(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HKijM0uXwAA6Jcl?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HKi_gYKWsAAa-N-?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Montreal Alouettes swap three starters against Argonauts
by 3Down Staff June 11, 2026
The Montreal Alouettes have made three changes to their starting lineup for Friday's game against the Toronto Argonauts. The team issued its official depth chart on Thursday morning.
Marco Dubois will start at slotback in place of Cole Spieker, who has been placed on the six-game injured list due to an ankle injury he suffered in the team's season-opening win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Spieker is in his fifth season with Montreal, having made 152 career receptions for 1,948 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Dubois signed with the Alouettes in May following his release from the Ottawa Redblacks. The six-foot-four, 235-pound target mostly played fullback over seven seasons in the nation's capital but has been reverted back to receiver in La Belle Province, the same position he played collegiately at Université Laval.
Cyrille Hogan-Saindon will start at centre for Justin Lawrence, who was recently moved to the six-game injured list with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 1. Hogan-Saindon started four regular-season games at centre with Montreal in 2025 and previously started 29 games with the Redblacks to begin his career.
Arthur Hamlin will start at strong-side linebacker for Najee Murray, who has been placed on the one-game injured list with a foot issue. Now in his eighth year with Montreal, Murray has made 244 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, nine interceptions, three sacks, and two forced fumbles over 67 career regular-season games. Hamlin made four starts in 2025 — one at strong-side linebacker and three at safety.
Dubois, Hogan-Saindon, and Hamlin each dressed in depth roles last week. With three roster spots available, Montreal has promoted Canadian offensive lineman Braydon Noll, American linebacker Donovan Manuel, and American defensive back Don Callis to the active roster. Noll will be Hogan-Saindon's backup at centre, while Manuel and Callis will provide depth on defence.
The rest of Montreal's roster remains unchanged from last week when they beat the Tiger-Cats in Steeltown. Davis Alexander threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, while Tyler Snead made nine receptions for 163 yards and one score.
The Montreal Alouettes (1-0) will host the Toronto Argonauts (0-0) at Percival Molson Stadium on Friday, June 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Argonauts were on a bye in Week 1, while the Alouettes are coming off an overtime victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The weather forecast in Montreal calls for a high of 25 degrees and a 20 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, and CFL+ in the United States and internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 1050 in Toronto, TSN 690 in Montreal, or 99.5 Montreal in French.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/11/montreal-alouettes-swap-three-starters-against-argonauts/
New-look Toronto Argonauts set depth chart against Alouettes
by 3Down Staff June 11, 2026
The Toronto Argonauts have set their depth chart for their season-opening game against the Montreal Alouettes, marking a significant overhaul from last year.
Chad Kelly will start at quarterback with veterans Damonte Coxie, Makai Polk, Kevin Mital, and Dave Ungerer III in the receiving corps. The newcomer is Tyler Kahmann, who joined the team's practice roster last fall. This will be the first career regular-season game for the six-foot-three, 205-pound target, who caught 101 passes for 1,234 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior at Emporia State.
Sam Hicks, a standout from Abilene Christian University, has won the starting running back job. The 25-year-old rushed nine times for 66 yards and three touchdowns during the preseason, leading to the release of veteran Peyton Logan. Toronto finished last in rushing in 2025 and didn't retain any of their ball-carriers. Canadian draft pick Isaiah Smith will serve as the only backup.
The offensive line will have three new starters, including Indoor Football League standout Desmond Bland at left tackle, longtime NFL blocker Dakoda Shepley at right guard, and recent Blue Bombers release Kendall Randolph at right tackle. Peter Nicastro (centre) and Ryan Hunter (left guard) are the two incumbents.
Defensively, Ralph Holley will occupy one spot along the interior, while Global draft pick Soane Toia, a native of Tonga, will occupy the other spot. The team leader in sacks a year ago, Andrew Chatfield, will remain at one end, while free agent signee Jonathan Kongbo will make the second spot Canadian. Incumbents Cameron Judge and Isaac Darkangelo remain as the linebackers following the offseason departure of Wynton McManis.
In the secondary, Friday will mark the return of strongside linebacker Adarius Pickett, field halfback DaShaun Amos, and safety Robert Priester, who bumps last season's top rookie, Derek Slywka, out of the starting lineup. Benjie Franklin and Tavarus McFadden remain entrenched as the corners, while rookie James Ceasar has won the job at boundary halfback.
Projected starters Jake Herslow and DeWayne Hendrix were ruled out on Wednesday. Both have been placed on the one-game injured list, while rookie receiver Nolan Ulm has been moved to the six-game injured list. Receiver Dymere Miller and offensive lineman Brandon Kemp will begin the year on the reserve roster as healthy scratches.
The Toronto Argonauts (0-0) will visit the Montreal Alouettes (1-0) at Percival Molson Stadium on Friday, June 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Argonauts were on a bye in Week 1, while the Alouettes are coming off an overtime victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The weather forecast in Montreal calls for a high of 25 degrees and a 20 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, and CFL+ in the United States and internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 1050 in Toronto, TSN 690 in Montreal, or 99.5 Montreal in French.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/11/new-look-toronto-argonauts-set-depth-chart-against-alouettes/
Philpot world class talent, work class catch
Generational talent
hate to say it but for a guy that hasn't played in a year - Kelly looks OK
Entertaining game. Kelly is far from my favourite person, but he's playing well. Alexander also. Both teams have a nice set of receivers.
Snead and Philpot are dangerous.
More dangerous than Wilson.
bad throw by Kelly
Theiss has a dimension that Brady lacks, where he can bounce outside and has enough speed to get around the edge.
Grants still got it, impressive at his age
liam H having a tough night
both of these qbs can sling it
Quote from: The Zipp on June 13, 2026, 01:04:40 AMboth of these qbs can sling it
Receivers letting them down tonight. Rare for Snead.
Kelly really forcing long throws into coverage.
Stearns and Wheatfall are all stars now
Quote from: Sway on June 13, 2026, 01:20:32 AMStearns and Wheatfall are all stars now
Yeah the football gods don't like us anymore
Argos with a long bomb on 2' and 3
Stupid
Block punt
It's over
Quote from: Sway on June 13, 2026, 01:37:50 AMArgos with a long bomb on 2' and 3
Stupid
Block punt
It's over
Or is it?
Boy, you'd never see us that aggressive in that situation
alexander - winner
ole
ole
ole
ole
MTL gonna be tough
Toronto ain't bad either.
Us experts always incorrectly equate their fan base and city to the quality of their team.
Another good CFL game.
Good commentary team.
Glen Suitor gets BC Sask game, yippee
Ya 1000 yds total offense in the game both teams looked good. A blocked punt for a TD was the difference but both of these teams are going to be there this year and the tI cats just beat us at home so the east is pretty tough
Quote from: dd on June 13, 2026, 02:02:32 AMYa 1000 yds total offense in the game both teams looked good. A blocked punt for a TD was the difference but both of these teams are going to be there this year and the tI cats just beat us at home so the east is pretty tough
My gawd, games are so boring I can't wait till they change the rules to make it more exciting!!!
QuoteAnother good CFL game.
Good commentary team.
Glen Suitor gets BC Sask game, yippee
I really like Luke Wilson and the insight he brings to the broadcast. A breath of fresh air. Love his Bruce lee punch comment tonight, love it!!
Ex Bomber Sterns had a very good time with 9 catches for
over 112 yards.
Both he and Wheatfall have enjoyed a couple games with their new teams
Quote from: JockitchwithRich on June 13, 2026, 04:18:38 PMEx Bomber Sterns had a very good time with 9 catches for
over 112 yards.
Both he and Wheatfall have enjoyed a couple games with their new teams
The Bombers upgraded at both positions so can't worry too much about that, should bode well for both of them as they're now working with superior QB's. Wheatfall would have done much better here if Zach could have got him the ball in flight more often, he always runs routes at high speed and is great at taking the top off a defence, expect a +1000 season working with BLM.
well our problems don't appear to be with receiver so that is good.
wheatfall and sterns are good players they will have good games.
montreal will be the class of the east, hamilton and toronto will fight for second and ottawa stinks
Quote from: Sway on June 13, 2026, 01:57:54 AMAnother good CFL game.
Good commentary team.
Glen Suitor gets BC Sask game, yippee
Yes, the commentary was really good.
Quote from: markf on June 13, 2026, 05:49:36 PMYes, the commentary was really good.
I thought he was particularly good on his comments on the recievers, which is not surprising. My only complaint is that some of the terminolgy he uses is very "inside". I wasn't familiar with a few of the terms he used, and although he explained some, time did not allow him to explain them all. But definitely prefer it to Suiter, who dumbs it down to the the lowest common denominator, to the point where he rarely offers any true insight. I actually like Duane Fords commentary, and thought him and Wilson worked well together.
Quote from: bunker on June 13, 2026, 08:56:05 PMI thought he was particularly good on his comments on the recievers, which is not surprising. My only complaint is that some of the terminolgy he uses is very "inside". I wasn't familiar with a few of the terms he used, and although he explained some, time did not allow him to explain them all. But definitely prefer it to Suiter, who dumbs it down to the the lowest common denominator, to the point where he rarely offers any true insight. I actually like Duane Fords commentary, and thought him and Wilson worked well together.
Weird combo, who is calling the play?
I can do without mr monotone ford , but wilson is an absolute refreshing breath of fresh air and brings excitement and energy to the broadcast, and a welcomed injection of it!! Maybe we've just grown too used to the others, but they are boring to listen to.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 13, 2026, 10:30:20 PMWeird combo, who is calling the play?
They were together with Dustin Nielsen, who did play by play
Quote from: dd on June 13, 2026, 10:39:42 PMI can do without mr monotone ford , but wilson is an absolute refreshing breath of fresh air and brings excitement and energy to the broadcast, and a welcomed injection of it!! Maybe we've just grown too used to the others, but they are boring to listen to.
Ford can be a bit dry on his own, but he's knowledgable, and I prefer his delivery to the over the top manufactured excitement of Nielsen. Wilson is knowledgable also, and injects some energy, which livens things up relative to Ford going solo.
According to 3DN, Chad Kelly and HC Mike Miller got into an altercation early in the 2nd Q and Miller ended up pushing Kelly away, look forward to a mid season trade to the RB's for Dru Brown + a bunch of other assets.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/13/the-emotions-of-the-game-toronto-argonauts-unconcerned-after-sideline-spat-between-chad-kelly-mike-miller/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/06/13/the-emotions-of-the-game-toronto-argonauts-unconcerned-after-sideline-spat-between-chad-kelly-mike-miller/)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 16, 2026, 12:05:40 AMAccording to 3DN, Chad Kelly and HC Mike Miller got into an altercation early in the 2nd Q and Miller ended up pushing Kelly away, look forward to a mid season trade to the RB's for Dru Brown + a bunch of other assets.
Is Miller the guy who got into hot water calling a fan a "bad word" or something a few years back? If so, him & Kelly are a match made in
heaven hades! Lock up yer daughters when they're in town, folks!
Quote from: bunker on June 13, 2026, 08:56:05 PMI thought he was particularly good on his comments on the recievers, which is not surprising. My only complaint is that some of the terminolgy he uses is very "inside".
I swear half the time I think Luke is making that poop up on the fly. Like right out of his butt. But he says it with authority, so we believe him?
I'd love to see a current player comment on this...
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 13, 2026, 04:39:34 PMWheatfall would have done much better here if Zach could have got him the ball in flight more often, he always runs routes at high speed and is great at taking the top off a defence, expect a +1000 season working with BLM.
LDW syndrome? Where's 66 when you need him?
Quote from: bunker on June 13, 2026, 12:46:32 AMTheiss has a dimension that Brady lacks, where he can bounce outside and has enough speed to get around the edge.
Brady lacks a lot, actually. But Theiss isn't the answer. Dude can't stay healthy more than 1.5 weeks. And he's sooo inconsistent and not too great at the gut grinding. IMHO he's not worth an IMP roster slot, and the only reason to dress him is he can also return.
Quote from: Tecno on June 16, 2026, 07:24:57 AMBrady lacks a lot, actually. But Theiss isn't the answer. Dude can't stay healthy more than 1.5 weeks. And he's sooo inconsistent and not too great at the gut grinding. IMHO he's not worth an IMP roster slot, and the only reason to dress him is he can also return.
Are we talking about the same player that has recorded 4 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons? That guy "lacks a lot"?
Quote from: Tecno on June 16, 2026, 07:21:43 AMIs Miller the guy who got into hot water calling a fan a "bad word" or something a few years back? If so, him & Kelly are a match made in heaven hades! Lock up yer daughters when they're in town, folks!
Nope, maybe you're thinking of John Murphy?
Quote from: ModAdmin on June 16, 2026, 05:02:41 PMAre we talking about the same player that has recorded 4 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons? That guy "lacks a lot"?
To be fair, every RB has different skill sets. Jay Washington was the fastest player in the CFL during his time here. He could get outside and outrun everybody. Charles Roberts could make opponents miss tackling him in small spaces.
Oliveria is not slow but he's not going to ramble off on 80 yard gallops. He will run over you and it will take more than one to take him down when he's past the LOS. He's more of the bruiser / big body type RB and is very effective. He's become a very good receiving threat.
Some RB's like Craig Ellis had a nice combination of all things.
I don't think it's fair to suggest Oliveria is lacking a lot but then it's a point of view. He's not an elusive RB like a Roberts type but he is more capable of blocking than Roberts.
You aren't going to see Oliveria returning punts or K/O's either. He's more of a straight ahead downhill runner.
Skill sets have trade offs, speed versus power for example.
Bomber fans are lucky to have BO and the fact he's a local Canadian kid is a bonus.
I wouldn't mind having a Leo Lewis, Dave Raimey, Richard Crump or Jay Washington type on our roster somewhere ( I'm dating myself ).
Oliveira is a fantastic running back but he can't really threaten the perimeter so defenses can play a lot of stacked boxes against him. If roster sizes were bigger we'd surely pair him with more of a speed guy. In the NFL he'd more factor in as a goal line guy versus a generational do it all back type talent. Good player, but techno is right that he doesn't really have every run in the bag. Few do though, especially up here, although there are definitely guys who are more generalists than Brady.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2026, 05:21:35 PMTo be fair, every RB has different skill sets. Jay Washington was the fastest player in the CFL during his time here. He could get outside and outrun everybody. Charles Roberts could make opponents miss tackling him in small spaces.
Oliveria is not slow but he's not going to ramble off on 80 yard gallops. He will run over you and it will take more than one to take him down when he's past the LOS. He's more of the bruiser / big body type RB and is very effective. He's become a very good receiving threat.
Some RB's like Craig Ellis had a nice combination of all things.
I don't think it's fair to suggest Oliveria is lacking a lot but then it's a point of view. He's not an elusive RB like a Roberts type but he is more capable of blocking than Roberts.
You aren't going to see Oliveria returning punts or K/O's either. He's more of a straight ahead downhill runner.
Skill sets have trade offs, speed versus power for example.
Bomber fans are lucky to have BO and the fact he's a local Canadian kid is a bonus.
I wouldn't mind having a Leo Lewis, Dave Raimey, Richard Crump or Jay Washington type on our roster somewhere ( I'm dating myself ).
No disagreement from me that RBs have different sets of skills. Words matter though and for the poster to suggest Brady "lacks a lot" is not only a disservice to a great player but a mischaracterization of his skill and level of play.
BTW, I saw Raimey, Lewis, Crump and Washington play too! All great players. ;D
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2026, 05:21:35 PMTo be fair, every RB has different skill sets. Jay Washington was the fastest player in the CFL during his time here. He could get outside and outrun everybody. Charles Roberts could make opponents miss tackling him in small spaces.
Oliveria is not slow but he's not going to ramble off on 80 yard gallops. He will run over you and it will take more than one to take him down when he's past the LOS. He's more of the bruiser / big body type RB and is very effective. He's become a very good receiving threat.
Some RB's like Craig Ellis had a nice combination of all things.
I don't think it's fair to suggest Oliveria is lacking a lot but then it's a point of view. He's not an elusive RB like a Roberts type but he is more capable of blocking than Roberts.
You aren't going to see Oliveria returning punts or K/O's either. He's more of a straight ahead downhill runner.
Skill sets have trade offs, speed versus power for example.
Bomber fans are lucky to have BO and the fact he's a local Canadian kid is a bonus.
I wouldn't mind having a Leo Lewis, Dave Raimey, Richard Crump or Jay Washington type on our roster somewhere ( I'm dating myself ).
I preferred Steve Beaird over Crump!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 16, 2026, 05:27:52 PMOliveira is a fantastic running back but he can't really threaten the perimeter so defenses can play a lot of stacked boxes against him. If roster sizes were bigger we'd surely pair him with more of a speed guy. In the NFL he'd more factor in as a goal line guy versus a generational do it all back type talent. Good player, but techno is right that he doesn't really have every run in the bag. Few do though, especially up here, although there are definitely guys who are more generalists than Brady.
Certainly he is not going to outrun speed players and you have identified
one attribute he lacks. But that does not equate to the statement he "lacks
a lot". That is my only issue.
Quote from: ModAdmin on June 16, 2026, 05:41:33 PMCertainly he is not going to outrun speed players and you have identified one attribute he lacks. But that does not equate to the statement he "lacks a lot". That is my only issue.
Yah, he doesn't have a 5th gear but the prospect of tackling Brady at full speed must be frightening for a skinny little DB, it must feel like throwing themselves under a train.
Brady is not a flashy scat back, rather a bruiser like the Bus was, in fact, BO is the mini-bus!! He can catch passes with the best of them, blocks and runs like a beast. I got no complaints about him or his apparent 'skills' he's lacking.
Quote from: dd on June 16, 2026, 06:11:18 PMBrady is not a flashy scat back, rather a bruiser like the Bus was, in fact, BO is the mini-bus!! He can catch passes with the best of them, blocks and runs like a beast. I got no complaints about him or his apparent 'skills' he's lacking.
He ticks almost all the important boxes, great inside runner, reads holes well, difficult to bring down and breaks tackles, generally good ball security with some occasional lapses, good blocker, good hands, reads well off Zach as an outlet receiver. And he's proven pretty durable in a tough position. When I made the comment about Theiss, it was not to suggest that I'd rather have Theiss, or that I'm not thrilled with Brady as our back, it was just an observation that one aspect he lacks is the short burst speed to make him effective as an ouside runner. Bombers try to mitigate that by getting other players like Demski involved in the outside running game.
Brady doing as well as any RB, currently #2 in yards gained with the better average.
Roundtree HAM 2 31 147 0 4.7 23
Oliveira WPG 2 23 145 1 6.3 21
Quote from: ModAdmin on June 16, 2026, 05:41:33 PMCertainly he is not going to outrun speed players and you have identified one attribute he lacks. But that does not equate to the statement he "lacks a lot". That is my only issue.
Fair. And agree. It is probably the only thing not on the bingo card. It is notable gap in practice though as it keeps everyone up and tight. The by-product of it is that it indirectly puts more pressure on the offensive line in terms of blitz pickups with teams not having to play as wide. A solve could be Elgersma if Zach retires soon - just having him be able to run a read with Brady and then getting the QB outside would help a lot. Unfortuntely, with Zach and Brady back there the offense lacks lateral speed which is sometimes pretty tough. We use the receiver sweep as a bit of a counterbalance but it's never as good as just having the ability to do it with the guys back there.
For like 20 weeks of football now I see that when teams want to shut Brady down, they shut Brady down. In other words, he can be shut down.
Then you watch other teams and their RBs, some stars, some no-names, are consistently gashing good D's for 20, 30, 40 yards at a time. And yes, they are doing it outside, inside, A, B and C gap, whatever it takes.
Look how many runs Brady got shutdown on vs HAM. 0,1,2 & 3Y runs galore. Fewer 6,7,8,9 yard ones that you really need to stick with the run game. And almost never any explosions.
I also see Brady get tackled by a hand on the foot from an outside-in rusher coming across the line. Or the first LB who get in the hole. Or a shedding DL. It's not the famous "5 guys to take him down" on many (most?) runs. Only if he gets to second level (7+ yards) does he seem to take on the beastmode persona.
I thought it was the OL. Or maybe I was hoping it was the OL. Maybe it still is. Broxton hasn't helped much. Yet. With a new C, and still iffy LG, and new-to-RT Broxton, they may still figure it out. Maybe. There is still hope, and time. It's abundantly clear Brady isn't getting the proper blocking support he needs.
This is the same as my "our team isn't as good as the best teams" post. Brady is very good, and I'm glad we have him (but if he was an IMP, no one would be getting excited, he would be paid half as much, and might have been left to walk in FA). BUT, the other top team RBs are looking better -- at a cheaper price. (To be fair, a lot of that might be OL and scheme, not RB.) For example, the HAM run game (all aspects) made ours look very weak.
As for the stats, get the median run length, and std deviations. The avgs between Brady and, say, Rountree don't tell the whole story. Many other RBs are ripping you a new 25Y gash or getting stuffed LoS. Brady gets you a consistent 2-6Y most games, with little variation. Those gashes and 7-10 yarders tend to win you games, whereas getting 3Y most of a game doesn't help anything.
And if Brady & the OL & OC don't like this, they can prove me wrong (soon!) in the upcoming games.
Quote from: ModAdmin on June 16, 2026, 05:02:41 PMAre we talking about the same player that has recorded 4 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons? That guy "lacks a lot"?
Brady didn't really help in the ESF, or the HAM game last week. 1000/season is only 55/game. Any mediocre RB can do that, especially on a team that commits to the run, like WPG does. The real key is not getting injured.
Taking Brady is usually a bad deal in fantasy. Rankin in week 1 was far & away the best RB. What would have our game looked like vs HAM if we had Rankin doing that for us!! And with a suspect EDM OL!!
I see what other teams have and are doing, and I wonder why we can't have that... Again, not saying Brady is bad, just saying why can't we get better results. The moneyball situation.
Quote from: Tecno on June 17, 2026, 02:01:44 AMBrady didn't really help in the ESF, or the HAM game last week. 1000/season is only 55/game. Any mediocre RB can do that, especially on a team that commits to the run, like WPG does. The real key is not getting injured.
Taking Brady is usually a bad deal in fantasy. Rankin in week 1 was far & away the best RB. What would have our game looked like vs HAM if we had Rankin doing that for us!! And with a suspect EDM OL!!
I see what other teams have and are doing, and I wonder why we can't have that... Again, not saying Brady is bad, just saying why can't we get better results. The moneyball situation.
A veiled reference to Brady as equivalent to a "mediocre running back" is straight out ludicrous. You are better than that. Better results for Brady means the rest of the team and the coaches have to put Brady in the best position to be better. It is not all on Brady! I would argue he is one of the best, if not THE best player currently on the
Bombers and rapidly becoming one of the best running backs in CFL history.
He clearly has work yet to do but no one should minimize the contributions has has made to this team since he was initially signed.
lol, tech is talking about fantasy and trying to translate it to the field.
Quote from: Tecno on June 17, 2026, 02:01:44 AMBrady didn't really help in the ESF, or the HAM game last week. 1000/season is only 55/game. Any mediocre RB can do that, especially on a team that commits to the run, like WPG does. The real key is not getting injured.
Taking Brady is usually a bad deal in fantasy. Rankin in week 1 was far & away the best RB. What would have our game looked like vs HAM if we had Rankin doing that for us!! And with a suspect EDM OL!!
I see what other teams have and are doing, and I wonder why we can't have that... Again, not saying Brady is bad, just saying why can't we get better results. The moneyball situation.
Opposing teams fixating on Brady is the #1 item in their game plan, especially if the game has extra playoff significance. Same thing often happened with Harris, one great game followed by a dud, mainly because everybody knows Wpg. loves to run the ball first, making their offence super predictable. After the last game watch for teams to spy Brady slipping out of the backfield removing him as Zach's easiest check down option.
QB's like Rourke, Kelly and BLM can get by without a running game if needed relying solely on their arms, Collaros, not so much. Successfully take the running game away from Zach and his mediocre passing skills come to light and the Bombers are likely going down soon after. Can't fix Zach's arm but adding more run diversity to the attack wouldn't hurt, using MCI vertically and mix in Demski, White or Cobb in sweeps.
Quote from: Jesse on June 17, 2026, 11:58:54 AMlol, tech is talking about fantasy and trying to translate it to the field.
Just a comically bad take. He's been one of the best players in the entire league for a good while now.
The mental gymnastics it takes to downplay a homegrown tailback amassing four consecutive 1000-yard seasons (totaling over 5000 yards), two MOC awards, a MOP award, and numerous other accolades, and then label him as mediocre, because he "didn't really help" in two games...
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExeHBuemRkczYyNzhrYWoyNHNuMjF3aDZueGlrbWxscmUxZWxtYnY2NyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/3o7TKqm1mNujcBPSpy/giphy.gif)
When teams stuff the box to take away the runs up the middle, they are sacrificing leverage in other areas. Linebackers will react more to play action, making it harder to get into their drops. Wide receiver screens may have a bit more time to develop before the help arrives from the middle. Obviously Condell is aware of this, and is making adjustments between games and at halftime to try and take advantage of what the defense is giving us. It may explain part of the reason we had so much success passing against Ticats. Agree that using sweeps can help with this.
One concern I have is that part of Brady's problem was not just the Hamilton scheme, but the fact that they won the line of scrimmage. They won too many one on one battles. Also for some reason there was a tendency for players (I noticed this with Wallace, who's a veteran by now) going up to the second level without actually blocking anyone at the line, leading to Brady being met right at the line of scrimmage by one or more unblocked Ticats. Our O-line clearly needs to be better as well. I've never been a big fan of the "O-line needs time to gel" theory, but hoping their is something to this. Maybe still learning Condell's offense?
Quote from: Jesse on June 17, 2026, 11:58:54 AMlol, tech is talking about fantasy and trying to translate it to the field.
Well, when a RB gets a massive fantasy score, like Rankin the other week, it's because they are busting the game wide open. Like 2-3 TDs and 125+ yards. I'm pretty sure Brady hasn't had a game like that in the last 365 days.
Yes, fantasy doesn't capture value as a decoy, or blocker, and probably other things. Yes, Brady is valuable for those things.
But sometimes a RB needs to carry the team on his back and the best RBs will have blow-up games. At least the other ones do... Rountree last week. Rankin the other week. Scott vs us in ESF. Why is it all these other RBs, mostly noobs or mediocres, get high production games with multiple TDs and big yards, and yet Brady doesn't? If he's the best, then either the rest of the team & coaches are letting him down
all the time, or...
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on June 17, 2026, 08:34:29 PMThe mental gymnastics it takes to downplay a homegrown tailback amassing four consecutive 1000-yard seasons (totaling over 5000 yards), two MOC awards, a MOP award, and numerous other accolades, and then label him as mediocre, because he "didn't really help" in two games...
But it's most games. Even his high yardage games he gets at most 1 TD.
What would Brady's stats look like if he was on a run-last team? Would he have gotten all of those 1000 yard seasons? Again, remember, unless the sky is falling WPG will keep trying to run the ball. That helps any RB's stats.
And again, I'm not saying Brady is bad. He's very good. But you watch all of the other games the last 2 weeks and see the game-changing production, moves, gash & burst of the other (supposedly lesser) RBs, and... don't you want that for us?? Because I watched Brady get stuffed at 3Y most of the night vs HAM. That's partly why we lost.
Brady isn't Harris. Harris wasn't Cornish. There, I said it.
No one could stop Cornish. Period. When Harris was here he'd literally win entire games for us himself, and at times could not be stopped. Even in the final 3 mins up 1 score we were known for AH just grinding the clock getting 5-6Y every snap, no passes for a whole series and everyone knew he was going to run it and no team could stop him. TSN used to note this all the time. It didn't matter if the entire D was in the box on mega run blitz. He'd still gash you. Remember?
Brady... he's great, but outside of a couple of games in my memory, doesn't really do that. Harris won us 2 cups being unstoppable. Brady lost us 3 being stoppable. It may hurt, but it's true. No, it's not all Brady's fault. Yes, maybe Harris had a better team around him, or weaker competition. But the fact remains that when it got really tough, Harris (and Cornish) would somehow get it done.
Yes, Brady will probably surpass Harris in records eventually. But that's partially due to availability and resiliency and health. Clearly Brady is far more disciplined, and he's heretofore avoided the lady drama that ruined AH during covid.
And maybe our OL will wise up and start making better holes for him, and REC/TE/FB blockers will actually engage D instead of air. Maybe Condell will drill in them better schemes and find ways to work to Brady's strengths. Maybe someone will block that edge guy who comes in to trip Brady while he's deciding on a hole.
Maybe they'll all figure it out and make Brady look like Rountree last game or Scott in the ESF did against us. And at that moment I'll be the first one to say Brady is now great. And if they all do this another 2-3 seasons, then I'll say Brady is better than AH and Cornish.
Brady's going to pass Harris in less time because he runs for more yards than Harris did.
Once again, Brady had 137 yards last week. No, he doesn't wrack up the TDs because he doesn't bust long ones and we always get our QB to run them in for some reason (which I hate).
Any team can take any player out of the game, it just opens up other things. Hamilton took out Brady but allowed 400 yards passing. It would have been a losing strategy if our D had showed up for the game. You keep saying he runs for 3Y a pop when his career average is 5.5 and hasn't dipped below 5.7 in the past 4 years. It's 6.3 yards across the first 2 weeks this year.
Are other RB's that good or our OL is not up to snuff?? Rag on Brady all you want, but the OL has to open up holes for him to run through. When he gets stuffed its because someone missed a block/assignment. Our O line is better than last year, but hardly a powerhouse and that affects both the running and passing game.
Quote from: Jesse on June 17, 2026, 10:38:58 PMYou keep saying he runs for 3Y a pop when his career average is 5.5 and hasn't dipped below 5.7 in the past 4 years. It's 6.3 yards across the first 2 weeks this year.
You're getting stuck in the stats. Instead, think back to '18, '19, '21 with AH33. Or go watch some of those games. I studied those games to death, especially in '19. I don't know what the stats are, but AH did more to win those games than Brady is doing. It's immediately obvious to the naked eye. Just as it is if you go back further and see that AH33 couldn't hold a candle to Cornish. It just is true, if you take the emotion and recency bias out of it.
Yes, Brady good; yes not all his fault; yes OL in '18-'21 probably better; yes maybe Brady can overcome and look better than AH. But we're losing games Right Now. I'm ornery O is so easy & effortless for HAM, SSK, BC and so darn hard for us. I single out Brady, but it's the whole WFC, from '24 to now.
Quote from: dd on June 17, 2026, 10:55:55 PMOur O line is better than last year, but hardly a powerhouse and that affects both the running and passing game.
And it's been a problem since '24. So why doesn't WFC solve it?? HAM has our Dobson & Ko-man in a fairly revamped line-up and they get instant gel and gaping holes for no-name like our D is the j.v. squad for easy 25Y explosions.
Our OL is still trying to "gel" and couldn't make a Brady hole if there was a 30kg BBQ dinner waiting for them on the other side. (They have improved in pass-pro though.)
Make it make sense. Should we start looking at the rarely-mentioned Costello?? That's a common thread throughout all these years of no-hole suckage.
Quote from: Tecno on June 17, 2026, 08:56:46 PMBut it's most games. Even his high yardage games he gets at most 1 TD.
This is what moving the goalposts look like.
Quote from: Tecno on June 17, 2026, 10:57:02 PMYou're getting stuck in the stats.
What other metric should be used to evaluate players? Vibes?
Name a player over the last three seasons who's done more on the offensive side of the ball than Oliveira.
Quote from: Tecno on June 17, 2026, 10:57:02 PMYou're getting stuck in the stats. Instead, think back to '18, '19, '21 with AH33. Or go watch some of those games. I studied those games to death, especially in '19. I don't know what the stats are, but AH did more to win those games than Brady is doing. It's immediately obvious to the naked eye. Just as it is if you go back further and see that AH33 couldn't hold a candle to Cornish. It just is true, if you take the emotion and recency bias out of it.
Yes, Brady good; yes not all his fault; yes OL in '18-'21 probably better; yes maybe Brady can overcome and look better than AH. But we're losing games Right Now. I'm ornery O is so easy & effortless for HAM, SSK, BC and so darn hard for us. I single out Brady, but it's the whole WFC, from '24 to now.
Here is what you are not considering - you are comparing 2 different players on 2 different teams. So not only the talent of the 2 players should be considered but also the overall talent of the teams. No one player is responsible for wins. No one player is responsible for losses. Too many variables. Bombers didn't win just because of Harris nor did they lose just because of Brady. Just sayin'.
Quote from: Tecno on June 17, 2026, 11:03:02 PMAnd it's been a problem since '24. So why doesn't WFC solve it?? HAM has our Dobson & Ko-man in a fairly revamped line-up and they get instant gel and gaping holes for no-name like our D is the j.v. squad for easy 25Y explosions.
Our OL is still trying to "gel" and couldn't make a Brady hole if there was a 30kg BBQ dinner waiting for them on the other side. (They have improved in pass-pro though.)
Make it make sense. Should we start looking at the rarely-mentioned Costello?? That's a common thread throughout all these years of no-hole suckage.
Just saying BO can't run through holes that aren't there, and ZC8 can't pass if he's being sacked and pressured continuously. Last year was a joke, this year he's at least getting some time to throw, but our running game stinks and because the fat boys can't block.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 16, 2026, 12:05:40 AMAccording to 3DN, Chad Kelly and HC Mike Miller got into an altercation early in the 2nd Q and Miller ended up pushing Kelly away, look forward to a mid season trade to the RB's for Dru Brown + a bunch of other assets.
https://3downnation.com/2026/06/13/the-emotions-of-the-game-toronto-argonauts-unconcerned-after-sideline-spat-between-chad-kelly-mike-miller/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/06/13/the-emotions-of-the-game-toronto-argonauts-unconcerned-after-sideline-spat-between-chad-kelly-mike-miller/)
Not sure Kelly is tradeable. The contract and the baggage...
Quote from: theaardvark on June 19, 2026, 06:47:41 PMNot sure Kelly is tradeable. The contract and the baggage...
C'mon Dinwiddie wouldn't care, he'd welcome Chad with open arms and a punch in the mouth.
I don't think Pinball has forgotten the last bad QB trade he made though.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 19, 2026, 08:07:58 PMC'mon Dinwiddie wouldn't care, he'd welcome Chad with open arms and a punch in the mouth.
Kelly is a top-3 QB still, clearly. And Dinwiddie has no one there in OTT. So ya, he'd be dying to get Kelly again.
And maybe that's the play: Kelly make his new coach so miserable and embarrassed that TOR is forced to let Kelly walk. Have to be careful though, need to do it in such a way you make TOR hate you but don't get in any league hot water. Don't want to get suspended.
It's like a CFL soap opera!