Blue Bombers Forum

Check out the standings.  0 points ties us with EDM and HAM.

But we have 31 points for, vs 41 EDM, 54 HAM.

31 points for in 2 games!!

Who had WPG as absolute worst team (by a mile!) in the league going into 2024 week 3?  With a 15pts/game average!

U.N.A.C.C.E.P.T.A.B.L.E

Pressure better be on in WFC land!  Fires better be lit!  Otherwise things will be lit here on Monday if EDM/HAM win and we don't... OR they simply outscore us again...

And what's with the chatter about us practicing less than the league-allowed amount of time?  Is that true??  Does anyone have the numbers?  Can we get facts about this?  I think it was ModAdmin that seemed a bit surprised we weren't practicing on day X.

If the situation is as it currently is and we're skipping out on practice, or if we're still giving (non-IR) "vet days"...

U.N.A.C.C.E.P.T.A.B.L.E

You're going to be okay, Techno.

Been saying that since after the first game. The signs were there.  They lost their fire. Who can we beat?  Maybe steal a game from Hamilton, Ottawa or Edmonton?

3-15 is a real possibility unless major changes happen.  Playoffs are a pipe dream without them.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 18, 2024, 01:35:13 PMYou're going to be okay, Techno.

But, no booing at the games. lol.

Lapo breaks down Dru Brown's game and by extension, our coverage. Only one real bust but how fast Brown reads is pretty impressive and most hugely, no mistakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsSz2xXDcDc

If you watch Lapo's video, on the big reception one it appears Bonds should "switch" coverage with Bridges but doesn't, Bridges tries to get over top but ends up way out of position. In the TD one Ford does not switch up with Holm and leaves a receiver open. Both the guys making mistakes are young inexperienced guys....it sucks but inexperience makes mistakes...the real question is can the coaches and the leaders step up and minimize these types of mistakes....so far after two weeks, we seem to be missing that

Quote from: 3rdand1.5 on June 18, 2024, 04:43:12 PMIf you watch Lapo's video, on the big reception one it appears Bonds should "switch" coverage with Bridges but doesn't, Bridges tries to get over top but ends up way out of position. In the TD one Ford does not switch up with Holm and leaves a receiver open. Both the guys making mistakes are young inexperienced guys....it sucks but inexperience makes mistakes...the real question is can the coaches and the leaders step up and minimize these types of mistakes....so far after two weeks, we seem to be missing that

I've seen it many times with Edm., playing 3 rookie DB's is a disaster waiting to happen. They can be the best athletes but it won't help them without game knowledge and great communication skills. 

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 18, 2024, 01:35:13 PMYou're going to be okay, Techno.

Yeah, take a Ritalin man! :D You too BOGUS! ;)

Quote from: Road Griller on June 18, 2024, 01:50:54 PMBeen saying that since after the first game. The signs were there.  They lost their fire. Who can we beat?  Maybe steal a game from Hamilton, Ottawa or Edmonton?

3-15 is a real possibility unless major changes happen.  Playoffs are a pipe dream without them.

What about 2-14? Or 0-18? Since we are just saying things..

Quote from: blue_or_die on June 18, 2024, 08:52:28 PMWhat about 2-14? Or 0-18? Since we are just saying things..

Personally I think we're going to be 0-48 this season.

Well, all I can say is other teams are signing players, ALs just signed Titus Wall, Edm sign a receiver, Tor signs someone, and we do nothing with all the injuries we have, we must have cap space based on all the 6 gamer IR's. Not looking like we are making an effort to turn things around but are hoping our starters come around. I guess WFC is going with a hope and a prayer this year.

I know it's been said many times before, but the Lions went 0-5 and won the grey cup. With Brady and Lawler our, our offensive production is going to suffer—currently scoring 16 pats a game on average, that doesn't win you too many ball games. So our game plan has to change. We aren't going to win shoot outs, so concentrate on high percent plays that move the ball consistently and work at winning the 25-20 games, forget string to score 40 points a game, ain't gonna happen until our 2-3 offensive superstars come off the IR and our O line gets it together. Until then, work with what you've got and try and get a 0.500 record u til our studs get back.

Techno rough start but we don't need a new thread for every negative thought about the club that come to your head.  Love a lot of your content and attention to detail but these numerous threads with the same flavor is getting a little much imo. 

2 games, deep breath, club will be ok.  Likely around 500 or a couple game above is my prediction.  Get healthy, develop some new guys, have a few new faces show up, make the playoffs and put some hurt on teams when it matters.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 18, 2024, 01:50:54 PMBeen saying that since after the first game. The signs were there.  They lost their fire. Who can we beat?  Maybe steal a game from Hamilton, Ottawa or Edmonton?

3-15 is a real possibility unless major changes happen.  Playoffs are a pipe dream without them.

I ordered some chicken feed from peavy mart, it was on sale so don't worry, lots to share lol just kidding.  2 games.  I'll wait till labour day before I worry.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 18, 2024, 09:10:56 PMPersonally I think we're going to be 0-48 this season.

Your post is the best!!!!!

Bombers will likely fold and be moved to Saskatoon.  Stadium will be sold at a huge loss and moved leaving a huge debt for Manitobians.  Taxes will be raised and we will eat beans for a decade.

Let's try to have a ounce of hope here guys.  I have seen bad clubs a decade ago and we are not as bad and times are not as desperate as they seam.  Also let's have laugh to lighten the mood.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 18, 2024, 01:35:13 PMYou're going to be okay, Techno.

I hope so!  I'm on the ledge guys!  ;D  ;D  ;D

Quote from: Pigskin on June 18, 2024, 02:04:25 PMBut, no booing at the games. lol.

Almost every single one of my posts attempts to offer some constructive ideas to go with the criticism.  Everything I say is in the hopes of a better team and more wins.

Booing is a perfect example of something that in no way will ever make a player or team better.  I'm very consistent.

I noticed not a single "haha chill" post addressed the original premise.  Weak sauce guys.  Not even trying to debunk or explain away the fact we're 9th out of 9 teams?

No one was surprised?  I was when I realized this fact.  I thought we were bottom third, but I didn't know we were plum last.

Personalizing it against the messenger doesn't make it untrue or any less disturbing.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 19, 2024, 12:40:13 AMI hope so!  I'm on the ledge guys!  ;D  ;D  ;D

On the ledge regarding posting another panic thread with same theme lol

Don't look down

Quote from: dd on June 18, 2024, 10:03:16 PMI know it's been said many times before, but the Lions went 0-5 and won the grey cup. With Brady and Lawler our, our offensive production is going to suffer—currently scoring 16 pats a game on average, that doesn't win you too many ball games. So our game plan has to change. We aren't going to win shoot outs, so concentrate on high percent plays that move the ball consistently and work at winning the 25-20 games, forget string to score 40 points a game, ain't gonna happen until our 2-3 offensive superstars come off the IR and our O line gets it together. Until then, work with what you've got and try and get a 0.500 record u til our studs get back.

First off, it's not 2-3 O superstars on IR, it's 2.  Not trying to be pedantic, but it accuracy really matters for this conversation, as we'll see below.

Our offence was at 100% full strength for a full half of week 1!  And it stunk total rocks!  This isn't a "when the IRs come back the O will be great" issue.  The 2 stars can come back tomorrow and I bet we play much like that half of week 1.  Because clearly there is another problem, whether RT, LG, C, 5th WR (or Buck!)... I don't know, but the weakness is more than just the O IR.

We won't get better by wishing and hoping and waiting.

Horseman sees the problem more clearly.  Others take note.  The 2-3 prior-years M.O. of never bringing in anyone in-season cannot possibly apply this year because a) we were already very weak with way too many rookies/sophomores due to SMS limitations, and now b) we've lost a ton of vets and rookies/sophomores to the 6GIR.

Other teams had a much better starting point and they have had less injuries and yet even they are going out and picking up vets and middlings.

I know it's been said many times before, but the Lions went 0-5 and won the grey cup. With Brady and Lawler our, our offensive production is going to suffer—currently scoring 16 pats a game on average, that doesn't win you too many ball games. So our game plan has to change. We aren't going to win shoot outs, so concentrate on high percent plays that move the ball consistently and work at winning the 25-20 games, forget string to score 40 points a game, ain't gonna happen until our 2-3 offensive superstars come off the IR and our O line gets it together. Until then, work with what you've got and try and get a 0.500 record until our studs get back.

Quote from: dd on June 19, 2024, 03:07:59 AMSo our game plan has to change. We aren't going to win shoot outs, so concentrate on high percent plays that move the ball consistently and work at winning the 25-20 games, forget string to score 40 points a game

It's an idea, but I'm not sure I agree.  The only reason to abandon our mid/deep game is if our OL is so incompetent we can rarely get more than 2.7s.  Is that the case?  Maybe.  (If so, why aren't we exploring OL options?)

Teams are beating us by limiting our game in some way.  They are limiting our deep game with pressure, or limiting our run game with box-stacking and LB/DB cheating up to the line.  They are limiting all of our pass game by getting pressure with just 4.  They are limiting our short game bringing LBers and DBs into Zach's lanes.

I'd prefer that, assuming our OL isn't useless, we play the whole playbook.  We have to get back to mixing it up, kind of like what MTL is doing every week.  Keep everyone guessing and don't restrict our options.  I mean, really, we have a decade-long CFL vet for a QB and we want to play him like he's a rookie?  If so, what's the point of having the #1 rated QB?

We don't have the #1 rated Qb, our offense is #9 in the league

Quote from: dd on June 19, 2024, 03:33:10 AMWe don't have the #1 rated Qb, our offense is #9 in the league

Right before week 1 Zach was the #1 best player (let alone QB) in the TSN top-50 players.  And the only QB to take their team to 4 straight GCs in... well, probably not since EDM in the 80s?

Ya, I'd call that the #1 best QB.

Now, since that KO in week 1, certainly Zach has looked like the 9th best QB (ok, maybe 8th).  Just depends on how we measure things.

This was predictable.  There have been numerous indications over the past two seasons that we were getting long in the tooth, it was painted over with a bunch of "There are no style points in a win".  Zach is only as good as his Oline, and we're nowhere near where we were in successful seasons.  And Zachs not the only problem, the drops we've seen thus far have been brutal.  Special teams has been garbage and we're uncompetitive and worse, unentertaining.  Every other game this weekend was miles better to watch.

We're going to be battling in the basement this year.  Personally if we have to go through a dreaded rebuild, let's get that started now and not delude ourselves

Quote from: BlueInCgy on June 19, 2024, 04:18:41 AMWe're going to be battling in the basement this year.  Personally if we have to go through a dreaded rebuild, let's get that started now and not delude ourselves

I'm nearly positive we can get back to winning with some key tweaks.  In no way would I call for a rebuild in-season, if for no other reason than it never has and never will work given the limitations of the CFL.

It will take the entire team and coaches rededicating themselves to excellence over nonsense.  And some key acquisitions.  If we do that I think we bounce right back up to 40+ points a game and start racking up the W's.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 19, 2024, 12:47:25 AMI noticed not a single "haha chill" post addressed the original premise.  Weak sauce guys.  Not even trying to debunk or explain away the fact we're 9th out of 9 teams?

No one was surprised?  I was when I realized this fact.  I thought we were bottom third, but I didn't know we were plum last.

Personalizing it against the messenger doesn't make it untrue or any less disturbing.

Plum last in average offence when 2 teams have only played one game. We're in top 3 for defence, so you can internally debate what place you'd put us in.

Another thought you should get out of your head is that we were 100% for the first half of week 1. We weren't. Brady hadn't been a part of training camp due to injury and was pretty much immediately out again. He was not healthy. The rest of our starters hadn't played together since the grey cup. It was a brand new OL. It was messy.

I don't like a lot of what the coaches have done so far, I think they've made this harder than it needs to be, but the real thing we're missing is Brady. Go back to the start of his tenure with us, when he struggles (or is missing), the offence does not look the same. Until he is back, and healthy, we're going to struggle on O.

Holy Moly Tecno, yah things aren't great now but come on. Are you as a fan this fragile? It is still early.

This team will find there way.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 19, 2024, 12:36:38 PMHoly Moly Tecno, yah things aren't great now but come on. Are you as a fan this fragile? It is still early.

This team will find there way.

We've never seen Techno with a team that doesn't go to the Grey Cup every year.

Quote from: Jesse on June 19, 2024, 01:03:39 PMWe've never seen Techno with a team that doesn't go to the Grey Cup every year.

Not true.  Check my profile: joined the forum 2015 after 2 years of lurking.

I was the one of the unlucky ones that went to around half the games in '13 and '14 @IGF and didn't see a single win.  I understand pain.  Scarred me for life.

However, I kept at it and got to see the slow rise of The Mafia starting in '15 with the arrival of Nichols.

If we go back to '12 / '13, so be it.  I'll be a STH for life.  But I won't be silent about my ideas this time!

I think we miss Hardrick's enthusiasm more than some thought we would.
That **** is contagious.

Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 20, 2024, 12:30:02 PMI think we miss Hardrick's enthusiasm more than some thought we would.
That **** is contagious.

And a lot harder spot to fill.  I would have kept him over Bighill, the LB's in pre season looked good and would have been a big cost savings.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 20, 2024, 01:13:32 PMAnd a lot harder spot to fill.  I would have kept him over Bighill, the LB's in pre season looked good and would have been a big cost savings.

Bighill is a MOS guy, could probably keep getting paid to play until he can collect his pension.

Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 20, 2024, 12:30:02 PMI think we miss Hardrick's enthusiasm more than some thought we would.
That **** is contagious.

I bet the locker room is a lot quieter and less upbeat too.  Yoshi was apparently the life and joker of the locker room.

Lofton is looking good so far, but he seems to be a super quiet low-key guy on the field.  (Not much hint of nasty either.)  Nothing wrong with that, it just means someone else has to step up.

Woli seems to be the most fired up out there this season.  I think Woli should take over as the heart & fire of the team.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 20, 2024, 11:27:41 PMI bet the locker room is a lot quieter and less upbeat too.  Yoshi was apparently the life and joker of the locker room.

Lofton is looking good so far, but he seems to be a super quiet low-key guy on the field.  (Not much hint of nasty either.)  Nothing wrong with that, it just means someone else has to step up.

Woli seems to be the most fired up out there this season.  I think Woli should take over as the heart & fire of the team.

lol, I'm sure the locker room full of 50+ 20-something year olds is super quiet.

Montreal is thumping the red blacks 30-1 at the HALF and we lost to the red blacks!!nothing more needs to be said on this subject matter

Quote from: Jesse on June 21, 2024, 12:16:39 AMlol, I'm sure the locker room full of 50+ 20-something year olds is super quiet.

Bet it was the hour after the loss in week 1.  And the loss in week 2.  Reaaaaal quiet.

Besides, you know what I mean: quietER.  And I don't mean general din, I mean whole-team pep.  You know, like all those shots of AH33 doing his "who's got my back?" routine.  You know that since AH33 left we haven't seen one single shot of a pep talk like that in WFC-land?  Hmmm.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 21, 2024, 01:44:31 AMBet it was the hour after the loss in week 1.  And the loss in week 2.  Reaaaaal quiet.

Besides, you know what I mean: quietER.  And I don't mean general din, I mean whole-team pep.  You know, like all those shots of AH33 doing his "who's got my back?" routine.  You know that since AH33 left we haven't seen one single shot of a pep talk like that in WFC-land?  Hmmm.

When Harris left we lost the emotional leader and soul of our team. That guy got everybody jacked up, and who's replaced him as our emotional leader?..crickets....

Quote from: dd on June 21, 2024, 02:48:16 AMWhen Harris left we lost the emotional leader and soul of our team. That guy got everybody jacked up, and who's replaced him as our emotional leader?..crickets....

Streveler can be that guy IMO.  The guy loves football and it shows.

Him parked on the sidelines was a terrible decision the last two games. Tough to lead when you don't play.

Let him out there to lead by example and show his passion.  It will rub off in a hurry.

Strevy is definitely an emotional player, but like you said,  Rey tough to lead when you're on the sideline. I d be putting him in for a change of pace and to knock the defense on their butts. But MOS won't do that, he's going to let Collaros play out of his funk, I m just hoping he's able to and he's not done.ya

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 02:57:52 AMStreveler can be that guy IMO.  The guy loves football and it shows.

Him parked on the sidelines was a terrible decision the last two games. Tough to lead when you don't play.

Let him out there to lead by example and show his passion.  It will rub off in a hurry.

Quote from: dd on June 21, 2024, 03:22:28 AMStrevy is definitely an emotional player, but like you said,  Rey tough to lead when you're on the sideline. I d be putting him in for a change of pace and to knock the defense on their butts. But MOS won't do that, he's going to let Collaros play out of his funk, I m just hoping he's able to and he's not done.ya

Strev in spot duty no more imo.  Zach is our man and key cog on offence.  He is the sundae, Strev is the sprinkles. I have faith in both and in our plan to use them.  Give it time.

Well he's got exactly one game to pull out of his funk. If he stinks the joint out again fans will definitely let everyone know enough is enough

Quote from: Blueforlife on June 21, 2024, 03:25:03 AMStrev in spot duty no more imo.  Zach is our man and key cog on offence.  He is the sundae, Strev is the sprinkles. I have faith in both and in our plan to use them.  Give it time.

Time waits for no one, Montreal is heads and tails better than us.  Players and coaching.  We would not have won that one but losing in Ottawa was bad. 

It should have already happened, the number one team in the West should not fall to the basement.  Have all the faith you want, we can't hand other teams W's.

Quote from: dd on June 21, 2024, 03:28:28 AMWell he's got exactly one game to pull out of his funk. If he stinks the joint out again fans will definitely let everyone know enough is enough

Yup, tomorrow will be interesting.  We will see exactly what they are made of.

  The excuse train has left the station.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 03:42:19 AMYup, tomorrow will be interesting.  We will see exactly what they are made of.

  The excuse train has left the station.

It's an important game.  Have not heard any excuses from the Bombers concerning their losses though.  Or are your referring to another segment of the population?  We have had our share of complainers on here.

Quote from: ModAdmin on June 21, 2024, 04:39:37 AMIt's an important game.  Have not heard any excuses from the Bombers concerning their losses though.  Or are your referring to another segment of the population?  We have had our share of complainers on here.

I have heard them say they need to execute better several times, make the plays needed, clean up mistakes etc.

Now it's time to do it, talk is cheap as they say, they should never have come out rusty in the first place.  Top tier teams just don't let that happen.

Now that is all behind them, two games under their belt.   Should be top notch first place style football tonight.  That's what I mean by no more excuses.

Looking forward to a great performance and an entertaining game!

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 05:00:29 AMI have heard them say they need to execute better several times, make the plays needed, clean up mistakes etc.

"Not starting fast enough"

"Should have handled TC/PS differently"

"We need to work" ("more" being implied)

There have been excuses squeaking out... but that's ok, gotta say something to get the rabid dogs off their legs.  I'd rather they say excuses than not say anything at all.  At least we get an idea of what they are thinking.

Watch this week's Buck interview on bb.com.  Very telling.  Dude's starting to feel the pressure.  Good.  That interview is proof he's not HC material, and that's not a slight on Buck, I want him here as OC, and he's a darn good OC.  He'd have had a nervous breakdown after 4 months in Riderville had he taken the HC gig.  They'd eat him alive, and then spit him out to Virden with such hatred and vitriol he'd never recover.  He totally made the right decision.

And Buck knows the solution -- what I've been saying for 2 weeks now -- MUST. WORK. MORE.  All day, every day.  More effort, more brain power, more practice, more planning.  More everything.  Because they didn't do that in the off-season, and clearly haven't in the first 2 weeks either.  Cruise control & coast mode is done, broken.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 03:38:52 AMTime waits for no one, Montreal is heads and tails better than us.  Players and coaching.  We would not have won that one but losing in Ottawa was bad. 

It should have already happened, the number one team in the West should not fall to the basement.  Have all the faith you want, we can't hand other teams W's.

Patience will pay off.  We won't be great but won't be as bad as you suggest.  Yes need to win.

Quote from: Blueforlife on June 21, 2024, 12:32:30 PMPatience will pay off.  We won't be great but won't be as bad as you suggest.  Yes need to win.

Patience....?  We were the best in the West three games ago.

Why lower the standard?  The 7 P's would be the only reason this team will not be great this season.

Excellence is the expectation tonight.  Near perfect, error free football.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 12:39:49 PMPatience....?  We were the best in the West three games ago.

LOL :D

Just conveniently ignores the off-season.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 21, 2024, 01:11:20 PMLOL :D

Just conveniently ignores the off-season.

That's the time to make the team better.  Why should we expect or deserve anything less?

Colossal expectations tonight at home.  Anything less is a huge failure of the offseason and the preparation coming into this season.

Time for them to show who they really are, Go Blue!

Bombers bounce back tonight. 14-4 and everyone will be wondering why we were in such a panic.

Quote from: bwiser on June 21, 2024, 01:23:15 PMBombers bounce back tonight. 14-4 and everyone will be wondering why we were in such a panic.

That's excellent, my expectations are 15-3.  Slight improvement over last season.

A loss tonight would mean they need to run the table in order to improve on last season.  Go Blue!!!

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 01:19:06 PMThat's the time to make the team better.

That's generally the intention of management, but it's not that simple when you look at all the moving parts of a football team.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 21, 2024, 02:03:39 PMThat's generally the intention of management, but it's not that simple when you look at all the moving parts of a football team.

Sure it is, when you have the best team in the West you do everything in your power to maintain it.

Just need the proper people in place making the right, sometimes tough decisions.

Looking forward to tonight.   Perfect weather, at home.  Should see near perfect play.  Big returns, booming punts, winning the field position battle and both LOS's and superior QB play!

Apparently a good week of practice, tonight they show us their homework.

Go Blue!

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 12:39:49 PMPatience....?  We were the best in the West three games ago.

Why lower the standard?  The 7 P's would be the only reason this team will not be great this season.

Excellence is the expectation tonight.  Near perfect, error free football.

You expect near perfect, error free football?  With this many newbies playing?  LOL
I expect some errors to continue, but as long as we show improvement, and get the 2 points, I'm a happy Blue Bomber fan.

Quote from: BomberFan73 on June 21, 2024, 07:20:57 PMYou expect near perfect, error free football?  With this many newbies playing?  LOL
I expect some errors to continue, but as long as we show improvement, and get the 2 points, I'm a happy Blue Bomber fan.

It was a good week of practice, they are all apparently starters in this league.

Absolutely, great punting, stellar returns, big offensive plays, several TD passes, over 100 on the ground,hi pressure D with great coverage in the backfield.

No excuses.  Go Blue!

Quote from: Road Griller on June 21, 2024, 02:19:25 PMSure it is, when you have the best team in the West you do everything in your power to maintain it.

Just need the proper people in place making the right, sometimes tough decisions.

Looking forward to tonight.  Perfect weather, at home.  Should see near perfect play.  Big returns, booming punts, winning the field position battle and both LOS's and superior QB play!

Apparently a good week of practice, tonight they show us their homework.

Go Blue!

The right people have been in place for a number of years now.  To listen to you, you'd think all of a sudden they've lost it!  They may make the odd mistake but Their record, the coaches, management and level of players they have seems to prove they have what is takes to make "the right, sometimes tough decisions".

CFL teams are faced with making those decisions every year.  Some years are more challenging but the current regime hasn't - all of a sudden - lost their ability and mojo despite what some here would have you believe.

Quote from: ModAdmin on June 21, 2024, 07:41:34 PMThe right people have been in place for a number of years now.  To listen to you, you'd think all of a sudden they've lost it!  They may make the odd mistake but Their record, the coaches, management and level of players they have seems to prove they have what is takes to make "the right, sometimes tough decisions".

CFL teams are faced with making those decisions every year.  Some years are more challenging but the current regime hasn't - all of a sudden - lost their ability and mojo despite what some here would have you believe.

No, just saying they have made errors.  Unfortunately those have turned out to be huge and at the worst time.  Lots of good pieces here, just need to be utilized.

Anyway, tonight we get to see the total package.  An absolute tipping point in the season.

I have not been this excited to see a regular season game in a long time. Except home openers.

I have a feeling we see a lot of Streveler, not just one yard plunges. That is always fun to watch. Been awhile.

We are dead last and look like ******** out there

Quote from: bluengold204 on June 22, 2024, 03:25:51 AMWe are dead last and look like ******** out there

Ridiculous opinion.

Quote from: ModAdmin on June 22, 2024, 03:33:56 AMRidiculous opinion.

That isn't. We are last and we have looked bad.

We were better tonight but still not good enough for the win

Our defence played like they were hungover!! Alexander Hollis looked like Randy moss out there and repeatedly 'mossed' our secondary. He ripped us up, Phillips ripped us up, I see a trend that our secondary is weak against the deep ball....guess what's coming our way when we play other teams now!!!

If this was our first game, I wouldn't feel so bad.

If only there was a way for our team to practice for two games before the season started to create this cohesiveness.

First 0-3 start since 2012. Buckle up for a wild ride.

Quote from: Jesse on June 22, 2024, 03:53:03 AMThat isn't. We are last and we have looked bad.

The ********* reference was ridiculous.

Our offense looks better but our defence especially our secondary looked like junk.

We re going to struggles until lawler gets back, which I M hoping we re 2-4 by then but maybe 1-5, we ll be a 0.500 team with him in our lineup we ll end up at 7-11 or 8-10 and hopefully get a playoff spot but nothing is guaranteed this year

Quote from: dd on June 22, 2024, 04:38:00 AMOur offense looks better but our defence especially our secondary looked like junk.

We re going to struggles until lawyer gets back, which I M hoping we re 2-4 by then but maybe 1-5, we ll be a 0.500 team with him in our lineup we ll end up at 7-11 or 8-10 and hopefully get a playoff spot but nothing is guaranteed this year

Our O looked slightly better because of 17.  Zach is beyond cooked. 

It's Streveler's team.  Order the bobble heads tomorrow.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 22, 2024, 04:49:43 AMOur O looked slightly better because of 17.  Zach is beyond cooked. 

It's Streveler's team.  Order the bobble heads tomorrow.

You're a more entertaining troll when everything is bad.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 22, 2024, 04:49:43 AMOur O looked slightly better because of 17.  Zach is beyond cooked. 

It's Streveler's team.  Order the bobble heads tomorrow.

Yeah, his 20 rushing yards really took the game over.

Quote from: Jesse on June 22, 2024, 05:07:12 AMYeah, his 20 rushing yards really took the game over.

His TD's made it close.

When was the last time Zach tossed or rushed for a TD?
 

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 22, 2024, 05:02:39 AMYou're a more entertaining troll when everything is bad.

Everything is bad.  Question, how did it happen?
 
The signs were there, nobody cared.

Quote from: Road Griller on June 22, 2024, 05:24:03 AMHis TD's made it close.

When was the last time Zach tossed or rushed for a TD?

You are doing yourself a disservice when you suggest "it's Strev's team".  No, it's not and ZC08 is our QB simply because he is better.  It's not even up for debate if you think rationally about it. Streveler, as exciting as he is at short yardage plays and enthusiasm, is nowhere near the QB Zach is. 

Quote from: ModAdmin on June 22, 2024, 05:34:25 AMYou are doing yourself a disservice when you suggest "it's Strev's team".  No, it's not and ZC08 is our QB simply because he is better.  It's not even up for debate if you think rationally about it. Streveler, as exciting as he is at short yardage plays and enthusiasm, is nowhere near the QB Zach is. 

While I am not saying its all on Zach he hasn't played well in his last 4 games he did not play well in the GC Game and he hasn't played well in the first 3 this year, he has limited mobility ( seems to have lost the ability to avoid sacks ) and our Oline isn't what is it has been ( declined over the past 2 years ) a bad combination.

Quote from: ModAdmin on June 22, 2024, 05:34:25 AMYou are doing yourself a disservice when you suggest "it's Strev's team".  No, it's not and ZC08 is our QB simply because he is better.  It's not even up for debate if you think rationally about it. Streveler, as exciting as he is at short yardage plays and enthusiasm, is nowhere near the QB Zach is. 

Zach is done unfortunately.  He is not even a mid tier QB in the CFL. 

It's amazing how fast things can change at that position.  When they age out they can simply fall off a cliff.  He did some great things for us but it's over.

Like a band aid, it's better to rip it right off.

This can't be a surprise, the signs were there for awhile.

It's Streveler time, it's the only way to salvage this season.

Quote from: BBFANDM on June 22, 2024, 05:41:38 AMWhile I am not saying its all on Zach he hasn't played well in his last 4 games he did not play well in the GC Game and he hasn't played well in the first 3 this year, he has limited mobility ( seems to have lost the ability to avoid sacks ) and our Oline isn't what is it has been ( declined over the past 2 years ) a bad combination.

He has not been as effective as he was in previous years but that is not all on him.  As mentioned previously, the oline has gone through changes.  The oline line needs to be better and I think they did show some improvement in this last game although the improvement needs to continue.

Quote from: ModAdmin on June 22, 2024, 06:00:09 AMI don't particularly like to call out members but this post is utter nonsense.  Even if it is in jest, it does not help discussions being so blatantly wrong.  You need to do better Road Griller.

I would say from an effort point of view Streveler is giving his all however until we seem him pass on a number of downs vs just being a one trick pony we won't know if he has improved since 2019. It does seem that ZC08 hasn't been the same QB since the middle part of last year. Its not all on the QB our Oline has been declining as well. I would be bringing in some QBs with an eye to the future because I am not convinced things will change much with Zac and I am also not convinced Streveler is the answer as an every down QB, it could be a long season.

Quote from: dd on June 22, 2024, 04:01:09 AMWe were better tonight but still not good enough for the win

Our defence played like they were hungover!! Alexander Hollis looked like Randy moss out there and repeatedly 'mossed' our secondary.

Yes.  But the D wasn't completely hopeless, and we did make a ton of stops for 3 instead of 7.  That kept us in the game.  Actually quite amazing given how we're down to next-next-next-next man up on D.

The big problem was our DBs are weak and our DL is weak.  That means VAJ has all night at the double/triple moves by good Rs mean wide open guys exploding for TDs.  As we saw.

And it wasn't just VAJ picking on the all-rookie weak side: he was testing Ford and Holm too, and beating them regularly.  I didn't expect that from Holm.  Alexander was once again completely useless on the pass.  Maybe we should start thinking about using Hallett 21 at FS against pass-mostly teams like BC.  Hallett can basically be our version of Dequoy: skinny, light and fast; roving all over the place rather than run support.  In those games I wouldn't even dress Alexander, unless he's a better HB or CB than the rookies we're forced to field.

I don't think we got a single sack...

But like I've said so many times, our D will have to do their best and we should focus all $$ guns on the O and solve all the O problems.  If our really-hampered D can do this well, it's good enough.  If our O had put up 35-40 as they are built to do, we'd have won the game.

Now we're maybe down Schoen, and still down Lawler.  And maybe the new kid.  Now it's looking so bad on O that the dream of perfecting it to get the 40s is lost until mid/late season.  Even doing what I said and bringing in 1-2 O vets will not help.  It may be hopeless for the next several games.  I have no idea how we're supposed to beat CGY in 1 week with a surging Maier, and OTT showed they could beat us like 3-4 injuries ago...

Quote from: Jesse on June 22, 2024, 04:04:17 AMIf this was our first game, I wouldn't feel so bad.

If only there was a way for our team to practice for two games before the season started to create this cohesiveness.

<man thinking emoji.gif>

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 22, 2024, 06:01:16 AMIf you're going to be the head mod you need to understand when someone is simply trolling the forum. Been that way for weeks. Will continue until you do something.

I don't think we need the mod to get involved this forum is for everyone not just the people you agree with. Its easy to call someone a troll but its hard to prove. I think it better to just use logic to make your points and if that doesn't work then just ignore the person.

Week 3 update: yup, still the worst.  EDM is 0-3 now, but they put up a respectable legit 36 points vs league-top-3 TOR.

We tried our darn best and only put up 24.

MBT looking a lot sharper than Zach.  Mitchell and Lewis looking better than our guys.  EDM's main problem in week 3 was almost no run game.  At least we have that (usually).  MBT will give EDM a legit shot at not being awful this year.

Dukes is this tiny little noobie backup and he's one of the best QBs this week.  And this with what looks like a far weaker TOR team this season.  He probably has a future here.

EDM is for real with MBT slinging it for them. They're at least a TD better than us. Yup, we are the worst team in the west, it will be a stretch to make the playoffs this year.

IF we don't shore up our D ....D Line and DB'S, we are going to be in for a very tough road to try and get back into contention....Qb's and especially guys like Macleod-Bethel Thompson will have their way with us... >:(

MBT will have a career game vs our D. It's going to be uuuuuugly!!

Where do we rank among the Western clubs?

Western teams are scoring an average of 25.82 points per game.
Western teams are giving up an average of 26.28 points per game.

WPG is scoring an average of 18.3 points per game.
WPG is giving up an average of 25.3 points per game.

BC is scoring an average of 26.3 points per game.
BC is giving up an average of 25.3 points per game.

EDM is scoring an average of 29 points per game.
EDM is giving up an average of 30.3 points per game.

CGY is scoring an average of 24.5 points per game.
CGY is giving up an average of 25 points per game.

SSK is scoring an average of 31 points per game.
SSK is giving up an average of 25.5 points per game.

On defense we are, remarkably, tied for second with BC at 25.3 points per game but we're right there with CGY who is only giving up 25 points per game. It's early but this surprised me. Kudos to Jordan Younger and the D for performing as well as they have, injuries and all other things considered.

On offense we are dead last at 18.3 points per game, a full TD behind the average and almost 2 TDs behind the leaders, EDM and SSK. This, by far, is the most alarming area of concern and O'Shea gambling for the TD with only 6 seconds on the clock speaks to the desperation to score points. Lawler, BO, Wheatfall, and now Shoen injured, O-Line struggles, lack of production from Demski, Woli, and Augustine, and some suspect play calling have been a perfect storm of disaster for the offense. O'Shea and Pierce have their hands full but desperately need to find ways to put the ball in the end zone.

Quote from: J5V on June 23, 2024, 06:10:10 PMWhere do we rank among the Western clubs?

Western teams are scoring an average of 25.82 points per game.
Western teams are giving up an average of 26.28 points per game.

WPG is scoring an average of 18.3 points per game.
WPG is giving up an average of 25.3 points per game.

BC is scoring an average of 26.3 points per game.
BC is giving up an average of 25.3 points per game.

EDM is scoring an average of 29 points per game.
EDM is giving up an average of 30.3 points per game.

CGY is scoring an average of 24.5 points per game.
CGY is giving up an average of 25 points per game.

SSK is scoring an average of 31 points per game.
SSK is giving up an average of 25.5 points per game.

On defense we are, remarkably, tied for second with BC at 25.3 points per game but we're right there with CGY who is only giving up 25 points per game. It's early but this surprised me. Kudos to Jordan Younger and the D for performing as well as they have, injuries and all other things considered.

On offense we are dead last at 18.3 points per game, a full TD behind the average and almost 2 TDs behind the leaders, EDM and SSK. This, by far, is the most alarming area of concern and O'Shea gambling for the TD with only 6 seconds on the clock speaks to the desperation to score points. Lawler, BO, Wheatfall, and now Shoen injured, O-Line struggles, lack of production from Demski, Woli, and Augustine, and some suspect play calling have been a perfect storm of disaster for the offense. O'Shea and Pierce have their hands full but desperately need to find ways to put the ball in the end zone.

Thanks for posting the stats.

They backup my earlier post saying we re a TD short vs other teams, and that's exactly what we are.

We are going to need all our first string receivers and RB healthy to make a run at things, thing is I don't see that happening soon. Lawler and Schoen, our #1&2 receivers, are hurt now with BO recovering from an injury, the injury bug has hit us at key positions and we re at 0-3, going into Calgary, soon to be 0-4. We ll have to run the table to get in the playoff hunt

BC was 1st down on the 1 at the end of the game. If we add 7 points to our defensive stats or 2.3 points/game to the 25.3 we end up at 27.6 per game or second worst in the west behind Edm. 

Ya, BC definitely took it easy on us and I don't know why they just didn't score. This is professional football. I guess they're thinking they d win the season series so who cares about points for and against, which I thought if the season series is tied doesn't it come down to point differential??or do we play an odd number of games against them this season so points for and against don't matter??

Quote from: TBURGESS on June 23, 2024, 07:25:52 PMBC was 1st down on the 1 at the end of the game. If we add 7 points to our defensive stats or 2.3 points/game to the 25.3 we end up at 27.6 per game or second worst in the west behind Edm.

Fair enough, but still not far off the average which is remarkable all things considered. It's not like we've giving up 40 points a game consistently. I do believe in the law of averages evening things out over time. We are going through some adversity right now. The leaders on this team have been through adversity before and they will be the ones to guide our team through this rough patch. It's unrealistic to think we will never have to endure times like this. Every team does. Better days are ahead.

As the saying goes'tough times don't last, tough people do'

Quote from: dd on June 23, 2024, 08:33:33 PMYa, BC definitely took it easy on us and I don't know why they just didn't score. This is professional football. I guess they're thinking they d win the season series so who cares about points for and against, which I thought if the season series is tied doesn't it come down to point differential??or do we play an odd number of games against them this season so points for and against don't matter??

Points for and against potentially matter in the final calculation in the event of a multiple team tie. I only remember that happening a couple of times. The points for and against wouldn't be the first calculation.

Let's say BC, Winnipeg and Calgary tie for 1st. BC beats Winnipeg twice and loses both games to Calgary. OTOH, Winnipeg beats the Stamps twice and BC once.

I think that gives Winnipeg 1st with 3 wins. The points for and against might then come into play for Calgary and BC with only 2 wins in the season ending tie between those teams.

I'm not 100% certain but I think that happens. IIRC those 3 teams did tie like that and Winnipeg ended up 3rd.

Quote from: TBURGESS on June 23, 2024, 07:25:52 PMBC was 1st down on the 1 at the end of the game. If we add 7 points to our defensive stats or 2.3 points/game to the 25.3 we end up at 27.6 per game or second worst in the west behind Edm.

Yes, BC easily could have had 7 more.  And I think MTL probably could have scored more.  So our D isn't as good as the numbers.  But it is doing ok.

BUT... there is one other aspect: the fact our O is putting up such puny points means that opponent O's can play conservative.  They only need to be one point ahead at the end, and most opponents will feel quite happy just being up 1 score against us.

Look at the EDM/TOR game to see how an O racking up points forces the other O to go into high-scoring mode.

Quote from: dd on June 23, 2024, 08:33:33 PMor do we play an odd number of games against them this season so points for and against don't matter??

Yes, we play BC 3 times.  Lucky us.

Week 9 in WPG
bye
Week 11 in BC

Oh, really? I thought you said the bombers are pathetic  and are non competitive? I said the ti cats were. That game vs the riders was tough to watch. BLM should have hung em up last year but I guess collecting a $520k pay cheque will stop you from doing that. He really is a bad Qb

I think we should drop O.Wilson.  I rewatched some of the previous games and he was sucking bad.  Worse: I think he's a bad fit.  He has a defeatist and downbeat attitude on the field.  Especially in the OTT game.  He looks like he's thinking: Zach overthrew it by 10 inches so I can't catch it.  Then he mopes around with his head down.  He's jogging instead of going all-out.  He makes zero contested catches.  He had two chances to really help us win the OTT game and he basically didn't try.

He's like the anti-Woli: the complete opposite player.  He's not what we need.

Ya, we are beggars and we certainly can't be choosers, but I think we should rapidly ditch any guys that aren't the answer now while we're going to lose all the games anyhow.  Gives guys that might be a better fit a look.  Like Clercius and Murphy, Alston and Johnson.

Sorry it's harsh, but we have to be Chris Jones-like right now.  Mercy and pity and clinging isn't going to get us back into the W column.  Try 'em out for 3 games then spit 'em out.

Still the worst.  Every week we put up less points than sad-sack no-wins EDM.  Another 3 points down on EDM this week in points-for.  3 of 4 weeks we can't break 20, even given OT!  Yikes.

And I'll say it first, unless Kenny is magically back and Zach's 100% and a piece or 2 come back on O or D, we are losing vs OTT at home in 1 week.

After OTT and another CGY, our schedule starts to get REAL BRUTAL.  Top teams will steamroll us.  Now we have to start considering if we will have any chance to make the playoffs.  We'll probably need 6-8 wins come week 21 to make them.  That would mean in another 7-8 weeks (after maybe winning 0 or 1 game) we have to start winning every game.

Doable, but only if everyone gets healthy and Zach figures out what's wrong with his brain and vision.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 30, 2024, 03:19:45 AMStill the worst.  Every week we put up less points than sad-sack no-wins EDM.  Another 3 points down on EDM this week in points-for.  3 of 4 weeks we can't break 20, even given OT!  Yikes.

And I'll say it first, unless Kenny is magically back and Zach's 100% and a piece or 2 come back on O or D, we are losing vs OTT at home in 1 week.

After OTT and another CGY, our schedule starts to get REAL BRUTAL.  Top teams will steamroll us.  Now we have to start considering if we will have any chance to make the playoffs.  We'll probably need 6-8 wins come week 21 to make them.  That would mean in another 7-8 weeks (after maybe winning 0 or 1 game) we have to start winning every game.

Doable, but only if everyone gets healthy and Zach figures out what's wrong with his brain and vision.

That's what I've been trying to tell you, scoring 40 points with this lineup is a pipe dream. We're very lucky if we break the 25 point barrier, 40 points is just so so far away it's not even worth going there

Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 30, 2024, 03:19:45 AMAnd I'll say it first, unless Kenny is magically back and Zach's 100% and a piece or 2 come back on O or D, we are losing vs OTT at home in 1 week.

Kenny won't be back and Zach may not be 100% but we ain't losing to Ottawa. We still have many good pieces including a healthy Olivera now who will run wild on Ottawa.  Strevler can actually throw.  We'll be fine.  And will win.

14 games left, realistically we need to go 9 - 5 to make the playoffs.

There is still hope but we have to get healthy in a hurry, that hill is looking mighty steep.

Quote from: Waffler on June 30, 2024, 10:24:41 PM14 games left, realistically we need to go 9 - 5 to make the playoffs.

There is still hope but we have to get healthy in a hurry, that hill is looking mighty steep.

Last year, Calgary was 6-12 and Hamilton was 8-10 but we "realistically have to be 9-9?

.500 is usually a safe number in the west but not always.

In 2023 Wpg and BC got 26 wins between us with Cal, Sask and Edm just 16 between them. 6 - 12 got third. A crossover would have needed 9 wins last year.

In 2022 the third place team (Cal) was 12 - 6 with no crossover team that year.

I figure this year to be somewhere in the middle but you never know.

Quote from: Jesse on June 30, 2024, 10:45:43 PMLast year, Calgary was 6-12 and Hamilton was 8-10 but we "realistically have to be 9-9?

Great point.  I see us limping into the playoffs.  Maybe crawling.  On our belly. In a ditch. In the rain. But finishing 9-9. Or better.

Then with key guys back, dominating in the playoffs.  There's more than one way to win the cup. And Strevler probably still has the fur coat. The plan is clear.

It seems as though our offensive play calling has regressed. This may be due to lack of confidence in new players but it's hurting us.
We don't use screens, throws to the flats, or end sweeps (jJohnson is quick), we seldom use Streveler in 2nd and short other to dive ahead. Ollivera seems limited to off tackle runs. Last year we also ran more 6 olinemen pkgs to give Zac more time, seeing the injuries we have at receiver anyway makes this more attractive.
Our most creative play was a poor snap to Sheehan who turned it into an 18 yard play.
When you add this to a propensity to only throw to our vets with Zac its no wonder we aren't effective
Every team we've played knows to stack the middle and play run/blitz packages

Quote from: Pete on July 01, 2024, 01:14:05 AMIt seems as though our offensive play calling has regressed. This may be due to lack of confidence in new players but it's hurting us.
We don't use screens, throws to the flats, or end sweeps (jJohnson is quick), we seldom use Streveler in 2nd and short other to dive ahead. Ollivera seems limited to off tackle runs. Last year we also ran more 6 olinemen pkgs to give Zac more time, seeing the injuries we have at receiver anyway makes this more attractive.
Our most creative play was a poor snap to Sheehan who turned it into an 18 yard play.
When you add this to a propensity to only throw to our vets with Zac its no wonder we aren't effective
Every team we've played knows to stack the middle and play run/blitz packages

Agreed, and in the past it didn't matter, as our O-line was good enough that even if they did know what we were doing we couldn't be stopped. We need to be less predictable and I think that will work it's way into our game as we build on it. Unfortunately, injuries.

I am not sure any team has been successful that spends 50% more on their recievers than the oline.
we are also paying Collaros almost as much as our starting 5 olinemen combined. What happened to the (successful) strategy of building from the oline out.

Quote from: Pete on July 01, 2024, 01:50:52 AMI am not sure any team has been successful that spends 50% more on their recievers than the oline.
we are also paying Collaros almost as much as our starting 5 olinemen combined. What happened to the (successful) strategy of building from the oline out.

Our draft picks haven't been working out.

Quote from: Jesse on July 01, 2024, 01:57:01 AMOur draft picks haven't been working out.

Always the option of getting a monster interior IMP OL... no other CFL team wants them, so they must be out there in droves somewhere.

Back when we stunk, hiring & starting Bond made an instant impact on our W/L record.  Why not do that again?  Easy peazy end-zone squeezy.  I'd even consider a C...

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 01, 2024, 02:38:42 AMAlways the option of getting a monster interior IMP OL... no other CFL team wants them, so they must be out there in droves somewhere.

Back when we stunk, hiring & starting Bond made an instant impact on our W/L record.  Why not do that again?  Easy peazy end-zone squeezy.  I'd even consider a C...

It's not a bad idea although O'Shea appears to be set on winning the national snap Olympics. One thing is for sure, this off-season we need a course correct in SMS. Refocus and reallocate towards both lines at the expense of some of our skilled positions. I'll give them a pass for doing that mid-season but needs to be done next year even if at the cost of some fan favourites.

It was a big mistake to cut Brown and Prukop to go with Streveler. He sells tickets but he can't play consistently well enough to be a starter.

Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on July 02, 2024, 06:04:24 PMIt was a big mistake to cut Brown and Prukop to go with Streveler. He sells tickets but he can't play consistently well enough to be a starter.

It wasn't a choice, Brown wanted to start ,Ottawa gave him the opportunity and money to do so
We couldn't give him 350k to be a backup

Quote from: Pete on July 02, 2024, 06:47:18 PMIt wasn't a choice, Brown wanted to start ,Ottawa gave him the opportunity and money to do so
We couldn't give him 350k to be a backup

The missed opportunity was moving on from Zach and sticking with Dru.  Streveler is a direct upgrade on Prukop.

Still needed a #3.  Cutting Zach in favour of Dru, we could have saved a lot of $SMS and built for the future.

But no one knew whether Zach had 2 more years in him.  We did know we had 2 GC losses in a row... and that's not 100% on Zach.  But it is some on Zach.

I wouldn't have faulted the Bombers for sticking with Brown. But I also don't fault them for letting Zach go as long as he can - the last four years have been worth it.

That said, with all our troubles we've had so far, I don't believe Brown would be faring any better had we gone with him. We'd probably all be wringing our hands going, "why didn't we stick with Zach?!?!"

Quote from: Jesse on July 02, 2024, 07:18:41 PMI wouldn't have faulted the Bombers for sticking with Brown. But I also don't fault them for letting Zach go as long as he can - the last four years have been worth it.

That said, with all our troubles we've had so far, I don't believe Brown would be faring any better had we gone with him. We'd probably all be wringing our hands going, "why didn't we stick with Zach?!?!"

I'm not sure Ott is overall better than we are outside the QB spot, so I may have to differ with you on that. 

Quote from: theaardvark on July 02, 2024, 08:07:19 PMI'm not sure Ott is overall better than we are outside the QB spot, so I may have to differ with you on that. 

Well, Zach and Dru have virtually identical pass attempts/completions/average yards per pass/pass percentage/yards. It's actually eerie how close the numbers are.

Quote from: Jesse on July 02, 2024, 07:18:41 PMI wouldn't have faulted the Bombers for sticking with Brown. But I also don't fault them for letting Zach go as long as he can - the last four years have been worth it.

That said, with all our troubles we've had so far, I don't believe Brown would be faring any better had we gone with him. We'd probably all be wringing our hands going, "why didn't we stick with Zach?!?!"

I share your opinion on this. Zach and Dru both would have struggled having lost 3 of the 4-heads that was the beast of Lawler, Demski, Shoen, and Bailey. That really has been a devastating blow to our offense. We simply must find adequate replacements and I have no doubt scouting is beating the bushes frantically.

Quote from: Jesse on July 02, 2024, 08:20:02 PMWell, Zach and Dru have virtually identical pass attempts/completions/average yards per pass/pass percentage/yards. It's actually eerie how close the numbers are.

Except for:
              TD    INT
Zach        0       4
Dru          3       1

Quote from: J5V on July 02, 2024, 10:05:06 PMI share your opinion on this. Zach and Dru both would have struggled having lost 3 of the 4-heads that was the beast of Lawler, Demski, Shoen, and Bailey. That really has been a devastating blow to our offense. We simply must find adequate replacements and I have no doubt scouting is beating the bushes frantically.

The difference is, if they would have shed Zach's salary for Brown in the off-season, they potentially could have retained, Bailey, Grant, Jeffcoat, Clements and possibly Gray.  The team bit off more than they could chew with so many changes all at one time.

Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on July 02, 2024, 06:04:24 PMIt was a big mistake to cut Brown and Prukop to go with Streveler. He sells tickets but he can't play consistently well enough to be a starter.

The jury is still out on that.  We only need Strev to do Strev things (see: 2019 playoffs) and be able to be ~.500 if Zach is injured for a few weeks.  Anything else is gravy.  I think Strev can do that for us, and maybe some of that gravy.  We don't know yet.  One half of a game isn't enough.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 03, 2024, 04:40:30 AMThe difference is, if they would have shed Zach's salary for Brown in the off-season, they potentially could have retained, Bailey, Grant, Jeffcoat, Clements and possibly Gray.  The team bit off more than they could chew with so many changes all at one time.

Woulda Coulda Shoulda.  Hindsight.  Yada.  Yes, it's a big consideration, and a worthy one to ponder.  But Dru hasn't lit anything up like he did when he was here in those relief games.

We know Zach can light things up.  Give him a proper OL and my guess is he'll be great again.  It's not like he's lost his arm strength like we've seen with other QBs.  I think the OL problems are ruining his headspace and that's the biggest problem right now.

I'm fine with Zach, the bird in the hand.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 03, 2024, 08:44:43 AMI think the OL problems are ruining his headspace and that's the biggest problem right now.

I'm fine with Zach, the bird in the hand.

What's done is done. One was the future and one was now. We've been a win now team for a long time, perhaps too long. We will have to win with what we got.

I would agree with you because I feel his confidence is not what it was. He is NOT the kind of guy that can take a bunch of hits as we saw last game. When he dominated he always had a clean or near clean jersey.

Getting Kolankowski out of there and inserting the superior Eli at Centre would make a world of difference to the o-line, but O'shea is stubborn and overly loyal to inferior players who are not good enough or past their best-before date.  Played a big role in us losing the Grey Cup last year.

As for Zach, he has lost his elusiveness to extend plays.  Look back at his very first start against Calgary in 2019 and that TD pass late in the game.  Today's Zach would not be able to extend the play like that in a similar situation.  His mobility has regressed significantly.  This actually started to become a little noticeable in 2022, but now it is very obvious.  It's unlikely Zach does as well as Strevelor in the fourth quarter.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 03, 2024, 07:57:01 PMGetting Kolankowski out of there and inserting the superior Eli at Centre would make a world of difference to the o-line, but O'shea is stubborn and overly loyal to inferior players who are not good enough or past their best-before date.  Played a big role in us losing the Grey Cup last year.

As for Zach, he has lost his elusiveness to extend plays.  Look back at his very first start against Calgary in 2019 and that TD pass late in the game.  Today's Zach would not be able to extend the play like that in a similar situation.  His mobility has regressed significantly.  This actually started to become a little noticeable in 2022, but now it is very obvious.  It's unlikely Zach does as well as Strevelor in the fourth quarter.

Agree on getting kowlankowski out and putting Eli in seems logical we have ratio room,nope won't do it

looks like elks have signed Oakman (according to Naylor), Hamilton picked up Deionte Knight from argo practice roster and we continue to bring back players that couldn't make our opening day roster.
 It is frustrating to see this team's attitude of doing whatever it takes to keep the culture going vs doing whatever it takes to improve to win. We refuse to act on poor performances by vets such as ALexander, Thomas, and to a lesser extent Kolankowski and Kramdl.
Mtrl got to where its at by continually trying to improve. getting Sankey and Lemon last year, moving on from Stanbeck, bringing in Titus wall, while we hear the familiar refrain of everyone in this lockerroom is capable of being a starter.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 03, 2024, 07:57:01 PMGetting Kolankowski out of there and inserting the superior Eli at Centre would make a world of difference to the o-line, but O'shea is stubborn and overly loyal to inferior players who are not good enough or past their best-before date.  Played a big role in us losing the Grey Cup last year.

As for Zach, he has lost his elusiveness to extend plays.  Look back at his very first start against Calgary in 2019 and that TD pass late in the game.  Today's Zach would not be able to extend the play like that in a similar situation.  His mobility has regressed significantly.  This actually started to become a little noticeable in 2022, but now it is very obvious.  It's unlikely Zach does as well as Strevelor in the fourth quarter.

Eli has hip injury and practiced one day this week.  Hard pass.

Quote from: dd on July 03, 2024, 08:26:52 PMAgree on getting kowlankowski out and putting Eli in seems logical we have ratio room,nope won't do it

We've seen Eli start @C in a few garbage-time games, and do in-game injury spelling.  He got trucked a whole lot and was whiffing on the A-gaps.  The whiffing he might be able to solve, but not the trucking.

Eli looks very small out there.  Like Lofton, and maybe Dobson, he feels undersized.

If Ko-man continues to screw up, I guess you could give Eli a try for 3-4 weeks so he can gel with the main unit.  But don't be surprised if he's a bust too.  If he was miles away better MOS would be starting him already.

I still think the best hope is an IMP, or we have to wait for FA to $ign a big FA C $$.  If it was my team I'd be trying to stack as many IMP on the OL as possible, and doing better OL scouting (as they failed us on RT scouting for 5+ years).  We have the ratio flexibility to go 4 IMP OL... and they are also cheaper, to boot.

Kolankowski was part of the best OL in the CFL just last year. Losing Gray and Yoshi has proven to be a tough problem. Thankfully we still have Stan and Paddy to build off of and I believe this club will keep working on this until they resolve it. Once they do, look out! Zach with a clean pocket to throw from will see him shred secondaries again.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2024, 12:19:03 AMKolankowski was part of the best OL in the CFL just last year. Losing Gray and Yoshi has proven to be a tough problem. Thankfully we still have Stan and Paddy to build off of and I believe this club will keep working on this until they resolve it. Once they do, look out! Zach with a clean pocket to throw from will see him shred secondaries again.

According to a few armchair QB's Neufeld is all of a sudden washed up, which I find rather hard to believe. I think he is less settled as he has to keep one eye on Kona and one on his new RG Lofton.  Overall I think the O-line has suffered a downgrade, Lofton is not as effective as an aging Yoshi was, and Dobson is a major downgrade from Gray in both run blocking and pass protection, which doesn't help Kona focus on his job when he's already playing on the edge of his abilities.  I think the main skill that keeps him in place is his ball snapping ability is pretty good compared to the others.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2024, 12:19:03 AMKolankowski was part of the best OL in the CFL just last year. Losing Gray and Yoshi has proven to be a tough problem.

I think our OL was already on the decline in 2023.  I'm not sure I would have called it "best OL".  Compare the pressure we allowed in 2023 GC vs what MTL OL allowed.  Ya, that was a better OL by far.  And TOR's.  And probably BC's... and... and...

Things started to get worse when we lost Couture & Desjar.  The line with them in was the best we ever had, followed closely by the last year of Goosen.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2024, 01:07:05 AMwhich doesn't help Kona focus on his job when he's already playing on the edge of his abilities.  I think the main skill that keeps him in place is his ball snapping ability is pretty good compared to the others.

Ko-man almost never botches a snap, for sure.  And I bet he's great at the coverage calling pre-snap.  He has many strong points.  But he gets pushed around and has trouble with stunts.  So a real mixed bag.  And I'm not sure he can improve from here... and what he's doing clearly isn't good enough.

Now, it could be Ko-man looks worse than he is because he has poor LG support, or like you guys said he has poor LG & RG support because Neuf is covering for Lofton...

But I can't remember the last time I was blaming the C for so many whiffs!  We take for granted the C is solid.  We weren't having such discussions when C was Couture or Goosen!  Who was before The Goose again?  Ya, not sure we ever blamed him either.

I leave it to the highbrains @WFC to decide if Ko-man is weak or he just looks weak because of poor LG support.  Either way someone needs to up their game or be replaced.

I also think Dobson, Eli & Lofton need to pack on 10-30 more pounds.  They are too small, often appearing outsized and out-muscled by DTs!!  They are the ones who are supposed to be pushing people around!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2024, 02:22:07 AMKo-man almost never botches a snap, for sure.  And I bet he's great at the coverage calling pre-snap.  He has many strong points.  But he gets pushed around and has trouble with stunts.  So a real mixed bag.  And I'm not sure he can improve from here... and what he's doing clearly isn't good enough.

Now, it could be Ko-man looks worse than he is because he has poor LG support, or like you guys said he has poor LG & RG support because Neuf is covering for Lofton...

But I can't remember the last time I was blaming the C for so many whiffs!  We take for granted the C is solid.  We weren't having such discussions when C was Couture or Goosen!  Who was before The Goose again?  Ya, not sure we ever blamed him either.

I leave it to the highbrains @WFC to decide if Ko-man is weak or he just looks weak because of poor LG support.  Either way someone needs to up their game or be replaced.

I also think Dobson, Eli & Lofton need to pack on 10-30 more pounds.  They are too small, often appearing outsized and out-muscled by DTs!!  They are the ones who are supposed to be pushing people around!

Don't know about the other 2 but Eli has dropped substantial weight since coming back to the Bombers the second time, probably due to better fitness.  When he first showed up his belly was hanging over his belt.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2024, 06:01:59 AMDon't know about the other 2 but Eli has dropped substantial weight since coming back to the Bombers the second time, probably due to better fitness.  When he first showed up his belly was hanging over his belt.

For a hoggie muffin-top is a good thing!  You need the beef on jumbo.  Speed at the expense of weight isn't necessarily going to make you a better hoggie.  If you're regularly getting trucked and/or manhandled, something is wrong.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2024, 12:19:03 AMKolankowski was part of the best OL in the CFL just last year. Losing Gray and Yoshi has proven to be a tough problem. Thankfully we still have Stan and Paddy to build off of and I believe this club will keep working on this until they resolve it. Once they do, look out! Zach with a clean pocket to throw from will see him shred secondaries again.

The o-line was good in spite of Kolankowski.  Eli was superior when he played. 

Lofton wasn't good enough on a weak Saskatchewan team so he shouldn't be anything more than an emergency backup here.  Just terrible decision-making by O'Shea over the past few years to let it get to this point.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 05, 2024, 03:29:57 AMThe o-line was good in spite of Kolankowski.  Eli was superior when he played. 

I'm starting to agree with you no Ko-man.  But as for Eli, I'll believe it when I see it.  Tell me one game he started or injury-replaced from '23 where he was better, and I'll go watch it and get back to you.  Not saying he can't be better: just saying I haven't seen it yet.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 05, 2024, 03:29:57 AMLofton wasn't good enough on a weak Saskatchewan team so he shouldn't be anything more than an emergency backup here.  Just terrible decision-making by O'Shea over the past few years to let it get to this point.

You mean KW.  MOS doesn't have as much to do with player choices and SMS juggling.  I'm sure he has some (lots of) input, but the final choice is by KW (or in the case of Brady: WM).

Eli is a perfect 6th man, emergency C.  Whether he is ready to start at C full time, we have to leave that up to Costello. No doubt he may end up as the successor to Ko man, being 4 years younger.  No need to rush him.

Wallace will bring some pressure on the roster, dressing as 7th Oline in his rookie year.  Is he the successor to Neufeld? 

Quote from: theaardvark on July 06, 2024, 07:37:50 PMWallace will bring some pressure on the roster, dressing as 7th Oline in his rookie year.  Is he the successor to Neufeld? 

It's very hard to tell what Wallace will bring so far.  I try to watch him on jumbo, and he's in a fair bit on those, but I just don't really notice him much.  I think he's supposed to be more an edge sealer than a lead run blocker, but he has to be able to shift over and take those A & B gaps sometimes.  I'll try to get more data on Wallace.

But ya, don't know why, but I have a good feeling about him.  He's a monster beast man.  At the very worst he's on the normal "WFC OL dev path", which gives him 1-2 more seasons to see if he can be a starting guard.

At his size: couldn't he be a tackle??  But I guess everyone lambasting his lack of speed might ixnay that idea.

ATTENTION  ATTENTION  ATTENTION

I do believe we are no longer the league worst!  Are we now 2nd or 3rd worst?  I'll take it, for now!

Moving on up... to the East side (of PAS)... we finally got a piece of the piiiiiiiieee.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 07, 2024, 05:21:24 AMIt's very hard to tell what Wallace will bring so far.  I try to watch him on jumbo, and he's in a fair bit on those, but I just don't really notice him much.  I think he's supposed to be more an edge sealer than a lead run blocker, but he has to be able to shift over and take those A & B gaps sometimes.  I'll try to get more data on Wallace.

But ya, don't know why, but I have a good feeling about him.  He's a monster beast man.  At the very worst he's on the normal "WFC OL dev path", which gives him 1-2 more seasons to see if he can be a starting guard.

At his size: couldn't he be a tackle??  But I guess everyone lambasting his lack of speed might ixnay that idea.

He played OG in college, and is a road grader.  6'6. 348.  Almost wonder whether the flip to DT might be an idea in an emergency, like Jake flipping to OL...

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 07, 2024, 05:32:50 AMATTENTION  ATTENTION  ATTENTION

I do believe we are no longer the league worst!  Are we now 2nd or 3rd worst?  I'll take it, for now!

Moving on up... to the East side (of PAS)... we finally got a piece of the piiiiiiiieee.

Baby steps...get back into this one step at a time.....and love the jeffersons!!

Elks signed moncrief and oakman, hood to see one team is trying to fi what it takes to win, but they are looking desperate ( i would have liked to sign oakman)

We re better than Hamilton and Ottawa for sure, not sure if we can beat the riders with Harris, but can without him, Edmonton is an under rated 0-4 team, I think they'll be tough to beat but I got us middle of the pack right now and trending in the right direction

Hammy looking awful. I'm sure feeling a lot better about our chances.

Anyone heard what the hold up is with Lucky? Kinda feels like a health/conditioning issue. Otherwise you'd think wed want to get him into practices Wilson and Johnson sure aten't the answer nor is playing 3 cdns

Quote from: Pete on July 08, 2024, 01:16:21 AMAnyone heard what the hold up is with Lucky? Kinda feels like a health/conditioning issue.

I bet he'll be practicing this week, otherwise he'll probably be on a plane back to the USA.  Clearly his passport issue is fixed, otherwise he wouldn't be sitting on the YWG!

I hope so. He will bring a new and much needed speed element to our offense.

Any word on Collaros and what his status is??

Quote from: J5V on July 07, 2024, 11:48:48 PMHammy looking awful. I'm sure feeling a lot better about our chances.

Don't play the Ti-Cats until week 12, by then they could have a new coach and GM.

I think Milanovich is safe, he must be asking himself why did I step into this mess!! I think their GM has got to go and they need a bunch of new talent in their secondary. Wouldn't be surprised if Danny Mac gets the GM job there. He is revered in Hamilton and they need someone to turn that ship around before there's nobody going to the donut box to watch any more games

Quote from: Pete link ;D =msg=1627342 date=1720401381Anyone heard what the hold up is with Lucky? Kinda feels like a health/conditioning issue. Otherwise you'd think wed want to get him into practices Wilson and Johnson sure aten't the answer nor is playing 3 cdns

Guess they heard me?

Things are destined to turn around for the better since Bombers are the only team in pro sports with not just one but two players named Lucky on the roster.