Blue Bombers Forum

Quote from: The Zipp on July 28, 2024, 02:53:23 PMRourke has said he isn't returning until all nfl options have been explored.  His goal is to play in the NFL. 

As long as one team is interested he will stay down there. 

At some point teams will wonder why this dude is bouncing around so much and not sticking around. 

He was the 4th qb in New York behind Jones, Locke, devito...he wasn't getting a sniff.

His choices on where he signs have been a bit curious...his agent should be talking to the Raiders

Quote from: Waffler on July 28, 2024, 02:50:12 PMIf bombers aren't in with a good offer I would be highly disappointed. Even so, another QB may come loose out of this. Domino effect. Probable that he waits a couple weeks before taking CFL offers isn't it?

Quote from: Pigskin on July 28, 2024, 03:10:53 PMHas he dressed for enough games to get a pension?

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 28, 2024, 03:17:58 PMRourke won't be here this year for sure says Naylor.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 28, 2024, 03:10:53 PMHas he dressed for enough games to get a pension?

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 28, 2024, 03:23:34 PMI don't think so
Can't blame him but he may not even get a PR spot until injuries hit once the season starts.

Quote from: Blueforlife on July 28, 2024, 09:27:04 PMHopefully comes back, doesn't matter who gets him makes the league stronger

Will go to highest bidder

Could he get 750k?

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 28, 2024, 09:32:38 PMOver paying players, especially QB's hurts the rest of a given teams roster. See BC Lions and Reilly getting nearly that much. It cost them and they tanked.

I've said a few times that we over payed Collaros. Not because he may not have been the best QB at that moment in time, but because it cost us elsewhere on the roster.

It's still costing us in 2024 in trying to retain players we wanted.

Quote from: Blueforlife on July 28, 2024, 09:50:57 PMCollaros was worth every penny until this year.  Yes put a burden on the cap.

Quote from: RebusRankin on July 29, 2024, 08:57:20 PMWe owe ZC $250,000 for sure next year. Pretty sure he's the guy in 2025.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 28, 2024, 04:56:36 PMMaybe BC gets Rourke and we get Vern Adams?

Quote from: ichabod_crane on July 29, 2024, 11:07:35 PMNyet. Adams has proven JACK yet. Could save a bundle though probably.

Quote from: dd on July 30, 2024, 02:20:27 AMWe won't be player in the rourke sweepstakes —price will be too high with our cap issues. I do see us taking a run at Adam's if rourke signs with bc but bc will only have so much cap space too

Quote from: Nic16 on July 29, 2024, 09:17:26 PMIF Rourke decides to come back to the CFL next year I think the BB's would have to make unprecedented moves in order to be a serious player for Rourke.
[...]
Wade (and Kyle) would need to be fully invested in making

Quote from: ichabod_crane on July 29, 2024, 11:07:35 PMNyet. Adams has NOT proven JACK yet as I mean in championships or even MVP's. He's good, but not as good as Rourke from the sample sizes we know so far.

Quote from: dd on July 30, 2024, 02:20:27 AMWe won't be player in the rourke sweepstakes —price will be too high with our cap issues. I do see us taking a run at Adam's if rourke signs with bc but bc will only have so much cap space too

Quote from: The Zipp on August 01, 2024, 11:32:21 PMSigned a one year deal with the Falcons for almost a million bucks.  He is parlaying his 8-10 good games in the CFL into a payday.

Run the practice squad - don't take any hits, be a millionaire. 

Quote from: The Zipp on August 01, 2024, 11:32:21 PMSigned a one year deal with the Falcons for almost a million bucks.  He is parlaying his 8-10 good games in the CFL into a payday.

Run the practice squad - don't take any hits, be a millionaire. 

Quote from: Jesse on August 02, 2024, 04:31:53 AMHe needs to win the 3rd spot to get the contract. Practice squad means he was released from that contract.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 02, 2024, 04:39:06 AMOk.  He needs to beat out heinike then. 

Cousins
Penix
Rourke

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 30, 2024, 05:57:20 AMAdams is literally the worst QB to match with our run-heavy O.  You don't think VAJ's style is part of the reason BC rarely runs?  VAJ fights during the week with the OC saying "I want more passing", and I bet VAJ always picks "pass" in RPOs.

He's kind of like young BLM, but with mega-mobility.  Pass first, pass deep, pass always.  Completely not Bomber style.

And he's also a headcase and would miserably fail FIFO.  In BC OTOH, he's a perfect fit!

Quote from: Jesse on August 02, 2024, 04:42:11 AMNot really something he's done or has been given the opportunity to do so far. We'll see.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 06, 2024, 10:37:32 PMStill think Rourke should have pressed hard to try out with the Raiders. They are in trouble at qb.

Broncos not much better..

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 30, 2024, 05:54:58 AMWill never happen.  Not in a million years.  Zach is 100% the guy through our home cup year.  If he stinks it out (which I'll bet money will not happen) we can start Strev with a EDM MBT/Ford type setup.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 06, 2024, 10:37:32 PMStill think Rourke should have pressed hard to try out with the Raiders. They are in trouble at qb.

Broncos not much better..

Quote from: pdirks67 on August 07, 2024, 12:02:29 AMIt would be gross negligence if they didn't at least kick the tires and see what it would take. I love Zach, but Rourke could be the best QB in the CFL for the next decade.

I love Strev too, but he's not a first string QB.

Quote from: Jesse on August 07, 2024, 01:28:49 AMEvery team kicks the tires, but BC is in the driver's seat on this one.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 07, 2024, 02:00:49 AMHaven't being paying any attention, how far along is he in pursuit of his NFL pension?

Quote from: Jesse on August 07, 2024, 01:27:20 AMLol, he can't force teams to sign him.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 07, 2024, 03:56:08 AMNo but his agent has a job - the market may not be that hot for Nathan.

Quote from: Jesse on August 07, 2024, 02:05:59 AMHe has to have three years accrued. He only accrues a year if he's on the active roster for at least three games.

I don't really think that it's part of the equation right now.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 07, 2024, 03:10:59 PMSo in the years he's wasted standing around waiting, he's no closer to a pension than if he stayed in the CFL and got paid $500k to play?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 07, 2024, 03:10:59 PMSo in the years he's wasted standing around waiting, he's no closer to a pension than if he stayed in the CFL and got paid $500k to play?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 07, 2024, 03:10:59 PMSo in the years he's wasted standing around waiting, he's no closer to a pension than if he stayed in the CFL and got paid $500k to play?

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on August 07, 2024, 04:08:34 PMWhat a silly statement. He hasn't wasted anything by trying to stick in the NFL.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 07, 2024, 03:18:09 PMIt will be interesting if he can beat out Taylor Heineke (NFL vet and Georgia hometown boy) for the 3rd string spot?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 07, 2024, 04:29:18 PMCareers are short, many Canadian players have gone to the NFL bounced around between PR's for a number of years and retired instead of lowering themselves to play in the CFL, they essentially never play more than a handful of games and are forgotten. If Rourke chooses that path he will have little to show for a football career, considering he could have been a massive star in Canada the equivalent of Flutie and milked it for 40 years afterward like Dunigan.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 07, 2024, 04:21:59 PMThe potential payday is so big that you have to try.

Having said that, the regret he may have, depending on how long he's down there, is letting prime years go by without really getting a shot. He was never going to see the field in Jacksonville. He didn't get a look in New England or with the Giants. He's now on a team that has a high first round pick and a career starter ahead of him, so it seems virtually impossible that he'll get to play anything more than some pre-season action. Time works against you down there if you're trying to break in. Every year teams draft quarterbacks from the NCAA who are already far higher than him on the pecking order. I just don't see he'll ever get a chance.

Quote from: peg_city on August 07, 2024, 09:10:19 PMI remember the bidding for Casey Printers being ridiculous after the Chiefs cut him. He became the highest paid player in the CFL (his CFL contract was worth more than his NFL contract). I'm thinking Rourke Lands in BC for 600-700K a year and they trade Vernon Adam to whoever needs a quarterback (might be us in a year and a half).

Looks at Casey Printers wiki, he had the most Jim Carey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Carey_(ice_hockey)) (goalie) career I have seen.

One amazing year followed by nothing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_Printers

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 07, 2024, 09:16:34 PMPaying that much for any QB is too much. It didn't work when they gave that to Reilly and it wouldn't work giving it to Rourke. It destroys the ability to spend across the entire roster SMS.

Quote from: peg_city on August 07, 2024, 09:25:18 PMI'm sure there will be at least one team that will offer the 600-700K contract.

Quote from: dd on August 07, 2024, 10:05:20 PMWe're paying Collaros $600k, and Lawler and Schoen big contracts, so it can be done

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 07, 2024, 10:14:20 PMIt's beginning to look like the 2024 rookies are going to be good ones as the season progresses. We still haven't resolved the problem on the OL.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2024, 12:50:13 AMIt's ridiculous that a starting CFL QB can't make as much as a PR NFL QB.  The league should work up to having the SMS at a level that we can match NFL PRs.  That way guys like Rourke that quickly realize they only have a 1% chance of ever getting off a NFL PR will stay in the CFL as starters.

How much would the SMS have to rise to make this happen?  That should be a medium-term goal.  I'm not talking about teams overpaying QBs like Mike Reilly, I'm talking about the SMS pie being big enough that the normal QB portion can be competitive.

Quote from: peg_city on August 07, 2024, 09:10:19 PMI remember the bidding for Casey Printers being ridiculous after the Chiefs cut him. He became the highest paid player in the CFL (his CFL contract was worth more than his NFL contract). I'm thinking Rourke Lands in BC for 600-700K a year and they trade Vernon Adam to whoever needs a quarterback (might be us in a year and a half).

Looks at Casey Printers wiki, he had the most Jim Carey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Carey_(ice_hockey)) (goalie) career I have seen.

One amazing year followed by nothing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_Printers

Casey Printers last game in the CFL was against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (the Brink replaced by Jyles game). At the end of the highlight package, it shows why Printers was released.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj8fPebMdPI

Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2024, 03:51:28 AMZach and Chad already make 600. The bidding for Rourke starts at 700 and then will go crazy from there.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2024, 12:47:39 AMWe didn't?  Did you see our OL last game?  Near perfect on pass-pro, near perfect on the run (one whiff in SY).

As I've been saying for weeks, plopping a 3rd IMP OL in there can solve all of our problems.  And it did vs BC.  Keep the OL 3 IMP for the forseeable future until it shows problems.  If the problems are the same, put Neuf back in.  If the problems are solved, keep Neuf out.  Simple.

Quote from: J5V on August 08, 2024, 01:29:43 AMSo, just spitballin' here ...

Salary Cap = $5.585 million
45 players per team
Minimum salary = $70,000, players also get revenue sharing
$5.585M / 45 =  $124,111 per player

If a QB is paid $600,000 ...
44 players
$5.585M-$600,000 = $4.985M
$4.985 / 44 = $113,296 per player

Just paying a QB $600K costs $11,000 per player for the remaining 44 players. You can see pretty quickly that if you start paying out some big contracts besides the QB that the average per player is going to drop below $100K fast. To do what you propose and to consider the exchange rate on the American Greenback, you'd easily need at least another $500,000 to $1,000,000. A $6.1 to 6.5M cap might get you close.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2024, 12:50:13 AMIt's ridiculous that a starting CFL QB can't make as much as a PR NFL QB.  The league should work up to having the SMS at a level that we can match NFL PRs.  That way guys like Rourke that quickly realize they only have a 1% chance of ever getting off a NFL PR will stay in the CFL as starters.

How much would the SMS have to rise to make this happen?  That should be a medium-term goal.  I'm not talking about teams overpaying QBs like Mike Reilly, I'm talking about the SMS pie being big enough that the normal QB portion can be competitive.

Quote from: VictorRomano on August 08, 2024, 01:23:29 PMYup.  Rourke in going to be Bobby Hull 2.0.

Quote from: Tiger on August 08, 2024, 04:51:40 PMNot to mention taxes. When Rourke was in FL he probably did not pay any.

Quote from: Tiger on August 08, 2024, 04:51:40 PMNot to mention taxes. When Rourke was in FL he probably did not pay any.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 08, 2024, 05:15:35 PMyou will never be able to equate the CFL and NFL...different leagues, different circumstances, different scope and scale.  Us fans of both the CFL and NFL are the lucky ones - we have football to watch from June to February!!  People who scoff at either league are the ones losing out on entertainment.

I am so excited for the NFL season!!

Quote from: J5V on August 08, 2024, 01:29:43 AMSo, just spitballin' here ...

Salary Cap = $5.585 million
45 players per team
Minimum salary = $70,000, players also get revenue sharing
$5.585M / 45 =  $124,111 per player

If a QB is paid $600,000 ...
44 players
$5.585M-$600,000 = $4.985M
$4.985 / 44 = $113,296 per player

Just paying a QB $600K costs $11,000 per player for the remaining 44 players. You can see pretty quickly that if you start paying out some big contracts besides the QB that the average per player is going to drop below $100K fast. To do what you propose and to consider the exchange rate on the American Greenback, you'd easily need at least another $500,000 to $1,000,000. A $6.1 to 6.5M cap might get you close.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 08, 2024, 09:10:38 PMWhy should a QB make 5 times what an MLB makes?

And if a QB can't even stick on an NFL PR, why should they get paid the same as a QB on an NFL PR?  Of course they should be paid less than an NFL PR rate.  $600k is more than generous for a CFL QB, and they should actually have a single player cap of $600k to prevent teams for spending $700k-900K when someone like Rourke comes along.

Quote from: J5V on August 08, 2024, 09:42:43 PMI can't disagree with this statement strongly enough. Let the market determine what the players earn. More money in the Canadian game is going to attract better talent and heighten competition for spots.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 08, 2024, 10:18:43 PMYou seem to be forgetting there is a LIMITED Salary CAP, so blowing a lot of your cap room on one player is not smart cap management UNLESS you have a Doug Flutie or Warren Moon as your QB who can win games practically by himself. Unlimited Cap or a VERY HIGH CAP then that's a different story.

Quote from: Tiger on August 08, 2024, 04:51:40 PMNot to mention taxes. When Rourke was in FL he probably did not pay any.

Quote from: J5V on August 08, 2024, 10:58:37 PMPerhaps you missed my post where I suggested raising the cap in response to Techno's suggestion we try to match the PR down South by doing exactly that.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 09, 2024, 12:03:19 AMIf you have the wallet to do that....GO RIGHT AHEAD!! Nobody is stopping you! ;) Buy out the Bombers if you can!! :) I hear the Elks are up for sale too! ;)

Quote from: J5V on August 09, 2024, 12:20:06 AMWhat does discussing raising the cap have to do with private citizen's buying football teams? The league has already decided to raise the cap this year. Are you suggesting my buying the team is the only way to raise the cap? What a strange thing to say.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 09, 2024, 12:37:29 AMYou are NOT GETTING THE POINT MAN....you can only raise the cap if the revenues warrant it across the league. Get a few billionaire owners into the league and they can provide a cash flow to raise the cap...NO extra cash flow...how can you afford to raise the cap willy nilly?! Or do you believe like that Field of Dreams baseball movie that "IF YOU BUILD IT/RAISE THE CAP, that magical money will flow in to pay for it?!". There is not way you can guarantee that would occur.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 08, 2024, 09:10:38 PMAnd if a QB can't even stick on an NFL PR, why should they get paid the same as a QB on an NFL PR?  Of course they should be paid less than an NFL PR rate.  $600k is more than generous for a CFL QB, and they should actually have a single player cap of $600k to prevent teams for spending $700k-900K when someone like Rourke comes along.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 08, 2024, 09:44:24 PMIf teams want to go down the prior mega failure situation with Mike Reily that BC had many years ago, be prepared to shortchange the rest of your squad and ESPECIALLY Offensive line. That QB getting mega donnaros better be the second coming of Doug Flutie or Warren Moon to gamble so much cap salary on one player! :)

Quote from: J5V on August 08, 2024, 01:29:43 AMTo do what you propose and to consider the exchange rate on the American Greenback, you'd easily need at least another $500,000 to $1,000,000. A $6.1 to 6.5M cap might get you close.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 08, 2024, 04:56:06 PMWhy? It's pretty obvious that most starting QBs cannot get on an NFL PR roster so who cares if they're paid the same. No CFL positional group can come close to NFL PR money. That's not going to change.

Quote from: J5V on August 09, 2024, 12:45:05 AMExcept of course that they ALREADY RAISED THE CAP THIS YEAR.

You don't read for comprehension, do you?

Quote from: J5V on August 09, 2024, 01:52:44 AMI get it now! I feel much smarter having had this conversation with you.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 09, 2024, 03:27:30 AMNot sure if I should take that as  a compliment or an insult! :D

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 09, 2024, 03:27:30 AMWhatever man, I don't know you and have NOTHING Against you. I just have a different perspective.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 09, 2024, 03:27:30 AMSURE IF the money was available, THEN raise the cap. But saying you want it (theoretical) vs making it actually happen (reality) are two different things.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 09, 2024, 03:27:30 AMSURE IF the money was available, THEN raise the cap. But saying you want it (theoretical) vs making it actually happen (reality) are two different things.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 09, 2024, 12:58:29 AMBecause it's pathetic.  Our top-3 superstar starting CFL QBs can't earn more than a NFL PR spot?  What's next, the NFL waterboy makes more too?  Would we make excuses for that too?  It's sad and pathetic.

My whole point is it's sad that Rourke, who clearly will never be an NFL starter, is rotting down south barely on a PR and still earn more than Zach.  On the PR!!  I could fathom people laughing if I wanted CFL starting QBs to earn as much as, say, NFL #2 QBs.  I understand the economics of the 2 leagues.  But surely we can muster enough to lure guys in Rourke's situation back to Canada?

And the point still remains, because we can't find a tad more money in the CFL, CFL-superstars like Rourke waste 2-5 years on the bench in the NFL and everyone loses out, all for the want of another $100k or so.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 09, 2024, 06:35:06 AMThat's all anyone is saying.  Yes, it's never going to happen, yes the SMS is up this year but/and written in stone, yes the discussion would be about future years, yes it would require a mythical magical fountain of CFL money to materialize.

However, I think we'd all love to see the SMS up by 1M a year and guys like Rourke coming back to the CFL and Goosen not retiring.

I think it's ok to dream & discuss and hope/plan for a better CFL future.  I personally think it would be great if we could be competitive with NFL waterboy pay for our star QBs.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 09, 2024, 12:58:29 AMBecause it's pathetic.  Our top-3 superstar starting CFL QBs can't earn more than a NFL PR spot?  What's next, the NFL waterboy makes more too?  Would we make excuses for that too?  It's sad and pathetic.

My whole point is it's sad that Rourke, who clearly will never be an NFL starter, is rotting down south barely on a PR and still earn more than Zach.  On the PR!!  I could fathom people laughing if I wanted CFL starting QBs to earn as much as, say, NFL #2 QBs.  I understand the economics of the 2 leagues.  But surely we can muster enough to lure guys in Rourke's situation back to Canada?

And the point still remains, because we can't find a tad more money in the CFL, CFL-superstars like Rourke waste 2-5 years on the bench in the NFL and everyone loses out, all for the want of another $100k or so.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 09, 2024, 01:03:43 AMNo one said pull a Herve/Claybrooks and overpay the QB.  We're saying increase the whole SMS by enough that our best QBs can be paid a salary competitive with PR NFL QBs.

Bingo!  Thanks for running the numbers.  It's roughly what I was guessing.  The CFL SMS should be another 0.5 to 1.0 mill.

This is precisely the same suggestion I made when Goosen just up and retired for no reason.  We aren't paying enough overall.  When very good and viable NAT talent retires because it's not worth it, you know you have a problem.

Adding another mill to SMS would solve both the OL and QB retention problems.

Quote from: DM83 on August 09, 2024, 06:39:34 PMRourke has to come back to the CFL and post big numbers.  His situation could be compared to Doug Fluties.  played OK as a curiosity piece. Then wouldn't be signed by any team in the NFL.  Came to Canada, proved he was sensational. Went back down and had a couple good years.  Warren Moon played in Canada for five or so years, earned. A chance to start and went to four
 grey cups. Parlayed that into a long NFL. Career.

So Rourke has to come back North, win four Grey cups and then go back south.

Ford can't read a defense , so he runs around until things break down, and then finds guys open. He won't play in a structured offence.

I read one of the CFL clubs told their starter, to check out the first read. If it wasn't there leave the pocket and scramble.  Maybe it is the Dirks guy in Toronto?  No one knows what is going on either when Ford does that, He does that almost immediately upon catching the snap.  Tough to be motivated when as a player, all your effort is marginalized by a hot dog running around chaotically?  Entertaining, but eleven other guys don't know what to do.  Their coaches need to at least give him that one read directive before bailing.  Not sure they know it based on their illustrious playing and coaching career.....they must, though.

Quote from: Pete on August 09, 2024, 02:53:24 PMUnless the cfl gets a lot more television money, the cap ain:t going up. Were still a gate revenue driven league and even football hotbeds like sask are struggling.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 09, 2024, 05:07:54 PMYou are crying because our top QB's are making way more than doctors, lawyers and even plumbers?

Quote from: theaardvark on August 09, 2024, 05:07:54 PMThey aren't having a tag day for even the lowest paid CFL starting QB's.  Dru Brown is getting $290k in hard money, up to $350k with incentives.  That's like getting paid $150/hr, 40 hrs a week, 52 weeks a year.  Plus up to a $50k bonus just for actually doing his job, playing games.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 09, 2024, 05:07:54 PMPardon me if I don't feel sorry for how hard done by our league's players are.  And you'd never see me calling the league, its teams, or its players "pathetic".

Quote from: theaardvark on August 09, 2024, 05:07:54 PMAs to Rourke rotting away... you realize that's a great self own right there.  He's in the NFL, working with the best coaches and trainers in the world, in the best equipped facilities in the world, earning more than he ever could in Canada not even being on the roster.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 09, 2024, 05:17:47 PMPretty sure if we had a capped max salary at $600k, Rourke's decision making factors to come north would be exactly the same.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 10, 2024, 01:51:58 AMIf we had that extra $1M cap then 100% for sure Rourke still goes to the NFL for 1 year, maybe 2.  But as soon as it's clear to the whole world that it'll take 3 to 4 freak injuries to the QBs ahead of him to ever see a start, then maybe, just maybe, parity in pay between CFL-starter and NFL-PR would have him choosing to come back north pronto.

Once the dream of $100M payday is lost forever, the non-monetary aspects of the CFL should be the deciding factors.  Those would be: being a superstar league-leading #1 adored and cheered by fans and building a CFL legacy and being allowed to play the game they love every week.  And in Rourke's case: becoming a CFL legend as the only league-top and potential GC-winning Canadian QB in modern times.

Ya, he's rotting in the NFL, and it's a huge waste.  And I'm a guy who would rather NOT see him come back because there will be many future WSF and WDF where he beats the Bombers.  But I do realize that it's better for the league and fans if he does come back.  And a healthy CFL is more important than just the Bombers winning.

Quote from: Jesse on August 10, 2024, 02:35:53 AMEverything you said about Rourke is true without needing to add any amount of money to the cap. When it's clear his opportunities are over, he'll return to the CFL.

If you were not aware, the CFL tried doing a "cap exempt" player before. The QBs all got paid more money than they're even making now, but the CFL was unable to recruit any new players from NFL PRs who weren't already here. It changed absolutely nothing.

Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 02:51:01 AMI still don't understand all this negativity toward the idea of getting the players more money and making the CFL a more financially attractive place to practice their craft. How do you know it would change absolutely nothing? That doesn't make sense to me. It's logical to assume it could only help.

Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 02:51:01 AMI still don't understand all this negativity toward the idea of getting the players more money and making the CFL a more financially attractive place to practice their craft. How do you know it would change absolutely nothing? That doesn't make sense to me. It's logical to assume it could only help.

Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on August 10, 2024, 12:29:22 PMThe CFL really is a "bums in seats" organization and with attendance down throughout the league, including Regina we are a cash strapped league.   We don't have the large TV audiences that the US market has and it's difficult for us to compete and draw players to the CFL, despite the fact that our game is more exciting and compelling.   

Quote from: Jesse on August 10, 2024, 03:28:56 PMThat's a bit of a misnomer too. It used to be. But a lot of our money now comes from the TV deal and sponsors. That's why even though attendance goes down, the salary cap does continue to grow. The league would have gone under a while ago if it depended purely on attendance.

Quote from: Pigskin on August 10, 2024, 03:56:49 PMNathan was 3/13 for 37 yards last night, and had 2 carries for 24 yards. Not his best work.

Quote from: Pigskin on August 10, 2024, 03:56:49 PMNathan was 3/13 for 37 yards last night, and had 2 carries for 24 yards. Not his best work.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 10, 2024, 05:09:40 PMThat's stunningly bad, for any league. Can't wipe the slate clean, might give him pause for thought about his future.

Quote from: J5V on August 10, 2024, 05:28:11 PMSome guys are better suited for one league or the other.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 10, 2024, 05:09:40 PMThat's stunningly bad, for any league. Can't wipe the slate clean, might give him pause for thought about his future.

Quote from: Pigskin on August 10, 2024, 03:56:49 PMNathan was 3/13 for 37 yards last night, and had 2 carries for 24 yards. Not his best work.

Quote from: Pigskin on August 10, 2024, 03:56:49 PMNathan was 3/13 for 37 yards last night, and had 2 carries for 24 yards. Not his best work.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 10, 2024, 05:45:10 PMDon't forget he played about 8 good games in the cfl.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 10, 2024, 01:41:42 AMI'm not crying, and I don't care what QBs make compared to doctors.  All that matters is what QBs make in the CFL compared to the NFL.  And not #1 to #1, but #1 to #4 or #5.  I want us to give rot-on-PR guys the option of staying here.

I don't want to get into the weeds, because it's irrelevant, but the counterargument to "they're paid so much, more than doctors!" is "ya, but they only get paid that for maybe 5 years then they are back to flipping burgers or selling cars".  A doctor or lawyer will leverage their education and training for 30-50 years of high income.  A football player will be lucky to get 5 years of peak pay (ELC years don't count).

Don't put words in my mouth.  I didn't call any team or player pathetic.  What is pathetic is the CFL can't pay Rourke as much to be our league-best superstar #1 QB as the NFL can to hold a clipboard as #4 or #5 QB.

And others have shown that we're not off by too much.  It's not outlandish or impossible.

I'll let you reflect on the bolded words above.  Thanks for proving my point!  QED

Quote from: theaardvark on August 11, 2024, 12:00:12 AMAdding to the cap doesn't mean it all goes to the QB, it will mean that the min wage goes up, and everyone gets a raise.  Adding $1million (20%) means a top QB goes to $700k. 

Quote from: Jesse on August 10, 2024, 02:35:53 AMIf you were not aware, the CFL tried doing a "cap exempt" player before. The QBs all got paid more money than they're even making now, but the CFL was unable to recruit any new players from NFL PRs who weren't already here. It changed absolutely nothing.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 11, 2024, 04:48:30 AMThat's precisely what was said when the convo started, by whoever ran the numbers first (J5V? Pete? Someone can check).  And that's precisely what we are saying.  If $1M more means top QB can equal NFL PR pay, then that's the ideal to aim for.  No one is saying just pay the QB more.

Who knows, maybe the CFL can add 10% more butts in seats every year for the next 5 years.  Then maybe it will be feasible.  There certainly are a lot of empty seats available!  And I think people really are keen to go out more and more.

Interesting.  I'll take your word for it.  Maybe it can't lure "green" Americans, but it still could work in this Rourke case.  Guess we won't know until we try.  And it certainly can't hurt to retain all players in general, keeping them from retirement or extended NFL tryouts (a la Bighill's adventure).

Quote from: DM83 on August 11, 2024, 10:14:22 AMI don't think Rourke plays in the weekend. I wonder if he is even getting reps in practice.  I think he is done.  Best to head back up. And save someone's season in Canada. Hamilton looked awful. Bc would be wise to secure him as he would be a legend up there for the next 15 years. Send the Hawaiian to Anywhere. Send Bo back to Calgary.Maier struggles to put up more than 150 yards a game, not that Mitchell will either. He has the good stats.  Weird

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 11, 2024, 08:56:35 PMThat didn't last long.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 11, 2024, 09:00:28 PMNot a great sign. 

What if Rourke actually isn't very good?  His 8 good games in the cfl were an aberration and he is mediocre.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 11, 2024, 09:00:28 PMNot a great sign. 

What if Rourke actually isn't very good?  His 8 good games in the cfl were an aberration and he is mediocre.

Quote from: Jesse on August 11, 2024, 09:27:30 PMThink of all the CFL greats who didn't get an opportunity in the NFL.

The only evidence we have of Rourke in the CFL is says he's pretty **** good. There's no evidence yet to suggest otherwise.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 11, 2024, 10:08:34 PMI would say that Rourke is actually getting an opportunity in the NFL...he just isn't succeeding. 

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 12, 2024, 05:26:18 AMDid Rourke get some upfront signing bonus money as I'm not sure where these figures of $520K or more come from as NFL PR players don't make that much according to a quick Google search:

"Practice squad players make $12,000 per week or $216,000 for 18 weeks. Veteran players with over two years of experience will make a minimum of $16,100 per week or $289,800 for 18 weeks, and a maximum of $20,600 per week or $370,800 for 18 weeks".

He's only in his second year down in the NFL and maybe not even PR'ing for his second year. So I am assuming he got a good chunk of change as a signing bonus last season. Or did he ACTUALLY dress for a few games last season? I SEE NO stats of him at all throwing one pass in an NFL Regular season game last year.


This blurb is obviously FAKE NEWS as he did not even make it out of training camp for the Falcons:

How much will Nathan Rourke make in the NFL?
Season History

Year   Team           Cash Paid
2023   Patriots   $125,000
2024   Falcons           $915,000
            Total   $1,040,000

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 12, 2024, 05:26:18 AMDid Rourke get some upfront signing bonus money as I'm not sure where these figures of $520K or more come from as NFL PR players don't make that much according to a quick Google search:

"Practice squad players make $12,000 per week or $216,000 for 18 weeks. Veteran players with over two years of experience will make a minimum of $16,100 per week or $289,800 for 18 weeks, and a maximum of $20,600 per week or $370,800 for 18 weeks".

He's only in his second year down in the NFL and maybe not even PR'ing for his second year. So I am assuming he got a good chunk of change as a signing bonus last season. Or did he ACTUALLY dress for a few games last season? I SEE NO stats of him at all throwing one pass in an NFL Regular season game last year.


This blurb is obviously FAKE NEWS as he did not even make it out of training camp for the Falcons:

How much will Nathan Rourke make in the NFL?
Season History

Year   Team           Cash Paid
2023   Patriots   $125,000
2024   Falcons           $915,000
            Total   $1,040,000

Quote from: The Zipp on August 12, 2024, 08:43:12 PMHe was unclaimed and is now a free agent. 

Austin Mack also released. 

Quote from: BomberFan73 on August 12, 2024, 09:17:50 PMNow that is a player we need!

Quote from: BomberFan73 on August 12, 2024, 09:17:50 PMNow that is a player we need!

Quote from: The Zipp on August 13, 2024, 03:29:00 PMWell I guess we will see how good Rourke is in the CFL...he has signed with the BC Lions

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 04:08:06 PMEven if Adams took a pay cut, this is going to have a ripple effect on their SMS. Lions say Adams won't be traded.

Getting Rourke back in the CFL is good for the CFL and the Lions.

Hearing the details of the agreement will be interesting. All that has been mentioned so far is a 3 year deal.

Quote from: Blueforlife on August 13, 2024, 04:15:19 PMGotta be 500K+

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 13, 2024, 04:18:36 PMObviously the Lions will slay the cap restrictions this year now. Happily pay the fine.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 04:20:56 PMThat's a possibility with a rich owner. The fine is one issue but losing a draft pick would hurt as well.

In the long run, it's great for Vancouver fan interest.

I wonder if he ends up starting on the weekend since he couldn't be worse than Dolegala.

Quote from: Jesse on August 13, 2024, 04:23:55 PMWe'll absolutely see him.

Quote from: Jesse on August 13, 2024, 04:23:55 PMWe'll absolutely see him.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 04:35:20 PMMaybe. New playbook and new receivers. He won't have the timing down with them by this week. He hasn't played much so he isn't ready for a full 60 minute game.

They won't want to throw him into the fire.

Quote from: Blueforlife on August 13, 2024, 04:37:51 PMI would assume he would play next game not this one.  Risk of injury is too high.  They are not desperate for a win (yet).

Quote from: VictorRomano on August 13, 2024, 04:43:43 PMVAJ is not gonna be happy being demoted.  Maybe BC flips him to Toronto, who cut Kelly just to get away from that debacle?

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 04:20:56 PMThat's a possibility with a rich owner. The fine is one issue but losing a draft pick would hurt as well.

In the long run, it's great for Vancouver fan interest.

I wonder if he ends up starting on the weekend since he couldn't be worse than Dolegala.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 13, 2024, 04:35:29 PMWere paying Collaros 600K & Streveler 120K = 720K for our top 2 QB's.

BC's paying VAJ 404K so they could pay Rourke 316K this year to match our top 2 QB's. Assuming Rourke is worth 600K+, 300K+ for half a season's about right.

Quote from: DCM on August 13, 2024, 03:32:52 PMThey must have gave him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 04:20:56 PMThat's a possibility with a rich owner. The fine is one issue but losing a draft pick would hurt as well.

In the long run, it's great for Vancouver fan interest.

I wonder if he ends up starting on the weekend since he couldn't be worse than Dolegala.

Quote from: VictorRomano on August 13, 2024, 04:43:43 PMVAJ is not gonna be happy being demoted.  Maybe BC flips him to Toronto, who cut Kelly just to get away from that debacle?

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 04:35:20 PMMaybe. New playbook and new receivers. He won't have the timing down with them by this week. He hasn't played much so he isn't ready for a full 60 minute game.

They won't want to throw him into the fire.

Quote from: Jesse on August 13, 2024, 04:45:26 PMToronto has been nothing but supportive of Kelly. No way they cut him.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 13, 2024, 05:38:05 PMI wouldn't make that assumption quite yet.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 05:35:52 PMUnsubstantiated reports that the Lions had inquired about Masoli. Obviously with Brown injured at the moment that wasn't going to happen.

What it might suggest is that Adams may be bounced to the 6 game IR. He isn't starting this week so his injury and the acquisition of Rourke may change his current status. It would also improve the SMS impact if he was added to 6 game IR.

Quote from: Jesse on August 13, 2024, 04:39:31 PMWhy would the risk of injury be high?

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 13, 2024, 05:36:12 PMYou ever hear of backlot/sandlot football?! You improvise on the fly sometimes. Dolegala is almost an automatic LOSS, so you mix in the "saviour" some series.

Rourke had one good half a season in 2022 and looked promising the prior year. We shall see if he has long term success though as the jury is out on that, but he certainly has all the physical tools to be a good one in this league.

The question is does he fall into the syndrome of never being quite the same player he was before an NFL stint does not work out? I think for some players when that "Dream" is squashed, they don't have quite the same full out desire as before. When you are pushing to make it to the big time, that adds a lot of incentive to your play and mindset for some players.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 05:43:24 PMOf course I have heard of that but it seldom works out well. Rourke has not played an entire meaningful game for nearly 2 years.

I don't see the Lions rushing him to start but I guess we'll see.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 13, 2024, 05:36:12 PMYou ever hear of backlot/sandlot football?! You improvise on the fly sometimes. Dolegala is almost an automatic LOSS, so you mix in the "saviour" some series.

Rourke had one good half a season in 2022 and looked promising the prior year. We shall see if he has long term success though as the jury is out on that, but he certainly has all the physical tools to be a good one in this league.

The question is does he fall into the syndrome of never being quite the same player he was before an NFL stint does not work out? I think for some players when that "Dream" is squashed, they don't have quite the same full out desire as before. When you are pushing to make it to the big time, that adds a lot of incentive to your play and mindset for some players.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 13, 2024, 05:42:19 PMMasoli? :D His career might be over unless he can rise from the dead or walk on water! That would be a true act of major desperation to bring him in. A vet yes, but long past his expiry date UNLESS he has one last sprint still left in him. NO idea as have heard nothing how he has looked at Ottawa practices or training camp which I think he missed anyway. Masoli I think is like Jesse Lumsden who was a warrior, but the body of a glass mannequin! ;)

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 05:43:24 PMOf course I have heard of that but it seldom works out well. Rourke has not played an entire meaningful game for nearly 2 years.

I don't see the Lions rushing him to start but I guess we'll see.

Quote from: Blueforlife on August 13, 2024, 05:45:04 PMAgreeEver hear of protecting a franchise player?

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 13, 2024, 05:57:17 PMHe's not a little boy needing "protecting"! Give me a break. Will he have any different o-line in two weeks? Doubt it.

IN ANY EVENT, I'm not saying start him, but some reps in garbage time possibly or if the game is out of reach either way.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 13, 2024, 05:57:17 PMHe's not a little boy needing "protecting"! Give me a break. Will he have any different o-line in two weeks? Doubt it.

IN ANY EVENT, I'm not saying start him, but some reps in garbage time possibly or if the game is out of reach either way.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 06:01:05 PMLions game plan will be adjusted once Rourke is ready to start. He'll some time to adjust to that and build chemistry with his receivers. He'll also better understand the limits of his OL. At the moment they are just names on the backs of the jerseys.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 13, 2024, 05:41:06 PMI'd guess Sask. or Ham. as the most likely landing spots for Vernon Adams next season.

Quote from: Blueforlife on August 13, 2024, 05:42:57 PMLimited practice
Limited times with play book
Limited time with new players
Average oline
A hungry Bomber front 7

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 13, 2024, 06:17:41 PMHe has also been on a football field for weeks on end in the states. I'm sure he his fine and game ready shape wise. He hasn't been sitting on a couch eating funions.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 06:01:05 PMLions game plan will be adjusted once Rourke is ready to start. He'll some time to adjust to that and build chemistry with his receivers. He'll also better understand the limits of his OL. At the moment they are just names on the backs of the jerseys.

From a PR point of view they won't want to sign him, start him and see him do badly as a result.

Quote from: Cool Spot on August 13, 2024, 06:09:10 PMPretty good guess, another option is Calgary. Maybe even Edmonton if Tre Ford doesn't pan out.

Quote from: peg_city on August 13, 2024, 07:50:52 PMI can't imagine they will be able to afford both Rourke and Adams. That's a million dollars in quarterback spending next season. This season yes. Next season, no.

Also, this signing went from the lions being .500 to now being the best team in the west.

Quote from: peg_city on August 13, 2024, 07:50:52 PMI can't imagine they will be able to afford both Rourke and Adams. That's a million dollars in quarterback spending next season. This season yes. Next season, no.

Also, this signing went from the lions being .500 to now being the best team in the west.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 13, 2024, 06:25:13 PMFrom farhan

Rourke will make 250k for the balance of the season and will be the highest paid player in @CFL in 2025 & 2026 at somewhere north of 600k. The 2 sides were in contact initially after he was cut by NYG. I don't believe his interest in the #NFL is over though. @CFLonTSN

Quote from: DCM on August 13, 2024, 09:22:02 PM@FarhanLaljiTSN
The hard money in Rourke's deal for 2025 is $749k & 809k in 2026. 200k of that in each year is marketing money which does not count against the salary cap.

Some perspective on his 250k in 2024. I think the #BCLions could reasonably sell another 5k seats for Sunday's game just because of Rourke (they were trending to 29-30k before the announcement). If they do, at $50 per ticket, they'd immediately recover that 250k. In one game.

Quote from: Pigskin on August 13, 2024, 09:27:19 PMI would expect the Lions will have to make a roster adjustment to fit $250K into there cap.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 13, 2024, 09:48:49 PMWhat is "marketing money" in this context?

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 09:52:32 PMThey give him a big check for signing autographs and showing up at some nominal meet and greet. His picture will adorn bus and advertising promos.

I have no issue with players getting money for that but $200K is absurd.  Is there a limit to marketing money?

Quote from: Pete on August 13, 2024, 09:56:24 PMSomeone needs to query Ambrosia on just how the marketing money works.Where are the so called cfl insiders/reporters
(I get other teams have used it, but with Rourke its simply abuse of the intent,)

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 13, 2024, 09:54:37 PMI'm good with it if we can do it too. We've got the marketing money to spend!

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 09:50:34 PMIMO there is something wrong with allowing a large amount of marketing money as part of any contract.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 13, 2024, 09:59:03 PMI think someone will quote it now that the article is out. I think each team has a certain amount they can spend on player marketing per year, if I remember right. It's definitely not a free for all or anything like that.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 13, 2024, 10:29:20 PMSeems suspect to me but nobody will question it as it's Rourke and he is the great Canadian Hope - sick of him already

Quote from: The Zipp on August 13, 2024, 09:48:49 PMWhat is "marketing money" in this context?

Quote from: gobombersgo on August 13, 2024, 10:21:38 PMFrom what I have heard there is no limit.

The Bombers are in the position to abuse the marketing money program the most but they seem to be reasonable with it so far. Schoen is getting 35k, Demiski 20k for example.

My question is whether teams need to show proof that players actually did anything to earn the money.

Chad Kelly was to be paid 100k in marketing money this season. Is he going to be paid that since he hasnt done anything?

Quote from: dd on August 13, 2024, 10:56:18 PMWow. Sick of him already and he hasn't taken a snap-and a Canadian no less!! He ll start vs us and light it up. Bad timing for us as we need to win to make up ground and after this weekend Edmonton could be tied with us!!

Quote from: dd on August 13, 2024, 10:56:18 PMWow. Sick of him already and he hasn't taken a snap-and a Canadian no less!! He ll start vs us and light it up. Bad timing for us as we need to win to make up ground and after this weekend Edmonton could be tied with us!!

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 11:05:20 PMRe read the report and it said Adams won't be traded THIS year. That makes more sense. In the same way we would have wanted to keep Brown, the reality is that SMS is an issue. The # 2 QB wants to start etc etc.  So it take this to mean there is a good chance Adams is traded in the off season.

Still wondering if he hits the 6 game IR in the meantime to hedge the SMS challenge.

Quote from: J5V on August 14, 2024, 12:22:12 AMIf he wins a cup here with BC will he bolt for another opportunity down South?

If he plays well but doesn't win a cup and still bolts ...

If VA leaves (and why would he stay) what does BC do if Rourke does bolt for the NFL? They'll have lost both QBs.

It's a bit of a gamble.

Quote from: J5V on August 14, 2024, 12:22:12 AMIf he wins a cup here with BC will he bolt for another opportunity down South?

If he plays well but doesn't win a cup and still bolts ...

If VA leaves (and why would he stay) what does BC do if Rourke does bolt for the NFL? They'll have lost both QBs.

It's a bit of a gamble.

Quote from: dd on August 13, 2024, 10:56:18 PMWow. Sick of him already and he hasn't taken a snap-and a Canadian no less!! He ll start vs us and light it up. Bad timing for us as we need to win to make up ground and after this weekend Edmonton could be tied with us!!

Quote from: Jesse on August 13, 2024, 10:53:01 PMThere has to be a limit or we wouldn't have any of these "salary cap" casualties. We'd have just doubled our offers to Grant and Hardrick, etc.

Quote from: J5V on August 14, 2024, 12:22:12 AMIf he wins a cup here with BC will he bolt for another opportunity down South?

If he plays well but doesn't win a cup and still bolts ...

If VA leaves (and why would he stay) what does BC do if Rourke does bolt for the NFL? They'll have lost both QBs.

It's a bit of a gamble.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 14, 2024, 12:27:34 AMWell if these are mature intelligent people, you would think these kinds of discussions would occur long before the end of the season. NO need to leave anyone in limbo hanging out to dry.

In any case unless Rourke gets a truckload of upfront money down south, he is crazy to go down there on a mere try-out contract. I think he has 0.001% chance of sticking somewhere down there unless he is related to the head coach somehow! He's got too much to lose now not sticking with BC (if not cut himself).

Adams will get his money either in BC or somewhere else. I don't think he will be begging for a handout next season unless his career is done from injuries.

Quote from: Blueforlife on August 14, 2024, 12:32:36 AMI'll take that bet.  Our D will feast.

Quote from: pdirks67 on August 14, 2024, 01:34:23 AMI'd be shocked if the Lions haven't already had this discussion with Rourke. And if he goes, VA stays. If Rourke stays in the CFL, VA is traded or released. I'd take this gamble in a heartbeat if I was in the Lions front office. Not only for Rourke's youth and ability, but also his marketability.

Quote from: markf on August 14, 2024, 02:11:10 PMDon't the Lions have some secondary players injured?

Should help the Bombers offence.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 09:52:32 PMThey give him a big check for signing autographs and showing up at some nominal meet and greet. His picture will adorn bus and advertising promos.

I have no issue with players getting money for that but $200K is absurd.  Is there a limit to marketing money?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 14, 2024, 04:31:13 PMI think Rourke starting this game is a clear sign of Amar Doman exerting his will directly on the lineup, it's his money and he's going to get what he wants every single time. Rick Campbell has no choice but to go along even if that isn't the ideal way to handle the situation.

I'd be surprised if Doman hasn't signed Rourke to a personal services contract which requires him to commit to the Lions for 3 years, even if that doesn't meet the requirements of  the CBA. Unlikely he allows Rourke the option of going back to the NFL after shelling out such a big investment in him.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 14, 2024, 04:31:13 PMI think Rourke starting this game is a clear sign of Amar Doman exerting his will directly on the lineup, it's his money and he's going to get what he wants every single time. Rick Campbell has no choice but to go along even if that isn't the ideal way to handle the situation.

I'd be surprised if Doman hasn't signed Rourke to a personal services contract which requires him to commit to the Lions for 3 years, even if that doesn't meet the requirements of  the CBA. Unlikely he allows Rourke the option of going back to the NFL after shelling out such a big investment in him.

Quote from: Jesse on August 14, 2024, 05:05:22 PMWow. First of all, if I'm the head coach and I have to choose between starting Rourke or Dolegala, I don't need any pressure from my owner to put Rourke in.

Secondly, the first thing reported was that the NFL was still a priority for Rourke. He will absolutely be given the opportunity to explore his options after the CFL season. Couldn't stop him if they tried.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 14, 2024, 05:31:24 PMYou might have a point with the first one, but I honestly don't think the second is valid.  No way Rourke goes to the NFL for another look see and comes back to the Lions in late Aug. or Sept. especially if V.A. is gone in the offseason. Doman is going to want a return on his investment and he won't be getting it if the Lions start next season off with a no-name QB.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 14, 2024, 04:31:13 PMI think Rourke starting this game is a clear sign of Amar Doman exerting his will directly on the lineup, it's his money and he's going to get what he wants every single time. Rick Campbell has no choice but to go along even if that isn't the ideal way to handle the situation.

I'd be surprised if Doman hasn't signed Rourke to a personal services contract which requires him to commit to the Lions for 3 years, even if that doesn't meet the requirements of  the CBA. Unlikely he allows Rourke the option of going back to the NFL after shelling out such a big investment in him.

Quote from: Jesse on August 11, 2024, 06:37:31 AMHow much, in your wildest unrealistic dreams, are you planning to offer Rourke et al?

Quote from: Jesse on August 11, 2024, 09:27:30 PMThe only evidence we have of Rourke in the CFL is says he's pretty **** good. There's no evidence yet to suggest otherwise.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 13, 2024, 05:35:52 PMWhat it might suggest is that Adams may be bounced to the 6 game IR. He isn't starting this week so his injury and the acquisition of Rourke may change his current status. It would also improve the SMS impact if he was added to 6 game IR.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 13, 2024, 05:41:06 PMI'd guess Sask. or Ham. as the most likely landing spots for V.A. next season.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on August 13, 2024, 06:26:19 PMIF LIONS LOSE this coming game, they lose the season series to the Bombers and maybe lose first place in the end. So those are the reasons Rourke may get pushed in...If they had a nice cushion at the top of the West a different story.

Quote from: peg_city on August 14, 2024, 03:30:10 PMI wonder if this frees up Mathieu Betts if he gets cut

Quote from: The Zipp on August 14, 2024, 06:43:12 PMAccording to the CBA anything over 110k counts towards the cap.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 15, 2024, 05:46:52 AM"$749,200 in hard money in 2025 and $809,000 in hard money in 2026"

That's how much!  LOL.

And thus proves my entire premise that if we could squeeze just a bit more into the SMS we could actually lure perennial-PR NFL prospects up here to actually play and earn the same (or better!) money.

That said, BC is (kinda) doing it the wrong way because the total SMS has not increased by the required $0.5M-$1.0M we postulated, but instead is "pulling a Claybrooks" and hamstringing the team with an overpaid QB.  Well... or not, because it turns out $200k of that is fake money not on the SMS.  Doh.

BC found the "cheat codes".

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 15, 2024, 05:51:43 AMVAJ should have been on the 6GIR the day after our last game.  Not doing so was moronic and added no value.  If they put him on now, do they lose 1 or 2 weeks of not being on the 6G?  That SMS is desperately needed to shoehorn in Rourke's salary.  What team has $250k SMS just laying around come Aug 13??

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 02:01:31 PMHow much more is Dolegala over Terry Wilson? Just wondering!

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 15, 2024, 02:24:06 PMWilson must be very close to the bottom on a 1st year ELC. Dolegala was at $110K with $15K of that up front. Now that he's a free agent, his ask may be closer to an ELC?

I don't think Dolegala has long term upside but we don't don't know much about Wilson either. He could be fighting for # 2 in 2025 or gone altogether. No real idea.

Dolegala has more experience at the moment.

I don't think the Bombers will look to bringing him in but I didn't think Rourke would be back in the CFL in 2024!!

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 02:31:02 PMWhat if we offer ELC + $25,000 to sign autographs in the back of a moving pick-up truck driven by Boomer around the U of M campus. The truck will have flashing strobe lights. He will also make an appearance at SuperLite where he can show customers how easy it is for him to change the lights out of even the highest fixtures. Deal?

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 15, 2024, 02:41:04 PMYou'd be interested in signing Dolegala for the rest of 2024? Honestly I think it's Collaros or bust. If he plays badly or gets hurt, we're doomed. If we had a better record we might have better odds playing Streveler, but margin for error is close to zero.

I'm not convinced we'd win many games if Steveler needed to start.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 02:01:31 PMHow much more is Dolegala over Terry Wilson? Just wondering!

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 03:59:54 PMI'm partly just trying to poke fun at the marketing dollars but Dolegala is an upgrade over Wilson and he's potentially a better pure quarterback than Streveler. I'd take a hard look at it that's for sure.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 15, 2024, 04:41:58 PMReally?  Because he's not shown very well in his opportunities.

#3 QB is supposed to be the development guy.  Like Dru Brown.  Wilson is supposed to be the next Dru Brown.

Dolegala is not the next Dru Brown...

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 15, 2024, 01:30:56 PMIIRC a team can place a player on 6 game IR retroactively. Now that they've released Dolegala and their PR QB, that is unlikely to happen.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on August 15, 2024, 04:55:30 PMA team can not retroactively place a player on the 6-game IL. Mike O'Shea has mentioned this a couple of times on the Coach's Show this year. He has said that the Blue Bombers default is to place injured players on the 6-game list because they can't retroactively do so.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 15, 2024, 05:25:42 PMOk. Then the Lions should have placed Adams on the 6 game IR. It would have saved them some SMS and as I mentioned, Rourke won't be coming off the field unless he's injured.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 05:28:11 PMIt only saves the Lions SMS if he spends 6 games on the list. He also is unable to practice for most of the stint too. Since he was on the roster last game, it seems very unlikely that he will need to.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 15, 2024, 05:41:27 PMI understand that but he's also not practising yet and it's not clear on when he'll be able to do that. If Rourke can show up and start this week, then how much practice does Adams need when he's been here all season and before? It comes down to health and then a need to play.

I'd say the need for him to play is next to zero if Rourke doesn't get injured. So it's risk management against SMS management and that may have changed once Rourke arrived.

Also, I've never been clear about the taking off players from the 6 game IR early and being allowed two a season.

We know any number of players can be taken off early but I thought that two could be taken off early without SMS applying if less than 6 games.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 05:48:35 PMTeams can remove two players per season who have been on the 6-game for seven or more games without penalty.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 04:54:25 PM2024 Dru Brown (4th year in league) - 8 starts, 66% completion percentage, 1936 yards (242 per game), 6 TDs, 4 INTs
2023 Jake Dolegala (2nd year in league) - 10 starts, 65% completion percentage, 2641 yards (264 per game), 11 TDs, 9 INTs 

Take player bias out of it and on paper it's very similar.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 15, 2024, 06:44:50 PMIf you can watch Dolegala and Brown' tapes and say that, not sure... stats are only part of the story.

Quote from: gobombersgo on August 15, 2024, 06:39:24 PMLawler was removed early from his 2nd stint of being on the 6 game injured list. Those extra 2 games may not count against the cap.

What I am not clear of is if teams need to declare if they are using one of the 2 exemptions on a player or if it is automatically used on the 1st 2 players a team takes of the 2nd set of 6 games.

Quote from: Jesse on August 15, 2024, 07:38:26 PMBrown looked pretty terrible his first few years here. And obviously had a much better supporting cast than Dolegala's time in Sask.

I'm not advocating for Dolegala here, but I'm not sure your opinion is based on anything other than Brown being a former Bomber. How many non-Bomber games would you say you watch?

Quote from: Waffler on August 15, 2024, 10:56:21 PM22 months ago but I bet he remembers.

Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on August 15, 2024, 10:00:06 PMWe'll see if Rourke can overcome the short. practice week with the Lions and take us out....apparently he's a quick study and knows about 90% of their offence.   He will definitely be an upgrade to Dolegala and he I'm sure remembers his last CFL game against us in the WF.....he wasn't 100% recovered from his injury in that game and still managed to keep the Lions in the game, albeit it wasn't his best showing.
Bomber D has to come up big if we expect to win and Zach has to be on his game as well.....and he hasn't exactly been consistent this season.   
This will likely be the most watched game across the CFL this season as everyone wants to see Rourke back in the CFL.   
Bombers will make a statement if they win and likely miss the playoffs if they go to 3-7 as the West just got tighter with the resurgence of Edmonton.

Quote from: Jesse on August 15, 2024, 12:28:23 PMIt proves the opposite actually. This is how much they were willing to pay him and he still took off to go the NFL PR thing for 1.5 seasons.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 15, 2024, 02:41:04 PMI'm not convinced we'd win many games if Steveler needed to start.

Quote from: Waffler on August 15, 2024, 10:56:21 PM22 months ago but I bet he remembers.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 15, 2024, 04:54:25 PM2024 Dru Brown (4th year in league) - 8 starts, 66% completion percentage, 1936 yards (242 per game), 6 TDs, 4 INTs
2023 Jake Dolegala (2nd year in league) - 10 starts, 65% completion percentage, 2641 yards (264 per game), 11 TDs, 9 INTs 

Take player bias out of it and on paper it's very similar.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 15, 2024, 06:44:50 PMIf you can watch Dolegala and Brown' tapes and say that, not sure... stats are only part of the story.

Quote from: Waffler on August 15, 2024, 10:56:21 PM22 months ago but I bet he remembers.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 16, 2024, 12:48:05 AMThat's a big assumption!  You think BC was going to offer him $750k in FA '23 to hang around?  Or is it that they have to offer that to him now to lure him away from the NFL perennial PR squad merry-go-round?

Who's to say that they tried $600 Zach money and Rourke didn't just say "I'll keep trying NFL teams"?

The whole point is going from Zach $600 to $700 (or $800) will draw NFL PR QBs into the CFL.  I still think this proves my point.  The confounding factor is a) BC is cheating off-SMS, and b) there's no big overall SMS increase to justify spending $750 on a QB so it may hamstring BC's roster like in '21.

One more point: it sounds like if another NFL team comes a'callin' next week Rourke can just up and leave that day.

Quote from: Jesse on August 16, 2024, 01:14:32 AMI do think it's a big assumption (and a wrong one) that any amount of money the CFL can offer will lure QBs from the NFL until their options have been exhausted.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 16, 2024, 01:20:41 AMThen you're assuming Rourke's NFL options are exhausted?  Almost everyone thinks he'll return to the NFL, even if it'll take 1-2 years.

I have no doubt Rourke would get onto another PR within a few weeks.  I think he looked at $500k PR and no play vs $750k starter much-loved fan-favorite.  I bet the money was the clincher.  You think Rourke would have come back so fast if he could only make $500k in 2025?

Quote from: Jesse on August 16, 2024, 01:24:54 AMThe Lions were in contact with him when he was cut from the Giants, but he still said no and joined the Falconsdespite them having their QB room already set.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 16, 2024, 02:54:09 AMI think it was the bad showing in the PS game that convinced Rourke & his agent that he wasn't going to see the field this season no matter what.  I think part of the decision process is being stuck in #4 with no hope of advancing.

Do you really think no other NFL team would take a stab at PR'ing him this season?  So do you then think he won't get another NFL shot even if he wins the next 2 GCs?

Farhan thinks he 100% is at least NFL #2 material.  He called him "top 20 in NFL" just the other day.  Of course, that's Farhan, so who knows.

I think it's safe to say that there's a ton of factors going into Rourke's decision-making.  But I do know that money is a top-3 consideration.  So it's imperative he can earn the same or more here as #1 as he can as NFL PR #4.

Quote from: The Zipp on August 16, 2024, 02:56:35 AMI probably watch more football than Farhan - I don't think Rourke is top 20 in cfl/nfl QB

Quote from: The Zipp on August 16, 2024, 02:56:35 AMI probably watch more football than Farhan - I don't think Rourke is top 20 in cfl/nfl QB

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 16, 2024, 03:40:09 AMI would tend to agree.  A bit of a surprise statement.  Maybe "homer" optimism?

So would you say Rourke is a #2, #3 or #4 level NFL QB?  I can't say, because I don't watch NFL.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 16, 2024, 02:54:09 AMI think it was the bad showing in the PS game that convinced Rourke & his agent that he wasn't going to see the field this season no matter what.  I think part of the decision process is being stuck in #4 with no hope of advancing.

Do you really think no other NFL team would take a stab at PR'ing him this season?  So do you then think he won't get another NFL shot even if he wins the next 2 GCs?

Farhan thinks he 100% is at least NFL #2 material.  He called him "top 20 in NFL" just the other day.  Of course, that's Farhan, so who knows.

I think it's safe to say that there's a ton of factors going into Rourke's decision-making.  But I do know that money is a top-3 consideration.  So it's imperative he can earn the same or more here as #1 as he can as NFL PR #4.

Quote from: Waffler on August 16, 2024, 01:01:51 PMThe NFL gets a billion per year from their tv contract alone, billion with a B. Any attempt to poach players is doomed to fail. We should endeavor to pay within our ability, for the players that are willing to come. That's why I support the salary cap and get upset when anyone (BC the latest) tries to set new highs that are not sustainable.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 16, 2024, 03:21:12 PMI think the way the marketing money was explained, that the Lions are playing inside the rules. Using the full minimum money and then some on one player does create an issue with their roster.

While they can still have contracts with marketing money, the rest goes to the normal SMS.

I do think it will have some negative aspect in needing to trim some bigger salaries going into 2025.

Whether it's a QB or receiver or RB that get a new bigger deal, it does have a trickle down effect on the rest of the roster.

We say that impact on the Bomber with new deals for Oliveria and Schoen. When somebody gets more, somebody else gets less. It's just simple math. Trying to get the best bang for the dollar is not always easy.

Quote from: pdirks67 on August 16, 2024, 05:45:10 PMDo we know that the "rest goes to normal SMS"? It seems like this is up for debate, according to Derek Taylor, among others? Either way, Rourke is great for the league and the CFL is better for it. But we need to have a proper salary cap to keep the league viable.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 16, 2024, 06:38:30 PMThe marketing cap is a minimum, not a maximum number as defined in the CBA.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 16, 2024, 10:26:31 PMIf BC is paying $200k marketing, then it has to be to a separate entity, a marketing company that he can write stuff off on, and divert funds in a way that has tax advantages.

Quote from: Jesse on August 16, 2024, 10:21:43 PMThe CBA defines a "total expenditure cap" that is the salary cap + the marketing minimum. It seems very black and white to me.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 16, 2024, 11:10:57 PMLets say you're right. What is the advantage/reason to give Rourke $200K as marketing money instead of salary or signing bonus?

Quote from: Jesse on August 16, 2024, 12:29:05 PMA completely separate point from Rourke's specific situation. Even if we raised the cap by a million or two for the sole purpose of raiding NFL PR's of their QBs. Not only would players not come, but CFL teams wouldn't do it. How many QBs come here and look good right away? You think teams are going to offer the high end money before they prove themselves? Any salary cap increase goes to the guys already making top money.

Quote from: pdirks67 on August 16, 2024, 05:45:10 PMDo we know that the "rest goes to normal SMS"? It seems like this is up for debate, according to Derek Taylor, among others? Either way, Rourke is great for the league and the CFL is better for it. But we need to have a proper salary cap to keep the league viable.

Quote from: Jesse on August 16, 2024, 11:14:24 PMWhat's the advantage to do it as a salary bonus as opposed to marketing money?

My gut reaction is that they are going to want him to make some appearances and the marketing money is tied to that expectation. That is what the money is intended for, after all.

QuoteSection 30.01 Salary Expenditure CAP

The Salary Expenditure CAP for each Member Club shall be no less than the

amounts set out in the following schedule for the following years:

Salary Expenditure Cap	Non‐Football Related Services minimum additional amount	Total Salary Expenditure Cap
2022	$5,350,000	N/A	$5,350,000
2023	$5,450,000	$60,000	$5,510,000
2024	$5,525,000	$110,000	$5,635,000
2025	$5,650,000	$110,000	$5,760,000
2026	$5,750,000	$110,000	$5,860,000
2027	$5,850,000	$110,000	$5,960,000
2028	$5,888,889	$110,000	$5,998,889

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 17, 2024, 01:18:45 PMThat doesn't answer the question. Let me expand... People don't do anything unless there is something in it for them so there has to be a financial reason that BC chose to use Marketing money instead of salary or bonus.

The CBA says:

So it's clearly a minimum amount not a maximum amount.

Quote from: Jesse on August 17, 2024, 01:53:02 PMIt is a minimum amount. 100%. Teams have to award at least that much to players for appearances and non-football uses of their time.

Rourke getting so much must mean they are going to be asking to make quite a few non-football related appearances/signings/etc. But why x amount of Rourke contract was a bonus or housing allowance or performance bonus, we can't answer. It was a part of their negotiations. Kinda irrelevant, tbh.

The Total Expenditure column you posted is 110k above the salary cap. A + B = C. As B increases, A must decrease if you want C to stay constant.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 17, 2024, 01:18:45 PMThe Salary Expenditure CAP for each Member Club shall be no less than the amounts set out in the following schedule for the following years

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 17, 2024, 02:27:15 PMWhat A B & C do would only matter if it was the maximum amount, but it's doesn't matter, because it's defining the minimum amounts.

A(Minimum) + B(Minimum) = C(Minimum)
D(Undefined) = Maximum

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 17, 2024, 02:42:29 PMYou math heads crack me up! :D

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 17, 2024, 04:39:31 PMWe've beat this conversation to death and it seems that we know how this works and why. What more evidence do we need for clarification?

Quote from: Jesse on August 17, 2024, 02:34:41 PMThere is no D.

A = Salary Cap (Maximum) - Teams must also spend within 600k of this number.
B = NFRS (Minimum)
C = TSEC (Maximum)

A + B = C

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 17, 2024, 01:18:45 PMshall be no less than

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 17, 2024, 08:46:23 PMWhat part of are you unclear about?

Quote from: Jesse on August 17, 2024, 02:55:27 PMHey, if anyone from the league or one of the teams would just give an honest answer, we wouldn't have to go through the mental gymnastics.

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 17, 2024, 04:39:31 PMWe've beat this conversation to death and it seems that we know how this works and why. What more evidence do we need for clarification?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 18, 2024, 12:51:20 AMI've been following quietly and I think it's as clear as mud.

I haven't been convinced yet that you cannot pay Rourke $10 million in "marketing" salary off of the SMS for a no-show fake "job".

And if teams can do that then the SMS means nothing and "rich" teams can outbid the "poor" teams for every player they could ever want.

Quote from: Jesse on August 18, 2024, 12:59:27 AMDefinitive evidence is the part of the CBA that reads: TOTAL Salary Expenditure Cap.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 18, 2024, 02:43:14 AMIf that's true then no one has explained how Rourke is getting $200k marketing salary in 2025...  Misprint?  Fake news?  Or BC just admitted to cheating?

And don't tell me BC is not spending to the normal cap so they have $100k extra room to spend on marketing.  If that was the case, why not just pay Rourke $640k normal SMS plus $110k marketing?

Quote from: Jesse on August 18, 2024, 03:05:23 AMIt's been covered, but I'll throw it out there again.

- 110k is a minimum. Anything more will come out of the cap budget. It's written in back and white.
- Rourke is their superstar, so they're probably going to ask him to do lots of marketing, hence getting a big chunk not money to do it.
- No one has spent to the 2025 cap yet, the year hasn't even started yet. If a GM spends his whole cap before the year even starts, they're going to blow past it at the first injury. Even teams teams like us who are tight to the cap left a bunch of room.
- Yes, BC is going to have to make some cuts to their current roster to fit in the Rourke contract

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 18, 2024, 12:51:20 AMI've been following quietly and I think it's as clear as mud.

I haven't been convinced yet that you cannot pay Rourke $10 million in "marketing" salary off of the SMS for a no-show fake "job".

And if teams can do that then the SMS means nothing and "rich" teams can outbid the "poor" teams for every player they could ever want.

Quote from: Jesse on August 17, 2024, 09:36:05 PMNot sure how long I'll keep repeating myself; but not a single person, ever, has ever suggested it can be less than 110k. In the quote of mine that you are talking about, I wrote "minimum".

I can't fathom what you're trying to suggest.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 18, 2024, 02:29:53 PMThe entire table is minimum, not just the 110K.

Quote from: Jesse on August 18, 2024, 02:40:50 PMYes, the salary cap is a minimum. Makes total sense. Thank-you.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 18, 2024, 02:49:38 PMThat's what the statement:  "The Salary Expenditure CAP for each Member Club shall be no less than the amounts set out in the following schedule for the following years." says.

Quote from: Jesse on August 18, 2024, 02:56:12 PMThe "CAP" shall be no less. Meaning that the league can't suddenly decide to lower the cap.

Are you sitting there thinking that the salary cap is a minimum? Then why are teams fined for going over the cap?

QuoteSection 30.03

 ...
A...


Starting in 2024 and continuing for every year of the collective agreement, each Club will include in the Salary Expenditure Cap an additional $110,000 in respect of those Non-Football Related Services. These special amounts will be the mandatory minimum amount for each Club and will be subject to strict audit rules.

The Clubs will have sole discretion on which players shall received these payments and the amounts to each player, but in no case should these amounts be less than $60,000 per Club in 2023 or less than $110,000 per Club, per year thereafter
 
 For greater clarity, and by way of example, should Defined League Revenue never exceed the Initial Baseline Revenue, the table outlined above in 30.01 summarizes the Salary Expenditure Cap for each Club.
 

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 18, 2024, 03:17:15 PMTeams get fined for going over the 'salary expenditure cap'. It remains to be seen if they get fined for going over the 'Non‐Football Related Services minimum additional amount'. I don't think so.

Quote from: Jesse on August 18, 2024, 03:29:00 PMYou are now shifting the goal posts. You said in your previous comment that the whole table was a minimum. That's clearly not true. You cannot exceed the salary cap without fines. It is a maximum number. Period.

In the same table. There is a "total salary expenditure cap". It is a maximum number. This number is very clearly the amount of the salary cap + 110k in marketing money.

This continues to be as simple as A + B = C.

Your final quoted point about league revenue is a completely separate topic. Under the "Revenue Growth Sharing Model". It's in a different article of the CBA than what we're talking about. You are now obfuscating the discussion with irrelevant information. There are clauses about revenue and if it exceeds a certain point, teams can add money to play off bonuses, pensions, or other things. It was nothing to do with our current discussion.

Quote*Subject to 30.03 below

Quote from: Blue In BC on August 18, 2024, 01:32:12 PMYou're always looking for a conspiracy.

Quote from: TBURGESS on August 18, 2024, 03:17:15 PMIMO:
If the league revenue has exceeded the initial baseline at any time, then BC is off the hook.
If BC thinks that revenue will exceed the initial baseline, then they're off the hook.
The contract doesn't specifically state that there is a fine for going over the Marketing money cap, so BC could argue that they didn't read it like there was.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 19, 2024, 04:28:46 AMUntil then, let's bring every top-10 FA player into WPG in 2025 by giving each one a $1M marketing bonus!  Yay!

Quote from: J5V on August 19, 2024, 04:36:43 AMYup! This could get real silly real fast.

BC is insisting that they are going forward with two #1 QBs this year. Big expense! It should be interesting to see how they manage this in this, their Grey Cup hosting year.

Quote from: Jesse on August 19, 2024, 04:42:28 AMBut, worth noting that Rourke is only getting 250k for this year while they cut their other QB.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 19, 2024, 04:48:52 AMHere's a question: would Dolegala have done any better vs us tonight?

Quote from: Jesse on August 19, 2024, 04:49:57 AMlol, nope.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 19, 2024, 04:55:31 AMBut he's been with BC for the whole 11 weeks + TC/PS.  He (ostensibly) knows the play book way better than Rourke.

Ya, Dolegala sucks, but he would have been worse than do-nothing 2-INT Rourke?  Ya, maybe you're right, but I wouldn't bet money on it!

Quote from: Jesse on August 19, 2024, 04:59:59 AMRourke did better than Adams did a couple of weeks ago.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 19, 2024, 05:09:32 AMAre you sure?  Or did the BC OC and Stanback do better??  I'd say it's a close call.  If Rourke continues to play like this for the next 4 weeks I could see VAJ being put back in.

Quote from: Jesse on August 19, 2024, 05:10:47 AMI think Stanback did better because of the Rourke factor.

I certainly don't expect Rourke to look like this after some adjustment time.

Quote from: Jesse on August 19, 2024, 05:10:47 AMI think Stanback did better because of the Rourke factor.

Quote from: theaardvark on August 19, 2024, 04:28:17 PMBrice did better in one drive than Rourke did all night... just saying.

Points after beatdown, sure.  But still.

We shut down VA, we shut down Rourke.

Next.

Quote from: ModAdmin on August 19, 2024, 09:45:41 PMI was talking to one of the Bombers last night before the game and mentioned to him, "You are going to have to face Nathan Rourke tonight".  His response, "No, Rourke is going to have to face us!"

Thought is was a pretty good response and a great attitude to have.  And, the Bomber player was proven right!

Quote from: ModAdmin on August 19, 2024, 09:45:41 PMI was talking to one of the Bombers last night before the game and mentioned to him, "You are going to have to face Nathan Rourke tonight".  His response, "No, Rourke is going to have to face us!"

Thought is was a pretty good response and a great attitude to have.  And, the Bomber player was proven right!

Quote from: The Zipp on August 25, 2024, 04:57:48 PMRemember when Farhan said Rourke was a top 20 QB in the world??  He isn't even the best QB in the CFL.

I don't think it's gonna happen but coach suggested going back to VAJ. 

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 26, 2024, 01:28:25 AMClearly Rourke needs time to get back to 2022 levels.  He pretty much can't do that unless he's starting games.  If they make him #2 then he won't be any good until next year.  Now, you could make a great cup run with VAJ -- but will VAJ win that big game or choke?

Rourke will lose you some games now, but hopefully be winning come post-season.

It's a tough call!  And they are in a huge bind because they've already signed & paid Rourke for multi-years.

Quote from: J5V on August 26, 2024, 01:36:03 AMand they are hosting the Grey Cup this year. Next year is no good.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 26, 2024, 01:52:28 AMGood point.  But my point is more that Rourke could probably be up to speed and a world-beater by post-season if they give him all these games to get practice.  But then they probably won't win the W in the reg season...

I do think Rourke gives them better odds than VAJ in the post-season and the big game.

But they do have to consider making the playoffs with such a tight West... and I know they really don't want to play any SF/DF in the cold.

They have tough decisions to make!

Quote from: J5V on August 26, 2024, 02:17:09 AMIs Adams healthy enough to play and even if he is how long until he's hurt again? If I'm Rick Campbell I'm going with Rourke all the way. I'm not sure BC's problems are Rourke related anyway. Their defense sucks and they had a soft schedule to start the season. Like Calgary, I think they fade away.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 26, 2024, 02:30:14 AMAgree, it was not as if Rourke was the final piece they needed, the Lions are not on track to win the GC this season even if it's at home.  They might squeak out an appearance if they get lucky but they'll most likely fall short.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 26, 2024, 02:45:24 AMRourke has not been the same since his injury. Could still be re-acclimated jitters but boy he looks so very uncomfortable. This knowing he has a good team around him to boot.

I start VAJ if healthy next week. If he stinks to there could a real problem in BC.

Quote from: Pete on August 26, 2024, 03:04:04 AMNo quarterback is dominating.  Adams was the best candidate over the first 6 games but then he hit a wall as defences adjusted.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 26, 2024, 02:51:48 AMYou sure that's not just recency bias speaking?  Think back to how they looked in their first 5 wins.  They looked like nothing could stop them.  The first 6 weeks of CFL it was looking like a BC/MTL GC.

BC probably wasn't as good as their start.  But they certainly aren't as bad as their last 5 games.  I consider them the main contenders for us to face in the WDF, and it will be hard to beat them for the 3rd year in a row.  That's the same situation as we overcame when we finally beat CGY in '19 WDF...