My only concern going into this game is Strev. As long as he sticks to what he does well, we should be fine. I like our D, Bridges would be my only? He was out of position and blew coverage a few times last season. OL only lost one player from last season, this group should gel quickly. If, BO20 is 100%, this should be a different start to the season. Zach out, hurts.
Who knows what anything looks like in week 1, but our D should be exceptional this season. All of Younger's abilities combined with a revamped DL should lead to really exciting results.
The Brady/Strev combo should lead to BC really keying on the run, I hope Strev can make them rethink that strategy a little early in the game to give us some space.
we will see how BC looks tonight.
starting the season with the backup QB isn't ideal.
BC on a short week is always a recipe for good fortune in Winnipeg. They've got one day of rest, a day of practice, an install day and a travel day.
Even down Collaros that might be enough.
BC looks as expected. Rourke is very accurate and is elusive. we have had success against him before and the crowd noise of a sell out is going to challenge him as well. if we can hit him and maybe get a pick early we have a shot at getting him out of a rhythm.
with Strev at QB i am obviously more worried than if Zach was playing and the fact we won't have had a game to get into sync and BC has. those early games are key to building the timing and communication.
the schedule makers didn't do us any favors with having BC to start - while early these games will impact the final standings in a big way - maybe even dictate home field advantage.
BC looked good. It's going to be a big test. First game of the season for all our new players, and a backup QB. But, it's only the first game of 18. I expect BC's D will pressure Strev all night. We can't hang back and give Rourke all night to throw he will pick us apart.
No Zach and no Bighill.
Things look different. New leaders need to step up but we have many.
Look forward to seeing some new blood play well - pass rushers, receivers, LB's.
Bomber football, Princess Auto and beer. Can't beat it.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 08, 2025, 03:53:50 PMBC looks as expected. Rourke is very accurate and is elusive. we have had success against him before and the crowd noise of a sell out is going to challenge him as well. if we can hit him and maybe get a pick early we have a shot at getting him out of a rhythm.
with Strev at QB i am obviously more worried than if Zach was playing and the fact we won't have had a game to get into sync and BC has. those early games are key to building the timing and communication.
the schedule makers didn't do us any favors with having BC to start - while early these games will impact the final standings in a big way - maybe even dictate home field advantage.
This may be the only start Strev receives this season, I hope he takes advantage and shows he's a real QB with a passing attack, instead of trying to bulldoze the offence into the endzone every series. Not going to beat the Lions without putting up 3-4 TD's and they can't all come the hard way.
BC celebrating their win over the Elks as if they'd won the Grey Cup complete with the gatorade shower for Buck. A little over the top considering the Elks were awful. Ford is a great runner but a terrible QB.
Quote from: J5V on June 08, 2025, 05:39:51 PMBC celebrating their win over the Elks as if they'd won the Grey Cup complete with the gatorade shower for Buck. A little over the top considering the Elks were awful. Ford is a great runner but a terrible QB.
It's Buck's first career win as a head coach. They can feel happy for him.
Quote from: Jesse on June 08, 2025, 06:01:03 PMIt's Buck's first career win as a head coach. They can feel happy for him.
exactly it wasn't just a regular game for them - rookie head coach comes back to the team he played for and gets a win in his first game - shower away!! it shows the team respects their coach and they played hard for him.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 08, 2025, 06:43:04 PMexactly it wasn't just a regular game for them - rookie head coach comes back to the team he played for and gets a win in his first game - shower away!! it shows the team respects their coach and they played hard for him.
Agree 100%. This was Buck's homecoming and things worked out great for him. Good for him, and the Lions look legit for sure. Gatorade shower all you want!!
Quote from: Jesse on June 08, 2025, 06:01:03 PMIt's Buck's first career win as a head coach. They can feel happy for him.
I liked it. Nice to see Buck get his first win.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 08, 2025, 03:53:50 PMBC looks as expected. Rourke is very accurate and is elusive.
BC's success was due to a few busts where their RECs got behind the DBs. EDM fell for it again and again. I don't think Younger will have that problem, and we'll play a lot more match coverage, whereas EDM was doing zone.
Chalk it up for a win for the Lions. There is no way the BB will win against them with Streveler.
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on June 09, 2025, 04:51:12 AMChalk it up for a win for the Lions. There is no way the BB will win against them with Streveler.
Then you have a sure bet to make with the bookies! Me, I'll be eyeing that spread and jumping on a WPG win when the odds get rich enough.
Never bet against WPG at home. We may actually be a better team this year, Zach or not. We don't know yet. And we've had BC's number for a few seasons now when they had far better RECs.
I still expect a win. I don't think Rourke is going to look as comfortable against our secondary.
Quote from: Jesse on June 09, 2025, 03:38:30 PMI still expect a win. I don't think Rourke is going to look as comfortable against our secondary.
Ditto. I'm really looking forward to the defense this season.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 08, 2025, 03:53:50 PMthe schedule makers didn't do us any favors with having BC to start - while early these games will impact the final standings in a big way - maybe even dictate home field advantage.
Maybe, but probably not. The Bombers went 0-4 in their first four games last year, and still finished first. Obviously winning every game is the preference, but losing the opener is not likely to make much difference come November.
from DT:
Day 2 of Bombers practice for Thursday's season opener. Early notes:
Micah Vanterpool at LG early.
DB Redha Kramdi is back practicing.
And, of course, Chris Streveler at QB1 (Collaros suspended for this game)
Notable that QB Coach Jarious Jackson has arrived and is at practice for the first time this season.
HC Mike O'Shea would only say that Jackson's absence was excused.
Quote from: John T. on June 09, 2025, 04:13:00 PMMaybe, but probably not. The Bombers went 0-4 in their first four games last year, and still finished first. Obviously winning every game is the preference, but losing the opener is not likely to make much difference come November.
i see BC as our biggest competitor in the west this year. losing both games to them whether they are in june or october is huge in the head to head race in the west.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 09, 2025, 04:32:45 PMfrom DT:
Day 2 of Bombers practice for Thursday's season opener. Early notes:
Micah Vanterpool at LG early.
DB Redha Kramdi is back practicing.
And, of course, Chris Streveler at QB1 (Collaros suspended for this game)
Notable that QB Coach Jarious Jackson has arrived and is at practice for the first time this season.
HC Mike O'Shea would only say that Jackson's absence was excused.
They have flip-flopped that LG spot so often I have no idea what to expect.
Last week in practice it was Wallace, not it's Vanterpool. It was Eli in camp. Whoever it's going to be needs reps at this point.
Quote from: Jesse on June 09, 2025, 05:24:42 PMThey have flip-flopped that LG spot so often I have no idea what to expect.
Last week in practice it was Wallace, not it's Vanterpool. It was Eli in camp. Whoever it's going to be needs reps at this point.
I thought they moved Vanterpool to the PR just yesterday!
Jason Hogan June 9
Jarious Jackson June 9
Injuries
Neufeld limped off the field favouring his knee?
Quote from: theaardvark on June 09, 2025, 11:28:29 PMNeufeld limped off the field favouring his knee?
where are you seeing that?
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 09, 2025, 03:58:17 PMDitto. I'm really looking forward to the defense this season.
The defense will not only have to play good, we'll need a TD from either the defense or ST to keep pace with BC's offense as I don't see Strev matching them offensively.
More on Jason Hogan and Jarious Jackson...
Need to Know | Home Opener Week
https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/06/09/need-to-know-home-opener-week/
Quote from: dd on June 10, 2025, 02:23:35 AMThe defense will not only have to play good, we'll need a TD from either the defense or ST to keep pace with BC's offense as I don't see Strev matching them offensively.
Non-offensive TDs would nice but I don't think they're necessary in order to win this game.
The defense just has to get Rourke off his game early on, limiting their ability to score. A sack, INT, or even just a knockdown would help get the crowd into it, too.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 10, 2025, 02:21:01 PMNon-offensive TDs would nice but I don't think they're necessary in order to win this game.
The defense just has to get Rourke off his game early on, limiting their ability to score. A sack, INT, or even just a knockdown would help get the crowd into it, too.
I also think Strev has to be mistake free. Little concerned about our return game. No better then last season at this point.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 10, 2025, 03:14:48 PMI also think Strev has to be mistake free.
The same could be said for Rourke, though. He's struggled at IGF (now PAS).
Quote from: theaardvark on June 10, 2025, 04:44:49 PMHeard it on CJOB
thanks. can't find anything on twitter about it. would be really bad to lose him for any length of time
injury report has lofton as OUT and Neufeld as QUESTIONABLE
Neufeld spent the early part of his career banged up and he might be spending the last couple years that way too.
If he can t go, Gabe Wallace and Vanterpool are both going to start.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 10, 2025, 08:43:16 PMNeufeld spent the early part of his career banged up and he might be spending the last couple years that way too.
If he can t go, Gabe Wallace and Vanterpool are both going to start.
We didn't need another injury to a starting OL. However, If Neufeld can't play then yes Vanterpool will need to start. Somewhat ironic that we wondered whether he'd start at LG and now he might be forced into starting at RG. It is what it is if Neufeld can't play.
It doesn't address whether he starts at LG if Neufeld can play. So questions, questions. Depth chart announcement will be interesting.
At least we know Lofton won't play. That issue is resolved.
Injury report
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 10, 2025, 09:58:18 PMIt doesn't address whether he starts at LG if Neufeld can play. So questions, questions. Depth chart announcement will be interesting.
I'm hopeful that Hogan's Heroes will be better able to resolve such issues than our last OC was.
From Ed Tait's 49 hour primer:
FYI: The Blue Bombers held their final full practice Tuesday behind closed doors before Wednesday's walk-through. Of note, courtesy the daily injury report: right guard Pat Neufeld did not practice today after a collision with Chris Streveler late in Monday's session.
Should he not be able to go, Gabe Wallace or Tui Eli would likely be his replacement.
So if Gabe Wallace is listed as the likely replacement, does that mean it for sure Vanterpool at LG?
Quote from: Jesse on June 11, 2025, 12:14:39 AMFrom Ed Tait's 49 hour primer:
FYI: The Blue Bombers held their final full practice Tuesday behind closed doors before Wednesday's walk-through. Of note, courtesy the daily injury report: right guard Pat Neufeld did not practice today after a collision with Chris Streveler late in Monday's session.
Should he not be able to go, Gabe Wallace or Tui Eli would likely be his replacement.
So if Gabe Wallace is listed as the likely replacement, does that mean it for sure Vanterpool at LG?
That's probably what it will mean, sort of but LG or RG is less certain. I'm not too concerned about that version of the OL. The problem is the domino affect on defence with one less rotational player.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 11, 2025, 12:37:28 AMThat's probably what it will mean, sort of but LG or RG is less certain. I'm not too concerned about that version of the OL. The problem is the domino affect on defence with one less rotational player.
I don't think there's any domino effect here. Before Neufeld got hurt, they will have had a plan for LG, they're not going to move that guy to RG for a game.
And if Vanterpool was that LG, the 3 imp OL was the plan. Wallace or Eli in for Neufeld doesn't further change the ratio.
Quote from: Jesse on June 11, 2025, 01:19:46 AMI don't think there's any domino effect here. Before Neufeld got hurt, they will have had a plan for LG, they're not going to move that guy to RG for a game.
And if Vanterpool was that LG, the 3 imp OL was the plan. Wallace or Eli in for Neufeld doesn't further change the ratio.
Both Wallace and Randolph played entire games at RG last season when Neufeld was out, Wallace and Vanterpool also played LG this pre-season, so no big deal. No reason they can't use their ratio flexibility on a game to game basis, it brings more versatility to the lineup if they can hop from a 3 NI D-line to a 2 NI D-line depending on opponent. Reps enough to keep everyone happy.
Quote from: Jesse on June 11, 2025, 01:19:46 AMI don't think there's any domino effect here. Before Neufeld got hurt, they will have had a plan for LG, they're not going to move that guy to RG for a game.
And if Vanterpool was that LG, the 3 imp OL was the plan. Wallace or Eli in for Neufeld doesn't further change the ratio.
Yep! Makes sense to me.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 11, 2025, 02:49:36 AMit brings more versatility to the lineup if they can hop from a 3 NI D-line to a 2 NI D-line depending on opponent. Reps enough to keep everyone happy.
If these injuries keep up, the real question will be 3 IMP OL or 4 IMP OL!
Quote from: The Zipp on June 09, 2025, 04:32:45 PMNotable that QB Coach Jarious Jackson has arrived and is at practice for the first time this season.
It's a miracle!
So does this mean he had zero input into the play book going into week 1?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 11, 2025, 03:37:34 AMIt's a miracle!
So does this mean he had zero input into the play book going into week 1?
He's apparently been collaborating to some extent in a virtual way all off-season. It's not like it's his first day on the job. He's also been getting and watching film regularly.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 11, 2025, 02:49:36 AMBoth Wallace and Randolph played entire games at RG last season when Neufeld was out, Wallace and Vanterpool also played LG this pre-season, so no big deal. No reason they can't use their ratio flexibility on a game to game basis, it brings more versatility to the lineup if they can hop from a 3 NI D-line to a 2 NI D-line depending on opponent. Reps enough to keep everyone happy.
I can't fathom them not having a starting 5 on their OL. It's not a place they are going to willingly move guys in and out to play with the ratio unless absolutely needed.
Quote from: Jesse on June 11, 2025, 10:28:24 AMI can't fathom them not having a starting 5 on their OL. It's not a place they are going to willingly move guys in and out to play with the ratio unless absolutely needed.
Of course no rotation during the game, but game to game creative use of the IR is not the worst idea to keep them all engaged. There are currently 8 O-lineman in the mix, Vibert is the only one that would likely accept a PR spot, so keeping 4 Imports on the roster is going to be a trick. I predict year long misuse of the 1 game IR becomes the norm this season.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 11, 2025, 04:01:06 PMOf course no rotation during the game, but game to game creative use of the IR is not the worst idea to keep them all engaged. There are currently 8 O-lineman in the mix, Vibert is the only one that would likely accept a PR spot, so keeping 4 Imports on the roster is going to be a trick.
I actively think it might be the worst idea.
OL needs to play together as a single unit unless injury dictates otherwise.