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All-star receiver Alexander Hollins highlights key B.C. Lions returning vs. Riders
By 3Down Staff -October 11, 2024
The B.C. Lions are getting a sudden influx of healthy contributors ahead of their pivotal matchup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, most notably receiver Alexander Hollins.
The 27-year-old has missed the Lions' last two games while battling a shoulder injury but remains tenth in CFL receiving yardage entering this week, having caught 56 passes for 881 yards and five touchdowns over 14 games this season.
The native of Mazoo City, Miss. has made 228 receptions for 2,171 yards and 15 touchdowns over 36 career CFL games and was named a West Division all-star in 2023. His presence will bump Canadian rookie Kieran Poissant out of the starting lineup and demote fellow first-year player Ezechiel Tiede to the practice roster.
B.C. is also getting their top offensive lineman, left tackle Jarell Broxton, back in the lineup after a four-game absence. Chris Schleuger will be a healthy scratch, with rookie Kory Woodruff remaining at left guard. Perhaps even more crucially, versatile fullback David Mackie is back after a three-game absence, with rookie American running back Jordan Terrell returning to the practice squad.
Defensively, veteran American defensive end Pete Robertson will be back in the rotation after six games away with a foot injury, having notched 17 defensive tackles and two sacks this year. Global special teams ace Maxime Rouyer and Canadian linebacker Isaiah Guzylak-Messam will both dress for depth. Canadian defensive backs Adrian Greene (knee) and Patrice Rene (non-injury related) will both be out this week after losing their starting jobs earlier in the season, while American defensive end Amir Siddiqi goes to the practice roster.
The B.C. Lions (8-8) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-7-1) on Saturday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
https://3downnation.com/2024/10/11/all-star-receiver-alexander-hollins-highlights-key-b-c-lions-returning-vs-riders/
RB A.J. Ouellette rides again for Saskatchewan vs. B.C. Lions
By 3Down Staff -October 11, 2024
Prized free agent acquisition A.J. Ouellette will return to the backfield for Saturday's matchup with the B.C. Lions.
The two-time East Division all-star has suited up for only seven games since becoming the CFL's second-highest-paid running back this past off-season. He's carried the ball 114 times for 466 yards and three touchdowns with his 4.1-yard average being the lowest in the league among running backs with over 50 carries. He's also caught 14 passes for 140 yards.
The 29-year-old power-back had one of his better outings of the year when Saskatchewan last faced the Lions in Week 6, averaging a season-high six yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. Frankie Hickson, who has rushed for 438 yards and one score this season, will be a healthy scratch to accommodate his return.
Aiding in Ouellette's quest to make a statement down the stretch is the return of two key offensive linemen. Canadian Zack Fry and American Jacob Brammer will be back starting at left and right guard respectively, sending Nick Jones and Brayden Noll to the practice squad, and Noah Zerr to the bench. Versatile Canadian receiver Mitch Picton also slides back into the rotation behind rookie Dhel Duncan-Busby, knocking Colton Hunchak to the PR.
Defensively, boundary cornerback Deontai Williams is back following his one-game suspension for an illegal and dangerous tackle on Ottawa receiver Kalil Pimpleton. American defensive back Amari Henderson (illness) and Canadian defensive end Lake Korte-Moore (knee) have both been moved to the one-game injured list, with recently signed DE Benoit Marion dressing for depth. Canadian linebacker Adam Auclair (knee) is listed as a game-time decision.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-7-1) will host the B.C. Lions (8-8) on Saturday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
https://3downnation.com/2024/10/11/rb-a-j-ouellette-rides-again-for-saskatchewan-vs-b-c-lions/
This is a must-win for the Lions. This a Lions-must-win for us. They've already lost hope of breezing through the West with a cushy warm home WDF, now it's imperative they aren't forced to play 2 games in 2 frigid and hostile cities. Their whole plan this season was to avoid cold playoffs. This is their last chance to make sure 1 game is at least cushy and cozy.
And look at BC's chart! Every addition is an upgrade with top guys coming off IR. SSK is just more of the same, and they lose Henderson. SSK still looks bad on paper, as they have all year, so their luck has to run out sometime.
I think Oullette coming back might weaken them. I don't think he's ready. They are being forced to haul him out early. I bet he aggravates his injury.
Plus, Rourke & Betts better start producing or the whole Left Coast will hate them and the whole marketing SMS fiasco will blow up in their faces.
This will be the most-watched game in both WPG & SSK provinces, and should have big juicy ratings. Nothing bounced our way on Fri, maybe it will Sat.
Go Kid Kanada!
I'll take backing into 1st place today as a bonus. We should have been able to defeat the Argos but failed. I don't like waiting until the final game against the Als to secure 1st place. I'm not sure we can win that game on the road.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 12, 2024, 01:33:12 PMI'll take backing into 1st place today as a bonus. We should have been able to defeat the Argos but failed. I don't like waiting until the final game against the Als to secure 1st place. I'm not sure we can win that game on the road.
I m thinking Montreal has nothing to play for and will be resting some of their starters. Bombers have everything to play for so should be able to win in a place where wins don't often happen
BC needs to win there last two game to make sure they get a home playoff game.
Quote from: dd on October 12, 2024, 02:19:01 PMI m thinking Montreal has nothing to play for and will be resting some of their starters. Bombers have everything to play for so should be able to win in a place where wins don't often happen
I hope you are correct but that's no guarantee. Bombers had everything to play for last night at home. It shows that any single play can result in a loss. Not scoring after the Grant fumble, Castillo missing 2 FG's or Collaros coming up 6" short on 3rd and 17.
Obviously the Argos had similar issues nos scoring from the 1 yard line or the Grant turnover.
The game could have changed momentum in either direction many times.
Even if the Als have nothing to play for specifically they have a very good defence. Collaros will be under pressure often and that can cause mistakes ( like his fumble ) which can make the difference in a potentially low scoring game.
Also injury status and who is ready to play. Our list is quite long and while we may want to rest some players, we may not be able to do that. We won't know until the practice week to see if any of Alexander, Ayers, Griffin, Fox or Wallace will be ready.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 12, 2024, 02:30:52 PMBC needs to win there last two game to make sure they get a home playoff game.
Yes, they play the Als after we do. If the defeat the Riders, that helps us but still puts them needing to win against the Als. Riders play the Stamps in their last game and that's a much easier task.
A BC win here would be very good!
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 12, 2024, 08:33:17 PMA BC win here would be very good!
For both us and BC. Go Lions. Wow, cheering for the Lions.
Go Lions! {cough, wheeze}
Here we go! Hoping for big things from the King Of Marketers BC.
Anemic crowd for this hugely critical game in SSK, shame on those fans!! This game could clinch 2nd in W and give them a shot for 1st and half the stadium is empty?
That's a messed up play. Even stranger than the end to the '21 GC.
I hope that's not a sign that this game will turn into BC's version of our game last night.
Riders have the horseshoe-up-the-arse working tonight. SMH
Looks like we're going to have to take care of business in Montreal.
When I high % play goes pick-6, that's demoralizing. Then another pick -- this time Rourke's fault.
lions just stood and watched the interception tip and bounce. Rourke doesnt look anything like the qb suitor describes. (not sure any qb does)
Rourke got lucky there. Good thing INTs are auto-reviewed.
Well, at least the booth guy isn't "All Rourke All The Time" Farhan.
SSK is sticking with their dink & dunk-mostly game.
I hope BC can do to SSK what they did to the opponents last week.
But BC needs to wake up. Their whole team is flat out the gate.
Betts is always cheating to try to get the sack and ends up being totally out of the play
There ya go! Clog the lane into zone. We need to do similar if we face them in the playoffs.
Who'da thunk it... Meltdown-Lauther better than Castillo this week.
Quote from: Pete on October 12, 2024, 11:21:30 PMBetts is always cheating to try to get the sack and ends up being totally out of the play
It's going to be very hard for him tonight because Trevor gets the ball out in under 2.7s on 80% of snaps.
If I'm BC, I'd rush 3 man snaps, with Betts being one of the 3. Trevor can still do his 2.7s thing but the odd time he wants to hang on for a deep shot Betts can often get through.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 12, 2024, 11:15:11 PMLooks like we're going to have to take care of business in Montreal.
That's the theme I've been promoting all season. No one is going to help the Bombers. It's us against the world. It's better that way.
That was Chungh and Couture failing on that sack. C'mon former Bombers, step up for Blue & Gold!
(Has Chungh lost it? He's been pretty weak this season)
The b.c. Guard was blocking a guy, and then just.... Let him go.
Wierd
Lions players are better than they show. This is bad coaching I think.
Maybe some guys want Adams jr.
Any old guys remember Eddie shack?
Oulette reminds me of him. "Clear the track here comes shack"
Lions db fifteen yards downfield 😂
I like it... BC D dropping LBers to feed on the dink & dunk with guys in the lanes. Trevor will have to go back to the wide outs, and maybe get a pick.
And Bad-Average Lauther gets another long one... Castillo Castillo...
SSK will grind you all night with the dink & dunk. You can't fall behind the score too much more than this.
SSK won't give you much in the way of INTs to rapidly turn things around.
That last throw by Rourke was more like what we're expecting from the Wunderkind. More of that tonight please.
I'd give Rourke one more series and if he doesn't move the team into scoring position bring in V.A.
Quote from: markf on October 12, 2024, 11:29:49 PMThe b.c. Guard was blocking a guy, and then just.... Let him go.
Any old guys remember Eddie shack?
Oulette reminds me of him. "Clear the track here comes shack"
Good ol' EDDIE! ;) Remember him doing Pop Shoppe commercials. He even came once to my little hometown of Beausejour in the early to mid 70's to promote the Pop Shoppe! He certainly was a character....no such players in the game anymore which is sort of sad.
Quote from: J5V on October 12, 2024, 11:40:57 PMI'd give Rourke one more series and if he doesn't move the team into scoring position bring in V.A.
Never gonna happen. Rourke gets the 1st half to figure it out, and if he keeps it close he stays in.
VAJ will likely come in and just throw picks and be flustered. VAJ is good starting, but has sucked coming as relief.
Don't forget to mention that BC players have to actually catch balls. I count 3 dropsies so far, including one that went pick-6.
Quote from: J5V on October 12, 2024, 11:40:57 PMI'd give Rourke one more series and if he doesn't move the team into scoring position bring in V.A.
Rourke is still pouting as his NFL dream came crashing to earth. It seems so often many players returning from NFL flops don't return to form their first season back in the CFL. He might have to wait until next year to return to form.
BC looks off for many games now. Vernon Adams probably their best bet to take them somewhere this year, but with the kit and kaboodle sunk into Rourke that probably won't happen unless Rourke gets injured. Some owners and GM's never learn. You don't sign a guy to BIG money who has won nothing yet....see Toronto last year! ;)
I don't really understand using Mackie as the SY QB. You get a "free dress" of 3 whole QBs. You can't scout or hire some ELC-ish SY QB? You really need 2 clipboard QBs?
OTOH, a NAT FB is also kind of a "free dress". But with a FB for SY the other team doesn't have to honor any pass.
BC finally woke up, some good receptions on that drive
Good drive by BC. They needed that one. Game on.
Quote from: ichabod_crane on October 12, 2024, 11:42:30 PMGood ol' EDDIE! ;) Remember him doing Pop Shoppe commercials. He even came once to my little hometown of Beausejour in the early to mid 70's to promote the Pop Shoppe! He certainly was a character....no such players in the game anymore which is sort of sad.
lol... good guy for sure.
Eddie's elbows went out violently like pistons as he skated down the boards... Oulette got those flying elbows
BC has finally matched the Rider level of intensity. Now to see if they can maintain or exceed it.
Oullette with braids LOL
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 12, 2024, 11:52:27 PMOullette with braids LOL
I'm just not sold on that guy. Not yet anyway. I still think he's a fraud. He belongs in the WWE.
Bc defence is kinda trash like
Quote from: J5V on October 12, 2024, 11:54:17 PMI'm just not sold on that guy. Not yet anyway. I still think he's a fraud. He belongs in the WWE.
He is in (fake) wrestling! Not WWE, but still.
He's a showman first and foremost. He's all about the schtick and gimmick. The Thor thing, the dyed hair, the braids, the muscles, the wrestling.
Football is like a side job. He probably likes it just for the limelight.
BC D is fired up after that TD. They are all rushing to the carrier. They need to make it count, though.
SSK RECs are catching balls way above their pay grade.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 12, 2024, 11:57:09 PMBC D is fired up after that TD. They are all rushing to the carrier. They need to make it count, though.
SSK RECs are catching balls way above their pay grade.
Bc defence is terrible
Quote from: The Zipp on October 12, 2024, 11:56:13 PMBc defence is kinda trash like
Every team has trouble against the Trevor dink & dunk. We gave SSK a ton of yards when we played them, just very few TDs.
Notice how Trevor has gone back to the wide out like I said? The lane is usually open and LBers can't interfere. BC needs to get some Ford-like wide picks going.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 12, 2024, 11:57:47 PMBc defence is terrible
I think it's more their coaching. The DL is good, their LBers are ok, DBs are ok on paper.
And they bend but didn't break there.
Korsak is a good football name.
Need more of those.
That's a win for the BC defense there. If BC can manage TDs while giving up FGs they'll be okay. Oulette with the muffed pass on the trick play. Guy is a clown.
The problem with those super-heaters is that the RECs will sometimes drop them, like earlier on a couple of whiffs. Best to do them when it's a zone sit and you can throw into the numbers.
Stanback is a real RB. Ouellette is a ... clown. Not sure what the Riders saw in him.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 12, 2024, 11:56:21 PMHe is in (fake) wrestling! Not WWE, but still.
He's a showman first and foremost. He's all about the schtick and gimmick. The Thor thing, the dyed hair, the braids, the muscles, the wrestling.
Football is like a side job. He probably likes it just for the limelight.
Yep, all show, no go.
That was stupid. Campbell is an idiot.
ok Campbell is the dumbest coach in the league
Campbell is not the smartest coach in the league.
Just went on gut instinct there.
Dumb - almost 3 yards needed take the points
That was the dumbest decision and then play call I've seen in awhile.
Well that play call was mentally deficient. It made no sense at all. Mackie instead of your star RB? No misdirection or creativity? SSK just sitting there to stop the run.
Dumb
It's calls like that that can demoralize your team and put them in a downward spiral.
Good thing they got 2 & out.
BC DL is finally starting to harass Trevor. They've done it a few times now.
Remember the first 5 games where BC and VAJ threw for 500Y every game?
That was incomplete. We just had this last week. When ball is knocked out during the act of tucking it's incomplete.
he had tucked it away,looked legit to me
Bc is imploding
Wow. That's inconsistent to what they've called the last few weeks! Are they going to claim it's held 1/10th sec longer or something?
Weak.
Can TJ Lee see anything with that ridiculous ball on his head?
Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 12:03:18 AMThat's a win for the BC defense there. If BC can manage TDs while giving up FGs they'll be okay. Oulette with the muffed pass on the trick play. Guy is a clown.
Sorry, but Bombers deserve a Rider win. They have the West handed to them on a silver platter,last home game of the season, sell out crowd and they play one of the most ineffective, least energetic, poorest play calling game I've seen.
suitor was gushing about lee, no mention of how he blew that coverage, and burned on td as well
Quote from: Pete on October 13, 2024, 12:17:32 AMsuitor was gushing about lee, no mention of how he blew that coverage, and burned on td as well
Like I said, can't see with the spaceballs helmet on. ;D
Quote from: northof30 on October 13, 2024, 12:17:24 AMSorry, but Bombers deserve a Rider win. They have the West handed to them on a silver platter,last home game of the season, sell out crowd and they play one of the most ineffective, least energetic, poorest play calling game I've seen.
"Hyperbole"
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 13, 2024, 12:13:42 AMRemember the first 5 games where BC and VAJ threw for 500Y every game?
That was incomplete. We just had this last week. When ball is knocked out during the act of tucking it's incomplete.
Not in Regina.
Rourke is soooooo overrated
Quote from: northof30 on October 13, 2024, 12:17:24 AMSorry, but Bombers deserve a Rider win. They have the West handed to them on a silver platter,last home game of the season, sell out crowd and they play one of the most ineffective, least energetic, poorest play calling game I've seen.
are you watching the bc game? not an offensive play calling gem
Quote from: northof30 on October 13, 2024, 12:17:24 AMSorry, but Bombers deserve a Rider win. They have the West handed to them on a silver platter,last home game of the season, sell out crowd and they play one of the most ineffective, least energetic, poorest play calling game I've seen.
Then we better get ready for the cold drive to SSK for the WDF. 5 games had/have to go wrong for us to not get the home WDF. It was basically impossible we didn't/don't get it.
Now it'll come down to 2 games after SSK finishes out a game-managing game. And we have to beat difficult MTL while SSK only has to beat loser CGY.
BC OL might be as bad as ours last night.
lol
Here..... Rourke.... Look... Here on this tablet ...you will see all the answers.
You will read this and become GOOD AGAIN!
If they dont start Adams in the 2nd half then every thing that Rick Campbell has said is total bu**
If I'm Doman, Rick Campbell is not my head coach next year. Just look at what a massive shift in momentum occurred after that horrible decision on 3rd and 2-1/2. They kick a FG there and it's a one-score game. Now it's a three-score (or more) game.
BC's reward for blowing this game out their *** may very well be a rematch and more of the same. If they want a different fate they better play with some pride and grit in the second half.
Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 12:27:57 AMIf I'm Doman, Rick Campbell is not my head coach next year.
If he doesn't pull Rourke, he's not my head coach next week!!
Campbell is terrible
BC let's the Riders march the length of the field and kick a FG to start the second half. Very little push back. BC is just not a good team and it starts with their head coach.
Campbell, like soup has an expiry date where his players stop listening.
Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 12:47:56 AMBC let's the Riders march the length of the field and kick a FG to start the second half. Very little push back. BC is just not a good team and it starts with their head coach.
Well I ll tell you what, you sign another Qb for big time money, while you already have one under contract and you don't win, guess who's out the door??
What is the lions record since signing Rourke?? 0-4?? 0-5??
What a disaster for the Lions. As long as we win in Montreal I like that we need to stay locked in though.
stop talking about 2022 rourke its so annoying
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 13, 2024, 12:58:40 AMWhat a disaster for the Lions. As long as we win in Montreal I like that we need to stay locked in though.
Yes. I expect that with a bye to rest up and two weeks of game planning that we may play our best game of the year against Montreal. We win, we host the WF. That is as it should be. BC deserves to have to go to Regina for the WSF and take another terrible beating. That'll be their reward for this performance tonight.
Quote from: Pete on October 13, 2024, 01:02:51 AMstop talking about 2022 rourke its so annoying
"HE'S GOING TO FIGURE IT OUT" - Suitor
Next throw: three yard pass into the dirt.
Why is Rourke still in this game? My gawd, what a dumpster fire BC is. Campbell walking the sidelines with no sense of urgency, no apparent concern for what is taking place in front of his eyes.
What is the definition of insanity again?
Montreal has nothing to play for so Bombers have a good chance against them.
Quote from: Pete on October 13, 2024, 12:50:23 AMCampbell, like soup has an expiry date where his players stop listening.
I thin' the team has given up on the Nathan Rourke experiment.
This team is lost and so is Campbell. Is there a bigger bozo coaching in pro Football?? You are getting the beat down of all beat downs and you don't have the common sense to get your other Qb in the game to see if he can fair any better and see who's starting next week. They start dork next week or the week after and they're finished, the rest of this game should have been to see if Adams can fair any better , which I guarantee you he would.
if Rourke and 22 was a drinking game id be blitzed by now
at this point if they put Adams in it would almost be an insult. We're only putting you in if the games totally our of reach
It's 36-8 and Suitor is desperately trying to sell more Rourke.
Quote from: dd on October 13, 2024, 01:10:19 AMI thin' the team has given up on the Nathan Rourke experiment.
This team is lost and so is Campbell. Is there a bigger bozo coaching in pro Football?? You are getting the beat down of all beat downs and you don't have the common sense to get your other Qb in the game to see if he can fair any better and see who's starting next week. They start dork next week or the week after and they're finished, the rest of this game should have been to see if Adams can fair any better , which I guarantee you he would.
If I was Adams I'd refuse to go in.
Why does Mace have Trevor Harris in the game?
So why is this Chase Brice in the game?? Why isn't Adams in the game??
Quote from: dd on October 13, 2024, 01:30:41 AMSo why is this Chase Brice in the game?? Why isn't Adams in the game??
Doesn't want either of them hurt in a game that is already lost.
campbells afraid adams would do well and create even more of a qb contraversy
Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 01:37:32 AMDoesn't want either of them hurt in a game that is already lost.
I d be more interested in finding out who can consistently move the ball, right now, bc is dead, Rourke is not the answer, most over rated talked about player there is.
Quote from: Pete on October 13, 2024, 01:47:57 AMcampbells afraid adams would do well and create even more of a qb contraversy
He couldn't do any worse!!
Even their 3rd stringer looked good vs rourke
BC is locked into 3rd place and have to travel to either Winnipeg or Regina for the WSF. They face Montreal next week in a nothing game for both clubs.
Winnipeg and Saskatchewan have byes next week and play their final games against Montreal and Calgary, respectively. We play first at 3:00PM in Montreal. Jason Maas says Montreal is playing out the string as if it matters. If we win we win the West and will host the WF. If we lose the Riders will play Calgary in their final game at 7:00PM to win the West and to host the WF.
Quote from: Blitzer on October 13, 2024, 01:09:23 AMMontreal has nothing to play for so Bombers have a good chance against them.
I remember all the lean years early in MOS' tenure when it would be garbage season for another team (usually CGY) and must-win for us and we'd still lose. Just because the other team is starting their B unit, doesn't mean you win.
It's going to really suck having to play all of our starters on max-effort mode whilst our likely GC opponent gets to play their backups without any worry in the world. We'll try so hard to not to have to play in a SF yet this game will be just like a SF for us.
And SSK will get the cakewalk in a thoroughly demoralized and want-to-fly-back-to-USA CGY where even the fans won't give a poop (the ones who bother to show up).
Quote from: Pete on October 13, 2024, 01:47:57 AMcampbells afraid adams would do well and create even more of a qb contraversy
VAJ came in a couple of games since Rourke returned and he stunk up the joint just as bad. Basically proves it isn't just QB.
Could they have done better had Rourke just stayed in the NFL until FA? 100%. The consistency of sticking with VAJ (even with the short injury period) would have outweighed the downside of a "he's lost it" Rourke.
The problem for BC is Rourke very well may get back to '22 form and then he'll be a league top-3 QB, so they have sacrificed this year for the future. Whether it pays off or not remains to be seen.
That said, I foresee a lot of GC tickets hitting the resale market right about now...
The funny thing is SSK has basically turned into the Lapo O. Dink & dunk, plenty of run, the odd shot, and game manage. It's a carbon copy of 2017-2018 WPG.
Strangely enough, it's also what MTL has morphed into.
And these are 2 of the leading teams in the league. All running the Lapo O.
If we plan to beat these short games, then we can beat both of these teams with one D plan. But we need our O to step up and play to their $$$. Our O is infinitely more expensive than either SSK or MTL.
Watching Rourke on the sidelines... I don't think he really cares. There's no fire there. He's not really talking with anyone. Does anyone there like him? Is everyone miffed?
Does BC start VAJ in the WSF? What's important, stroking Rourke or winning?
This game is exactly what we were supposed to do to TOR last night. This is what the team owed the fans. Announcing the home WDF in style and earning 4 weeks off.
Why did SSK come out fired up and ready and we came out flat? We had 32k fans there, SSK clearly had maybe 20k (I don't care what the sales # was, it was half empty).
And we still had the game in our hands with 2:00 left and 3 downs to get there.
It's sad. I don't know where the morale and fire went, but they need to get it back pronto. It's starting to look like we'll have to fight 3 teams super hard to get to the cup now. Lame.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 13, 2024, 04:03:12 AMThis game is exactly what we were supposed to do to TOR last night. This is what the team owed the fans. Announcing the home WDF in style and earning 4 weeks off.
Why did SSK come out fired up and ready and we came out flat? We had 32k fans there, SSK clearly had maybe 20k (I don't care what the sales # was, it was half empty).
And we still had the game in our hands with 2:00 left and 3 downs to get there.
It's sad. I don't know where the morale and fire went, but they need to get it back pronto. It's starting to look like we'll have to fight 3 teams super hard to get to the cup now. Lame.
Or maybe even 4 teams.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 13, 2024, 04:03:12 AMThis game is exactly what we were supposed to do to TOR last night. This is what the team owed the fans. Announcing the home WDF in style and earning 4 weeks off.
Why did SSK come out fired up and ready and we came out flat? We had 32k fans there, SSK clearly had maybe 20k (I don't care what the sales # was, it was half empty).
Totally agree. The effort and performance in this game was a slap in the face of a sellout crowd. The play calling was abysmal. How do you try to score from the 2 or 3 yard line on 2nd and 3rd down and not give the ball to Olivera?
And we still had the game in our hands with 2:00 left and 3 downs to get there.
It's sad. I don't know where the morale and fire went, but they need to get it back pronto. It's starting to look like we'll have to fight 3 teams super hard to get to the cup now. Lame.
Quote from: bomb squad on October 13, 2024, 05:18:06 AMOr maybe even 4 teams.
I said
get to the cup, so 3. To
get the cup, ya 4.
The stupid thing is, if we try our hardest to beat MTL who says they are going to try also (i.e. start the A team), it's basically a mini-GC and we may have to pull out all the new plays & wrinkles we were saving up to win the cup.
So in that sense, do we blow our wad in our final game when it may be very hard or impossible to win and we have to show our hand? Keep in mind this will be played in MTL. Do we risk big injuries to important starters? It's a thought...
If we host the WSF instead, we should have a cakewalk beating an astoundingly bad BC team here in WPG in the cold we know they can't handle. I actually like our odds playing SSK in New Mosaic, because we're still the only team to win a playoff game there, right?
We should have blown our wad vs TOR with all the advantages we had at the time. Dumb.
I hope all the players are at home doing some soul searching right about now. And I hope the braintrust gets zero time off and is putting in 14 hour days coming up with solutions.
Retaining Ford & Holm (and many O players) will be that much harder if we can't make it out of the WSF or WDF...
Pretending BC and Toronto are on the same level is absurd. The Riders had an easy game against a weak BC team and a moron head coach who got outcoached by a rookie. We had a tough game against a good, highly motivated Toronto team. We narrowly lost. Do you really think we weren't trying? Give your head a shake. They wanted nothing more than to win that game for their fans and feel awful about losing but it's hard to win every game. They had just won 8 in a row! To hear some fans booing the Bombers last night really pisses me off. After all the changes and injuries our team has been through I think they've done an amazing job. I never would have imagined just a few weeks ago that we'd be able to still finish first in the West. That's incredible.
the way the bombers played when first place on the line, not a good sign, certainly not of a cup winning team
Quote from: Go_Big_D on October 13, 2024, 01:31:21 PMthe way the bombers played when first place on the line, not a good sign, certainly not of a cup winning team
Don't agree, they may have been outplayed in certain areas such as the O-line but there's little doubt they were playing to the best of their abilities with the intent to win, and with great play of the defence still had the opportunity to do so. Sometimes the effort is there but it comes down to having more talented athletes in certain positions or the better game plan.
There is a difference between careless errors and forced errors, and in this game most were forced by the Argos D, either rushed decisions, escape lanes cut off or throwing motion being interrupted by a rusher. Be it Zach fumbling the ball or Wilson failing on the 3rd down attempt at the goaline, great plays by the Argo D forced those errors. Unfortunately the same does not apply to Sergio's missed FG's, for which there's no legitimate excuse, other than kicking a FG from 40+ yards is not an easy task.
Quote from: Go_Big_D on October 13, 2024, 01:31:21 PMthe way the bombers played when first place on the line, not a good sign, certainly not of a cup winning team
Hi Rider fan. Welcome to our forum.
We see what you're doing.
Oh my gosh, we lose a close one to the argos—a game we should have won had our kicker showed up, and everyone is in crisis mode
Toronto is a very good football team that has been without their #1 qb for half the season. To me, they are just as good as Montreal and I predict they ll return the favour to Montreal this year in the playoffs and beat them at home with all those bogus horns blowing
Bombers are fine, bc s a joke, riders are the team to beat in the west and we ll get that done when the time comes
Montreal has nothing to play for in the upcoming game this and we need the win for home field and first place. I think we beat them at home watch sask beat bc in playoffs and then we take the riders out and it's am Argos vs bomber grey cup and we re due to beat them then
Quote from: blue_or_die on October 13, 2024, 03:45:54 PMHi Rider fan. Welcome to our forum.
We see what you're doing.
lol....my gawd u r the one always wearing green...."we" have no clue what anybody is doing
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 13, 2024, 03:45:17 PMDon't agree, they may have been outplayed in certain areas such as the O-line but there's little doubt they were playing to the best of their abilities with the intent to win, and with great play of the defence still had the opportunity to do so. Sometimes the effort is there but it comes down to having more talented athletes in certain positions or the better game plan.
There is a difference between careless errors and forced errors, and in this game most were forced by the Argos D, either rushed decisions, escape lanes cut off or throwing motion being interrupted by a rusher. Be it Zach fumbling the ball or Wilson failing on the 3rd down attempt at the goaline, great plays by the Argo D forced those errors. Unfortunately the same does not apply to Sergio's missed FG's, for which there's no legitimate excuse, other than kicking a FG from 40+ yards is not an easy task.
Have to somewhat disagree. I don't think they were "playing to the best of their abilities". They did with an 8-0 run, and were playing against some equally good defences, but not that game. Zack and the O-line were off but so was the play calling. Certainly hind-sight is 20/20 but on the 2nd and third down at the Toronto 3 yard line I was screaming at the TV to give the ball to Olivera! Once Toronto jammed them on 2nd down I could see it coming.
Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 08:46:06 AMPretending BC and Toronto are on the same level is absurd. The Riders had an easy game against a weak BC team and a moron head coach who got outcoached by a rookie. We had a tough game against a good, highly motivated Toronto team. We narrowly lost. Do you really think we weren't trying? Give your head a shake. They wanted nothing more than to win that game for their fans and feel awful about losing but it's hard to win every game. They had just won 8 in a row!
Yes, I think the braintrust and the O did not "try" to the level they could have. They clearly underestimated the level of play TOR was going to bring. There was a severe lack of planning and foresight. There was a severe lack of effort by the OL in the 1st H.
The proof that they could have done better was that the O actually started doing ok in the 2nd H after they adjusted and they got the message from the coaches and leaders that they had to snap out of it and win. The OL actually started blocking their guys! If they had been better prepared they would have played that way out of the gate. It's not like we don't have film on TOR.
Quote from: J5V on October 13, 2024, 08:46:06 AMAfter all the changes and injuries our team has been through I think they've done an amazing job. I never would have imagined just a few weeks ago that we'd be able to still finish first in the West. That's incredible.
Ya, on D. Last night we had 2 relative noobs slotting in at important D positions and thus the D had an excuse to suck. So what do they do? The D does what it's done most of the year and perform exceptionally well. That wasn't the problem...
The O with the entire desired starting OL, QB, RB, FB, and 3 of 5 RECs came out and stunk horribly. What's their excuse? It's been the story all season except maybe 2-3 games.
If that's the level of play we can expect from the O, then we won't even beat SSK to get to the cup, let alone beat clearly dominant MTL or TOR.
Ironic, seeing as how 2/3rds of our SMS is blown on the O, eh?
Say what you want about BC, but SSK came out to win in their home barn, major intensity from the warm-up onward. Where was that on our team? I watched the entire warmup with my binoculars and only 2 people were hyped up: Adams and Willie. That's a recipe for failure.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 13, 2024, 03:45:17 PMDon't agree, they may have been outplayed in certain areas such as the O-line but there's little doubt they were playing to the best of their abilities with the intent to win, and with great play of the defence still had the opportunity to do so. Sometimes the effort is there but it comes down to having more talented athletes in certain positions or the better game plan.
If what you write is true, then we're in a heap of trouble. Our sieve OL, fumbly/timid QB, and dropsie not-open RECs may not even beat BC in a WSF, let alone riding-high Greenies or the dominant (soon to be determined) East Champion.
I like my theory better: where the team was on coast mode and didn't plan and didn't try (until the 2nd H). I don't even blame the players that much: this type of defeat is usually down to braintrust braintoots and lack of leadership to address morale/energy. At least my theory gives us a chance to go deep in the playoffs and have a shot at the cup.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 13, 2024, 03:45:17 PMThere is a difference between careless errors and forced errors, and in this game most were forced by the Argos D, either rushed decisions, escape lanes cut off or throwing motion being interrupted by a rusher.
You bet. TOR came here with a GC attitude and it showed. They made the extra plays for those extra inches with that extra effort and they got the 1st downs, D stops and won. Just like they did to us in the '22 GC. And just like the GC we sat there taking it.
Did you see Kelly making a completion on 2nd down when he's being tackled, falling backwards, and the great catch by their REC? Ya, that's the type of team that's going to the cup, not our quarter-late and foot-short shambles.
I maintain we are better than what we saw. They need to figure out this issue now or we're going to be even more disappointed than we were in '22 and '23.
Quote from: dd on October 13, 2024, 07:45:24 PMOh my gosh, we lose a close one to the argos—a game we should have won had our kicker showed up, and everyone is in crisis mode
But had our O been on their game we should have put up 30 on them while the D maybe gives up 1 more score.
We can't say we just lost by a kick or 2 because (as MOS said in post-game) TOR would have played differently had we been scoring. TOR knew they could sit back, take zero chances, and wait for us to screw up, because that's what we did all night. They gambled we wouldn't get 2 scores and they were right.
If we go up 1 or 2 scores then Kelly would be back to normal mode and chucking the ball everywhere. You think TOR would have kept handing the ball off for 2&outs in the 4th had we been ahead?
Quote from: dd on October 13, 2024, 07:45:24 PMBombers are fine, bc s a joke, riders are the team to beat in the west and we ll get that done when the time comes
Bombers are fine, when they're awake and on point. The problem is sleeping through a critical game that gets us the home WDF. Now we're lucky if it's 50/50 we can earn a home WDF. Why do it the hard way if you can do it the easy way?
You like the idea of heading to SSK for a WDF after getting beaten up 1 week earlier by BC?
Quote from: dd on October 13, 2024, 07:45:24 PMMontreal has nothing to play for in the upcoming game this and we need the win for home field and first place. I think we beat them at home watch sask beat bc in playoffs and then we take the riders out and it's am Argos vs bomber grey cup and we re due to beat them then
I haven't watched the MTL game today yet, but it will give a good sign as to how they are playing it. They've said it's 100% full bore... we shall see.
Even if they start Alexander, we can't sleep on that future starting QB. If they start him he'll be given free rein to see what he can do.
And if they start Cody and play him most of the game, they'll want to show the whole country they are the dominant team heading into the playoffs. Beating a desperate WPG team would be great for their morale, especially when they can say they also "weren't really trying". Talk about perfect bookends for MTL: beat WPG week 1 to prove they earned the '23 cup, and beat WPG in the final week to prove they are the favorite for the '24 cup.
We could have been in a situation where our final game was pointless and we started all of our backups as a reward for their hard work all season! It's all so stupid.
Quote from: northof30 on October 14, 2024, 10:50:28 PMHave to somewhat disagree. I don't think they were "playing to the best of their abilities". They did with an 8-0 run, and were playing against some equally good defences, but not that game. Zack and the O-line were off but so was the play calling.
100% agreed. If that's the best of their abilities, we're in deep deep trouble.
Quote from: northof30 on October 14, 2024, 10:50:28 PMCertainly hind-sight is 20/20 but on the 2nd and third down at the Toronto 3 yard line I was screaming at the TV to give the ball to Olivera! Once Toronto jammed them on 2nd down I could see it coming.
I've said it before: MOS never gives it to the RB from the 3 at the GL. It's sneaks all the way. And why not, Prukop would almost always get it for us. Our new SY QBs and OL just aren't as good.
We simply are not a team who gives it to the RB in that situation. Many teams are. Not us. Maybe we need to change that mindset seeing as how we have to live with our limitations...
Don't forget, TOR was often stuffing Brady on 2nd & short... I bet they stuff him there too. The solution isn't to Brady it: the solution is to get better at SY (which most likely means upgrades to the OL next season).
Don't forget, TOR was often stuffing Brady on 2nd & short... I bet they stuff him there too.
[/quote]
I'd take that bet!
Quote from: northof30 on October 15, 2024, 05:24:28 AMI'd take that bet!
In that game I would have given Brady 50/50 getting that TD from the 3. Our SY geting 1.5Y x2 should have been 95%+ back in our SY heydays (LeFeve, McGuire, Prukop).
If the problem is our OL, which I think 80% of it is, then that same OL will also fail to get the holes to get Brady in. The reason Brady can still get 50/50 is that there are so many other holes you can hit and plays you can make on a run vs a sneak to overcome breakdowns and penetration.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 16, 2024, 03:11:41 AMIn that game I would have given Brady 50/50 getting that TD from the 3. Our SY geting 1.5Y x2 should have been 95%+ back in our SY heydays (LeFeve, McGuire, Prukop).
If the problem is our OL, which I think 80% of it is, then that same OL will also fail to get the holes to get Brady in. The reason Brady can still get 50/50 is that there are so many other holes you can hit and plays you can make on a run vs a sneak to overcome breakdowns and penetration.
We always do the same thing on SY, sneak it into the line. The D knows this and stacks the box. All we need to do is mix it up, keep the D guessing, with the QB taking off wide once in a while, or the FB taking off wide once in a while, or throw it/pitch it once in a while. For some reason, this doesn't appear to be a part of our offensive philosophy. We are so predictable on offense a lot of the time. It reminds me again of the Lapo years when everyone knew what we were going to do on almost every play it seemed like.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 15, 2024, 12:31:00 AMWe could have been in a situation where our final game was pointless and we started all of our backups as a reward for their hard work all season! It's all so stupid.
Not if you think of it as a process, which very well may be how the regular season is perceived. We may go into these games with specific, predetermined, long-term goals which get mistaken for stubborness. We're not as concerned with who our opponent is as with how we want to play our game. Maybe the goal isn't to have meaningless games at the end of the season so we can rest. Maybe the goal is to keep working on our game, focus on what we do, keep developing what we perceive to be our strengths and let the chips fall where they may. It certainly looked that way in 2019 when we had to beat Calgary, Sask, and then an unbeatable 15-3 Hamilton team. None of those teams could match our intensity by the time we got to the playoffs and then the Grey Cup.
Quote from: J5V on October 16, 2024, 03:16:20 AMWe always do the same thing on SY, sneak it into the line. The D knows this and stacks the box. All we need to do is mix it up, keep the D guessing, with the QB taking off wide once in a while, or the FB taking off wide once in a while, or throw it/pitch it once in a while. For some reason, this doesn't appear to be a part of our offensive philosophy. We are so predictable on offense a lot of the time. It reminds me again of the Lapo years when everyone knew what we were going to do on almost every play it seemed like.
When we had Strev he would run to C gap or edge sometimes. He certainly had more gap variance than we give Wilson, but it's early days for the rookie.
Keep in mind that the play that crippled Strev this season was going to be his first SY pass (2nd & 1 I think). That may have soured MOS/Buck on passing. Plus, Wilson as an unproven rookie might botch a pass attempt (which Prukop was also bad at).
You don't always have to have the option to pass or go edge around to have a good SY. Just look at Mackie in BC. He's not even a QB thus has zero threat of pass. And he's slow so there's no threat of edge runs. So every knows it's A or B gap, or maybe in a rare case C gap. Yet he's making basically 100% of his attempts.
Probably has more to do with the OL capability and execution. I think our hoggies might not be fat enough. I wonder what our combined weight is compared to other teams. I like that Dobson seems to have really bulked up this year, but Lofton isn't super huge, and neither is Ko-man. And Eli is very small. Having Wallace available again for SY might help.
Quote from: J5V on October 16, 2024, 03:40:12 AMIt certainly looked that way in 2019 when we had to beat Calgary, Sask, and then an unbeatable 15-3 Hamilton team. None of those teams could match our intensity by the time we got to the playoffs and then the Grey Cup.
Or we peaked too early with the BB and HAM games...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 16, 2024, 03:54:27 AMOr we peaked too early with the BB and HAM games...
If you are playing and believing 1 and 0 every game, which is the Bomber mantra, there is no such thing as "peaking".
Quote from: ModAdmin on October 16, 2024, 07:16:16 AMIf you are playing and believing 1 and 0 every game, which is the Bomber mantra, there is no such thing as "peaking".
Well, that and the fact that an eight-game winning streak holds a ton more water than a single loss (by all of three points).
Lions may not have had a choice in needing to start Adams this week. The team was headed down to drain. Now how this impacts going into the play offs is a giant question. Adams is streaky and he could look good or look bad. Not all of the problems fall only to the play of their QB.
The question that looms is how does this impact Rourke going into 2025? By that I mean are the Lions going to be willing to pay him $750K. Do they have any leverage to re-negotiate his contract? While that isn't normal it's not going to be just swept under the carpet if you're not playing well. Especially if he gets benched for the playoffs.
If Adams plays and does well in the play offs, will the Lions try to retain both QB's or does it just increase his trade value?
It's going to be an interesting game this week to see how this starts to shake out.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 16, 2024, 03:54:27 AMOr we peaked too early with the BB and HAM games...
...Maybe we should have lost that one?
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 16, 2024, 03:16:32 PMLions may not have had a choice in needing to start Adams this week. The team was headed down to drain. Now how this impacts going into the play offs is a giant question. Adams is streaky and he could look good or look bad. Not all of the problems fall only to the play of their QB.
The question that looms is how does this impact Rourke going into 2025? By that I mean are the Lions going to be willing to pay him $750K. Do they have any leverage to re-negotiate his contract? While that isn't normal it's not going to be just swept under the carpet if you're not playing well. Especially if he gets benched for the playoffs.
If Adams plays and does well in the play offs, will the Lions try to retain both QB's or does it just increase his trade value?
It's going to be an interesting game this week to see how this starts to shake out.
No.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 16, 2024, 03:50:07 AMWhen we had Strev he would run to C gap or edge sometimes. He certainly had more gap variance than we give Wilson, but it's early days for the rookie.
Keep in mind that the play that crippled Strev this season was going to be his first SY pass (2nd & 1 I think). That may have soured MOS/Buck on passing. Plus, Wilson as an unproven rookie might botch a pass attempt (which Prukop was also bad at).
You don't always have to have the option to pass or go edge around to have a good SY. Just look at Mackie in BC. He's not even a QB thus has zero threat of pass. And he's slow so there's no threat of edge runs. So every knows it's A or B gap, or maybe in a rare case C gap. Yet he's making basically 100% of his attempts.
Probably has more to do with the OL capability and execution. I think our hoggies might not be fat enough. I wonder what our combined weight is compared to other teams. I like that Dobson seems to have really bulked up this year, but Lofton isn't super huge, and neither is Ko-man. And Eli is very small. Having Wallace available again for SY might help.
Never did replace Bailey's success on jet sweeps, even with Demski and Lucky on the field at the same time, they haven't run many outside sweeps this season. 3 or 4 a game would be enough to spread the D out enough to widen the gaps and get the LB's chasing the fakes.
Quote from: ModAdmin on October 16, 2024, 07:16:16 AMIf you are playing and believing 1 and 0 every game, which is the Bomber mantra, there is no such thing as "peaking".
... "in their mind", you should add. The 1&0 mantra is a belief system, it doesn't have to give results in reality. A team that fully believes it can still "peak" at a certain time of the season.
I'm not saying that's us: I'm usually the optimist. Just pointing out that the other voices (not just on this forum) that have invoked the "p" word could be right.
I still say the TOR game was the infinitely easier game to win instead of the upcoming @MTL slobberknocker. The Monday game also meant something to OTT, and look how they got destroyed: by a #2 QB!! MTL players are also "believing" right now...
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 16, 2024, 03:16:32 PMThe question that looms is how does this impact Rourke going into 2025? By that I mean are the Lions going to be willing to pay him $750K. Do they have any leverage to re-negotiate his contract? While that isn't normal it's not going to be just swept under the carpet if you're not playing well. Especially if he gets benched for the playoffs.
Here's a question: we all know CFL "contracts" don't have to mean much of anything and can be ripped up in the off-season by teams, often without repercussion.
Could BC just cut Rourke in FA, like if VAJ wins them the GC? In other words, did BC give Rourke any contract-guaranteed money for 2025? If not, maybe the games they gave him this season were just a "try out" and they never intended to keep him should he suck?
Just a thought.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 17, 2024, 09:11:27 AMHere's a question: we all know CFL "contracts" don't have to mean much of anything and can be ripped up in the off-season by teams, often without repercussion.
Could BC just cut Rourke in FA, like if VAJ wins them the GC? In other words, did BC give Rourke any contract-guaranteed money for 2025? If not, maybe the games they gave him this season were just a "try out" and they never intended to keep him should he suck?
Just a thought.
I don't know whether he had any money guaranteed. I don't think they ever entertained the idea they could cut him if he played badly. However, the reality is that they may be forced to re-think their direction for 2025.
I find it difficult to believe that if the Lions released him or tried to trade him, no other team is nuts enough to pay $750K
There are no guarantees VAJ has greater success since their performance is not the result of only the play of the QB. Paying that amount for a QB does make the spend elsewhere on the roster limited in 2025 if they proceed.
Suggesting a re-negotiation is not an unreasonable thought.
Nowhere that I can see stipulates if any of his money is guaranteed. One thing is for sure though, the Lions aren't going to have a fun time next year when his salary kicks in if he's not significantly better.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 17, 2024, 01:50:31 PMNowhere that I can see stipulates if any of his money is guaranteed. One thing is for sure though, the Lions aren't going to have a fun time next year when his salary kicks in if he's not significantly better.
I don't know if this has anything to do with it but Rourke seemed much more confident and was successful when he had Bryan Burnham to throw to. Without him he doesn't seem like the same QB.
Quote from: J5V on October 18, 2024, 03:34:27 AMI don't know if this has anything to do with it but Rourke seemed much more confident and was successful when he had Bryan Burnham to throw to. Without him he doesn't seem like the same QB.
True dat... imagine Maier without Begelton! Ouch.
A friend was wondering if successful CFL players that have then had unsuccessful NFL tryouts experience difficulty after returning to the CFL.
what does an nfl tryout do to a guy.
being in the NFL doesnt seem to have helped Streveller much. Remember if you saw it jets coach saleh hyping chris after chris had a big game for them. then cut.
look at the Brock Purdy example. without TWO injuries, hed be a bench warmer. but shanahan is a genius.
the massive amount of money, pure luck, and general b.s. in and around the NFL might be pretty hard to get around, for a cfl player.
even Flutie couldnt find his way there.
Riders are talking tough because of their 4 game win streak which saw them beat Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, and BC. Their last game is another against Calgary. Pretty nice schedule to end the regular season and get on a roll heading into the playoffs.
Our last 4 games are Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto and Montreal. We're currently 2-1. It'd be nice to go 3-1 and wrap up the West. Losing to the two best Eastern teams won't be a good look and may force us to go to Regina for the WF.
Quote from: markf on October 18, 2024, 03:45:26 PMA friend was wondering if successful CFL players that have then had unsuccessful NFL tryouts experience difficulty after returning to the CFL.
what does an nfl tryout do to a guy.
Should be a new thread: it's a huge topic.
I think that if you fail in the NFL then your dream of $50M super stardom is gone. Some strong players with good work ethic can handle that. Think Bighill. Other people cannot (insert many star-receiver names here).
They come back to the CFL for a paycheck and a chance to play, but the mojo that made them great was left down south. So they wander around moping on the field just mailing it in. And since they are usually overvalued$$, they fail to live up to their salary. Then the downward spiral of lower and lower $$ contracts just to stay employed just makes them perform even worse until they just disappear.
That's why when you are eyeing an NFL reject, you need to make sure they are a Bighill and not a Duke Williams.