So we had our first look at the "Cooley Experiment". Peterson was starting to get bogged down, getting stuffed a few times after getting some decent runs earlier on.
So they put Cooley in to see what he could do (yay!), and appeared to plow through holes that looked closed, something Peterson wasn't doing much of. I think Cooley gets more momentum, and faster. Maybe less top speed(?) but we don't really need that most of the time.
Cooley might also have the same "problem" as Peterson now that teams will have film on him. So you can't really draw definitive conclusions yet.
Still, we saw enough runs to get early impressions. Thoughts?
Watching the game again, I think Strev being out really hurt Peterson's run game. Absolutely no one respected Zach rolling out after the hand-off. This allowed the MLB to crash down into the gap quickly and stuff Peterson.
And you can tell BC really worked hard this week on planning to stop the run.
But... part of the WPG game is being able to get mid-range runs even when the D is focusing on it. I guess that's why Brady makes the big bucks.
My whole point being: can't judge Peterson too harshly just based on this game.
It's pretty rare we can do a direct comparison of two starters in back to back weeks against the same defense.
Here's another one, juuuust for fun:
Chris Streveler 15/24, 246 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int
Zach Collaros 18/25, 179 yards, 2 TDs, 2 Int
We saw this last year when our first win came in with Strev at the helm. Brady found holes that he hadn't seen that year because teams had to account for Streveler in the run game. Peterson saw a similar effect last week.
But I think we know that Strev over multiple starts, especially now that the running aspect of his game is probably severely depleted, isn't going to continue to see the same results.
If Brady's out, I want to see both. Both are young exciting players. Peterson offers some speed that we've not had in the back field since Fred Reid. Cooley is a violent runner that is going to punish the defence and make something from nothing.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 22, 2025, 07:29:20 AMSo they put Cooley in to see what he could do (yay!), and appeared to plow through holes that looked closed, something Peterson wasn't doing much of. I think Cooley gets more momentum, and faster. Maybe less top speed(?) but we don't really need that most of the time.
You hit the nail on the head. Cooley is more the Harris/Oliveira style but both are very good. With the oline we have I think our over all running game is even more scary than it was before. Not sure if there is even anything other teams can do about it.
Quote from: Waffler on June 22, 2025, 01:58:05 PMYou hit the nail on the head. Cooley is more the Harris/Oliveira style but both are very good. With the oline we have I think our over all running game is even more scary than it was before. Not sure if there is even anything other teams can do about it.
We need to lean on it because that's what's going to enable Collaros. He wasn't particularly great from the pocket again which is kind of concerning. Against good fronts, if he can't extend plays (which he finds harder to do as he's gotten older anyway) the results can be pretty middling. A few of those throws I'd expect from Wilson, not Zach.
I was hoping he could age into that short passing quick throw guy but if it hasn't happened now it's not going to happen probably.
It's going to be a very interesting year. The arm is obviously not as good as it was. We can still win with an average Zach Collaros but that's what he was last night and what he was for much of last season.
I think we need to be honest with that we've got.
Cooley has some talent that's certain. He has 2 or 3 problems. He's not Canadian. When Oliveria is back I don't know he'll be kept on the roster because of ratio. He still has to learn more about the CFL game, game speed and motion. Some of that will come in film work, coaching and practice sessions.
It's unfortunate for him that we're a team that starts a Canadian RB that is the best RB in the league. He may still be on the AR until Brady is back. We posters just don't know exactly when that will be although I've suggested it won't be this week.
Cooley will be kept around.
I would like Peterson to get most the reps, Cooley run em over late. It's all about developing our Canadian depth at RB which will continue to be our receipt and pillar of strength on O.
I love both these players. Really liked how they were used last game.
Amazing that we have this depth. Really exciting to watch and how it plays out.
What a blessing it is to see our early success in general, especially on OL and RB.
I was worried about the OL and thought we would have growing pains. Smooth sailing thus far. We live and die by the success of them.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 22, 2025, 03:31:18 PMCooley has some talent that's certain. He has 2 or 3 problems. He's not Canadian. When Oliveria is back I don't know he'll be kept on the roster because of ratio. He still has to learn more about the CFL game, game speed and motion. Some of that will come in film work, coaching and practice sessions.
It's unfortunate for him that we're a team that starts a Canadian RB that is the best RB in the league. He may still be on the AR until Brady is back. We posters just don't know exactly when that will be although I've suggested it won't be this week.
Cooley will be kept around.
I think the most we can hope for is Cooley gets 3 or 4 chances to perform this season, if he's backing up both Brady and Peterson injuries to either would increase his opportunities, but that depends somewhat on how they use Logan. Here's hoping Hogan continues to use Peterson once Brady returns and doesn't relegate him to the sidelines for entire games as we've seen them do with backups in the past .
Delete
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 22, 2025, 05:03:22 PMI think the most we can hope for is Cooley gets 3 or 4 chances to perform this season, if he's backing up both Brady and Peterson injuries to either would increase his opportunities, but that depends somewhat on how they use Logan. Here's hoping Hogan continues to use Peterson once Brady returns and doesn't relegate him to the sidelines for entire games as we've seen them do with backups in the past .
If Brady is healthy I see him getting 90% of reps at RB. He is good enough to ensure that. I don't mind having Peterson on the bench. He waits his turn, just like Brady did.
Seems pretty straight forward to me. Understanding you need more a "rhythm" for a starter to get going; having said simply use them as you need them in a situational basis. This will give them both plenty of work.
Not to be reductive of an opponent, but it is Edmonton we are playing here. We can afford some slight experimentation, one should think.
So we all have seen and understand the affect strevy has our run game so when Zack is in and our offense is struggling like it did second half, why not put Strev in for a change of pace and get some momentum going and run the ball and strev can use his game plan from game 1 and inject some life into our struggling offense??
I know it was Collaros's first game of the season, and he was shaking off some rust, but we have to use the tools we have to get the most out of our offense.
Quote from: dd on June 23, 2025, 02:40:56 AMSo we all have seen and understand the affect strevy has our run game so when Zack is in and our offense is struggling like it did second half, why not put Strev in for a change of pace and get some momentum going and run the ball and strev can use his game plan from game 1 and inject some life into our struggling offense??
I know it was Collaros's first game of the season, and he was shaking off some rust, but we have to use the tools we have to get the most out of our offense.
I don't like that idea. Strev will get reps at specific times sure. Pulling Zach for Strev is a hard no for me unless he really struggles, 3 bad ducks would be my limit.
Quote from: dd on June 23, 2025, 02:40:56 AMSo we all have seen and understand the affect strevy has our run game so when Zack is in and our offense is struggling like it did second half, why not put Strev in for a change of pace and get some momentum going and run the ball and strev can use his game plan from game 1 and inject some life into our struggling offense??
I would be perfectly fine with using Strev like we did before he went to the NFL. He'd stay in after most SY conversions, often for several plays. And he'd even come in for a series here and there for no apparent reason.
But I would never yank Zach for multiple consecutive series, unless he's injured (like the GC).
But we do have to understand that it's clear Strev is a handoff/pass-mostly guy now with his brace and not-100% knee. His runs haven't looked great -- a bit plodding. When teams figure this out they will respect his run threat a lot less.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 22, 2025, 03:31:18 PMCooley will be kept around.
I'm pretty sure in Mafia's mind Cooley is this year's McCrae. He's McCrae but more runner and less receiver. And more power. But he'll still be handled/rostered just like McCrae was. That means: a lot of PR, some AR, but mostly when there's an injury somewhere.
Ironically, the most critical determining factor for Cooley on AR may be 2 vs 3 IMP OL. Still need to see what the true "desired" lineup is!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 22, 2025, 12:11:23 PMIt's pretty rare we can do a direct comparison of two starters in back to back weeks against the same defense.
Chris Streveler 15/24, 246 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int
Zach Collaros 18/25, 179 yards, 2 TDs, 2 Int
Not 100% same. 2 critical differences:
Teuhema in, and he's a top tier DL, and caused the sack on Zach. Zach was winding up for a deep bomb to the strong side -- that could be 40Y added in right there.
Vanterpool out: hard to tell what this changed, maybe nothing with Wallace doing well, but hard to be sure.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 23, 2025, 07:25:40 AMNot 100% same. 2 critical differences:
Teuhema in, and he's a top tier DL, and caused the sack on Zach. Zach was winding up for a deep bomb to the strong side -- that could be 40Y added in right there.
Vanterpool out: hard to tell what this changed, maybe nothing with Wallace doing well, but hard to be sure.
Also BC was better prepared and made fewer gap mistakes on defence.
Disappointed Wilson has been relegated to clipboard holder, if Zach doesn't miss games he's unlikely to see any action, which will stall his development. By next season Artopeus or Elgersma might make him expendable as quickly as TC.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 23, 2025, 07:22:51 AMI'm pretty sure in Mafia's mind Cooley is this year's McCrae. He's McCrae but more runner and less receiver. And more power. But he'll still be handled/rostered just like McCrae was. That means: a lot of PR, some AR, but mostly when there's an injury somewhere.
Ironically, the most critical determining factor for Cooley on AR may be 2 vs 3 IMP OL. Still need to see what the true "desired" lineup is!
McCrae also was returning and he was on the roster when we had more than 7 Canadians starting. That's a significant difference. He had more versatility than Cooley at the moment.
I don't know if they will see if Cooley can add some versatility but it's a different situation on multiple levels.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 23, 2025, 05:59:17 PMMcCrae also was returning and he was on the roster when we had more than 7 Canadians starting. That's a significant difference. He had more versatility than Cooley at the moment.
I don't know if they will see if Cooley can add some versatility but it's a different situation on multiple levels.
The ratio flexibility lies with Hagerty, Kelly and Makonzo all on Defence, once they get a few of them back they'll have more roster versatility. Can't see O'Shea being happy with the minimum ratio available, it restricts the roster in too many ways when injuries strike.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 23, 2025, 06:52:24 PMThe ratio flexibility lies with Hagerty, Kelly and Makonzo all on Defence, once they get a few of them back they'll have more roster versatility. Can't see O'Shea being happy with the minimum ratio available, it restricts the roster in too many ways when injuries strike.
Hagerty was just moved to PR but the updated rosters and IR info still not accurate. Cooley still shows on PR for example. Woods moved to 6 game IR as well.
Either Kelly or Makonzo would help with the ratio flexibility but both are on 6 game IR. I have no idea whether either will be healthy in 2025.
I dislike the title of this thread.
Both are quality back ups as of now.
Any updates on Brady?
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 23, 2025, 09:26:02 PMI dislike the title of this thread.
Both are quality back ups as of now.
Any updates on Brady?
Nothing wrong with the title. We don't have enough info on either to pick a winner. It's about the pro's and cons of how it applies to the ratio and how it differs from McCrae as an example.
As mentioned we needed depth at RB but gave up depth on the OL. Whether we downgraded the OL or not comes into question.
Taking Vanterpool off made sense to allow Cooley the ability to come into the game at any time. OTOH, Vanterpool would have played every offensive snap. Cooley only touched the ball 7 times but he might have been on the field more than that.
We escaped without an injury to Peterson or on the OL, so no harm no foul per se.
No word on Oliveria and I doubt he even practices this week. Precaution IMO but the vagueness of daily IR reports doesn't help.
If he doesn't play next week, I'll be more concerned. That will be true even if our running game is successful. Oliveria is more than just yardage. He's the spark to our offence. I don't expect that from 2 rookies even having success running.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 23, 2025, 11:25:57 PMNothing wrong with the title. We don't have enough info on either to pick a winner. It's about the pro's and cons of how it applies to the ratio and how it differs from McCrae as an example.
As mentioned we needed depth at RB but gave up depth on the OL. Whether we downgraded the OL or not comes into question.
Taking Vanterpool off made sense to allow Cooley the ability to come into the game at any time. OTOH, Vanterpool would have played every offensive snap. Cooley only touched the ball 7 times but he might have been on the field more than that.
We escaped without an injury to Peterson or on the OL, so no harm no foul per se.
No word on Oliveria and I doubt he even practices this week. Precaution IMO but the vagueness of daily IR reports doesn't help.
If he doesn't play next week, I'll be more concerned. That will be true even if our running game is successful. Oliveria is more than just yardage. He's the spark to our offence. I don't expect that from 2 rookies even having success running.
ok, well you find it far more interesting than I do. :D
I like them both but agree that it is too early to make any real decisions on how good they are or could be. Just my opinion
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on June 23, 2025, 09:26:02 PMI dislike the title of this thread.
Both are quality back ups as of now.
Any updates on Brady?
It's a fair title because game 2 gave us pretty much a head 2 head match-up, with both getting a somewhat similar number of touches. It's as close as we'll probably get to doing an "all else being equal" comparison.
Also, it is "vs" because we need to decide on a "starting" order while Brady is still out (and if he goes out again later in the season).
And, even though it's highly unlikely to happen, there is, if Cooley is da bomb, a (tiny eenie weenie) slim chance that he wins the AR backup RB spot when Brady is back.
I recommend everyone watch again 4Q0:56 when Cooley is clearly stuffed by LBers and DL with a 2Y gain, but keeps churning and plowing and gets near 8Y with DTs draped on his legs, and even manages to squirt out and get free when he falls forward. That's a rare thing right there, even for Brady. Oh ya, and he did that when everyone knew we were going to run it.
I get what goldie is saying. There isn't a winner.
They'll both get reps until Brady is back.
Quote from: Jesse on June 24, 2025, 11:14:46 AMI get what goldie is saying. There isn't a winner.
They'll both get reps until Brady is back.
I think that's true for at least this week. IMO the Elks have a better DL than the Lions so that's a concern. Whichever choice we make regarding keeping Cooley or going back to Vanterpool could be a problem.
We have to keep the current roster as it is until BO is back.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 24, 2025, 06:33:17 AMIt's a fair title because game 2 gave us pretty much a head 2 head match-up, with both getting a somewhat similar number of touches. It's as close as we'll probably get to doing an "all else being equal" comparison.
Also, it is "vs" because we need to decide on a "starting" order while Brady is still out (and if he goes out again later in the season).
And, even though it's highly unlikely to happen, there is, if Cooley is da bomb, a (tiny eenie weenie) slim chance that he wins the AR backup RB spot when Brady is back.
I recommend everyone watch again 4Q0:56 when Cooley is clearly stuffed by LBers and DL with a 2Y gain, but keeps churning and plowing and gets near 8Y with DTs draped on his legs, and even manages to squirt out and get free when he falls forward. That's a rare thing right there, even for Brady. Oh ya, and he did that when everyone knew we were going to run it.
I don't think it will make any difference no matter how well he does, even if Augustine was the backup here, once Brady returns Cooley gets shifted back to the PR. He has no real chance of remaining on the roster unless Brady or Peterson get injured.
The biggest positive of the the season is the discovery of Peterson, if they treat him right (unlike Johnny) and make him a part of the offence he could be a key player for the next 4+ years. We don't know how long Brady will last or if Walters will continue to pay him 2.5 times more than the normal RB rate.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 24, 2025, 04:40:35 PMI don't think it will make any difference no matter how well he does, even if Augustine was the backup here, once Brady returns Cooley gets shifted back to the PR. He has no real chance of remaining on the roster unless Brady or Peterson get injured.
The biggest positive of the the season is the discovery of Peterson, if they treat him right (unlike Johnny) and make him a part of the offence he could be a key player for the next 4+ years. We don't know how long Brady will last or if Walters will continue to pay him 2.5 times more than the normal RB rate.
It's an unfortunate reality of the ratio and roster size. He's shown enough although still a small sample size to want to see more.
The Bombers obviously have the best RB in the CFL and he's local and Canadian. That makes it tough for an import.
I'm just guessing that BO will be back against the Stamps. But that's just a guess of course.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 24, 2025, 04:40:35 PMI don't think it will make any difference no matter how well he does, even if Augustine was the backup here, once Brady returns Cooley gets shifted back to the PR. He has no real chance of remaining on the roster unless Brady or Peterson get injured.
The biggest positive of the the season is the discovery of Peterson, if they treat him right (unlike Johnny) and make him a part of the offence he could be a key player for the next 4+ years. We don't know how long Brady will last or if Walters will continue to pay him 2.5 times more than the normal RB rate.
BO20 has a spot here as long as he wants, and shows up in shape to play, physically and mentally. He is worth every penny of his contract.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 24, 2025, 08:13:19 PMBO20 has a spot here as long as he wants, and shows up in shape to play, physically and mentally. He is worth every penny of his contract.
But his contract is up and he also might want another significant raise. So there's certainly value to knowing what's behind him in the RB room.
Quote from: Jesse on June 24, 2025, 08:44:11 PMBut his contract is up and he also might want another significant raise. So there's certainly value to knowing what's behind him in the RB room.
I don't think any team values him more than we do. If we want him, we will pay him, and he will stay here.
But, like AH33 before him, next man up is always an option, and Paterson and Cooley have definitely given Walters some leverage and security so far.
Quote from: theaardvark on June 24, 2025, 09:03:14 PMI don't think any team values him more than we do. If we want him, we will pay him, and he will stay here.
But, like AH33 before him, next man up is always an option, and Paterson and Cooley have definitely given Walters some leverage and security so far.
Hamilton reportedly offered more, so maybe not?
Not saying we wouldn't make him priority #1, but we've lost many players when the price tags gets too high and even Brady has a limit that we're not going to go beyond.
If I had my way Brady retires here. Contract value a non issue for me.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 24, 2025, 01:11:21 PMI think that's true for at least this week. IMO the Elks have a better DL than the Lions so that's a concern. Whichever choice we make regarding keeping Cooley or going back to Vanterpool could be a problem.
I don't know. On paper some are saying EDM is better DL. But BC has top-tier names too. Didn't help them much vs us.
Many forums are saying how EDM's DL just stinks compared to their potential, at least so far. Hopefully they'll still be in disarray when we face them, and find their mojo when they face SSK. ;D
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 24, 2025, 04:40:35 PMThe biggest positive of the the season is the discovery of Peterson, if they treat him right (unlike Johnny) and make him a part of the offence he could be a key player for the next 4+ years. We don't know how long Brady will last or if Walters will continue to pay him 2.5 times more than the normal RB rate.
I'm starting to think Mafia knew what they had in Peterson when they let JA27 walk. They must have. They couldn't have taken the chance of having no decent NAT RB backup for Brady.
Sneaky Mafia.
Quote from: Jesse on June 24, 2025, 08:44:11 PMBut his contract is up and he also might want another significant raise. So there's certainly value to knowing what's behind him in the RB room.
Pretty sure he's already highest paid RB in the league? And one of the top paid non-QB players on O. How much more can he ask for? I guess he could want a chunk of that $400k once the league actually figures out how they are allowed to spend it.
Don't forget WM stepped in and made KW pay Brady a fair chunk more than he wanted to... That sets bad precedent for negotiations next time because Brady knows he can push the envelope and WM will make sure he gets paid. Hopefully with the extra $400k it won't matter and everyone can be happy.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 25, 2025, 07:28:03 AMI'm starting to think Mafia knew what they had in Peterson when they let JA27 walk. They must have. They couldn't have taken the chance of having no decent NAT RB backup for Brady.
Sneaky Mafia.
Augustine walked in free agency and we traded for Peterson after that happened. They may have initially planned to draft a RB but changed when the trade was made on draft day as part of the global draft.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 25, 2025, 07:30:04 AMPretty sure he's already highest paid RB in the league? And one of the top paid non-QB players on O. How much more can he ask for? I guess he could want a chunk of that $400k once the league actually figures out how they are allowed to spend it.
Don't forget WM stepped in and made KW pay Brady a fair chunk more than he wanted to... That sets bad precedent for negotiations next time because Brady knows he can push the envelope and WM will make sure he gets paid. Hopefully with the extra $400k it won't matter and everyone can be happy.
But almost 100k, I think. No one is even in the same hemisphere. But salary cap goes up, he has a few more awards on his resume than last negotiation, and he's going to negotiate from his current salary, not from any other RBs.
That said, I want Brady signed as much as anyone, and as much as he's costing us more than any RB should, it says something that he stayed when we've seen Lawler, Dobson, Hardrick, etc leave for the payday.
Here's what he was worth before the SMS went up:
Winnipeg native Brady Oliveira took a hometown discount to stay with his beloved Blue Bombers, proving he's not all about the money.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats put a full-court press on the league's reigning Most Outstanding Canadian. CEO Scott Mitchell, general manager Ed Hervey, and head coach Scott Milanovich spoke to the CFL all-star running back. The Ticats offered $275,000 per season on a two-year contract, which totaled $550,000, but he politely turned it down.
The B.C. Lions' initial offer was a three-year package starting with $250,800 in the first season and growing to $256,800 and $262,800 in the second and third seasons, respectively. The deal could likely have been negotiated to $265,000, $275,000, and $285,000 and Oliveira's girlfriend, Alex Blumberg, has roots on the West Coast. However, the couple is committed to Winnipeg, Oliveira's hometown.
Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller got involved and made the deal happen. Oliveira signed a two-year contract worth $230,000 in year one and $240,000 in year two, including a $100,000 signing bonus
https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/bombers-rb-brady-oliveira-turned-down-770000-and-550000-financial-packages-to-stay-in-winnipeg/
And AJ Ouellette is the next highest paid back at 150k (with incentives to 160k).
But again, Brady had not won any league awards prior to this past deal. In 2022, he had 1001 yards. No all stars, no awards. And was getting those offers.
Now he's been just shy of 2000 all purpose yards for two consecutive years, back to back MOCP awards and the reigning MOP.
His agent must be salivating.
Peterson outside runs, Cooley up the gut. Let both guys play to their strengths
Quote from: kkc60 on June 25, 2025, 05:09:34 PMPeterson outside runs, Cooley up the gut. Let both guys play to their strengths
Peterson has been running up the gut mostly as well. Especially in game one. That said, Cooley is more of a bruiser but both have skills. I'd like to see Cooley also used getting swing passes at times. Peterson had a few of those but was well covered.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 25, 2025, 01:42:33 PMHere's what he was worth before the SMS went up:
Winnipeg native Brady Oliveira took a hometown discount to stay with his beloved Blue Bombers, proving he's not all about the money.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats put a full-court press on the league's reigning Most Outstanding Canadian. CEO Scott Mitchell, general manager Ed Hervey, and head coach Scott Milanovich spoke to the CFL all-star running back. The Ticats offered $275,000 per season on a two-year contract, which totaled $550,000, but he politely turned it down.
The B.C. Lions' initial offer was a three-year package starting with $250,800 in the first season and growing to $256,800 and $262,800 in the second and third seasons, respectively. The deal could likely have been negotiated to $265,000, $275,000, and $285,000 and Oliveira's girlfriend, Alex Blumberg, has roots on the West Coast. However, the couple is committed to Winnipeg, Oliveira's hometown.
Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller got involved and made the deal happen. Oliveira signed a two-year contract worth $230,000 in year one and $240,000 in year two, including a $100,000 signing bonus
https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/bombers-rb-brady-oliveira-turned-down-770000-and-550000-financial-packages-to-stay-in-winnipeg/
Brady's contract is up at the end of this season unless they extend him, so I guess we'll see. If he continues to lead the league I could see him getting paid around $250k. If he keeps up with his dog rescue channel on YouTube, he has the opportunity to make millions more, but that would take a lot of work.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 25, 2025, 07:30:04 AMPretty sure he's already highest paid RB in the league? And one of the top paid non-QB players on O. How much more can he ask for? I guess he could want a chunk of that $400k once the league actually figures out how they are allowed to spend it.
Don't forget WM stepped in and made KW pay Brady a fair chunk more than he wanted to... That sets bad precedent for negotiations next time because Brady knows he can push the envelope and WM will make sure he gets paid. Hopefully with the extra $400k it won't matter and everyone can be happy.
No doubt O'Shea was well aware of him last season as he ran all over his son and the Bisons at games he would have attended.
Quote from: kkc60 on June 25, 2025, 05:09:34 PMPeterson outside runs, Cooley up the gut. Let both guys play to their strengths
Pretty easy to defend if you know exactly what they're doing as soon as they run on the field.
I re-watched the last game ( speed watch ) focusing on Bomber offence and RB's. Both seem to be inside runners but that may be design and the fact they are both rookies.
Our 1st first down in the 3rd Q was Cooley getting outside right and being a 1/2 step from breaking a big big run. He's got some speed and fluid hips.
Both had nice 10 yard runs with Cooley having the best average yardage. I think he got more reps later in the game which to some degree was garbage time, but even that is only debatable.
I'm looking forward to seeing what both do this week. Both seem capable of long runs.
I wonder how both compare in speed to each other and to BO. They look fast and make quick decisions.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 25, 2025, 01:13:23 PMAugustine walked in free agency and we traded for Peterson after that happened. They may have initially planned to draft a RB but changed when the trade was made on draft day as part of the global draft.
Pretty sure we didn't make an offer to JA27. We just pulled the plug. Pretty sure he didn't leave of his own accord "to start" or something, because he still ain't startin'.
No law that says we didn't have the trade for Peterson setup already before that. Sometimes these things are done in secret (verbal agreement) and then codified much later.
I like my theory better, because I don't see Mafia just "winging it" with such an absolutely critical position! And remember, we didn't even know at the time we'd have a decent IMP like Cooley to fall back on!
Quote from: Jesse on June 25, 2025, 01:59:13 PMNow he's been just shy of 2000 all purpose yards for two consecutive years, back to back MOCP awards and the reigning MOP.
He better get back in the healthy column quick then, or he ain't getting squat for yards or awards this year! He's played basically 1Q of football in (more than?) 3 games (incl this Thurs).
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 26, 2025, 06:12:42 AMPretty sure we didn't make an offer to JA27. We just pulled the plug. Pretty sure he didn't leave of his own accord "to start" or something, because he still ain't startin'.
No law that says we didn't have the trade for Peterson setup already before that. Sometimes these things are done in secret (verbal agreement) and then codified much later.
I like my theory better, because I don't see Mafia just "winging it" with such an absolutely critical position! And remember, we didn't even know at the time we'd have a decent IMP like Cooley to fall back on!
I doubt that happened. Augustine was earning about $105K and it was us trimming a small amount of SMS. We may have tried to sign another RB in free agency but it didn't work out. Or as I suggested that we might have thought of drafting on in later rounds.
We also had signed Logan who would have been a back up RB although a ratio issue. So it's not like we didn't have something in mind.
I was surprised we didn't make an offer to Augustine knowing we needed a back up Canadian. OTOH, he was only ever used as an after thought. The plan may have been to have an emergency import alternative as well as Logan.
Augustine played 93 games and had 1270 rush yards. Some comments were that he was not the best blocker etc. So in the end you could say he was not deemed good enough to become more than a utility player and it was time to move on.
Nobody expected Oliveria to be injured in the 1st 4 minutes of the season.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 22, 2025, 07:29:20 AMThoughts?
Matthew Peterson is a Canadian and has been one of the better, even best, RB's in the league so far. 'Nuff said.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 26, 2025, 06:12:42 AMPretty sure we didn't make an offer to JA27. We just pulled the plug. Pretty sure he didn't leave of his own accord "to start" or something, because he still ain't startin'.
No law that says we didn't have the trade for Peterson setup already before that. Sometimes these things are done in secret (verbal agreement) and then codified much later.
I like my theory better, because I don't see Mafia just "winging it" with such an absolutely critical position! And remember, we didn't even know at the time we'd have a decent IMP like Cooley to fall back on!
You're theory isn't really that far fetched seeing as Goveia was the GM and talks may have been ongoing over various needs. The other part that isn't a coincidence is the Ti-Cats attempt to sign Brady last season after they'd already drafted Peterson, they were probably trying to move to a Natl. RB but when they couldn't acquire Brady, they went back to Butler and sent Peterson back to school. If they were persistent they could have hung on to Peterson and used Johnny as a backup, but as it is they still don't put much stock in their running game, which is currently last in the league.
Quote from: Jesse on June 25, 2025, 07:43:20 PMPretty easy to defend if you know exactly what they're doing as soon as they run on the field.
well I mean obviously you don't just do one thing with one and another thing with the other, didn't think I would need to say that. But definitely a better split rotation and maximizing each players strengths would be preferable. Didn't feel that way against BC
I'm looking forward to watching and trying to see what both Peterson and Cooley bring in the long run. We wouldn't normally see this kind of rep splitting with a healthy BO. At the moment they seem somewhat similar but also a little different too.
That's a good thing.
Both were pretty ineffective in the EDM game. EDM was playing hard to stop the run, at the expense of many other areas. Anyone have the final run stats? Zach's run may have been longer than anything Peterson did before the 4th Q?
But even Brady has been shutdown sometimes when we can't get the run going. I blame the OL for much of this. We used to just ram the RB through, but not for a few years has it been unstoppable. If Wallace keeps his starting spot (jury still out) maybe it can help the Brady bully ball game eventually as he gets better are run block.
I noticed Big Stan and Randolph took turns whiffing on their downfield blocks on C gap runs and screens in the EDM game. Both looked quite po when they blew it and the gain was snuffed.