I expected Harris to play a little more in this game. He had a brutal outing for the Riders. Strev. is going to need a little more work if he's going to be our starter in game one. 6/10, 49 yards, 4.9 avg. and 1 yard rushing.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 26, 2025, 05:58:19 PMI expected Harris to play a little more in this game. He had a brutal outing for the Riders. Strev. is going to need a little more work if he's going to be our starter in game one. 6/10, 49 yards, 4.9 avg. and 1 yard rushing.
Strev didn't give me a lot of confidence but neither did our play calling. Neither team tried to go deep much. The run game was non existent until near the end of the game. Musical chairs at the receiver position made play calling cautious of course.
Fingers are crossed the offence lights it up a bit more this week.
I would like Wilson to get more reps. Agree Strev needs more as well but Chase does too!
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2025, 07:37:33 PMStrev didn't give me a lot of confidence but neither did our play calling. Neither team tried to go deep much. The run game was non existent until near the end of the game. Musical chairs at the receiver position made play calling cautious of course.
We did try to go deep at least twice with Wilson, but each time he got whacked before he could release. I think the DLs will dominate the OLs still, until we find our week 2 starting group and they have a chance to gel.
OL was mediocre at best in PS1.
I fully expect SSK to win PS2. They won't want to go 2 down to their hated rivals, even if it's PS. They'll put a big effort into winning at home, even if it means putting Trevor in for a full half, or bringing him back in the 4th.
Zach will either not go, not play, or get 1-2 series. And that's fine. All we need to do is figure out if Chase or Wilson is QB3 and get Strev reps to get ready for game 1.
How many players can be taken on the road for pre-season games? It's very likely we leave a bunch of players at home. Either those that are guaranteed roster spots and / or are nicked.
It's always been my view that teams should trim a few players between the 1st and 2nd pre season games. Hardly seems any point of using practice time on some that will be the easiest cuts.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 27, 2025, 09:11:50 PMHow many players can be taken on the road for pre-season games? It's very likely we leave a bunch of players at home. Either those that are guaranteed roster spots and / or are nicked.
I don't think there's a limit: how could the league say "home: you can dress 100, visitor: only 60"?
I think the cost of hotel rooms, and even limits on the size of the hotel(!), per diems, food, travel, etc, would be the limiting factor.
Usually a lot of the O superstars will stay home, as they'd only get 0-2 series anyhow.
What SSK did bringing most of their star O was a bit unusual. I don't think we return the favor.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 28, 2025, 07:10:32 AMI don't think there's a limit: how could the league say "home: you can dress 100, visitor: only 60"?
I think the cost of hotel rooms, and even limits on the size of the hotel(!), per diems, food, travel, etc, would be the limiting factor.
Usually a lot of the O superstars will stay home, as they'd only get 0-2 series anyhow.
What SSK did bringing most of their star O was a bit unusual. I don't think we return the favor.
It was mentioned during the game that the home team can dress everybody. It was also mentioned that the road team cannot although a specific number wasn't mentioned.
Yes the cost of bringing 81 players versus 60 or so would be expensive. So I'm thinking perhaps this may not be written in stone but suggested.
When is this game?
Friday. Looks like all 4 games are on Friday.
I listened to the audio of the first game. First pass play Eli got beaten by a bull rush, and Zach sacked.
Next play another sack around the right (I think) end.
We'll we take and play some of the starters early in the game. Or do we leave many starters at home to avoid injuries and give opportunity for others trying to make the AR.
There is an extended period between this game and our 1st regular season game. To that end, I think many vets don't play as there will be time to get game ready once the roster is reduced.
A few vets are nicked so best to no force the issue.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 28, 2025, 03:01:22 PMFriday. Looks like all 4 games are on Friday.
We'll see if the CFL+ server can handle it, they know what's coming.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 28, 2025, 12:37:54 PMIt was mentioned during the game that the home team can dress everybody. It was also mentioned that the road team cannot although a specific number wasn't mentioned.
I would take everything DT/DB say in-game regarding obscure rules with a grain of salt. Again, I'm not sure how the rulebook would word such a thing and make it sound "fair". There may be some unspoken agreement at play here instead.
... unless someone finds this in the CBA or rulebook of course!
Quote from: markf on May 28, 2025, 03:20:00 PMI listened to the audio of the first game. First pass play Eli got beaten by a bull rush, and Zach sacked.
Next play another sack around the right (I think) end.
Check out the OL Whispers thread, I added more details there last night. I think it was 3 plays in a row Zach got hit (no sacks though).
That's why Zach's post-game/next-day was funny, the guys said "I think you were clean the whole game", and he said "maybe, we'll see".
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 28, 2025, 04:24:14 PMWe'll see if the CFL+ server can handle it, they know what's coming.
I guess it costs nothing to stream on YouTube, must be why that worked the other day.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 28, 2025, 06:19:05 PMCheck out the OL Whispers thread, I added more details there last night. I think it was 3 plays in a row Zach got hit (no sacks though).
That's why Zach's post-game/next-day was funny, the guys said "I think you were clean the whole game", and he said "maybe, we'll see".
I know it's Sacrilege to say, but I thought Stan looked beatable to the outside last season. There are guys not much under half his age playing against him.Smaller quicker guys, and they just run around him. I have no stats, but you see some things watching the games.
Quote from: markf on May 28, 2025, 08:24:20 PMI know it's Sacrilege to say, but I thought Stan looked beatable to the outside last season. There are guys not much under half his age playing against him.Smaller quicker guys, and they just run around him. I have no stats, but you see some things watching the games.
No, I noticed him getting beat last year too. Used to be nobody ever got by him, Father time is catching up to him, he's alot slower now and speed beats him
I believe while older and past his prime he is still a top OL. Last season and now again some are overstating the negative on him imo. Yes he will get beat but he will mostly dominate. CFL site article has him at #2 best.
Quote from: Blueforlife on May 29, 2025, 03:46:03 AMI believe while older and past his prime he is still a top OL. Last season and now again some are overstating the negative on him imo. Yes he will get beat but he will mostly dominate. CFL site article has him at #2 best.
I'm confident in the Bombers assessment (and his assessment of himself). Think he'll have a good year.
I do kind of want to see it though. 39-year-old starting tackles are incredibly rare in either league. Trent Williams was the oldest tackle in the NFL last year at 36. Most of the really old lineman play inside or centre so just as an overall point Bryant lacing them up playing left tackle at 39 is pretty wild. Very, very, few players have been able to have success at that position at that age. You're talking all-time greats only: Whitworth, Peters, maybe a couple of others. The list is short.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2025, 01:50:59 PMI'm confident in the Bombers assessment (and his assessment of himself). Think he'll have a good year.
I do kind of want to see it though. 39-year-old starting tackles are incredibly rare in either league. Trent Williams was the oldest tackle in the NFL last year at 36. Most of the really old lineman play inside or centre so just as an overall point Bryant lacing them up playing left tackle at 39 is pretty wild. Very, very, few players have been able to have success at that position at that age. You're talking all-time greats only: Whitworth, Peters, maybe a couple of others. The list is short.
Agree all, let's enjoy watching one of the best CFL players ever to play. A special moment to see him cap off a special career here.
Like fine wine he has aged well. Take a look at Perry's numbers for the Oil. At 40 he is killing it! Remarkable what some elite athletes can do. Longevity it's the ultimate success in sports imo.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2025, 01:50:59 PMI'm confident in the Bombers assessment (and his assessment of himself). Think he'll have a good year.
I do kind of want to see it though. 39-year-old starting tackles are incredibly rare in either league. Trent Williams was the oldest tackle in the NFL last year at 36. Most of the really old lineman play inside or centre so just as an overall point Bryant lacing them up playing left tackle at 39 is pretty wild. Very, very, few players have been able to have success at that position at that age. You're talking all-time greats only: Whitworth, Peters, maybe a couple of others. The list is short.
Two things, Stanley is still earning near top dollar at his position and he's blocking the career paths of younger, cheaper up and coming players. Can't afford to have both Randolph and Vanterpool lose interest in waiting for their opportunity because Stan wants to play another 2-3 years. For the betterment of the club this should be his last season.
I'm a little concerned about Stanley this season, but we have bigger holes on our O-line. Looking down the list, he might still be our best OL.
Paddy is playing like he's older than Stanley. He's a very good run blocker but struggles in the pass block. To me, he was our weakest link last season.
Hoping that Eli takes a step up. I really wanted him to start over Dobson last season, but this looks like it might be his year.
Randolph is my favorite on our OL. He has been so versatile for us last season and even in his college days (think he played some TE for Bama)! He is the ultimate 6th OL. He can play any OL spot outside of center for us, and that's HUGE.
Vanterpool and Wallace have great futures in this league too!
I think it's good that we aren't rushing these guys into starting roles. Instead they can learn from some of the best until they are ready to play!
Other than OL...
Cooley is getting the start so he will be a ton of fun to watch, although they may load the box a little more with Strev at QB.
We could see a lineup with all 3 LB we drafted playing at the same time.
Jones getting the start at MLB. Keep an eye out for him flying around!
No Willy tomorrow, so look out for the DE rotation and hope someone stands out.
How good was #70 Evans the punter last game! I could hear an audible gasp from people around us last game when he SKYED a punt in the second half! I know we don't like change but if he can hold for FG's, he should make the roster!
I wonder. Is this version of an oline done. They have to be nuts to play Zac. Strev sucked. So they have to play him. The first league game will be a disaster. Good luck. Go defence
Quote from: LXTSN on May 29, 2025, 05:00:20 PMOther than OL...
Cooley is getting the start so he will be a ton of fun to watch, although they may load the box a little more with Strev at QB.
We could see a lineup with all 3 LB we drafted playing at the same time.
Jones getting the start at MLB. Keep an eye out for him flying around!
No Willy tomorrow, so look out for the DE rotation and hope someone stands out.
How good was #70 Evans the punter last game! I could hear an audible gasp from people around us last game when he SKYED a punt in the second half! I know we don't like change but if he can hold for FG's, he should make the roster!
Pretty sure he held for at least one of the FG's last game...
Quote from: theaardvark on May 29, 2025, 05:17:06 PMPretty sure he held for at least one of the FG's last game...
Interesting that Novak has some skill as a LS. that gives him some additional versatility which could be useful in the long run.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 29, 2025, 04:38:53 PMTwo things, Stanley is still earning near top dollar at his position and he's blocking the career paths of younger, cheaper up and coming players. Can't afford to have both Randolph and Vanterpool lose interest in waiting for their opportunity because Stan wants to play another 2-3 years. For the betterment of the club this should be his last season.
This sounds familiar for another player at another position. I do agree though.
Quote from: LXTSN on May 29, 2025, 05:00:20 PMOther than OL...
Cooley is getting the start so he will be a ton of fun to watch, although they may load the box a little more with Strev at QB.
We could see a lineup with all 3 LB we drafted playing at the same time.
Jones getting the start at MLB. Keep an eye out for him flying around!
No Willy tomorrow, so look out for the DE rotation and hope someone stands out.
How good was #70 Evans the punter last game! I could hear an audible gasp from people around us last game when he SKYED a punt in the second half! I know we don't like change but if he can hold for FG's, he should make the roster!
I'd rather have Evans in there the short kick Sheehan. Will it happen? Probably not. We really need a boomer not a farter punting.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 29, 2025, 10:07:48 PMI'd rather have Evans in there the short kick Sheehan. Will it happen? Probably not. We really need a boomer not a farter punting.
Haha I like Evans too.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2025, 01:50:59 PMI'm confident in the Bombers assessment (and his assessment of himself). Think he'll have a good year.
I do kind of want to see it though. 39-year-old starting tackles are incredibly rare in either league. Trent Williams was the oldest tackle in the NFL last year at 36. Most of the really old lineman play inside or centre so just as an overall point Bryant lacing them up playing left tackle at 39 is pretty wild. Very, very, few players have been able to have success at that position at that age. You're talking all-time greats only: Whitworth, Peters, maybe a couple of others. The list is short.
If any olineman can play at 39 its Stanley, a case can be made that he's the best tackle that's ever played in the cfl.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 29, 2025, 10:07:48 PMI'd rather have Evans in there the short kick Sheehan. Will it happen? Probably not. We really need a boomer not a farter punting.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2025, 11:05:07 PMHaha I like Evans too.
The criticism on Sheehan is overstated imo. Yes not a big leg but consistent and his directional punting is very good. Will be interesting to see how the battle turns out.
Quote from: DM83 on May 29, 2025, 05:07:50 PMI wonder. Is this version of an oline done. They have to be nuts to play Zac. Strev sucked. So they have to play him. The first league game will be a disaster. Good luck. Go defence
Mid season form I see.
Oline look to be good and likely great by year end if we stay healthy and gel.
Strev did ok. He is what he is.
I see no disaster coming unless we lose half our starters.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 29, 2025, 04:38:53 PMTwo things, Stanley is still earning near top dollar at his position and he's blocking the career paths of younger, cheaper up and coming players. Can't afford to have both Randolph and Vanterpool lose interest in waiting for their opportunity because Stan wants to play another 2-3 years. For the betterment of the club this should be his last season.
He has helped develop the next gen and the only thing he is blocking is top DL. OL players wait their turn and take time to develop. Stan can stay as long as he wants, if healthy.
Sheahan punts an ugly ball. He's great when you're punting from about our 40 and further but he struggles when we're pinned deep. To some degree it's preference but punters do exist who are both accurate and have a big leg. You don't just have to settle of accurate.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 30, 2025, 02:59:24 AMSheahan punts an ugly ball. He's great when you're punting from about our 40 and further but he struggles when we're pinned deep. To some degree it's preference but punters do exist who are both accurate and have a big leg. You don't just have to settle of accurate.
He has has some great games, some average and some poor. To say he punts an ugly ball is over generalizing. Yes top tier punters that can hammer it and directional punt exist but don't grow on trees and are expensive. Agree regarding preference. Consistency is important and he is steady as a rock.
To say people who don't always agree with you that they are "overstating", "overgeneralizing", telling people to "move on", etc. etc., are not conducive to good discussion. People have opinions and should be allowed to express them without condescending comments. You, and everyone here, can disagree with opinions expressed but please avoid dismissive comments like the above.
For the most part, discussions here are constructive, helpful, honest while still being debatable and not dismissive of others' opinions.
Thanks to all for your cooperation.
Rookies galore on the defence. Some really promising young DB's fighting for 1 possible spot on the AR. Several will probably land on the PR. Vaval makes the AR as a returner until Logan returns but safety is kind of up in the air.
I will watch to see who gets the most reps at safety and whether Parker gets any reps at CB. He can play both very well but where he ends up may fall on the performance of Allen.
Who wins the spots on defence as DI's? Do we retain 2 DT's, 2 DE's or 3 LB's on the AR? Because we drafted 3 LB's, that may decide on the direction of not having a LB as a DI.
That's a problem because of the talent we have with Wilson, Jones, Jones and Ayers.
Adams and Woods are very good DT's and Person has been getting good PR since last fall.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 30, 2025, 02:59:24 AMSheahan punts an ugly ball. He's great when you're punting from about our 40 and further but he struggles when we're pinned deep. To some degree it's preference but punters do exist who are both accurate and have a big leg. You don't just have to settle of accurate.
I think the appeal of Sheehan is not the strength of his leg or even the directional accuracy. Its the fact that he has so many different kicks that can confuse a return team. If our team knows where the ball is going and how it is set to bounce, we should have an advantage, and that should translate into shorter returns and better net averages.
I'm not sure how the stats look on that, and unless you have a very fast set of gunners, you can "outkick the coverage" with a big leg, so getting it waaaay down field is not always the best for net average.
ards your comment is kind of wishy washy? Sorry, I didn't get your point.
The "new" punter doesn't impress me, and seems to get less from his kicks than traditionally expected. If I want a good net, then the cover team better get off their *****, and get down field.
That would tell me we are on the right track. Building in excuses for some "experiment" who isn't cutting it for the team is like listening to a discussion about the Toronto Maple Leafs. If one of our boys can't get it done, get a real job. No harm! We need yardage in punts and kick offs if we want to win, not imaginary style points. He does have a nice accent.
I don't know that O'Shea doesn't stick with the veteran in Sheehan. Whether that's the right decision IDK. OTOH one could ask why we bothered to draft a punter if we didn't expect a real competition.
My position has been that we only roster 1 global on the AR ( our punter ) but Munier-Bailey had some high praise with upside expectations. We might need that global as the rotation guy at DE depending on what we decide for our DI's.
Just another TBD.
I don't think that $SMS comes into it, Sheehan is not likely getting more than the GLB min. He has done well with holding as well, he held both the 60+ yarders that set the CFL record...
Does he or Castillo do the on side kicks? You'd wonder with Sheehan's repertoire of devious deliveries... also, can Sheehan throw? I'm guessing with a K that can nail it from 60, we wouldn't consider a drop kick ever...
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2025, 06:11:22 PMI don't know that O'Shea doesn't stick with the veteran in Sheehan. Whether that's the right decision IDK. OTOH one could ask why we bothered to draft a punter if we didn't expect a real competition.
My position has been that we only roster 1 global on the AR ( our punter ) but Munier-Bailey had some high praise with upside expectations. We might need that global as the rotation guy at DE depending on what we decide for our DI's.
Just another TBD.
Unless things have changed (and I don't believe so) teams dress a minimum of 44 and a max of 45 players (44 being 21 nationals, 1 global, 19 Americans and 3 QBs). The last spot - roster number 45 can be either a Canadian or a Global (or an SMS savings). So in theory, your second global just has to be better than your 22nd best Canadian which makes rostering Munier-Bailey and Global punter relatively easy if we decide it's the best option.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 30, 2025, 06:40:31 PMUnless things have changed (and I don't believe so) teams dress a minimum of 44 and a max of 45 players (44 being 21 nationals, 1 global, 19 Americans and 3 QBs). The last spot - roster number 45 can be either a Canadian or a Global (or an SMS savings). So in theory, your second global just has to be better than your 22nd best Canadian which makes rostering Munier-Bailey and Global punter relatively easy if we decide it's the best option.
I'm not a fan of the global program. We draft 2 global players and everybody sticks on either the AR or PR. OTOH, we draft 6 Canadian players and it is the Canadian football league.
Things changed a bit with the number of Canadians injured that might be headed to IR. However, even as a non ratio supporter, I'm picking a Canadian choice.
Game could be cancelled tonight due to air quality.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 30, 2025, 07:44:15 PMGame could be cancelled tonight due to air quality.
Better safe than sorry but if that happens do we know when it would be rescheduled? Noting that tomorrow is officially cut down date which would also have to slide accordingly.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2025, 07:46:58 PMBetter safe than sorry but if that happens do we know when it would be rescheduled? Noting that tomorrow is officially cut down date which would also have to slide accordingly.
Can't imagine it would be rescheduled if it's cancelled. Timelines are too tight.
That would super suck.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 30, 2025, 07:44:15 PMGame could be cancelled tonight due to air quality.
It's still May, looks like it's going to be another long summer of sucking smoke
It's really smokey here in Regina, wind is blowing into town.
Currently a 6 on the scale and getting worse.
I'm sure they will start the game, maybe just shorten it if things get uglier.
Quote from: Jesse on May 30, 2025, 07:59:57 PMCan't imagine it would be rescheduled if it's cancelled. Timelines are too tight.
Not looking too promising: https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/skaq-001_e.html
Quote from: theaardvark on May 30, 2025, 04:00:28 PMI think the appeal of Sheehan is not the strength of his leg or even the directional accuracy. Its the fact that he has so many different kicks that can confuse a return team.
Did you guys notice that new SSK P in PS1? We all thought they were shanked @PAS, and the Riderforum certainly thought so, but they all had amazing bounces and ended up with huge net, and some with zero return.
If I didn't know better, I would have thought SSK acquired Sheahan!
Goes to show, you don't need to boom high-arcers to be an effective CFL P.
Quote from: DM83 on May 30, 2025, 04:13:07 PMIf I want a good net, then the cover team better get off their, and get down field.
Our cover teams were horrible in PS1. Like really awful. I thought we were making steps forward here since '23...
Ya, it's just the PS, but the fact SSK got many huge returns means that they were capable of getting their TC guys to work well to a scheme. If they can do it in PS, why can't we?
Quote from: theaardvark on May 30, 2025, 06:27:48 PMDoes he or Castillo do the on side kicks?
Castillo always does the OSK, has for a long while. Strangely enough, we didn't need OSK much in '24.
Quote from: Jesse on May 30, 2025, 07:59:57 PMCan't imagine it would be rescheduled if it's cancelled. Timelines are too tight.
Riders play their 1st regular season game on Thursday so good point. There is no room to re-schedule.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 30, 2025, 04:00:28 PMI think the appeal of Sheehan is not the strength of his leg or even the directional accuracy. Its the fact that he has so many different kicks that can confuse a return team. If our team knows where the ball is going and how it is set to bounce, we should have an advantage, and that should translate into shorter returns and better net averages.
I'm not sure how the stats look on that, and unless you have a very fast set of gunners, you can "outkick the coverage" with a big leg, so getting it waaaay down field is not always the best for net average.
This is the theory but I can't ever remember a time it happened. I think returners are adjusting to the Aussie kickers. Maybe I am just old school but I like a high and deep kick. Evans can do that but I don't know about his placement inside the ten yet. He's young, I need to see more.
Quote from: Waffler on May 30, 2025, 09:31:05 PMThis is the theory but I can't ever remember a time it happened. I think returners are adjusting to the Aussie kickers.
If you have 2 returners back then you can deal with hinky punts, but you can often ruin the day of a single returner.
It may aid the cover team if you force the 2 returner scheme because then there's one less in-an-effective-place blocker.
Wheatfall is making a statement. I think I'm into the streaming now. Collaros looked good on those two passes. Admittedly not great defence but those were perfect passes.