMGray was manhandled by Sankey a lot I noticed while being really focused on the replay game. Could be why they never invited him back or he knew his days were done. Was quite noticeable on several plays Sankey just ran past of overpowered him like a pylon.
Ya, Gray gave up his famous "A-gap Problem" 1 or 2 times in the GC. However, that is a shared responsibility with Ko-man, and even (sometimes) Brady. I wouldn't say he cost us the game though. DM83 will tell you Hardrick deserves all the blame! And I'd point out Ko-man not playing 100% mistake-free, nor even Neufeld.
However, I'm not grading these guys out, so maybe your theory is right and that is a big part of why we cut him loose. However, while we are "puzzle piece" focused, it's usually by addition, not subtraction. Maybe that's because we usually pick such good players that we lose them to big$ FA, not no-one-wants-them cuts.
We're also very much NOT a "burn the witches" team. This would smack of burning a witch. Maybe that's why it's been so low key and hush hush. Actually quite the strange situation for a starting-caliber vet-but-young NAT OL!
MTL chart:
Can't sleep on their O. KJG back in the roster (was out the GC) slightly offsets the loss of Mack. Snead/Spieker/Philpot can be dangerous, especially when Calvillo spreads the ball evenly like in the GC, thus keeping us guessing.
Fletcher can be as good as Stanback, in my books. And faster. Watch out.
Their OL hasn't changed much. All this equals trouble for our rookie & NAT D. All depends on whether Cody is supercharged by the GC win or back to can't-throw Cody. If Cody has new mojo, they'll put up big points!
MTL D:
Slightly weaker DL. One new guy in DB corps? Ento/Dequoy still there: scary.
LBs much the same.
How did MTL manage to retain so many GC champs?? Holy smokes, we're usually the "consistency" team, and this year we have 800 changes and they have virtually 0. That's never a good thing.
OK ... LEMON? How on earth is he starting? I thought he was suspended for a whole season AND retired? How is he starting?
Did he appeal? Shady that he'll be able to play for X weeks before serving a suspension.
Who was it who said they are scared? Well, I just did my fantasy analysis on the WPG/MTL depth charts and yikes, if I was any other team's fan, I'd pick MTL to win. I always say I won't pickem/fantasy on emotion, but here I am in week 1 picking WPG against all logic. :o :( :-X :-\ :'(
I can come up with some reasons why we should win, though:
1. It's IGF PAS and it's gonna be loud
2. It's IGF PAS and I don't think Cody has ever beaten us here??
3. We have more superstar WRs
4. We have the better QB
5. Revenge is a better motivator than confidence or hubris
Is that enough??
Wind will die down tonight and skies will clear. Dress warm not the warmest and no sun looks like.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 06, 2024, 04:13:46 AMHaha, you found one I didn't. Good one! :D :o :o :P
10 NAT ratio is unheard of in modern CFL. Back to my "insanity" postulation.
If Mafia was Chris Jones they'd have 10 new rookie IMPs fly up overnight to "tryout" in the game to get back down to 7-8, as well as another 10 2nd year guys on some fake injury roster he could pull from.
I really can't recall the last time any team other than us started 9 NATs, let alone 10 (outside of garbage or pre-season).
It's hard to blame them. Jones especially, he's a walk on from Tennessee who has a pretty extensive record coaching in the southern US which is a football factory and when you compare those guys to CIS guys it isn't really that close most of the time. That's just a reality. Dickenson you could argue should have a bit more of an open mind from Montana but he was named the Big Sky Conference's greatest-male athlete ever in 2013 and has deep roots to the US (albeit northern states).
The other factor is that although we have built, developed and found some really great National players, there is a absolute National scarcity at play. It really cannot be argued. So even if Dickenson and Jones (or every CFL team) wanted to start 10 Nationals, it really isn't possible. Give O'Shea and Walters credit though, they have a lot of success with the Nationals here. They are good at it. It's just 10000% not as easy as they make it seem.
As if the 2024 season kicks off today. ;D
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExem5kNGd6OGs4NnFpbWU5bWhxcDVwMDlvc205bXBmMTVvY3hrcThiZyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/XA0jsAWaxrgOI/giphy.webp)
Happy 2024 season kickoff Blue Bomber fans!
This has more of a preseason vibe, just because I still have more questions than answers about the 2024 Bombers.
How will the OL perform with the new pieces? If we can hold back the defence on passing downs, we should be pretty good. I'd say a 3-sack and 100-yard rushing game (combined) would be a success for the first time playing all together.
Will MTL exploit our 2 rookie corners, or will they hold up? With DB's it's normally better if you never hear their name on the broadcast, and I can say that I rarely if ever heard Bond's name come up. I'd expect both of them to get burned at least once.
Has our special teams coverage improved? Our new coach is the best to ever cover punts and kickoffs. I would hope that he can reel in the young guns and turn our coverage into a weapon rather than a liability. I'm expecting a slow start with this being his first time coaching, but I believe in him as a coach so I'll have a LOT of patience.
I picked the Bombers, but I have a bunch of worries about this game:
Several vets with little to no pre-season action.
BA, Brady O, & Neuf all starting with just a couple of practices under their belts. I hope the injuries are fully healed.
Two new corners. Ford's only got 1 start in his career.
Gauthier @ MLB.
Two new starters on the OL & very little time together in the pre-season to gel.
New returner with zero returns in pre-season.
Quote from: TBURGESS on June 06, 2024, 02:36:54 PMI picked the Bombers, but I have a bunch of worries about this game:
Several vets with little to no pre-season action.
BA, Brady O, & Neuf all starting with just a couple of practices under their belts. I hope the injuries are fully healed.
Two new corners. Ford's only got 1 start in his career.
Gauthier @ MLB.
Two new starters on the OL & very little time together in the pre-season to gel.
New returner with zero returns in pre-season.
I agree. I've got this as a coin toss. We've got 12 first time CFL players on the roster tonight and a veteran group that didn't play much (or at all) in the pre-season. That's a lot of guys drinking from a fire hose or trying to get their timing back.
The things we have going for us is that Cody Fajardo will still make 2-3 horrible plays and if we can pressure him we can add 2-3 more. Combine that with a home crowd and elite veteran play that we still enjoy and we should hopefully overcome it all.
We'll see. I'm looking forward to a year that's going to be hard to predict.
Collaros (#1 player in the league) dropping dimes in practice, the best receivers in the league, a solid O line, and the best RB in the league. Points will not be a problem.
D might be more of an issue, but it sounds like Younger has impressed Hall so far, and there are rookies on the field, there are more than our share of veterans, being the oldest team in the league.
ST, I think, is where the game might get more interesting. New returner, best K in the league in top form, an unpredictable (in a good way) Aussie punter that has worked on his conventional punting, some new ST demons and Miller the GOAT ST'er making his debut as a STC. Adds up to excitement, and hopefully in a good way.
It will be very interesting to watch the boundary side of the secondary tonight. I didn't realize that Terrell Bonds was a childhood friend of Deatrick Nichols! Should make for some good chemistry back there.
From today's Free Press, regarding Terrell Bonds:
He didn't have to introduce himself to everyone in the Blue and Gold locker room as he's childhood friends with star halfback Deatrick Nichols.
"He was telling me to come here in 2022 during the season. They had a few injuries, and I was released by the Titans at that point. He was like, 'Come here, we need corners, you're going to play,'" said Bonds.
"I didn't think I was ready to make that transition, especially midseason trying to learn a new game as well. So, I told him 'Nah, I'm gonna give the XFL a try.'" The pair won several state titles at Miami Central High School. They also played Little League together.
"Deatrick is one of my best friends. Him being here is honestly the top reason that I am here," said Bonds. "The fact that we're back playing with each other 10 years later after high school, it's crazy how football works."
They'll be able to show their chemistry against Montreal as they'll be lined up beside each other on the boundary side.
"I think Deatrick passed on his winter jacket through the cool training camp weather so Terrell could be a little warm," said head coach Mike O'Shea with a grin.
"It's interesting to see them interact. They've known each other that long I think it'll help them communicate out there."
Quote from: pdirks67 on June 06, 2024, 04:02:12 PMIt will be very interesting to watch the boundary side of the secondary tonight. I didn't realize that Terrell Bonds was a childhood friend of Deatrick Nichols! Should make for some good chemistry back there.
From today's Free Press, regarding Terrell Bonds:
He didn't have to introduce himself to everyone in the Blue and Gold locker room as he's childhood friends with star halfback Deatrick Nichols.
"He was telling me to come here in 2022 during the season. They had a few injuries, and I was released by the Titans at that point. He was like, 'Come here, we need corners, you're going to play,'" said Bonds.
"I didn't think I was ready to make that transition, especially midseason trying to learn a new game as well. So, I told him 'Nah, I'm gonna give the XFL a try.'" The pair won several state titles at Miami Central High School. They also played Little League together.
"Deatrick is one of my best friends. Him being here is honestly the top reason that I am here," said Bonds. "The fact that we're back playing with each other 10 years later after high school, it's crazy how football works."
They'll be able to show their chemistry against Montreal as they'll be lined up beside each other on the boundary side.
"I think Deatrick passed on his winter jacket through the cool training camp weather so Terrell could be a little warm," said head coach Mike O'Shea with a grin.
"It's interesting to see them interact. They've known each other that long I think it'll help them communicate out there."
Wonder if they went to Miami Central High School with Rakeem Cato, place had the reputation as being one of the toughest/worst schools in the US. Provides context to understand how bad the environment is some of these players come out of.
I am excited for Walters and company, getting to watch 3 of the 2024 draft picks on the sidelines tonight.
Clercius and Chris-Ike will likely get snaps, and Wallace as 7th Olineman might see Jumbo time. With Samson on the 1 game, that means all 4 of our second rounders that we traded down for and earned with no DNA snaps have made the team. And our last pick is on the PR.
That's pretty solid drafting.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 06, 2024, 05:17:23 PMI am excited for Walters and company, getting to watch 3 of the 2024 draft picks on the sidelines tonight.
Clercius and Chris-Ike will likely get snaps, and Wallace as 7th Olineman might see Jumbo time. With Samson on the 1 game, that means all 4 of our second rounders that we traded down for and earned with no DNA snaps have made the team. And our last pick is on the PR.
That's pretty solid drafting.
That's pretty solid drafting ...
if they can contribute. Getting into the line-up is the easy part, ask Faith Ekakitie or Jade Etienne.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2024, 06:16:12 PMThat's pretty solid drafting ...if they can contribute. Getting into the line-up is the easy part, ask Faith Ekakitie or Jade Etienne.
Valid point, but I don't think anyone is going to suggest that Clercius, Chris-Ike or Wallace will have the same issues Etienne had... these are "lower the boom" guys, something Jade was never accused of. And needing to go back to 2017 and 2011 when we struggled to start 7 Nats and needed every serviceable Nat we could get on the roster, well, its a different league now. Jade was picked 4th with the free pick from trading Jyles to TO, after we had picked Muamba...
I have a feeling that all three will be fan favourites here. They all bring special talent to the team. This was a very good draft.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 06, 2024, 06:36:07 PMValid point, but I don't think anyone is going to suggest that Clercius, Chris-Ike or Wallace will have the same issues Etienne had... these are "lower the boom" guys, something Jade was never accused of. And needing to go back to 2017 and 2011 when we struggled to start 7 Nats and needed every serviceable Nat we could get on the roster, well, its a different league now. Jade was picked 4th with the free pick from trading Jyles to TO, after we had picked Muamba...
I have a feeling that all three will be fan favourites here. They all bring special talent to the team. This was a very good draft.
You get my point. Plenty of Canadians make teams and then have a hard time making impact. It's a good start but good drafting requires contributions, not necessarily in game one, but pretty quickly if they're taking up a roster spot.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 06, 2024, 05:17:23 PMI am excited for Walters and company, getting to watch 3 of the 2024 draft picks on the sidelines tonight.
Clercius and Chris-Ike will likely get snaps, and Wallace as 7th Olineman might see Jumbo time. With Samson on the 1 game, that means all 4 of our second rounders that we traded down for and earned with no DNA snaps have made the team. And our last pick is on the PR.
That's pretty solid drafting.
I see Samson has been moved to the 1 game IR for this game, not sure what their plans are for him but with 2 healthy Natl's DT's and Lawson on the mend he'll most likely spend most of the season on the PR. I think the depth of Natl DT's retained indicates MOS plans to maintain the current ratio of 2 on the D-line.
Now that game day is here, I'm very jacked and excited to head to PAS tonight and take it all in. I think once I see the boys in blue out there, and even more so the Bird Boys from out east, I'm gonna get real cranked up.
Looking for some pounding running from Brady, some Zachy sidearm-to-circus-catches from Schoen/Lawler/Demski, and some Spartan mode from Strevie. And from the defense...competence, lol.
GO BLUE
Quote from: blue_or_die on June 06, 2024, 07:50:25 PMNow that game day is here, I'm very jacked and excited to head to PAS tonight and take it all in. I think once I see the boys in blue out there, and even more so the Birds Boys from out east, I'm gonna get real cranked up.
Looking for some pounding running from Brady, some Zachy sidearm-to-circus-catches from Schoen/Lawler/Demski, and some Spartan mode from Strevie. And from the defense...competence, lol.
GO BLUE
And now you've got me all cranked up...
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 06, 2024, 06:16:12 PMask Faith Ekakitie.
Shhhhh. He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named is verboten for conversation. Worst. Draft pick. Ever.
Wind might be a factor at the start of the game...supposed to die down later
When have we not had a bounce back game? The only worry I have is the wind which is fairly strong and gusty now and should be so for the first half especially. Could be an ugly one I think but I don't under estimate our motivation and an offense that should top the league.
The wind is not as much of a factor at PAS. If the game was still at Polo Park it would be howling tonight.
Uhhhh is this game not on TSN+? I have an account but can't seem to access the game.
Help!
woof, get Collaros killed to clinch a second straight two and out and then give that much yardage up on a return because the punter either out punted his unit or got framed by poor coverage
We got a lil rust to take care of.
Lotta rust on O
Zach looks terrible so far
Kenny is hurt
Zach just cant get into a rhythm
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 07, 2024, 12:22:46 AMUhhhh is this game not on TSN+? I have an account but can't seem to access the game.
Help!
Here's the schedule: https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-streaming-schedule-1.2005006
Looks like the Bombers didn't eat their Wheaties this morning. Hopefully they'll straighten it out. Collaros it under throwing it a lot. They have to get that adrenalin flowing. There's still time if the defence can hold.
Looks like a bunch of players that barely played in preseason.
First half brought to you by Rust-o-Leum and Catelli pasta - sponsor of Zach's arm
Haba is getting pressure from his side. Drew one holding call and there should have been another one the very next play. #65 can't handle Haba!!
Another frigging turnover!!! Cmon Demski, you know better than that.
Bombers are doing their best to make the Als look good. 3 turnovers in just over a half of football is NOT a good look!!
Egad, that was ugly between Collaros and Olivera. Lucky we didn't turn it over again in our our end
We ve got to get some points this offensive series
That ankle twist on Streveler.... smh.
Quote from: DCM on June 07, 2024, 02:40:41 AMThat ankle twist on Streveler.... smh.
Then the dude gets carted off next play
Sergio stinks too.
Defence has done what they need to
The entire offensive side of the ball is offensively bad tonight. Seems like only Brady O has his work boots om tonight. Lack of discipline is disheartening. That last TD was an embarassment.
Quote from: VictorRomano on June 07, 2024, 02:56:18 AMThe entire offensive side of the ball is offensively bad tonight. Seems like only Brady O has his work boots om tonight. Lack of discipline is disheartening. That last TD was an embarassment.
Couldn't agree more. Pitiful pitiful performance.
Tyson Philipot is having himself a whale of a game. I don't think we ll score a major tonight. All this money tied u in schoen and Lawler, where the heck are they!? So Lawler gets hurt and we just fold!?!?
So much for not playing your starters in the preseason....put Streveler in now as the game is all but over....Collaros had a miserable outing....then we lose Lawler....down three TDs and we punt? Wow....just a bad day in Bomberland and Cody looked like the MVP today and Zach looked indecisive and hesitant? The Als laid a huge can of whoop-a$$ on us today....
Put Streveler in to close the game.....give him some reps because Zach is so off his game....
Forgot Streveler had his ankle twisted....so give the third stringer some valuable reps....
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 07, 2024, 03:07:29 AMSo much for not playing your starters in the preseason....put Streveler in now as the game is all but over....Collaros had a miserable outing....then we lose Lawler....down three TDs and we punt? Wow....just a bad day in Bomberland and Cody looked like the MVP today and Zach looked indecisive and hesitant? The Als laid a huge can of whoop-a$$ on us today....
Collaros and our offense had their worst game in 5 years. I can't remember when we looked so bad. If Lawler is gone, who's our big threat out there?? Sure as heck isn't schoen, he was invisible tonight. Did he even catch a pass?? We dont look good at all. I don't think we d have beat the elks tonight!!
Ugly game.
Snead & Philpot had a hayday. Special teams still special. The whole O struggled.
Hope Lawler isn't out long, only even noticed WR Wilson at the very end.
Quote from: dd on June 07, 2024, 03:18:04 AMCollaros and our offense had their worst game in 5 years. I can't remember when we looked so bad. If Lawler is gone, who's our big threat out there?? Sure as heck isn't schoen, he was invisible tonight. Did he even catch a pass?? We dont look good at all. I don't think we d have beat the elks tonight!!
Schoen did decent I thought
Who's our plan B at kicker?? Castillo stinks!!!
This offense looked like it was playing its first preseason game, poor decisions, poor timing, poor execution. As mentioned, the strategy to play so many newcomers in preseason really came back to bite us. Once again our special teams was badly outplayed. Castillo and Sheahan were awful. One of the worst games Collaros has played
On the positive, our linebackers and dline played decent.
Als pass coverage is superior......hey we got a first down in garbage time....and with a minute JA finally breaks the plane of the goal line as Montreal just lays off.....Sergio really stinking today as well....wow! Could it be any worse for a season opener in our so called "revenge" match?
Walby on Bonfire was not happy that all our starters were rested in the preseason.....DB kept defending the coaching staff for their decision to do this and Bluto wasn't buying it....neither was Doug Brown on OB radio. I have to concur....
Finally....it's OVER!!
We waited 6 months for that garbage?
We came out unprepared, flat and made enough mistakes to lose several games. I think we were out coached to boot.
1. 2 missed FG's and 1 missed convert
2. 1 fumble on punt returns and generally bad returns in any case. Did we return a punt more that 5 yards?
3. Bad coverage on kicks and an early illegal punt out of bounds.
4. No yards at least once.
5. Receivers open. Collaros was not in sync until late in the game. One of his worst performances in a long time.
6. Lawler injured early. Streveler injured later ( how was that not a penalty ). A fine later doesn't help.
7. Demski fumble. Unfortunate but a sign of little practice in TC etc.
8. Ford torched tonight repeatedly. Learning curve.
9. Collaros rushed often. Ol needs to gel with these changes.
A few positive notes.
1. Bond played pretty well I thought.
2. DL did well but still not enough pressure and Fajardo had too long to pass.
3. Clercius has potential. Although I somewhat not using Mitchell on offence a bit.
Montreal came to play and were full credit for the win. I'm just disappointed we didn't give them a more competitive game at home. That was painful.
Are we shocked? I hear crickets!
Quote from: Pete on June 07, 2024, 03:24:01 AMThis offense looked like it was playing its first preseason game, poor decisions, poor timing, poor execution. As mentioned, the strategy to play so many newcomers in preseason really came back to bite us. Once again our special teams was badly outplayed. Castillo and Sheahan were awful. One of the worst games Collaros has played
On the positive, our linebackers and dline played decent.
I have never understood why we don't give the vets reps in preseason , especially the 2nd preseason game.
Our team was totally out coached tonight. Jason mass and his staff took us to the woodshed tonight.
Going to be a long year this year.
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on June 07, 2024, 03:33:57 AMAre we shocked? I hear crickets!
I think most are still getting home from the game. The only one's reporting so far the people that didn't attend the game.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 07, 2024, 03:33:18 AMWe waited 6 months for that garbage?
We came out unprepared, flat and made enough mistakes to lose several games. I think we were out coached to boot.
1. 2 missed FG's and 1 missed convert
2. 1 fumble on punt returns and generally bad returns in any case. Did we return a punt more that 5 yards?
3. Bad coverage on kicks and an early illegal punt out of bounds.
4. No yards at least once.
5. Receivers open. Collaros was not in sync until late in the game. One of his worst performances in a long time.
6. Lawler injured early. Streveler injured later ( how was that not a penalty ). A fine later doesn't help.
7. Demski fumble. Unfortunate but a sign of little practice in TC etc.
8. Ford torched tonight repeatedly. Learning curve.
9. Collaros rushed often. Ol needs to gel with these changes.
A few positive notes.
1. Bond played pretty well I thought.
2. DL did well but still not enough pressure and Fajardo had too long to pass.
3. Clercius has potential. Although I somewhat not using Mitchell on offence a bit.
Montreal came to play and were full credit for the win. I'm just disappointed we didn't give them a more competitive game at home. That was painful.
Evan Holm played very well, but he needs help from others.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 07, 2024, 03:33:18 AMWe waited 6 months for that garbage?
We came out unprepared, flat and made enough mistakes to lose several games. I think we were out coached to boot.
1. 2 missed FG's and 1 missed convert
2. 1 fumble on punt returns and generally bad returns in any case. Did we return a punt more that 5 yards?
3. Bad coverage on kicks and an early illegal punt out of bounds.
4. No yards at least once.
5. Receivers open. Collaros was not in sync until late in the game. One of his worst performances in a long time.
6. Lawler injured early. Streveler injured later ( how was that not a penalty ). A fine later doesn't help.
7. Demski fumble. Unfortunate but a sign of little practice in TC etc.
8. Ford torched tonight repeatedly. Learning curve.
9. Collaros rushed often. Ol needs to gel with these changes.
A few positive notes.
1. Bond played pretty well I thought.
2. DL did well but still not enough pressure and Fajardo had too long to pass.
3. Clercius has potential. Although I somewhat not using Mitchell on offence a bit.
Montreal came to play and were full credit for the win. I'm just disappointed we didn't give them a more competitive game at home. That was painful.
I will add the Chris-Ike did not look good. Dropped pass, penalty on teams, and missed a couple of blocks.
Need to find a KR ASAP.
Quote from: Pete on June 07, 2024, 03:24:01 AMThis offense looked like it was playing its first preseason game, poor decisions, poor timing, poor execution. As mentioned, the strategy to play so many newcomers in preseason really came back to bite us. Once again our special teams was badly outplayed. Castillo and Sheahan were awful. One of the worst games Collaros has played
On the positive, our linebackers and dline played decent.
We understand the logic but it came back to bite us. The bigger question is did we keep the correct new comers? We didn't throw to Wilson until there was about 5 minutes left.
Mitchell was horrible. Ford was horrible.
Haba and Fox were with the team in 2023 although 1st year starters. Adams and Woods seemed to do alright in rotation.
Didn't really notice Bridges at all.
We started 10 Canadians and then Clercius replaced Lawler so at that point 11 Canadians starting.
I can't really say I blame the defence although they had their list of mistakes. Mistakes in every aspect of the game.
It's a long season and the rookies may shine but nobody jumped off the page tonight.
BA37 with a very large knee brace.
BO20 timing was also off all night. JA27 was hitting the holes on time. But, JA27 hasn't missed a practice.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 07, 2024, 03:41:28 AMI will add the Chris-Ike did not look good. Dropped pass, penalty on teams, and missed a couple of blocks.
Need to find a KR ASAP.
I cut some slack for some of the rookies. More on the Canadian side but the imports as well. Regardless, a lot of 1st year players did not impress.
OTOH I liked the fact they tried to use Chris-Ike as an offensive weapon.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 07, 2024, 03:44:08 AMBA37 with a very large knee brace.
BO20 timing was also off all night. JA27 was hitting the holes on time. But, JA27 hasn't missed a practice.
The game was in the bag and the Als were in prevent defence taking away deep passing. But JA27 always does well when given opportunity.
Clearly, lack of practice and pre season exposure hurt the prep.
Was Alexander wearing the brace during the game? I didn't notice but that explains little practice time in TC.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 07, 2024, 03:41:28 AMI will add the Chris-Ike did not look good. Dropped pass, penalty on teams, and missed a couple of blocks.
Need to find a KR ASAP.
We need a few things ASAP. We need a kick returner, we need a kicker, we need an offense that is less predictable, we need to get rid of the turnovers, especially in our own end!!
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 07, 2024, 03:42:13 AMWe understand the logic but it came back to bite us. The bigger question is did we keep the correct new comers? We didn't throw to Wilson until there was about 5 minutes left.
Mitchell was horrible. Ford was horrible.
Haba and Fox were with the team in 2023 although 1st year starters. Adams and Woods seemed to do alright in rotation.
Didn't really notice Bridges at all.
We started 10 Canadians and then Clercius replaced Lawler so at that point 11 Canadians starting.
I can't really say I blame the defence although they had their list of mistakes. Mistakes in every aspect of the game.
It's a long season and the rookies may shine but nobody jumped off the page tonight.
The D made some mistakes. But, also made some very good plays. Good against the run. Woods was impressive. Willy was held all night.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 07, 2024, 03:44:08 AMBA37 with a very large knee brace.
BO20 timing was also off all night. JA27 was hitting the holes on time. But, JA27 hasn't missed a practice.
I know it was garbage time, but JA looked good, he's an explosive runner. I just don't get why they don't involve him more in the offense. I'd even put him in and use a 2 back backfield, run a counter off the predictable Demski jet run. He's way too talented to let whither away on the sideline
Quote from: dd on June 07, 2024, 03:46:14 AMWe need a few things ASAP. We need a kick returner, we need a kicker, we need an offense that is less predictable, we need to get rid of the turnovers, especially in our own end!!
1st games as usually sloppy offence. Lack of practice in TC and pre season came back to bit us.
Our returner didn't look good. Will he improve? IDK but it's a little early to know.
Castillo missed 2 FG's and 1 convert. So out of 7 possible points he got 2. It wouldn't have won the game but it would have helped momentum.
Collaros scoring a TD early after the turnover was a huge chance to get a good start but under throw or over throw.
Coaches screwed up royally. Team was FAR from prepared.
Woli82 played well. Made some good blocks and caught a couple of nice passes.
Oh. How does Lemon get to play with a lifetime suspension? Obviously he's going to appeal but allowing him to un-retire on short notice and play game 1 is absolute BS.
Makes the league look bush league once again.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 07, 2024, 03:59:09 AMOh. How does Lemon get to play with a lifetime suspension? Obviously he's going to appeal but allowing him to un-retire on short notice and play game 1 is absolute BS.
Makes the league look bush league once again.
He has already appealed and is therefore eligible to play until it is settled.
Unless the ALS chose to uphold the suspension, which they have not.
Mitchell PR. 7/37 longest 9 yards.
Cole: 7 Tackles, 1 Int.
Woli82: 2/33, longest 25 yards.
ZC8: 20/33 209 1 Int, 6.3 Avg. Longest 25.
Game Recap | MTL 27 WPG 12
"...THE RUST IS REAL:
The Bombers entered the opener with 11 projected starters having not taken a single snap in the two preseason games, including Zach Collaros, with the thinking being the club wanted to enter the campaign as healthy as possible.
Naturally, then, there would be a question of potential rust forming on the squad heading into the first game that mattered. And, frankly, it was very, very evident early and then in a theme that would continue throughout the rest of the evening.
The Blue Bombers turned the ball over three times leading to 10 Alouette points, took five penalties totalling 65 yards, saw Sergio Castillo miss two of three field goals and a convert – more on that later – were burned for a 76-yard flea-flicker touchdown and saw the offence manage just 284 yards net offence.
"I don't know that I had them prepared well enough for this one," said head coach Mike O'Shea. "Missing that step, missing a bit of that football sense as we went along... I think I could have done a better job of getting them ready. Those bunch of practices in training camp probably could have been a little different."
Asked specifically about the rust narrative, he added:
"There's a bit of that for sure. I don't think the veteran group needs to play. I don't know that I'd change that idea, especially with the six days in between (the final preseason game and the opener). Montreal had the same six days. I just think I could have done something differently to make sure these guys were a little bit more prepared.
"The guys that missed training camp are going to be a step behind regardless. They're going to missing a few of those fast-paced details that click when you're finely tuned..."
https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/06/07/game-recap-mtl-27-wpg-12/
Quote from: The Zipp on June 07, 2024, 02:44:20 AMThen the dude gets carted off next play
Talk about instant karma.
It's a long 18 game season and that was just game one. I've seen teams in the CFL start 0-5 and go on to win the cup. Let's see how the team develops over the next few games before we get too upset.
Lawler may have broke a bone in the area of his wrist, if he's moved to the 6 game it's only going to increase Zach's problems finding open receivers.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 07, 2024, 02:02:22 AMLooks like a bunch of players that barely played in preseason.
Did they all go on a bender Wednesday night? That was atrocious on offence! 😲Defence was ok, just not enough pressure on Fajardo or containment. Castillo had a lot of rust too. Special teams was even outside the fumble.
Quote from: dd on June 07, 2024, 03:21:48 AMWho's our plan B at kicker?? Castillo stinks!!!
Should have kept Leggs! 😉😁 Sergio is not the only one who stunk the joint out. All have motivation to bounce back next game. O'Shea better have laid some whup_ss down after that display on offence. That was like the skin crawling days before the Manitoba mafia regime! TJ Rubley and Brian Brohm. Even drew "free" willy was not this putrid!
Quote from: dd on June 07, 2024, 03:38:49 AMI have never understood why we don't give the vets reps in preseason , especially the 2nd preseason game.
Our team was totally out coached tonight. Jason mass and his staff took us to the woodshed tonight.
Going to be a long year this year.
Chicken littles better go home and let the adults with patience see how things progress from here. Only the first game of the year! The sky is not falling quite yet. Next week will show if they are mice or men! 🐭 a slap to the face like this better wake them up.
Much like the oilers stunk the league out early this NHL season and look where they are now! 🙂 Go Canada! Go Oilers even though they are from the Chuck! 😆🏒🥅 bring back the Stanley cup to Canada! No love for Matthew tckachuk in Calgary either! 😋
Some odd notes as I work my way through the film:
Zach is getting fooled by simple MTL D trickery. They were trying this in the GC, too. They are using his vast football knowledge and experience against him!
Check out 1Q2:57. MTL appears to blitz SAM, Zach instantly recognizes it's vacated, and takes that open space as his read, which is a quick Demski curl at the sticks. But it's not really open, because at the snap a DL guy drops back right in front of Demski. And they have a DB directly behind Demski to get any tip INT.
Zach spots the DL guy right as he's throwing and has to angle out the throw, a bit too wide for Demski.
This is pure film study, player tendency study (vs Zach), and high-brain scheming. And it's clearly practiced. The goal is to get that INT, or incompletion.
My beef is, we didn't study this stuff too? They used this on us last season. MTL is doing high-brain 5D chess and for the life of us we can't anticipate the scheme and then use it against them? i.e. Scheme their scheme.
The play here would be to ignore their sleight of hand and pretty moving parts and instead just pass to Lawler who was wide open in the middle at the sticks. But Zach didn't look there because he knows that when the SAM blitzes you throw to the hot curl in the vacated space! But we know they know he knows, so why can't we outsmart them?!
I'm starting to really miss Lapo... I'm not sure the brains are high enough in WFC anymore. And I'm starting to get the impression that many teams, certainly MTL, put in every waking moment scheming and planning and practicing and our whole outfit is just mailing it in, going out for drinks when 4:30pm rolls around. We're being seriously outworked by the upstarts, and it isn't going to end well.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 07, 2024, 03:20:43 AMSpecial teams still special. The whole O struggled.
Our kick coverage was vastly improved. I counted only 1 good return for a very capable Letcher. We should give the ST guys full credit for this vast improvement over last season. This is likely the influence of coverage-ace Miller.
I won't talk about every other aspect of ST...
Our run D was pretty darn stout all game. Just like the PS games. Full credit to our run stoppers, mainly the DL. Our new guys were holding their own. Adams had a superb block-shed to stuff Cody at LoS on one play. The new "big guys" might have a future!
Given the above, how come Alexander is never in the picture on the deep shots? This is the same as last year. Instead we're still having BA37 cheat up to the flat to try to help with the run.
But why? If the run is under control, why don't we let BA37 roam to cause trouble for the deep routes? Contrast with MTL's Deqouy (and most other teams): their FS is always roaming looking for INTs and helping on the pass. It's aggravating.
The MOS challenge was inexcusable, and not very MOS-like. He knows you keep that challenge to keep those refs honest all game. You don't blow it in the 1st Q, and certainly not on a useless boondoggle.
Any student of the CFL knows that they almost never overturn a no no-yards call. It's been shown many times that not only will someone have to be within the halo, they'll have to be within closer to 1.1-1.5 yards of the halo! Guys a couple of feet inside the halo are never called: not live, and not in command review.
How does MOS not know this? He says he watches most every game. He sees what I see. Write a new note on your chart, MOS: you ain't gonna overturn a no no-yards unless it's incredibly egregious. I think I've seen just one overturned since they started allowing a no-yards challenge.
You want irony? Maas wasted his challenge early in exactly the same way in the GC.
Why does our OL consistently get beaten by simple 4-(or even 3-)man-DL stunts? Every stunt MTL was trying was working. Just easy stuff like delays, crossovers, etc. (See the Zach INT 2Q2:55.)
It's embarrassing.
And it's not just this game: we had this trouble last season as well, though maybe not as bad. Poor Zach is getting pressure in his face, or being put back on his butt, by dumb, simple stunts.
This would fall to the OL coach and the OL itself, no? I would say maybe we're spending all the OL dev time on rush blocking and not pass pro, but our rush blocking was very weak tonight also...
2Q0:44 MTL Richards injury timeout:
Total fake injury to stop our tempo-O. Dude jogs off the right side of LoS into our backfield and doesn't touch a single other player, jogging the whole time, perfectly fine. Starts walking toward his sideline and taps his helmet, which I think is their code for "need a rest". This entire time he's looking completely gassed.
I think he just needed a break because of our tempo-O keeping him on the field and so his guys told him to take a knee right at the sideline in order to stop the tempo and get a substitution.
Dude walks off the field easily after a minute on his knee and looks perfectly fine (I used the ol' binocs @PAS). He's back on for the next D series when we take victory(losery?)-F to go into halftime.
Shades of SSK a few years ago. Nice cheatin' MTL! Maybe there needs to be a longer sit-out for "injuries" in tempo-O plays? How about 5 plays and only D plays count.
I was pretty happy with the defense last night. They kept us in the game until midway through the fourth quarter and the points they gave up before the flea flicker were all fairly reasonable. Our new corners played pretty good and the run stop was great all game. Early reviews are positive.
Obviously, with the money we have invested in the offense we aren't going to win if we keep playing like that. It wasn't pretty but I think we can safely say that the unit is going to be fine. They've played at a high level before and they will again.
Special teams was a bit of a mixed bag (aside from Sergio anyway). Return game needs a bit of help still but the cover teams were fairly organized and I think we'll probably see a lot of improvement on teams this year.
Turnovers kill and we had too many at bad times.
Weather ended up being pretty nice and it's always great to be at the stadium watching football!
In the stats Cole was listed as a CB. I noticed he was often on the field at the same time as Kramdi. It was hard to tell who was lining up where. At times I though he was lined up inside? Did he actually line up at CB as well.
With all the new players, new numbers and heavy rotation, it was difficult to tell who was where. He did seem to have a good game.
I mentioned in another string that all the kickers in the league are unhappy about the new chipped footballs. It's impacting accuracy apparently and Castillo had problems in TC too. So it's a bit early to blame him for that.
Sheehan still isn't getting enough hang time. The Bombers coverage were not in place when punts were fielded IMO. Also he had an early shank out of bounds
Quote from: Pigskin on June 07, 2024, 03:44:08 AMBA37 with a very large knee brace.
BO20 timing was also off all night. JA27 was hitting the holes on time. But, JA27 hasn't missed a practice.
Pretty sure he has worn a brace since tearing his acl in 2021 Grey Cup. He wears it in every practice too, not sure if he has a new larger one, didn't notice.
The sloppiest performance I've seen from this team in ages. What an ugly, ugly showing.
Karamoko seemed to be on the field often but didn't record 1 stat. On the other site it said he took a lot of snaps at WIL??
Essentially the question is did he play well and was he subbing for Wilson sliding over to MAC?
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 07, 2024, 02:39:26 PMKaramoko seemed to be on the field often but didn't record 1 stat. On the other site it said he took a lot of snaps at WIL??
Essentially the question is did he play well and was he subbing for Wilson sliding over to MAC?
Karamoko's job, it appeared, was to seal the edge and force the rush back inside which was largely effective.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 07, 2024, 02:41:16 PMKaramoko's job, it appeared, was to seal the edge and force the rush back inside which was largely effective.
Defence didn't play badly overall aside from a few busts. We didn't win field position or TOP and turnovers favoured the Als, especially that fumbled punt early. Momentum was not our friend. We didn't take good advantage of the Cole int when Collaros was cold as ice in his passing.
Will have to see if we've lost Lawler and / or Streveler for an extended time.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 07, 2024, 08:24:25 AMSome odd notes as I work my way through the film:
Zach is getting fooled by simple MTL D trickery. They were trying this in the GC, too. They are using his vast football knowledge and experience against him!
Check out 1Q2:57. MTL appears to blitz SAM, Zach instantly recognizes it's vacated, and takes that open space as his read, which is a quick Demski curl at the sticks. But it's not really open, because at the snap a DL guy drops back right in front of Demski. And they have a DB directly behind Demski to get any tip INT.
Zach spots the DL guy right as he's throwing and has to angle out the throw, a bit too wide for Demski.
This is pure film study, player tendency study (vs Zach), and high-brain scheming. And it's clearly practiced. The goal is to get that INT, or incompletion.
My beef is, we didn't study this stuff too? They used this on us last season. MTL is doing high-brain 5D chess and for the life of us we can't anticipate the scheme and then use it against them? i.e. Scheme their scheme.
The play here would be to ignore their sleight of hand and pretty moving parts and instead just pass to Lawler who was wide open in the middle at the sticks. But Zach didn't look there because he knows that when the SAM blitzes you throw to the hot curl in the vacated space! But we know they know he knows, so why can't we outsmart them?!
I'm starting to really miss Lapo... I'm not sure the brains are high enough in WFC anymore. And I'm starting to get the impression that many teams, certainly MTL, put in every waking moment scheming and planning and practicing and our whole outfit is just mailing it in, going out for drinks when 4:30pm rolls around. We're being seriously outworked by the upstarts, and it isn't going to end well.
Agree, smart D-Coords such as Thorpe have figured out the tendencies Zach has relied heavily on the past 4 seasons and are shutting the door on them. Not hard to notice he scrambles to his right most often and looks for a receiver breaking off his route and coming back. Also not hard to flood the zone with LB's and DB's and force him to throw it away or gamble on a closely covered receiver, cause they're no longer open.
With every passing year Buck throws out more pages of LaPo's original playbook, especially the sections that stressed ball control, patience and security. Zach rarely goes an entire drive without taking a 40 yard shot down field to move things along quicker, most fans love the gambler but in reality it lowers the chance of completion drastically and often cuts drives and momentum off at the knees. A little bit more of Matt Nichols monotonous play calling might be what this team needs to succeed this season.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 07, 2024, 01:43:39 PMThe sloppiest performance I've seen from this team in ages. What an ugly, ugly showing.
worst home game of the Collaros era IMO - last year against BC at home losing 30-6 was pretty bad too.
If ZC looks like this again next week and Dru Brown sticks us for 400 yards the chirping will get louder.
Well, we finally got a look at this team in really game action.
Offence: Poor excitation, turnovers. ZC8 under throws two bombs. OL didn't look good. Gray, Hardrick were missed.
Defense: Missed assignments (DB), at least one costly penalty. Front 7 not to bad for missing AB4.
Teams: Punt return was terrible. Punt coverage needs to improve, Castillo terrible, Sheahan has improved.
Injuries: KL89 could be out long term. Hand, wrist injury. Strev. ankle.
Is Chandler Worth still an FA.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 07, 2024, 08:55:33 AMThe MOS challenge was inexcusable, and not very MOS-like. He knows you keep that challenge to keep those refs honest all game. You don't blow it in the 1st Q, and certainly not on a useless boondoggle.
Any student of the CFL knows that they almost never overturn a no no-yards call. It's been shown many times that not only will someone have to be within the halo, they'll have to be within closer to 1.1-1.5 yards of the halo! Guys a couple of feet inside the halo are never called: not live, and not in command review.
How does MOS not know this? He says he watches most every game. He sees what I see. Write a new note on your chart, MOS: you ain't gonna overturn a no no-yards unless it's incredibly egregious. I think I've seen just one overturned since they started allowing a no-yards challenge.
You want irony? Maas wasted his challenge early in exactly the same way in the GC.
On teh post game, he mentioned that on the Ipad it definitely showed someone in the halo. He was very confident in that challenge from the evidence in hand. When he saw it on the jumbotron, yeah, whoops.
It was a huge play, change of possession deep and a momentum swing of huge proportions. Had the challenge been good, it changed the game dramatically.
There needs to be a better advice option though for challenges. One Ipad look is not enough. Don't we have a video guy that can be tasked with that?
Sergio had a horrible night, and there seems to be something off with the chipped game balls. Might have been what was troubling Collaros and Fajardo and the punters as well. No one was making the ball do what they wanted. But they have to finish week one with those balls, give everyone the same disadvantage. I won't be surprised to hear that they are pulled before week two.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 07, 2024, 01:43:39 PMThe sloppiest performance I've seen from this team in ages. What an ugly, ugly showing.
Y'all forget the travesty that was BC@WPG in 2023! I rewatched it a few weeks ago and that was truly a travesty. In fact, many similarities to this week 1 game. We didn't get a TD at all in that game, not even in garbage time (30-6)!
The saddest part is if BC plays MTL tomorrow, BC likely wipes the floor with them. Scary thought.
Edit:
Quote from: The Zipp on June 07, 2024, 03:17:33 PMworst home game of the Collaros era IMO - last year against BC at home losing 30-6 was pretty bad too.
You beat me to it! The BC one was worse.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 07, 2024, 03:47:32 PMOn teh post game, he mentioned that on the Ipad it definitely showed someone in the halo. He was very confident in that challenge from the evidence in hand. When he saw it on the jumbotron, yeah, whoops.
You missed my main point: they NEVER overturn the no no yards. Just once since inception of that challenge FWIR.
You can be 1 yard within the halo and command will still not overturn. You have to be closer to 1.5 yards within the halo to have a shot at an overturn. Remember, ruling on the field takes precedent and thus the no yards has to be egregious to be overturned.
MOS should know this if I know this! Even if the dude is 2 feet inside the halo, they will not overturn.
I knew live it wasn't no yards, I knew before the replay it wasn't no yards, I knew when I saw the replay it wasn't no yards. Dumbest MOS challenge ever.
In MOS's presser his answer "command was right" was MOS really saying "command says it's right so it's right", which is what he always says because he is a stand up guy who will take one for the good of the league and keep it out of disrepute. This is a good thing.
And I'm sure MOS really did (and still does) think the ipad showed the guy in the halo, so he's not lying there. When I freeze-framed and did all my tricks I thought the dude was maybe a couple of inches in the halo, but as per above, that means nothing. A HC needs to know the precedent of how command rules, and work within those confines, otherwise you can be right and still waste a challenge. MOS generally has a good feel for this (he is on the rules committee!), so I have no idea why he fell flat on this no yards challenge.
The only other option is
desperation, and I refuse to believe that. That would be like Dickenson The Remaining in the 2019 WDF doing a hopeless challenge on nothing because he knew that the momentum was steamrolling. Even if MOS thought that it was the beginning of the end, I've yet to see him panic.
Was it just my eyes @PAS, or did we play one snap with both Zach and Strevie in; with Strevie taking a handoff from Zach? Am I going nuts?
IIRC, it didn't really work out for any useful gain, but man, do I want to see more creative wacko stuff like that!!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 08, 2024, 07:14:18 AMWas it just my eyes @PAS, or did we play one snap with both Zach and Strevie in; with Strevie taking a handoff from Zach? Am I going nuts?
IIRC, it didn't really work out for any useful gain, but man, do I want to see more creative wacko stuff like that!!
I saw that too, although nothing came of it.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 08, 2024, 07:14:18 AMWas it just my eyes @PAS, or did we play one snap with both Zach and Strevie in; with Strevie taking a handoff from Zach? Am I going nuts?
IIRC, it didn't really work out for any useful gain, but man, do I want to see more creative wacko stuff like that!!
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Yes, there was one play where both Bomber QBs were in. However, on the play, Collaros attempted to handoff to Oliveira and the transfer was botched. No turnover but a messed up play.
Quote from: Slimy Sculpin on June 08, 2024, 01:09:22 PMSomeone please correct me if I'm wrong. Yes, there was one play where both Bomber QBs were in. However, on the play, Collaros attempted to handoff to Oliveira and the transfer was botched. No turnover but a messed up play.
Yeah. Collaros held the ball too long, appeared to be looking at his throwing option.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 08, 2024, 07:14:18 AMWas it just my eyes @PAS, or did we play one snap with both Zach and Strevie in; with Strevie taking a handoff from Zach? Am I going nuts?
IIRC, it didn't really work out for any useful gain, but man, do I want to see more creative wacko stuff like that!!
I noticed it on 2 consecutive plays, should be interesting to see where they take it.
Upon Further Review | Mtl 27 Wpg 12
"....We got beat. We got out-executed," said guard Pat Neufeld. "Offensively we didn't play up to the standard we set for ourselves and when you go out and make mistakes and don't play physical enough, that's what happens at home – you lose like that.
"We're going to have to be very honest with ourselves and address the reasons why we lost this game and move forward. It's a long season. Everyone in this building has lost a game. Obviously, you don't want to lose at home, and you don't want to lose a home opener, but it happens.
"We don't want to have this feeling again, so that's why you work your butt off, so you don't have it again...."
https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/06/07/upon-further-review-mtl-27-wpg-12/
Quote from: ModAdmin on June 09, 2024, 08:58:10 PM"We don't want to have this feeling again, so that's why you work your butt off, so you don't have it again...."
This is good stuff; exactly what us fans want to hear. They should feel bad. I haven't watched the final game of the week yet, but I can hazard a guess that WPG looked the worst of any of the 8 teams playing. That's unacceptable.
So, no supplemental discipline for Stubblefield? Other than the kharma/irony of going out for the season on the next play with an ACL?
Quote from: theaardvark on June 10, 2024, 06:16:45 PMSo, no supplemental discipline for Stubblefield?
If there is (which there won't be), I wouldn't expect it to be announced until Wednesday.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 10, 2024, 06:16:45 PMSo, no supplemental discipline for Stubblefield? Other than the kharma/irony of going out for the season on the next play with an ACL?
They don't care. Only Strevie cares. It's never called, never will be called, and 99% of the time this happens and we don't know about it.
Now that I think about it, I can remember a whole lot of times AH was at the bottom of a tackle/pile and players are doing all sorts of nasty stuff to him and he's wincing and upset but he just bounces up and runs down the field to show you he's gonna kick your butt.
I would be shocked if Stubby gets any penalty.
Quote from: DM83 on June 14, 2024, 06:58:56 AMWow! The wheels have fallen off.
Collaros sucked again.
Why did Neufeld run away from his. Man on that one play allowing a direct sack of Zach.
Why does Jefferson run around the edge and then quit if he isn't near the QB.
Why does Bonds after missing a tackle stop and watch the receiver .
Why is Ford in the field?
So many Bomber defenders playing at 1/4 speed. Someone tell them a game is being played, and it's time for full speed. If that's all they have left, they should retire. Some of those guys are steeling money.
Has anyone see Brandon Alexander make a tackle. Has anyone seen Kramdi make a tackle..
So DM83like
First, you're in the wrong thread, this thread was about last weeks game.
Collaros was one inch away from winning the game. Literally one inch.
Neufeld is part of an oline unit. Each has his responsibilities. It is the D's job to confuse them and sometimes, it works. As time goes by, they will work together better and less likely to miss assignments.
With injuries, Jefferson was out there far more than we'd like. If he isn't near the QB and conserves some energy for the next play, I'm ok with that in that situation.
Bonds is a raw rookie, and will get dressed down for that in film.
Ford is on the field because he's a very talented and athletic Nat that stuck with the Packers until the final cuts last year. Three years from now, you'll be crying if we lose him.
Defenders were on the field a lot last night, and 3 starters were out, leaving the Dline no rotational players, and the DB's with 3 rookies. None played at 1/4 speed. They played at the max they could, under the conditions.
BA73 and RK6 have both made 9 tackles this year, and many have been punishing. RH6 has flashed past a ball carrier a couple times, but more often than not, he blows them up. They are not ones you should criticize.