Seems a bit odd not to see Winnipeg in the Grey Cup this year - in Winnipeg yet!
112TH GREY CUP | THE BASICS
Date: Sunday, November 16th, 5 p.m. CT
Site: Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg
TV: TSN 1/3/4/5, CTV, RDS, CBS Sports Network, CFL+
Pre-game act: Our Lady Peace
National anthem: Catie St. Germain
Halftime: MGK
THE MATCHUP
Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6) vs. Montreal Alouettes (10-8)
Vegas odds: Saskatchewan is favoured by 3.5 points.
Head to head: The teams split the season series, with Saskatchewan winning 34-6 in Week 9 and Montreal getting one back 48-31 in Week 15.
How they got here:
-Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division at 12-6 and then edged the B.C. Lions 24-21 in the Western Final.
–Montreal was second in the East Division at 10-8 and then knocked off the Blue Bombers 42-33 in the Eastern Semi-Final, followed by a 19-16 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern Final.
Davis Alexander, arguably the key player in the Grey Cup game and the ace in the hole, says he feels "great" following his hamstring injury and both teams seem relatively healthy.
On paper, this should be a barn burner of a game. FWIW my guess is that the Als will pull off an upset in a very close game.
Quote from: ModAdmin on November 15, 2025, 12:35:31 AMSeems a bit odd not to see Winnipeg in the Grey Cup this year - in Winnipeg yet!
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
My apologies Tecno. I left a key word out (Winnipeg)
Not sure if anyone said this or not, or if anyone noticed, but MTL touched the East division trophy after their EDF win. SSK did not.
I know "don't touch it" is popular, but I always say lift it and enjoy and celebrate -- 50/50 chance it's the only thing you'll be winning! CGY always used to touch it, and they did pretty good. Most teams do not (including Mafia WPG).
I know it's the Grey Cup, but I still feel as if Sask is overrated. I think Montreal will crush them good.
Have been pinning my Sask Voodoo doll all week, hopes it works. GO AL's GO!!!!!!
I am predicting a close game. Possibly decided by injuries. I don't think Sask will get blown out at all, that's a TEAM. If anyone falls apart it would be Montreal. They depend on ONE guy, 2-8 without him. Lauther has to make his kicks, that's the weakest link for Sask. Almost a home game, coldish weather and hungrier, Sask gets it done IMHO.
Quote from: Tecno on November 15, 2025, 09:03:00 AMNot sure if anyone said this or not, or if anyone noticed, but MTL touched the East division trophy after their EDF win. SSK did not.
I know "don't touch it" is popular, but I always say lift it and enjoy and celebrate -- 50/50 chance it's the only thing you'll be winning! CGY always used to touch it, and they did pretty good. Most teams do not (including Mafia WPG).
NHL, but the Oilers did not touch 2 years ago, touched last year. Same result. The touching teams go on to win the Stanley Cup Final eight times out of eleven. Limited sample size because most teams never touch it.
Quote from: Jesse on November 15, 2025, 10:23:01 AMI know it's the Grey Cup, but I still feel as if Sask is overrated. I think Montreal will crush them good.
I have to disagree. I believe the Rider OL and DL are superior to the Riders OL and DL. However as much as I hate to say this, I would like to see the Riders win if only for Trevor Harris. He has been in the league for a long time, paid his dues and deserves a cup win.
Over this season I've been expecting Harris to get hurt. If he doesn't run too much, and slides... should be ok. Sometimes he gets carried away...
Alexander.. hamstring. I have no idea, but that seems like a tricky injury.
Either team would be in trouble if their starter goes out.
If not, I think they are close, and yes could be a field goal or two.
I wouldn't like to be counting on Lauther, so edge to Als there.
I think Als have better offence coaching... Maas/calvillo is formidable.
Defence coaching... probably even?
I hope for a good game, don't care which team wins.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G5zqAEEbkAMvFgP?format=jpg&name=large)
OL Pier-Olivier Lestage back, DL Mustafa Johnson game-time decision for Montreal Alouettes in 112th Grey Cup
By 3Down Staff -November 15, 2025
The Montreal Alouettes could have arguably their top player on both sides of the line of scrimmage back in action for the 112th Grey Cup.
Offensive lineman Pier-Olivier Lestage, who was a late scratch last week with a neck injury, and defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson, who missed the East Final with a shoulder injury, are both listed as starters on the depth chart.
Johnson remains a game-time decision after being limited in Thursday's practice. The 27-year-old has made nine tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in seven games played this season due to injury, but was a key piece to Montreal's Grey Cup victory in 2023. Through 48 career games, he has amassed 105 defensive tackles and 17 sacks.
Lestage was selected by the Alouettes in the second round of the 2021 CFL Draft and has been the team's most consistent blocker for the past several seasons at left guard. He was an East Division All-CFL selection for the first time in 2025.
The Alouettes will not have returner James Letcher Jr. in the lineup after he was limited the past two days due to a lower leg injury. Running back Travis Theis is expected to handle those duties, while veteran receiver Alexander Hollins has been added as insurance.
Also out are American offensive lineman Des Holmes, who started last week in place of Lestage, and Canadian receiver Hakeem Harris.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (13-6) and Montreal Alouettes (12-8) will meet in the 112th Grey Cup at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday, November 16, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EST.
The Alouettes defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Final by a score of 19-16, while the Roughriders came back to defeat the B.C. Lions in the West Final by a score of 24-21. The teams split their two regular-season meetings, though Montreal franchise quarterback Davis Alexander missed both games due to a hamstring injury.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of two degrees with a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN, CTV, and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally.
This marks the fifth time the Grey Cup will be played in Winnipeg and the second time it will be hosted at Princess Auto Stadium. The venue's first Grey Cup was held in 2015 when the Edmonton Football Team defeated the Ottawa Redblacks by a score of 26-20, and Michael Reilly was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
https://3downnation.com/2025/11/15/ol-pier-olivier-lestage-back-dl-mustafa-johnson-game-time-decision-for-montreal-alouettes-in-112th-grey-cup/
Canadian receivers Ajou Ajou, Mitch Picton active for Saskatchewan Roughriders in 112th Grey Cup
By 3Down Staff - November 15, 2025
Second-year Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou is slated to start in his first career Grey Cup.
The native of Brooks, Alta., will get the nod at the boundary receiver spot after both KeeSean Johnson (knee) and Joe Robustelli (head) were ruled out due to injury. Ajou has made 22 catches for 212 yards in eight games this season.
The six-foot-two, 220-pound target rejoined the Riders midway through the season after he spent training camp with the Indianapolis Colts. He was targeted eight times over three NFL preseason games, recording four receptions for 27 yards. Ajou was waived among final training camp roster cuts by Indy and went through waivers unclaimed.
He was selected by the Riders in the seventh round, 59th overall, during the 2024 CFL Draft. He registered 20 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns through 12 regular-season games as a rookie in the three-down league while making four starts prior to ending last year on the six-game injured list.
Also rejoining the roster as insurance is local product Mitch Picton, who caught 20 passes for 226 yards in 14 games this year. The Regina product has been a clutch performer for the team during his career, making 96 catches for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns in 64 games. Dhel Duncan-Busby will sit out this week in favour of the local veteran.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (13-6) and Montreal Alouettes (12-8) will meet in the 112th Grey Cup at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday, November 16, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EST.
The Alouettes defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Final by a score of 19-16, while the Roughriders came back to defeat the B.C. Lions in the West Final by a score of 24-21. The teams split their two regular-season meetings, though Montreal franchise quarterback Davis Alexander missed both games due to a hamstring injury.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of two degrees with a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN, CTV, and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally.
This marks the fifth time the Grey Cup will be played in Winnipeg and the second time it will be hosted at Princess Auto Stadium. The venue's first Grey Cup was held in 2015 when the Edmonton Football Team defeated the Ottawa Redblacks by a score of 26-20, and Michael Reilly was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
https://3downnation.com/2025/11/15/canadian-receivers-ajou-ajou-mitch-picton-active-for-saskatchewan-roughriders-in-112th-grey-cup/
So I'm a big fan of Coach Jason Maas, Tyson Philpot and Trevor Harris. I'm also a fan of Travis Theis, Austin Mack, Travis Snead, Sam Emilus, Tommy Nield and Dohnte Meyers to a lesser extent.
But for me it really comes down to wanting Trevor Harris to QB a team to a Grey Cup victory.
:)
Quote from: Waffler on November 15, 2025, 03:29:27 PMI am predicting a close game. Possibly decided by injuries. I don't think Sask will get blown out at all, that's a TEAM. If anyone falls apart it would be Montreal. They depend on ONE guy, 2-8 without him. Lauther has to make his kicks, that's the weakest link for Sask. Almost a home game, coldish weather and hungrier, Sask gets it done IMHO.
Interesting the Riders tried very hard to trade for Lirim Hajrullahu before the trade deadline but the Argos turned down their offer. Afterward when questioned Lirim said he would have refused to report to the Riders if the trade had been made. Life is going well for him in Toronto.
Shows the Riders are leaving no stones un-turned in their quest to improve their personnel.
https://3downnation.com/2025/11/13/lirim-hajrullahu-toronto-argonauts-declined-trade-inquiry-from-saskatchewan-roughriders/ (https://3downnation.com/2025/11/13/lirim-hajrullahu-toronto-argonauts-declined-trade-inquiry-from-saskatchewan-roughriders/)
What time does this game start?
I read 3 pm pacific on cfl site.... Which is wrong.😂
Quote from: markf on November 15, 2025, 10:50:46 PMWhat time does this game start?
I read 3 pm pacific on cfl site.... Which is wrong.😂
5
Quote from: markf on November 15, 2025, 10:50:46 PMWhat time does this game start?
I read 3 pm pacific on cfl site.... Which is wrong.😂
3PM pacific time which is 5PM CST here which is correct.
Quote from: tlf on November 15, 2025, 11:29:56 PM3PM pacific time which is 5PM CST here which is correct.
I don't understand why they start so late, it's November, wrap it up before the sun goes down.
Quote from: tlf on November 15, 2025, 11:29:56 PM3PM pacific time which is 5PM CST here which is correct.
It is five pm pacific right now, game is not on.
And it looks like it's not even on Tsn+.
Hope I'm wrong, if they don't have it on there they just lost a customer permanently.
lol wrong day.... 😂
Quote from: markf on November 16, 2025, 12:03:22 AMIt is five pm pacific right now, game is not on.
And it looks like it's not even on Tsn+.
Hope I'm wrong, if they don't have it on there they just lost a customer permanently.
5 pm tomorrow...
Quote from: Jesse on November 16, 2025, 01:05:25 AM5 pm tomorrow...
Thanks...
Yeah my wife just told me 😂🤡
I thought I was entering the twilight zone...
Weather looks perfect, seen at least one person complaining about it a few days ago, this is fall weather baby
MTL depth chart (https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/GREY-CUP-MONTREAL-DEPTH-CHART.pdf)
IN: Hollins, Lestage (not GTD?), DT Johnson GTD
OUT: Harris, Holmes, Letcher
Lucky GC horseshoe Rice, and Saindon, dressed as backup OL
Quote from: Blueforlife on November 16, 2025, 01:53:53 AMWeather looks perfect, seen at least one person complaining about it a few days ago, this is fall weather baby
Yup, we've been blessed for all the GC Festival days with superb weather (even with a bit of rain one afternoon).
GC forecast actually improved over time. Should be a nice 0-ish day. Can leave a couple of layers at home. SSK's much better run game won't be as much as an advantage as a cold/snow game. We should get a nice air show!
Quote from: markf on November 16, 2025, 01:10:27 AMI thought I was entering the twilight zone...
Like me being
this close to booking the MTL plane rid to arrive Sat night... CFL playoffs are now officially confusing. Sat this, Sun that. I get it, but I miss "everything is on Sunday".
Quote from: Foxhound on November 15, 2025, 06:59:26 PMBut for me it really comes down to wanting Trevor Harris to QB a team to a Grey Cup victory.
Meh. I don't. Maybe if he was on a non-green team. I have no love for him leading the green. The only reason I might want to see him win is so he can retire and leave greenerville up CFL creek without a real QB.
I would bet money Trevor takes a hit and doesn't finish the game. Might be a good test of the EITS's cajones to see if they'll pull a starting QB in a GC... In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this game ends up being MBT vs Maier. I'd take MBT in that bet any day!
Quote from: markf on November 15, 2025, 04:32:17 PMI wouldn't like to be counting on Lauther, so edge to Als there.
It will be epic if the game is lost on a Lauther FG. The whole province will be firing up their manure trucks. It would be so fitting for a team who had the 13th man incident, and has known their K is garbage for 2 seasons now.
Quote from: markf on November 15, 2025, 04:32:17 PMI think Als have better offence coaching... Maas/calvillo is formidable.
MTL is far more traditional in O approach. Lots of levels of play available to the QB to pick. Lots of hard to stop screens when you need that last 4 yards. A large % of deep shots, but not reliant on it.
But SSK has done something magical with Mueller and the perfect mix of middling RECs along with a league-best 4 IMP OL and a good run game and a QB who is king of the dink & dunk. They don't look flashy but they can sit there and chip away at you all day unless someone jumps something in the short game. Amazing for a team that might have one of the cheapest REC corps in the league.
So, no K.Johnson REC for SSK. That's gonna hurt. He's the only one with "great" hands. The rest need the ball thrown to them -- no Kenny circus in that squad.
And no Robustelli!
Very bad news for Greenerville. 4 starting NAT RECs! Yowzers. Picton & Ajou? Hahaha. At least they benched Busby -- he's done nothing in 14 weeks. In comparison MTL has nothing but REC talent.
It's going to come down to the plan. Can SSK's "we don't need no steeenkin receivers!" team design still get the dink & dunk done 13 times each drive?? Expect a heavy run attack.
It's kind of funny, but this GC might have the most hitch screens ever seen in 1 game!
Quote from: Waffler on November 15, 2025, 03:35:55 PMNHL, but the Oilers did not touch 2 years ago, touched last year. Same result. The touching teams go on to win the Stanley Cup Final eight times out of eleven. Limited sample size because most teams never touch it.
Awesome. Another touch-stats-minder! Love it. Someone get the stats on the CFL for this... In a decade: I recall CGY always touching it(?) and they won half their GCs? WPG never touched it and we won 2/5.
C'mon MTL! Prove me right that trophy-touching is the correct choice!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G5z7ZYbW0AAcFLH?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G5z7ZYxWwAA7rcv?format=png&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G5z7ZYuWcAA1Ths?format=png&name=small)
Quote from: Tecno on November 16, 2025, 07:02:59 AMSo, no K.Johnson REC for SSK. That's gonna hurt. He's the only one with "great" hands. The rest need the ball thrown to them -- no Kenny circus in that squad.
And no Robustelli!
Very bad news for Greenerville. 4 starting NAT RECs! Yowzers. Picton & Ajou? Hahaha. At least they benched Busby -- he's done nothing in 14 weeks. In comparison MTL has nothing but REC talent.
It's going to come down to the plan. Can SSK's "we don't need no steeenkin receivers!" team design still get the dink & dunk done 13 times each drive?? Expect a heavy run attack.
It's kind of funny, but this GC might have the most hitch screens ever seen in 1 game!
Is there a betting line over under on hitch screens? Im taking over all day.
MTL will be ready for the dink and dunk bore-a-thon offense Trevor Harris plays and wont make the mistake BC made on final drive.
Im suprised so many people are picking Riders. I think MTL wins this easy
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 15, 2025, 11:37:53 PMI don't understand why they start so late, it's November, wrap it up before the sun goes down.
They want it prime time in the east. Ratings first, football second.
Quote from: Waffler on November 16, 2025, 02:25:04 PMThey want it prime time in the east. Ratings first, football second.
National prime time is the same everywhere.
Anjou is capable of having a big game and Nield has been quietly productive.
sold my tickets to rider fans for my cost
just bought better seats for half the cost...Ole, ole, ole
basically free tickets (sports fan math applied...)
For those that dont have TSN, you should be able to watch the pregame on YouTube.
Quote from: The Zipp on November 16, 2025, 04:35:47 PMsold my tickets to rider fans for my cost
just bought better seats for half the cost...Ole, ole, ole
basically free tickets (sports fan math applied...)
I thought about that at some point. But it's my seats with the regulars I've sat by all year.
Means something.
What a gorgeous fall day for the big game! It really is a shame at least some of the game can't be played in the warm sunshine. Have a fun time for those of you who are going. Although I aim not cheering for either team, I'm looking at the results of the game this way- whichever team loses I will be happy with their misery and heartbreak. For the winning team- I won't talk about it ;D
Maybe a stupid question, please don't flame me. Are you all wearing blue and gold to the game today?
Reason I ask - I always think it's a bit odd when fans wear jerseys not represented in the game being played, especially when they wear NFL jerseys (what's that about?), but seems it would be different in the Grey Cup.
I honestly can't remember what I wore to the last one here - probably just a parka because it was so cold.
So - thoughts?
Wear whatever.
But, Grey Cup week is about fans from across the league coming together while representing their teams.
Quote from: Big Daddy on November 16, 2025, 06:01:42 PMMaybe a stupid question, please don't flame me. Are you all wearing blue and gold to the game today?
Reason I ask - I always think it's a bit odd when fans wear jerseys not represented in the game being played, especially when they wear NFL jerseys (what's that about?), but seems it would be different in the Grey Cup.
I honestly can't remember what I wore to the last one here - probably just a parka because it was so cold.
So - thoughts?
The tradition at Grey Cups is, at the base, to wear your team colours. Some people will wear a little something from the team they've chosen to support as well.
Quote from: bomb squad on November 16, 2025, 06:21:17 PMThe tradition at Grey Cups is, at the base, to wear your team colours. Some people will wear a little something from the team they've chosen to support as well.
Great - thank you. Can't bring myself to wear something from either team so this is perfect.
Looking forward to it!
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 16, 2025, 04:58:44 PMFor those that dont have TSN, you should be able to watch the pregame on YouTube.
Zach is doing commentary on the pre-game show, not as good as BLM but he's doing pretty well.
one hour till kickoff - they just started the clock from 60:00
stadium looks good - they have covered up the blue "walls" but the blue and yellow and coupe grey logos do look good
al's end zone logo looks too small to me
Got a pic with the Prime Minister.
Great pregame show! Bombers splurged on a double flyover. One can see Wade's influence in putting on a good show.
Anyone but the riders.... stadium looks packed not like when the riders were hosting I guess we do have the best fans in the CFL...
big stage got to davis...bad throw to make
Honestly thought there would be much more green in the stands. Bad start for Alexander lol! But...allez les alouettes. Crowd sounds pretty 50/50 so far??
stone hands Ento. that was 6
I just want to see Alexander fall on his face
Quote from: The Zipp on November 16, 2025, 10:55:54 PMstone hands Ento. that was 6
Yup Football 101.... secure ball first then look for endzone
does SUitor just say the same things every game?
Quote from: Pete on November 16, 2025, 11:04:02 PMdoes SUitor just say the same things every game?
Yes, Yes he does. LOL
That was NOT DPI, here we go the CFL CC cheating for the Riders early!!!!
wow.
cheap PI gives them a second chance
Wow, big iffy DPI call gifts the riders a Td
It is starting to slip away from Mtl.
Sask O line sure is good. They were quite bad not that long ago, so there's hope for us.
The commissioner should talk to his buddies at TSN.... My screen keeps flicking on and off to black.
Quote from: markf on November 16, 2025, 11:49:49 PMSask O line sure is good. They were quite bad not that long ago, so there's hope for us.
Yeah, good at holding and not getting called for it.
Alexander can't run
alexander looks cold
Olivera has to hate this, why the f*** didnt the bombers run him in the east semi.
Quote from: markf on November 16, 2025, 11:49:49 PMSask O line sure is good. They were quite bad not that long ago, so there's hope for us.
The commissioner should talk to his buddies at TSN.... My screen keeps flicking on and off to black.
4 Import line.
so far halftime show is terrible.
Quote from: The Zipp on November 17, 2025, 12:10:59 AMso far halftime show is terrible.
ok. pyro was good for first song
Quote from: The Zipp on November 17, 2025, 12:15:07 AMok. pyro was good for first song
Honestly it's better than I was expecting.
i have only seen 2 grey cup halftimes live...this one and fall out boy...liked fall out boy better.
just don't know many mgk songs. hope others enjoyed it.
lighting and pyro was pretty good
The show itself is fine. As expected, I don't know any songs, but I expected that.
This halftime show will probably be better than the NFL Super Bowl halftime show with that Bad Bunny.
Criticism of league rules aside
Luke willson is entertaining, and makes good point instead an easily understandable way. He's good at grabbing videos to make his point too.
Half time show was really good... high energy, good sound, good musicians, front man was fun.
Memo to bombers.. need to fix our short yardage game.
I enjoyed the half time show, lots of energy and pace, he read the room and stayed away from the rap
BIg Mistake they let Harris get his rhythm , when he has time hes so good
crumbling in the big moments so far for DA
Great seeing Alexander lose
Quote from: markf on November 17, 2025, 12:52:25 AMGreat seeing Alexander lose
Isn't it though!!?! Mr mouthpiece is getting it handed to him today
Well there's lauthers missed field goal , he is their weakest link , Montreal has a chance
Rider fans gotta be cursing Lauther right now
Defence not bringing pressure to close the game.
Stupid.
Why do d coordinators go prevent?
Wow patterson fumbles at the 1, that hurts
Lauther handing the goat horns to Patterson
Entertaining game. Alexander's hamstring injury might have been the difference in not being able to run or move the pocket.
Lauther breathing a sigh of relief. Won't need to shovel his driveway tomorrow. lol
As much as I dislike the Riders, losing looks good on Alexander.
Quote from: Pete on November 17, 2025, 12:42:27 AMI enjoyed the half time show, lots of energy and pace, he read the room and stayed away from the rap
I didn't hate it but didn't know any of the songs. 4 guitars and not a decent riff anywhere!!! Lots of energy though and the fans seemed to enjoy it.
Yay for Trevor Harris (and the Roughriders defence)!
8)
Trevor Harris deserved it, had a great season and played another error free game-he rarely turns the ball over and that's huge in big games like this. Good on him to finally get his cup
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 17, 2025, 01:50:18 AMEntertaining game. Alexander's hamstring injury might have been the difference in not being able to run or move the pocket.
Lauther breathing a sigh of relief. Won't need to shovel his driveway tomorrow. lol
As much as I dislike the Riders, losing looks good on Alexander.
Deja vu all over again, in the 2023 GC loss to the Als, I believe Zach played with a lower body injury that hampered his mobility just as much as Alexander tonight. He picked it up in the last game of the season or the WF I think.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 02:29:43 AMDeja vu all over again, in the 2023 GC loss to the Als, I believe Zach played with a lower body injury that hampered his mobility just as much as Alexander tonight. He picked it up in the last game of the season or the WF I think.
And last year he played with a butchered finger on his throwing hand. It sucks but injuries are a part of the game especially when it's your qb
Huge game for Saskatchewan a NAT players- Sam Emilius, KSB, their db Campbell all played unreal games and significantly contributed to their victory
Quote from: dd on November 17, 2025, 02:48:50 AMHuge game for Saskatchewan a NAT players- Sam Emilius, KSB, their db Campbell all played unreal games and significantly contributed to their victory
They run those slant routes for huge gains better than any other team, their receivers are big and physical.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 03:05:25 AMThey run those slant routes for huge gains better than any other team, their receivers are big and physical.
To me, their offensive game plan makes so much sense, they throw a lot of high percentage, low risk quick slants and screen passes to their receivers in space and let them go make plays after the catch. They very rarely turn the ball over and their receivers are big and strong often breaking the tackles of the DBs. To me, that makes so much sense. And like Harris said, he lets the defense dIctate who gets the ball and he doesn't force anything to anyone. Sure they run the ball hard with Oulette and they take their shots down field, but they very rarely beat themselves, and that's just makes ssoooo much sense. Why pay some receiver 5 x what everyone else gets and then force the ball to him?? Get a bunch of tall physical receivers and throw the ball to the man who's open.
And with their tight locker room and Montreal's both of those teams are going to retain their players so we got a bunch of ground to make up this off season.
Patterson fumble is the game.
Short yardage 3rd string qb sneak packages are , boring, uncreative, and a proven liability.
Keep the ball in your highest paid players hands and make plays that will surprise the defence
Andrew Harris now has 5 GC rings and he's won 4 in the last 6 seasons.
Quote from: Sway on November 17, 2025, 03:59:11 AMPatterson fumble is the game.
Short yardage 3rd string qb sneak packages are , boring, uncreative, and a proven liability.
Keep the ball in your highest paid players hands and make plays that will surprise the defence
i ve always wondered why don't they just go wildcat and put your running back under centre and let him push for the yard. He's used to carrying the ball in traffic. Hamilton was doing that this year and it takes the whole 3rd string liability thing out of the equation. And I feel for Patterson, they were saying it was the first tI,e he's ever fumbled. I find that hard to believe. He was released by sask and us, he's a third stringer. I'm wondering if teams will just let their #2 Qb be their short yardage Qb as well, like they used to.
With
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 04:05:50 AMAndrew Harris now has 5 GC rings and he's won 4 in the last 6 seasons.
He changed Oulette somehow, eliminated the constant injuries.
Harris really is is a winner.
Had a great time in Winnipeg, solid hosts.
Bought tickets in Pinnacle Club Section 108 for $350 each.
Partied with fans from across the CFL.
Thanks for letting me join/contribute to this forum.
Quote from: markf on November 17, 2025, 04:49:57 AMWith
He changed Oulette somehow, eliminated the constant injuries.
Harris really is is a winner.
Okay, I'll say it, PEDs can certainly make a difference to an athlete's performance and Ouelette certainly looks and acts jacked up to me. Of course, until he tests positive, like AH did, it's all speculation.
Quote from: Sway on November 17, 2025, 03:59:11 AMPatterson fumble is the game.
That was ugly. Did he throw the game? LOL
Quote from: dd on November 17, 2025, 01:33:41 AMpatterson fumbles at the 1
The value of a true short yardage specialist QB proven once again. Don't think anyone talked about this pregame did they?
Quote from: The Zipp on November 16, 2025, 10:55:54 PMstone hands Ento. that was 6
This and the fumble are the things the Als will replay in the heads forever.
Quote from: The Zipp on November 16, 2025, 11:30:12 PMwow.
cheap PI gives them a second chance
Mace was smart to try even though I thought extremely low probability of getting it. Also his trying to draw teams offside almost never works but the times it does.... He leaves no stone unturned and his players love him. Easily in the top 3 CFL HC's. (MOS, Mace, Dinwiddie for those wondering)
Sayles needs a mention. The pick and fumble recovery were huge. I don't think they completed anything against him. I feel good for him and Hardrick.
Quote from: Waffler on November 17, 2025, 02:02:59 PMThis and the fumble are the things the Als will replay in the heads forever.
Also the 3 picks Alexander threw.
At least Alexander got to eat poop! lol
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on November 17, 2025, 03:29:38 PMyes.
That was the most absurd fumble I've seen in ages - especially on that stage. It's like Patterson didn't even try.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 17, 2025, 03:32:57 PMThat was the most absurd fumble I've seen in ages - especially on that stage. It's like Patterson didn't even try.
They threw the game. Likely gambling implications.
Quote from: Waffler on November 17, 2025, 02:09:53 PMMace was smart to try even though I thought extremely low probability of getting it. Also his trying to draw teams offside almost never works but the times it does.... He leaves no stone unturned and his players love him. Easily in the top 3 CFL HC's. (MOS, Mace, Dinwiddie for those wondering)
That was a huge turning point early in the game. I thought there was no way they'd overturn the non-call on DPI, but they did. Shrewd call by Mace.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 17, 2025, 03:32:57 PMThat was the most absurd fumble I've seen in ages - especially on that stage. It's like Patterson didn't even try.
Yes, that for me was 100% the TSN Turning Point. Plenty of happenings with interceptions and key penalties extending drives leading to scores, etc., but Patterson in the almost complete literal sense handed victory to the Riders. They had momentum and were ready to tie it up and make it very interesting but nerp.
Not taking anything away from the Riders because they played an excellent, well planned game, but man there some severe breaks. Montreal looked like the Bombers in the big game the last 3 years.
Quote from: blue_or_die on November 17, 2025, 03:58:42 PMYes, that for me was 100% the TSN Turning Point. Plenty of happenings with interceptions and key penalties extending drives leading to scores, etc., but Patterson in the almost complete literal sense handed victory to the Riders. They had momentum and were ready to tie it up and make it very interesting but nerp.
Not taking anything away from the Riders because they played an excellent, well planned game, but man there some severe breaks. Montreal looked like the Bombers in the big game the last 3 years.
Good point the Als totally resembled the Bombers in the last couple GCs.
Quote from: blue_or_die on November 17, 2025, 03:58:42 PMNot taking anything away from the Riders because they played an excellent, well planned game, but man there some severe breaks. Montreal looked like the Bombers in the big game the last 3 years.
I told my frieds shades of last year with the QB getting hurt in the last few mins. You could see ZC's hand bleeding on tv.. Alexander's hammy getting pulled definitely affected him.
Maybe Alexander should have been pulled but MBT isn't that good, but who knows what would have been.
Riders played a good game and TH7 really stepped up. His Oline gives him the time. Good game.
Quote from: tlf on November 17, 2025, 04:34:59 PMRiders played a good game and TH7 really stepped up. His Oline gives him the time. Good game.
Gotta give credit to Mueller as well. He built a system around Harris' skill set and it was consistently successful all season long.
Harris is a beauty, too. He's been a great ambassador for the CFL throughout his lengthy career.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 17, 2025, 03:32:57 PMThat was the most absurd fumble I've seen in ages - especially on that stage. It's like Patterson didn't even try.
Initially I thought the fumble was recovered on the 1 yard line. If that had been the case the field position would have been a bigger issue for the Riders. 1 yard line versus 25 or 30 yard line that resulted.
Certainly the turning point in the game. Even if the Als had scored, the 2 point convert was not a done deal. Would have made an even more interesting last couple of minutes where a FG could have decided the game.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 17, 2025, 04:44:47 PMInitially I thought the fumble was recovered on the 1 yard line. If that had been the case the field position would have been a bigger issue for the Riders. 1 yard line versus 25 or 30 yard line that resulted.
Certainly the turning point in the game. Even if the Als had scored, the 2 point convert was not a done deal. Would have made an even more interesting last couple of minutes where a FG could have decided the game.
Agree, the way the Riders were moving the ball I didn't think the Als were going to win anyhow, by the end of the game Alexander was in rough shape. 2 of the 3 interceptions he threw had no effect as they occurred at the end of the half and the end of the game.
Quote from: tlf on November 17, 2025, 04:34:59 PMMaybe Alexander should have been pulled but MBT isn't that good, but who knows what would have been.
Playing Austin Mack was also a mistake on the part of Jason Maas. Mack wasn't close to 100%. Alexander Hollins should have replaced Mack far earlier than late in the fourth quarter.
:-\
The Als passing attack seemed quite unbalanced, between Austin Mack and Hollins they had 3 targets and 1 reception.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 05:47:45 PMThe Als passing attack seemed quite unbalanced, between Austin Mack and Hollins they had 3 targets and 1 reception.
Riders secondary is very good. Als receivers and Alexander were dealing with injuries. Not being able to buy time with roll outs and the threat of a run by Alexander hurt their offence.
Good old Lefty, at it again:
https://x.com/TroyWestwood/status/1990251647122227571?s=19
Mace has built a very good D, and Harris doesn't make to many mistakes and that's how you win Championships. I also like the fact that there not afraid to use Canadian receivers.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 04:05:50 AMAndrew Harris now has 5 GC rings and he's won 4 in the last 6 seasons.
Andrew Harris is a traitor and I will never respect him any longer.
Quote from: VictorRomano on November 17, 2025, 05:54:37 PMGood old Lefty, at it again:
https://x.com/TroyWestwood/status/1990251647122227571?s=19
Well said Troy!!!!
Quote from: Horseman on November 17, 2025, 09:25:34 PMAndrew Harris is a traitor winner and I will never respect him any longer.
FYP.
Quote from: Horseman on November 17, 2025, 09:25:34 PMAndrew Harris is a traitor and I will never respect him any longer.
How much did the Blue Bombers offer Andrew Harris for a coaching position?
???
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on November 17, 2025, 03:53:15 PMThey threw the game. Likely gambling implications.
Wasd Lemon in the game?
Quote from: Jesse on November 16, 2025, 04:59:13 PMI thought about that at some point. But it's my seats with the regulars I've sat by all year.
Ya, except 2 of the 3 regular groups that sit adjacent to me bailed and sold their tix to greenies! Traitors!! :D :D
Strangely enough, the 1 group that did show was the newest not-as-big-fans group. Weird!
Quote from: Tecno on November 18, 2025, 06:10:04 AMYa, except 2 of the 3 regular groups that sit adjacent to me bailed and sold their tix to greenies! Traitors!! :D :D
Strangely enough, the 1 group that did show was the newest not-as-big-fans group. Weird!
Had most of ours around us.
Really strange that the concourse, bathroom lines etc were so much different for the Grey Cup than a Bomber game. I was sitting very close to my season tickets and was surprised how different it was.
Quote from: Horseman on November 17, 2025, 09:25:34 PMAndrew Harris is a traitor and I will never respect him any longer.
That's pretty harsh. It's so unfortunate that things didnt work out between him and the BB, but you got to move on. He isn't a traitor, he went to someplace where he could continue playing, you would have done the same thing.
I wouldn't say he was a traitor, rather, he's a survivor and a winner and his rings prove that.
Quote from: dd on November 18, 2025, 05:51:59 PMThat's pretty harsh. It's so unfortunate that things didnt work out between him and the BB, but you got to move on. He isn't a traitor, he went to someplace where he could continue playing, you would have done the same thing.
I wouldn't say he was a traitor, rather, he's a survivor and a winner and his rings prove that.
The Bombers and Brady kind of got lucky, if Harris had kept his life on the rails and continued to perform up to reasonable expectations, how likely is it that O-Shea would have moved on to an inexperienced Brady before Harris retired?
It took awhile for Brady to get the hang of it in his first season and begin to show his value, so the option of signing with another team to establish himself before he received significant playing time was almost non-existent. He came pretty close to becoming a career backup like Sean Thomas Erlington has become.
.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 11:09:32 PMFYP.
NOPE, traitor, you can support a traitor if YOU want to but he is dead to me now.
Quote from: Foxhound on November 17, 2025, 11:19:31 PMHow much did the Blue Bombers offer Andrew Harris for a coaching position?
???
Probably nothing as HE stated he was going to coach the Surrey Rams, but we will never know for sure.
Quote from: dd on November 18, 2025, 05:51:59 PMThat's pretty harsh. It's so unfortunate that things didnt work out between him and the BB, but you got to move on. He isn't a traitor, he went to someplace where he could continue playing, you would have done the same thing.
I wouldn't say he was a traitor, rather, he's a survivor and a winner and his rings prove that.
He is not a traitor for going to play for the Argos, he IS a traitor for going to Sask, no true Bomber would ever go to Sask, that is why he is and always will be considered a traitor to me. Can't change my mind. Oh and Yoshi falls into that as well.
Quote from: Horseman on November 18, 2025, 08:12:32 PMHe is not a traitor for going to play for the Argos, he IS a traitor for going to Sask, no true Bomber would ever go to Sask, that is why he is and always will be considered a traitor to me. Can't change my mind. Oh and Yoshi falls into that as well.
Grow up man. Players go and play for those who will give them the money they want to be paid for their services. Given the hopeless state of our O line, we couldn't use yoshi s services, leadership and much needed mean streak—of course we could!! So he s not a traitor... we re just cheap and stupid. You can't expect players to stay here and give up big dough in the prime of their money earning years.
Still love Harris and yoshi, wish they could both be here but they aren't. They are far from dead to me
Labelling Harris a traitor because he took on a coaching role with the Bombers' main rival just smacks of pettiness.
Maybe the Bombers should've offered him that RB coach role. Heck, he'd probably make a better OC than the current one on staff.
Nice to see Helle at the Grey Cup.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 18, 2025, 08:45:20 PMLabelling Harris a traitor because he took on a coaching role with the Bombers' main rival just smacks of pettiness.
Maybe the Bombers should've offered him that RB coach role. Heck, he'd probably make a better OC than the current one on staff.
Just a slight correction - I (an 80 year old retired actuarial accountant) would probably make a better OC the the current one! ;D
Quote from: BBRT on November 18, 2025, 11:06:48 PMJust a slight correction - I (an 80 year old retired actuarial accountant) would probably make a better OC the the current one! ;D
hmmmm, yesss, maybe... :D
Quote from: Pete on November 16, 2025, 11:54:41 PMOlivera has to hate this, why the f*** didnt the bombers run him in the east semi.
Because our OL isn't the SSK OL. Ouellette gets the best gut holes and Yoshi edge-seals and REC kick outs you can possibly imagine.
WPG forgot they were a running team all season. No one here knows how to do it anymore. Going to have to fix that in order to play at this "new normal in the West" level.
Quote from: Horseman on November 16, 2025, 11:50:38 PMYeah, good at holding and not getting called for it.
And that's the main problem with how the CFL is officiated. As the post-season progresses the refs do more and more of "let them play". They are loathe to call holds.
And so "holding teams", and I mean ones who really push the boundaries all season and explicitly coach to max-hold to the point of illegality, have a massive advantage the farther they go.
During the season they can practice their mega-holding, and if refs get antsy they can just scale it back a touch until the refs stop calling it. So they are well-practiced and experts come SF, DF, GC, when it's a huge payoff as the refs turn a blind eye.
For SSK, it's not just OL, it's REC and ST who all do max-hold. And this is where their big-body RECs come in extra handy.
It presents a conundrum for "more honest" teams like ours. Unless we switch to coaching like this, and focusing on holding, we'll always be at a disadvantage, especially in the post-season.
But strangely enough, SSK has been this mega-hold team since the C.Jones era. This is 2 HC's later and they still mega-hold. I wonder what the commonality is... or is it just the players maintaining this continuity? Maybe there's a constant OL or REC coach? Who knows.
And please, don't give me "all teams hold" nonsense. Yes. But SSK takes it a special level that no other team does. So many examples in the GC it's not even funny, not to mention the regular season.
Quote from: markf on November 16, 2025, 11:49:49 PMThe commissioner should talk to his buddies at TSN.... My screen keeps flicking on and off to black.
Ya, turned out it kept happening all game. Sometimes at pivotal points or during interesting replays. About 7-10s each time, with a few shorter ones. Really shameful. Imagine if those glitches were showing on the broadcast to the USA? Talk about bush league.
So much time to prepare, the premiere sports day in Canada (excluding potential Stanley Cup games), and they put out this crap? And I can understand 1 or 2 in the 1st Q, but the tech guys have a job for a reason to get on this stuff and fix it during the game!
So lame.
Quote from: Horseman on November 18, 2025, 08:12:32 PMHe is not a traitor for going to play for the Argos, he IS a traitor for going to Sask, no true Bomber would ever go to Sask
I mean I get where you're coming from, but there's so much inter-team movement between SSK & WPG, for so many years, that we can't just pick out Yoshi & AH to hate.
AH had to leave to make it work for Brady -- the master has to "die" before the apprentice becomes the next master. It would never work here. Not the year he left, and not now.
Yoshi was purely money. SSK decided they wanted to allocate way more money to the OL. We didn't. Therefore they have Yoshi, we don't. Yoshi's days are numbered and he's always talked (when here) about looking after his family. Probably has diddly squat to do post-football. Can't blame him for running to $240k!
Now if we had offered those players within $20k of the SSK offer and they snubbed us? Ya, then call them traitors. But that's not what happened.
Quote from: The Zipp on November 18, 2025, 12:45:30 PMReally strange that the concourse, bathroom lines etc were so much different for the Grey Cup than a Bomber game.
I never use the can in GCs for this very reason. The difference is due to:
a) so much more drinking at GCs
b) every seat has a butt -- no paid but unattended seats like a normal game
From my perch at the top of PAS all game I checked out the concourses with the binocs every break. I couldn't believe the
traffic jam in the South EZ. Holy Moses!! Until like the 1st H 3 min warning the people walking there were not moving
at all! And I mean that literally. And the whole time the E and N concourses were moving pretty well. Even around the Rum Hut! There's something wrong with the S EZ and WFC needs to fix it.
They could start by forcing S-side gates people to use the E/W side gate their seat is at! Put up huge signs. They should also enforce (with guards) directional lanes, and have cordoned off lanes for movement vs standing.
And if you're trying to traverse E to W, use the N EZ, not the S!
Quote from: Balticfox on November 17, 2025, 11:19:31 PMHow much did the Blue Bombers offer Andrew Harris for a coaching position?
Nothing. He had to leave to make room for Brady. He also is not intelligent (in a general sense, not in a RB football IQ sense). However, he is the league-best motivational rah-rah man, and he knows how to run a RB corps.
We'll never see him here in a CFL-job capacity again. We'll just have to hope SSK has OL woes or too much GC-champ-sniped-talent, and/or Ouellette's, uh, "muscle aids" destroy his body prematurely. Beefy IMP RBs don't usually have long careers.
Quote from: Balticfox on November 17, 2025, 05:31:33 PMPlaying Austin Mack was also a mistake on the part of Jason Maas. Mack wasn't close to 100%. Alexander Hollins should have replaced Mack far earlier than late in the fourth quarter.
I didn't know Mack was injured going in. Wasn't he in for both ESF and EDF? I guess that would explain his lack of production in all 3.
What was his issue? When they pulled him, was his injury acting up or did they just get sick of his uselessness?
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 17, 2025, 04:40:02 PMGotta give credit to Mueller as well. He built a system around Harris' skill set and it was consistently successful all season long.
It's more than that. It's Mueller, Mace & O'day all working together to build the O around a singular predetermined scheme. They went very unorthodox in so many ways in a grand plan/gamble. They bet, and won. In hindsight it was brilliant and we need to analyze and possibly reproduce what they've done. (Top OL, cheap RECs, run-mostly, all-short game -- well, I like all of these ideas except the short game, I want balanced like we're used to doing.)
Quote from: tlf on November 17, 2025, 04:34:59 PMMaybe Alexander should have been pulled but MBT isn't that good, but who knows what would have been.
All those who bashed MOS for keeping sliced-up Zach in the '24 GC, and said no other coach would make such a mistake, need to apologize to MOS. Here's GC-winning Maas making the same "mistake".
In fact, it's even more "egregious" because MTL had a very capable, GC-winning MBT as an option! We only had do-nothing Wilson and the useless SSK retread guy. So if anything we should forgive MOS more than Maas.
If it was me, I would have pulled Alexander the moment he came up clearly less mobile. And I would have pulled Zach the instant he threw that first sliced-finger underthrow INT.
I forgive MOS more because it was a novel situation no one had seen in years/decades -- so he didn't have a plan in place and was just winging it. Maas has no excuse because he saw WPG's folly the year before, and yet still kept punishing Alexander. Saying pre-game "and he's gonna finish it" was just stupid.
Quote from: dd on November 17, 2025, 03:57:06 PMThat was a huge turning point early in the game. I thought there was no way they'd overturn the non-call on DPI, but they did. Shrewd call by Mace.
See my "more show" thread. '24 command does not overturn that call. This year, they did for "more show". A juicy TD at that point for the (then-)struggling Riders certainly added to the show!! Toldyaso!
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 17, 2025, 03:32:57 PMThat was the most absurd fumble I've seen in ages - especially on that stage. It's like Patterson didn't even try.
Told you guys that he should have never been here in blue & gold. On the bright side, his career is done. Kaput. He'll be the first guy cut, and the witch will be burnt. Good riddance. I can't help imagine that on the plane ride home he was being treated like that lady in Airplane who was getting smacked by everyone on the plane all lined up.
This also proves my perennial point that if you want to be a serious team you get a dedicated SY specialist. SSK did, and their SY was impeccable (best in league actually because the guy is a freight train). Patterson is more a #2 / backup guy -- totally the wrong body for SY. What was the MTL GM thinking?! Bet they don't make that mistake in '26.
And double-punished for the fumble AND the touchback to the 30 YL. LOL... you can't make this stuff up.
Quote from: markf on November 17, 2025, 04:49:57 AMHe changed Oulette somehow, eliminated the constant injuries.
Oullette was sort of a muscle-bound joke before. OK, but kinda dumb and plodding. AH has turned Oullette into a stacked version of AH. Every single thing you see Oullette do is AH. It's all AH. Those are all the AH tricks and moves, the film study, the hurdling.
Oullette should share half is paycheck with probably-massively-underpaid AH. Because Oullette doesn't achieve much if AH wasn't/isn't there. I wonder if he knows how lucky he is. And whatever genius in Greenerville came up with this crazy "hire AH" idea should get a $1M bonus.
Quote from: dd on November 17, 2025, 04:10:38 AMAnd I feel for Patterson, they were saying it was the first tI,e he's ever fumbled. I find that hard to believe. He was released by sask and us, he's a third stringer. I'm wondering if teams will just let their #2 Qb be their short yardage Qb as well, like they used to.
The fumble was near identical to (I think) that CGY GC where they lost with the REC trying to get extra YAC and he coughed it up for a pick-six. Same near-EZ cough up, same lose-the-game because of it.
This one will go on SC reels for "biggest GC turning points" for sure. Patterson can see himself cost them the gave for the next 20 years. Yay!
Quote from: Tecno on November 20, 2025, 07:24:28 AMAnd that's the main problem with how the CFL is officiated. As the post-season progresses the refs do more and more of "let them play". They are loathe to call holds.
And so "holding teams", and I mean ones who really push the boundaries all season and explicitly coach to max-hold to the point of illegality, have a massive advantage the farther they go.
During the season they can practice their mega-holding, and if refs get antsy they can just scale it back a touch until the refs stop calling it. So they are well-practiced and experts come SF, DF, GC, when it's a huge payoff as the refs turn a blind eye.
For SSK, it's not just OL, it's REC and ST who all do max-hold. And this is where their big-body RECs come in extra handy.
It presents a conundrum for "more honest" teams like ours. Unless we switch to coaching like this, and focusing on holding, we'll always be at a disadvantage, especially in the post-season.
But strangely enough, SSK has been this mega-hold team since the C.Jones era. This is 2 HC's later and they still mega-hold. I wonder what the commonality is... or is it just the players maintaining this continuity? Maybe there's a constant OL or REC coach? Who knows.
And please, don't give me "all teams hold" nonsense. Yes. But SSK takes it a special level that no other team does. So many examples in the GC it's not even funny, not to mention the regular season.
Good post and I agree almost completely and will add it's not just mega-holding but other benefits from the zebras such as phantom PIs. I suspect it's due to their abysmal history of constant losing so the league helps them as much as possible. Proud franchises with a history of playing in the Grey Cup, like ours, don't get those kinds of "breaks". We have to earn everything we get.
Quote from: Tecno on November 20, 2025, 09:35:23 AMThe fumble was near identical to (I think) that CGY GC where they lost with the REC trying to get extra YAC and he coughed it up for a pick-six. Same near-EZ cough up, same lose-the-game because of it.
This one will go on SC reels for "biggest GC turning points" for sure. Patterson can see himself cost them the gave for the next 20 years. Yay!
I dunno. You could also argue Ento cost them a must needed 7 points/TD when he botched an absolute gimme pick six TD on the swing pass to Oulette. That would have put the Als up by 14 at the time and panic may have set in, so to me, that could have been the bigger play and nobody say boo about that.
But really, the Patterson fumble and the Ento/stonehands dropped sure pick six, cost the Als 14 points, and really, make one of those 2 plays, and they'd be grey cup champs. Montreal pulled a Blue Bomber in this Grey Cup, they kept screwing up/shooting themselves in the foot and it cost them.
Quote from: dd on November 20, 2025, 10:01:36 PMI dunno. You could also argue Ento cost them a must needed 7 points/TD when he botched an absolute gimme pick six TD on the swing pass to Oulette. That would have put the Als up by 14 at the time and panic may have set in, so to me, that could have been the bigger play and nobody say boo about that.
But really, the Patterson fumble and the Ento/stonehands dropped sure pick six, cost the Als 14 points, and really, make one of those 2 plays, and they'd be grey cup champs. Montreal pulled a Blue Bomber in this Grey Cup, they kept screwing up/shooting themselves in the foot and it cost them.
"Any given Sunday", sure the Als could have won if, if, if, but on GC day the Riders were the better team, they neither stumbled nor fell.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 17, 2025, 03:32:57 PMThat was the most absurd fumble I've seen in ages - especially on that stage. It's like Patterson didn't even try.
I'm glad Shea Patterson fumbled. He was trying one of those idiotic extend the ball across the goal line when you're standing well before the goal line moves.
I wish the definition of getting into the endzone was consistent with the out of bounds rules. For the latter it depends upon whether the player's feet touch the line not where the ball is.
:(
Quote from: Balticfox on November 21, 2025, 02:47:50 AMI wish the definition of getting into the endzone was consistent with the out of bounds rules. For the latter it depends upon whether the player's feet touch the line not where the ball is.
So many difficulties with that though, with not much pay off. Completely messes up diving-into-the-EZ plays, for example.
I think it's fine the way it is because there has to be an eye towards "what is easier / feasible to officiate by an on-field ref". Spotting the ball crossing the plane would seem to be easier in most cases (SY piles notwithstanding).
Quote from: Tecno on November 21, 2025, 06:17:24 AMSo many difficulties with that though, with not much pay off. Completely messes up diving-into-the-EZ plays, for example.
Not really a problem. If a player in possession of the ball dives/falls/tumbles to the ground in the vicinity of the endzone, the spot should depend upon where the ball is located when he lands. But if the ball carrier doesn't fall into the endzone because he's still standing when his forward progress is stopped, it should depend upon where his feet are at the whistle. That's the standard way the ball is spotted after tackles on the rest of the field.
Quite simply for a touchdown to be awarded I want to see players actually get into the endzone. None of this standing outside or at the one yard line and artificially extending your arms to "break the plane". That's not getting into the endzone. Neither is it consistent with all other in bounds/out of bounds rules and the one thing I demand in a sport is consistency within the rules.
Quote from: Tecno on November 21, 2025, 06:17:24 AMI think it's fine the way it is because there has to be an eye towards "what is easier / feasible to officiate by an on-field ref". Spotting the ball crossing the plane would seem to be easier in most cases (SY piles notwithstanding).
Actually I believe it would be far easier for the official standing behind the line of scrimmage (the referee) to see where the ball carrier's feet are situated at the whistle than it is for the officials, i.e. line judges, to guess whether a ball a metre or more above the ground "broke the plane".
Toe out of bounds = player out of bounds = ball caught out of bounds.
Toe over the endzone <> ball in the endzone = No TD