Still...a complicated playoff picture remains as we approach the final week of the regular season. As per the league...
"Rest assured, the CFL league office is currently peeling through every rule, tie-breaker and potentiality before confirming what the final four regular season games of 2025 will determine, as that will set the table for a delicious list of storylines that will shape the playoff structure.
In the East, we know Hamilton has the upper hand on Montreal, who needs Ottawa to upset the Tiger-Cats. Plus, the Als need to get a win of their own in Winnipeg. After that, everything is up for grabs as Calgary, BC, and Winnipeg all jostle to find their fit in the playoffs.
The biggest question for these three teams is perhaps one that they'd never admit or even entertain discussing, but one that has to be lingering in the minds of players and the odd coach or two headed into this weekend: Which division would be most beneficial to their Grey Cup goals?
Would Winnipeg like to crossover and work through some combination of Hamilton and Montreal, or Montreal then Hamilton, in order to go back West for a home Grey Cup? Perhaps, but nothing would be sweeter than a Bombers road win in Regina in the Western Final to end their rival's stellar campaign and book a trip back to the party of the year in Manitoba.
On the other side is the question of which matchup Hamilton or Montreal would prefer, be it in the Eastern Semi-Final or Eastern Final. The interesting note here, of course, is Hamilton's home victory over Winnipeg earlier this year being completely negated by their 40-3 loss later in the season in an effort that will no doubt be called into question if Hamilton returns to Princess Auto Stadium for the Grey Cup."
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/21/everything-is-still-on-the-line-in-week-21/
The Bombers roster on Saturday is yet TBD however, the injury report October 23 indicates Nic Demski will miss the game and Keric Wheatfall, Michael Griffin and Jamal Woods are all "Questionable" for the game.
Interesting to note, back in 2014 Wade Miller set a goal to sell out every home game in 2025 and Wade and the organization managed to meet that goal by confirming the Montreal at Winnipeg game is officially sold out. Congratulation to the Bombers and the fans.
Onward and forward!
Lots of roster activity on CFL.CA just now. Kramdi to 1 game IR and Person to PR. I guess that means Griffin will be the SAM this week and Woods will stay on the AR.
It also shows a couple of PR DB's deleted and then added on the same day. I have no idea why this kind of paper shuffling goes on. I don't expect to rookie DB's to be added for this game unless O'Shea is throwing out the white surrender flag.
No doubt the depth chart will be interesting to see which of these transactions is real or not. Nothing mentioned about Whitehall yet as to whether he'll play.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 23, 2025, 10:03:23 PMLots of roster activity on CFL.CA just now. Kramdi to 1 game IR and Person to PR. I guess that means Griffin will be the SAM this week and Woods will stay on the AR.
It also shows a couple of PR DB's deleted and then added on the same day. I have no idea why this kind of paper shuffling goes on. I don't expect to rookie DB's to be added for this game unless O'Shea is throwing out the white surrender flag.
No doubt the depth chart will be interesting to see which of these transactions is real or not. Nothing mentioned about Whitehall yet as to whether he'll play.
Heard from John Hodge Bombers will be resting some players and Als won't be resting Alexander. Trying out new DB's Williams and Texada seems insane, they barely have the secondary settled, leave them alone. Maybe they finally give Global Munier-Bailey a last game whirl at DE.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 23, 2025, 10:22:18 PMHeard from John Hodge Bombers will be resting some players and Als won't be resting Alexander. Trying out new DB's Williams and Texada seems insane, they barely have the secondary settled, leave them alone. Maybe they finally give Global Munier-Bailey a last game whirl at DE.
Resting some players that are not 100% makes sense. However resting some just for the sake of testing some rookies in a game of importance is insanity.
It's not like we've been playing well for the last 1/3 of the season. We won't be able to determine the what if's when we play the actual play off game if we toss out a stinker. That could have been an outcome either way.
Add this to the long list of questionable roster decisions.
Winning this game does have importance but the real important games are the play offs.
Let's see how this works out. I'd rather win and send the Lions out east.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 23, 2025, 11:39:57 PMResting some players that are not 100% makes sense. However resting some just for the sake of testing some rookies in a game of importance is insanity.
It's not like we've been playing well for the last 1/3 of the season. We won't be able to determine the what if's when we play the actual play off game if we toss out a stinker. That could have been an outcome either way.
Add this to the long list of questionable roster decisions.
Winning this game does have importance but the real important games are the play offs.
Let's see how this works out. I'd rather win and send the Lions out east.
either we go all in to win the game, or we treat the game as preseason and test out some rookies to see what we have.I have no problem either way, but trying to just rest some vets is just a recipe for more injuries with little chance of a win.
Whether we go out west or east to me doesn't make a difference, going thru mtrl/ham or Cal/sask is about the same degree of difficulty. Odds are pretty much against us either way unless we turn it around immensely
After watching our offense stumble through last game making mistake after mistake I can't imagine we're resting anyone (except those who are injured) when our execution is that bad. So we re going to rest them and they ll magically turn on the execution tap and we'll be good?? Dream on. We are the weakest team qualifying for the playoffs playing bad football offensively right now. These guys need to get it together asap and that isn't going to happen sitting in their civies on the sideline
Almost seems like they want to throw this game deliberately for the crossover spot. I think no matter what though it's a one and done deal in these playoffs realistically unless a miracle occurs. I always pull for the Bombers, but it's been mostly an very mediocre season to even ugly way too often. A few impressive wins mostly early, but a downhill curve overall. Many injuries, talent level drop off, questionable coaching far too often amongst many other factors.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 23, 2025, 10:22:18 PMHeard from John Hodge Bombers will be resting some players and Als won't be resting Alexander.
Let's be honest. HAM is going to destroy OTT. Both MTL & WPG know this. They may be tailoring their rosters to this reality.
The reports & PR/IR moves are all regarding the D. We know what the D is, they aren't the big problem. So trying new things isn't the end of the world. However, I don't see how you decide after one game to swap DBs all of a sudden for the playoffs!! With Houston & Parker & Lawrence & even Vaval all as options, no way you suddenly switch to Texada or Williams!
With no unforced changes on the O we can still concentrate on getting the playoff-starting O gelling.
MTL saying they'll "start Alexander" doesn't really mean much. They could start then yank him immediately. However, that assume Maas callously doesn't give a remote crap about Alexanders CFL all-time record starting streak.
I really don't think MOS will pick an AR or how hard they play the game just to lose on purpose. He's not built that way. He wants the win no matter what, even if they do sub a couple of D backups.
And let's not forget that a CGY win Fri will have already sealed our crossover fate anyhow.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 23, 2025, 10:03:23 PMLots of roster activity on CFL.CA just now. Kramdi to 1 game IR and Person to PR. I guess that means Griffin will be the SAM this week and Woods will stay on the AR.
Kramdi move is weird. I didn't notice any injury? Ratio implications? Or were we still starting 8.
Quote from: Tecno on October 24, 2025, 05:03:14 AMKramdi move is weird. I didn't notice any injury? Ratio implications? Or were we still starting 8.
We were stating 8 so it's not a ratio issue.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 24, 2025, 01:29:31 PMWe were stating 8 so it's not a ratio issue.
Load management? Is he banged up?
Kramdi seems to be involved in a lot of tackles around the line of scrimmage. He's not big. I'm sure a bit of time off is welcomed by him.
I have no stats but He seems to be making plays everywhere on the field.
Kramdi has been a bit banged up all year almost.
Out: Jefferson, Kramdi, Collaros, Oliveira, Vaval, Person, Bryant, Wilson, Vaughters
In: Logan, Artopoeus, Echols, Lawson Jr, Munier-Bailey, Jenkins, Jaworski, Vibert, Vanterpool
Streveler is very unexcitingly listed as the starter.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 24, 2025, 02:45:15 PMOut: Jefferson, Kramdi, Collaros, Oliveira, Vaval, Person, Bryant, Wilson, Vaughters
In: Logan, Artopoeus, Echols, Lawson Jr, Munier-Bailey, Jenkins, Jaworski, Vibert, Vanterpool
Streveler is very unexcitingly listed as the starter.
4 other players from the PR were moved to the 1 game IR. In that sense it keeps them from not ending the season as free agents. OTOH, Person was moved to the PR which is the exact opposite? That suggests they protected those they want back in 2026 and are cutting bait on a few marginal players: Adams, Kornelson, Weitz and Person. The others never made the AR.
I don't know why the two rookie DB's were moved from the PR to the AR earlier, while the other 4 PR players were shuffled today. Everybody then ends up on the 1 game IR. Why didn't they do that at the same time?
Now getting to this weeks AR: YIKES. Ok, I get the logic but this is a pre-season roster. They should be giving Wilson at least a 1/2 game. It's pretty clear that Streveler won't be our # 2 QB next year.
Munier-Bailey finally gets onto the AR.
If Ayers is so valuable on ST's why didn't they put him on the 1 game IR? lol
I guess the new $50K SMS ( load management ) addition to sit veterans for all these reasons came into play.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G4CFXcGWAAEEI0C?format=jpg&name=large)
hopefully we see lots of terry wilson - not sure i can stomach 3 hours of strev handing off to peterson and him scrambling.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers rest eight key players against Montreal Alouettes
By John Hodge -October 24, 2025
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are resting most of their stars for Saturday's game against the Montreal Alouettes.
Franchise quarterback Zach Collaros, star running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Ontaria Wilson, offensive lineman Stanley Bryant, defensive ends Willie Jefferson and James Vaughters, strong-side linebacker Redha Kramdi, and breakout returner Trey Vaval have all been placed on the one-game injured list as healthy scratches.
Chris Streveler will start at quarterback and will be backed up by Terry Wilson and Chase Artopoeus. The dual-threat passer has completed 63.9 percent of his pass attempts for 1,090 yards, six touchdowns, and eleven interceptions this season, going 3-1 as a starter.
Matthew Peterson will start at running back, where he started two games in place of Oliveira earlier this season. With the league's reigning M.O.P. now done for the regular season, Oliveira has finished the year with 1,163 rushing yards, 61 catches for 546 yards, and three total touchdowns.
Cam Echols, a former member of the Calgary Stampeders, will start at boundary wideout in place of Wilson, while Micah Vanterpool will start at left tackle in place of eight-time All-CFL selection Stanley Bryant. Vanterpool made two starts at left tackle in July losses to the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts.
Winnipeg is playing a brand-new group of defensive ends as Jay Person, who has dressed for 13 games and recorded one sack in a depth role behind Jefferson and Vaughters, has been demoted to the practice roster.
Matt Jaworski and Kydran Jenkins, both of whom joined the team earlier this month, will start at defensive end. Jaworski was a four-year standout at Fordham University, an FCS program located in New York, while Jenkins was named third-team All-Big Ten at Purdue University last season.
Jaiden Woodbey, who has recorded 28 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle as a rookie this season, will start at strong-side linebacker in place of Kramdi. The six-foot-one, 234-pound native of Fontana, Calif. was a collegiate
Peyton Logan, who was one of the team's top free-agent signings, will handle return duties with Vaval out of the lineup. The former Stampeder has been a healthy scratch for the team's last six games.
The Blue Bombers can finish no higher than third and no lower than fourth in the West Division standings, which means they will be on the road for next week's playoff games regardless of the outcome against Montreal.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-8) will host the Montreal Alouettes (10-7) on Saturday, October 25 with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT. The Alouettes are coming off back-to-back wins over the Ottawa Redblacks, while the Blue Bombers got an ugly win over the depleted Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 16 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN, RDS, and CTV in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on TSN 690 in Montreal and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2025/10/24/winnipeg-blue-bombers-rest-eight-key-players-against-montreal-alouettes/
Quote from: The Zipp on October 24, 2025, 03:43:10 PMhopefully we see lots of terry wilson - not sure i can stomach 3 hours of strev handing off to peterson and him scrambling.
Agreed. If there's ever a game to give Terry Wilson a chance this is it. If we don't, we might as well give him a plane ticket straight home after the game.
Yikes! Time to revise the Pickems.
(https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/MONTREAL-at-WINNIPEG_OCT-25.pdf)
https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/MONTREAL-at-WINNIPEG_OCT-25.pdfhttps://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/MONTREAL-at-WINNIPEG_OCT-25.pdf (https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/MONTREAL-at-WINNIPEG_OCT-25.pdf)
Montreal Alouettes missing top cornerback Lorenzo Burns for finale with Bombers
By 3Down Staff -October 24, 2025
The Montreal Alouettes are electing to play all their starters for Saturday's regular-season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers regardless of the playoff implications, but will still be missing a few key contributors.
Chief among the absences is cornerback Lorenzo Burns, who entered this week as the second-highest graded player at the position according to ProFootballFocus, behind only teammate Kabion Ento. The 28-year-old has recorded 66 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles this year, but did not practice this week due to reasons that were not injury-related. Dionte Ruffin will step in to fill the boundary corner in his absence, with Robert Kennedy III dressing as insurance.
Also out this week are starting right guard Donald Ventrelli (ankle) and Canadian fullback David Dallaire (knee). Des Holmes, who has previously started games at right tackle, will step in at guard, while Jacob Mason will see increased minutes in place of Dallaire. Linebacker Riley MacLeod will dress to fulfill ratio requirements.
Running back Tiyon Evans will also suit up this week as a backup behind Stevie Scott III. Eno Benjamin, who has filled that role for several weeks, has been released.
The Montreal Alouettes (10-7) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-8) on Saturday, October 25 with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT. The Alouettes are coming off back-to-back wins over the Ottawa Redblacks, while the Blue Bombers got an ugly win over the depleted Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 16 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN, RDS, and CTV in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 690 in Montreal and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2025/10/24/montreal-alouettes-missing-top-cornerback-lorenzo-burns-for-finale-with-bombers/
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G4Ch7HvXwAA1s0J?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Quote from: The Zipp on October 24, 2025, 03:43:10 PMhopefully we see lots of terry wilson - not sure i can stomach 3 hours of strev handing off to peterson and him scrambling.
I hope Artopoeus gets a fair amount of reps too, likely the last we'll see of him.
obviously Mtrl is fielding a roster just in case Hamilton blows a tire against the Redblacks, but also I think they are not really worried about injuries, we haven't been overly physical at any point this season,
Personally I would play the entire game utilizing blitz packages to get to Alexander, Hit as often as we can. Do not let him see very much of our regular sit back and 3 man fronts.. we obviously aren't in this game to win it but it would be nice to make them pay for any receptions they make. In the past its been Mtrl that has our receivers looking over their shoulder.
It's a big difference in coaching styles, Maas likes to go into the playoffs with continuity and on a roll while O'Shea wants to be healthy (for once). In the past its worked for us as we we have been good in the semifinal.
I would give Strev plenty of reps to work on his craft so that he is ready is Zach goes down. I also would like to see Wilson get a quarter. I like resting guys, this is a nothing game 90% chance of that imo. Good decisions here.
Fun to see how the next gen will play.
Quote from: Pete on October 24, 2025, 04:56:20 PMobviously Mtrl is fielding a roster just in case Hamilton blows a tire against the Redblacks, but also I think they are not really worried about injuries, we haven't been overly physical at any point this season,
Personally I would play the entire game utilizing blitz packages to get to Alexander, Hit as often as we can. Do not let him see very much of our regular sit back and 3 man fronts.. we obviously aren't in this game to win it but it would be nice to make them pay for any receptions they make. In the past its been Mtrl that has our receivers looking over their shoulder.
It's a big difference in coaching styles, Maas likes to go into the playoffs with continuity and on a roll while O'Shea wants to be healthy (for once). In the past its worked for us as we we have been good in the semifinal.
This game means nothing so best not show them anything, save it all for the playoffs, this game is a pre-season contest. Alexander has never played or beaten the Bombers, so hopefully JY's Defence can confuse and baffle him the way it does every time they play Rourke. To win against the Als Zach would also have to pull a miracle game out of his hat, which is still possible even if occasional.
I hope we get to see ALL of the players who have been waiting for their shot....We need to see Wilson especially behind centre and see what we really have....I know a few reports out of training camp and practice were mostly positive on Wilson ...time to get a better look ....
It's a lot more fun when we rest players because we have the division all locked up already than when it's the other way around
Well, pretty much what I was hoping for. Bailey, Jaworski, and Vibert in. Would have like to have seen Wilson start. Peterson in BO20. Would have liked Dixon instead of Jenkins.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 24, 2025, 03:43:10 PMhopefully we see lots of terry wilson - not sure i can stomach 3 hours of strev handing off to peterson and him scrambling.
I'm with you on same old act with Streveler .... but knowing the coaches we will only see Terry Wilson on the short yardage. No long throwing threat with Strev and Pokey Wilson is the only one who can catch lately.
Quote from: markf on October 24, 2025, 02:13:07 PMKramdi seems to be involved in a lot of tackles around the line of scrimmage. He's not big. I'm sure a bit of time off is welcomed by him.
I have no stats but He seems to be making plays everywhere on the field.
Being big means nothing. LBs, DEs and DTs get injured all the time.
Going to be wonderful weather and a big, loud and proud crowd
A great day to be a CFL fan
LETS GO BOMBERS
CLAP
CLAP
CLAP
CLAP
CLAP
Quote from: The Zipp on October 24, 2025, 03:43:10 PMhopefully we see lots of terry wilson - not sure i can stomach 3 hours of strev handing off to peterson and him scrambling.
100% on this. I m not sure why we are even starting Streveler, we all feel the same way, yuck!!!, handoff, handoff, punt!!
Give Wilson the ball and see what he can do!!!
I would not even play Strev. If he gets hurt we are in the same position as last Grey Cup. Save both QB's.
Quote from: ModAdmin on October 23, 2025, 07:50:08 PMInteresting to note, back in 2014 Wade Miller set a goal to sell out every home game in 2025 and Wade and the organization managed to meet that goal by confirming the Montreal at Winnipeg game is officially sold out. Congratulation to the Bombers and the fans.
Outstanding!
After seeing Oshea's presser the roster we are putting in for this game to me shows a lack of confidence on the Bomber coaches part. They are afraid and maybe rightly so that by playing guys like Collaros and Wilson we are risking injury. He, to me, doesn't trust the oline.
I'm not sure that's how you want to enter the playoffs.
Quote from: Pete on October 24, 2025, 11:50:53 PMAfter seeing Oshea's presser the roster we are putting in for this game to me shows a lack of confidence on the Bomber coaches part. They are afraid and maybe rightly so that by playing guys like Collaros and Wilson we are risking injury. He doesn't trust the oline.
I'm not sure that's how you want to enter the playoffs.
prob true but nothing can be done about it now..risk avoidance is the best strategy cause replacing an oline in the last week of the season is impossible.
Quote from: Blueforlife on October 24, 2025, 05:15:09 PMI would give Strev plenty of reps to work on his craft so that he is ready is Zach goes down. I also would like to see Wilson get a quarter. I like resting guys, this is a nothing game 90% chance of that imo. Good decisions here.
Fun to see how the next gen will play.
I get what you're saying but I've seen enough. What do they say, next man up!
Quote from: tlf on October 25, 2025, 12:55:43 AMI get what you're saying but I've seen enough. What do they say, next man up!
Combo platter will be served
Quote from: Pete on October 24, 2025, 11:50:53 PMAfter seeing Oshea's presser the roster we are putting in for this game to me shows a lack of confidence on the Bomber coaches part. They are afraid and maybe rightly so that by playing guys like Collaros and Wilson we are risking injury. He, to me, doesn't trust the oline.
I'm not sure that's how you want to enter the playoffs.
Would you trust the O line?? Not a chance. This is playing it smart. Our O line is brutal and everyone knows that. Keep Collaros out and healthy and maybe he can have another Hamilton game and put up 40 points!!
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on October 24, 2025, 08:03:12 PMBeing big means nothing. LBs, DEs and DTs get injured all the time.
DTs are in a weird category. They sort of just break instead of getting the normal injuries. They are rarely rolled up on and certainly not tackled funny.
Quote from: blue_or_die on October 24, 2025, 05:53:00 PMIt's a lot more fun when we rest players because we have the division all locked up already than when it's the other way around
Ya, this is the same as being behind and taking a "victory" formation with 30s left. Kind of sad -- and most teams don't do it (the "losing formation" that is) -- especially at home!
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 24, 2025, 03:21:29 PMI guess the new $50K SMS ( load management ) addition to sit veterans for all these reasons came into play.
Uh, what's that?
I'm shocked at the roster. This isn't like MOS/Mafia. Did WM pass down these instructions?
At the time of setting the roster, for both us and MTL, we don't know if we need a win or not to improve our standing. The exact same boat. MTL chose to dress their normal crew. We chose to hand in the towel and dress a pre-season crew? If anything it should have been the other way around -- OTT in HAM is easier to beat than EDM in EDM right now!! So we're saying we WANT the crossover?
I'm not sure we've ever done this in Mafia's tenure. Weird. Plus, so much for allowing our O to gel more. Now we walk into a playoff game with the O sucking total rocks in 2 of the last 3 games and nothing working right. I hope they have something up their sleeve!
That said, with (spoilers) HAM's win, MTL will play Alexander & co maybe 1 half and then play the backups. They do have his hammie to still worry about, and any Ento / Mack / Alexander injury would spell disaster for their playoff hopes.
I'm not sure the home fans will take kindly to us throwing this game. Many won't know or understand why Zach isn't starting, etc. The boo-birds could come out early and often if it's Strev-run-up-the-gut every 2nd down for 20 2&outs.
You'd think they'd want to put one more decent show (read: win) on for the faithful, sold-out home fans? Even if it's a nothing game, it's always more fun if we win.
Might rub some people the wrong way and cause first-timers to not bother coming again next season.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 24, 2025, 03:21:29 PMIt's pretty clear that Streveler won't be our # 2 QB next year.
Many keep saying that. I'm not sure it'll turn out to be true! I could see them excusing Strev's mediocre play up until he took the brace off (and beyond) as not indicative of what he'll be like when fully healthy. If he gets his real run threat back up to speed it may open more things for him overall.
But yes, if we think what he showed in the 3-completion game is all he's got going forward, then I don't see how you re-sign him as anything other than a SY guy.
Quote from: Tecno on October 25, 2025, 04:06:25 AMUh, what's that?
https://3downnation.com/2025/10/22/cfl-cflpa-settlement-provides-50000-salary-cap-exemption-in-2025/
Not sure what to expect here. GOLD MEMBER will be present as it is the Halloween game. Club do8ng anything special for its final game?
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 24, 2025, 03:21:29 PMI guess the new $50K SMS ( load management ) addition to sit veterans for all these reasons came into play.
Man, this thing makes no sense to me. As far as I know, we never heard and final comment about the 400k raise to the salary cap, and suddenly teams need an extra 50k?
Quote from: Tecno on October 25, 2025, 04:35:43 AMI'm shocked at the roster. This isn't like MOS/Mafia. Did WM pass down these instructions?
At the time of setting the roster, for both us and MTL, we don't know if we need a win or not to improve our standing. The exact same boat. MTL chose to dress their normal crew. We chose to hand in the towel and dress a pre-season crew? If anything it should have been the other way around -- OTT in HAM is easier to beat than EDM in EDM right now!! So we're saying we WANT the crossover?
I'm not sure we've ever done this in Mafia's tenure. Weird. Plus, so much for allowing our O to gel more. Now we walk into a playoff game with the O sucking total rocks in 2 of the last 3 games and nothing working right. I hope they have something up their sleeve!
That said, with (spoilers) HAM's win, MTL will play Alexander & co maybe 1 half and then play the backups. They do have his hammie to still worry about, and any Ento / Mack / Alexander injury would spell disaster for their playoff hopes.
So, explain this to me. As far as I recall, we rest our starters every year. Sometimes annoyingly so, because I personally believe that players need to play to be successful in the playoffs-offs.
We can't improve our standing. We are travelling to the east or west semi-final. Our opponent can change, but our standing, for all intents and purposes, cannot.
If our philosophy is to rest players when things are locked up, then it makes sense to rest players.
That said, as a fan, I'm pretty annoyed at attending this game. It's been a bad season and putting this roster on the field to end the season absolutely sucks.
Quote from: Tecno on October 25, 2025, 04:42:52 AMMany keep saying that. I'm not sure it'll turn out to be true! I could see them excusing Strev's mediocre play up until he took the brace off (and beyond) as not indicative of what he'll be like when fully healthy. If he gets his real run threat back up to speed it may open more things for him overall.
But yes, if we think what he showed in the 3-completion game is all he's got going forward, then I don't see how you re-sign him as anything other than a SY guy.
I don't believe there is any chance he's back as the # 2 QB. OTOH I didn't think we'd sign him for 2025. IMO it's just a bad decision to bring him back.
Quote from: gobombersgo on October 25, 2025, 08:57:27 AMhttps://3downnation.com/2025/10/22/cfl-cflpa-settlement-provides-50000-salary-cap-exemption-in-2025/
Every team loaded up their 1 game IR this season. It was one way to use the SMS increase not spent in free agency due to the late notice it was going up. The extra $50K is just icing sugar on top.
I can't imagine any team going over the SMS this year. The question is how much excess is left and will be used to re-sign potential free agents before the end of 2025.
That's the good news. The bad news might be having too much then available for 2026 to spend in free agency and more bidding wars and increases to top players.
Will be watching the transactions before the end of the year to see how things look.
Quote from: Tecno on October 25, 2025, 04:38:14 AMI'm not sure the home fans will take kindly to us throwing this game. Many won't know or understand why Zach isn't starting, etc. The boo-birds could come out early and often if it's Strev-run-up-the-gut every 2nd down for 20 2&outs.
You'd think they'd want to put one more decent show (read: win) on for the faithful, sold-out home fans? Even if it's a nothing game, it's always more fun if we win.
Might rub some people the wrong way and cause first-timers to not bother coming again next season.
I agree. I have no problem resting the starters. Zach is beat up big time.
If Oshea would just give Terry the whole #1 QB game and start him then we would forgive the 20 2 and outs atleast
We know what Strev can do, it's not much and it's not good
Give Terry the game
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 11:23:08 AMMan, this thing makes no sense to me. As far as I know, we never heard and final comment about the 400k raise to the salary cap, and suddenly teams need an extra 50k?
I was wondering the same thing. As I've mentioned I can't see how teams used that extra $400K added after free agency.
Normally teams have some SMS left and use that before the end of the season to re-sign some players. I want to see how this works out with re-signings across the league before Dec 31.
I just don't get the whole SMS thing. Only a couple of teams are making money, but the SMS goes up twice in the same year? Sounds like creative accounting to show a loss to me.
Very windy day. This could come down to the running game and teams.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 25, 2025, 04:46:33 PMVery windy day. This could come down to the running game and teams.
And how bad our quarterbacks play. Probably somewhere between very bad and exceptionally hilariously bad.
expecting a very vanilla game
McLeod Bethel-Thompson now starting for Alouettes vs. Winnipeg. Seems head coach Jason Maas came to his senses following Hamilton's win last night
from herb zurkowsky
Quote from: TBURGESS on October 25, 2025, 03:03:46 PMI just don't get the whole SMS thing. Only a couple of teams are making money, but the SMS goes up twice in the same year? Sounds like creative accounting to show a loss to me.
Yeah, they are clearly not counting all their revenue to declare they're "losing" money.
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 11:27:40 AMSo, explain this to me. As far as I recall, we rest our starters every year. Sometimes annoyingly so, because I personally believe that players need to play to be successful in the playoffs-offs.
We can't improve our standing. We are travelling to the east or west semi-final.
But we've never rested when we didn't have first locked up. Even when we had nothing to play for!
And even though we'll be the visitor in an away semi, we do still have standing to play for. 3rd is still better than 4th in the west, if for nothing else than pride and momentum. And by that I mean when the roster was set, which had to occur before the Calgary game.
I get what you're saying, but I'm still surprised. It's not very mos like. Who would have predicted he'd make this move?
Like in the previous comment, it feels like "loser formation".
Maybe the real reason they are doing this is they don't want travelling fans to get a sneak peek at how awful we're going to play in the esf...
Quote from: Pigskin on October 25, 2025, 04:46:33 PMVery windy day. This could come down to the running game and teams.
Ya, forecast was for 10 wind and I'm in the stands and it's 35 gust minimum. But it's very intermittent. Was gone for like 10 minutes then boom blowy for 5.
It's making it nippy for the kids. Who knows what it'll do by halftime and beyond.
Knowing mos, if we win the toss we'll defer.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 06:07:13 PMMcLeod Bethel-Thompson now starting for Alouettes vs. Winnipeg. Seems head coach Jason Maas came to his senses following Hamilton's win last nigh
As we should have done. Smh
At least pretend you're going to start your real team and that you'll try.
However, Maas just screwed over fantasy players, Pickems people, and gamblers. This changes things completely.
Likely they won't play their stars much either. Why risk ento and mack?
Quote from: Tecno on October 25, 2025, 06:38:59 PMBut we've never rested when we didn't have first locked up. Even when we had nothing to play for!
And even though we'll be the visitor in an away semi, we do still have standing to play for. 3rd is still better than 4th in the west, if for nothing else than pride and momentum. And by that I mean when the roster was set, which had to occur before the Calgary game.
I get what you're saying, but I'm still surprised. It's not very mos like. Who would have predicted he'd make this move?
Like in the previous comment, it feels like "loser formation".
Maybe the real reason they are doing this is they don't want travelling fans to get a sneak peek at how awful we're going to play in the esf...
We happen to have been in first the past few years, but rested starters every year to end the season. Final game of 2018? Rested starters and lost the game. We were locked into 3rd place.
It's a very MOS move. He's a players coach and gives them rest. He doesn't believe they need practice or momentum and shows this over and over again.
Maybe I'm only remembering the gc years then. I'll go back and check the pre 19 final game rosters
The worst was 2001. The Bombers rested players for the last game of the season and lost to the Stamps allowing them to make the playoffs.
Then Calgary beat Winnipeg in the Grey Cup.
Hollins is in for Snead.
My daughter will be in the big cheer show at halftime. Give them lots of love!
Montreal won the toss and deferred.
Winnipeg starts with the ball.
strev might be done - looked pretty bad
Well, that's one way to see Wilson.
Hope you're ok, Strev.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 07:17:27 PMstrev might be done - looked pretty bad
Eeek. It actually looks really bad, eh?
Strevy is done.
Terry Time
OMG, Strevy really having difficulty getting up and off the field, looks like his left knee again. Pray he is going to be OK.
what the heck was that Terry?
not sure who Wilson was shovelling that to.
not a great punt by sheehan with a strong wind
terry with a dart - love it
Nicely thrown pass to Sterns
Ouch! Dumb play by Mtl should have kneeled in the EZ
somebody fire Hogan
terry with a terrible pick - guy was open just floated it
terrible pass but your on the 3 first down, cmon you dont have Wilson throw a 20 yd pass
Thanks to the coaching staff for giving him playing time during the year
Nick Hallett has reached 100 regular season games played today.
Somebody here who goes to a lot of practices commented that Wilson throws a lot of interceptions.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 07:20:26 PMwhat the heck was that Terry?
And I'll continue to ask what people were expecting. There's a reason they keep putting in the ghost of Chris Streveler ahead of him.
That said, if Chris is out, Terry's going to give a serious boost to our SY package.
Quote from: markf on October 25, 2025, 07:33:22 PMSomebody here who goes to a lot of practices commented that Wilson throws a lot of interceptions.
Well, that is not good news.
Assuming that Strevy might be done for the season based on how the injury looked, this is a failure on coaching staff to stubbornly insist on not giving Wilson more reps during the season, particularly when Strevy was struggling to generate anything. Now we see the results of no game experience. Plus throw in Hogan's playcalling and here we are.
I would also add that more and more I'm seeing issues with our receivers not reacting and adjusting to the ball to make a play.
Walter's could have brought in someone else at trade deadline, not doing his job if they are not happy playing Wilson
Quote from: TrueBlue75 on October 25, 2025, 07:35:54 PMAssuming that Strevy might be done for the season based on how the injury looked, this is a failure on coaching staff to stubbornly insist on not giving Wilson more reps during the season, particularly when Strevy was struggling to generate anything. Now we see the results of no game experience. Plus throw in Hogan's playcalling and here we are.
When do teams play their 3rd string QBs to give them reps?
Of all the dumb things we've done this year, that wasn't one of them.
Quote from: markf on October 25, 2025, 07:33:22 PMSomebody here who goes to a lot of practices commented that Wilson throws a lot of interceptions.
Got to give some of the blame to Hogan here. First and goal from the 5, run the ball! Trying to be too clever.
Quote from: bunker on October 25, 2025, 07:38:19 PMGot to give some of the blame to Hogan here. First and goal from the 5, run the ball! Trying to be too clever.
1st and goal from the 3, even more dumb not to run it.
What kind of blocking scheme is this? Neufeld and Kman block one DT and let Oakman run free.
Did Strev go to the room? He was in the tent briefly. Same knee?
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 07:34:05 PMAnd I'll continue to ask what people were expecting. There's a reason they keep putting in the ghost of Chris Streveler ahead of him.
That said, if Chris is out, Terry's going to give a serious boost to our SY package.
See, this is what happens when you have zero plays planned around him and he gets almost no reps in practice.
There is also a very strong wind out, so neither qb should be throwing high.
The playcall to throw to the endzone was just stupid with that wind.
Who is our O line coach as it seems his line hasn't improved all season seems line the same mistakes every game
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 07:38:13 PMWhen do teams play their 3rd string QBs to give them reps?
Of all the dumb things we've done this year, that wasn't one of them.
Well technically he was the back up on several occasions. Do you think he would have done much worse than Strevy?
you have to wonder if Maas is thinking hed much rather play bombers than bc
That one is on Eccols, ball right in his hands.
Quote from: tlf on October 25, 2025, 07:42:56 PMSee, this is what happens when you have zero plays planned around him and he gets almost no reps in practice.
There is also a very strong wind out, so neither qb should be throwing high.
The playcall to throw to the endzone was just stupid with that wind.
No, sorry.
He's been here for two years. If he's unable to take advantage of the opportunities given, he's not it. 3rd stringers coming in due to injury do not get the luxury of having plays designed around them. They often don't have the luxury of the amount of time and prep that Terry has had. He has no excuses.
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 07:50:18 PMNo, sorry.
He's been here for two years. If he's unable to take advantage of the opportunities given, he's not it. 3rd stringers coming in due to injury do not get the luxury of having plays designed around them. They often don't have the luxury of the amount of time and prep that Terry has had. He has no excuses.
Oshea would sooner Trott out Strev and Zach in wheel chairs than play 3rd string qb
Quote from: Sway on October 25, 2025, 07:52:33 PMOshea would sooner Trott out Strev and Zach in wheel chairs than play 3rd string qb
Why is this an anti-MOS take?
No team plays their 3rd string unless they're forced to.
we've seen that so many times a defender blitz on our qbs right side and get a free path. Last game it was brooks
Quote from: Pete on October 25, 2025, 07:58:47 PMwe've seen that so many times a defender blitz on our qbs right side and get a free path.
Rushing more than there are blockers, QB has to recognize that and get the ball out quickly.
I think Neufeld retirement might be a good idea.
It's hard for me to see what's going on with line play, but it seems as though he isn't effective anymore. Too slow I think.
Mtl shredding us on the running plays.
Zach better stay healthy
Wilson threw that to the wrong shoulder on Joey, throws that to the outside shoulder it would have been complete, lucky Ento missed that.
Quote from: bunker on October 25, 2025, 08:05:03 PMZach better stay healthy
thats why he's not playing today
Wow, MBT missed a wide open receiver deep.
Does Sterns look slower than he was last year?
Quote from: Pete on October 25, 2025, 08:13:00 PMDoes Sterns look slower than he was last year?
I don't think I knew who Sterns was last year. But he's been effective for us.
Glad we got the touchdown but doesn't do much for my confidence in our short yardage execution. Odd since Wilson has been automatic in the past. ? Stanley Bryant effect.
I feel sorry for Streveler. That's a tough way to end your season and possibly your career. The injury looked serious and I would imagine surgery will be necessary.
Wilson is telegraphing too many throws. OL blocking not helping but Peterson is playing well.
Munier-Bailey made a play. Ayers and Gauthier have seen reps on defence. I can't keep up with who is on, when or why exactly. Smith also has been on defence.
I have to admit, I am a fan of the QB jumping up and over and then reach the ball out to break the plane of the goal line, even if the ball is knocked out of your hands, once the plane is broken it is a touchdown.
I would like to see our other QB Case Artopoulus (sp) play in the 4th quarter just for Sh*ts and giggles.
I haven't seen Shay, also glad we got Vaval, Logan hasnt shown much
Quote from: Tecno on October 25, 2025, 06:59:00 PMMy daughter will be in the big cheer show at halftime. Give them lots of love!
they all did great - gotta to have been close to 1000 kids on the field
that field goal kicking contest at halftime was painful to watch.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 08:36:19 PMthey all did great - gotta to have been close to 1000 kids on the field
so that's how they sold the game with those 1000 kids on the field....lots of fans wearing shorts and no jackets.. hope they don't freeze before the game is over
Wilson is having a tuff game but it is his first game with a little practice time PLUS he is playing with 3 big starters out for this game on offense. Strev wasn't much better with more playing time, at least we will have more than 80 yards at the end of the game.
Miller and the club eat at least a few thousand tickets a game. No problem with it really. Get people In the stadium make it up off the concessions
That 3rd and inches sneak by Mtl is what we need to do on the goal line.
Quote from: Horseman on October 25, 2025, 08:30:36 PMI would like to see our other QB Case Artopoulus (sp) play in the 4th quarter just for Sh*ts and giggles.
Problem is it looks like Wilson is now no. 2.
So probably he needs to play the whole game
Wilson does throw a nice pass only problem is that it isnt to anyone
Quote from: Pete on October 25, 2025, 09:00:08 PMWilson does throw a nice pass only problem is that it isnt to anyone
If a nice pass just means far down the field, yeah.
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 09:03:33 PMIf a nice pass just means far down the field, yeah.
Nice tight spiral.
The offence can atleast function at a pro level with Terry vs Strev
Wilson seems to struggle to get through his reads but I fully expect he'll get more comfortable with that aspect the more playing time he gets. He throws a pretty nice ball and he seems poised; the potential is certainly there.
Man I hate Duquoy but would take him on the Bombers team in a heartbeat.
That was on Wheatfall had both hands on it and should have come back to it.
Quote from: TrueBlue75 on October 25, 2025, 09:27:31 PMMan I hate Duquoy but would take him on the Bombers team in a heartbeat.
Ditto. He's crazy talented.
He seems like a bit of a hothead - similar to his current head coach. Watching the latter scream at the jumbotron just now was comical.
Quote from: TrueBlue75 on October 25, 2025, 09:27:31 PMMan I hate Duquoy but would take him on the Bombers team in a heartbeat.
Used to feel that way about Jefferson
Quote from: TrueBlue75 on October 25, 2025, 09:27:31 PMMan I hate Duquoy but would take him on the Bombers team in a heartbeat.
The tackle looked bad, but I have to agree it wasn't a penalty. Got Logan around the chest and upper shoulder pads.
Jaworski with a big play! Love it.
moved down from the upper deck to behind the bombers bench for most of the third and fourth.
zach never talked to wilson one time
wilson wasn't on the phone to hogan at all - standing mostly by himself, no looking at an ipad - once MOS came and tapped him on the shoulder pads.
kinda strange - maybe that's normal
Quote from: Horseman on October 25, 2025, 09:30:58 PMThe tackle looked bad, but I have to agree it wasn't a penalty. Got Logan around the chest and upper shoulder pads.
It was a clothesline tackle, he tackled him around the throat, is a dangerous tackle and should have been called
Quote from: tlf on October 25, 2025, 09:30:46 PMUsed to feel that way about Jefferson
Same. Especially after the Banjo Bowl game where he owned the Bombers. So happy he came over to the right side!
Very nice pass to the corner endzone by wilson
how do you overturn the ruling on the field on that?
Quote from: Pete on October 25, 2025, 09:41:42 PMhow do you overturn the ruling on the field on that?
Shocked me that they overturned it.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 09:37:55 PMmoved down from the upper deck to behind the bombers bench for most of the third and fourth.
zach never talked to wilson one time
wilson wasn't on the phone to hogan at all - standing mostly by himself, no looking at an ipad - once MOS came and tapped him on the shoulder pads.
kinda strange - maybe that's normal
Feels like Jackson should be working with him pretty closely. Maybe they don't want to throw too much at him. Just let him play.
Quote from: Horseman on October 25, 2025, 09:30:58 PMThe tackle looked bad, but I have to agree it wasn't a penalty. Got Logan around the chest and upper shoulder pads.
I didn't love the tackle and thought it looked a bit like tackling by his neck. However, what I hate about him is the edge that he plays with and the chirpiness. But again, if he played for the Bombers I wouldn't be as mad about it ;D
What an ugly game, Cobb should have had that toss,
Quote from: Pete on October 25, 2025, 09:41:42 PMhow do you overturn the ruling on the field on that?
cause it wasn't PI - that is the point of challenges
Quote from: markf on October 25, 2025, 09:41:05 PMVery nice pass to the corner endzone by wilson
agree and our receiver dropped it, again. We have the leagues worst receiving corps by a mile
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 09:37:55 PMmoved down from the upper deck to behind the bombers bench for most of the third and fourth.
zach never talked to wilson one time
wilson wasn't on the phone to hogan at all - standing mostly by himself, no looking at an ipad - once MOS came and tapped him on the shoulder pads.
kinda strange - maybe that's normal
Glad Osh did that. I sit on that side behind the bench. Zach likes standing to himself. That's normal. I find that odd, but he does that often. Maybe he's an analyzer. I do like to work like that at my job to think as well. Who knows.
Don't they have headsets to talk to the OCs? Does he need the phone? Curious.
What a great punt!
Man MBT is an awful qb!! Brutal
can we please start Jenkins and Jaworski next game
3rd and 7 with MBT behind your own 10...gutsy
Bailey has impressed
montreal is beatable - hope we go that route
Another clothesline tackle missed. Nice game refs!!
Man, this is an ugly game, I can't believe they charged admission for this!
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 09:56:10 PMmontreal is beatable - hope we go that route
Alexander isn't playing, and I"m sure a few others. But I believe this is the way I want us to go as well.
Quote from: dd on October 25, 2025, 09:56:49 PMAnother clothesline tackle missed. Nice game refs!!
Are their backups in too? :D
Jenkins, Jaworski and Bailey all better than Person. I'd dress Jenkins and Bailey next week, find the room Bailey and Jenkins for Person
Quote from: Pete on October 25, 2025, 09:51:08 PMcan we please start Jenkins and Jaworski next game
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 09:56:10 PMmontreal is beatable - hope we go that route
Everyone keep in mind that they laid down for this one too.
Though I think I'd rather have to beat Hamilton than any Western team looking to the East/West finals.
No masterpiece - much like the rest of the season - but it's nice to finish 10-8.
The game by Jenkins ... more sacks and pressures than we've seen in a while. Got a move where he ducks down and away at speed.
makes you wonder. Not sure if that was als starting oline or not.
Anyway, hope to see more of him doing that.
Happy for the time Wilson got to experience at Qb. Big hooray for Ike getting some touches and wowee such a nice run
Gotta like what Jenkins and Jaworski did from the edges
Sad day for Strev
Quote from: kkc60 on October 25, 2025, 09:59:30 PMJenkins, Jaworski and Bailey all better than Person. I'd dress Jenkins and Bailey next week, find the room Bailey and Jenkins for Person
It was one game but I agree with you. The fact Person was moved to the PR instead of the 1 game IR indicated his time might be over.
Jenkins in particular could stick on the AR as the replacement for Person in the play offs. We probably don't see Vanterpool, Logan or Echols on the AR next week. That opens spots for a few starters.
I think we usually have MBT's number in games. Alexander is more dangerous but he's also missed half the season and is still hampered by his hamstring injury. He's also due to break his win streak so there is that.
Weather could be a huge factor in either semi so we'll see how things go. Overall I think the Bombers run game is an advantage in bad weather. O'Rourke and VAJ are more fair weather QB's with the penchant to go deep so often.
Bombers winning means Lions won't rest starters since they need to win.
Honestly I think we can beat either the Als or the Stamps in a semi final. We just need a 3 game win streak starting next weekend. :)
For someone who hasn't been given a chance to get some experience in Winnipeg this year, he was one end-zone pass away from being a backup quarterback on some team next year. Another Jason Hogan classic.
If footballs are made of leather, then he has probably seen more at home then at Blue Bomber practise.
Could we order another big wind gust in Montreal for next week?
Well, I guess we were not rolling over and throwing this game, as some had thought.
Hate too see Strev go down for a career. But it was the only way to get Terry in.
Rather play Calgary next week
Go Sask
Terry in his first real chance this year looked roughly equivalent to Streveler eight years into a pro career. Not sure what that means for Wilson but it is interesting.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 25, 2025, 10:20:13 PMWell, I guess we were not rolling over and throwing this game, as some had thought.
That was when he thought Alexander was starting. MBT is a turnover machine and always going to be in the pocket as a fixed target.
Regardless, the Bombers played well against most of the Als starters. We rotated in just about everybody: Hallett, Gauthier, Ball, Kelly and Ayers on defence along with the pure rookie DE's.
On offence we used Chri-Ike and Peterson so generally a good day for the Canadian back ups.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 25, 2025, 10:27:39 PMTerry in his first real chance this year looked roughly equivalent to Streveler eight years into a pro career. Not sure what that means for Wilson but it is interesting.
Yeah, hard to say with no Oliveria, Wilson, Demski or Bryant playing today. He was limited by the replacements and play calling that resulted.
Jaworski and Jenkins both looked good for the defensive ends spots too. Somehow they managed to get pressure and inflict pain for pretty much the first time all year from those spots.
Jerkins and Jawarski both look like keeners.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 25, 2025, 10:31:17 PMJaworski and Jenkins both looked good for the defensive ends spots.
LOL
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 25, 2025, 10:27:39 PMTerry in his first real chance this year looked roughly equivalent to Streveler eight years into a pro career. Not sure what that means for Wilson but it is interesting.
He looked worse than Strev to me.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 25, 2025, 10:32:25 PMHe looked worse than Strev to me.
Maybe. I'm still having drinks at the stadium. Never want to leave on the last game. You'll have to kick me out. ;D
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 25, 2025, 10:32:25 PMHe looked worse than Strev to me.
It was effectively his 1st CFL start. Streveler only played about 5 plays and I'm not sure how many reps he got in practice this week. Even with Collaros not playing he probably was getting reps as a quasi # 2 just as preparation. I don't think they'd exclude him from that when they knew he'd wouldn't dress.
Regardless. As mentioned he was missing Oliveria, Demski, Wilson and Bryant on offence. All of that was not going to make it easy for any QB.
Quote from: dd on October 25, 2025, 09:39:23 PMIt was a clothesline tackle, he tackled him around the throat, is a dangerous tackle and should have been called
Sorry have to disagree wasn't by the throat same as the tackle by the Bomber #45 (Baily) near the end of the game, no penalty either.
Quote from: Horseman on October 25, 2025, 11:00:18 PMSorry have to disagree wasn't by the throat same as the tackle by the Bomber #45 (Baily) near the end of the game, no penalty either.
You can disagree all you want, it was a foul in both cases, and the CFL claiming it takes player safety seriously is a total joke.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 25, 2025, 10:54:08 PMIt was effectively his 1st CFL start. Streveler only played about 5 plays and I'm not sure how many reps he got in practice this week. Even with Collaros not playing he probably was getting reps as a quasi # 2 just as preparation. I don't think they'd exclude him from that when they knew he'd wouldn't dress.
Regardless. As mentioned he was missing Oliveria, Demski, Wilson and Bryant on offence. All of that was not going to make it easy for any QB.
Driving home on the post game Wilson said he was never told what his involvement in this game would be.
Doug Brown found that very unusual.
Who knows what that means but to me maybe they don't really have much faith in him. It's too bad he didn't get more reps though because he's one hit away from being the hopes and dreams of watching the Bombers in the Grey Cup this year.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 25, 2025, 11:22:16 PMDriving home on the post game Wilson said he was never told what his involvement in this game would be.
Doug Brown found that very unusual.
Who knows what that means but to me maybe they don't really have much faith in him. It's too bad he didn't get more reps though because he's one hit away from being the hopes and dreams of watching the Bombers in the Grey Cup this year.
This is very strange indeed. Are we that out to lunch as a coaching staff that you can't let the poor guy know he may be called into the game??? I also find it odd that Collaros couldn't bring himself to talk to the guy on the sideline when the offense wasn't on the field. Doesn't sound like too many people were giving him any help. Obvioulsy Terry isn't a member of the old boys club and that's sad, so much for being good teammates and helping each other out.
Quote from: dd on October 25, 2025, 11:29:41 PMThis is very strange indeed. Are we that out to lunch as a coaching staff that you can't let the poor guy know he may be called into the game??? I also find it odd that Collaros couldn't bring himself to talk to the guy on the sideline when the offense wasn't on the field. Doesn't sound like too many people were giving him any help. Obvioulsy Terry isn't a member of the old boys club and that's sad, so much for being good teammates and helping each other out.
Let's not read too much into one poster not noticing anyone speak to him at one point of the game.
I'm sure he got plenty of help throughout the game.
All our DEs that were put on the roster today showed flashes but remember this wasn't all of Montreal's starters. That said I would like to see if one of these guys can get on next week. I like Person but perhaps he should come off. Big decision!
Ayers 8 tackles what a beast
Thomas was around the ball today and played ok
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 09:37:55 PMmoved down from the upper deck to behind the bombers bench for most of the third and fourth.
zach never talked to wilson one time
wilson wasn't on the phone to hogan at all - standing mostly by himself, no looking at an ipad - once MOS came and tapped him on the shoulder pads.
kinda strange - maybe that's normal
Interesting observation
I seen Alexander with his helmet on the whole game half way on the field encouraging all his team mates all game.
Chalk it up to one of the many "FIFO" isms
I guess. Be nice if Zach was helping the kid out.
Terry, as a functioning QB was better than Strev. All there is too it
I honestly think OShea was gonna give Strev a 3 plus quarters today
Considering they didn't even tell him if he'd be playing today the plan was probably to run Streveler regardless if he completed a pass all game or not.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 26, 2025, 12:12:43 AMConsidering they didn't even tell him if he'd be playing today the plan was probably to run Streveler regardless if he completed a pass all game or not.
Ya, I heard him on post game with Doug Brown pressing the issue, thanks Doug.
I couldn't tell if Terry was just being FIFO(never tell the media anything) or he genuinely was left in the dark all week.
Quote from: Sway on October 26, 2025, 12:03:17 AMTerry, as a functioning QB was better than Strev. All there is too it
I don't know guys.
Everyone's ripping on Strev for his 3 completion game; but he threw for 54 yards and rushed for 72.
Now Terry is a better QB because he passed for 79 yards and rushed for 30?
Quote from: Blueforlife on October 26, 2025, 12:59:38 AMAll our DEs that were put on the roster today showed flashes but remember this wasn't all of Montreal's starters. That said I would like to see if one of these guys can get on next week. I like Person but perhaps he should come off. Big decision!
Ayers 8 tackles what a beast
Thomas was around the ball today and played ok
Person was moved to the PR and not the 1 game IR. That's not a good sign. I doubt he plays again this year. Good chance Jenkins gets to play next week.
Thomas had another game with no DT's and no impact. Not sure that even registers as playing OK. The best thing he did was not get injured.
Quote from: dd on October 25, 2025, 11:16:53 PMYou can disagree all you want, it was a foul in both cases, and the CFL claiming it takes player safety seriously is a total joke.
I guess me and all the CFL officials on the field and the CC are wrong, okay then.
Quote from: Jesse on October 26, 2025, 12:20:49 AMI don't know guys.
Everyone's ripping on Strev for his 3 completion game; but he threw for 54 yards and rushed for 72.
Now Terry is a better QB because he passed for 79 yards and rushed for 30?
People excited for Wilson's promise due to his arm strength and ability to throw deep reasonably accurate at times. His mobility also gives us hope.
It will take 5 to 10 starts min to know what Wilson is imo.
Reading a CFL D and limiting turnover is an incredibly difficult task for a young QB.
I am not a fan of ripping Strev, he did all he can for this club for a long time and while he had some bad outings, he helped us win a few when we needed him to.
I read that Vaughters led the team with five sacks this season, Jenkins had two in one game.
Quote from: markf on October 26, 2025, 01:20:41 AMI read that Vaughters led the team with five sacks this season, Jenkins had two in one game.
5 sacks is our sack leader?!?! Seriously??? Holy cow, that is aweful. I've never heard of such low numbers. Betts on the other hand, had 15, and folks said they overpaid for him, really?? What are we paying Vaughters for 5 sacks, and Willie for whatever he got this year?? Betts got more than our whole D line combined!!!
Quote from: Sway on October 26, 2025, 12:03:17 AMInteresting observation
I seen Alexander with his helmet on the whole game half way on the field encouraging all his team mates all game.
Chalk it up to one of the many "FIFO" isms
I guess. Be nice if Zach was helping the kid out.
Terry, as a functioning QB was better than Strev. All there is too it
I honestly think OShea was gonna give Strev a 3 plus quarters today
That's because Alexander is the ultimate team guy, Zach not so much. Sorry, but if your understudy is in the game, maybe you should lend a pointer or 2 to him in between series. It's a really bad look.
Jaworski, Jenkins and Bailey all looked promising. Would like to see 1 or 2 on the roster next week.
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 01:37:34 AMWhat are we paying Vaughters for 5 sacks, and Willie for whatever he got this year?? Betts got more than our whole D line combined!!!
Ya, because Betts gets paid more than our whole D line combined! (Exaggerating... but not by much!)
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 01:48:55 AMYa, because Betts gets paid more than our whole D line combined! (Exaggerating... but not by much!)
You're right, but you get what you pay for. We totally cheaped out on our D line and it shows. We got one guy who hasn't made a tackle in what seems like half a season. So what's Jenkins getting paid, not big bucks I m sure. How can he go in and light it up right away??
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 01:44:13 AMThat's because Alexander is the ultimate team guy, Zach not so much. Sorry, but if your understudy is in the game, maybe you should lend a pointer or 2 to him in between series. It's a really bad look.
Zach is a team guy
Quote from: Sway on October 26, 2025, 12:03:17 AMTerry, as a functioning QB was better than Strev. All there is too it
Not what I saw.
Wilson always looks dull and disinterested. He's like the anti-Strev -- no fire. At all.
He reminds me of Kimi Raikonen in F1 racing -- except Kimi was top tier. Just zero emotion, win or lose.
A lifeless QB will not draw the best out of their O. Even Zach will show anger and fire and happiness. This is exactly the same style Wilson showed when he stepped in on the biggest stage: the GC.
I really don't think the football IQ is there with Wilson. He reminds of a beefier Dom Davis. I don't know why we always waste so much time on these guys.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 25, 2025, 10:31:24 PMJerkins and Jawarski both look like keeners.
Before everyone calls for drastic starter changes, keep in mind that Person looked world-beating in his first couple of games.
Once teams get film on the new guys, they can rapidly be neutered. They learn the moves and teach the OL to negate them.
Maybe they'll still be great in a ESF, maybe they'll be as ineffective as everyone else on our DL. Odds say the latter.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 25, 2025, 10:20:13 PMWell, I guess we were not rolling over and throwing this game, as some had thought.
We were never going to throw the game by purposely sucking or calling bad plays... any "throwing" of the game was being done by fielding a roster of backups vs MTL's best (what we thought they'd play). That would be a guaranteed loss.
The fact we won is gravy, and proves our backups aren't complete garbage -- at least compared to MTL's.
I was impressed with Smith again today. Young Canadian LB around the ball all the time.
Quote from: Jesse on October 26, 2025, 12:20:49 AMI don't know guys.
Everyone's ripping on Strev for his 3 completion game; but he threw for 54 yards and rushed for 72.
Now Terry is a better QB because he passed for 79 yards and rushed for 30?
Cold, off the bench, with zero practice reps this week...
Strev was the starter with a full week of reps when he put together 3 (2 really) completions in a full game... with all the top receivers and BO20
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 02:05:52 AMNot what I saw.
Wilson always looks dull and disinterested. He's like the anti-Strev -- no fire. At all.
He reminds me of Kimi Raikonen in F1 racing -- except Kimi was top tier. Just zero emotion, win or lose.
A lifeless QB will not draw the best out of their O. Even Zach will show anger and fire and happiness. This is exactly the same style Wilson showed when he stepped in on the biggest stage: the GC.
I really don't think the football IQ is there with Wilson. He reminds of a beefier Dom Davis. I don't know why we always waste so much time on these guys.
You're right, terry Wilson is Don Davis v2!!
LOL Milt on the panel show post-game thought we still had Yoshi. Guess he meant Bryant.
The guest player panel guy said WPG will beat MTL in ESF. Sweet!
Then Henoc says CGY is facing WPG in the WSF!
The only one not botching things was the guest guy!
edit: guest = Devaris Daniels
Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2025, 11:23:08 AMMan, this thing makes no sense to me. As far as I know, we never heard and final comment about the 400k raise to the salary cap, and suddenly teams need an extra 50k?
Thinking the same thing. We have to make major changes because we are dying financially... so they say. If we really are hurting for money the obvious thing to to do is lower the salary cap, something that reflects revenue, but they do the opposite.
Quote from: Blueforlife on October 25, 2025, 07:42:31 PMDid Strev go to the room? He was in the tent briefly. Same knee?
Heard there was screaming from inside the tent. Not sure if that was frustration, pain or both.
Knowing that Strev takes a beating every game he plays I was advocating resting him too. Pretty sad way to end his year, possibly career.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 25, 2025, 09:37:55 PMmoved down from the upper deck to behind the bombers bench for most of the third and fourth.
zach never talked to wilson one time
wilson wasn't on the phone to hogan at all - standing mostly by himself, no looking at an ipad - once MOS came and tapped him on the shoulder pads.
kinda strange - maybe that's normal
I made the same observation during a Streveller start. Now it's Wilson.
Montreal is ripe for an upset. Everyone is talking about Alexanders 10-0 record as a starter, and really, he hasn't been in a game with any adversity. If we can get up on them--ie a Vaval punt return TD, and our D stands strong, we could upset them and that would be awesome. I think it is totally do-able
Not that I think it will happen, but a revenge tour through the East would be fun. Knock off Maas, fluke a way through Hamilton and beat Buck in the GC at home. Zero percent chance that happens, but it would be fun.
Quote from: BlueInCgy on October 26, 2025, 04:33:47 PMNot that I think it will happen, but a revenge tour through the East would be fun. Knock off Maas, fluke a way through Hamilton and beat Buck in the GC at home. Zero percent chance that happens, but it would be fun.
I wouldn't say zero chance. In fact IMO we can beat each of those teams on a given day. We did beat the Als twice this year, smoked the TiCats and beat the Lions twice. I think Rourke wills struggle in cold weather in Winnipeg regardless of his opponent.
VAJ is hold and cold, which shows up in the semi? Riders rely more on their defence and the opponent making critical mistakes. Alexander has missed half the season.
There is opportunity for just about anything to happen. Buckle up the chinstraps and come to play from the opening K/O.
One fly in the plan: Do players on the IR get any playoff money? I'm under the impression they don't, so that's a factor.
Quote from: Waffler on October 26, 2025, 02:36:20 PMHeard there was screaming from inside the tent. Not sure if that was frustration, pain or both.
Knowing that Strev takes a beating every game he plays I was advocating resting him too. Pretty sad way to end his year, possibly career.
It looked to me like a non-contact injury, he did a hard plant and blew it up...
Quote from: theaardvark on October 26, 2025, 02:34:40 AMCold, off the bench, with zero practice reps this week...
Strev was the starter with a full week of reps when he put together 3 (2 really) completions in a full game... with all the top receivers and BO20
First, he always gets practice reps. He's not just standing there every day.
Second, he has significantly more reps this week. Even Chase got reps this week.
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 02:05:52 AMNot what I saw.
Wilson always looks dull and disinterested. He's like the anti-Strev -- no fire. At all.
He reminds me of Kimi Raikonen in F1 racing -- except Kimi was top tier. Just zero emotion, win or lose.
A lifeless QB will not draw the best out of their O. Even Zach will show anger and fire and happiness. This is exactly the same style Wilson showed when he stepped in on the biggest stage: the GC.
I really don't think the football IQ is there with Wilson. He reminds of a beefier Dom Davis. I don't know why we always waste so much time on these guys.
Picked up the same vibe when they talked with Wilson after a pre-season game earlier this year, does not sound or behave like a leader, he's responsive but not confident or assertive. Perhaps his passive trait is what's kept him hanging around for 2 seasons without a snap, much the same vibe given off by Johnny Augustine. In contrast an angry or disgruntled demeanour never lasts long on MOS's team.
A psychological profiler could tell a lot just by the way he uses his eyes is this interview. A person develops his character from his circumstance and experience which may be totally random and out of his control, but quite often ends up determining his fate.
Agree, looks like Dom Davis, Tyrie Adams in Ottawa, Caleb Evans in Montreal, great physical tools, but all lack the abilility to make a great starting QB. Hope to be totally wrong about Wilson.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 26, 2025, 11:17:52 PMA psychological profiler could tell a lot just by the way he uses his eyes is this interview.
Ya, and whoever chose that "cover picture" for the video should be fired -- as it proves our point too perfectly. That's the look of someone who just won their first "start" (as it effectively was)? That's more a "harumph what am I doing here?" look.
Ya, he says all the right FIFO MOS talking points, as every WFC player does.
Quote from: theaardvark on October 26, 2025, 05:21:16 PMIt looked to me like a non-contact injury, he did a hard plant and blew it up...
Oh, 100% it was non-contact. He was buckling before the D came in. Typical ACL on direction change/stopping.
I thought his run and strange path and eventual tackled looked wonky in real-time from the 200-level -- until I saw he was still down and in pain, then knew his knee was toast. My only hope then was "hope it's the other knee, not the bad knee!".
Quote from: Waffler on October 26, 2025, 02:29:59 PMThinking the same thing. We have to make major changes because we are dying financially... so they say. If we really are hurting for money the obvious thing to to do is lower the salary cap, something that reflects revenue, but they do the opposite.
Or, forget what they say, and look at the proof. No one is hurting for money. The private-owned teams (which is nearly everyone now) don't care one bit. Even when they lose money they still make it, it's all paper shuffling and write-offs they can use in their other businesses. They play with the numbers and just write down whatever they want in the end with "reserves" and "funds" and maybe/maybe-not expenses to sister parties (like WFC was doing for their stadium costs partner until it just got written off).
And if the rich owners are still really a million short they don't give a rats poop. That's petty cash.
No, the real "most teams aren't making money" only comes into play when one of the teams is lining up to find a new buyer. That's when they'd rather be showing decent profits... ESPECIALLY when it's a dire-straits situation like MTL was in for a while. They'll eat $1M/year, but not buy a team that will suck down $10M in the first year!
And don't forget, the $400k + $50k is to the CAP. No law making the teams spend it. Poor teams can just keep that $450k in their pocket if they are poor and the rich owners are cheap.
Some people are making it sound like all teams have to spend to the full new cap. And if all 9 teams do spend to the new cap come Dec 31, 2025, then there will be your proof that no team is indeed "poor".
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 04:17:26 AMAnd don't forget, the $400k + $50k is to the CAP. No law making the teams spend it. Poor teams can just keep that $450k in their pocket if they are poor and the rich owners are cheap.
Some people are making it sound like all teams have to spend to the full new cap. And if all 9 teams do spend to the new cap come Dec 31, 2025, then there will be your proof that no team is indeed "poor".
There is an SMS Floor as well as a cap. I don't know what that figure is at the moment but it exists. How they figure that out with the late info regarding the increase will be interesting.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 02:28:22 PMThere is an SMS Floor as well as a cap. I don't know what that figure is at the moment but it exists. How they figure that out with the late info regarding the increase will be interesting.
It'd sure be nice if the league made such things public.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on October 27, 2025, 03:47:33 PMIt'd sure be nice if the league made such things public.
Don't bug them, they're too busy moving goal posts. PRIORITIES!
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 04:17:26 AMAnd don't forget, the $400k + $50k is to the CAP. No law making the teams spend it. Poor teams can just keep that $450k in their pocket if they are poor and the rich owners are cheap.
Some people are making it sound like all teams have to spend to the full new cap. And if all 9 teams do spend to the new cap come Dec 31, 2025, then there will be your proof that no team is indeed "poor".
Some teams may be losing money due to poor game attendance but I don't think any of them are in dire financial straits that would cause them to sell their teams like we have in the past. The main grousing seems to be over attempts to fully monetize their franchise value led by MLSE and the Ottawa group who could care less what happens in the CFL or on the field as long as their franchise escalates in value and they look like studs in the business world.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:53:13 PMDon't bug them, they're too busy moving goal posts. PRIORITIES!
(https://i.imgur.com/uKNBBiR.gif)