Eventually the body just tells you no.
I've been a bit critical of him over the last year or so but we possibly saw the last snap of one of the best middle linebackers to play for the Bombers tonight.
Hope it's not as bad as it looked but in the meantime, just want to say thank you to Adam Bighill. So many good years and sensational plays.
Incredible player and a great part of our community. We were lucky to see him play in his prime.
Getting old stinks. Hopefully the injury isn't too bad.
It looked like Adam tried to dive over an attempted chop-block and hurt his leg when he came down and hit the turf. I hope it's not too bad. Maybe a hyper-extension.
I'm probably too critical of him. He is a first ballot hall of famer. He knows the game better than anyone else on the field.
We can all hope this is not how it ends. Love you Adam.
Dominate player who has always made us a better team and was a critical part of our run with one of best Bomber D's in decades. Heal up soon! Doesn't look good.
I don't think we've seen the last of him. The 'Hill will rise again.
Love me some Biggie. But when you get old so many different things can knock you out of a game where the 25 year olds will just shrug it off.
The worst aspect of him getting injured like he has in the last year is that for the rest of the game we're down an important roster spot. That ruins the set plans, the spelling plans, the rotation; not just on D but also on ST.
When it starts disrupting GCs and then many games next season... even I will start to say we need to go shopping.
Luckily this time it wasn't a non-contact injury, so it may not be a season ender. A strain seems to be more likely. But that could still be a tough one to rehab in a timely manner, especially at his age.
Mafia won't tell us much, but if we start making moves on LBers, that will be the tell. I really don't see how we roll into playoffs with just Gauthier. Unless we already have our future plans with Ayers or Jones? If so, move those plans up pronto!!
Maybe Henoc Muamba wants to come out of the TSN BOOTH!! :D He'd be booed out of Winnipeg if he put on a Bombers jersey on again I think! ;)
If we 6 game him this week, do we get the SMS savings? Or no - possibly because it's his 2nd time on the 6GIR, or maybe because there's not enough games left (exactly 6)?
Unsure of the rules around this. Of course, this assumes he is out 6 games (season-ender)...
When you get older injuries occur more often.
The bombers have some major spots to be filled next year.
Did not look that bad to me? Helmut on knee but his leg was not planted. Did I miss something (other than he did not return to the game)?
Quote from: Ducky on September 02, 2024, 03:00:11 PMDid not look that bad to me? Helmut on knee but his leg was not planted. Did I miss something (other than he did not return to the game)?
I saw it the same way. I have no doubt it hurt like a ----- but I'm hopeful there isn't any structural damage. Time will tell. Has anyone seen Biggie in a cast/brace or wearing a wrapped ice pack?
Quote from: Ducky on September 02, 2024, 03:00:11 PMDid not look that bad to me? Helmut on knee but his leg was not planted. Did I miss something (other than he did not return to the game)?
Maybe he's okay. But I am assuming a few things:
This is probably his last season. We've got two months left. If it's even a medium term injury that could be it. I guess he didn't need the cart which is good. With knee injuries you never know. He probably doesn't know either, yet.
Quote from: J5V on September 02, 2024, 03:04:29 PMI saw it the same way. I have no doubt it hurt like a ----- but I'm hopeful there isn't any structural damage. Time will tell. Has anyone seen Biggie in a cast/brace or wearing a wrapped ice pack?
Reportedly on crutches after the game.
What exactly did we do when Bighill went out? Gauthier was in at times and that's a liability. Any chance Wilson might come off the 6 game IR?
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 02, 2024, 03:08:06 PMReportedly on crutches after the game.
What exactly did we do when Bighill went out? Gauthier was in at times and that's a liability. Any chance Wilson might come off the 6 game IR?
Gauthier started. Heck, there were times yesterday when Gauthier and Bighill were both in. Maybe if Bighill is done for the year they will come to a different conclusion on Gauthier playing there but it's also possible they've concluded he's the best choice.
For the Banjo Bowl, I fully expect Gauthier to be the starter.
Watching the EDM@CGY game... how about trading for EDM's Morgan for MLB? If they do bad enough to effectively be eliminated before the trade deadline, maybe they go for it?
They said he has the most DTs in the league(?), but that could also be a function of EDM sucking badly most of the year (always on D).
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 03, 2024, 05:25:17 AMWatching the EDM@CGY game... how about trading for EDM's Morgan for MLB? If they do bad enough to effectively be eliminated before the trade deadline, maybe they go for it?
They said he has the most DTs in the league(?), but that could also be a function of EDM sucking badly most of the year (always on D).
It's not easy to be a Bomber. You've got to be more than just good. Maybe Morgan has what it takes, maybe not.
Edmonton looks like it will pass Calgary in the standings.
I doubt they will tinker with their roster.
Gauthier isn't the answer.
Lots of linebackers should be available from NFL cuts.
Quote from: DM83 on September 03, 2024, 11:34:02 AMEdmonton looks like it will pass Calgary in the standings.
I doubt they will tinker with their roster.
Gauthier isn't the answer.
Lots of linebackers should be available from NFL cuts.
Completely agree and I think that's something everyone on this forum can agree on.
Hypothetically if Bighill is done I would like someone else to get these reps.
Tony Jones has been really impressive with the minutes he's been given. I wouldn't mind him in the MLB spot and then move Ayers to Jones' spot.
Ayers is 6th in the league for ST tackles. I've been pretty impressed with his speed.
I could see big potential with both Jones and Ayers.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 03, 2024, 05:25:17 AMWatching the EDM@CGY game... how about trading for EDM's Morgan for MLB? If they do bad enough to effectively be eliminated before the trade deadline, maybe they go for it?
They said he has the most DTs in the league(?), but that could also be a function of EDM sucking badly most of the year (always on D).
Morgan is a bit of a goon, he was responsible or involved in knock out blows to Luther Hakunavanhu and Taylor Powell in Hamilton a few weeks ago. If you want an overly aggressive player like Micah Awe on the team, he might be a good choice.
As long as Wilson and Cole come back soon I think the Bombers will be good with the LB's they have in house.
There is nothing to not like about the guy. A Blue Bomber legend! Thank you Adam
I think people forget that Tony Jones was the starting MLB in Edmonton last year and was having a pretty good season until he got injured. Coach Jones then replace him with Morgan and he never got his job back. Jones is more then capable of stepping into the MLB spot.
Really liking what Jones brings. When Wilson comes back, the trio of Jones, Wilson and Kramdi is not one to be taken lightly. LB's are supposed to hit, but these guys bring it in spades.
Quote from: LXTSN on September 03, 2024, 12:59:24 PMCompletely agree and I think that's something everyone on this forum can agree on.
Hypothetically if Bighill is done I would like someone else to get these reps.
Tony Jones has been really impressive with the minutes he's been given. I wouldn't mind him in the MLB spot and then move Ayers to Jones' spot.
Ayers is 6th in the league for ST tackles. I've been pretty impressed with his speed.
I could see big potential with both Jones and Ayers.
I agree. I think there is at least one poster that thinks we're fine with Gauthier. Gauthier does have experience and I think the Riders will have issues this week with their OL. So we might be ok with him this week. I certainly would like to see a change after this week. Trades are unlikely so options are rookie free agents.
We should have been looking for LB's to put on our PR once Wilson and Cole went on 6 game IR. In fact we might have been compiling a short list.
Now that Bighill is injured we may need to do that this week. To some degree it depends on how long he'll be out or whether there is a chance that Wilson or Cole will be returning soon.
I wear my #4 BIGHILL autographed jersey (Savage). Thank you Adam I appreciate you for the dedication you have given to our great city and fans. Love your biggest fan x/o
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 03, 2024, 04:41:11 PMI agree. I think there is at least one poster that thinks we're fine with Gauthier. Gauthier does have experience and I think the Riders will have issues this week with their OL. So we might be ok with him this week. I certainly would like to see a change after this week. Trades are unlikely so options are rookie free agents.
We should have been looking for LB's to put on our PR once Wilson and Cole went on 6 game IR. In fact we might have been compiling a short list.
Now that Bighill is injured we may need to do that this week. To some degree it depends on how long he'll be out or whether there is a chance that Wilson or Cole will be returning soon.
LB and OL.
It's likely time. Hopefully Adam can transition into a coaching position. Unfortunately we probably have more retirees coming up than coaching positions available.
Just a thought if Wilson isn't coming off the IR any time soon: Maybe we bring back one of the LB's that was here during TC. They might still be interested in a PR role with a chance of getting onto the AR if there is another injury.
Of course their could be dozens of recent NFL cuts that might like a similar offer.
Regardless another LB on the PR instead of so many DB's would be a good trade off?
Quote from: BlueInCgy on September 03, 2024, 08:13:30 PMIt's likely time. Hopefully Adam can transition into a coaching position. Unfortunately we probably have more retirees coming up than coaching positions available.
Don't know if he would want to take the pay cut, his current and other job probably pay better, and with a young family the time commitment may be asking too much. He may eventually do it, according to LaPo he used to contribute as much to meetings as DC Richie Hall.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 03, 2024, 08:26:26 PMDon't know if he would want to take the pay cut, his current and other job probably pay better, and with a young family the time commitment may be asking too much. He may eventually do it, according to LaPo he used to contribute as much to meetings as DC Richie Hall.
Good point. I think he might be a good candidate but it's time consuming. That said it's less time than actually being a player ( no training ), so it comes down to interest and money.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 03, 2024, 08:32:18 PMGood point. I think he might be a good candidate but it's time consuming. That said it's less time than actually being a player ( no training ), so it comes down to interest and money.
Not sure that's true, coaches seem to spend long days at the office, a player can go home as soon as practice and meetings are done. Workout time is discretionary and can also be done from home.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 03, 2024, 08:51:18 PMNot sure that's true, coaches seem to spend long days at the office, a player can go home as soon as practice and meetings are done. Workout time is discretionary and can also be done from home.
Valid point. It might vary depending on what role of coaching is involved. Film study could be done at home some of the time in preparation for practice. Hard to say really. I wouldn't mind seeing him transition but don't know what his interest might be.
Quote from: Pigskin on September 03, 2024, 04:13:10 PMI think people forget that Tony Jones was the starting MLB in Edmonton last year and was having a pretty good season until he got injured. Coach Jones then replace him with Morgan and he never got his job back. Jones is more then capable of stepping into the MLB spot.
I don't think anyone's forgetting Jones, but he's already on the field. We need someone else if Bighill is out.
We have a lot of LBs that we will rotate while Biggie is out. Short term be fine. A few games we can figure it out. Playoff run might require an upgrade (unless Wilson comes back strong) but we are generally a next man up team and I trust what management will do. We miss his leadership and intelligence on the field just as much as his play. He and our vets might be able to tune up some of our prospects enough to make due. We shall see.
Gauthier is a good rotational player and good against the run. Has his limitations but when rotated can get it done in a pinch.
Jones has made a significant impact. Kramdi continues to develop nicely.
Hall and Younger are on fire and might be able to scheme up a D sans Biggie that can continues to deliver. Flip side is teams might exploit our weakness in this regard if they figure out our new tendencies.
I haven't watched our rotational LBs to know enough about them (yet).
I favor bringing in a PR LB from TC cuts over signing a fresh face. I like to develop and focus on the long term. The pillar of our success for years. That said I don't know who we cut.
Quote from: Blueforlife on September 04, 2024, 01:33:01 AMAt least one poster seams to believe he knows what others think lol.
You just expressed concern that others were taking shots at you! Now you come back with a shot and think it is OK? STOP!
Quote from: Jesse on September 04, 2024, 12:36:03 AMI don't think anyone's forgetting Jones, but he's already on the field. We need someone else if Bighill is out.
I really like Jones and he could be the MLB in 2025 if Bighill retires. IIRC Jones is a potential free agent so there is never a guarantee.
I'm waiting to see if Wilson starts practising this week but I'm not expecting he will be available soon. If he's able to return in a week or 2 that would solve the problem.
The flip side of that is what chance does Bighill have to play again this season. He may be out for only this week or gone longer. Really the same question about him Wilson and Cole.
All of this just suggests some PR depth is needed.
I think in the short term we beef up the DL by adding Adams. That will help take some of the pressure off of Gauthier. We'll see Jones at MLB at times and some rotation of others at WIL. Who and how often I'm not sure. Ayers has speed so I think he'll see more reps as well?
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 04, 2024, 01:12:20 PMI really like Jones and he could be the MLB in 2025 if Bighill retires. IIRC Jones is a potential free agent so there is never a guarantee.
I'm waiting to see if Wilson starts practising this week but I'm not expecting he will be available soon. If he's able to return in a week or 2 that would solve the problem.
The flip side of that is what chance does Bighill have to play again this season. He may be out for only this week or gone longer. Really the same question about him Wilson and Cole.
All of this just suggests some PR depth is needed.
I think in the short term we beef up the DL by adding Adams. That will help take some of the pressure off of Gauthier. We'll see Jones at MLB at times and some rotation of others at WIL. Who and how often I'm not sure. Ayers has speed so I think he'll see more reps as well?
Both Cole and Ayers are fast, both are 6'-2" so good height, Ayers has an extra 15 lbs of muscle at 220 lbs.. I think Ayers has stepped over Cole at LB.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 04, 2024, 06:19:32 PMBoth Cole and Ayers are fast, both are 6'-2" so good height, Ayers has an extra 15 lbs of muscle at 220 lbs.. I think Ayers has stepped over Cole at LB.
Agree, we keep churning out good players (development), low and slow my friends
Quote from: ModAdmin on September 04, 2024, 04:12:47 AMYou just expressed concern that others were taking shots at you! Now you come back with a shot and think it is OK? STOP!
Part of the post deleted. It was a joke, meant to be funny as it has lol at the end. I'll keep my posts focused on ball, my bad. Was just having a little fun.
Rewatched the Biggie injury.
It was non-contact, strangely enough. I don't think he actually got hit by Hickson, I think he stopped and jumped over him.
Watch on the replay, he tries to stop so he can jump. When he jams into the turf to stop with his left leg his knee seems to give out and his lower leg bends an irregular way at the knee. I think he blew his ACL: you lose the ability to stabilize the knee along that axis. ACLs often (usually?) get blown out on "stopping" actions.
It also explains why he was somewhat good to go when being helped off the field. Typical ACL. Sucks when it pops, then doesn't seem too bad later.
Pretty sure he's done for the season. Also am guessing at his age he won't do a 8-12 month rehab to come back and risk it happening to the other leg.
We need to shop for a top-tier MLB asap. Or get Jones prepped and Wilson back in. Even if we do that we should get another possible IMP to be next in line. Gauthier is a fine short-term replacement, but I want Sankey-level for the post-season.
LDC 1Q5:56 2nd&8 (just having a little LDC rewatch...)
The football IQ of Biggie is evident in spades on this play. Biggie's sitting in his middle waiting to see what play is developing. Trevor's looking to the boundary the whole time. An R comes out of the field slot on a short dig and rubs in front of Biggie.
Biggie's vision to the QB is blocked, but he already saw the RB sneaking out of the backfield to the field side. Without seeing the QB look that way, and without any other hints, he spin-moves out of the rub blind and starts running a perfect angle to where the RB will be by the time he gets there! Before he even sees the ball being thrown or carried!
He just knows that because they tried to rub/pick him that the ball was going to the field.
It turns out our DB gets to him first, but Biggie would have been in the perfect spot to stop that hitch had the DBs not been there.
When MOS lauds Biggie's football IQ, this here is one of the best examples I've ever spotted on TSN. Man, I'm gonna miss that guy!! :'(
Is Bighill the most cerebral MLB in the CFL?
(https://y.yarn.co/92787bb3-1c8a-4a53-a46c-7a06fde28110_text.gif)
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on September 17, 2024, 01:47:51 PMIs Bighill the most cerebral MLB in the CFL?
Yes. And not just for his own responsibility on each play, but for all the front 7.
I hope his brain has been rubbing off on whoever takes over his front-7-director role. Or maybe we can have him transition the same way M.Miller did.
Kyrie Wilson has been with him the longest, so Kyrie could take the QB-of-D role at WILL while Jones or whoever takes over at MLB. Just need Wilson to stay healthy!
Lots of people hard on Biggie at times on here last few years. They forget that a vets contribution is far bigger than just their physical efforts on the field. Biggie is leaving a legacy of greatness not only for his play but his leadership and generational knowledge of the game. He will download what he can to the next gen.
When Biggie arrived, I made a sign and took it to the game and it said,
"Biggie Biggie Biggie can't you see, now we have #1D".
His face was printed on the sign.
Agree with the comments about him being the most cerebral MLB in the CFL
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 06, 2024, 09:00:13 AMRewatched the Biggie injury.
It was non-contact, strangely enough. I don't think he actually got hit by Hickson, I think he stopped and jumped over him.
Watch on the replay, he tries to stop so he can jump. When he jams into the turf to stop with his left leg his knee seems to give out and his lower leg bends an irregular way at the knee.
MOS said he was trying to avoid a chop block at the time.
Quote from: Waffler on September 18, 2024, 02:51:41 PMMOS said he was trying to avoid a chop block at the time.
Yup, 100%. It was the stop before his jump that did the classic knee damage. It's a legal play by Hickson, by rule.
It's just really bad luck and an ageing body.
Biggie just posted on insta that he is having surgery and season is done. Didn't hint at retirement though.
Quote from: The Zipp on September 19, 2024, 01:14:12 PMBiggie just posted on insta that he is having surgery and season is done. Didn't hint at retirement though.
fml
The missus and I were talking about him after he got hurt that last time, and that it maybe time to Retire. Go out on top, before you really get hurt and start to do more harm the good for the team. I get that he is a big part of the heart of the D but sometimes it is about actions on the field.
I will maintain that I think he really wants to play next year and try for a home cup, and then he undoubtedly undoubtedly calls it a career after that.
That of course now hinges on how the recovery goes
Does he become a coach in the future, or does he take his current part time job to full time status?
He can win a home cup as a coach...
Quote from: blue_or_die on September 19, 2024, 04:06:59 PMI will maintain that I think he really wants to play next year and try for a home cup, and then he undoubtedly undoubtedly calls it a career after that.
That of course now hinges on how the recovery goes
Great player in the past ( HOF ) but I don't expect him back as a starter in 2025. Age and now injury history won't work in his favour. I'm not sure of what his SMS might be but he could be the rotation / DI player.
I 100% expect him back next season.
Heal up Biggie.
Quote from: blue_or_die on September 19, 2024, 04:06:59 PMI will maintain that I think he really wants to play next year and try for a home cup, and then he undoubtedly undoubtedly calls it a career after that.
That of course now hinges on how the recovery goes
My thoughts the same. He will be back next year. Can he survive another season who knows but he will be back.
If there is one player who could pull this off, rehab and come back to be a contributor to our defence...it would be Bighill. As a fan, I would welcome him back without question.
Just like Harris it will be a dominant bow for Biggie next year. Play half the games and win a cup. Has a nice ring to it.
Biggie Biggie Biggie can't you see, next year wouldn't be the same without thee.
Quote from: Bluehawk on September 19, 2024, 08:43:58 PMIf there is one player who could pull this off, rehab and come back to be a contributor to our defence...it would be Bighill. As a fan, I would welcome him back without question.
At a reduced, reasonably reduced salary.
Quote from: The Zipp on September 19, 2024, 01:14:12 PMBiggie just posted on insta that he is having surgery and season is done. Didn't hint at retirement though.
I can't see the organization bringing Adam Bighill back next year, just looking back in the last couple of years. Examples are Jackson Jeffcoat, Andrew Harris, Darvin Adams and Rasheed Bailey. Cost of doing business and age doesn't help either.
Quote from: barbk on September 19, 2024, 10:32:09 PMI can't see the organization bringing Adam Bighill back next year, just looking back in the last couple of years. Examples are Jackson Jeffcoat, Andrew Harris, Darvin Adams and Rasheed Bailey. Cost of doing business and age doesn't help either.
Harris was a different story. Jeffcoat is the only one even close to Bighill's team stature, but even then, Biggie as been such a big part of this team for so long. If he want to play, and can pass the physical, he gets a contract.
Quote from: barbk on September 19, 2024, 10:32:09 PMI can't see the organization bringing Adam Bighill back next year, just looking back in the last couple of years. Examples are Jackson Jeffcoat, Andrew Harris, Darvin Adams and Rasheed Bailey. Cost of doing business and age doesn't help either.
Good point, I could see this happening as well as an alternative.
Yes, AB4 has been outstanding for this team. But, he will be 36 in a couple of weeks and has a tough year of injuries. Players in every sport have a best before date. Adams rehab and asking price will have a lot to do with whether he plays one more year or not.
Quote from: Bluehawk on September 19, 2024, 08:43:58 PMIf there is one player who could pull this off, rehab and come back to be a contributor to our defence...it would be Bighill. As a fan, I would welcome him back without question.
He started this season with the same circumstances and it's questionable whether he was healthy at all this year. The writings on the wall for Biggie and it's obviously time to move on from a once great player. If O'Shea insists on bringing him back, it'll show he's basing coaching decisions on emotion rather than logic. The same goes for Stanley and perhaps B.A. in the off-season, if they want to retain credibility and not play favourites, cheaper and younger has to be the mantra.
Quote from: blue_or_die on September 19, 2024, 04:06:59 PMI will maintain that I think he really wants to play next year and try for a home cup, and then he undoubtedly undoubtedly calls it a career after that.
That of course now hinges on how the recovery goes
A big factor is with ACL surgery is you can easily be out 9+ months. Let's say he gets it in Oct. That means the earliest he'd be coming back is June 2025.
I could see him & KW arranging a team-friendly contract, one that won't hamstring the SMS if he's on the (any!) IR.
If Biggie's mind is set on rehabbing and playing again, then by all means let him try. It may turn out he gets Mike Miller'd and he can never be healthy enough again. But at least let the guy try. Who knows, he could start the process and him & the wife have a change of heart.
I can see the team making a special exception for Biggie as he's basically been here the longest in terms of guys we brought in to turn the ship around. And AFAIK he hasn't ruined the Mafia relationship like AH33 did. I can see them working with Biggie to find a contract that works.
I do think we owe Biggie that much.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 20, 2024, 05:47:34 AMHe started this season with the same circumstances and it's questionable whether he was healthy at all this year. The writings on the wall for Biggie and it's obviously time to move on from a once great player. If O'Shea insists on bringing him back, it'll show he's basing coaching decisions on emotion rather than logic. The same goes for Stanley and perhaps B.A. in the off-season, if they want to retain credibility and not play favourites, cheaper and younger has to be the mantra.
Too early to write Stanley and BA off. Sun is setting but don't have to leave the beach early. Take one more dip before you go! ;)
Quote from: Blueforlife on September 20, 2024, 12:43:10 PMToo early to write Stanley and BA off. Sun is setting but don't have to leave the beach early. Take one more dip before you go! ;)
This year is the test, if they fall short and don't make changes with the younger replacements already in house they'll fall shorter next season playing with the same lineup. Mid 30's is an apt time to move on for all. If Biggie wants to come back and do a "Miller" as a coach/player who doesn't play, that would be a great transition.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 20, 2024, 07:31:29 AMA big factor is with ACL surgery is you can easily be out 9+ months. Let's say he gets it in Oct. That means the earliest he'd be coming back is June 2025.
I could see him & KW arranging a team-friendly contract, one that won't hamstring the SMS if he's on the (any!) IR.
If Biggie's mind is set on rehabbing and playing again, then by all means let him try. It may turn out he gets Mike Miller'd and he can never be healthy enough again. But at least let the guy try. Who knows, he could start the process and him & the wife have a change of heart.
I can see the team making a special exception for Biggie as he's basically been here the longest in terms of guys we brought in to turn the ship around. And AFAIK he hasn't ruined the Mafia relationship like AH33 did. I can see them working with Biggie to find a contract that works.
I do think we owe Biggie that much.
Yeah I actually agree with this. Is he under contract next year? I wonder how enticing it would be for him to take a discounted deal for a lightened role For the chance to get his name on the cup again one last time in front of his fans.
Quote from: blue_or_die on September 20, 2024, 06:35:20 PMYeah I actually agree with this. Is he under contract next year? I wonder how enticing it would be for him to take a discounted deal for a lightened role For the chance to get his name on the cup again one last time in front of his fans.
He's not under contract.
I wonder if he signs a deal but is 6-gamed to begin the season so if he comes back, he only a small fraction of cap space.