Blue Bombers Forum

Short week again to prepare for the next opponent - Calgary Stampeders.

Brady Oliviera is questionable as is Jake Thomas and Peyton Logan and Mike Benson remain out for this game.  Everyone else seems hands-on-deck.

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An important game to win and keep pace with the Roughriders as well as create some space between us and Calgary.

48-Hour Primer | Week 5: WPG at CAL - Ed Tait

"...A spot no one figured to have stamped on their bingo card three games into the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2025 season: linebacker Kyrie Wilson leading the team in quarterback sacks with a pair of takedowns.

It's a tasty little statistical nugget to lean into early in the campaign and it would undoubtedly be a helluva story in the unlikely case he's still leading in that department come November. Or by August, come to think of it.

Still, for right here and right now it also speaks of much more, namely Wilson's on-field savvy but just as important his offseason perseverance when so many outside of the organization were ready to kick him to the curb following the emergence of Michael Ayers last year and the free-agent signing of Jonathan Jones in the winter.

Yet, there is the 32-year-old vet getting it done in the Blue Bombers stingy defence and arguably playing some of the best ball of his career..."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/07/01/48-hour-primer-week-5-wpg-at-cal/

Watch for the depth chart for the game to be released on Wednesday.

We know how to beat VAJ.

We know how to stop CGY's run game (which is always decent to good).

No Begelton means no top-5 REC, and no go-to 2nd down guy.

We've pwned them for years now.

I see no reason not to get a solid W in this one.

I agree with Tecno.

Getting Brady back will only strengthen things.

As long as they don't beat themselves we should be golden.

from ed tait:

Brady Oliveira back for the @Wpg_BlueBombers tomorrow along with OL Micah Vanterpool.
Off are RB Quinton Cooley and LB Fabian Weitz

depth charts (posted on bomber website)

https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/WINNIPEG-at-CALGARY_JULY-3.pdf

Vanterpool is the guy. I didn't expect a move back but they clearly think he's better.

I'm excited to see what Brady does.

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As expected 2 important players to return. It appears that Thomas won't miss the game due to illness. So our roster returns essentially back to game 1 roster.

Obviously Oliveria is the spark to our offence. It will be interesting to watch the run blocking at LG. I didn't think Wallace was doing a bad job but have no problem with Vanterpool back starting.

Those changes are significant so it won't be directly easy ( for posters ) to evaluate the OL performance. Different opponent and rookie RB's not starting.

I wonder how many reps Peterson will get with Oliveria back starting?

Official: Brady Oliveira to return for Winnipeg Blue Bombers against Stampeders
By John Hodge -July 2, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have Brady Oliveira back in the lineup when they visit the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday, as per the team's official depth chart.

The CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Player rushed twice for 49 yards in Winnipeg's season-opening win over the B.C. Lions but left the game in the first quarter due to a shoulder injury. Oliveira spent the last two games on the injured list as rookie running back Matthew Peterson started in his place.

Oliveira rushed for 1,353 yards, caught 57 passes for 476 yards, and scored four total touchdowns in 2024 to be voted the CFL's top player. The 27-year-old native of Winnipeg, Man. has rushed for 4,366 yards, caught 127 passes for 1,284 yards, and scored 24 total touchdowns over 69 career regular-season games since being selected in the second round of the 2019 CFL Draft out of the University of North Dakota.

Peterson, a rookie out of the University of Alberta, will remain on the roster as Oliveira's backup. The 24-year-old native of Brooks, Alta. has rushed 46 times for 237 yards and one touchdown this season and caught five passes for 19 yards.

Quinton Cooley, an American rookie out of Liberty University, has been moved to the practice roster. He dressed for two games while Oliveira was out, rushing 11 times for 62 yards and catching two passes for five yards.

The Blue Bombers have made one other change to their starting lineup, giving Micah Vanterpool the start at left guard. Gabe Wallace, a second-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft out of the University at Buffalo, started the last two games at left guard. He will dress on Thursday in a depth role. Vanterpool started the season-opener against B.C. but was a healthy scratch the past two weeks in order to get Cooley on the roster.

Winnipeg has also moved Global linebacker Fabian Weitz to the practice roster. The 27-year-old native of Germany has played nine regular-season CFL games, recording two special teams tackles.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-0) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (2-1) at McMahon Stadium on Thursday, July 3 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The weather forecast calls for a high of 28 degrees, clear skies, and minimal wind.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and on CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and 770 CHQR in Calgary.

https://3downnation.com/2025/07/02/official-brady-oliveira-to-return-for-winnipeg-blue-bombers-against-stampeders/

Freshly-signed LB Kyle Wilson to make Calgary Stampeders debut against Winnipeg
By 3Down Staff -July 2, 2025

Veteran linebacker Kyle Wilson will be in the lineup for the Calgary Stampeders when they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday night.

The six-foot, 231-pound native of Wichita, Kan. started the first two games of the regular season for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at middle linebacker, recording 11 defensive tackles. He was released last week after the team gave the starting spot to Canadian rookie Devin Veresuk out of the University of Windsor.

Wilson had been a member of the Tiger-Cats since 2020. Over 51 career CFL regular-season games, he has recorded 156 defensive tackles, 10 special teams tackles, two sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles.

The 29-year-old will dress as Calgary's second-string middle linebacker behind Micah Teitz, who has recorded 14 defensive tackles and four special teams tackles over three games this season. Adam Bighill, who recently joined the team's practice roster, will not dress this week as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL.

The Stampeders have moved Canadian running back Jeshrun Antwi to the one-game injured list and promoted Ludovick Choquette to the active roster in his place. The 23-year-old native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft out of Long Island University.

Calgary has also moved American defensive linemen Josiah Coatney and Cedric Wilcots II to the one-game injured. Charles Wiley, who recorded 12 defensive tackles and two sacks over 10 games last season, has been moved to the active roster in their place.

The Calgary Stampeders (2-1) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-0) at McMahon Stadium on Thursday, July 3 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The weather forecast calls for a high of 28 degrees, clear skies, and minimal wind.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and on CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and 770 CHQR in Calgary.

https://3downnation.com/2025/07/02/freshly-signed-lb-kyle-wilson-to-make-calgary-stampeders-debut-against-winnipeg/

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Quote from: Jesse on July 02, 2025, 02:37:16 PMVanterpool is the guy. I didn't expect a move back but they clearly think he's better.

I'm excited to see what Brady does.

Don't think we could run with those 6 lineman for long.

I think they like Vanterpool also from the perspective that he played both guard and tackle at Hawaii. With the 6 offensive lineman set-up, if a tackle goes down we basically have to put Neufeld out there and fill with Eli (and have Thomas swap jerseys). That's very bad.

Vanterpool is the more polished guard but he's also the first guy to go play either tackle spot if needed and then Wallace comes in at guard and we've still got Eli for max protection and as centre depth. For my eyes, that's a good a set-up as you'll find in the CFL.

The good news is that we haven't had many injuries besides Brady.

The bad news is that there isn't a way to get Mitchell, Person, Bailey, Cooley on the AR until we have injuries happening.

I don't know whether any of those on the 6 game IR will be ready to play soon or at all in 2025. Each of them could be valuable players at some point.

Didn't see it mentioned on here but the Bombers released Josh Hagerty yesterday, that might spell the end of plan to play any Natl's in the secondary this season, looks like they're sticking with Parker at Safety.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 02, 2025, 05:00:20 PMDidn't see it mentioned on here but the Bombers released Josh Hagerty yesterday, that might spell the end of plan to play any Natl's in the secondary this season, looks like they're sticking with Parker at Safety.

It depends on whether either of Kelly or Makonzo will be able to play this season. I'm not suggesting as full time starters but either could be valuable back up or rotation players.

Game Preview #4 | WPG at CAL

Game 4: Blue Bombers (3-0) at Stampeders (2-1)

Kickoff: Thursday, July 3rd, 8 p.m. CDT; McMahon Stadium, Calgary
TV/Streaming: TSN, CBS SportsNetwork; CFL+
Radio: 680 CJOB (pre-game begins at 6 p.m. CDT); Play-by-play: Derek Taylor/analyst: Doug Brown; Sirius XM (ch. 167)

Scene Setter

It was this week a year ago — 369 days, to be exact — that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers travelled into Calgary and then tumbled into a deep, dark hole with their fourth consecutive loss to open the 2024 Canadian Football League season.

They had dropped a sloppy 22-19 decision to the Stamps in overtime and, in the process, had also lost star quarterback Zach Collaros with what was later referred to as a 'chest contusion.' And seemingly overnight the narrative across the land fixated on how a team which had appeared in four consecutive Grey Cups now looked tired and old.

In that moment, as the old saying goes, 'they had one foot on the gravel and one foot in the grave.'

Of course, we all know how the rest of the story unfolded. That 0-4 start became 2-6 and then the club won 10 of its last 11 before falling to the Toronto Argonauts in last year's Grey Cup.

The point here — and yes, we do have one — is to compare that putrid start from this time last season to where the 2025 Blue Bombers find themselves now as they prepare again to meet the Stampeders in Calgary. They are a perfect 3-0 and, yes, with some rough edges that need smoothing, but clearly again among the CFL's elite.

The deep, uber-analytical take here? Losing sucks. It can be mentally draining and physically taxing.

Winning, well, it is absolutely glorious.

"I've kind of tried to blank out the first half of last year, to be honest," said veteran guard Pat Neufeld when asked to bite into the compare-and-contrast analogy to this time a year ago. "I would say we weren't connected as a team back then. We were just all over the place and weren't making those little plays that in years prior got us through those tight games.

"There were some days that were brutal where we had to go over things. There was just this general feeling that we were not the team we envisioned we were going to be, and it just wears on you mentally. There's a stress of being a professional football player. And if you're a good pro you're putting pressure on yourself every single day because everything is on tape and your job is on the line every time. We all understand that.

"This season we're playing more cohesively and it's a lot more complimentary where we're connected to each other. If there's a lull, then it's the other group coming onto the field that helps picks up the other. It's getting us back to where we want to be. We just re-established a baseline in training camp. Despite the amount of turnover we've had, there's still a good core of veteran guys here. Even those guys who are in their second and third year here now understand that standard and we're trying to maintain it in practice and in meetings.

"We just feel now that we're a better team in a better spot," Neufeld added. "We still have that high pressure, but it's not in a negative way. It's not dreading things or, 'I can't believe we did this' or 'I can't believe that happened.' Now, it's 'Yeah, it happened. How do we overcome it?' It's just a lot more uplifting.

"It's just a positive atmosphere again, just as it was at the end of last season. We practice hard and we put in a ton of time in meetings. Ultimately, winning is not only fun, it fixes a lot of things."

The Blue Bombers meet a revamped Calgary squad Thursday night featuring veteran Vernon Adams, Jr. at quarterback and a revamped and stingy defence in the inaugural Stampede Bowl. This is the first time the Stamps will be facing a team from the West, but the fourth of five consecutive games against their division for the Blue Bombers, who have a bye next week before hosting Calgary on Friday, July 18th.

Winnipeg has already won the season series with the B.C. Lions and is up one on the Edmonton Elks after last week's victory. This home and home with the Stamps is then followed by a doubleheader with the Argos before another trip to Calgary on August 9th.

"Right now we're trying to get up on these opportunities and get up on these West teams," said defensive end Willie Jefferson. "But we're not dwelling on last year. New year. New opportunities. New mindset.

"Remember at the beginning of last year those games we lost were close (after a 15-point loss to Montreal the next three defeats were by a total of nine points). It was the little things that were killing us like ball security, finishing drives, getting off the field on defence, communication.

"We wanted to start fast and implement that physicality, that grit and that tough mindset to everybody on this team. We're just trying to ride that wave right now."

That wave began in training camp with a renewed focus. That carried into the preseason where while the results don't count, the attention to detail does. And it carried over into the start of Winnipeg's season.

"We're locked in," said veteran receiver Nic Demski. "That was one of the messages coming into training camp — we wanted to be locked in right from the beginning. The vets took that to heart — we took that as a call out, in a way — and we've been making sure everyone in this building, top-down, is on the same page and doing absolutely everything it takes to win.

"We've got a lot of good leaders here, but it makes it easier to lead when you've got guys who have bought in, want to be here and want to do the right thing."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/07/02/game-preview-4-wpg-at-cal/

Quote from: Jesse on July 02, 2025, 02:37:16 PMVanterpool is the guy. I didn't expect a move back but they clearly think he's better.

I think this move proves the "desired" line-up is 3IMP, and has been since TC/PS.  Why?  Because Wallace played more than adequately, so that if there was any question about him sucking, it has already been answered.

I think Vanterpool is better on run block, and I expect our run yardage to be much higher than vs EDM.

I still think Lofton/Randolph are the preferred 2nd/3rd IMPs, but the longer Randolph starts at RG, the more likely we stick with what's working.  Lofton on IR does make a convenient emergency backup plan...

It will be important in next FA/DP to make sure we have 1-2 new NAT OL that can take over the jumbo job.  Clearly they don't think Vibert is there yet.  Ideally whether we roll with 3IMP or 3NAT starters, we should always have enough on the roster to field 2 NAT jumbos.  Right now we don't!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 02, 2025, 05:00:20 PMDidn't see it mentioned on here but the Bombers released Josh Hagerty yesterday, that might spell the end of plan to play any Natl's in the secondary this season, looks like they're sticking with Parker at Safety.

Hallett will still get reps at FS and dual-saftey schemes.  Since it's near impossible to find the "next Ford", I don't see any of this as a surprise.  We can achieve the ratio in more traditional ways, anyhow.

Plus, the 5 IMP DBs are looking pretty darn good so far this season.  Bonds / Bridges will always be who they pick on, but both are proving it's not a gimmee, and both can burn you.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 02, 2025, 09:29:36 PMI think this move proves the "desired" line-up is 3IMP, and has been since TC/PS.  Why?  Because Wallace played more than adequately, so that if there was any question about him sucking, it has already been answered.

I think Vanterpool is better on run block, and I expect our run yardage to be much higher than vs EDM.

I still think Lofton/Randolph are the preferred 2nd/3rd IMPs, but the longer Randolph starts at RG, the more likely we stick with what's working.  Lofton on IR does make a convenient emergency backup plan...

It will be important in next FA/DP to make sure we have 1-2 new NAT OL that can take over the jumbo job.  Clearly they don't think Vibert is there yet.  Ideally whether we roll with 3IMP or 3NAT starters, we should always have enough on the roster to field 2 NAT jumbos.  Right now we don't!

Don't care who they decide to play, but if they don't lock Wallace up for an additional 2-3 years before the end of the season I will be pissed.  I predict he's is the only O-lineman currently employed that will be still playing in 5 years time, he is the future Walby.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 03, 2025, 02:18:56 AMDon't care who they decide to play, but if they don't lock Wallace up for an additional 2-3 years before the end of the season I will be pissed.  I predict he's is the only O-lineman currently employed that will be still playing in 5 years time, he is the future Walby.

I agree the Bomber need to lock him up to a long term deal. However, the can worry about that in the off season, or even during the 2026 season.

Walby's don't grow on trees very often, if we can develop one, we can start using the D word again

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 03, 2025, 02:18:56 AMDon't care who they decide to play, but if they don't lock Wallace up for an additional 2-3 years before the end of the season I will be pissed.

I have zero doubt they retain Wallace.  No team will offer him Desjar money because he hasn't shown he's Desjar.  He will get the normal 3rd-year bounce in $ and sign for another 2 years, just like almost every other hoggie who didn't start in year 1.

Neufeld won't last forever, and Wallace could easily be our planned replacement.  Or he just stays at LG, whatever.  I have no idea about him ratio-busting a OT spot for us, but that would just be gravy.

For OL in general we need to go into retention and acquisition mode.  The only ones we can afford to let walk are IMPs.

Ya, I think the faith in Wallace was the reason they didn't have to draft a OL high this year.
Wallace replaces Neuf, Randolph & Vanterpool replace Bryant & Lofton.
Those 3 will be well seasoned by preseason next year.

The big question is at C. Can Eli fill in a fulltime roll there replacing Koko? I think that is where we'll need to add someone.

Looking for another win and no injuries this week. Brady could light up the Stamps without their starting MLB. Besides, he's probably upset over missing the last 2 games. He's ready to go!!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 03, 2025, 05:33:48 AMI have zero doubt they retain Wallace.  No team will offer him Desjar money because he hasn't shown he's Desjar.  He will get the normal 3rd-year bounce in $ and sign for another 2 years, just like almost every other hoggie who didn't start in year 1.

Neufeld won't last forever, and Wallace could easily be our planned replacement.  Or he just stays at LG, whatever.  I have no idea about him ratio-busting a OT spot for us, but that would just be gravy.

For OL in general we need to go into retention and acquisition mode.  The only ones we can afford to let walk are IMPs.

I don't view his re-signing nearly as casually, they need to pay him to stay and not try to save a few bucks by squeezing him on a 3rd year rookie deal.  Don't even let him consider going to FA, the results are not good.

Chungh, Goosen, Desjarlais, Couture, Dobson.

They all left for different reasons but none of them were pushed out the door.

Wallace can be a real gooder, there is no doubt.  But he hasn't solidified a starting role, and people want to make him a "Bomber for life".

Our players want to stay here, we build that kind of environment. And we do not ever cheap out on any of them.  They get paid fairly and get treated well.

Players that choose to leave get overpaid, and many return closer to their homes / families as well.  I can't remember losing a player to a lower offer.     

Chungh, Goosen, Desjarlais, Couture, Dobson. and I'll add Hardrick were all cases of players getting paid much more.  And we've been able to replace all of them while going to 5 straight GC appearances.

So, I'm not too worried about our pipeline.  We may still see players we drafted that haven't come north yet. 

Quote from: theaardvark on July 03, 2025, 04:26:05 PMWallace can be a real gooder, there is no doubt.  But he hasn't solidified a starting role, and people want to make him a "Bomber for life".

Our players want to stay here, we build that kind of environment. And we do not ever cheap out on any of them.  They get paid fairly and get treated well.

Players that choose to leave get overpaid, and many return closer to their homes / families as well.  I can't remember losing a player to a lower offer.     

Chungh, Goosen, Desjarlais, Couture, Dobson. and I'll add Hardrick were all cases of players getting paid much more.  And we've been able to replace all of them while going to 5 straight GC appearances.

So, I'm not too worried about our pipeline. We may still see players we drafted that haven't come north yet. 

Hardrick does not belong on that list, those O-linemen were in their prime when they left 2-4 years into their careers, Yoshi was past his prime and also isn't a Natl. so not as difficult to replace.

The Natl. pipeline behind Wallace currently consists of one player of unknown quality, who has yet to see any game time.

I like the look of Vibert. He has good size and moves well. He works hard at practice. Kid, just needs some game time.

Hopefully the Bombers are prepared for the transition on the offensive line. Bryant and Neufeld both are likely to  retire after this season. Those are big holes to fill and I am sure the Bombers will use a few draft picks for O lineman

Sure glad we are not playing in Winnipeg tonight. Heat warning, and not the best air quality.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 03, 2025, 09:25:02 PMSure glad we are not playing in Winnipeg tonight. Heat warning, and not the best air quality.

air quality? Lol, seems fine to me. Just bloody hot as hell. I was outside all day.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 03, 2025, 11:47:46 PMair quality? Lol, seems fine to me. Just bloody hot as hell. I was outside all day.

Would have been a great night for a home game, besides being another Thursday.

Quote from: Jesse on July 03, 2025, 11:54:39 PMWould have been a great night for a home game, besides being another Thursday.

here here to that.

Gold Graftobian face paint in this weather is a Non starter though. That stuff really irritates my skin in +27 or more.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 12:08:49 AMhere here to that.

Gold Graftobian face paint in this weather is a Non starter though. That stuff really irritates my skin in +27 or more.

Keep some of the mystery to yourself there, goldie.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 12:16:43 AMKeep some of the mystery to yourself there, goldie.

;D

Well, getting close to game time here.

This should be a walk in the park, right everyone? Make VAJ look pretty terrible and Brady just walks all over everyone.

Quote from: BomberFan73 on July 03, 2025, 01:22:52 PMThe big question is at C. Can Eli fill in a fulltime roll there replacing Koko? I think that is where we'll need to add someone.

Ko-man has to be a long-term part of the plan.  Eli is a big downgrade.  Eli is a great jumbo, backup C, and WR  ;D  ;D  nothing more.

We'd probably have to draft a new C if Ko-man leaves.  Lucky for us, Ko-man isn't the best C anywhere, and is unlikely to be sniped like Couture was.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 12:34:36 AMWell, getting close to game time here.

This should be a walk in the park, right everyone? Make VAJ look pretty terrible and Brady just walks all over everyone.

RIGHT!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 03, 2025, 04:04:48 PMChungh, Goosen, Desjarlais, Couture, Dobson.

They all left for different reasons but none of them were pushed out the door.

Goose surprise retired.  The rest left for a huge payday over what we wanted to pay.  We can't have all interior NATs earning $200k+!  Not enough money.  That basically means every season we need to have at least one year 1-2 guy starting, or a year 3 guy we managed to "keep cheap" by not giving him tons of live snaps that make him look like a superstar.

Quote from: bwiser on July 03, 2025, 09:11:35 PMHopefully the Bombers are prepared for the transition on the offensive line. Bryant and Neufeld both are likely to  retire after this season.

Bryant is getting beat outside a ton so far (slower?) but maybe he'll fix it.  But Neuf is still a beast out there (when healthy).  Neuf is always downfield blocking and plowing.  And he seems great on passpro so far.

I won't be shocked if Bryant does another year, and I fully expect Neuf to keep going.

Haha, speak of the devil, TSN Pregame show is doing a segment with Big Stan right now!  Let's see what he has to say about retiring...

looks and sounds like another sad sack crowd

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 12:38:37 AMKo-man has to be a long-term part of the plan.  Eli is a big downgrade.  Eli is a great jumbo, backup C, and WR  ;D  ;D  nothing more.

We'd probably have to draft a new C if Ko-man leaves.  Lucky for us, Ko-man isn't the best C anywhere, and is unlikely to be sniped like Couture was.

I'm not a Ko-man fan, but he's also getting up there. I certainly hope we draft someone who can snap soon. Eli is a good 6th but his development path has veered away from ever starting, I think.

My personal belief is that Zach and Stan come as a pair, so we'll see both back for '26. But I think it's a simple transition next year to Vanterpool at LT and Wallace at LG.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 01:03:28 AMlooks and sounds like another sad sack crowd

Wouldn't expect it to be anything different, but I like that they're trying to build something.

gotta get a block


P Mark Vassett has been activated from the practice roster. P Fraser Masin has been downgraded to out for tonight's game.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 01:04:15 AMI'm not a Ko-man fan, but he's also getting up there.

If you're keen on lots of the oldsters retiring, then you better pray for a GC win!  That will be the #1 determiner of how many retire in a blaze of glory.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 01:07:32 AMIf you're keen on lots of the oldsters retiring, then you better pray for a GC win!  That will be the #1 determiner of how many retire in a blaze of glory.

Don't think that affects their decision making. They'll play as long as they can.

Didn't love the weak pressure on 2nd down.

Woooooooooooow

Come on boys.

This defence has been starting slow lately, gotta clean that up.

gotta knock that ball down

No pressure on QB.  All day to throw.

Fatboi with a rare penalty.  Let's see it TSN!

I hope the hit wasn't egregious, last thing we need is for CGY to try to retaliate

Brutal start on D.

Secondary got gashed.

Thomas with an idiotic penalty to boot!

Wow - not a great start.  And now 15 yards on the kickoff.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 01:15:15 AMgotta knock that ball down

terrible secondary play.

Wake up and smell the cow dung boys!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 01:15:25 AMNo pressure on QB.  All day to throw.

Fatboi with a rare penalty.  Let's see it TSN!

I hope the hit wasn't egregious, last thing we need is for CGY to try to retaliate

TSN dosen't even show it. What a joke.

From a quick check it appears Fatboi was being manhandled into the back of VAJ.  Likely not Fatboi's fault, though you still get a flag for low hit.

If I'm right I hope they show lots of replays for CGY players to not feel like they need to retaliate

Holy smokes that wasn't Fatboi's fault at all.  He couldn't even see!  Ya a flag, but not his fault

Bridges gets beat deep pretty often. He's going to play himself off the team if this keeps up

i don't even think that was RTP

Not intended to injure.

Brady ball time! Glorious.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 01:18:52 AMBridges gets beat deep pretty often. He's going to play himself off the team if this keeps up

Agreed he is the weak link right now.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 01:19:08 AMi don't even think that was RTP

There's been lots of precedent for rolling into legs with no fault.  It's not dirty, but it is flagged.  Doesn't matter if 10 guys are throwing you right at his legs, you can't hit them.

Stamps trying to pressure Zach.

Brady with the block.

And some great rushes. Love that guy.

Brady excited! Love it. :D

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 01:19:35 AMBrady ball time! Glorious.

Big holes and lots of YAFC.  Brady looking monster so far, but CGY clearly respecting the pass threat.  They'll get sick of giving Brady free yards eventually.

Feed the big man!

BO is so good

Dickenson The Greater has always liked to take deep shots early in the first drive.  It's kind of his M.O., especially now that he finally has a ball-chucker again.

CGY DBs/LBs trying to injure Brady with late hits.

Aiming for the shoulder

LMAO BRADY IS BEASTLY

Stamp DL has got to be sucking wind now!

Dammit big Stan

Telling you guys, Lofton was better.  Randolph not there yet.  When is Lofton coming off the IR?

holding call is a drive killer

Penalty just killed this one.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 01:24:58 AMDammit big Stan

RT, not LT.  Randolph

Maybe the D can wake up now....

Sucks to settle for a FG there. I thought we should have taken a shot to the endzone before that point, but Brady was grinding it out so they let it ride.

Well, we got punched in the mouth and needed to do the same to them. FG is something. 8-3 Stamps.

Field looks a little wet.

peyton logan please


take the knee

Adams likes taking a beating.

TSN misses an entire play.

Vaval what are you doing?

Dusty got Vavel's name right though.

Shut up Suitor

Calgary off side. Yes sir

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 01:33:20 AMShut up Suitor

he is as bad as Sawyer for the Jets.

*** Zach!

Idiotic pass.


Same **** as last year.

Disappointing.

This is not good.

bad throw. 

give up the single, start at the 40

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 01:33:50 AMCalgary off side. Yes sir

Zach's gotta watch the head bob.  There's rules about that

Aside from Brady the whole team looks like losers so far.

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 01:33:20 AMShut up Suitor

my comment as he was blathering on...this is why people don't like Suits

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 01:36:16 AMZach's gotta watch the head bob.  There's rules about that

Stay on Point Tecno. Sheesh!

threw it rite to the DB

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 01:34:11 AMhe is as bad as Sawyer for the Jets.

That's why I said that!!!  LOL

What Zach is gonna tackle him? Lol

Suitor is so annoying.

We were not mentally prepared to start this game. I'm not sure what we were practising but we don't look sharp at all. This game is already getting away from us.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 01:35:31 AMSame **** as last year.

Ya, curl jumping.  Same thing, ball taking too long to leave Zach.  Has to be a super quick hitter.

Also, Demski no awareness to come forward.  Our guys sit there and get picked without sensing it and coming back to the ball.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 01:39:07 AMWe were not mentally prepared to start this game. I'm not sure what we were practising but we don't look sharp at all. This game is already getting away from us.

Except for Brady

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 01:35:48 AMgive up the single, start at the 40

Maybe Vaval will make up for it by busting one later

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 04, 2025, 01:37:18 AMStay on Point Tecno. Sheesh!

Was 5 min behind, sorry.  Burgers awaited, had to go grab one.  I'm caught up now!

Dare I say it? Are we being out-coached so far?

Suitor wanna be Johnny CASH

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 01:39:07 AMThis game is already getting away from us.

Early days.  No worries.

Is CGY taking away the deep shots?  I don't think Zach is just picking these short routes just because.  Most teams try to take away Brady.  Maybe CGY is messing with us by stopping the explosions and making us dink & dunk?

weak play calls there, get the play action going

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 01:44:04 AMweak play calls there, get the play action going

Did it so well with Strev in week 1. No reason why we can't roll out Zach and create some misdirection.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 01:43:57 AMEarly days.  No worries.

Is CGY taking away the deep shots?  I don't think Zach is just picking these short routes just because.  Most teams try to take away Brady.  Maybe CGY is messing with us by stopping the explosions and making us dink & dunk?

time for play action and deep to wheatfall or demski

People were bashing CGY on the other threads, but they are legit with VAJ.  This game isn't a gimmee.

Why isn't Tony Jones spying VAJ?

picking on Bridges a bit

our vets so far: 1 RTP, one offsides, one pick six

You wanted a Fatboi stat, there's a Fatboi stat!  Ouch

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 01:47:45 AMWhy isn't Tony Jones spying VAJ?

When we "spy" its more a dual role, with focus on the RB.  We don't want the RB to sneak out for a dump/screen.

And who the "spy" is changes.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 01:48:10 AMYou wanted a Fatboi stat, there's a Fatboi stat!  Ouch

Dragged for four yards, lol.

Calgary looks far better prepared for this game than we are. We better show up soon or this is going to be a long night.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 01:49:30 AMDragged for four yards, lol.

You try dragging Fatboi for 4 yards!

Gosh darn, VA.

I was just gonna say it's early.  Then another nice catch.  Ugh.

DB s arent doing there job

Calgary is playing hard, we look soft

brought the heat and they big balled the catch

CGY nobody RECs getting lucky.  And every team will always just pick on Bonds/Bridges.

VAJ being accurate so far.  Pressure isn't screwing up his aim.

we are on our heels on defence - being attacked

running play was a great call

This is getting embarrassing.

DB s were there but were so soft in the coverage

Do you think Bighill gave Calgary our playbook?  Such kidding....

did MOS shave ??

Shift to a 3 and 4 man pass rush and just go to max coverage.  We aren't getting heat and pressure isn't affecting VAJ so just double cover everyone of note.

Have to mess with their heads

How does VAJ have so much time, and then wide open?

calgary dudes are WIDE open

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 01:53:30 AMDo you think Bighill gave Calgary our playbook?  Such kidding....

Well, why else do you hire a MLB who is still on the IR, and likely won't play a snap this season?

well hopefully we can wake up in the second half. Right now no one can cover or rush the passer.

we are not getting any pressure, defense looks disjointed

bombers getting spanked good and hard

Our D is trash

Making nobody and rookie RECs look like all-stars.  Embarrassing.

I guess Dickenson really wanted to win one after the bye.

They have all the morale and momentum.  Need to change that around.

Still time to just play our game, so I hope we don't play into the "down by 3 scores" panic so many teams do.

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 01:54:42 AMHow does VAJ have so much time, and then wide open?

Skimping on the DL. Two edges and 4 DT who are: past their prime, a second year guy, a guy recovering from a torn ACL and a rookie. No depth where good and a lot of meh where there is depth

Well, I hate this.

I can't remember the last time we looked this bad. First game against BC maybe, last year.

gotta answer with points

Quote from: kkc60 on July 04, 2025, 01:57:08 AMSkimping on the DL.

The DL is fine.  The CGY OL is playing very well, which is probably surprising everyone.

We aren't getting to VAJ in time even when we bring heat.  CGY OC is calling a good game so far, giving VAJ options no matter what we do.

Have to flip the script and start playing to a different tune.

another terrible play call

What are we even doing.

2 and out, our o is also trash

if the bombers are gonna plays like that on second...might as well as punt on second

this offensive ham plan is so weak. No pushing the ball, no Schoen or Wheatfall. Just short passes and runs.

Zach has decent time.  No need to rush things.  He's taking the unders because I think everything deep is being covered.

5 yard pass when you need 12

does hogan just blank out for a quarter??  rookie growing pains ?

This might get embarrassing.

Wake up team.

Maybe the Defence needs to score.

Close to over at the half. Been a long time since the team looked this bad.

We look tired and we probably are. 3 games in 13 days against a team that took a week off.  Every team has a stretch like that usually but it sucks when it's you.

This is what happens when you let a middling team get confidence early.  Now they think they are winning the cup.

Gotta smack them back and make them think.

I feel like I've time travelled back to the Tim Burke years

didn't show up

coaches need to answer for this

they look lost

Wow. Just embarrassing at this point.

wow...dbs are a joke...game over

Paper bag time for Bomber fans. I'd be some kind of humiliated if I made the trek to Calgary for this one.

D looks like keystone cops.  Embarrassing.

Hand it to VAJ and those bad RECs.  They are making every pass.  VAJ is crazy accurate.  And those routes are killing our DBs.

We need to drop everyone in coverage, or we need to blitz the house.  The normal D game isn't working.  Either get to him or take away all the targets.

And give double-up help to Bonds and Bridges.

we've been susceptible to that crossing pattern all year

Turning the game off now, no point in watching the rest of this slaughter

Quote from: bluengold204 on July 04, 2025, 02:06:06 AMTurning the game off now, no point in watching the rest of this slaughter

pm your cell number - will call you when we come back

Wow, Zach and WPG D are negative fantasy points right now.

Quote from: Pete on July 04, 2025, 02:06:02 AMwe've been susceptible to that crossing pattern all year

That play has got us in every game so far.

don\t know if i can remember a worse half of football in the last 5 years

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 02:07:17 AMpm your cell number - will call you when we come back

Ya, what real WPG fan would think we'll just throw in the towel?  Game not over.

well games like this either make a team or break a team. Our veterans gotta step up, they've been too quiet (some) all season. The heart can be there but the physicality has to be there too.

Quote from: Pete on July 04, 2025, 02:08:38 AMdon\t know if i can remember a worse half of football in the last 5 years

Oh, we've seen clinker starts like this before.

has zac thrown a pass over 10 yards?

ok theres one

is BO hurt?

Ugh, Schoen never never never lays out for those.  Ever.  Why is he afraid of being Dressler and making the huge play we need?  That was totally catchable.

let's keep it in perspective though.  It's one game, we are 3-0 coming in.  How did last year start?  And we went to the cup again. 

Just one game, this will piss everyone off and wake them up.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 02:11:02 AMis BO hurt?

He didn't look happy after that last tackle

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 02:11:25 AMlet's keep it in perspective though.  It's one game, we are 3-0 coming in.  How did last year start?  And we went to the cup again. 

Ya, but we didn't have SSK going 4-0 in the same timeframe.  Preferable that we keep up.

had Schoen. darn. if Calgary hits 30 points in the half, I guess I'll be channel surfing

Is Wheatfall being double covered?  VAJ has all the time in the world this game

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 02:02:59 AMWe look tired and we probably are. 3 games in 13 days against a team that took a week off.  Every team has a stretch like that usually but it sucks when it's you.

I don't buy that as an excuse. We've had 7 days since our last game. We beat B.C. after a short week. We started with a bye and have only played 3 games. It's not even the end of the half and we're tired? If so it's going to be a long season.

We beat 2 bad teams, maybe were  not as good as we thought we were, and Calgary is better than we expected,

do we have a first down in the second?

again we disappear offensively...this is now a trend and a scary one..

Wheatie would have laid out for that ball and gotten us 40Y.  Schoen, oh well, too far, tough luck.

of course STs adds their little bit of misery in as well

Dustin and Glen are giddy with delight so far, especially Suitor. The Riders are sitting pretty in first place in the West and having to go through Regina to get to the Grey Cup will not be an easy task. We simply cannot afford to not show up for games especially against teams in the West.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 02:13:12 AMWe beat 2 bad teams, maybe were  not as good as we thought we were, and Calgary is better than we expected,

After CGY's first few games with VAJ chucking heaters everywhere I knew CGY would be good.

bad penalties this half as well.

that pass wasn't even close

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 02:12:30 AMYa, but we didn't have SSK going 4-0 in the same timeframe.  Preferable that we keep up.

Of course.  But if we lose (which we haven't yet tonite) we are behind by 1 game.  So again - let's keep it in perspective - this one game won't bury us.

Run the 2min (40s!) drill.  Don't need to heave the hail mary just yet.  We used to be best at this.  I hope we're still good, after seeing Buck take the drill expertise to BC.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 02:13:12 AMI don't buy that as an excuse. We've had 7 days since our last game. We beat B.C. after a short week. We started with a bye and have only played 3 games. It's not even the end of the half and we're tired? If so it's going to be a long season.

We beat 2 bad teams, maybe were  not as good as we thought we were, and Calgary is better than we expected,

If you don't think that 3 games in 13 days versus a team that's had 12 days off doesn't make a difference you don't know football.

We're not playing a good game but I'm not worried about this one.

Need 1 EZ shot!

okay, signs of life

missed wheatfall

way off

We got 2 EZ shots, that should have been enough.

I hate to say it, but Kenny would have had that.  And Zach had the deeper route that was wide open.

Darn.

Take the points, it's the right choice.

Wheatfall wide open and Zach throws it over his head. Where's that paper bag?

looks a lot like  2024 offence

Is that #80 10' tall?

WOW is she kneeling talking to #80 Alford

is this sideline reporter 4 feet tall ??

Well, considering how much TSN hates the Bombers this half time show is going to be brutal.

I don't imagine the Bomber locker room is a very pleasant place to be right now.

Sterns is a wasted spot.  CGY isn't respecting him and he's been open a lot.  Zach doesn't even look his way.  Need that 5th REC to be legit.  Zach might need to trust Sterns a little more, like on that final pass play.

well we had our quarter of offensive incompetence...hogan and zach need to get this figured out. 

a couple of turnovers and some big plays and we can get back in it but zach has to get his game head figured out

I think that field goal is the most demoralizing part of the game. Reminded me of Tim Burke having us take a knee at the 1/2 when down by a ton in Regina many years ago.

Curious to see how much fight they show in the second half

Quote from: bluengold204 on July 04, 2025, 01:55:34 AMOur D is trash

#1 D they said, sorry just quoting another poster who doesn't seem to here tonight.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 02:25:14 AMI think that field goal is the most demoralizing part of the game

No, you take the points.  Coming away with nothing (which was the likely outcome based on what we saw) would be worse.

MOS will never go for it this early.

zachs interception killed the team in the first qtr

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 02:24:49 AMa couple of turnovers and some big plays and we can get back in it but zach has to get his game head figured out

The INT is on Zach.  The other stuff isn't his head, it's his accuracy.  I think CGY is covering very well.  No one has been wide open, and DBs are there right after the catch.

This is more a failure of Hogan/Jarious.  They are showing nothing that isn't on film.  They are keeping it too simple.  Look at all the double moves by CGY... nothing like that from us.

If we have a part of the book we haven't opened yet, now's the time to open it!

Quote from: Go_Big_D on July 04, 2025, 02:29:59 AMzachs interception killed the team in the first qtr

Good teams shake it off and overcome.  One pick 6 shouldn't define a game.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 02:18:37 AMIf you don't think that 3 games in 13 days versus a team that's had 12 days off doesn't make a difference you don't know football.

We're not playing a good game but I'm not worried about this one.

I didn't say it doesn't make a  difference. But we're not on a short week, and we've sucked since the first few minutes. I'd put more credence in it if it was happening later in the game or on a short week.

Bridges biting on a double move ( which he's been doing all season) is not fatigue. Collaros trying to fit a pass into a too tight window ( which he's been doing his entire career, you take the bad with the good) is not fatigue.
Our busted secondary coverage is not fatigue. Our D-line standing around trying to spy VA without pressure or penetration so he has all day to look through his reads is not fatigue.

Hopefully they'll put up more fight in the second half.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 02:32:31 AMThe INT is on Zach.  The other stuff isn't his head, it's his accuracy.  I think CGY is covering very well.  No one has been wide open, and DBs are there right after the catch.

This is more a failure of Hogan/Jarious.  They are showing nothing that isn't on film.  They are keeping it too simple.  Look at all the double moves by CGY... nothing like that from us.

If we have a part of the book we haven't opened yet, now's the time to open it!

The INT was as much on Demski as Zach

#1D looking like a solid #2. No answer for Calgary's run game. Breakdowns again in the secondary costing us. Pick 6 sad.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 02:32:31 AMThe INT is on Zach.  The other stuff isn't his head, it's his accuracy.  I think CGY is covering very well.  No one has been wide open, and DBs are there right after the catch.

This is more a failure of Hogan/Jarious.  They are showing nothing that isn't on film.  They are keeping it too simple.  Look at all the double moves by CGY... nothing like that from us.

If we have a part of the book we haven't opened yet, now's the time to open it!

if a qb's accuracy is off - it's his head - either thinking he is being pressured when he isn't or not recognizing a defence and forcing it. 

the disappearing for a quarter or more - that is likely hogan not finding his groove yet.  it's a really bad trend - hopefully it doesn't repeat in the third

Well, at least the 1st. place Blue Jays swept the Yankees.

Hogan needs to show more than what we've seen so far.

If Brady is injured again, there's another strike in players' health management.

There's something up with the communication is our secondary. They're not handing off players when in zone.

Our DL needs an infusion.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 02:33:37 AMBridges biting on a double move ( which he's been doing all season) is not fatigue. Collaros trying to fit a pass into a too tight window ( which he's been doing his entire career, you take the bad with the good) is not fatigue.

Bonds was the weak link last year, but then he'd get a pick or almost-pick and Os would respect him again for a while.

Bridges is this year's Bonds.

But they are still picking on both!  No balls go to Holm/Nichols.  Especially Nichols.

Maybe find ways to get Holm/Nichols on the top RECs.

Don't know what Parker is doing.  He hasn't been anywhere all game.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 04, 2025, 02:39:46 AMWell, at least the 1st. place Blue Jays swept the Yankees.

That's wild, I wrote them off early.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 02:37:53 AMif a qb's accuracy is off - it's his head - either thinking he is being pressured when he isn't or not recognizing a defence and forcing it. 

Or you're BLM.  Sometimes QBs are just inaccurate.  Zach has had a lot of time so far.  CGY not doing anything weird to pressure him.

halftime seems extra long - they extend it ??


"great" crowd says Lapo...

I know we can't win every game but come on Bombers make it respectful

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 02:39:52 AMIf Brady is injured again, there's another strike in players' health management.

Wasn't he in on the last drive?

I've spotted at least 2 hard late cheap shots on Brady's shoulder so far.  CGY trying to take him out.

Well, Calgary gets full marks for their performance so far tonight without their best, star receiver, Begelton. They have our D completely figured out so our D coordinator better have some kind of plan B ready or this is going to be a totally humiliating second half.

Maybe everyone on offense relaxed thinking Brady was going to carry the mail all by himself.

It'll be interesting to hear what MOS has to say about this performance.

Brady just sitting there praying isn't looking great so far

CGY already playing softer.  Probably play a lot of zone now

Bombers going to nickel dime the Stamps

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 02:49:05 AMBombers going to nickel dime the Stamps

That's fine.  Panicking deep balls won't do anything.  CGY playing way off

$300k Dalton you need to have that.

Who cares about sun.  You catch that.

That could be the game right there.  You want to get 20+ points in a half, you need that ball.

Ayers hurt

Just that kinda night...

the sun got him i think

That is on Schoen

Schoen! What the hell is going on out there?

last game everything went right this game just the opposite,,,the football gods even things out

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 02:49:39 AMThat's fine.  Panicking deep balls won't do anything.  CGY playing way off

But when you nickel and dime, you have to be flawless.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 02:50:55 AMBut when you nickel and dime, you have to be flawless.

That 25Y perfect zone read pass wasn't going to be a nickel or dime.

I've never seen so many outside throws in 1 game.  Every pass by VAJ and it's 24 or 9 on scene.

Mills is turning into a legit RB.  Hard to bring down and always falls forward or drags a guy.  He's like Brady is supposed to be.

CGY was totally correct to move on from Carey for Mills.

You know your in trouble when Sheehan has been your best player

Half way through the 3rd and have made no progress.

What's ToP looking like?  D looking tired.

Cadwall getting his first TSN shout out!  There's one positive.

Holy crap....  Calgary did their homework on Caldwalder.... that was almost wrestling

CGY purely in soft zone.

NIce that Brady is still in and looking ok

There's no question that Biggie has educated the Stamps about Jordan Younger's methods. JY is going to have to evolve his defensive strategies to the point where the opponent cannot anticipate what we are doing. I don't know that he is there yet but it's got to happen at the top pro level.

I like how we're spreading on the CGY D a bit.  Everyone was getting too packed.

Biggie feeling like Benedict Arnold right now...

2nd time Brady has tripped on the field

get BO some different cleats

need points MOS - gotta move with some urgency

Someone said earlier wet field?  CGY came with the "semi-wet" footwear, we came with full dry?

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 03:04:33 AMneed points MOS - gotta move with some urgency

We can do 3 TD in a Q no problem.  The bigger question is can we shutdown CGY O when they turn the gas back on?

We face CGY 3 times, so points differential doesn't mean squat.

defense needs to get the ball back

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:03:06 AMI like how we're spreading on the CGY D a bit.  Everyone was getting too packed.

Biggie feeling like Benedict Arnold right now...

All's fair in love and war and the other side is paying him now. His mindset will be to beat us every chance he has.

#94 Adams, man I love that guy.  Look at him trying to will the team to victory!  Future leader right there.

Come on.... bad spot

No way he made that!

Wow, missed the game and glad I did, looks like most of the Bombers missed the game too, 29-9?!?! Go figure..

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 03:08:20 AMCome on.... bad spot

Ya, we had that

thought we stopped him

mills is legit

no run defense, no juice at all on defense.

some suspect tackling

not our game

I wonder what the score would be if Begelton had played.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:08:50 AMYa, we had that

no we didn't - it was over the line.

Suitor with his brilliant commentary after Dustin says "he may have it" - Suitor- "well, it depends where they put down the ball...".  Such insight.

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 03:11:37 AMno we didn't - it was over the line.

Suitor with his brilliant commentary after Dustin says "he may have it" - Suitor- "well, it depends where they put down the ball...".  Such insight.

What do you expect from a gapper, they aren't known for smarts.

Well, at least ToP isn't brutal.  They should have enough in the tank to come back.

We kept them from a FG.  That's something at least.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:14:48 AMWe kept them from a FG.  That's something at least.

#1 D

CGY will give up that wide out all night, until they don't and pick one.

Haha, right as I type it.......

Saw that coming a mile

Okay that will do it.  Even I will concede at this point

If I can see it coming, why can't Hogan and Zach??  They bait you into complacency.

you knew that was going to happen.  zach played terrible tonight

Zac staring down the receiver way too long, telegraphed it

They seriously need to rethink this offensive strategy.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 03:18:58 AMZac staring down the receiver way too long, telegraphed it

Telegraphed it by throwing the same pass at the same depth over and over.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:17:07 AMCGY will give up that wide out all night, until they don't and pick one.

Haha, right as I type it.......

my son said the same thing and boom it happened. 

Can I change my pick for tonight...Barbk?

Stamps have not turned the ball over or made any kind of major mistake. Hard to come back against a team playing that way. The way we're playing and turning the ball over, this one is well baked.

It's hard to believe Zach is a seasoned pro when he plays this way. Maybe Osh needs to give him the rest of the game to think about it.

Might not be enough time to comeback now.  Should we put all our team B in to get reps and save injuries?  Not worth taking a big injury in this stinker.

Let's get Streveler or Wilson into the game for some reps. Play Chess O'Shea.

come back? We may not hit double digits in scoring

Worst thrashing since pre the first Grey Cup, probably.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:20:22 AMMight not be enough time to comeback now.  Should we put all our team B in to get reps and save injuries?  Not worth taking a big injury in this stinker.

yes we should

VA in the summer months is unstoppable

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:20:22 AMMight not be enough time to comeback now.  Should we put all our team B in to get reps and save injuries?  Not worth taking a big injury in this stinker.

This game is way over, lol

I think we went on our buy week a week early

On the bright side, they laid the egg in an away game this time.  Not like last season (twice).

**** off, Dave.

Dickie being a dick again...  he's always going to be an idiot

What an *** Dickenson is, winning by 28 and throws a challenge flag ***!

Not many people challenge an IC.  As hard as a DPI to overturn, and not worth very much if you win.

Told you he was an idiot

Good.  Screw you The Greater.

Weird... I thought you could challenge a called one?

I wish that had consequences for Dickie.

well at least Dickson is consistent for the worst challenger in the league

Haha, that's IC all day long!  Doesn't matter if it's within 5Y you can't wail on the guy!

That was a borderline late hit on Brady

Literally no benefit to keeping Zach in.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 03:25:24 AMI wish that had consequences for Dickie.

Loss of T/O and loss of challenge.  That's not too bad

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 03:27:13 AMLiterally no benefit to keeping Zach in.

Well, there is my fantasy team to consider...

Zach is finally positive fantasy points now!  WPG D is -4 ugh.

Say what you want about Dickenson but he's definitely stolen O'Shea's lunch money today.

If the Stamps come into Winnipeg next week and lay another beating on us we'll suddenly find ourselves having gone from 1st to 3rd place in the West.

Does Suitor know there is a fecking game on?

Schoen is gone for the season....   he isn't the same player since his injury from last year.

Would have been great if Schoen caught that one, tbh.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:28:41 AMSay what you want about Dickenson but he's definitely stolen O'Shea's lunch money today.

That's what having the entire play book plunked down on your desk by a 10Y vet of WPG can do for ya!  Mark my words, Biggie will never play a snap for CGY.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:28:41 AMIf the Stamps come into Winnipeg next week and lay another beating on us we'll suddenly find ourselves having gone from 1st to 3rd place in the West.

We'll need to throw away the book and start a fresh one.  Luckily we have an entire bye-week to work on this.  Status quo ain't gonna turn out any different.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 03:30:25 AMWould have been great if Schoen caught that one, tbh.

That was a tough catch

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:28:41 AMSay what you want about Dickenson but he's definitely stolen O'Shea's lunch money today.

If the Stamps come into Winnipeg next week and lay another beating on us we'll suddenly find ourselves having gone from 1st to 3rd place in the West.

We get the bye week next week, so no game for us, Cgy comes to the Peg in 2 weeks and by them beating us today, we both have a 3-1 record so Cgy moves in front of us into second we fall to third after tonight.

Our highlight reel for this game is going to be FGs from Sergio.

We're only down by 28 points. 10 more FGs and we win!

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:28:41 AMSay what you want about Dickenson but he's definitely stolen O'Shea's lunch money today.

If the Stamps come into Winnipeg next week and lay another beating on us we'll suddenly find ourselves having gone from 1st to 3rd place in the West.

You mean in two weeks? 

I cannot see that happening. Another early bye week coming, gotta hope they are pissed and ready to get a pound of flesh on the 18th.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 03:30:25 AMWould have been great if Schoen caught that one, tbh.

Schoen whiffed on 3 critical mid/deep-range passes tonight.  He's above $250k (right?) and our top REC and he won't lay out, won't jump high, won't grip the ball.

Start the contract renegotiations or get a fire under his butt.

Wow, Parker makes his first appearance!

Can my WPG D fantasy get into positve territory?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:35:28 AMWow, Parker makes his first appearance!

Thanks to Holm punching that ball out

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 03:29:57 AMSchoen is gone for the season....  he isn't the same player since his injury from last year.

Why - because he dropped that one right in his hands?  For once TSN showed something worth reviewing, the sun was definitely in his eyes.


I wouldn't be so quick to write off Schoen

I think its time to move on from Schoen after this year. He is not the same player after his injury.

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 03:32:19 AMWe get the bye week next week, so no game for us, Cgy comes to the Peg in 2 weeks and by them beating us today, we both have a 3-1 record so Cgy moves in front of us into second we fall to third after tonight.

Wow! Even worse than I could have imagined. From 1st to 3rd in one game. Riders have to be loving this. Their forum will be gushing!

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:37:33 AMWow! Even worse than I could have imagined. From 1st to 3rd in one game. Riders have to be loving this. Their forum will be gushing!

We were never in 1st, the Riders are they have 4 wins, we have 3.

Put Strevie in already

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 03:36:48 AMI think its time to move on from Schoen after this year. He is not the same player after his injury.

With all due respect, I really think this is premature.  He's only been in the league a few years, he's not old and he will get his game back.

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 03:38:44 AMWe were never in 1st, the Riders are they have 4 wins, we have 3.

Well, technically, yeah. :-)

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 03:38:57 AMPut Strevie in already

No kidding!  Why is Zach still in? Running and sliding?!

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:37:33 AMWow! Even worse than I could have imagined. From 1st to 3rd in one game. Riders have to be loving this. Their forum will be gushing!

We were never first.  Sask is at 4-0...

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 03:38:57 AMPut Strevie in already

Why is Collaros in there running? Take him out!

We'll be just fine. It's a long season and we weren't going 18-0. I'll bet it's going to look a lot different in two weeks time.

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 03:36:48 AMI think its time to move on from Schoen after this year. He is not the same player after his injury.

Waaaaay too early for that talk.  He just needs to flip the switch and start putting in way more effort.  3 catchable balls.

Schoen still thinks he's a sub-$175k REC.  When you're $250-$300k you have to do better.

And we don't have much choice as most top guys are spoken for and won't reach FA, and we let our top guy walk.  We decided that Schoen was the future superstar.  We may still be right.

That said, Schoen seems to still have some knee issues/tightness, and playing a bit scared.

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 03:39:11 AMWith all due respect, I really think this is premature.  He's only been in the league a few years, he's not old and he will get his game back.

Maybe, but we are paying him to much to have him miss catches he should have, and just watching him, it is clear he still has issues with that knee which was clearly visible after he missed that last catch and stayed on the ground injured.

Quote from: J5V on July 04, 2025, 03:37:33 AMRiders have to be loving this. Their forum will be gushing!

I'm sure they'll have their share of stinkers this season.  We'll harvest the tears later on.

At least our fans still show up to the stadium!  Their upper bowl is 80% empty every game.

Nice to see Brady and Demski have no quit in them

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 03:38:44 AMWe were never in 1st, the Riders are they have 4 wins, we have 3.

Only because a quirk of bye timing.  Lossless is just as good for me, until the byes even out.  If we had won this won we would have been first, as I think we have more points for.

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 03:42:26 AMMaybe, but we are paying him to much to have him miss catches he should have, and just watching him, it is clear he still has issues with that knee which was clearly visible after he missed that last catch and stayed on the ground injured.

Some fair points.  I don't think we are paying him too much, we are just optimistic he will return to his form we have seen, and couldn't keep everyone so rolled with this instead of overpaying KL.  And one game doesn't negate that.

Nice job by Sterns!

ZC and Brady having trouble with the hand offs tonight.  and that was a TD by Stearns... nice catch

Nice catch by Stearns

That was sad an pathetic we couldn't punch Brady through on 2nd & 1-2.  Shameful.

This year we always seem to let the DEs rush the gap and crash on the RB.  Why aren't we pulling those and going to the option?  Or blocking those guys?  Something is off with the timing and scheme.  Or they are in our playbook.

Garbage time TD feels nice.

And now Suitor (mis)quoting Shania Twain with "that doesn't impress me much".

This is better than Dunigan?!

With this win tonight maybe the Stamps put more fans in the stands....  that trophy by Calgary is cheesy

Have we promoted Cadwall to gunner?  No wonder he's becoming the ST tackle leader.

Haha, Major just said the infamous "player was pushed out so no IP" line.  So even the refs seem to think the rule is "pushed out", not "made contact".

Quote from: barbk on July 04, 2025, 03:50:03 AMWith this win tonight maybe the Stamps put more fans in the stands....  that trophy by Calgary is cheesy

It seems to have lit a fire under CGY's butts!  So in that sense it is a success.  Cheesy or not, making up more/new rivalries can never hurt.

There's your "pushed out of bounds" Techno

Without the pick 6s Calgary has 23 points.

Quote from: bomb squad on July 04, 2025, 03:51:54 AMThere's your "pushed out of bounds" Techno

Ya, except as we've learned, that's wrong!   :D  :D  :D

Demski getting beaten up every play.

Vanterpool didn't help worth a squat today.

Ayers hurt earlier: did he return?

Schoen maybe nursing something?  He's been out a few series?  Schoen new knee pop and out for 6 mo?  There's the insurance D.Mitchell!

Strev looks great in there!

Zach was crap!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:55:21 AMDemski getting beaten up every play.

Vanterpool didn't help worth a squat today.

Ayers hurt earlier: did he return?

Schoen maybe nursing something?  He's been out a few series?  Schoen new knee pop and out for 6 mo?  There's the insurance D.Mitchell!

Why you throwing Vanterpool under the bus lol. That makes no sense.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:51:36 AMIt seems to have lit a fire under CGY's butts!  So in that sense it is a success.  Cheesy or not, making up more/new rivalries can never hurt.

I am all about creativity and getting new themes going.

Showing some guy carrying the trophy like it's the Grey Cup on the sideline was so lame.  They are pushing it a bit much.

Where's the UR on the sacker multiple-punching Strev??

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:57:05 AMWhere's the UR on the sacker multiple-punching Strev??

For tackling the quarterback?

Until he didn't. Geez, what a crappy night!

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 03:56:29 AMWhy you throwing Vanterpool under the bus lol. That makes no sense.

Just looking at the week's roster changes to see what might have changed vs last week.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 03:57:43 AMFor tackling the quarterback?

No for giving Strev the extra shot after the tackle.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 03:57:43 AMFor tackling the quarterback?

Watch the live shot as he got up.  He punched down on his gut and nads like 3 times, in "celebration".  That's OC taunting or UR to me.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 03:52:25 AMWithout the pick 6s Calgary has 23 points.

Yeah, that's key, turnovers were a killer tonight.
With a better offensive performance, we might have been in this game.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:59:54 AMWatch the live shot as he got up.  He punched down on his gut and nads like 3 times, in "celebration".  That's OC taunting or UR to me.

Okay what play?  I backed up but didn't see it so probably not far enough. 

Gotta take your medicine sometimes. Tough game. Rough circumstance.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:59:54 AMWatch the live shot as he got up.  He punched down on his gut and nads like 3 times, in "celebration".  That's OC taunting or UR to me.

It's football, man. The game goes on even when you lose.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:52:45 AMYa, except as we've learned, that's wrong!  :D  :D  :D

Somebody should tell Ben Major then

Is Houston a CB?  If so, get on the blower and sit one of Bonds/Bridges.  That was basically the entire game for VAJ on O.

Zach needs to better read how close DBs are to the apparently-open REC.  He's been making that mistake a lot.

It's ok to throw into double coverage or one-on-one 40Y down the field because if it's picked it's a punt.  You can't screw up those reads on 10Y passes, like Zach did.

You can see the 2-week prep in CGY, just like #6 says.  And once again it looks like WPG didn't prep at all.

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 04:01:06 AMOkay what play?  I backed up but didn't see it so probably not far enough. 

Last off series for us, Strev threw the ball away got hit taken to the ground and the cal player got up and either pushed or punched at Strevie on the ground.

Oh boy, is the GC being presented tonight?

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 04:01:06 AMOkay what play?  I backed up but didn't see it so probably not far enough.

4Q0:14 precisely.  Dude makes 3 separate punching/pushing down movements with both hands.  I can see doing that once.  Doing it 2 more is taunting at the very least.  And when you have a DL punching your nads in, it's not a fun thing to just sit there and take it.

Don't watch the replay: TSN conveniently stops the replay before the worst hits.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:06:08 AM4Q0:14 precisely.  Dude makes 3 separate punching/pushing down movements with both hands.  I can see doing that once.  Doing it 2 more is taunting at the very least.  And when you have a DL punching your nads in, it's not a fun thing to just sit there and take it.

Don't watch the replay: TSN conveniently stops the replay before the worst hits.

He was just celebrating a sack and closing out the game like every defense that has ever played football does including ours every game.

Breathe man.

Quote from: bomb squad on July 04, 2025, 04:02:53 AMSomebody should tell Ben Major then

The only one who knew (on 3 forums!) was Junkie.  Now we all know.  Tap your pinkie finger on team B and you can go OOB all night long and still participate!

TSN/CFL should ban ever saying "was pushed OOB" again!  Automatic fine.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:01:09 AMGotta take your medicine sometimes. Tough game. Rough circumstance.

What was rough circumstance the fact the Bombers didn't seem ready to play ?

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:07:48 AMHe was just celebrating a sack and closing out the game like every defense that has ever played football does including ours every game.

Breathe man.

Except it wasn't a sack and you still can't push the opponent it is either OC or taunting. I agree with Techno on this one.

Well that didn't go our way. I think we lost the game by the end of the 1st Q.

Bridges blows a coverage for a TD and the Stamps only big play.

Randolph gets called for holding after we got a 1st down. That resulted in a FG instead of a possible TD.

Vaval brings the punt out when he should have conceded. Don't know if he was told to bring it out or not.

I think that was the series where Collaros threw the pic 6?

By half time we were so far behind we essentially gave up the running game.

The resulted in more defenders off the LOS in coverage which eventually ended up in another pic 6.

Collaros doesn't go blameless for those but those were very good defensive plays. But I factor in no longer using run game on the 2nd pic 6.

A few dropped passes ( sun influenced ).

All that said, the Stamps only scored 23 points on offence and one TD was a blown coverage.

As feared, we didn't couldn't stop the run and Adams had too much time to throw. Mostly short passes but they won LOS and TOP.

Quote from: BBFANDM on July 04, 2025, 04:09:05 AMWhat was rough circumstance the fact the Bombers didn't seem ready to play ?

3 games in 13 nights versus a team on 12 days rest. In the real world of pro football, believe it or not that makes a difference.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:04:46 AMNo one is going to be hitting the panic button but you.

I hit the panic button?  I haven't said to cut or sit anyone except to maybe look at an upgrade at CB.  This is a measured and reasoned response to every team picking on Bonds/Bridges, and them giving up every mid/deep shot tonight.

And we really have no depth behind those guys either.

So no panic, just looking at our weakest spots right now.

Quote from: BBFANDM on July 04, 2025, 04:09:05 AMWhat was rough circumstance the fact the Bombers didn't seem ready to play ?

They took the wrong week off.

Our Defence didn't have a good game and are O Struggled as well the Stamps dominate the line of Scrimmage. Worst loss I can remember in the past 5 years.

It seems that our receiving group is not as strong as last year, our D front line was invisible tonight.
Did we even come close to VA tonight? It seems that calgary DB's were double covering our receivers and when Calgary receivers caught the ball we seem to be a couple yards back if not more. Whats happening to Willy this year is he slowing down or is age catching up, it was not only today but last game also.

Quote from: Horseman on July 04, 2025, 04:09:53 AMExcept it wasn't a sack and you still can't push the opponent it is either OC or taunting. I agree with Techno on this one.

Now that's saying something!  When both yin and yang say it's so, you know it's so.

Quote from: Blue72 on July 04, 2025, 04:12:21 AMIt seems that our receiving group is not as strong as last year, our D front line was invisible tonight.
Did we even come close to VA tonight? It seems that calgary DB's were double covering our receivers and when Calgary receivers caught the ball we seem to be a couple yards back if not more

Agreed it looks like Calgary is much more likely to be the best in the West than the Bombers.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:12:32 AMNow that's saying something!  When both yin and yang say it's so, you know it's so.

When you're right, you're right.

Quote from: BBFANDM on July 04, 2025, 04:12:10 AMOur Defence didn't have a good game and are O Struggled as well the Stamps dominate the line of Scrimmage. Worst loss I can remember in the past 5 years.

Ya, I don't understand how we didn't crack the CGY OL.  Like at all.  Their OL on paper wasn't great, and aren't they down a couple of guys to IR?  I don't get it.

As for worst loss, nah, BC killing us like 40 to 0 last season was worse.  Then we rallied back and ate their lunch the rest of the season.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:11:32 AMI hit the panic button?  I haven't said to cut or sit anyone except to maybe look at an upgrade at CB.  This is a measured and reasoned response to every team picking on Bonds/Bridges, and them giving up every mid/deep shot tonight.

And we really have no depth behind those guys either.

So no panic, just looking at our weakest spots right now.

I would suggest airlifting in a corner because the unit gave up 23 points on the road in Calgary is an overreaction.

Quote from: Blue72 on July 04, 2025, 04:12:21 AMWhats happening to Willy this year is he slowing down or is age catching up, it was not only today but last game also.

Willie might have had one of his "games off".  Or he was probably double-covered all night.  We weren't stunting much, and only a few blitzes, and everything failed.  That's why I said rush 3 and drop everyone.

This game had a similar feel to the GC in many ways.  Everything goes wrong for us, and clearly out-lined and out-coached.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:04:46 AMIf you had 1/40 of the confidence our team has you'd probably be able to see the forest through the trees.

No kidding. Adams only had 222 yards and 43 came on a blown coverage by Bridges. Then Philpot with a 66 yard play. He was only completing shorter passes mostly but they also ran for 100 yards and were able to sustain some drives

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:06:08 AM4Q0:14 precisely.  Dude makes 3 separate punching/pushing down movements with both hands.  I can see doing that once.  Doing it 2 more is taunting at the very least.  And when you have a DL punching your nads in, it's not a fun thing to just sit there and take it.

Don't watch the replay: TSN conveniently stops the replay before the worst hits.

Thank you for the specific timing. That was still really hard to see if there was anything nefarious, but I see why you were questioning it.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:10:33 AM3 games in 13 nights versus a team on 12 days rest. In the real world of pro football, believe it or not that makes a difference.

Its a factor, but Stamps are 2-6 coming out of a bye the last 8 times they played after a bye week.

I think a bigger factor is that they are a better team than in years past, and I think VA is a significant part of that. The fact Zach threw 2 pick sixes, and missed an open man in the end zone at the end of the half was a big factor as well.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:15:54 AMYa, I don't understand how we didn't crack the CGY OL.  Like at all.  Their OL on paper wasn't great, and aren't they down a couple of guys to IR?  I don't get it.

As for worst loss, nah, BC killing us like 40 to 0 last season was worse.  Then we rallied back and ate their lunch the rest of the season.

We knew we needed to improve our DL significantly this year. It's improved but still not great.

I'm just wondering how the Calgary locker room is with Biggie in there and VAJ.

I'm sure I am not the only one to remember VAJ ripping off Biggie's helmet, and then wildly swinging it at him, trying to whack him in the head with his own helmet.

No ejection, but at least he got a one game suspension.

Still don't like VAJ because of that back in 2019.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:31:11 AMThat's what having the entire play book plunked down on your desk by a 10Y vet of WPG can do for ya!  Mark my words, Biggie will never play a snap for CGY.

You're wearing your tin hat again.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:58:52 AMJust looking at the week's roster changes to see what might have changed vs last week.

What changed was:

Zach threw two pick 6s
Calgary is better than Edmonton.
We were playing a well rested, very prepared opponent on the road.

Vanterpool playing guard for Wallace is not the excuse you're looking for.

Quote from: BBFANDM on July 04, 2025, 04:14:25 AMAgreed it looks like Calgary is much more likely to be the best in the West than the Bombers.

I would reserve judgement until we see them again in two weeks.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:17:25 AMI would suggest airlifting in a corner because the unit gave up 23 points on the road in Calgary is an overreaction.

Then you're not seeing the big picture.  Bonds has been picked on all of '24, the GC, and every game this year.  Sometimes he redeems himself.  Sometimes not.  But if you're going to try to "crack the WPG D nut", you'll be studying how to beat him and Bridges.  And that's just what CGY did.

Bridges is even more of a liability because he's had way less starts in '24.

I think we were kind of hoping/planning for Ford to stay, and Bridges was sort of a "let's hope this works out" fallback.

Not saying they can't do better, but as it stands right now, most of the air yardage is going through those 2.  And that's unusual for the CFL because usually an O will take the inside slots and HBs a ton more than the wide shots!!

How many passes went Nichols' way?  Ya, none.  Holm?  2?  He mostly shut that down.  So they pick on the n00bs and weaker guys.

This is rocket science?  Tell me where I'm wrong.  And tell me why every shot is to the WR/CB and not the slot/HB.

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 04:22:51 AMI'm just wondering how the Calgary locker room is with Biggie in there and VAJ.

I'm sure I am not the only one to remember VAJ ripping off Biggie's helmet

Ya, awkward.  Well Biggie has his 30 pieces of silver, and CGY got a win with his help.  So CGY got what they wanted.

This "stampede bowl champion" ceremony - just seems trying too hard.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 04, 2025, 04:23:34 AMYou're wearing your tin hat again.

CGY hasn't beaten us in how long?  Did CGY's O look like they knew everything and its dog about our D?  Maybe tinfoil, maybe not.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:24:44 AMThen you're not seeing the big picture.  Bonds has been picked on all of '24, the GC, and every game this year.  Sometimes he redeems himself.  Sometimes not.  But if you're going to try to "crack the WPG D nut", you'll be studying how to beat him and Bridges.  And that's just what CGY did.

Bridges is even more of a liability because he's had way less starts in '24.

I think we were kind of hoping/planning for Ford to stay, and Bridges was sort of a "let's hope this works out" fallback.

Not saying they can't do better, but as it stands right now, most of the air yardage is going through those 2.  And that's unusual for the CFL because usually an O will take the inside slots and HBs a ton more than the wide shots!!

How many passes went Nichols' way?  Ya, none.  Holm?  2?  He mostly shut that down.  So they pick on the n00bs and weaker guys.

This is rocket science?  Tell me where I'm wrong.  And tell me why every shot is to the WR/CB and not the slot/HB.

You can replace the corner all day and teams are still going to throw it there because Nichols and Holms are absolutely not what any OC with half a brain is going to pick on.

Your big plan to replace a corner with someone who isn't currently on a CFL roster isn't likely to get you better results no matter how many times you watch the game in slow mo in your basement.

We're 3-1 not 3-11.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:27:43 AMYa, awkward.  Well Biggie has his 30 pieces of silver, and CGY got a win with his help.  So CGY got what they wanted.

Nice reference!

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 04:28:14 AMThis "stampede bowl champion" ceremony - just seems trying too hard.

You want tinfoil... that ceremony looked preordained!  Like it was planned for CGY to win.  With the commish standing there handing it over like it's the GC, and them hanging out an MOP award?  What on earth was that?  The most bizarre thing I've ever seen.  (Banjo Bowl never does any of that.)

Looks like a massive Stamps promotion that couldn't have ended any other way.  This is their get-fans-in-the-seats hype moment.

I had thought about that before doing my pickems... sometimes I wonder...

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:24:44 AMThen you're not seeing the big picture.  Bonds has been picked on all of '24, the GC, and every game this year.  Sometimes he redeems himself.  Sometimes not.  But if you're going to try to "crack the WPG D nut", you'll be studying how to beat him and Bridges.  And that's just what CGY did.

Bridges is even more of a liability because he's had way less starts in '24.

I think we were kind of hoping/planning for Ford to stay, and Bridges was sort of a "let's hope this works out" fallback.

Not saying they can't do better, but as it stands right now, most of the air yardage is going through those 2.  And that's unusual for the CFL because usually an O will take the inside slots and HBs a ton more than the wide shots!!

How many passes went Nichols' way?  Ya, none.  Holm?  2?  He mostly shut that down.  So they pick on the n00bs and weaker guys.

This is rocket science?  Tell me where I'm wrong.  And tell me why every shot is to the WR/CB and not the slot/HB.

Our corners are the weakness in our secondary, but I think Bonds is actually decent. Part of the problem is that our D-line has to get more pressure so that VA doesn't have time to get to his second, and third reads. Thats making our corners look worse. And no matter good your defence is, its hard to win a game in the CFL when your offence scores 16, and give up 14, going a net plus 2. It think in the end Zach was a bigger factor in our loss than Bridges. That holding penalty on Randolph was a killer also. Add in Vaval trying to run a punt out from the endzone, and it was just too many mistakes and poor play to overcome. I think (?hope) it will be very different in 2 weeks time.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:28:41 AMYou can replace the corner all day and teams are still going to throw it there because Nichols and Holms are absolutely not what any OC with half a brain is going to pick on.

Your big plan to replace a corner with someone who isn't currently on a CFL roster isn't likely to get you better results no matter how many times you watch the game in slow mo in your basement.

We're 3-1 not 3-11.

I agree with bolded. 

A bit insulting for the rest to techno - don't need to be nasty.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:28:41 AMYour big plan to replace a corner with someone who isn't currently on a CFL roster isn't likely to get you better results no matter how many times you watch the game in slow mo in your basement.

We're 3-1 not 3-11.

Well, then we better hope "The 2 B's" improve all season.  It would almost be easier to take if one/both were rookies instead of guys with multiple starts under their belt... more understandable and more room for hope.

If they stay at this level we'll be walked all over every game.  On the plus side, WFC often has DBs that look meh to start and turn into all-stars by season-end.  The problem is, it only takes 1 to continue suckage to ruin an entire D.

As for Houston, pretty sure he's on the couch because of high salary ask, not disability.  And since he's basically a Bomber at heart, it would hardly be an "airlift"... he'd just be coming back home where he belongs.

Quote from: bunker on July 04, 2025, 04:32:57 AMOur corners are the weakness in our secondary, but I think Bonds is actually decent. Part of the problem is that our D-line has to get more pressure so that VA doesn't have time to get to his second, and third reads. Thats making our corners look worse. And no matter good your defence is, its hard to win a game in the CFL when your offence scores 16, and give up 14, going a net plus 2. It think in the end Zach was a bigger factor in our loss than Bridges. That holding penalty on Randolph was a killer also. Add in Vaval trying to run a punt out from the endzone, and it was just too many mistakes and poor play to overcome. I think (?hope) it will be very different in 2 weeks time.

100%. And the offense has to throw the ball somewhere on our defense. It's never going to be at our halfbacks so where else is it going to go?

Edmonton tried Kramdi last week and failed.

We gave up a couple plays but it wasn't a trainwreck in the secondary either. And VA had plenty of time most of the night. Time beats every defensive back.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:31:10 AMYou want tinfoil... that ceremony looked preordained!  Like it was planned for CGY to win.  With the commish standing there handing it over like it's the GC, and them hanging out an MOP award?  What on earth was that?  The most bizarre thing I've ever seen.  (Banjo Bowl never does any of that.)

Looks like a massive Stamps promotion that couldn't have ended any other way.  This is their get-fans-in-the-seats hype moment.

I had thought about that before doing my pickems... sometimes I wonder...

I agree that it looked like a total Stamps promo from pre-game through the game, and post-game.  Of course it was hype to promo CFL in Calgary.

But don't take the extra step into conspiracy Tecno - it would be huge to influence the outcome of a game by the league.  Just don't see that as possible in this day and age where everyone records everything and no one can get away with anything.

The toughest part of the next two weeks is going to be living with the stink of this game for that long. My word, why do we seem to fall flat going in to bye weeks?

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 04:37:57 AMI agree that it looked like a total Stamps promo from pre-game through the game, and post-game.  Of course it was hype to promo CFL in Calgary.

But don't take the extra step into conspiracy Tecno - it would be huge to influence the outcome of a game by the league.  Just don't see that as possible in this day and age where everyone records everything and no one can get away with anything.

Even techno doesn't believe techno's conspiracy theories because if he did he wouldn't be cutting corners and being sad about Vanterpool. You'd be advocating for putting out the same lineup that went 3-0 and hoping for "not a conspiracy" in two weeks.

Count me more than happy Calgary is coming to Winnipeg after the bye week.  Best possible scenario for the Bombers and their fans.  As has been said, we are 3 and 1 and play Calgary twice before mid-August.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:36:09 AM100%. And the offense has to throw the ball somewhere on our defense. It's never going to be at our halfbacks so where else is it going to go?

Except it's a truism that in the CFL a vast majority of the pass traffic goes to the inside slots, not the wide out.  This is why the insides are so much more valuable in fantasy.  And the wide out is often the NAT placeholder.

So not matter how good our HBs are, teams, by the very design of every O, are going to have to throw and test the HBs.  It was actually quite strange to see CGY's O be able to throw to the CBs so much, but then again, maybe VAJ having 10 mins after each snap had something to do with it.

P.S. CGY basically played WPG ball and beat us at our own game.  Perfect pass/run mix, great run execution, almost no 2nd & long, timely and successful deep shots, D making game-changing plays.  And we played like CGY is "supposed to".  LOL

Quote from: Big Daddy on July 04, 2025, 04:37:57 AMBut don't take the extra step into conspiracy Tecno - it would be huge to influence the outcome of a game by the league.  Just don't see that as possible in this day and age where everyone records everything and no one can get away with anything.

Ya, we'd like to think.  But since I started betting on the games I've noticed that WPG tends to lose the ones where the odds are outsized.  This one KO'd with -5.5 WPG advantage, which is pretty high.  And the GC with like -10.5 or whatever.  Someone betting against WPG when we are the wild favorites is making bank...

If we're strongly favored we poop the bed consistently.  Weird.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:28:36 AMCGY hasn't beaten us in how long?  Did CGY's O look like they knew everything and its dog about our D?  Maybe tinfoil, maybe not.

They beat us last season.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:39:56 AMEven techno doesn't believe techno's conspiracy theories because if he did he wouldn't be cutting corners and being sad about Vanterpool.

LOL, put down the chablis.  I mentioned Vanterpool once and you seem stuck on that.  When a team goes from hero to zero in 1 week you start by looking at the changes made.  I never said anything beyond that.  I have no idea how Vanterpool impacted anything until I do a rewatch and grade out the OL.  Zach certainly wasn't clean tonight.

But I can probably say with confidence that it couldn't have been worse with Wallace in, because nothing can be worse than what we saw.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 04, 2025, 04:47:04 AMThey beat us last season.

Oh ya, when we were still "bad", in week 4.  Let's hope it's the same this year!

If we have a problem at DB Parker can take Bridges spot and Allen can go to safety.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 04, 2025, 04:50:29 AMIf we have a problem at DB Parker can take Bridges spot and Allen can go to safety.

That might make things worse with a rookie.  Back in '23 was Parker a corner or HB?

The super tall supersized CGY REC corps made it hard for our avg-to-short DBs.

Let's not forget there's a chance we get Pokey back sometime later in the year.  Pokey in for Sterns would be a huge upgrade.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 04, 2025, 04:50:29 AMIf we have a problem at DB Parker can take Bridges spot and Allen can go to safety.

Yep, Parker could move to corner and Vaval or Allen could possibly fill in elsewhere, they're not short on options.  Hopefully this debacle spurs some roster experimentation and they change things up for the next game, it would be disappointing if they fielded the same lineup and didn't reset giving a few of the healthy players waiting in the wings a shot like Jon Jones.

I think Schoen may be gone for awhile so that opens the door for Mitchell, also time to add a little DE help to see if they can't create more pressure, Vaughters and Willie couldn't get near VA tonight.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2025, 05:10:18 AMI think Schoen may be gone for awhile so that opens the door for Mitchell, also time to add a little DE help to see if they can't create more pressure, Vaughters and Willie couldn't get near VA tonight.

So far I am not sure Vaughters is any better that our younger DEs from last year.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:48:55 AMLOL, put down the chablis.  I mentioned Vanterpool once and you seem stuck on that.  When a team goes from hero to zero in 1 week you start by looking at the changes made.  I never said anything beyond that.  I have no idea how Vanterpool impacted anything until I do a rewatch and grade out the OL.  Zach certainly wasn't clean tonight.

But I can probably say with confidence that it couldn't have been worse with Wallace in, because nothing can be worse than what we saw.

0 sacks against tonight

Vanterpool at LT, Wallace at LG on the TD drive.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:28:36 AMCGY hasn't beaten us in how long?  Did CGY's O look like they knew everything and its dog about our D?  Maybe tinfoil, maybe not.

No they didn't look like they knew anything the entire league knows about the Bombers offence. Getting behind makes it more difficult to use all of your offence.

Bighill only signed in Calgary on 06/22.  They had a bye so how many times did they actually practice?

Quote from: Stats Junkie on July 04, 2025, 06:46:21 AM0 sacks against tonight

Vanterpool at LT, Wallace at LG on the TD drive.

I didn't notice that but that's interesting. Did Bryant get nicked? I thought the OL played pretty well since they abandoned the run game early. Collaros had a few dropped passes but overall except for two whiffs ( great defensive plays ), he wasn't as bad as some think. He didn't get sacked once but our receivers couldn't get open deep.

If Oliveria is not a big focus for our offence, we usually lose. Whether that is because a defence takes away that or game score changes our plan. How often did Calgary rush more than 4 after the 1st Q? It didn't seem often but I've deleted the recording already.

O'Shea's was as contrite as I've ever heard on why it was got so bad:

"Yea, when we look back on it, I probably could have handled the practice week a little differently to try and get them, to try and get the guys a little more physically fresh." Then he talks about penalties, execution and how Calgary is a better team this year and then summarizes his thought with, "We didn't manage to muster up enough juice to make a difference today."

He then further explains:

"We had a tougher day 1 and I pushed them pretty **** hard on day 2 and of course as a group they respond and then we leave them a little short, out of gas, you know. So I gotta take a better look at that."

Someone else can check but it feels like we often get distracted and lay a stinker before a bye. The good news is we usually come out of the gate and win following a bye. I fully expect that on the 18th. If not, then I'll say we have a problem that needs fixing. Otherwise I'm hoping this was the failure we needed to get our act together. I was happy with the first three wins but even so the weaknesses were glaring. Hoping to call this an "opportunity for improvement" as the copium I'll smoke for a few weeks.

Hate going out on such a bad note into 2 weeks without Bomber ball. I suppose the silver lining for me personally is, I'd hate to lose a close one against a mid team. If we are gonna lose, have it be that we were never even in it. That was most certainly the case yesterday.

They looked in it until that (first) pick six; it all went off the rails after that. The second pick six sealed the deal.

I guess they were due for a stinker. The last time they looked this bad was when Adams and the Lions thumped them at home back in late June of 2023.

Also: what an ugly trophy.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:27:43 AMYa, awkward.  Well Biggie has his 30 pieces of silver, and CGY got a win with his help.  So CGY got what they wanted.

What did biggie tell them? Our QB is old and the ball hangs up a long time so just bait him and that should be good for 2 picks sixes? Then he earned his money this week.

At one point they showed a replay from 2019 Zach, casual fan I am watching with says afterwards once it sinks in, "that's the same guy?".

We got owned by the Stamps. I did not see that coming. 

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 03:41:09 AMWaaaaay too early for that talk.  He just needs to flip the switch and start putting in way more effort.  3 catchable balls.

Schoen still thinks he's a sub-$175k REC.  When you're $250-$300k you have to do better.

And we don't have much choice as most top guys are spoken for and won't reach FA, and we let our top guy walk.  We decided that Schoen was the future superstar.  We may still be right.

That said, Schoen seems to still have some knee issues/tightness, and playing a bit scared.

Dude, he is a sub-175k receiver.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 02:44:30 PMDude, he is a sub-175k receiver.

Not only that, he's not even the highest paid Winnipeg receiver and he's 16th highest overall in the league. But hey, facts! If he's actually hurt he's going to come in closer to $165,000 because he's got incentives. He'll be making Malik Henry money.

So, a game where we get blown out like that, obviously nothing was working. The offence couldn't sustain drives and was turning the ball over. The defence was allowing long drives and allowing explosion plays. The special teams consistently lost the field position battle.

But the offensive plan/strategy was the most concerning for me, as we've seen similar things in each game so far. The dependency on these short passes that only get thrown to the line of scrimmage or just beyond. Against the Elks, it worked as we'd draw them in and then go for the deep pass but last night it wasn't even attempted until the Stamps were waiting for it in certain 2nd and long situations.

After a couple of good flashes, I'm really concerned about Hogan's offence. Brady should have been a focal point, but we got so behind so fast, he just became a part of the short passing game. We went to Clercius so often, they were able to easily anticipate a 2nd INT for a TD. It was just a poorly planned and executed game.

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 02:59:39 PMSo, a game where we get blown out like that, obviously nothing was working. The offence couldn't sustain drives and was turning the ball over. The defence was allowing long drives and allowing explosion plays. The special teams consistently lost the field position battle.

But the offensive plan/strategy was the most concerning for me, as we've seen similar things in each game so far. The dependency on these short passes that only get thrown to the line of scrimmage or just beyond. Against the Elks, it worked as we'd draw them in and then go for the deep pass but last night it wasn't even attempted until the Stamps were waiting for it in certain 2nd and long situations.

After a couple of good flashes, I'm really concerned about Hogan's offence. Brady should have been a focal point, but we got so behind so fast, he just became a part of the short passing game. We went to Clercius so often, they were able to easily anticipate a 2nd INT for a TD. It was just a poorly planned and executed game.

All of that is valid and fair but the other thing to consider is that when a game goes so off script like that there's really no magic answer that we just failed to grasp. The playbook shrinks considerably. The deep shots are never there because the defense is fine with you throwing underneath which is why we ended up doing it so much. I don't think we drew up a plan to get Clercius 10 catches.

Hogan had plenty of receivers running down the field in the second half they just didn't get many looks because that's what good defense looks like. The only alternative is throwing into coverage and then everyone is mad that Zach threw three or four picks and two into double coverage down the field. Wasn't a good look for the offense but it's also not really fair to judge a playcaller on a game in which he's down so quickly and so early.

Quote from: Waffler on July 04, 2025, 02:23:33 PMWhat did biggie tell them? Our QB is old and the ball hangs up a long time so just bait him and that should be good for 2 picks sixes? Then he earned his money this week.

At one point they showed a replay from 2019 Zach, casual fan I am watching with says afterwards once it sinks in, "that's the same guy?".

How does Zach go from last week's game performance to last night?

I'm not saying anything about qb, other than Streveler's passes in game one had a LOT  more zip, velocity.

I'm surprised how flat the team was.   They must be seriously disappointed.

They'll bounce back.

Also...Dickensen is still obnoxious.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 04, 2025, 01:15:00 PMI didn't notice that but that's interesting. Did Bryant get nicked? I thought the OL played pretty well since they abandoned the run game early. Collaros had a few dropped passes but overall except for two whiffs ( great defensive plays ), he wasn't as bad as some think. He didn't get sacked once but our receivers couldn't get open deep.

If Oliveria is not a big focus for our offence, we usually lose. Whether that is because a defence takes away that or game score changes our plan. How often did Calgary rush more than 4 after the 1st Q? It didn't seem often but I've deleted the recording already.

Stan had to be wounded, they're not making that move just to see how it would work.  If he has issues affecting his performance, he should put up his hand and take a few games off to recover properly, no reason to soldier on when there are capable replacements available.

Also do not believe Brady was 100%, it looked like his shoulder was still causing him issues.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 03:26:45 PMAll of that is valid and fair but the other thing to consider is that when a game goes so off script like that there's really no magic answer that we just failed to grasp. The playbook shrinks considerably. The deep shots are never there because the defense is fine with you throwing underneath which is why we ended up doing it so much. I don't think we drew up a plan to get Clercius 10 catches.

Hogan had plenty of receivers running down the field in the second half they just didn't get many looks because that's what good defense looks like. The only alternative is throwing into coverage and then everyone is mad that Zach threw three or four picks and two into double coverage down the field. Wasn't a good look for the offense but it's also not really fair to judge a playcaller on a game in which he's down so quickly and so early.

you judge him in the fact that for 3 games in a row the offense has had quarters with 2-3 or less first downs in them.  that is terrible in the cfl and it isn't just an anomaly- that derails an offense.

Quote from: markf on July 04, 2025, 03:41:20 PMHow does Zach go from last week's game performance to last night?

I'm not saying anything about qb, other than Streveler's passes in game one had a LOT  more zip, velocity.

I'm surprised how flat the team was.   They must be seriously disappointed.

They'll bounce back.

Also...Dickensen is still obnoxious.

Zach has pretty consistently thrown stinkers like this his whole career with us. It happens.

This league has 9 teams. Richie Hall and Jordan Younger have been in the league since time began. There is nothing Adam could tell the Stamps that they don't already know.

And Adam has never seen this offensive play book.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2025, 04:02:30 PMyou judge him in the fact that for 3 games in a row the offense has had quarters with 2-3 or less first downs in them.  that is terrible in the cfl and it isn't just an anomaly- that derails an offense.

Sure - I would like a bit more sample before I draw any major conclusions though. I'm pausing because there's some good too. Collaros' TD and yardage production way better year over year. Last year it took him to August 24 to have 6 passing TDs (10 games played). He's there in 3 games played this year (and he had an open look at 7 yesterday).

We'll have a better sense in a few weeks how we rank compared to last year's. It's not like Buck has firing on all cylinders in 2024. We could have had Andy Reid calling plays yesterday and it probably wouldn't have mattered much.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2025, 04:00:17 PMStan had to be wounded, they're not making that move just to see how it would work.  If he has issues affecting his performance, he should put up his hand and take a few games off to recover properly, no reason to soldier on when there are capable replacements available.

Also do not believe Brady was 100%, it looked like his shoulder was still causing him issues.

It was late in the 4th quarter. My assumption was that they were sitting him because he's old. Zach came off on the next series, I think.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 04:20:35 PMSure - I would like a bit more sample before I draw any major conclusions though. I'm pausing because there's some good too. Collaros' TD and yardage production way better year over year. Last year it took him to August 24 to have 6 passing TDs (10 games played). He's there in 3 games played this year (and he had an open look at 7 yesterday).

We'll have a better sense in a few weeks how we rank compared to last year's. It's not like Buck has firing on all cylinders in 2024. We could have had Andy Reid calling plays yesterday and it probably wouldn't have mattered much.

Exactly. Not every QB is going to throw for 300 yards every game and there will be lulls in some drives. Their defence gets some credit too. That early holding penalty but Randolph was unfortunate and may have cost us a TD instead of a FG. Whether that changed the momentum mindset we'll never know. However things went down hill quite quickly afterwards.

As they say, a game is the result of a few plays that go one way or the other.  I was really annoyed when Vaval took that kick out of the end zone. While I can't remember if that was the series for the 1st pick 6, starting that deep is always dangerous even if you punt. Giving up the single seemed the thing to do. Don't know whether he was told to bring it out though. Somebody made a mistake though and our return blocking has not be exceptional.

Game Recap | Wpg 16 Cal 37 - Ed Tait

"... We just didn't play clean enough. We took some untimely penalties. I'm not sure we were clean enough in our execution and there's going to be enough mistakes on there that you couple that with some penalties, some decision making and some ball security issues and it all adds up to that many points.

"Calgary is a different team. They're a good football team and we knew that coming in. We just didn't muster up enough juice to make a difference today.

"... When you lose this badly all three phases are putting their hands up to try and mess things up at some point...."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/07/04/game-recap-wpg-cal/

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 04, 2025, 04:06:08 AM4Q0:14 precisely.  Dude makes 3 separate punching/pushing down movements with both hands.  I can see doing that once.  Doing it 2 more is taunting at the very least.  And when you have a DL punching your nads in, it's not a fun thing to just sit there and take it.

Don't watch the replay: TSN conveniently stops the replay before the worst hits.

Kudos to Streveller's nads then as Thomas appeared to hurt his hand on them. He came off holding it and went straight to the tent.

the Streveler legend continues to be added to.

...So maybe he was not, as someone suggested, punching Streveler in the nads repeatedly, but rather, hurt and reacting to an injury? And maybe, just maybe, that's why Streveler wasn't upset and there was no penalty? Big if true! :D

What happened to Griffin?  He went from play-maker to invisible last night.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2025, 07:46:33 PMWhat happened to Griffin?  He went from play-maker to invisible last night.

Same thing that happened to the rest of them considering how the game went.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 01:23:32 PMO'Shea's was as contrite as I've ever heard on why it was got so bad:

"Yea, when we look back on it, I probably could have handled the practice week a little differently to try and get them, to try and get the guys a little more physically fresh." Then he talks about penalties, execution and how Calgary is a better team this year and then summarizes his thought with, "We didn't manage to muster up enough juice to make a difference today."

He then further explains:

"We had a tougher day 1 and I pushed them pretty **** hard on day 2 and of course as a group they respond and then we leave them a little short, out of gas, you know. So I gotta take a better look at that."

That's a head coach taking the heat off his players and giving them a way out. He knows they played like dogshit.

Quote from: markf on July 04, 2025, 06:56:24 PMthe Streveler legend continues to be added to.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ... that's freaking awesome! Best laugh I've had today.  :-)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2025, 07:46:33 PMWhat happened to Griffin?  He went from play-maker to invisible last night.

He made 2 DTs and 1 ST, not a terrible night. Same thing as the game against Elks.

Quote from: Waffler on July 04, 2025, 02:23:33 PMWhat did biggie tell them? Our QB is old and the ball hangs up a long time so just bait him and that should be good for 2 picks sixes? Then he earned his money this week.

Simple logic:

Is Biggie the smartest guy on our D, the QB of our D (when healthy) for many years, and probably knows the book and Hall better than anyone else?  Yes?

Did Biggie tell them something?  Even one thing?  Yes?

Did that one thing lead to even one on-field play by CGY being better than it otherwise would have?  Yes?

It doesn't have to be he spilled the whole book and every little thing CGY did was because of it.  It just has to be one little thing at the margin to make it worthwhile for CGY.

Now, if you can admit that, then multiple that one little thing by how many multitudes of little things he really impacted.  The only question left is "how many things".  To my eyes it sure looked like CGY had the "cheat code" to unlock the WPG D on all those mid/deep completions!

Not saying 99% of CGY's performance was due to Biggie, all I'm saying is it's more than 0%.  And I'm not sure how anyone can argue that.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 05, 2025, 12:36:39 AMSimple logic:

Is Biggie the smartest guy on our D, the QB of our D (when healthy) for many years, and probably knows the book and Hall better than anyone else?  Yes?

Did Biggie tell them something?  Even one thing?  Yes?

Did that one thing lead to even one on-field play by CGY being better than it otherwise would have?  Yes?

It doesn't have to be he spilled the whole book and every little thing CGY did was because of it.  It just has to be one little thing at the margin to make it worthwhile for CGY.

Now, if you can admit that, then multiple that one little thing by how many multitudes of little things he really impacted.  The only question left is "how many things".  To my eyes it sure looked like CGY had the "cheat code" to unlock the WPG D on all those mid/deep completions!

Not saying 99% of CGY's performance was due to Biggie, all I'm saying is it's more than 0%.  And I'm not sure how anyone can argue that.

Then it's incumbent on Jordan Younger to take advantage of what Calgary may *think* they know about our schemes and turn the tables with some evil deception. Could be fun!  :-)

Quote from: Jesse on July 04, 2025, 04:14:19 PMAnd Adam has never seen this offensive play book.

It's not the O playbook, it's the D playbook and inside details / philosophy, that's what you buy Biggie for.  Lots of wide open mid/deep RECs and 8sec in the pocket plays by their O... BC (even with Rourke) and EDM didn't "figure it out", but CGY did.  Hmmm.

Now that Biggie is gone who is the QB of our defense?

Quote from: J5V on July 05, 2025, 12:45:19 AMThen it's incumbent on Jordan Younger to take advantage of what Calgary may *think* they know about our schemes and turn the tables with some evil deception. Could be fun!  :-)

This 2nd level "2 moves ahead" thing is what I'm always waiting to see our O do, whether with Buck or Hogan.  I'm still waiting.  Don't these guys play chess?

Other O's do it, and feast on us when they do.

Like the wide out pick-6.  We're all sitting there thinking "they'll goad you into thinking it's safe after being safe 2-3 times, and then pick it".  Why isn't Hogan/Zach thinking the same thing and scheming to get a guy behind the wide out, do a pump fake to the out, and then throw it behind him if he cheats up.  Boom, that DB is out of the play.

Zach generally had decent time most of the night, but we never do any pump-fakes or look-offs.  There's no extra level of detail and obfuscation.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 04, 2025, 07:45:36 PM...So maybe he was not, as someone suggested, punching Streveler in the nads repeatedly, but rather, hurt and reacting to an injury? And maybe, just maybe, that's why Streveler wasn't upset and there was no penalty? Big if true! :D

LOL, you roll with that.  Because when you're a D on top of a guy with a broken hand, your first impulse is to start stabbing down with said hands 3 times rather than just lay there or roll over onto the turf trying to protect said hand...

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2025, 07:46:33 PMWhat happened to Griffin?  He went from play-maker to invisible last night.

I saw him make a huge hit on someone.  Other than that, nada.  Then again, he's not on D too much compared to the others.

Quote from: Waffler on July 04, 2025, 05:21:04 PMKudos to Streveller's nads then as Thomas appeared to hurt his hand on them. He came off holding it and went straight to the tent.

Yes, Strev is now "Nads of Steel" (TM).  Someone needs to get this info to WFC...

If you're gonna punch nads, make sure they aren't Strev's!

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 04, 2025, 04:50:06 PMAs they say, a game is the result of a few plays that go one way or the other.  I was really annoyed when Vaval took that kick out of the end zone. While I can't remember if that was the series for the 1st pick 6, starting that deep is always dangerous even if you punt.

It was.  We ran a couple/few plays then threw it straight to the DB for the complete destruction of the game.  It would have been waaaay better to start at the 40.

The worst part about the bring-out is it was clear there was nothing there.  We're all sitting there thinking "dance and take a knee" and then he comes out and gets hosed at the 7 or whatever.

Rookie mistake.  I'm sure Miller & MOS will correct that darn fast.

Quote from: BBFANDM on July 04, 2025, 05:25:29 AMSo far I am not sure Vaughters is any better that our younger DEs from last year.

100% he is better.  Just not in that game.  I didn't see many stunts, and not much blitzing.

We seemed to spend a lot of effort on contain when it turned out to be unneeded.  VAJ wasn't in a running mood.  Maybe that's part of the plan to beat us: get us focusing on the mobile-QB-run then play as a pure pocket passer.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2025, 05:10:18 AMI think Schoen may be gone for awhile

Hard to say just on what we saw.  The first thought would be another ACL/MCL or similar.  Does anyone know if that was the same leg he ruined last time?  If so, he may be gone for the year and we need to get White back on the PR.

With no Kenny on the roster this year, losing Schoen would likely mean the end to our GC aspirations.  Unless Pokey returns... maybe this is the year we actually look at a massive splash REC mid-season trade?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 05, 2025, 12:36:39 AMSimple logic:

Is Biggie the smartest guy on our D, the QB of our D (when healthy) for many years, and probably knows the book and Hall better than anyone else?  Yes?

Did Biggie tell them something?  Even one thing?  Yes?

Did that one thing lead to even one on-field play by CGY being better than it otherwise would have?  Yes?

It doesn't have to be he spilled the whole book and every little thing CGY did was because of it.  It just has to be one little thing at the margin to make it worthwhile for CGY.

Now, if you can admit that, then multiple that one little thing by how many multitudes of little things he really impacted.  The only question left is "how many things".  To my eyes it sure looked like CGY had the "cheat code" to unlock the WPG D on all those mid/deep completions!

Not saying 99% of CGY's performance was due to Biggie, all I'm saying is it's more than 0%.  And I'm not sure how anyone can argue that.

The logic is only true under the tinfoil hat. Considering when he got there and their bye week, they probably only had 3 practices while he was there. Teams have game film to study then listen to anything Bighill could add in a few days.

I'd say zero value. Now he might have some input before the next game, but their coaches already know what to expect.

So yes, ZERO is more a logical conclusion.

We have Vaughters who know there D, and Logan who knows there O. Every team also has tons a video, far to much is being made of this.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 05, 2025, 04:13:46 AMWe have Vaughters who know there D, and Logan who knows there O. Every team also has tons a video, far to much is being made of this.

And I hope we debriefed them in a similar way, for whatever it was worth.  Though you can't compare either of those players' importance on CGY as you can 10-year Biggie with WPG.

But there is a critical difference: every team is chasing WPG.  No one was chasing CGY.  Another difference, Vaughters actually sees the field.  Biggie never will.

I'm not the one blowing this up, I just keep repeating that the effect is not zero, no matter how much people say it is.  If it was zero, it wouldn't be done.  The true tinfoil is that the effect is zero, not that it is 1 to 100%.

And BinBC, the length of time / practice sessions are irrelevant.  This is about scheme and play calling, which just takes the OC sitting alone drawing up his game plans.

Quote from: J5V on July 05, 2025, 12:57:13 AMNow that Biggie is gone who is the QB of our defense?

Kyrie is my guess.  He's the uber-vet.  Also explains why Mafia was uber-reluctant to give him up in the Purge Of The Olds And Injured.

Other teams are upping their game in 2025.  It may be that every team improved except TOR, and maybe BC.  However, MTL, TOR & BC will be powerhouses when their "real" QBs return.  Same with OTT.

Parity is good for the league.  But this will make it harder for us to "do our thing" like we have for 5 seasons.  The West especially has made huge strides.

Meanwhile we've mostly tried to maintain our normal level, through FA, etc.  Maybe better on D, maybe worse on O, you decide.  But we didn't really try to massively up our game like so many others seem to have done.

2024 WFC level may not be enough to win the West this year.  The team may need to dig deep down into their souls to get our level up to what appears to be the new CFL norm.  This is definitely a "no coasting through the West" year like '24.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 05, 2025, 07:17:42 AMAnd I hope we debriefed them in a similar way, for whatever it was worth.  Though you can't compare either of those players' importance on CGY as you can 10-year Biggie with WPG.

But there is a critical difference: every team is chasing WPG.  No one was chasing CGY.  Another difference, Vaughters actually sees the field.  Biggie never will.

I'm not the one blowing this up, I just keep repeating that the effect is not zero, no matter how much people say it is.  If it was zero, it wouldn't be done.  The true tinfoil is that the effect is zero, not that it is 1 to 100%.

And BinBC, the length of time / practice sessions are irrelevant.  This is about scheme and play calling, which just takes the OC sitting alone drawing up his game plans.

That's why teams have DC's. There isn't anything about the Bombers that they don't know. It's about execution. You think that's why a team signs a player from another team often and it's still just another conspiracy theory of yours.

By that definition we should get crushed by the TiCats. They signed offensive and defensive players.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 05, 2025, 07:45:05 AM2024 WFC level may not be enough to win the West this year.  The team may need to dig deep down into their souls to get our level up to what appears to be the new CFL norm.  This is definitely a "no coasting through the West" year like '24.

Not sure what you mean by coasting. That was our hardest first place and in fact required "an act of God" in the final moments of our last game. We did put together a mid-season streak but I don't ever recall it being easy or a sure thing. Compare it to the year the D shut down everyone in the 4th, that was the closest to coasting we ever had.

Our entire team has a combined 3 TFL and 3 sacks in 4 games. That should tell us something even a blind man can see. Can O'Shea see the problem?

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 02:18:21 PMOur entire team has a combined 3 TFL and 3 sacks in 4 games. That should tell us something even a blind man can see. Can O'Shea see the problem?

Agree. Our DL, specifically our interior, is the weakness of our defense and teams know they'll have time to complete plays so the game plan accordingly. The stats you point out are a telling tale of what needs to be improved--put more pressure on the opposing Qb, or pay the price on the score board.

The Elks Brinkman and Ceresna have a combined 13 DT's. Now they might be 0 - 4 after playing Ottawa this weekend, but their DL has been pretty good. Their problems are mostly on offence.

Maybe we can trade D. Mitchell back to them for Brinkman? :)

I don't expect any Bomber roster AR movement after the bye unless due to injury. However, at what point do we play Mitchell or cut bait? Yes, he's depth but we could have kept any number of rookie receivers on our PR for that purpose. I know we didn't do that expect for Case but we have their contact information.

It's possible we might start seeing some movement on the PR depending on how long our 6 game IR players will be unable to play.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 04:23:20 PMThe Elks Brinkman and Ceresna have a combined 13 DT's. Now they might be 0 - 4 after playing Ottawa this weekend, but their DL has been pretty good. Their problems are mostly on offence.

The defence is wracking up tackles because every team has scored 30+ against them. It's not a sign that they're doing well.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 04:23:20 PMThe Elks Brinkman and Ceresna have a combined 13 DT's. Now they might be 0 - 4 after playing Ottawa this weekend, but their DL has been pretty good. Their problems are mostly on offence.

Maybe we can trade D. Mitchell back to them for Brinkman? :)

I don't expect any Bomber roster AR movement after the bye unless due to injury. However, at what point do we play Mitchell or cut bait? Yes, he's depth but we could have kept any number of rookie receivers on our PR for that purpose. I know we didn't do that expect for Case but we have their contact information.

It's possible we might start seeing some movement on the PR depending on how long our 6 game IR players will be unable to play.

I don't see any reason to stand pat after the bye, a blow out loss is the perfect excuse to shuffle the deck and take a closer look at some of the options they have hidden in the closet. Don't know if O'Shea will agree as he seems so rigid in his thinking when it comes to player movement.  Can't believe he waited so long to insert Strev into a sure lost game, QB management is looking like a weakness again, Strev can't be happy with that decision and Wilson looks like he could be a forgotten project that fades away to nothing. 

7 of the next 8 games are against top competitors (Stamps, Argos, Als, Riders) leading through to the BB and all should have their #1 QB back.  That stretch should provide a clear reality check whether they are still a top team or not.  If they can't beat specific teams in the regular season, not likely they can do so in the playoffs either.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 04:23:20 PMMaybe we can trade D. Mitchell back to them for Brinkman? :)

Didn't Schoen's knee go sideways in Calgary? I would wait until we know more about this.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 05, 2025, 04:56:57 PMCan't believe he waited so long to insert Strev into a sure lost game, QB management is looking like a weakness again, Strev can't be happy with that decision and Wilson looks like he could be a forgotten project that fades away to nothing.

I expected it. His thinking is that he wanted Collaros to have that last drive to feel good about. I don't agree with it either but that's his handling of QB1.  Maybe he thinks our team goes as Collaros goes and after that it doesn't matter.

Good on Strev to come into that situation and play like the game was in the balance.

As far as Wilson, he just seems insurance now. Doesn't ever see the field.

Quote from: Waffler on July 05, 2025, 05:28:34 PMI expected it. His thinking is that he wanted Collaros to have that last drive to feel good about. I don't agree with it either but that's his handling of QB1.  Maybe he thinks our team goes as Collaros goes and after that it doesn't matter.

Good on Strev to come into that situation and play like the game was in the balance.

As far as Wilson, he just seems insurance now. Doesn't ever see the field.

This is my only issue with the coaching. But it's a big problem. As we saw last season.

Is Collaros really that fragile? I hope not. But I did notice players really working to pump him up last season during his 15 td 14 int run.

It's a Remarkable blind spot. if I was Streveler I would be thinking about it. And yes he again showed his worth at the end.

Quote from: Jesse on July 05, 2025, 04:53:25 PMThe defence is wracking up tackles because every team has scored 30+ against them. It's not a sign that they're doing well.

Yes and no. Their offence is the issue although they racked up 350 yards. They can't finish drives when they have a chance. I didn't look at the TOP but I'd say their defence played well against the Bombers.

Elks have only scored 65 points in 3 games. A comment was made about the Bombers having good yardage stats but not scoring for a multitude of reasons. In that sense it's been similar for the Elks but for all 3 games. Essentially shooting themselves in the foot. Dropped passes, penalties etc. It's not that unusual an issue for many teams every year.

Quote from: Waffler on July 05, 2025, 05:16:28 PMDidn't Schoen's knee go sideways in Calgary? I would wait until we know more about this.

I think we'd know by now if something serious had happened to him.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 05, 2025, 07:45:05 AMOther teams are upping their game in 2025.  It may be that every team improved except TOR, and maybe BC.  However, MTL, TOR & BC will be powerhouses when their "real" QBs return.  Same with OTT.

Parity is good for the league.  But this will make it harder for us to "do our thing" like we have for 5 seasons.  The West especially has made huge strides.

Meanwhile we've mostly tried to maintain our normal level, through FA, etc.  Maybe better on D, maybe worse on O, you decide.  But we didn't really try to massively up our game like so many others seem to have done.

2024 WFC level may not be enough to win the West this year.  The team may need to dig deep down into their souls to get our level up to what appears to be the new CFL norm.  This is definitely a "no coasting through the West" year like '24.

As with anything it is much more difficult to make big strides when you're already walking the walk. Much easier for Calgary et al to make big strides when they were barely crawling along before.

As you say, parity is good for the league and your point about the QBs coming back is important. Our league is QB driven and needs healthy ones like Rourke, Alexander, Brown, Harris, and Kelly. Their return will instantly improve 5 of the 9 teams and lift the quality of the entire league.

They say defense wins championships and I do believe the team with the best D will be crowned at the end. We have as good a chance or better as any other team in this league. Timing will be important too. The team that gets hot at the right time is going to win it just like we did in '19. I'm hopeful for a similar outcome this year. The Grey Cup isn't won in July.

Did Hogan intend to run 100% Collaros from day one?

I was under the impression that Streveler would get some packages, and I think CGY really exposed Collaros badly where Streveler might have put them off kilter a bit.

I'm not saying that the last drive with Streveler and Wallace in at G means we should start that alignment, that was a garbage time prevent beating drive. 

But bringing in Streve on short yardage and leaving him in for a few extra downs on tempo so the D can't get thier heavies off the field is something I really expected to see this year.

Quote from: Waffler on July 05, 2025, 05:16:28 PMDidn't Schoen's knee go sideways in Calgary? I would wait until we know more about this.

No it looked more like a hamstring pull, they weren't examining his knee and he walked off the field under his own power.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 04:23:20 PMThe Elks Brinkman and Ceresna have a combined 13 DT's. Now they might be 0 - 4 after playing Ottawa this weekend, but their DL has been pretty good. Their problems are mostly on offence.

Maybe we can trade D. Mitchell back to them for Brinkman? :)

Some stats matter more than others, the Elks are winless and they have aprox. $825k tied up in 4 D-linemen, all 4 are on the list of top paid D-linemen.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/18/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-defensive-linemen-for-the-2025-season/

Quote from: theaardvark on July 05, 2025, 06:34:40 PMDid Hogan intend to run 100% Collaros from day one?

I was under the impression that Streveler would get some packages, and I think CGY really exposed Collaros badly where Streveler might have put them off kilter a bit.

I'm not saying that the last drive with Streveler and Wallace in at G means we should start that alignment, that was a garbage time prevent beating drive. 

But bringing in Streve on short yardage and leaving him in for a few extra downs on tempo so the D can't get thier heavies off the field is something I really expected to see this year.

Sure hope not, was expecting more variation from the offence this season, not less.  One problem hiring young inexperienced coaches from within, they remain fully under MOS's thumb.  Hopefully Jarious Jackson can persuade them to be more creative and loose with their QB deployment.  Same goes for RB management, want to see more use of Peterson throughout the game.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 05, 2025, 06:47:58 PMSome stats matter more than others, the Elks are winless and they have aprox. $825k tied up in 4 D-linemen, all 4 are on the list of top paid D-linemen.

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/18/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-defensive-linemen-for-the-2025-season/

Sure and we have D.Mitchell and J. Jones earning nearly $300K sitting on the 1 game IR not injured. Ceresna is earning about the same as Mitchell. Which would you rather have?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 05, 2025, 06:53:25 PMSure hope not, was expecting more variation from the offence this season, not less.

This. So much this. Lapo was so predictable. Buck learned from Lapo and was in some ways worse for predictability.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 07:59:30 PMSure and we have D.Mitchell and J. Jones earning nearly $300K sitting on the 1 game IR not injured. Ceresna is earning about the same as Mitchell. Which would you rather have?

That's a hypothetical question, Mitchell was available, Ceresna was not. Ceresna was going back to Edmonton even though the Argos offered him more money to stay, his mind was already made up.

This game was a classic example of what happens when one team comes in ready to play and the other doesn't. The penalties and execution are examples of this. I think we went in thinking that we were much better than Calgary.
If there's anything to get from this game its the following
1.  I mentioned this in another thread but when we try to go with a short passing game which we did for most of the first half, we do very poorly.
2. Our dline isn't good enough especially with only rotating 5 players
3. Bridges continues to bite on the fake going long and coming back, Calgary picked up on this.
4. When we blitz the crossing routes are wide open I don't know if its the scheme or personnel issue
5. Calgary took away the longer routes and were content letting us throw underneath and coming up to make  the play knowing they have time to react as Zacs arm isn't strong enough to get the ball faster to the receiver or our receivers not quick enough to make them pay
Two picks were direct result of defenders playing off the receiver and closing in to make a play on the ball
Hopefully the coaching staff can make the adjustments (maybe we need to bring in an exstampeder to help) We got out coached in that game as Calgary had an excellent game plan

Quote from: theaardvark on July 05, 2025, 06:34:40 PMBut bringing in Streve on short yardage and leaving him in for a few extra downs on tempo so the D can't get thier heavies off the field is something I really expected to see this year.

We've done it multiple times.

Quote from: Jesse on July 06, 2025, 12:35:06 AMWe've done it multiple times.

and it rarely gets many positive yards...mostly has wasted a down. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 05, 2025, 04:56:57 PM. QB management is looking like a weakness again, Strev can't be happy with that decision and Wilson looks like he could be a forgotten project that fades away to nothing. 

Collaros has an overall winning record for us but his decline began in 2023 and you'd think coaching would begin to prepare for succession. Two pick sixes vs Stamps. In the last three Grey Cups zero touchdowns and six interceptions. Yet Bombers brass adds another year to his current $600K contract. Bombers will be lucky to be a .500 team at this rate.

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 12:51:38 AMCollaros has an overall winning record for us but his decline began in 2023 and you'd think coaching would begin to prepare for succession. Two pick sixes vs Stamps. In the last three Grey Cups zero touchdowns and six interceptions. Yet Bombers brass adds another year to his current $600K contract. Bombers will be lucky to be a .500 team at this rate.

At the rate of 3-1?

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 12:51:38 AMCollaros has an overall winning record for us but his decline began in 2023 and you'd think coaching would begin to prepare for succession. Two pick sixes vs Stamps. In the last three Grey Cups zero touchdowns and six interceptions. Yet Bombers brass adds another year to his current $600K contract. Bombers will be lucky to be a .500 team at this rate.

Do you see Davis Alexander on our roster?

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 12:51:38 AMCollaros has an overall winning record for us but his decline began in 2023 and you'd think coaching would begin to prepare for succession. Two pick sixes vs Stamps. In the last three Grey Cups zero touchdowns and six interceptions. Yet Bombers brass adds another year to his current $600K contract. Bombers will be lucky to be a .500 team at this rate.

**looks at Collaros' stats from 2023**
12-4 record, 4200+ passing yards, 33 TDs (led the league), 112.8 QBR, division all-star

That's some decline!

This post is a really solid example of cherry picking (https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/Cherry-Picking).

And then to claim this team will be lucky to be .500 because of that self-inflicted logical fallacy is just priceless.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 07, 2025, 02:02:55 PM**looks at Collaros' stats from 2023**
12-4 record, 4200+ passing yards, 33 TDs (led the league), 112.8 QBR, division all-star

That's some decline!

This post is a really solid example of cherry picking (https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/Cherry-Picking).

And then to claim this team will be lucky to be .500 because of that self-inflicted logical fallacy is just priceless.

Great receivers can help mask the fact that a QB is in decline. Despite the very obvious fact that ZC mostly throws inaccurate wobblers - his passes still ended up being caught by Lawler and Schoen - they caught 16 of the 33 TDs you mention. But Schoen obviously is not, post-injury, where he was in 22/23 and Lawler is gone and catching passes from BLM. So Collaros's inadequacies are further exposed. Also, Bombers pass pro has looked shaky past couple years. ZC has always tended to take time going through his progressions but, pressured, he then panics and forces the throw which often ends up in the arms of an opponent. Look at his TD/INT ratio last 20 games - I won't even mention the Grey Cup fiascos. Bombers brass seem to have decided they can live with this. But as a fan I have every right to call them out on it.

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 04:18:07 PMGreat receivers can help mask the fact that a QB is in decline. Despite the very obvious fact that ZC mostly throws inaccurate wobblers - his passes still ended up being caught by Lawler and Schoen - they caught 16 of the 33 TDs you mention. But Schoen obviously is not, post-injury, where he was in 22/23 and Lawler is gone and catching passes from BLM. So Collaros's inadequacies are further exposed. Also, Bombers pass pro has looked shaky past couple years. ZC has always tended to take time going through his progressions but, pressured, he then panics and forces the throw which often ends up in the arms of an opponent. Look at his TD/INT ratio last 20 games - I won't even mention the Grey Cup fiascos. Bombers brass seem to have decided they can live with this. But as a fan I have every right to call them out on it.

You do. I do think it's fair to wonder if there has been a decline, but it's still too early to declare it. He still shows a lot of the Collaros we've come to know and appreciate here.  Bottom line is we're still in a pretty good position as far as starting qb goes in this league. Who's hands down better right now? Anderson and Rourke definitely have more upside. Otherwise, nobody.

Let me ask you this though: What should the Bomber Brass do about it? Play Streveler? Wilson? And don't go backwards to Brown please. That ship has sailed.

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 04:18:07 PMGreat receivers can help mask the fact that a QB is in decline. Despite the very obvious fact that ZC mostly throws inaccurate wobblers - his passes still ended up being caught by Lawler and Schoen - they caught 16 of the 33 TDs you mention. But Schoen obviously is not, post-injury, where he was in 22/23 and Lawler is gone and catching passes from BLM. So Collaros's inadequacies are further exposed. Also, Bombers pass pro has looked shaky past couple years. ZC has always tended to take time going through his progressions but, pressured, he then panics and forces the throw which often ends up in the arms of an opponent. Look at his TD/INT ratio last 20 games - I won't even mention the Grey Cup fiascos. Bombers brass seem to have decided they can live with this. But as a fan I have every right to call them out on it.

I totally agree he's not as good as he was in 2019 and 2021. I don't think anyone would disagree with that. And his Grey Cup numbers are pretty bad. Time will always be undefeated. My question is more what do you suggest we do about it? Cut him and go with Streveler and Wilson? Turn things over to an American rookie on the neg list? Try and trade for a QB a CFL team doesn't want. What? Isn't extending him currently the best option out of all the options before us?

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 07, 2025, 05:51:01 PMI totally agree he's not as good as he was in 2019 and 2021. I don't think anyone would disagree with that. And his Grey Cup numbers are pretty bad. Time will always be undefeated. My question is more what do you suggest we do about it? Cut him and go with Streveler and Wilson? Turn things over to an American rookie on the neg list? Try and trade for a QB a CFL team doesn't want. What? Isn't extending him currently the best option out of all the options before us?

Yes, more Streveler and, eventually, Wilson. They need game reps. When Matt Nichols went down in 2019 we turned to Strev and he managed to win a few games. Then, for insurance, we traded for Collaros and Lapolice basically used the 2 QB Streveler-Collaros tandem to take the club through the playoffs to win a Grey Cup. Today, Collaros is older and less effective. But Strev might be better than he was in 2019. We will never know unless he gets more playing time. Let's go 2 QB tandem system. It might be ugly before it gets pretty but having Jarious Jackson around should help.

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 04:18:07 PMGreat receivers can help mask the fact that a QB is in decline. Despite the very obvious fact that ZC mostly throws inaccurate wobblers - his passes still ended up being caught by Lawler and Schoen - they caught 16 of the 33 TDs you mention. But Schoen obviously is not, post-injury, where he was in 22/23 and Lawler is gone and catching passes from BLM. So Collaros's inadequacies are further exposed. Also, Bombers pass pro has looked shaky past couple years. ZC has always tended to take time going through his progressions but, pressured, he then panics and forces the throw which often ends up in the arms of an opponent. Look at his TD/INT ratio last 20 games - I won't even mention the Grey Cup fiascos. Bombers brass seem to have decided they can live with this. But as a fan I have every right to call them out on it.

Sure, you have every "right" to call out whatever you'd like as it relates to this team/organization.

Now that we're moving the goalposts (https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/Moving-the-Goalposts), name a QB in this league - past or present - who hasn't relied on his receivers, tailbacks, or O-line in order to succeed on any consistent basis, irrespective of them being star players or not. Pro football is a team sport after all. And I think it's more than fair to say Collaros' contributions continue to be a net positive here.

If my math is accurate - and I apologize if it isn't - his last 20 games played go back to week 1 of last season. He's thrown 23 TDs and 19 INTs, which isn't a good ratio on its own. However, that doesn't take into account the team's numerous key injuries to start 2024, coming out the gate 0-4, and sitting at 3-6 midway through that season. I think there's ample context to be considered here that shouldn't be ignored. It's a team sport.

This most recent loss stings but the sky isn't falling in Bomberland because the starting QB threw a couple of pick sixes.

To your last comment re: Streveler and Wilson getting more playing time, I tend to agree. Especially in blowout games, keeping Collaros in doesn't make sense. And I also agree on your point of Streveler being a more rounded QB now than in 2019. I haven't seen enough of Wilson to have a reasonable opinion one way or another.

In all of this, I can't help but wonder if Dru Brown returns to the fold after 2026.

My question is why did we extend collaros without him playing a down in 2025 when its obvious his performance is on the downturn? Its not like he gave us a bargain.

Quote from: Pete on July 07, 2025, 08:21:29 PMMy question is why did we extend collaros without him playing a down in 2025 when its obvious his performance is on the downturn? Its not like he gave us a bargain.

We don't know the details of the contract. Unless there are some guarantees it's moot. If no guarantees we could potentially release or trade him before TC 2025. I haven't even heard the contact value yet??

We won't know what other QB's might be available going into 2025 until free agency.

Quote from: Pete on July 07, 2025, 08:21:29 PMMy question is why did we extend collaros without him playing a down in 2025 when its obvious his performance is on the downturn? Its not like he gave us a bargain.

Zach got smart and initiated contract negotiations during the off-season, I'd guess they're paying him aprox. the same as there's not much reason to demand a discounted rate when he's put them in the GC 5 straight years. If I was GM I'd make him wait till the end of this season to see how things shake out, at his age he doesn't have a heck of a lot of bargaining power and I doubt he wants to start again with another team.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 07, 2025, 05:51:01 PMI totally agree he's not as good as he was in 2019 and 2021. I don't think anyone would disagree with that. And his Grey Cup numbers are pretty bad. Time will always be undefeated. My question is more what do you suggest we do about it? Cut him and go with Streveler and Wilson? Turn things over to an American rookie on the neg list? Try and trade for a QB a CFL team doesn't want. What? Isn't extending him currently the best option out of all the options before us?

Although I'm not a big fan of his I do respect Wally Buono and his philosophy on ageing players. What he'd likely have done is started bringing in arms until he found the next Travis Lulay or Nathan Rourke and  traded Zach for a big return while he still had big value. I'm not saying we don't do that ... yeah, I'm saying we don't do that.  ;)

Zach is still good to great.  Bad game, he will have a few of those this year.  We will bounce back.  Forest through the trees.  That was an ugly ball game.  We are better than that.  Back to the drawing board and time to put a few wins together.

I only watched the 1st half closely, had a big party all weekend so didn't get my football time in. 

On average CFL quarterbacks retire in their mid to late 30's. It would be short sighted or downright ludicrous to think the Bombers are not already looking for their next starting QB.

Quote from: Blueforlife on July 07, 2025, 11:08:28 PMZach is still good to great.  Bad game, he will have a few of those this year.  We will bounce back.  Forest through the trees.  That was an ugly ball game.  We are better than that.  Back to the drawing board and time to put a few wins together.

I only watched the 1st half closely, had a big party all weekend so didn't get my football time in. 

he's really only had one good game this year and last year it was more bad than good. To anticipate he's gonna get better is likely unrealistic at least without some changes to his game (ie Bo levi)

Quote from: Pete on July 07, 2025, 08:21:29 PMMy question is why did we extend collaros without him playing a down in 2025 when its obvious his performance is on the downturn? Its not like he gave us a bargain.

 Because he's our best option far and we're lucky to have him locked down.

Quote from: Pete on July 07, 2025, 11:32:36 PMhe's really only had one good game this year and last year it was more bad than good. To anticipate he's gonna get better is likely unrealistic at least without some changes to his game (ie Bo levi)

Disagree all, but yes not the greatest start, fair to good imo
I am confident in him and this team while you have been less so, which is ok.
Last year team started terrible but came around and Zach was more good than bad, a terrible ending
I am not anticipating he will get better but he will continue to play at the level he has for the last few years.  He will have big games, mostly average and a few bad imo.
Bo hurt himself and had to relearn his throwing mechanics, a different situation.  He and Zach have age in common and also have done some amazing things in the past.  I wouldn't count either out.  Both can make bad decisions with hero throws, the best athletes often do and that fine line is what makes them great.  Both need to ego check / throw away at times.
Bo has better arm, always has.  Zach has better accuracy but that a close match.  Didn't watch Bo's last game but looked to be slinging nasty to Kenny.

Quote from: Jesse on July 07, 2025, 11:51:49 PMBecause he's our best option far and we're lucky to have him locked down.

Exactly.

Complaining about a couple of pick sixes after the fact, i get, nobody likes them, but everybody throws them.

How many Qb's do you know presently playing, have been to 5 Grey Cups, period?? Come up with anyone?? Nope. He's our best option going forward. Is he aging, yes, is his arm not what it used to be , yes. Can we win it with him this year, yes. And besides, what are we going to do at this point in time?? Nothing. MOS has publically stated a number of times, how impressed he is with ZC decision making ability, so he ain't going nowhere, and you can bank on that.

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 07:14:37 PMYes, more Streveler and, eventually, Wilson. They need game reps. When Matt Nichols went down in 2019 we turned to Strev and he managed to win a few games. Then, for insurance, we traded for Collaros and Lapolice basically used the 2 QB Streveler-Collaros tandem to take the club through the playoffs to win a Grey Cup. Today, Collaros is older and less effective. But Strev might be better than he was in 2019. We will never know unless he gets more playing time. Let's go 2 QB tandem system. It might be ugly before it gets pretty but having Jarious Jackson around should help.

Maybe I don't remember all that well but I believe in the last 2-3 seasons Zach started a trend of ******** the bed badly at least once or twice a year.  I can remember a few games the offence came out totally flat and never mounted a competitive effort the entire game, those contests usually ended in total blowouts. 3 that would qualify, the recent Stamps game, last year's GC and the early season loss to the Lions at home, but I'm sure there's more unexpected disasters. 

Often these games come totally out of the blue and happen at home in front of a stadium full of baffled semi-angry Bomber fans.  Bad trend.

Quote from: dd on July 08, 2025, 02:10:22 AMExactly.

Complaining about a couple of pick sixes after the fact, i get, nobody likes them, but everybody throws them.

How many Qb's do you know presently playing, have been to 5 Grey Cups, period?? Come up with anyone?? Nope. He's our best option going forward. Is he aging, yes, is his arm not what it used to be , yes. Can we win it with him this year, yes. And besides, what are we going to do at this point in time?? Nothing. MOS has publically stated a number of times, how impressed he is with ZC decision making ability, so he ain't going nowhere, and you can bank on that.

Love the attitude and I could agre more

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 08, 2025, 03:04:11 AMMaybe I don't remember all that well but I believe in the last 2-3 seasons Zach started a trend of ******** the bed badly at least once or twice a year.  I can remember a few games the offence came out totally flat and never mounted a competitive effort the entire game, those contests usually ended in total blowouts. 3 that would qualify, the recent Stamps game, last year's GC and the early season loss to the Lions at home, but I'm sure there's more unexpected disasters. 

Often these games come totally out of the blue and happen at home in front of a stadium full of baffled semi-angry Bomber fans.  Bad trend.

It's happened every year to every QB/team. No one goes 18-0.

Posters are always bias. They give no credit to the opposition defence making a very good play that result in a pic 6. Were the passes Collaros threw perfect? No but every QB has throws that receivers make great plays on that result in big gains.

Thinking any QB is going to be perfect every game is silly. OL protection, play calling, receivers running correct routes and every players individual performance are factors.

Yes, Collaros is getting older and his arm strength has decreased. It's not like we can open the phone book and dial up the next star QB for a lower contract value.

Our record to start the season is better than it was in 2024. It's a little early to be jumping ship IMO.

Rourke threw an int early in his game. It was  almost a 50 / 50 ball but came up a little short and the DB made a great recovery. When Collaros has that happen he gets called out. Your forget the ones where he's dropped a dime in that situation and we've scored.

It's the nature of football.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 07, 2025, 09:12:10 PMWe won't know what other QB's might be available going into 2025 until free agency.

Why is Streveler not considered a starting QB?

It's been decided, I suppose.

Hes the American version of Tre Ford.

Quote from: Pete on July 07, 2025, 08:21:29 PMMy question is why did we extend collaros without him playing a down in 2025 when its obvious his performance is on the downturn? Its not like he gave us a bargain.

Smarter to lock him up and then go back to him and restructure if his play takes a noticeable dive. To be fair to Zach though, he's off to a much better start this year than last and so a lot of criticism is unwarranted at this point.

Quote from: markf on July 08, 2025, 02:00:49 PMWhy is Streveler not considered a starting QB?

It's been decided, I suppose.

Hes the American version of Tre Ford.

IMO Streveler is a decent back up and fan favorite. He's a good short yardage QB and knows aour system well enough to execute with minimum errors. At times he'll make some great plays.

Beyond that I don't consider that he will ever be a good # 1 QB. He's also a potential free agent t the end of the season. I'd like to see him get a few more reps but that has more to do with protecting Collaros from having to play 100% of the reps. It helps avoid injury etc etc. It gives the defence something else to prepare and worry about.

Quote from: Jesse on July 08, 2025, 12:43:59 PMIt's happened every year to every QB/team. No one goes 18-0.

I accept losing games, most of the early season losses last year were relatively close games.  What I don't understand is where these blowout losses come from, it's as if the team is totally unprepared and unable to regroup within the 60 minutes allotted to mount a comeback.  If this team gets down by more than 2 TD's they're generally dead in the water, might as well throw in the flag cause they're not coming back.  That's why I asked if anyone can recall Zach mounting a significant comeback in the last few years.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 08, 2025, 04:37:13 PMI accept losing games, most of the early season losses last year were relatively close games.  What I don't understand is where these blowout losses come from, it's as if the team is totally unprepared and unable to regroup within the 60 minutes allotted to mount a comeback.  If this team gets down by more than 2 TD's they're generally dead in the water, might as well throw in the flag cause they're not coming back.  That's why I asked if anyone can recall Zach mounting a significant comeback in the last few years.

It's not that hard to figure out. The defence gave up 2 very easy TD's on blown coverage. One was very early in the game. Bombers on offence gave up 2 pic 6 TD's. We can debate how much Collaros was to blame versus how well the Stamps defence read the plays.

Plays like that are never just about one single thing happening going wrong or going right.  In effect it looked worse than it was IMO. We can't really play the what if game.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 08, 2025, 04:37:13 PMI accept losing games, most of the early season losses last year were relatively close games.  What I don't understand is where these blowout losses come from, it's as if the team is totally unprepared and unable to regroup within the 60 minutes allotted to mount a comeback.  If this team gets down by more than 2 TD's they're generally dead in the water, might as well throw in the flag cause they're not coming back.  That's why I asked if anyone can recall Zach mounting a significant comeback in the last few years.

They've lost ONE game this year and if you allow for two INT's for TDs in that loss, the liklehood of losing that game is pretty high.  It was a bad game.  They were unprepared but at the same time you could say they were well prepared for the three wins they already have.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 08, 2025, 05:12:55 PMIt's not that hard to figure out. The defence gave up 2 very easy TD's on blown coverage. One was very early in the game. Bombers on offence gave up 2 pic 6 TD's. We can debate how much Collaros was to blame versus how well the Stamps defence read the plays.

Plays like that are never just about one single thing happening going wrong or going right.  In effect it looked worse than it was IMO. We can't really play the what if game.

I'm more interested in the trend, not the gory details.  I believe these blowouts did not happen before 2023, and I attribute it to an increase in Zach's inconsistent play the last few years.  The obvious solution is to have and use a competent backup on days Zach can't find his groove.  They did that a little bit with Dru Brown in his last year with the Bombers, but it was almost always the case he replaced Zach only when injured.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 08, 2025, 05:45:16 PMI'm more interested in the trend, not the gory details.  I believe these blowouts did not happen before 2023, and I attribute it to an increase in Zach's inconsistent play the last few years.  The obvious solution is to have and use a competent backup on days Zach can't find his groove.  They did that a little bit with Dru Brown in his last year with the Bombers, but it was almost always the case he replaced Zach only when injured.

The score may have indicated a blow out but I disagree that can be said without the context of the game. I also disagree we haven't seen games like this in the past. Narrow focus IMO.

It is Collaros fault the defence gave up two TD's on blown coverages? When the Bombers make an int or pic 6 it's a brilliant play. Some times it is and sometimes less so.

On the 1st pic 6 IMO it was a very good defensive play. On the 2nd pic 6 I see more blame for Collaros because he was late and possibly telegraphed the play. Regardless, ply calling and receivers not getting open lead to a 3rd or 4th read and that happens.

Very few coaches pull their starter after slower periods of proficiency during a game. Most teams don't have great 2nd string QB's.

I don't specifically remember the down and distance on each of the pic 6's at the moment. What I find often is that a stuffed running play or OL penalty often leads to 2nd and long. That's when things hit the fan trying to make a 10 yard plus play.

If your idea to any or all of this is to put in Streveler when or if Collaros is not driving for TD's every series, then I strongly disagree.

It's pretty confounding how one bad loss - and the only loss so far in 2025 - can elicit such immoderate responses here.

It's one game.

(https://media.tenor.com/bHIOU6hKtv4AAAAM/one-liz-lemon.gif)

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 08, 2025, 06:13:20 PMIt's pretty confounding how one bad loss - and the only loss so far in 2025 - can elicit such immoderate responses here.

It's one game.

(https://media.tenor.com/bHIOU6hKtv4AAAAM/one-liz-lemon.gif)

Just wait until we're 3-15 again. It will happen again one day!

Here are my 2 cents - the game was embarrassing- complete team collapse. Can't say if the Bombers thought they only needed to show up but that's how they played.

I also would have played Strev for about half of the 4th quarter when we all knew the game was lost (personally I thought it was over but the crying in the 3rd quarter). We all know that O'Shea isn't wired like that but I look at what happened in the Grey Cup last year when Collaros went down had to throw in Wilson who I believe hadn't thrown a pass all season. I was hoping O'Shea would have learned from that.

Looking forward to seeing a big rebound next week and that we lay a lickin' on those Stamps.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 07, 2025, 02:02:55 PM**looks at Collaros' stats from 2023**
12-4 record, 4200+ passing yards, 33 TDs (led the league), 112.8 QBR, division all-star

That's some decline!

This post is a really solid example of cherry picking (https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/Cherry-Picking).

And then to claim this team will be lucky to be .500 because of that self-inflicted logical fallacy is just priceless.

Collaros decline did happen in 2023 though...but at the halfway point of the season.  All you have to do is look at his stats on a game by game basis from the midway point of the 2023 season to the present and you will see a marked increase in his TD-INT ratio. It's shocking actually...probably the worst TD-INT ration of any starting QB in the league since nearly 2 years ago.

The win-loss record is heavily attributed to having some excellent receivers catching some suspect throws by Zach (we will miss lawler in this regard); an excellent running back; and a defense, that while it hasn't been as dominant since 2021, is still pretty decent and has had mostly good play-calling during that span.  This has covered up a lot of Zach's warts.

Quote from: bomb squad on July 07, 2025, 05:50:24 PMYou do. I do think it's fair to wonder if there has been a decline, but it's still too early to declare it. He still shows a lot of the Collaros we've come to know and appreciate here.  Bottom line is we're still in a pretty good position as far as starting qb goes in this league. Who's hands down better right now? Anderson and Rourke definitely have more upside. Otherwise, nobody.

Let me ask you this though: What should the Bomber Brass do about it? Play Streveler? Wilson? And don't go backwards to Brown please. That ship has sailed.

Wait, you actually wonder if there is a decline in Zach's play?!  I think it's pretty obvious.  His arm strength is nowhere near where it was 4 years ago.  Check out some of those awful underthrows that we seem to have become accustomed to the past 2 years.  An obvious example was Zach's INT in his first game back 3 weeks ago.  The ball was so badly underthrown that even when the receiver came to a dead stop the ball was still several yards behind him and easily intercepted.  If the receiver had just run his normal route  without looking back the ball would have likely been 15 yards behind him.

Zach is really overestimating his capabilities at this point.  He needs to look at someone like Bo-Levi Mitchell who has finally adjusted his game since his shoulder injury several years ago that took away some of his strength on the throws.  He has noticeably outplayed Zach at this point.

Quote from: Doublezero on July 07, 2025, 07:14:37 PMYes, more Streveler and, eventually, Wilson. They need game reps. When Matt Nichols went down in 2019 we turned to Strev and he managed to win a few games. Then, for insurance, we traded for Collaros and Lapolice basically used the 2 QB Streveler-Collaros tandem to take the club through the playoffs to win a Grey Cup. Today, Collaros is older and less effective. But Strev might be better than he was in 2019. We will never know unless he gets more playing time. Let's go 2 QB tandem system. It might be ugly before it gets pretty but having Jarious Jackson around should help.

They brought in Collaros because Streveler wasn't very effective in the starter's role.  The team was slumping badly with Strev as a starter losing more games then they won...3-5 I think after a 7-2 start under Matt Nichols.  Strev was throwing a tonne of interceptions at this point and it was obvious that the Bombers were not going to go far in the playoffs with him as the starter.

Quote from: Pete on July 07, 2025, 08:21:29 PMMy question is why did we extend collaros without him playing a down in 2025 when its obvious his performance is on the downturn? Its not like he gave us a bargain.

Indeed.  I brought this up in the Zach Collaros signs extension thread.  He didn't earn that type of extension based on his play the past 2 years and almost every playoff game.  If anything, he should have taken a paycut this year based on how mediocre he was for much of 2024 and how awful he was in the Grey Cup...you know, like how Bo-Levi Mitchell took a paycut at the beginning of the 2024 season and has rewarded the Ti-Cats with good play ever since.

Imagine if Zach had taken a $100,000 paycut for this season, and do the right thing by the team in a Grey Cup hosting season.  We could have spent an extra 20,000 here and an extra 30,000 there on 3 positions on the Bombers to strengthen the club.  Case in point,  Walters could have righted a wrong he committed in 2024 and used some of that extra money to bring back Grant.  Instead we are stuck with the awful Vaval and likely a second year in a row with the worst return game in the league.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 08, 2025, 04:37:13 PMI accept losing games, most of the early season losses last year were relatively close games.  What I don't understand is where these blowout losses come from, it's as if the team is totally unprepared and unable to regroup within the 60 minutes allotted to mount a comeback.  If this team gets down by more than 2 TD's they're generally dead in the water, might as well throw in the flag cause they're not coming back.  That's why I asked if anyone can recall Zach mounting a significant comeback in the last few years.

Not with Zach.  Dru Brown on the other hand lead us to a huge comeback win a few years ago, when Zach dug a hole for the team before he left the game with injury.

I don't think we collapsed. Calgary simply out played us in every phase of the game.

Quote from: TBURGESS on July 09, 2025, 02:20:06 PMI don't think we collapsed. Calgary simply out played us in every phase of the game.

I agree with your comments! Calgary simply out played us in every aspect of the game. It happens to all teams over the long schedule. Let's see how the Bombers rebound after the bye as I believe they have Calgary at home. Sports teams trends as in Business, tends to need to be analyzed over time. Let's see how things evolve over the next few games.

One thing in this game that stood out was the number of passes Zac threw to stationary receivers vs the edmonton game where he hit players in stride.
Allowed Calgary to have time to come up and make plays/ interceptions

MOS mentioned on the coaches show that many players, due to easier travel, already had tickets booked home from Calgary. To me this explains part of the lack of focus.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 09, 2025, 01:35:05 AMCollaros decline did happen in 2023 though...but at the halfway point of the season.  All you have to do is look at his stats on a game by game basis from the midway point of the 2023 season to the present and you will see a marked increase in his TD-INT ratio.

Collaros' first nine games of 2023: 16 TDs, 5 INTs (3.33:1 ratio)
Collaros' last nine games of 2023: 17 TDs, 10 (1.7:1 ratio)

This is just another example of cherry-picking, IMO. And here's why:

Collaros' first nine games of 2024: 4 TDs, 8 INTs (1:2 ratio)
Collaros' last nine games of 2024: 13 TDs, 7 INTs (1.86:1 ratio)

He actually improved last season. And yes, I'm being facetious by also cherry-picking. ;D

There's no doubt Collaros' play has declined but the TD:INT ratio alone doesn't even start to paint the full picture here.

* Maybe I need to lighten up a bit, but I found the post-game
celebrations to be a little much. They had a stage set up, and players
were posing for pictures as the commissioner proclaimed Calgary
"Stampede Bowl champions." Champions? It felt too much like a Grey
Cup celebration, which is a lot of hype for an event that might not
even stick around. Fortunately, the Stamps won, because there's no
way a team coached by Mike O'Shea would have gotten up on that
stage. Something to consider, as Winnipeg is expected to be
Calgary's opponent in the Stampede Bowl for the next few years.

- Jeff Hamilton, Free Press

I was wondering the same thing. Or if they even would have a had a celebration at all. How many fans would have stayed?

Quote from: Waffler on July 09, 2025, 08:23:33 PM* Maybe I need to lighten up a bit, but I found the post-game
celebrations to be a little much. They had a stage set up, and players
were posing for pictures as the commissioner proclaimed Calgary
"Stampede Bowl champions." Champions? It felt too much like a Grey
Cup celebration, which is a lot of hype for an event that might not
even stick around. Fortunately, the Stamps won, because there's no
way a team coached by Mike O'Shea would have gotten up on that
stage. Something to consider, as Winnipeg is expected to be
Calgary's opponent in the Stampede Bowl for the next few years.

- Jeff Hamilton, Free Press

I was wondering the same thing. Or if they even would have a had a celebration at all. How many fans would have stayed?

From a marketing standpoint they probably should schedule Sask. in that time slot, especially if it's always going to be against the same team.  So many Sask, natives in Calgary, improves the chances of a good turnout with a long history of bad feelings, might even get both premiers to attend as they're there for Stampede anyway. 

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 05, 2025, 12:51:32 AMIt's not the O playbook, it's the D playbook and inside details / philosophy, that's what you buy Biggie for.  Lots of wide open mid/deep RECs and 8sec in the pocket plays by their O... BC (even with Rourke) and EDM didn't "figure it out", but CGY did.  Hmmm.

Sounds like Biggie helped the Stamps Defence out quite a bit. Wpg. Sun article below by Paul Friesen.

While Bighill couldn't bring his usual brawn to the field in last week's tilt, he brought his brain, which holds an expert-level knowledge of what the Bombers like to do.

Standing on the sidelines with an I-pad at the ready, he was quick to help the Stampeders linebackers identify his former team's strategy on offence.

"I still understand the philosophy of everything that they're trying to do," he said. "I still understand how they like to attack people. Pretty much right away you can start seeing some of the game plan they have and some of the second-down passing game, where you can identify, 'Okay, this is what they're trying to do.'"

There's no way to measure that impact, but the Stamps did hand Winnipeg it's first loss of the season by a lopsided, 37-16 count, a gut punch the Bombers aren't accustomed to taking.

https://winnipegsun.com/sports/football/cfl/winnipeg-bluebombers/show-them-what-youre-about-ex-bombers-star-bighill-eager-for-more

I dunno, Houston played on Calgary last year and he knew our defense as well, so why did we beat the crap out of Calgary last year if Houston was playing there and knew all our defensive plays??

You can know a team is in man or a 3 man deep zone or whatever, you still have to execute on offense, and we didn't do that, not even close to that. We played sloppy turn the ball over O, don't have to be a genius to defend that!!

Quote from: dd on July 10, 2025, 01:41:38 AMI dunno, Houston played on Calgary last year and he knew our defense as well, so why did we beat the crap out of Calgary last year if Houston was playing there and knew all our defensive plays??

You can know a team is in man or a 3 man deep zone or whatever, you still have to execute on offense, and we didn't do that, not even close to that. We played sloppy turn the ball over O, don't have to be a genius to defend that!!

Agree with your last sentence, but you can't compare Houston's knowledge of the D to Biggie's, he might have understood his own position, but not everyone elses as well.  According to O'Shea, Bighill spent as much time teaching and breaking down film in the defensive meetings as Richie Hall did.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 05, 2025, 01:07:42 PMThat's why teams have DC's. There isn't anything about the Bombers that they don't know. It's about execution. You think that's why a team signs a player from another team often and it's still just another conspiracy theory of yours.

But it's not.  Scheme is critical, and guessing what your opponent is going to do any given play is half the battle.  If an OC can guess precisely what a DC is going to call, and precisely what certain LB/DB tendencies are, then they can draw up the perfect play that gets a guy wide open.  Even if the D is executing perfectly.  That's the chess match.

Football seems to be a mix of:
Talent
Scheme
Execution
Morale
Momentum

Assign percentages of importance as you see fit.  Is execution the most important?  Dunno.  My guess is, nah.  What I do know is if you're dealt a garbage hand in one of those (say talent), you can sometimes still come out ahead if you ramp up some of the others.  And scheme is the thing that can overcome many woes.

Scheme won the '23 GC on 3rd & 3 with 2 receivers out.  Scheme allowed can't-win Arbuckle to march the field over and over again for TDs to nobody, and for their D to clobber our much-better REC corps.

Quote from: Waffler on July 05, 2025, 02:11:35 PMNot sure what you mean by coasting. That was our hardest first place and in fact required "an act of God" in the final moments of our last game.

I meant more the WDF game, which was over in 1Q.  However, even the reg season left us at the end with only 1 real competitor.  But yes, much harder than the other seasons where we got to take a couple of games off at the end.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 07, 2025, 07:26:57 PMIn all of this, I can't help but wonder if Dru Brown returns to the fold after 2026.

Brown hasn't looked anything other than a more mobile Maier, or maybe a Cody, since taking over in OTT.  And he's really injury prone, which I find a bit strange.  I'm not sure he's any better than Cody was in SSK (who fought us in 2 WDFs), to be honest.

But he's young and could still improve.  Jury will probably be out for 1-3 seasons, if he can survive.

I think if you're WFC and you need a QB in FA when Zach's done, you do whatever it takes to woo Alexander here.  He's the future #1-in-CFL QB, clearly.  The keys there will be if MTL doesn't go far in the playoffs this year, and if WPG gets to another cup...

We need to show this is where you win, then you simply have to get close to the next highest bidder, and Mafia has always been willing to pony up legit money for their franchise QB.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 13, 2025, 10:04:52 AMBrown hasn't looked anything other than a more mobile Maier

He's taking a beating on a bad team that expects him to do it all. He looked much better here when he had the tools to win with.

And as far as the next QB isn't it just promote Streveller? That's O'Shea's modus operandi.

Quote from: Waffler on July 13, 2025, 01:52:06 PMHe's taking a beating on a bad team that expects him to do it all. He looked much better here when he had the tools to win with.

And as far as the next QB isn't it just promote Streveller? That's O'Shea's modus operandi.

Hope not, they'll obviously be sticking with Zach through next season no matter what so a lot can change in 2 years.  Strev may leave in the off-season for better opportunity or pay, same for Wilson if they do nothing with him, at this point draft pick Taylor Elgersma has as good a chance as any of becoming Zach's replacement.

I m not sold that Alexander is the next #1 Qb in the league...Chad Kelly is going to be coming off a leg injury, and he was arguably #1, and Vernon Adams is making some serious noise out in Calgary and I think those 2 are ahead of the up and coming Alexander, and there's always Rourke out in BC who has to find his groove from his rookie season

Bombers only gave up 222 yards passing to Adams. That included 2 big busts in coverage. OTOH, the Riders gave up 428 yards which also included at least one big bust for 81 yards to Alford.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 13, 2025, 04:10:18 PMBombers only gave up 222 yards passing to Adams. That included 2 big busts in coverage. OTOH, the Riders gave up 428 yards which also included at least one big bust for 81 yards to Alford.

That's two games in a row the secondary has busted on big plays, I hope they can put an end to that trend or they may need to put someone other than Parker in charge back there.  I'm thinking Kramdi might eventually be the solution as they have multiple players that can fill his spot at SAM.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 13, 2025, 04:32:31 PMThat's two games in a row the secondary has busted on big plays, I hope they can put an end to that trend or they may need to put someone other than Parker in charge back there.  I'm thinking Kramdi might eventually be the solution as they have multiple players that can fill his spot at SAM.

I don't think it was Parker that messed up. It appeared to be both the CB's. I wouldn't think Kramdi is an alternate solution at safety. IMO we might eventually see Griffin moved to safety and Parker to CB if a change is made.

However, players in the secondary make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. Bridges is a 1st year starter so we'll see how things go. Bonds is just a 2nd year starter and he's made fewer mistakes.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 13, 2025, 05:08:48 PMI don't think it was Parker that messed up. It appeared to be both the CB's. I wouldn't think Kramdi is an alternate solution at safety. IMO we might eventually see Griffin moved to safety and Parker to CB if a change is made.

However, players in the secondary make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. Bridges is a 1st year starter so we'll see how things go. Bonds is just a 2nd year starter and he's made fewer mistakes.

The point is the secondary busts are likely due to communications problems, the young DB's get easily confused on which player to cover, whether that is the fault of the Safety, the specific DB or the coaching needs to be determined, as it rarely happened in prior seasons.  Kramdi is the smartest player on the field and he appears to be a very good communicator, which was BA's real strength.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 13, 2025, 05:24:29 PMThe point is the secondary busts are likely due to communications problems, the young DB's get easily confused on which player to cover, whether that is the fault of the Safety, the specific DB or the coaching needs to be determined, as it rarely happened in prior seasons.  Kramdi is the smartest player on the field and he appears to be a very good communicator, which was BA's real strength.

All possibly true but both the CB's have been around since the beginning of 2024. IMO the busts were due to biting on the double moves which suggests the error was on the CB's. It is possible they thought they had deep help from the safety but it didn't look that to have been the case.

Kramdi may be the smartest but he's not a great cover guy. I'd be surprised if a move was made eventually to that option. IMO Parker at CB and Griffin at safety might be preferable. Or adding Allen to the AR and bumping Bridges if he struggles.

Kelly is back a practice and might be available after week 6. He might get a chance to start at safety? That would give us a new ratio advantage. There are a few options but I'm not convinced we need to make any change.

Adams is going to beat some good players on defence. Only our coaches know whether there were some communications issues.

Quote from: dd on July 13, 2025, 04:08:32 PMI m not sold that Alexander is the next #1 Qb in the league...Chad Kelly is going to be coming off a leg injury, and he was arguably #1

Kelly is a headcase and will likely screw up again somehow.  Alexander looks like a good clean kid with tons of upside and none of the baggage.

If I could pick from any QB right now to take my team through the next 5 years, it would be Alexander no question.

Vaval could be our future at FS.  That dude is like a clone of Dequoy's body type.  I'd love to have a flyer / interceptor type FS.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 08, 2025, 03:04:11 AMOften these games come totally out of the blue and happen at home in front of a stadium full of baffled semi-angry Bomber fans.  Bad trend.

That's why we should be thankful this year's big blowout (hopefully the only one) was an away game.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 09, 2025, 01:35:05 AMThe win-loss record is heavily attributed to having some excellent receivers

RECs were pretty weak in '24.  No Schoen for almost all of it.  No Kenny for half of it.  No Woli.  Rookies galore, and Pokey didn't start shining until mid-season.

And yet didn't Zach have his most yards season ever?  Let's give Zach some credit for making that happen (and getting to the GC) with a hodgepodge mess of a REC corps.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 10, 2025, 01:26:31 AMSounds like Biggie helped the Stamps Defence out quite a bit. Wpg. Sun article below by Paul Friesen.

Ehem... where's all the "tinfoil Tecno" peanut gallery now, eh?  They bought Biggie precisely for this reason, he'll never see the field even once, and they'll likely make him an asst coach next year.

CGY has one hurdle to get to the GC: WPG.  We're the team to beat.  Now they've neutered our O, and know how to attack our D.

Quote from: dd on July 10, 2025, 01:41:38 AMI dunno, Houston played on Calgary last year and he knew our defense as well, so why did we beat the crap out of Calgary last year if Houston was playing there and knew all our defensive plays??

Haha.  Houston.  That's funny.  Biggie is a football genius.  A true student of the game.  The QB of every D he has ever been on.  Houston, while a good DB, was basically nothing at all.  Also, CGY was gonna suck last year, even with WPG's complete book, due to lack of talent.  Not so much this year!

Maybe the better question is why didn't we keep Biggie in-house as consultant?  Or heck, Biggie probably went for under $100k this season as a player, should have just paid him and put him on the 6GIR the entire season with absolutely zero hit to the SMS.

This may come back to bite us.  Our OC/DC may need to make huge U-turns with scheme whenever we play CGY...

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 13, 2025, 05:08:48 PMI don't think it was Parker that messed up. It appeared to be both the CB's. I wouldn't think Kramdi is an alternate solution at safety. IMO we might eventually see Griffin moved to safety and Parker to CB if a change is made.

However, players in the secondary make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. Bridges is a 1st year starter so we'll see how things go. Bonds is just a 2nd year starter and he's made fewer mistakes.

In that bust, it was Parker's responsibility to cover that guy.  He's had at least a couple busts so far.  I agree with TLB that safety needs to be a QB/communicator, but I don't know that Kramdi would do any better.
Hopefully Parker grows into the spot.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 14, 2025, 02:46:22 AMVaval could be our future at FS.  That dude is like a clone of Dequoy's body type.  I'd love to have a flyer / interceptor type FS.

I think Cam Allen would be the 1st replacement

Quote from: BomberFan73 on July 14, 2025, 12:27:20 PMIn that bust, it was Parker's responsibility to cover that guy.  He's had at least a couple busts so far.  I agree with TLB that safety needs to be a QB/communicator, but I don't know that Kramdi would do any better.
Hopefully Parker grows into the spot.

I'll have to take your view on that. I've deleted the game from my PVR. There were 2 different big pass plays so I'm not sure which one you are referring to.

Watching the game live it wasn't the impression I had.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 14, 2025, 03:11:46 PMI'll have to take your view on that. I've deleted the game from my PVR. There were 2 different big pass plays so I'm not sure which one you are referring to.

Watching the game live it wasn't the impression I had.

I'm only going off memory too and it might have even been from the Edm game, but Bonds & Nichols had their guys, Parker bit early & went to help, thereby letting the slot guy go across the field uncovered. My son who plays DB caught that right away and said that was on Parker. Replay showed he was right.
Anyways, I know there will always be mistakes and I'm not saying he's been brutal. But there have for sure been mistakes in communication. We just have to hope he improves on that.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 14, 2025, 06:59:53 AMCGY has one hurdle to get to the GC: WPG.  We're the team to beat.  Now they've neutered our O, and know how to attack our D.

Easy now. Even if you know the system it's still a guessing game and it's not hard to shake things up, we just didn't have time in the Calgary game as we were on a short week. That's not the case this week.

Quote from: BomberFan73 on July 14, 2025, 12:30:21 PMI think Cam Allen would be the 1st replacement

He's talented enough to play Safety but a rookie wouldn't have adequate game knowledge to fill that role in a Younger secondary, which compared to most is pretty complicated.

Quote from: BomberFan73 on July 14, 2025, 12:30:21 PMI think Cam Allen would be the 1st replacement

Ya, probably.  Vaval is probably like 3rd down the list right now.  However, Vaval's body type / style / speed is more like Dequoy.  Allen is more like a BA/Loffler, taller with more beef.

I really want to see what we can do with a Dequoy.  Unless the Younger system wouldn't allow for that.  They really do have to be "free" to work their magic.

Quote from: J5V on July 14, 2025, 10:35:01 PMEdited

I wonder if he knows he'll never be allowed to play.  It's actually the smartest move I've ever seen: hire the guy and 6GIR him the entire season and he's "free" on the SMS.  WTH did we not think of that?  He could be on our sideline coaching our guys!  For free!  (And hey, shouldn't this be made illegal in the CFL?  It's like a way to completely avoid both player and coach SMS cap... hire a "player" who's really a coach, on the 6GIR all year, and he's free from both SMSs.  How about players on the 6G aren't allowed to coach on the sidelines, eh?)

I guess all is fair in love and football.  That said, does this mean Durant was more loyal to SSK than Biggie is to WPG??  Durant stood up for his team/fans by shafting WFC real good.  Biggie sells his soul to destroy the Bombers in their home GC year.

We should have just paid the man... but Mafia never does anything "outside the box".  Let's hope it doesn't mean Biggie & The Stamps (sounds like a country band) are the ones hoisting the cup on our field come November.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 15, 2025, 03:35:17 AMI wonder if he knows he'll never be allowed to play.  It's actually the smartest move I've ever seen: hire the guy and 6GIR him the entire season and he's "free" on the SMS.  WTH did we not think of that?  He could be on our sideline coaching our guys!  For free!  (And hey, shouldn't this be made illegal in the CFL?  It's like a way to completely avoid both player and coach SMS cap... hire a "player" who's really a coach, on the 6GIR all year, and he's free from both SMSs.  How about players on the 6G aren't allowed to coach on the sidelines, eh?)

I guess all is fair in love and football.  That said, does this mean Durant was more loyal to SSK than Biggie is to WPG??  Durant stood up for his team/fans by shafting WFC real good.  Biggie sells his soul to destroy the Bombers in their home GC year.

We should have just paid the man... but Mafia never does anything "outside the box".  Let's hope it doesn't mean Biggie & The Stamps (sounds like a country band) are the ones hoisting the cup on our field come November.

This is so ridiculous, tech.

Calgary has been by far the best defense in the league through 6 weeks. They average allowing 18 points per game. We scored 16. How are they doing so well against every team if it's Adam that allowed them to do so well against us?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 15, 2025, 03:35:17 AMIt's actually the smartest move I've ever seen: hire the guy and 6GIR him the entire season and he's "free" on the SMS.  WTH did we not think of that?  He could be on our sideline coaching our guys!  For free!  (And hey, shouldn't this be made illegal in the CFL?  It's like a way to completely avoid both player and coach SMS cap... hire a "player" who's really a coach, on the 6GIR all year, and he's free from both SMSs.  How about players on the 6G aren't allowed to coach on the sidelines, eh?)

Exactly what the Bombers did with Mike Miller in 2023.

(https://y.yarn.co/4bc71515-b803-4396-a55d-4917ae442c80_text.gif)

Holy crow guys - players move teams ALL THE TIME - it is the nature of sports.  Bighill isn't the reason Calgary is very good right now. Let's see how the season shakes down for Calgary..VA could fade.

Bighill has given a lot to the Bombers - no need for name calling.  He is just trying to feed his family and the Bombers were the ones who released him..

37 pages of a game 2 weeks old you know things went way off the rails. :D

Maybe I should start a new Kevin Glenn thread for Shitz and giggles. ;D

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 15, 2025, 04:53:30 PM37 pages of a game 2 weeks old you know things went way off the rails. :D

Maybe I should start a new Kevin Glenn thread for Shitz and giggles. ;D

I wonder if I can find that photo of him in a Tim Hortons uniform...

The whole Bighill theory is ridiculous. The play of Vernon Adam's is the primary reason for the Stamps turnaround. It's been the same story like forever in the CFL, you need a good Qb to win, Calgary has one now. But it's one thing to win when nobody expected you to, but it's another thing to win when everyone is gunning for you. We'll 'see who they really are' this week, when they come to our barn to play. We'll see who is legit and who isn't.

The only area I think that bighills intel might.make s difference is talking about who Zac likes to makes his reads on in specific situations
  Knowing that a defender could get a jump or fake a move to get to ball sooner such as moncriefs interception

Quote from: dd on July 16, 2025, 12:26:16 AMThe play of Vernon Adam's is the primary reason for the Stamps turnaround. It's been the same story like forever in the CFL, you need a good Qb to win, Calgary has one now. But it's one thing to win when nobody expected you to, but it's another thing to win when everyone is gunning for you. We'll 'see who they really are' this week, when they come to our barn to play. We'll see who is legit and who isn't.

For the Stamps I think the improvement started in both trenches, without a solid O-line VA runs around like a chicken fleeing the soup pot, a lot of flapping flopping and squawkin.

Quote from: Jesse on July 15, 2025, 04:04:21 PMThis is so ridiculous, tech.

Calgary has been by far the best defense in the league through 6 weeks. They average allowing 18 points per game. We scored 16. How are they doing so well against every team if it's Adam that allowed them to do so well against us?

I don't know what to say, then.  That article spelled it out.  That article said Biggie is doing exactly what I described.  Like almost word for word.  He's the cheat-code to beat WPG, and also to beat SSK because Biggie & the WPG D clobbered SSK all last year.

CGY wasn't "doing well against every team".  They beat a still-iffy no-one-knows-if-they-are-improved HAM, then a QB-less useless lose-every-game TOR.  And then they get blown away and embarrassed by can't-win-to-save-their-life OTT.  Those games didn't show anyone anything.

It was only when CGY spanked WPG & SSK that people woke up to CGY's newfound power.

And no, Biggie isn't "the only reason" for this.  Of course not.  CGY made key FA moves and is 10X the team it was last year, even without Biggie.  But Biggie is clearly making an extra dent by working for them and not us.  Again, it only has to be greater that 0% (which some claimed).  And that article spells it out for everyone in black & white: Biggie is having an impact when they play WPG.

And you naysayers still don't address the fact Biggie will never suit up for them.  Herdmann-Reed is probably already ahead of him on the next-up list.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 15, 2025, 04:09:26 PMExactly what the Bombers did with Mike Miller in 2023.

Bingo.  Superb example.  We should have done this with Biggie.  Zero cost except OOP money, which doesn't mean anything to us... just a couple of hundredths of a percent of our yearly net profit.

I guess we did it with Miller because we still had hopes of him seeing the field.  Or maybe we did it knowing we'd make him a coach.  Maybe we didn't have that same desire for Biggie to become a coach here.

Quote from: The Zipp on July 15, 2025, 04:49:45 PMHoly crow guys - players move teams ALL THE TIME - it is the nature of sports.  Bighill isn't the reason Calgary is very good right now. Let's see how the season shakes down for Calgary..VA could fade.

Bighill has given a lot to the Bombers - no need for name calling.  He is just trying to feed his family and the Bombers were the ones who released him..

No doubt.  I don't hate Biggie for going for the best payday he can.  And if everyone sells out their old team by spilling the beans, then you can't fault him for that either.

And we are the ones who should have figured out a retention plan.  It probably hurt him more being cut on the big home-GC year, which he was probably looking forward to.

As for VAJ fading, us beating CGY in the W this year, etc.  Sure, both things can be true.  In fact, they'll have to be.  We'll have to find a way to mix things up from what Biggie can tell them -- on both sides of the ball.  I expect a different-looking WPG on Friday, otherwise it'll be another bad loss if the coords just do the same ol' same ol'.

Quote from: dd on July 16, 2025, 12:26:16 AMThe whole Bighill theory is ridiculous. The play of Vernon Adam's is the primary reason for the Stamps turnaround. It's been the same story like forever in the CFL, you need a good Qb to win

Funny, because half the posters on the forums say the wins are all CGY's D.  Half say it's VAJ & the O.  It's both.  As for Biggie, he can help them on both sides of  the ball.

My personal opinion is CGY's O is what's propelling them right now, but that stingy run D is pretty monster too.  Both WPG and SSK have built a "must run" O.  Like in the GC, if we can't run, we probably aren't winning anymore.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 16, 2025, 05:32:05 AMBingo.  Superb example.  We should have done this with Biggie.  Zero cost except OOP money, which doesn't mean anything to us... just a couple of hundredths of a percent of our yearly net profit.

I guess we did it with Miller because we still had hopes of him seeing the field.  Or maybe we did it knowing we'd make him a coach.  Maybe we didn't have that same desire for Biggie to become a coach here.

It's been stated a few times, Biggie is not interested in coaching at this point, he wants to spend more time with his young family and realizes the time commitment coaching takes up. Maybe in 5-10 years, he comes back to it.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 16, 2025, 05:13:23 PMIt's been stated a few times, Biggie is not interested in coaching at this point, he wants to spend more time with his young family and realizes the time commitment coaching takes up. Maybe in 5-10 years, he comes back to it.

But yet here he is taking a 5 month commitment 2 provinces over from his family, where he's essentially coaching...

Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 16, 2025, 10:21:20 PMBut yet here he is taking a 5 month commitment 2 provinces over from his family, where he's essentially coaching...

Maybe he took his family with him?  The company he's working with also has offices in Calgary and perhaps owns residential property.  Point is there is a huge time commitment difference between being player and being a coach.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 17, 2025, 12:18:46 AMMaybe he took his family with him?  The company he's working with also has offices in Calgary and perhaps owns residential property.  Point is there is a huge time commitment difference between being player and being a coach.

I heard speculation that Calgary was the only team (other than Winnipeg) who he'd sign with for that reason.