BC just beat Sask, we are headed to Mtl which I think is better for us.
First time for everything.
Rather play Calgary but oh well
Take care of MTL next week, hopefully snow and lots of Wind
I think Montreal is much worse for us then Calgary but I'd rather play Hamilton than the Riders the following week if we could somehow win the semi.
Our Grey Cup is next week imo
Win that game and I think we have a shot
Spoilers!
" MONTREAL — Brady Oliveira's 210-yard performance powered the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 26–13 victory over an injury-ravaged Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Thursday night.
The CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Player went to work, totalling 137 rushing yards on 16 totes while going for a team-high 73 yards in the air on nine receptions"
August 21
Quote from: markf on October 26, 2025, 01:06:41 AM" MONTREAL — Brady Oliveira's 210-yard performance powered the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 26–13 victory over an injury-ravaged Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Thursday night.
The CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Player went to work, totalling 137 rushing yards on 16 totes while going for a team-high 73 yards in the air on nine receptions"
August 21
*Jason Hogan spends entire week drawing up 15 straight passing plays to start the game*
Who's going? I may. 60/40 chance right now. Looking at options.
One would think you'd have to travel there with a loss in mind... my excuse will be I like visiting MTL. A win would then be gravy!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 26, 2025, 01:08:20 AM*Jason Hogan spends entire week drawing up 15 straight passing plays to start the game*
Sad but probably true. Just watched (probably his mentor) Buck Pierce refuse to call a running play until the game was all but over.
the good news is our defense has been getting better every game, I really like how the linebackers and secondary is playing. Woodbey is playing great, and Houston with Parker has made this secondary one of the best on the league if not the best
Strong D, ST, and consistent run game can very much win us this Montreal ball game.
Quote from: Pete on October 26, 2025, 01:26:34 AMthe good news is our defense has been getting better every game, I really like how the linebackers and secondary is playing.
That's true. MBT isn't a slouch, and he can be a slinger, and we frazzled and sacked him all day.
And our backups looked great, especially on the DL. I have faith that we're pretty deep should we run into bad luck in games (assuming we win so we can use the PR guys the next week). We're not the best team this season, but we may be one of the deepest at this point.
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 01:32:55 AMThat's true. MBT isn't a slouch, and he can be a slinger, and we frazzled and sacked him all day.
And our backups looked great, especially on the DL. I have faith that we're pretty deep should we run into bad luck in games (assuming we win so we can use the PR guys the next week). We're not the best team this season, but we may be one of the deepest at this point.
How is it our so-called backups looked lights out better than our regular D line?? Sure it was a nothing game, but they looked REALLY better than our so called #1 guys. How is it we haven't seen Jenkins, even in a rotational basis ??
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 01:41:12 AMHow is it our so-called backups looked lights out better than our regular D line?? Sure it was a nothing game, but they looked REALLY better than our so called #1 guys. How is it we haven't seen Jenkins, even in a rotational basis ??
First of all he's only been here 3 weeks. He's a guy they brought up for a look during the extended PR time.
Second, he was facing a depth tackle and won a few reps. It's promising but it doesn't mean he's a world beater.
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 01:41:12 AMHow is it our so-called backups looked lights out better than our regular D line??
Lack of film. PJ would say: "simple as"
See my expanded post in the GDT. Any "secret sauce" by the noobs will be studied in the next 7 days and neutralized. Don't get too excited by just 1 game!
However... I did kind of have a sense that Younger was maybe holding back on a plan to actually get pressure come the playoffs. Make everyone think we only bring 3 all season, make them think our DL is hot crap... then go sack crazy come the semi-final.
But if I'm right: why show our hand in the final (nothing) game?
Quote from: Jesse on October 26, 2025, 02:12:36 AMFirst of all he's only been here 3 weeks. He's a guy they brought up for a look during the extended PR time.
Second, he was facing a depth tackle and won a few reps. It's promising but it doesn't mean he's a world beater.
Hey Lawson and Thomas were playing against the same depth tackle and did either register a tackle?? Nope. And ya, they're nats but that's the problem our NAT d linemen contribute negligibly to our defensive tackle stats. And betts is a NAT right?? Spend some money and get quality nats.
Forecast for Sun Nov 2 in Montreal is 9C and rain. The Sat & Mon are similar, but without the rain.
A rain game may be to our benefit as we have a far better run game. However, not having Strev available in a rainy grinder will hurt. Wilson can NOT do his run package (even if he can do SY).
Eyeballing flights now... The tickets are NOT ticketmaster... they use their own thing (good for them!). Use the tickets link from their site. Looks mostly sold, but more than enough pair seats left as of right now. Might change tomorrow once the win news reaches the fairweather/non-fans. Hotels don't seem to be a problem -- lots of good deals in that huge city. It's not like this is the F1 weekend!
That 54 was lights out.
Same with Yaworski
Nice to see our recruits run around their o line.
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 02:14:02 AMLack of film. PJ would say: "simple as"
See my expanded post in the GDT. Any "secret sauce" by the noobs will be studied in the next 7 days and neutralized. Don't get too excited by just 1 game!
However... I did kind of have a sense that Younger was maybe holding back on a plan to actually get pressure come the playoffs. Make everyone think we only bring 3 all season, make them think our DL is hot crap... then go sack crazy come the semi-final.
I would enjoy seeing something like that.
Probably not easy to do, but our players could pull it off. We don't have the most physical d, but my impression is that we have a smart D.
Just looked, Nick Callender was playing left tackle for the als for, at least part of the game... he started against us in the Grey Cup. East all star 2023
Quote from: Jesse on October 26, 2025, 02:12:36 AMFirst of all he's only been here 3 weeks. He's a guy they brought up for a look during the extended PR time.
Second, he was facing a depth tackle and won a few reps. It's promising but it doesn't mean he's a world beater.
Can we agree he looked four times as effective as Jake Thomas, an 18 game starter and coach on the field who's biggest contribution this week was wasting a timeout on the teams. :D
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 26, 2025, 11:52:41 AMCan we agree he looked four times as effective as Jake Thomas, an 18 game starter and coach on the field who's biggest contribution this week was wasting a timeout on the teams. :D
Jake had a tough season. 18 games, 9 DTs. Last year. 18 games 23 DTs, 2 QS, 1 FF.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 26, 2025, 11:52:41 AMCan we agree he looked four times as effective as Jake Thomas, an 18 game starter and coach on the field who's biggest contribution this week was wasting a timeout on the teams. :D
We know 1 poster that will babble on and not agree with you. lol
The new DE's looked quite effective but MBT is not the elusive QB that Alexander would have been.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 26, 2025, 11:52:41 AMCan we agree he looked four times as effective as Jake Thomas, an 18 game starter and coach on the field who's biggest contribution this week was wasting a timeout on the teams. :D
prob 5 times..these guys have speed and used that speed, our starters don't have that level of speed or quickness - they are smarter but that doesn't always work.
i suspect we will trot out the same crew and go to a 3 man rush with no pressure and Alexander will pick us apart
Quote from: The Zipp on October 26, 2025, 12:48:00 PMprob 5 times..these guys have speed and used that speed, our starters don't have that level of speed or quickness - they are smarter but that doesn't always work.
i suspect we will trot out the same crew and go to a 3 man rush with no pressure and Alexander will pick us apart
IMO we see Jenkins on the AR in the playoffs as a back up. He'll replace Person who was active more recently but bumped to the PR.
Munier-Bailey had a decent game but is there a Canadian he could bump as the 2nd global? Because Demski and Kramdi were both off due to being nicked, it opened up a spot. I'm not sure we had another option.
if we ride BO this game and our secondary can shut down Mack and Spieker and Castillo is 100% we will win.
These new DE guys impressed. Play Jenkins next week!
Quote from: Pigskin on October 26, 2025, 12:46:38 PMJake had a tough season. 18 games, 9 DTs. Last year. 18 games 23 DTs, 2 QS, 1 FF.
why and how the bombers can accept this is beyond me.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 26, 2025, 04:11:49 PMwhy and how the bombers can accept this is beyond me.
When you're more worried about rewarding and honoring past effort than winning this year.
Sorry but it's true and not just for Jake Thomas.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 12:52:47 PMIMO we see Jenkins on the AR in the playoffs as a back up. He'll replace Person who was active more recently but bumped to the PR.
Munier-Bailey had a decent game but is there a Canadian he could bump as the 2nd global? Because Demski and Kramdi were both off due to being nicked, it opened up a spot. I'm not sure we had another option.
as Bailey can also play special teams (great tackle on Rambo in the 4th I can easily see him replacing Ball or Hallet even Petersen since Olivera will be back) Demski will be in for Corocan or Cobb. As mentioned Als maybe more susceptible to speed rush and he could help there
Quote from: Pete on October 26, 2025, 04:25:36 PMas Bailey can also play special teams (great tackle on Rambo in the 4th I can easily see him replacing Ball or Hallet even Petersen since Olivera will be back) Demski will be in for Corocan or Cobb. As mentioned Als maybe more susceptible to speed rush and he could help there
Peterson has to dress in order to have a back up RB. If Demski plays then Cobb or Corcoran might come out. Not sure whether to believe O'Shea that Demski will play but hopefully he'll be ok.
Hallett would be the next choice to take out in order to keep Bailey.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 26, 2025, 04:11:49 PMwhy and how the bombers can accept this is beyond me.
The D plays as a whole, and Jake makes them better.
Check the D's numbers.
Quote from: theaardvark on October 26, 2025, 05:19:50 PMThe D plays as a whole, and Jake makes them better.
Check the D's numbers.
So our D wouldn't better if we had Casey Sayles as a direct replacement for Thomas?
You can't justify that Thomas makes them better by being there. It should also be pointed out that he's seeing less and less reps while being replaced by Lawson and Woods.
We've given up 54 points in total in the last 4 games since Woods was added to the AR. In the previous 4 games we gave up 104 points. Woods has 10 DT's in 4 games and Lawson has 4. Thomas has 3 in the last 10 games.
Houston played the last 2 games and Parker the last 4 games. With improvement in the secondary, the DL should be having greater success across the board. It's not coming from Thomas.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 26, 2025, 04:15:37 PMWhen you're more worried about rewarding and honoring past effort than winning this year.
Sorry but it's true and not just for Jake Thomas.
Yes Jacob is a card carrying member of the old boys club, he's untouchable
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 07:19:28 PMSo our D wouldn't better if we had Casey Sayles as a direct replacement for Thomas?
You can't justify that Thomas makes them better by being there. It should also be pointed out that he's seeing less and less reps while being replaced by Lawson and Woods.
We've given up 54 points in total in the last 4 games since Woods was added to the AR. In the previous 4 games we gave up 104 points. Woods has 10 DT's in 4 games and Lawson has 4. Thomas has 3 in the last 10 games.
Houston played the last 2 games and Parker the last 4 games. With improvement in the secondary, the DL should be having greater success across the board. It's not coming from Thomas.
some folks refuse to see the situation for what it is, a very unproductive player who's well past his prime if he ever had a prime
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 02:35:43 AMHey Lawson and Thomas were playing against the same depth tackle and did either register a tackle?? Nope. And ya, they're nats but that's the problem our NAT d linemen contribute negligibly to our defensive tackle stats. And betts is a NAT right?? Spend some money and get quality nats.
I think the inside guys were the starters (to begin the game at least).
Quote from: theaardvark on October 26, 2025, 05:19:50 PMThe D plays as a whole, and Jake makes them better.
Check the D's numbers.
We're not even comparing Jake to any all star calibre DL. We are comparing 2025 Jake to 2024 Jake and he doesn't hold up.
Quote from: Jesse on October 26, 2025, 08:26:34 PMWe're not even comparing Jake to any all star calibre DL. We are comparing 2025 Jake to 2024 Jake and he doesn't hold up.
No kidding. The man has 9 tackles for an ENTIRE season. He has no stats since the Banjo Bowl.
Jamal Woods has 4 tackles YESTERDAY. Or nearly half of Thomas's entire campaign production.
It's absurd and symptomatic of not putting the 2025 team first which we didn't honestly do this year. We instead decide to honour players who have been here a long time. Some folks like that. Some coaches like that. But it is what we decided to do.
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 08:06:04 PMYes Jacob is a card carrying member of the old boys club, he's untouchable
He fills the J-Gap.
And a chair at O'Shea's poker night.
Quite frankly, all this whining over a player who makes zero difference is annoying.
If we simply signed Lawler instead of Schoen, we'd have won a couple more games and we'd be hosting a playoff game. That's how close the team still is.
Quote from: TBURGESS on October 26, 2025, 11:35:00 PMQuite frankly, all this whining over a player who makes zero difference is annoying.
If we simply signed Lawler instead of Schoen, we'd have won a couple more games and we'd be hosting a playoff game. That's how close the team still is.
yeah I agree, maybe OShea keeps him around to take the heat off everyone else. For the 4oth time ,its time to let go
Quote from: Pete on October 27, 2025, 12:52:22 AMyeah I agree, maybe OShea keeps him around to take the heat off everyone else. For the 4oth time ,its time to let go
It's not just Thomas although he's the most egregious example of taking a victory lap this year.
We went all in on Streveler as the backup despite the fact he got much worse as we went along (he was largely ineffective outside of a game June) and was mocked on TSN as a "grindback". The bottom fell out in Ottawa and he never really recovered. Now that his knee didn't hold up (who's not shocked, he ran like a rhino)we're a hit away from a guy who hasn't played a snap in a meaningful game since last Grey Cup. Stupid.
Willie can't actually rush the quarterback anymore but we're apparently okay with that.
Amazingly, Stanley Bryant has held up and is sort of a middle to slightly above average tackle still. That's amazing.
We didn't make enough hard decisions in the off season and we have forgotten that talent wins football games and the culture serves to keep everyone on the same page. O'Shea seems to have decided that culture is now winning in and of itself.
Quote from: TBURGESS on October 26, 2025, 11:35:00 PMQuite frankly, all this whining over a player who makes zero difference is annoying.
If we simply signed Lawler instead of Schoen, we'd have won a couple more games and we'd be hosting a playoff game. That's how close the team still is.
You're right , total whiff on lawler and what did we do when schoen went down?? We didn't sign rhymes who was available, we didn't trade for anyone we underfilled the position with cheap second rate receivers and are still paying the price. We lost allstar yoshi and dobson and replaced with in house under fills and our o line is among the worst in the league. You have to replace quality with quality
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 05:02:58 PMHallett would be the next choice to take out in order to keep Bailey.
I'd be shocked if Hallett comes off for one of the new kids. Hallett is the next Gauthier -- a long-termer. I think he's earned his spot as a ST staple.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 07:19:28 PMSo our D wouldn't better if we had Casey Sayles as a direct replacement for Thomas?
Completely useless comparison. One IMP, one NAT. Especially at the DT position, where there are virtually no good NATs and the difference between the NATs and IMPs is like the grand canyon.
Compare Fatboi to Laurent. Where's Ted?? Oh ya, at home somewhere.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 07:19:28 PMYou can't justify that Thomas makes them better by being there. It should also be pointed out that he's seeing less and less reps while being replaced by Lawson and Woods.
And that means the system is working precisely as intended. The super-vets stay to train the next gen, then retire gracefully when they have clearly lost it. MOS/KW have spelled this out before (the training part, not the retire part, though that's implied).
Fatboi is pencilled in to get his big shot at winning it all at home in the GC. After that I think Mafia will feel he's (finally) owed nothing.
Picture it & imagine the storyline of Fatboi hoisting the home cup after a zillion years on the same team and retiring in glory. Players everywhere will see how we treat our supervets (and undo some of that "they never called me" damage...).
The rest of y'all can be satisfied with having to watch only 1 to 3 more games with him.
Quote from: TBURGESS on October 26, 2025, 11:35:00 PMIf we simply signed Lawler instead of Schoen, we'd have won a couple more games and we'd be hosting a playoff game. That's how close the team still is.
And Lawler could have been stuck in the USA for 9 week, or gotten another DUI, or been injured in his first game... with Schoen being healthy all season. We gambled on Schoen vs Kenny and lost. Could have just as easily gone the other way.
Not to mention we got Schoen for like half of what Kenny cost...
Bombers should pickup Cameron Duke
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on October 27, 2025, 03:53:50 AMBombers should pickup Cameron Duke
Vomit. Is he officially unsigned/cut? Remember, no trades, even for a IR guy.
Besides, might be impossible to get him in any sort of playbook shape to actually see the field. We'd probably play down to Chase with a broken leg before letting a brand noob on the field in the post-season.
However, if anyone remembers what date we got Dolegala (or was it Patterson? Green guys all seem the same to me) late last season... it's not outside the realm of possibility.
I would think that:
Zach - Wilson - Greek
would be a good enough trio to complete the playoffs. We ain't winning squat if Zach goes down anyhow, so it's all kinda moot except for optics or a "next year" look.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:36:24 AMAnd Lawler could have been stuck in the USA for 9 week, or gotten another DUI, or been injured in his first game... with Schoen being healthy all season. We gambled on Schoen vs Kenny and lost. Could have just as easily gone the other way.
Not to mention we got Schoen for like half of what Kenny cost...
The thing about hindsight is you know the right answer.
Montreal favoured by 4.5-5.5
As is BC
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:29:00 AMI'd be shocked if Hallett comes off for one of the new kids. Hallett is the next Gauthier -- a long-termer. I think he's earned his spot as a ST staple.
He's good on ST's. It's just a matter of math regarding roster size and choices of keeping newbies or long time veterans.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:34:49 AMCompletely useless comparison. One IMP, one NAT. Especially at the DT position, where there are virtually no good NATs and the difference between the NATs and IMPs is like the grand canyon.
Compare Fatboi to Laurent. Where's Ted?? Oh ya, at home somewhere.
And that means the system is working precisely as intended. The super-vets stay to train the next gen, then retire gracefully when they have clearly lost it. MOS/KW have spelled this out before (the training part, not the retire part, though that's implied).
Fatboi is pencilled in to get his big shot at winning it all at home in the GC. After that I think Mafia will feel he's (finally) owed nothing.
Picture it & imagine the storyline of Fatboi hoisting the home cup after a zillion years on the same team and retiring in glory. Players everywhere will see how we treat our supervets (and undo some of that "they never called me" damage...).
The rest of y'all can be satisfied with having to watch only 1 to 3 more games with him.
Our ratio would allow using an import and not a Canadian as a DT. So it's a completely valid statement. Should also point out that we have Vaughters and Jefferson that are not exactly rookies. Lawson has been here since 2021. Woods and Adams are 2nd year players.
So who are these next generation players you mention that he's mentoring? If the idea is that he retires when he loses it, that was a couple of years ago. We've seen players like Jeffcoat and Sayles come and go. Coaches are the ones to bring on the next generation talent and teach.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:36:24 AMAnd Lawler could have been stuck in the USA for 9 week, or gotten another DUI, or been injured in his first game... with Schoen being healthy all season. We gambled on Schoen vs Kenny and lost. Could have just as easily gone the other way.
Not to mention we got Schoen for like half of what Kenny cost...
i would suggest Schoen coming off an acl injury was by far a bigger gamble, Add to that the gamble that Mitchell would return to form and its like betting against the house
How good would this team have been if we kept the stars we didnt sign ie Lawler Ford and Dobson? At least wed be having a home playoff game as was suggested
The previous offseason was full of gambles and unfortunately we lost most of them. Walters/OShea should stay away from Vegas
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 12:06:04 PMSo who are these next generation players you mention that he's mentoring?
Next gen doesn't mean rookies -- it easily includes 2nd & 3rd year players. Guaranteed they are having Fatboi teach up every DT in house the last few seasons.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 12:06:04 PMCoaches are the ones to bring on the next generation talent and teach.
Not according to Mafia. They explicitly have said, on many occasions, that the system has the more-vet guys teaching up the newer guys. And they purposely stagger the retirements/releases so that there are always vets present. In other words, they will never just fire the whole DL and sign all-new or all-rookie guys in one season -- even if they are all Willie and Micah Johnson-level talent already. The system demands that there is at least one super vet, preferably in each unit, that does the knowledge-of-system transfer.
And generally it has worked perfectly for 5 (6?) seasons, so who are we to complain? Look at Junkie's newest stats. Our D has actually been quite amazing this season!
Quote from: Pete on October 27, 2025, 01:22:04 PMi would suggest Schoen coming off an acl injury was by far a bigger gamble, Add to that the gamble that Mitchell would return to form and its like betting against the house
The previous offseason was full of gambles and unfortunately we lost most of them. Walters/OShea should stay away from Vegas
In theory a young guy with an ACL should recover form most of the time. I'm not sure what the odds are on another ACL right after, but guaranteed it's below 50%, probably below 25% or 10%. It just seems like a "done deal" to us now because of the Schoen & Strev bad luck.
As for Vegas, yes our injury luck in the last 2-3 seasons has been pretty darn bad and hampered our season/GC every time. But maybe that means we've used up all our bad luck and we'll finally start catching some breaks (this post-season, and next season...).
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 27, 2025, 01:06:16 AMNow that his knee didn't hold up (who's not shocked, he ran like a rhino)we're a hit away from a guy who hasn't played a snap in a meaningful game since last Grey Cup. Stupid.
This happened to us when we were in the East final in 2007. Eiben broke Kevin Glenn's arm and we had to go with Justin Goltz as our QB in the GC or maybe it was Dinwiddie can't remember.
Quote from: Horseman on October 27, 2025, 03:49:48 PMThis happened to us when we were in the East final in 2007. Eiben broke Kevin Glenn's arm and we had to go with Justin Goltz as our QB in the GC or maybe it was Dinwiddie can't remember.
Dinwiddie - team kept it close but his inexperience showed.
Quote from: peg_city on October 27, 2025, 11:58:45 AMMontreal favoured by 4.5-5.5
As is BC
We've got them right where we want them! LOL
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:43:29 PMNext gen doesn't mean rookies -- it easily includes 2nd & 3rd year players. Guaranteed they are having Fatboi teach up every DT in house the last few seasons.
Not according to Mafia. They explicitly have said, on many occasions, that the system has the more-vet guys teaching up the newer guys. And they purposely stagger the retirements/releases so that there are always vets present. In other words, they will never just fire the whole DL and sign all-new or all-rookie guys in one season -- even if they are all Willie and Micah Johnson-level talent already. The system demands that there is at least one super vet, preferably in each unit, that does the knowledge-of-system transfer.
And generally it has worked perfectly for 5 (6?) seasons, so who are we to complain? Look at Junkie's newest stats. Our D has actually been quite amazing this season!
We're in the era of 1 year contracts after ELC's. Last year we had Fox, Garbutt, Haba, Woods and Adams. Three of those are gone, the other two may not be here in 2026. Adams is already on the PR and didn't get moved to 1 game IR. That suggests he's as good as gone.
Woods has been on and off the AR. 17 games in 2024 and only 4 in 2025. He's a potential free agent and could just as easily be gone as re-signed.
Our DL is a revolving door and not been the strength of our defence.
Regardless of what O'Shea says, they are responsible for draft selections and recruitment of every play on the roster. Whether that's done by trade, neg list signings or free agent acquisitions, roster decisions before, during and at final roster declarations after TC are on them.
This game comes down to one thing-are we going to see the 40 point offense that throttled Hamilton or the hopeless unit we saw last week.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:29:00 AMI'd be shocked if Hallett comes off for one of the new kids. Hallett is the next Gauthier -- a long-termer. I think he's earned his spot as a ST staple.
Nice to see Shayne Gauthier get plenty of reps yesterday, the guy is still a physical beast and is great in running situations. Wonder if that is the last we will see of him?
Surprising Jaylen Smith got a lot of reps at LB but did not see fellow rookie Connor Shay at all, looks like Smith has surpassed Shay in potential but could be stuck behind Tony Jones and doesn't fit anywhere else but MLB.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 04:27:39 PMNice to see Shayne Gauthier get plenty of reps yesterday, the guy is still a physical beast and is great in running situations. Wonder if that is the last we will see of him?
Surprising Jaylen Smith got a lot of reps at LB but did not see fellow rookie Connor Shay at all, looks like Smith has surpassed Shay in potential but could be Smith is stuck behind Tony Jones and doesn't fit anywhere else but MLB.
Shay is stuck behind TJ33??
Quote from: Pigskin on October 27, 2025, 04:32:23 PMShay is stuck behind TJ33??
He plays MLB, did you see him on the field yesterday?
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 11:59:32 AMHe's good on ST's. It's just a matter of math regarding roster size and choices of keeping newbies or long time veterans.
Hallet might make one play, they need to find a way to sneak Matthew Peterson onto the roster and scare the bejesus out of the Als by lining him up beside Brady on some running plays, that would be an absolute game changer. Who cares which receiver comes off, announce we're going to run the ball and you're not about to stop us.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 05:06:16 PMHallet might make one play, they need to find a way to sneak Matthew Peterson onto the roster and scare the bejesus out of the Als by lining him up beside Brady on some running plays, that would be an absolute game changer. Who cares which receiver comes off, announce we're going to run the ball and you're not about to stop us.
Peterson is always on the roster. He's Brady's backup. We sometimes play a second back (fullback). That's Chris Ike. Occasionally we use a handoff to a receiver as a threat if the Defensive players all go to Brady and leave the edge.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 04:27:39 PMNice to see Shayne Gauthier get plenty of reps yesterday, the guy is still a physical beast and is great in running situations. Wonder if that is the last we will see of him?
Surprising Jaylen Smith got a lot of reps at LB but did not see fellow rookie Connor Shay at all, looks like Smith has surpassed Shay in potential but could be Smith is stuck behind Tony Jones and doesn't fit anywhere else but MLB.
Gauthier has value but room will need to be made for 2026 draft choices. So he's a possible candidate to not be re-signed. We drafted 3 LB's in 2025 so that's a factor of having younger depth at LB position. Cadwallader is essentially his replacement. Novak should be back after a season ending injury.
Nothing is ever guaranteed. I'd think Hallett, Gauthier, Thomas and Kornelson are the most likely be the ones most on the bottom of the depth list. Age, injury history, SMS hit and finding room for draft choices factor into all choices. I think all of them are on the last year of their current contracts.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 04:38:16 PMHe plays MLB, did you see him on the field yesterday?
Yes, but you said Smith was stuck behind TJ33, not Shay.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 05:22:15 PMGauthier has value but room will need to be made for 2026 draft choices. So he's a possible candidate to not be re-signed. We drafted 3 LB's in 2025 so that's a factor of having younger depth at LB position. Cadwallader is essentially his replacement. Novak should be back after a season ending injury.
Nothing is ever guaranteed. I'd think Hallett, Gauthier, Thomas and Kornelson are the most likely be the ones most on the bottom of the depth list. Age, injury history, SMS hit and finding room for draft choices factor into all choices. I think all of them are on the last year of their current contracts.
I could see Ball replacing Hallett, Shay replacing Gauthier, Thomas retiring. Kornelson didn't show much this season.
This team has a lot of FAs.
Quote from: BlueGold8597 on October 27, 2025, 05:14:16 PMPeterson is always on the roster. He's Brady's backup. We sometimes play a second back (fullback). That's Chris Ike. Occasionally we use a handoff to a receiver as a threat if the Defensive players all go to Brady and leave the edge.
I'd swear Peterson has been on the PR a few times this season, but could be wrong. It's infuriating how one dimensional the running game has become with so much talent available, this idea that Brady is the only one that needs to touch the ball is moronic. They've been to 3 GC's with Brady as the sole ball carrier and come home empty 3 times, mix it the **** up!
Quote from: Pigskin on October 27, 2025, 05:56:22 PMI could see Ball replacing Hallett, Shay replacing Gauthier, Thomas retiring. Kornelson didn't show much this season.
This team has a lot of FAs.
That's what I'm thinking with that group of Canadians.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 05:06:16 PMHallet might make one play, they need to find a way to sneak Matthew Peterson onto the roster and scare the bejesus out of the Als by lining him up beside Brady on some running plays, that would be an absolute game changer. Who cares which receiver comes off, announce we're going to run the ball and you're not about to stop us.
I would have liked to have seen a first-down gimmick set with split tailbacks (Brady O and Petersen) in the backfield, with Chris Ike as the lead blocker (maybe as a TE, or maybe out of the backfield) and Streveller at QB. Yeah, it's obviously a run play - who are defences going to key on, though?
Quote from: VictorRomano on October 27, 2025, 07:51:05 PMI would have liked to have seen a first-down gimmick set with split tailbacks (Brady O and Petersen) in the backfield, with Chris Ike as the lead blocker (maybe as a TE, or maybe out of the backfield) and Streveller at QB. Yeah, it's obviously a run play - who are defences going to key on, though?
This is not how a modern pro running game works. Wishbone went out decades ago beyond high school.
Given the sad state of our passing game and our trouble with execution and making mental mistakes, I would absolutely put in a wishbone package!! Our O line can run block far better than pass protection, so bring in Peterson and Oliviera, bring in a heavy TE/Eli, and smash the ball down the Als throats!!! It's what we do best. I hope we don't abandon the run game and go heavy pass, as that is our weakness and we're destined for failure.
Quote from: BlueGold8597 on October 27, 2025, 08:06:04 PMWishbone went out decades ago
wishbone: 3 yards and a cloud of dust.
One of my favorite football sayings. The wishbone formation allows a lot of hits on the QB, no pro offense wants this. QB waits for a defender to commit, then keeps or dishes the ball off. You are asking the QB to absorb a free shot frequently.
Quote from: BlueGold8597 on October 27, 2025, 08:06:04 PMThis is not how a modern pro running game works. Wishbone went out decades ago beyond high school.
I could care less, the season is on the line, Hogan needs to come up with a creative alternative or go home. If the Als scheme to shut down Brady and are successful, Zach and the entire offence will be handcuffed. Zach can not win this game throwing outs to the sidelines and desperation deep balls with less than 50% chance of completion, when Alexander is ripping passes downfield on the mark.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 04:13:48 PMWe're in the era of 1 year contracts after ELC's. Last year we had Fox, Garbutt, Haba, Woods and Adams. Three of those are gone, the other two may not be here in 2026. Adams is already on the PR and didn't get moved to 1 game IR. That suggests he's as good as gone.
Our DL is a revolving door and not been the strength of our defence.
But you proved my point. They revolve-doored a zillion guys and yet Fatboi (and Willie) remain as the super-vets to teach everybody up. That's the system.
As for DTs, I guess the hope must be that now Lawson is "super vet" enough to finally retire Fatboi, and then Lawson becomes the teacher. That would hint that Lawson is a long term lock on our DL and becomes the next Fatboi. (Everyone prays he's more effective though.)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 04:27:39 PMSurprising Jaylen Smith got a lot of reps at LB but did not see fellow rookie Connor Shay at all
Shay's gotten very few, if any, D reps this season. A bit surprising, really. Wasn't he our 1RDP? High hopes for him. We do often spell T.Jones for special sets, so there's no excuse not to give Shay a rep or 2 unless he's a total bust.
But he's young. Might just need time. We shall see next season. He's gotta start doing something soon because he wasn't exactly lighting things up on the ST.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2025, 05:22:15 PMCadwallader is essentially his replacement. Novak should be back after a season ending injury.
Cadwall has now made 2 superb FG-return-stopping violent tackles in like 3-4 games. These are critical as we set it up so that if you beat the 1st wave there's not much stopping you from a home run.
Cadwall will get there and when the returner starts dancing he just lunges straight at him instead of playing the dancing game. I love it. It's like Biggie used to do in his prime.
Yes, I agree that just due to sheer numbers of younger talent (some now 2nd/3rd year) the oldest of the old (like Gauthier) are retiring -- hopefully after a home GC.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 03:46:37 PMIn theory a young guy with an ACL should recover form most of the time. I'm not sure what the odds are on another ACL right after, but guaranteed it's below 50%, probably below 25% or 10%. It just seems like a "done deal" to us now because of the Schoen & Strev bad luck.
As for Vegas, yes our injury luck in the last 2-3 seasons has been pretty darn bad and hampered our season/GC every time. But maybe that means we've used up all our bad luck and we'll finally start catching some breaks (this post-season, and next season...).
accordibg to google "The odds of a second ACL injury for an athlete vary, but are generally high, with overall reinjury rates around 15-20%, and sometimes higher for younger athletes, especially those who return to sports quickly."
I dont know about whether Schoen was brought back to early, but even so the odds of 1 in 5 or 6 is still a bigger gamble than we should have taken, especially with the way Schoen plays and the position ie often having to contort their bodies to make a catch.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2025, 06:07:45 PMI'd swear Peterson has been on the PR a few times this season
Ya, when Brady was IR and Cooley was backup RB. We always dress 2 RB. Always. Now with no Cooley it'll be Logan if Brady gets IRd.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 27, 2025, 05:56:22 PMI could see Ball replacing Hallett, Shay replacing Gauthier, Thomas retiring. Kornelson didn't show much this season.
Too soon. Hallett might become the next STer supervet. Who else would be his senior if Gauthier walks?
Plus, Hallett is fairly good at staying healthy. Ball already got dinged up once in his rookie season. Plus, I'm not sure I see anything "special" in Ball (yet). Effective, sure, but stand-out like Hallett? Remember all the Hallett FG & punt blocks. Crazy fast twitch and a bit slippery is Mr Hallett.
My money is on him staying a round a good long while. We'll have to find the space elsewhere. Lots of the rookies haven't proven squat yet. Maybe a couple of them get let go.
Quote from: Tecno on October 27, 2025, 09:20:29 PMToo soon. Hallett might become the next STer supervet. Who else would be his senior if Gauthier walks?
Plus, Hallett is fairly good at staying healthy. Ball already got dinged up once in his rookie season. Plus, I'm not sure I see anything "special" in Ball (yet). Effective, sure, but stand-out like Hallett? Remember all the Hallett FG & punt blocks. Crazy fast twitch and a bit slippery is Mr Hallett.
My money is on him staying a round a good long while. We'll have to find the space elsewhere. Lots of the rookies haven't proven squat yet. Maybe a couple of them get let go.
Haven't seen it mentioned on here but Nick Hallett just competed in his 100th game.