Blue Bombers Forum

You guys were nuts.  Many people begged to have Dru start even before Zach was hurt.  "Dru's the future!"  "Zach is done!"

Many were overjoyed when Zach got hurt so Dru could start.  "Dru's our savior!"  "He'll put the world of PAS to rights!"  "Only Zach throws all these INTs"

All I have to say is HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Dru is still just a backup.  He might be the best backup.  But he's a backup.  He's in year 6 (!!!!!!!!!) and he's clearly not ready.  We also should acknowledge he may NEVER be ready.  He may just be a backup.

Even slow-developing Cody started lighting it up in year 4: and he did so with much better stats than Dru's best year of 2024.

So like it or not, Zach is our guy.  And he needs to shake off the haze and come back and start next week.  Zach almost certainly would have put us in a better place vs CGY.  And with Zach you always have the hope he'll have one of his great games, which he does have.  Dru's "best" looks more like the OTT game.  Zach can also get you 2 TDs in the final 3 mins.  Dru -- good luck.

I hope the "let's roll with the hot hand and pretend Zach is still hurt so we can see what Dru has" experiment is over.  At least until Zach gets hurt again.

As for the future... we'll have to pray Elgersma devs fast, because the only way we'll win in '27 without Zach is if Elgs starts and Dru is #2... OR we buy a real QB in FA.

Remember, to throw 4 INTs, Zach had to have his finger severed, sewn back on in the locker room, bandaged up, numbed, AND wear gloves for the first and only time.

Dru, well, he just throws 4 INTs for poops and giggles while 100% healthy.

If you think Collaros was going to put up 53 points yesterday I have the LARGEST point font laugh for you.

Zach would have been sacked about five more times and probably would have developed the happiest feet the second Broxton went down.

Maybe it would have been different but it wouldn't have been better and Collaros can't throw to covered receivers any better than anyone else.

We were throughly demolished. Tom Brady wouldn't have helped us.

The oline is jelly, there's no QB that can lead this team until.the mess of an oline gets cleaned up.  O'Shea and Walters have 180 this team and it won't be fixed anytime soon. 

We have NO clear answer at QB now. Zero.

The OL corps is even worse.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 25, 2026, 11:48:11 AMIf you think Collaros was going to put up 53 points yesterday I have the LARGEST point font laugh for you.

Zach would have been sacked about five more times and probably would have developed the happiest feet the second Broxton went down.

Maybe it would have been different but it wouldn't have been better and Collaros can't throw to covered receivers any better than anyone else.

We were throughly demolished. Tom Brady wouldn't have helped us.

It was more about not having all the turnovers that required us to score 53 points. He's better at the ball control offence than Brown IMO.

However there were more lapses than Brown responsible for the loss although he certainly played poorly.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 25, 2026, 01:21:44 PMWe have NO clear answer at QB now. Zero.

The OL corps is even worse.

It's not clear whether Broxton will miss some games but it seems likely. I have already suggested bringing in D.Allen who has experience at OT.

it's never just one thing, as soon as Broxton went down i knew it was over.  i am surprised Dru didn't get hurt TBH. 

He can spin a nice ball but his decision making under pressure isn't quite there and our oline is terrible without Broxton. 

condell tried to get screen passes called but you can't just do the same thing over and over.  we should have got the ball in BO's hands more after his TD. 

if you think Dru is a backup and i don't disagree - TE will be far worse.   Perkins scrambling may have been the better option with a patchwork oline

I'm not sure what you're laughing about. Zach physically can't stay on the field right now, which is the issue.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 25, 2026, 01:23:46 PMIt's not clear whether Broxton will miss some games but it seems likely. I have already suggested bringing in D.Allen who has experience at OT.

I didn't think that was worth it. Now we may have no choice.

Quote from: Jesse on July 25, 2026, 01:25:28 PMI'm not sure what you're laughing about. Zach physically can't stay on the field right now, which is the issue.

I didn't think that was worth it. Now we may have no choice.

Yes that is now the point. I can't think of another immediate replacement unless the OL on the PR has shown something.

The Oline
The play calling
The WR group

all contributed to the loss.


So in three games, Brown is 76/114 (67%) for 905 yards and 5tds with 4ints.

In the first three games, Zach was 71/96 (74%) for 944 yards, 5tds, 2 ints.

Fairly similar overall.

Quote from: Tecno on July 25, 2026, 07:54:43 AMhe's clearly not ready.  We also should acknowledge he may NEVER be ready. 

How many practices has he had with receivers not named Demski? You can count them on one hand. This game was always going to be a problem because the D needed rest and the O needed practice. Neither got enough.

Where's your thread about Sheahan and Sergio? I feel you are ripping Dru a bit harshly here. I give him his due for putting the ball up there when we needed points. We could have just played dink and dunk and lost that way.

Quote from: Tecno on July 25, 2026, 07:54:43 AMYou guys were nuts.  Many people begged to have Dru start even before Zach was hurt.  "Dru's the future!"  "Zach is done!"

Many were overjoyed when Zach got hurt so Dru could start.  "Dru's our savior!"  "He'll put the world of PAS to rights!"  "Only Zach throws all these INTs"

All I have to say is HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Dru is still just a backup.  He might be the best backup.  But he's a backup.  He's in year 6 (!!!!!!!!!) and he's clearly not ready.  We also should acknowledge he may NEVER be ready.  He may just be a backup.

Even slow-developing Cody started lighting it up in year 4: and he did so with much better stats than Dru's best year of 2024.

So like it or not, Zach is our guy.  And he needs to shake off the haze and come back and start next week.  Zach almost certainly would have put us in a better place vs CGY.  And with Zach you always have the hope he'll have one of his great games, which he does have.  Dru's "best" looks more like the OTT game.  Zach can also get you 2 TDs in the final 3 mins.  Dru -- good luck.

I hope the "let's roll with the hot hand and pretend Zach is still hurt so we can see what Dru has" experiment is over.  At least until Zach gets hurt again.

As for the future... we'll have to pray Elgersma devs fast, because the only way we'll win in '27 without Zach is if Elgs starts and Dru is #2... OR we buy a real QB in FA.

Look up the stats on QB pressure and how it affects QB accuracy. Dru has his warts. In particular, I'm not sure Dinwiddie was wrong about his arm strength. But he was put in a pretty impossible situation last night also. He's not quite as good as I'd hoped he would be, but not quite as bad as he looked last night.

Since I crapped all over him yesterday, I'll try and balance it out.

What Dru does have is mobility, which Zach is lacking (and not getting back), but his decision making is suspect at best and he doesn't have the arm to throw himself out of trouble ( if you're going to throw a pick, throw it 40 yards downfield).

While I won't advocate for this idea, given how old/bad the Oline is, a Tre Ford type QB might be the most successful in this environment.  Right now we've got a 2026 version of Michael Bishop without the cannon.  And not having a burner threat receiver doesn't help, even though none of our QBs could hit a runner in stride.

He's getting his chance to take this team over and unfortunately he hasn't done it yet. If Zack's ready, he goes in. Either way, I don't think it's over yet for Dru Brown as a starter in this league.

I get the idea of the post Techno Zach>Dru.  But he does have the injury problems and mobility issues.  Brown is better than what he showed last game but needs to reprove that now.  At this point a decent backup.  My target price to sign him went down as a result of his performance last two games.

Quote from: BlueInCgy on July 25, 2026, 03:00:17 PMSince I crapped all over him yesterday, I'll try and balance it out.

What Dru does have is mobility, which Zach is lacking (and not getting back), but his decision making is suspect at best and he doesn't have the arm to throw himself out of trouble ( if you're going to throw a pick, throw it 40 yards downfield).

While I won't advocate for this idea, given how old/bad the Oline is, a Tre Ford type QB might be the most successful in this environment.  Right now we've got a 2026 version of Michael Bishop without the cannon.  And not having a burner threat receiver doesn't help, even though none of our QBs could hit a runner in stride.

Not advocating for the return of Streveler but he had a knack for winning unwinnable games that only Dustin Crum can match.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 25, 2026, 04:48:57 PMNot advocating for the return of Streveler but he had a knack for winning unwinnable games that only Dustin Crum can match.

Yeah, it's Dru's fault that Vaval didn't score two return TDs along with a defensive score.

Quote from: Jesse on July 25, 2026, 05:25:41 PMYeah, it's Dru's fault that Vaval didn't score two return TDs along with a defensive score.

That's a wild stretch, don't hurt yourself.

Quote from: Waffler on July 25, 2026, 02:21:51 PMHow many practices has he had with receivers not named Demski? You can count them on one hand. This game was always going to be a problem because the D needed rest and the O needed practice. Neither got enough.

Where's your thread about Sheahan and Sergio? I feel you are ripping Dru a bit harshly here. I give him his due for putting the ball up there when we needed points. We could have just played dink and dunk and lost that way.

Sheehan just plain sucks, he has for quite a while.
Sergio is inconsistent now, those funky glasses aren't helping much.
There!

Let's get Diego Pavia in here! He could be our saviour.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 25, 2026, 04:48:57 PMNot advocating for the return of Streveler but he had a knack for winning unwinnable games that only Dustin Crum can match.

Strev was a decent game manager when we had a functioning defense. He would not be able to put up enough points to win with our current D.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 25, 2026, 05:41:54 PMThat's a wild stretch, don't hurt yourself.

Strev wasn't doing anything to help us win games last year (aside from the week 1 win). The couple games we won were dependent on getting multiple scores from defense and special teams.

Wow, I am actually quite surprised at this thread really. It's easy to kick a guy when he's down after a bad game. I don't think DB is as good as some think he is, nor is he as bad as this thread has him being. The guy was constantly pressured all night, throwing off his back foot, not stepping into his throws, and that's what leads to picks. That said, he threw a ton of picks in Ottawa, but then again, their O line was atrocious. And now ours is as well.

And as bad as Brown was and as bad as our O line was, that is what we have going into next game, so play call accordingly. Get the ball out of his hands quick, dink and dunk, draw plays, screens etc. Don't drop back get under wicked pressure and start throwing up hail mary interceptions, as of all the interceptions thrown were bad throws, the DB didnt make a great play on the ball, it was a gift. Quit giving the ball away, its pretty simple, quite turning the ball over.

Incredibly, we may have to go search for a real QB. Didn't someone post that the Nies,an trophy guy was cut last week and he is amQB, albit apparently short

We aren't bringing any more QBs in at this point in the season. We traded for brown and gave up two first round draft picks in the process, we're gonna give him every opportunity to correct what needs correcting

The suggestion that Sheahan sucks simply is non factual

His punting average is up this year and has been nothing but consistent

He has rarely gets a punt blocked but that happens

Had a rough few plays to be sure but wow lets not crap on him after a bad game

Google tells me his is 2nd in gross punting and 4th in net this year.  If that sucks? What is good.

Big fan of opinions based on facts or stats

He can kick for distance decent, directional kicking is great and his trick kicks are good.  He is cheap and reliable and a middle of the pack punter.  He kickers well in all weather.  I have liked and defended him since he came here. 

Sergio is fine

This is an even more insufferable toadaso OP than those made by another poster who I won't name

Quote from: Waffler on July 25, 2026, 02:21:51 PMI give him his due for putting the ball up there when we needed points. We could have just played dink and dunk and lost that way.

We had 2 or 3 chances due to great plays by d or st where we could have easily gotten a td and gotten to within 1 score or even tied. Both times dru and Condell went for the deep or mid pass and quickly got picked or 2 and out.

We totally should have dinked and dunked. If we did on those specific drives, we would have had a far better chance of success.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 25, 2026, 11:48:11 AMZach would have been sacked about five more times and probably would have developed the happiest feet the second Broxton went down.

I would have taken the sacks over the stupid throws dru was doing. Sacks are much better than turnovers.

Quote from: blue_or_die on July 25, 2026, 10:44:32 PMThis is an even more insufferable toadaso OP than those made by another poster who I won't name

Lol, you Zach haters just don't want to admit that your savior dru will be lucky to get us a playoff berth! You thought, and said, he come in and make us better. If last night is better, I want to go back to being bad.

My whole point is more a defense of Zach than an attack on dru. Dru is doing exactly what I thought he would: be middling. There is no greatness there, and probably never will be.

With Zach you know you just might get some vestigial greatness that pulls that game out of the gutter. With dru I knew it was over.

How many times at the end did he have 3 downs to work with and just went 2 and out? 3 downs!! For 10 yards! When the d is in prevent up 2 scores! That's pathetic, even dolegala would have done better.

Yes, it's one game, yes he probably will get a bit better with more book. But he's not our best chance to win RIGHT NOW. Zach is. And whatever experiment wfc is trying to do, it needs to stop and Zach needs to get back on.

Heaven help us if Zach is held off for the full 6 games.

Quote from: Blueforlife on July 25, 2026, 03:04:29 PMI get the idea of the post Techno Zach>Dru.  But he does have the injury problems and mobility issues.

I'm responding to earlier season posts where many wanted dru to dress even with a fully healthy Zach. That's clearly insane now. That is the point.

Yes, Zach gets sidelined by a slight bump, yes that sucks. So let's keep him from getting bumped as best we can. And when he does get bumped, then dru can play. The point is if you have Zach, you play Zach. At least for this season.

Also, Zach isn't mobile, but dru isn't either. I didn't see many signs of high mobility or escapability last night! In fact, I mostly remember him turtling and taking a ton of sacks! In reality, Zach and dru are so much alike. But one was good enough to get to 5 cups...

Quote from: The Zipp on July 25, 2026, 01:24:57 PMit's never just one thing, as soon as Broxton went down i knew it was over.  i am surprised Dru didn't get hurt TBH. 

He can spin a nice ball but his decision making under pressure isn't quite there and our oline is terrible without Broxton. 

condell tried to get screen passes called but you can't just do the same thing over and over.  we should have got the ball in BO's hands more after his TD. 

if you think Dru is a backup and i don't disagree - TE will be far worse.   Perkins scrambling may have been the better option with a patchwork oline

Problem is our LT was worse than our replacement RT !

Quote from: BBFANDM on July 26, 2026, 06:34:34 AMProblem is our LT was worse than our replacement RT !

And if he keeps going downhill at a rapid pace (and it is accelerating) then I would fully expect Mafia to do something.  You could easily have him "stub his toe" and go 6G for the rest of the season.  He still gets his full paycheck, and we recapture a lot of the SMS.

If he stays at the current level, he's probably still in.  But much more deterioration and he's out.

The BIG problem is there is no one to replace him at OT, specifically RT once Broxton moves to LT.  The new combo of Broxton+? would have to be stronger than Stan+Broxton.  And that may be impossible this season.

McGloster isn't playing.  Not sure if someone has him on the PR or not.  He was the winning RT in MTL for their GC win.  If he's in shape he could be a reasonable option until FA27.  P.S. Vant isn't the answer, so forget about him doing OT.

Davis Alexander superstar in year 3
Chad Kelly superstar in year 2
Nathan Rourke superstar in year 2
Bo Levi Mitchell superstar in year 3
Trevor Harris superstar in year 4
Zach Collaros superstar in year 3

All the above have won, or probably will win, a GC.

Dru Brown: 1 good year in year 4 (2024) (superstar? most would say no).  He's now in year 6.  There are only 2 other current QBs who weren't clearly superstars by year 3 (or 4 in the strange Trevor case): Cody and VAJ.  Both of those one could say are now, at least, "pretty darn good".

BUT, in the same time span we've seen a ton of QBs that flashed for 1 year (or part of one) then went all the heck.  Jennings, Franklin, Arbuckle, Evans, Masoli...

The question is, did we already see Dru's best season?  Or can he string a couple together like Evans managed?  The whole point of him being here is he's already at "pretty good" territory.  What if it's more like Jenning's "already totally way downhill" phase?

And I don't even want to think about the future... trading 2 1RDPs for him hints that he was a consideration as franchise QB.  If he clearly sucks then that's a sunk cost and we're still searching come '27 if Zach quits.

Quote from: Tecno on July 26, 2026, 05:03:06 AMI would have taken the sacks over the stupid throws dru was doing. Sacks are much better than turnovers.

But Zach can't take the sacks anymore.

I don't get the Dru hate. Especially coming from an admitted Matt Nichols fan. You might say the two are cut from the same mold.

To me the entire problem is the lack of practice with new receivers. How are they supposed to be on the same page? Twice we had one practice weeks. MOS in all his wisdom had Dru in civies the first week we had him instead of on the field. Maybe they were trying to decide how to keep all the QB bodies but it didn't help.

Bottom line is that he won 2 of 3 games for us. The one he lost was on a short week and where we had major malfunctions on virtually every other part of the team. I mean, we lost to Calgary on special teams. That should never happen.

Quote from: Waffler on July 26, 2026, 01:29:53 PMI don't get the Dru hate. Especially coming from an admitted Matt Nichols fan. You might say the two are cut from the same mold.

To me the entire problem is the lack of practice with new receivers. How are they supposed to be on the same page? Twice we had one practice weeks. MOS in all his wisdom had Dru in civies the first week we had him instead of on the field. Maybe they were trying to decide how to keep all the QB bodies but it didn't help.

Bottom line is that he won 2 of 3 games for us. The one he lost was on a short week and where we had major malfunctions on virtually every other part of the team. I mean, we lost to Calgary on special teams. That should never happen.

Agreed. It was a total team loss in the truest sense I think. That doesn't mean everyone but Dru but it means everyone and Dru.

Quote from: Tecno on July 26, 2026, 05:17:53 AMI'm responding to earlier season posts where many wanted dru to dress even with a fully healthy Zach. That's clearly insane now. That is the point.

Yes, Zach gets sidelined by a slight bump, yes that sucks. So let's keep him from getting bumped as best we can. And when he does get bumped, then dru can play. The point is if you have Zach, you play Zach. At least for this season.

Also, Zach isn't mobile, but dru isn't either. I didn't see many signs of high mobility or escapability last night! In fact, I mostly remember him turtling and taking a ton of sacks! In reality, Zach and dru are so much alike. But one was good enough to get to 5 cups...

I agree all. Yes the forum went a little Druski crazy there for a bit but I get why.  Many gave up on Zach a bit ago. It's clear you and I haven't.  Dru will be a good option until our leader gets back.  Good point on his mobility and yes they are similar.  Both can sling, both will throw bad ducks.  Both don't throw it away enough.  The difference is Zach has better touch on the ball, has the experience edge and can read a D better.  It's a good combo to have.  If late in the season Zach is healthy again and confident and this string of games can help Dru get more comfortable here we should be ok.  To me this team won't live or die on the back of our QB play but depends on the health of our OL and we need to get Brady cooking.  He can't cook if he isn't in the kitchen enough imo.  He ain't cooking as a wide out on the wide side of the field.  Bring Brady home I cry, between the tackles baby.

Quote from: Tecno on July 26, 2026, 07:28:03 AMDavis Alexander superstar in year 3
Chad Kelly superstar in year 2
Nathan Rourke superstar in year 2
Bo Levi Mitchell superstar in year 3
Trevor Harris superstar in year 4
Zach Collaros superstar in year 3

All the above have won, or probably will win, a GC.

Dru Brown: 1 good year in year 4 (2024) (superstar? most would say no).  He's now in year 6.  There are only 2 other current QBs who weren't clearly superstars by year 3 (or 4 in the strange Trevor case): Cody and VAJ.  Both of those one could say are now, at least, "pretty darn good".

BUT, in the same time span we've seen a ton of QBs that flashed for 1 year (or part of one) then went all the heck.  Jennings, Franklin, Arbuckle, Evans, Masoli...

The question is, did we already see Dru's best season?  Or can he string a couple together like Evans managed?  The whole point of him being here is he's already at "pretty good" territory.  What if it's more like Jenning's "already totally way downhill" phase?

And I don't even want to think about the future... trading 2 1RDPs for him hints that he was a consideration as franchise QB.  If he clearly sucks then that's a sunk cost and we're still searching come '27 if Zach quits.

Dru is what he is.  A decent QB.  Will never be elite but can likely be good most nights and at the right price is exactly what we need as we develop our next big gun.

Eh, this is a pretty silly thread to start (what even is that title?) because it seems to ignore other, more glaring issues on this team at the moment. And it also seems to ignore the two wins Brown helped this team accomplish, one being a solid comeback on the road.

Had it been Collaros in the pocket instead, he'd have probably taken a bunch of bad hits after Broxton went down and chances are he'd have also left the game with another neck injury (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/concussion-sign-symptoms.html) and be out for a prolonged period like he already is.

Brown had a pretty awful game but did anyone outside of Oliveira stick out on offense the other night? Demski and Wilson get HMs but that's it.
Broxton goes down and the O-line is basically cooked, along with the offense.
The O-line is a major issue right now. Talent has departed, depth has dried up, and two pillars in Bryant and Neufeld have clearly aged out and all that needs to be addressed before we start debating who's the better option at QB.

It starts in the trenches, IMO. Neither Collaros nor Brown can be consistently successful without a capable O-line.

Agreed. Just watched the game again and on one play hicks beats his initial blocker at the LOS and the rn Stan smiles and waves at him. Our blocking is horrendous.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 26, 2026, 06:03:05 PMAnd it also seems to ignore the two wins Brown helped this team accomplish, one being a solid comeback on the road.

It can be all of the above.  I'm not saying Dru is Dolegala, I've already said he's probably the best CFL backup.  So wins against 2 non-top teams are great, and show he's ok, but it still doesn't disprove my point that Zach needs to be our man.

The only way Dru takes you to a cup this year is if he has a division-best team behind him.  And since we might be division-worst (or a middling) team, Dru provides us no hope beyond getting a few wins and being 1&done.  Whereas Zach always gives you the hope, if he stays upright, that he can pull a T.Harris or BLM and go on a tear late-career.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 26, 2026, 06:03:05 PMHad it been Collaros in the pocket instead, he'd have probably taken a bunch of bad hits after Broxton went down and chances are he'd have also left the game with another

Sure, and I didn't say otherwise.  But our best bet still is to have Zach start, and Dru take over if needed.  Unless you want to pre-doom Zach to taking a head-knocking hit every game he plays?

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 26, 2026, 06:03:05 PMBrown had a pretty awful game but did anyone outside of Oliveira stick out on offense the other night? Demski and Wilson get HMs but that's it.
Broxton goes down and the O-line is basically cooked, along with the offense.
The O-line is a major issue right now. Talent has departed, depth has dried up, and two pillars in Bryant and Neufeld have clearly aged out and all that needs to be addressed before we start debating who's the better option at QB.

Again, it's both-and, not either-or.  Zach can be our best option and the team can suck.  In fact, the team sucking requires a special QB who can elevate and make up for it.  Just like Dickenson The Greater said in the Maier years: "We're a team that depends on top QB play, and we don't have that right now".  Our team is now CGY 2022.  We need top QB play to make up for the underachieving RECs and stinky OL.

Out of all our options, Zach is the best bet to fill that role.  Not Dru.  Enough with the precautions, enough with the Dru "test run".  Put Zach back.

Quote from: Waffler on July 26, 2026, 01:29:53 PMI don't get the Dru hate. Especially coming from an admitted Matt Nichols fan. You might say the two are cut from the same mold.

To me the entire problem is the lack of practice with new receivers. How are they supposed to be on the same page? Twice we had one practice weeks. MOS in all his wisdom had Dru in civies the first week we had him instead of on the field. Maybe they were trying to decide how to keep all the QB bodies but it didn't help.

As B4L said, Dru is much more Zach than either is Nichols.  OK ya, Dru has chucked 1-2 away to avoid a sack.  Yes, Zach rarely does.  But Nichols would chuck anything that had any pressure or any "first 2-3 reads aren't there" into the stands in an instant.  Dru likes to sling it, even when it's tight, just like Zach.  Dru likes the middle and deep looks, just like Zach.

Fully agree on practice being a joke.  This is another "short week" so are they going to do just one practice again?  MOS says he's hamstrung by league rules, no pads, etc; but other teams are managing to field teams that are practiced and ready!  Figure out what they are doing and duplicate it.  I bet half the teams are totally bending the rules.

Quote from: Tecno on July 27, 2026, 06:13:55 AMThis is another "short week" so are they going to do just one practice again?  MOS says he's hamstrung by league rules, no pads, etc; but other teams are managing to field teams that are practiced and ready!  Figure out what they are doing and duplicate it.  I bet half the teams are totally bending the rules.

Two this week BUT... today's practice is only one hour and 15 minutes. Very short.  Tomorrow closed.

Quote from: Waffler on July 27, 2026, 02:12:10 PMTwo this week BUT... today's practice is only one hour and 15 minutes. Very short.  Tomorrow closed.

Also a humidex of 40 degrees today. The sun already feels crazy hot.

I know we all want to see more practices, but there are other factors that go into these things.

Quote from: Jesse on July 27, 2026, 03:19:44 PMAlso a humidex of 40 degrees today. The sun already feels crazy hot.

I know we all want to see more practices, but there are other factors that go into these things.

I just got back from a 10k run, and I'm 67. Suck it up!
Of course I'm not 350 lbs either :D

Quote from: bunker on July 27, 2026, 03:59:33 PMI just got back from a 10k run, and I'm 67. Suck it up!
Of course I'm not 350 lbs either :D

Me too! But notice how we went earlier in the day, lol. Because it's gonna be hot!

Dru had a bad game.  Team got behind early, and he had to abandon the run game as a crutch. 

The he lost his RT, and sorry, Gabe is NOT the answer at OT.  And Stan, well, I'm surprised he wasn't throwing up.

Yes, sacks are preferrable to picks.  In many cases, though, they net about the same.  The loss plus the punt minus the return, its not a big difference.  Not saying I'd prefer the pick, just saying its not as big a deal.

And again, he's had a few weeks with this receiver group.  On some of his throws that were not completions, you see the receiver clearly not where Dru thought they would be.  Whether is is a reaction to the DB or just a receiver tendency to move left rather than right to get open, it takes time to gel.

Is Dru the perfect answer in this moment?  Nope.  Is he the best answer, probably.  Is he the only answer, nope.

Can we go to Elgersma and Streveler out some wins?  Sure.

Can Perkins come in and be a "no film on him" surprise?  Sure.

Would either of those options crush Dru's confidence?  I sure hope not.

Quote from: Jesse on July 27, 2026, 03:19:44 PMAlso a humidex of 40 degrees today. The sun already feels crazy hot.

I know we all want to see more practices, but there are other factors that go into these things.

Yeah maybe they should turn up the heat more by lighting a fire under the butts of some players. It's not an extensive list but we know which players we're thinking about.

Quote from: Tecno on July 26, 2026, 05:12:04 AMLol, you Zach haters just don't want to admit that your savior dru will be lucky to get us a playoff berth! You thought, and said, he come in and make us better. If last night is better, I want to go back to being bad.

My whole point is more a defense of Zach than an attack on dru. Dru is doing exactly what I thought he would: be middling. There is no greatness there, and probably never will be.

With Zach you know you just might get some vestigial greatness that pulls that game out of the gutter. With dru I knew it was over.

How many times at the end did he have 3 downs to work with and just went 2 and out? 3 downs!! For 10 yards! When the d is in prevent up 2 scores! That's pathetic, even dolegala would have done better.

Yes, it's one game, yes he probably will get a bit better with more book. But he's not our best chance to win RIGHT NOW. Zach is. And whatever experiment wfc is trying to do, it needs to stop and Zach needs to get back on.

Heaven help us if Zach is held off for the full 6 games.

I mean, out of everyone I'd say I was hopeful Dru would come in and show he could be the future since Collaros literally cannot be the guy for much longer. I hadn't and still haven't given up on him. Also, this never had to be "Dru vs. Zach" and it's unfortunate that so many made it that way. They play on the same team and ideally they both would be able to play well.

What I was attacking here is the attitude you're portraying about it. It's completely unhinged and childish. Reading stuff like it just makes me want to disengage from talking about the Bombers/CFL online entirely.

Quote from: Waffler on July 27, 2026, 02:12:10 PMTwo this week BUT... today's practice is only one hour and 15 minutes. Very short.  Tomorrow closed.

It's open to the public for 1 hour and 15 minutes. But, the boy's got on the field 45 minutes before the doors open today. Probably most of that is warm up, but it's still a 2 hour practice. Very little to none standing around time. It was also nice to see Kramdi going over video with Holm, Nichols, and Kelly. ZC8 was doing a lot of coaching. Lawson was working with Krony, and Schemekel. 

Quote from: Pigskin on July 27, 2026, 10:41:26 PMIt's open to the public for 1 hour and 15 minutes. But, the boy's got on the field 45 minutes before the doors open today.

This was just the guys wanting to be out there early? Or was it organized by and with the coaches?  How did you find out if you don't mind me asking. Only one practice a week is allowed to be closed, almost half of this one was?

Quote from: Pigskin on July 27, 2026, 10:41:26 PMIt's open to the public for 1 hour and 15 minutes. But, the boy's got on the field 45 minutes before the doors open today. Probably most of that is warm up, but it's still a 2 hour practice.

But still, 2 hours? 2 days a week? Most of us work 8 hours.

Does the team mandate they spend the other 6 hours doing weights and film and other prep?

When our team is so bad, if I was the boss I'd be forcing these guys to do whatever it takes to be better for the entire maximum amount of time allowed by the contract. And then demand they do more on their own time.

Quote from: blue_or_die on July 27, 2026, 09:08:32 PMWhat I was attacking here is the attitude you're portraying about it. It's completely unhinged and childish. Reading stuff like it just makes me want to disengage from talking about the Bombers/CFL online entirely.

I was poking fun at the many posters who said, before Zach got hurt, that we should bench Zach in favour of dru. That's my entire point. They were sounding equally goofy when they were doing that!

Of course we all want both qbs to be great for us. Zach needs to be a great starter. Dru needs to be a great backup, and maybe future starter. But right at this moment we need Zach back.

I pray, for everyone's sake, that dru plays well and we eke out a win against a hopeless bc team... Because if not, the boobirds are gonna come out at PAS!

Dustin: "but 4 interceptions tonight, and bombers fans will definitely want to see [Zach] at quarterback I would think"

Wilson: "and you just don't know anything about football if you don't"

Immediately after: Dru throws a near-guaranteed pick-6 wide out, but DB's can't catch, so...

Now, I'm not a fan of Wilson, and don't really value his opinion, but a lot of people here have warmed up to him, and so they might.  For sure, it is a data point.

2 1RDPs, eh?  Have 3 (soon 4) games met the threshold to lose that '28 DP?

Quote from: Waffler on July 27, 2026, 11:19:20 PMThis was just the guys wanting to be out there early? Or was it organized by and with the coaches?  How did you find out if you don't mind me asking. Only one practice a week is allowed to be closed, almost half of this one was?

Quote from: Tecno on July 28, 2026, 04:56:02 AMBut still, 2 hours? 2 days a week? Most of us work 8 hours.

Does the team mandate they spend the other 6 hours doing weights and film and other prep?

When our team is so bad, if I was the boss I'd be forcing these guys to do whatever it takes to be better for the entire maximum amount of time allowed by the contract. And then demand they do more on their own time.

We went over this last year. Practice is only part of a players day. In the case of our house quest. He's usually gone for 6-8 hours per day between the weight room, trainers room, practice, lunch, video, and physio if he needs it. This is not a 2 hour a day job.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 28, 2026, 11:44:56 AMWe went over this last year. Practice is only part of a players day. In the case of our house quest. He's usually gone for 6-8 hours per day between the weight room, trainers room, practice, lunch, video, and physio if he needs it. This is not a 2 hour a day job.

Good!  I should hope so.  But doesn't it still seem strange 1.25 hours is for practice and 5-7 hours for everything else?  Weights should not be lifted every single day -- you need rest/recovery days.  And I doubt they spend 4 hours a day in film (excluding QBs!).  It still doesn't seem to add up.

I think a lot of us wonder why they don't practice like 3 hours each time... the same duration as a game.  Wouldn't that help with conditioning, too?  I know there are strict rules about padded practice, but doesn't the CFLBA allow for more than 1.25 hours a day in non-padded practice?

If we can't improve because we can't practice then I hate to say we are complete toast this season, because the current talent and gel level is horrifically inadequate compared to the top 3-4 teams.

Quote from: Tecno on July 28, 2026, 12:05:02 PMGood!  I should hope so.  But doesn't it still seem strange 1.25 hours is for practice and 5-7 hours for everything else?  Weights should not be lifted every single day -- you need rest/recovery days.  And I doubt they spend 4 hours a day in film (excluding QBs!).  It still doesn't seem to add up.

I think a lot of us wonder why they don't practice like 3 hours each time... the same duration as a game.  Wouldn't that help with conditioning, too?  I know there are strict rules about padded practice, but doesn't the CFLBA allow for more than 1.25 hours a day in non-padded practice?

If we can't improve because we can't practice then I hate to say we are complete toast this season, because the current talent and gel level is horrifically inadequate compared to the top 3-4 teams.

You do that for three hours a day and you're going to get blown out 70-3 on game day.

Pigskin already listed a bunch of their activities that they do apart from that. It absolutely all adds up. None of our issues are coming from the fact that we practice less than other teams.

On. A day llke monday, generally a recuperative day, does the team break down film, discuss strategies for the next team etc?
To me we havent game planned for specific teams enough. Ie allowing rankin to run over us while other teams have held him in check. We had no answers for McCallister or even Philpot.
For BC are we breaking down new qbs, and planning for Hatcher and Mcinnis?
  We seem to just go out and play our game then adjust when other teams have scouted us to limit our effectiveness

Quote from: Pigskin on July 28, 2026, 11:44:56 AMWe went over this last year. Practice is only part of a players day. In the case of our house quest. He's usually gone for 6-8 hours per day between the weight room, trainers room, practice, lunch, video, and physio if he needs it. This is not a 2 hour a day job.

I knew some stayed out after practice to work on things and that they are on the field early but 45 minutes early was kind of a surprise.

I would never suggest they don't put in a full day's work but some things they can only get on the field. Right now Dru Brown needs to know what his receivers will do and they need to know his ways also. They need reps.

Appreciate the info. Thanks Pigskin.

Quote from: Pete on July 28, 2026, 01:26:14 PMOn. A day llke monday, generally a recuperative day, does the team break down film, discuss strategies for the next team etc?
To me we havent game planned for specific teams enough. Ie allowing rankin to run over us while other teams have held him in check. We had no answers for McCallister or even Philpot.
For BC are we breaking down new qbs, and planning for Hatcher and Mcinnis?
  We seem to just go out and play our game then adjust when other teams have scouted us to limit our effectiveness

Rankin was averaging around 220 all purpose yards in the early part of the season when we faced him. He got 100 yards on the ground and we shut his passing work down completely. If anything, we gave the league the blue print.

Our run defence has been much better since that point as well. And going back to the last couple games, the coverage has seemingly been there against receivers, but we've had a missed tackle problem. I really don't think this is a game-planning issue. That's just not what we're seeing (on defence anyway).

Quote from: Tecno on July 27, 2026, 06:09:58 AMThe only way Dru takes you to a cup this year is if he has a division-best team behind him.

This statement can be applied to 99% of QBs in this league, if not all of them. That includes Collaros.

Quote from: Tecno on July 27, 2026, 06:09:58 AM...you want to pre-doom Zach to taking a head-knocking hit every game he plays?

What does that even mean? Discussing Collaros' well-documented issues with concussions on a forum has zero effect on anything, and it doesn't "pre-doom" him should he return once healthy. Superstition is for idiots, BTW.

Quote from: Tecno on July 27, 2026, 06:09:58 AMOut of all our options, a healthy Zach is the best bet to fill that role.  Not Dru.  Enough with the precautions, enough with the Dru "test run".  Put Zach back.

FTFY

The only way Collaros is a better option is if he's healthy enough to play. He's on the 6-game for a reason. Rushing him back would be shortsighted and foolish considering his injury history.

Quote from: Tecno on July 28, 2026, 05:02:48 AMI was poking fun at the many posters who said, before Zach got hurt, that we should bench Zach in favour of dru.

Pretty bold claim. Who said that?

Quote from: Tecno on July 28, 2026, 05:02:48 AMI was poking fun at the many posters who said, before Zach got hurt, that we should bench Zach in favour of dru. That's my entire point. They were sounding equally goofy when they were doing that!

Of course we all want both qbs to be great for us. Zach needs to be a great starter. Dru needs to be a great backup, and maybe future starter. But right at this moment we need Zach back.

I pray, for everyone's sake, that dru plays well and we eke out a win against a hopeless bc team... Because if not, the boobirds are gonna come out at PAS!

The sad realization is that with middling QB's you end up with middling results.  Pretty unlikely this team can rise like a Phoenix this season and beat the better teams down the stretch and in the playoffs, a return to the GC may have to become a longer term plan focused on Elgersma.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 28, 2026, 05:28:14 PMThe sad realization is that with middling QB's you end up with middling results.  Pretty unlikely this team can rise like a Phoenix this season and beat the better teams down the stretch and in the playoffs, a return to the GC may have to become a longer term plan focused on Elgersma.

Meh. Before the season started, everyone had BC and Hammy at the top of the rankings. It's a long season and you never know what's gonna happen.

BC and Hamilton have been hit hardest by the injury bug. 

Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 05:56:45 PMMeh. Before the season started, everyone had BC and Hammy at the top of the rankings. It's a long season and you never know what's gonna happen.

Neither of those 2 teams have really achieved or maintained top tier status, Montreal and Sask. remain on top, with the Elks and the Stamps on the rise.  Argos are often the wildcard who can overachieve and make hay later in the season. Bombers are stuck at middling right now, LDC and the Banjo Bowl will be their litmus test to show whether they can compete with the better teams or not. Last season they failed the test.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 28, 2026, 06:33:04 PMNeither of those 2 teams have really achieved or maintained top tier status, Montreal and Sask. remain on top, with the Elks and the Stamps on the rise.  Argos are often the wildcard who can overachieve and make hay later in the season. Bombers are stuck at middling right now, LDC and the Banjo Bowl will be their litmus test to show whether they can compete with the better teams or not. Last season they failed the test.

As presently constituted, I can't see us being competitive against Sask unless Harris gets injured.

Quote from: bunker on July 28, 2026, 07:09:42 PMAs presently constituted, I can't see us being competitive against Sask unless Harris gets injured.

The way we played last game, we'll be hard pressed to beat teams that are dressing raw rookies as their Qb, forget facing legit #1 Qb's, we'll be shredded.

I get that demoting a guy (benching) can hurt his confidence.  But letting him go out and get trounced again, is that worse?

Perkins has a Superbowl ring, was a league MVP in the USFL, and we brought him here for a reason.  And then Elgersma came north, and Dru fell into our laps.

What is the downside to giving Perkins a week of first team reps, and letting him show us his game?  He's been in the room all year, and without Elgersma and Brown here, he'd most likely be starting.

It takes 4 downers a bit to adapt to the waggle and the yard, but he's been here long enough to adapt.

As an alternative, let's use him in a Strevy package.  Come in for SY, stay in in tempo and take advantage of the D jumbo.  And then we get a glimpse of him in game time action.

Dru is not going to keep throwing 7 picks a game, it will slow down for him, his Oline will get better, and his chemistry with the rec corps will improve.

BC is coming in with their 3rd stringer now, and he had some nice zip on passes last game.  Lets give them a QB they have no film on.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 28, 2026, 07:37:32 PMI get that demoting a guy (benching) can hurt his confidence.  But letting him go out and get trounced again, is that worse?

Perkins has a Superbowl ring, was a league MVP in the USFL, and we brought him here for a reason.  And then Elgersma came north, and Dru fell into our laps.

What is the downside to giving Perkins a week of first team reps, and letting him show us his game?  He's been in the room all year, and without Elgersma and Brown here, he'd most likely be starting.

It takes 4 downers a bit to adapt to the waggle and the yard, but he's been here long enough to adapt.

As an alternative, let's use him in a Strevy package.  Come in for SY, stay in in tempo and take advantage of the D jumbo.  And then we get a glimpse of him in game time action.

Dru is not going to keep throwing 7 picks a game, it will slow down for him, his Oline will get better, and his chemistry with the rec corps will improve.

BC is coming in with their 3rd stringer now, and he had some nice zip on passes last game.  Lets give them a QB they have no film on.

Bad idea. One of the few advantages we have this game is we are trotting out a veteran CFL QB, who, although he has his warts, has shown he can be effective if he's given some time in the pocket. They are playing a young rookie with no CFL experience. And your suggesting we give up this advantage for...the hope that Perkins shows something that was so absent to the coaches during preseason that another raw rookie, TE beat him out as the #2?
 
Perkins is good at SY, let him do what he's good at.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 28, 2026, 07:37:32 PMPerkins has a Superbowl ring, was a league MVP in the USFL, and we brought him here for a reason.

To run the SY package.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 28, 2026, 07:37:32 PMI get that demoting a guy (benching) can hurt his confidence.  But letting him go out and get trounced again, is that worse?

Perkins has a Superbowl ring, was a league MVP in the USFL, and we brought him here for a reason.  And then Elgersma came north, and Dru fell into our laps.

What is the downside to giving Perkins a week of first team reps, and letting him show us his game?  He's been in the room all year, and without Elgersma and Brown here, he'd most likely be starting.

It takes 4 downers a bit to adapt to the waggle and the yard, but he's been here long enough to adapt.

As an alternative, let's use him in a Strevy package.  Come in for SY, stay in in tempo and take advantage of the D jumbo.  And then we get a glimpse of him in game time action.

Dru is not going to keep throwing 7 picks a game, it will slow down for him, his Oline will get better, and his chemistry with the rec corps will improve.

BC is coming in with their 3rd stringer now, and he had some nice zip on passes last game.  Lets give them a QB they have no film on.

I hear what you're saying. Brown had a tough game last game, the game was over, there was no hope of winning, why not put Perkins in to see what he can do for a couple of series even if its garbage time, take a negative (losing the game) and turn it into a positive (evaluate a Qb who hasn't had any snaps but has some impressive exerience)

Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 08:16:02 PMTo run the SY package.

We had Wilson, who had excelled at SY.  Perkins has the credentials and experience to be a starter in this league, and that's why we brought him in. To compete for the position of ZC8's backup and heir apparent.

He definitely was not brought in for SY, and he definitely did not come north for that.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 28, 2026, 02:00:14 PMPretty bold claim. Who said that?

I'm with Techno it happened.  There has been a small but vocal group that lost confidence in Zach long ago.  They suggested not resigning him, thought we should move on, didn't like what we are paying him etc.  That same group or a sub group of that suggested that Dru should start ahead of him.  It happened.  Do I remember who or how many, no, but it did happen.  Techno doesn't make stuff up.  He was poking fun.  It wasn't bold nor a claim.  It was a factual razz.  And a "pretty" good one.  Lol.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 12:44:20 AMWe had Wilson, who had excelled at SY.  Perkins has the credentials and experience to be a starter in this league, and that's why we brought him in. To compete for the position of ZC8's backup and heir apparent.

He definitely was not brought in for SY, and he definitely did not come north for that.

His experience is kinda didly squat. He's a 29 year old CFL rookie whose strength is his athleticism. He was immediately put in the SY position while Elgersma was elevated above him. And Dru was brought in at the first opportunity. He was brought in for a single reason and he is doing just that.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 12:44:20 AMHe definitely was not brought in for SY, and he definitely did not come north for that.

If he's not happy getting paid to play the UFL beckons.

QuoteHis experience is kinda didly squat. He's a 29 year old CFL rookie whose strength is his athleticism. He was immediately put in the SY position while Elgersma was elevated above him. And Dru was brought in at the first opportunity. He was brought in for a single reason and he is doing just that.

It is strange that elgerma, a raw rookie, who couldn't make a UFL team, is higher on our depth chart than a fella who was MVP of the league, it just makes no sense. If you can't give the MVP of the UFL an opportunity, forget about recruiting from that league altogether

Quote from: dd on July 29, 2026, 02:39:59 AMIt is strange that elgerma, a raw rookie, who couldn't make a UFL team, is higher on our depth chart than a fella who was MVP of the league, it just makes no sense. If you can't give the MVP of the UFL an opportunity, forget about recruiting from that league altogether

It wasn't that Elgersma couldn't make a UFL team, he had trouble getting a work permit because he didn't apply for one early enough.

Quote from: Jesse on July 29, 2026, 01:52:23 AMHis experience is kinda didly squat. He's a 29 year old CFL rookie whose strength is his athleticism. He was immediately put in the SY position while Elgersma was elevated above him. And Dru was brought in at the first opportunity. He was brought in for a single reason and he is doing just that.

You missed my point.

When Perkins was signed, we had ZC8 and Wilson under contract.  That's the playing field Perkins thought he was competing with.  I know, any player has to anticipate personnel changes, but that was the lay of the land at that moment.

You may say that he has no experience, and as far as 3 down, sure.  But he didn't sign here because he was out of options.  He was MVP in the USFL last year, pretty sure he'd have a choice of gigs there.  But he wanted more, and starting in the CFL would be a step up from starting in the USFL. 

But running SY on a CFL team is nothing special, I think he'd prefer to actually play down south.  The arrival of Elgersma was an unexpected hurdle.   And no one ever expected Dru to come available.

So, yeah, our QB room is complicated.  ZC8's injury.  Dru's bad game.  Elgersma's early m'eh showing.

What is the downside to giving Perkins the rock against a wounded BC team and their third string QB?

Quote from: dd on July 29, 2026, 02:39:59 AMIt is strange that elgerma, a raw rookie, who couldn't make a UFL team, is higher on our depth chart than a fella who was MVP of the league

Because

1. Elgs is NAT and if we can start a NAT QB in 2-3 seasons we have a huge ratio advantage

and

2. Elgs is, what, 24?  Perkins 30-ish?  No one knows Elg's upside, and he has a huge dev capacity.  Perkins is probably set at what he is now.

Quote from: bunker on July 28, 2026, 07:52:34 PMBad idea. One of the few advantages we have this game is we are trotting out a veteran CFL QB, who, although he has his warts, has shown he can be effective if he's given some time in the pocket.

Except our QBs have no time in the pocket if any shuffling occurs.  Whoever starts vs BC is going to be running for their life should Broxton be out.  In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Dru gets royally creamed and HE has to leave the game.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 28, 2026, 07:37:32 PMWhat is the downside to giving Perkins a week of first team reps, and letting him show us his game?  He's been in the room all year, and without Elgersma and Brown here, he'd most likely be starting.

The downside is 2 lost 1RDPs.  The price of Dru means we need to max-play Dru.  Anything less is to admit total failure and mental miasma.

As for Perkins playing, I actually agree with you it would be fun to see what he can do (hopefully better than the PS!), but only if the #1 gets injured first.  50/50 chance Perkins pulls off some magic and win -- or completely Brohm's it out.  No way you start Perkins "just because".

Quote from: dd on July 28, 2026, 07:27:41 PMThe way we played last game, we'll be hard pressed to beat teams that are dressing raw rookies as their Qb, forget facing legit #1 Qb's, we'll be shredded.

I totally agree.  On rewatch of the game I was thinking the entire time, "can this team beat a QBless-BC?".  And I'm trying very hard to be nice & generous & optimistic, and I'm like "can they??".  Absolutely nothing convinced me that we can win against a injury-laden BC.  And that's a crying shame.  I don't think it's a slam dunk loss either, it's the fact we're even thinking about it that is pathetic.

Like MOS said: for this last game it wasn't a case of "every guy would like 1 play back: it's more like 2 or more" (paraphrase).  My "bad plays" list on the GB&U proves he's not wrong.

Sad.

Quote from: TBURGESS on July 28, 2026, 05:58:13 PMBC and Hamilton have been hit hardest by the injury bug.

Not if BC has Rourke back for vs us or their game next week, which Farhan seems desperate to believe.  A couple of missing OL don't matter to them, Rourke will just bootleg everything or run for 1st downs himself.  Our team?? We ain't doing any of that!!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 28, 2026, 05:28:14 PMa return to the GC may have to become a longer term plan focused on Elgersma.

An interesting point to ponder.  What if "trying for the cup" was abandoned already in '25?  We all wondered why we put together such a lackluster garbage pile in our home GC year.  Maybe we wanted to? -- for some sort of longer term gain? (Not sure what that might be though!)

Should we then think of this season as a rebuild year?  And yet, normally in rebuilds you want to maximize your future DPs and NAT situation and sign high-end FA to long term deals.  No sure we're doing this right.

At least we did lock Brady into 3 years!  Haha Brady, better get used to losing!

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 28, 2026, 02:00:14 PMWhat does that even mean? Discussing Collaros' well-documented issues with concussions on a forum has zero effect on anything, and it doesn't "pre-doom" him should he return once healthy. Superstition is for idiots, BTW.

I meant many fans pre-doom Zach to getting knocked out of almost every game he starts.  As in they think the odds of him staying upright more than 1-2 games in a row approaches zero.  It's not "superstition", it's calculating probabilities based on actual occurrences.

My point is I think we need to always give him the benefit of the doubt that he can remain healthy.  Otherwise, why is he even still playing?  Yes, I'm being overly optimistic and putting my head in the sand somewhat.  But it's no worse than every MTL fan believing that hammy can last a whole season...

Quote from: Pete on July 28, 2026, 01:26:14 PMWe seem to just go out and play our game then adjust when other teams have scouted us to limit our effectiveness

Except we're lucky if we adjust  :D  :D

MOS/Younger/Condell have talked a bit more "process" this year (which I love!).  They do mention that they tailor our schemes to match the opponent.  One of them said something like they study film on them from their last 3-4 games or whatever, plus when we last played them.  I would assume this means planning around how the other team does things, tendencies, their process, etc.

That's what we hope, anyway!

But a couple of times this year we've had post-games (like this last one) where players/coaches are saying "they did some new things", "we didn't expect these things".  Well, if you didn't see it coming, then your planning isn't good enough.  Your strategic ability sucks.  Why?  Because all the other teams are being strategic enough to both throw new things at us (like CGY becoming a "possession" O) AND properly plan to stop our glacially-changing schemes.

I always go back to chess.  We are the toddler thinking one move ahead.  Many other teams' braintrusts are thinking 3 moves ahead.  Aggravating.  Maybe we need smarter people.

Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 01:20:15 PMYou do that for three hours a day and you're going to get blown out 70-3 on game day.

I didn't mean 5 days a week!  But certainly every single practice day, which for us is 1 or 2 days a week, should be 3 hours on the field!  Remember, no pads, and no one is going 100%.  It's the hits that wear them out, not running around for 3 hours.  Look at hockey players with their 835-games-a-year schedule -- they are essentially running around for 3 hours every other night!  (barf, I just said something nice about hockey players vs football players!)

Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 01:20:15 PMNone of our issues are coming from the fact that we practice less than other teams.

I totally disagree, well insofar as more practice can't make us better.  Look at Nield's drops.  How on earth can you improve that if not for practice?  There literally is no other way than throwing him the ball.  And the "QB/REC chemistry", that literally can only materialize when QB throws to REC -- whether in games or practice.  Since we have limited games and limited reps in games, practice is the only other method!

Even MOS has mentioned this very year that the CFL doesn't have enough practice, and not enough padded practice, and this definitely hurts development at some positions.  (I think he was specifically talking about D tackling, but I bet he means everyone.)

Now, if you're specifically talking about our practice time vs other teams... that's very hard to say, since I'm not sure any of us follows other teams' practice schedules.  But SOMETHING has got to account for SSK and MTL operating like well-oiled machines even with all the new pieces both have plugged in this year!

Just a reminder, Dru came in for an injured Collaros as a raw rookie, and that's what put him on the map...

Original Tecno quote:
I was poking fun at the many posters who said, before Zach got hurt, that we should bench Zach in favour of dru.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 28, 2026, 02:00:14 PMPretty bold claim. Who said that?

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1693192
M.O.A.B.
If Brown is ready, I'll do Brown, Zach and Perkins.
Zach will not get us anywhere anymore.

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1694262
barbk: ZC is just too slow, and did Stanley Bryant get beat again?
GOLDMEMBER: Both are done and should retire Barb.

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1694279
Horseman
Yep time for Zach to retire or move on and if he won't, OSH has to do it.

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1694281
Bunker
Why is Drew not on the roster yet. Not that O'Shea would ever take Zach out no matter how badly he plays.

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1694319
Horseman
If Zach gets hurt (not wishing for that) it might actually be a good thing, gives Elgerma and Brown a chance to play despite MOS.

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1694355
The Zipp
if a hit like that ends zach for the game time to move on

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?msg=1694365
Go_Big_D
collaros has been done for a couple of years now

And many more too.  After doing a review, I do believe Horseman is the biggest Zach-hater.  Trophy for him.  Maybe he wants to chime on our Dru's current performance?

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 06:03:50 AMYou missed my point.

When Perkins was signed, we had ZC8 and Wilson under contract.  That's the playing field Perkins thought he was competing with.  I know, any player has to anticipate personnel changes, but that was the lay of the land at that moment.

You may say that he has no experience, and as far as 3 down, sure.  But he didn't sign here because he was out of options.  He was MVP in the USFL last year, pretty sure he'd have a choice of gigs there.  But he wanted more, and starting in the CFL would be a step up from starting in the USFL. 

But running SY on a CFL team is nothing special, I think he'd prefer to actually play down south.  The arrival of Elgersma was an unexpected hurdle.   And no one ever expected Dru to come available.

So, yeah, our QB room is complicated.  ZC8's injury.  Dru's bad game.  Elgersma's early m'eh showing.

What is the downside to giving Perkins the rock against a wounded BC team and their third string QB?

Elgersma may have been unexpected to Perkins, but in terms of the team plans, he was always expected to be here. And when he did show up, we immediately saw that it was the intention to groom him for the future. You can say no one expected Dru to be here, but there were rumblings going back to last year; so again, when it comes to team plans, Perkins was brought here for a specific role and the only thing his "experience" is good for is in a "break glass in terms of emergency" situation.

The donwnside to giving Perkins reps is it's a waste of time. Dru is better and more experiences. Both Dru and Elgersma have potential to be future answers at the position for us.

Quote from: Tecno on July 29, 2026, 07:03:21 AMI meant many fans pre-doom Zach to getting knocked out of almost every game he starts.  As in they think the odds of him staying upright more than 1-2 games in a row approaches zero.  It's not "superstition", it's calculating probabilities based on actual occurrences.

Are those fans wrong or out of line to have that view? I'd imagine those in charge of team personnel decisions have to consider those probabilities, too. If you can't rely on a key piece of your team to stay healthy and compete, that's a problem.

Collaros missed considerable time last season and he's currently missing time this season, with the cause in both instances being concussion-related.

I don't think anyone expressing that concern makes them "Zach haters" as you put it. I'd argue the consensus around here - and Blue Bomber fandom by and large - is that Collaros is royalty for what he's done in blue and gold.

Quote from: Tecno on July 29, 2026, 07:17:47 AMLook at Nield's drops.  How on earth can you improve that if not for practice?  There literally is no other way than throwing him the ball. 

Usually what players do is spend lots of time with the Jugs machine. That is not a part of organized practice, it's done on your own.

I agree though that the O needs time together to gel, practice will help you there.

As far as Perkins starting... If everyone is healthy he is the 4th most accurate arm here in addition to being a rookie.

The Lions injury report: 
Cristophe Beaulieu (DB)
Levi Bell (DL)
Stanley Berryhill III (WR)
James Butler (RB)
Jevon Cottoy (WR)
Nate DeMontagnac (WR)
Joshua Donovan (OL)
Adam Konar (LB)
Jermaine Jackson (WR)
T.J. Lee (DB)
Mark McNamee (K)
Andrew Peirson (OL)
Garry Peters (DB)
Nathan Rourke (QB)
Brandon Yates (OL)
Note: Nathan Rourke (Shoulder), Joshua Donovan (Knee), and Adam Konar (Thigh) did not participate in practice (DNP).  Garry Peters (Knee) and Stanley Berryhill III (Thigh) participated fully.

That's a lot of good players right there. The injury bug bit them hard and often.

Quote from: Jesse on July 29, 2026, 12:38:19 PMElgersma may have been unexpected to Perkins, but in terms of the team plans, he was always expected to be here. And when he did show up, we immediately saw that it was the intention to groom him for the future. You can say no one expected Dru to be here, but there were rumblings going back to last year; so again, when it comes to team plans, Perkins was brought here for a specific role and the only thing his "experience" is good for is in a "break glass in terms of emergency" situation.

The donwnside to giving Perkins reps is it's a waste of time. Dru is better and more experiences. Both Dru and Elgersma have potential to be future answers at the position for us.

What if Perkins *IS* the future.  What if he has enough.  He stuck with the Superbowl champs.  He was MVP of the USFL. Its not like he is a fresh rookie, and there was a reason they signed him over MBT or any of the others, and kept him over Wilson.

If he is the "Emergency, break glass" guy, I'm thinking maybe it is emergency time.

If you think that the current iteration Dru is your guy, or that totally green Elgersma is your guy while ZC8 recovers, well, we've seen the results.  Dru was good enough to get wins in a couple with lots of support, Elgersma too.   But they did not come close to winning a game.

Elgersma and Perkins made letting 3 year vet Wilson go a decision that the team was comfortable with.  Elgersma is a prospect, and great on the depth chart for a post ZC8 era.  Dru as well.  And because he's on the team right now, there is no reason Perkins can't be next man up.  Because its not Dru right now, and Elgersma needs more seasoning.

When ZC8 comes back, one of the QB might need to move on, unless we shield them on the RR.  None take a PR assignment, and any would probably get poached or traded for. This is the perfect time to see what Perkins has, and if he deserves a roster spot or even an RR spot, or if he's just another arm that tried to take other pro success and failed to make the transition to 3 down ball.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 03:10:46 PMWhat if Perkins *IS* the future.  What if he has enough.  He stuck with the Superbowl champs.  He was MVP of the USFL. Its not like he is a fresh rookie, and there was a reason they signed him over MBT or any of the others, and kept him over Wilson.

Playing the What If Game is a bit reckless, especially at the QB position. Perkins is 29 years old and is basically a rookie in the CFL; he'd never played the Canadian game prior to this season. In what universe is he the future?

I think you're putting too much stock in his previous accomplishments as well, that SB ring in particular. He was a third stringer back then the same way he is now, and when he did play a season later, his stats (https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PerkBr02.htm), albeit a very small sample size, don't exactly jump off the page.
Being a UFL MVP is impressive but only to a point. Why? He was signed by the Panthers and then released a week later.

Wilson's being released came as a result of him bailing on the team and getting suspended. It had nothing to do with the team's comfortability.

I think the only likely instance in which we see Perkins play tomorrow is if the Bombers obliterate the Lions early on and he gets to share some mop-up time with Elgersma. Considering how O'Shea manages blowout games, however, I'm not about to hold my breath on that happening.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 03:10:46 PMWhat if Perkins *IS* the future.  What if he has enough.  He stuck with the Superbowl champs.  He was MVP of the USFL. Its not like he is a fresh rookie, and there was a reason they signed him over MBT or any of the others, and kept him over Wilson.

If he is the "Emergency, break glass" guy, I'm thinking maybe it is emergency time.

If you think that the current iteration Dru is your guy, or that totally green Elgersma is your guy while ZC8 recovers, well, we've seen the results.  Dru was good enough to get wins in a couple with lots of support, Elgersma too.   But they did not come close to winning a game.

Elgersma and Perkins made letting 3 year vet Wilson go a decision that the team was comfortable with.  Elgersma is a prospect, and great on the depth chart for a post ZC8 era.  Dru as well.  And because he's on the team right now, there is no reason Perkins can't be next man up.  Because its not Dru right now, and Elgersma needs more seasoning.

When ZC8 comes back, one of the QB might need to move on, unless we shield them on the RR.  None take a PR assignment, and any would probably get poached or traded for. This is the perfect time to see what Perkins has, and if he deserves a roster spot or even an RR spot, or if he's just another arm that tried to take other pro success and failed to make the transition to 3 down ball.

First of all, Perkins is a fresh rookie. Everyone comes here with their own experience. Doesn't mean anything once they get here.

Second, have you ever looked at Perkins' MVP season? He played 6 games and passed for an average of 190 yards/game. The UFL is not the CFL.

Third, we felt comfortable releasing Wilson because - guess what - he was also a SY QB. No reason to carry more than one.

Dru has years of experience in the CFL and has mostly had a winning record - besides his injury plagued season in Ottawa last year - benching him thinking some guy who can't really throw after a single bad game is ridiculous.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 06:03:50 AMYou missed my point.

When Perkins was signed, we had ZC8 and Wilson under contract.  That's the playing field Perkins thought he was competing with.  I know, any player has to anticipate personnel changes, but that was the lay of the land at that moment.

You may say that he has no experience, and as far as 3 down, sure.  But he didn't sign here because he was out of options.  He was MVP in the USFL last year, pretty sure he'd have a choice of gigs there.  But he wanted more, and starting in the CFL would be a step up from starting in the USFL. 

But running SY on a CFL team is nothing special, I think he'd prefer to actually play down south.  The arrival of Elgersma was an unexpected hurdle.   And no one ever expected Dru to come available.

So, yeah, our QB room is complicated.  ZC8's injury.  Dru's bad game.  Elgersma's early m'eh showing.

What is the downside to giving Perkins the rock against a wounded BC team and their third string QB?

2 points. Beggars can't be choosers, the Bombers need to grab every win they can and can't be dilly-dallying around trying out new QB's like Buck is doing.  Full court press for 2 points.

Perkins has the option of leaving the team and his weekly paycheque anytime for greener pastures, the world is his oyster!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 29, 2026, 06:13:25 PM2 points. Beggars can't be choosers, the Bombers need to grab every win they can and can't be dilly-dallying around trying out new QB's like Buck is doing.  Full court press for 2 points.

Perkins has the option of leaving the team and his weekly paycheque anytime for greener pastures, the world is his oyster!

Not sure if you've heard of the concept of contracts, but players sign contracts and if they want to leave football altogether, they can ignore those contracts.  But if you ever want to play again, "quitting" is not an option.  If Dru did not have the landing place here, he would not have quit.  I am surprised Montreal signed Wilson given his exit from Winnipeg.

If Winnipeg decides to offer him a PR spot, then sure, he can walk.  But until then, he's a Bomber.  And if he has any confidence in himself, he will continue to work every day to win a spot here.

Giving him "mop up" snaps might have some benefit, sure.  Like preseason snaps, with backups against backups without practive reps with the 1's.  But if Dru manages to lose this week, and ZC8 isn't ready to go, I hope that Perkins gets a week of practice after the bye and a start.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 29, 2026, 08:51:26 PMGiving him "mop up" snaps might have some benefit, sure.  Like preseason snaps, with backups against backups without practive reps with the 1's.  But if Dru manages to lose this week, and ZC8 isn't ready to go, I hope that Perkins gets a week of practice after the bye and a start.

0% chance.

Quote from: Jesse on July 29, 2026, 08:56:54 PM0% chance.

Agree, zero chance. I also believe ZC8 will be back for the Ottawa game.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 29, 2026, 09:00:06 PMAgree, zero chance. I also believe ZC8 will be back for the Ottawa game.

That's probably a good bet too.

Not sure why people want to play Perkins ahead of Elgersma. I believe he is our next best option after Zac and Dru - not far behind Dru in my opinion.

Quote from: Pigskin on July 29, 2026, 09:00:06 PMAgree, zero chance. I also believe ZC8 will be back for the Ottawa game.

Why? He'll be closer to 6 games then. The sms savings would not be insignificant. Someone else can run the numbers. It could mean the ability to pick up a playmaker for a late season run.

Quote from: Tecno on July 30, 2026, 12:40:38 AMWhy? He'll be closer to 6 games then. The sms savings would not be insignificant. Someone else can run the numbers. It could mean the ability to pick up a playmaker for a late season run.

If for some reason there's a playmaker available for pick up, you pick him up. Zach being on the 6-game or not makes no difference to me.

If dru really falters for a few games then we really should start someone else. But we won't... We're in for a penny in for a pound. The price paid for dru was so dear that he must start every game Zach doesn't, otherwise mafia look like idiots.

That said, there is one way to change course... If dru sucks and one of the more desperate teams want him, and we trade him for the same price we paid. Or more!

Quote from: Jesse on July 30, 2026, 12:43:00 AMIf for some reason there's a playmaker available for pick up, you pick him up. Zach being on the 6-game or not makes no difference to me.

Mafia doesn't like to go over sms. This the only way we do something that puts us over is if it in fact doesn't put us over... Because we got savings on the 6gir.

Perkins might be a better bet to start over elgs for the simple fact that Perkins has started many games in other leagues, and has a wider range of experience. Elgs only has U ball, and we all know that's usually not enough.

Elgs was really green when he finished that HAM game for us.

If Dru doesn't show much.. we should let Elgersma get a shot.

We're 2-1 with Dru. He threw for 300 yards in each of the wins. When have we ever had such a short leash with players that we're going to replace the back up QB who still hasn't had more than one practice a week after one bad showing?

Quote from: Jesse on July 30, 2026, 02:29:31 PMWe're 2-1 with Dru. He threw for 300 yards in each of the wins. When have we ever had such a short leash with players that we're going to replace the back up QB who still hasn't had more than one practice a week after one bad showing?

Especially when the whole team was equally bad. Context is important. That said, the BC kid and Elgersma would be an interesting matchup, but Brown is the right call. Another 4 pick performance though and I'm not sure what happens. High stakes tonight on a number of fronts.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 30, 2026, 03:00:47 PMEspecially when the whole team was equally bad. Context is important. That said, the BC kid and Elgersma would be an interesting matchup, but Brown is the right call. Another 4 pick performance though and I'm not sure what happens. High stakes tonight on a number of fronts.

That said, we do have the bye week next and I would be surprised if Zach's not back at that point.

Quote from: Jesse on July 30, 2026, 03:11:53 PMThat said, we do have the bye week next and I would be surprised if Zach's not back at that point.

Until someone hits him again I guess.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 30, 2026, 03:00:47 PMEspecially when the whole team was equally bad. Context is important. That said, the BC kid and Elgersma would be an interesting matchup, but Brown is the right call. Another 4 pick performance though and I'm not sure what happens. High stakes tonight on a number of fronts.

Yes. Speaking only for myself here, this is one of those pivotal games. At home, something(s) to prove, weak opponent with a bunch of new starters including a no-name QB.

If we do what we are expected to do, we can at least say we're fine albeit probably with things to work on still (barring an excellent performance in all facets of the game).

Do something that resembles last week and I go from pretty concerned to the early stages of panic mode.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 30, 2026, 03:21:25 PMUntil someone hits him again I guess.

That's definitely in the realm of possibilities. There's a non-zero chance that Zach just doesn't play again as well.

So far from wishing Perkins got a shot, we should really be hoping that Druski shows some improvement.

This is a massively important game for the Dru-mIster.

Above all he needs to show he can throw to the right team consistently.

Quote from: Jesse on July 30, 2026, 03:11:53 PMThat said, we do have the bye week next and I would be surprised if Zach's not back at that point.

I also think ZC8 could be back after the bye week. Of course that will depend on how Brownie performs tonight. 

Quote from: Pigskin on July 30, 2026, 05:40:56 PMI also think ZC8 could be back after the bye week. Of course that will depend on how Brownie performs tonight. 

I don't think that makes any difference, I fully expect Zach back after the bye week. 

-O'Shea, Condell and Zach will make sure it happens.
-Dru's vote doesn't count because he wears a bandana.
-They're paying him nearly $600k, he's only played in 3.25 of 8 games so far.
-This is probably Zach's last season unless they can duplicate the phenomenal 2019 playoff run.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 30, 2026, 05:54:57 PMThis is probably Zach's last season unless they can duplicate the phenomenal 2019 playoff run.

What's the correlation here?

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 30, 2026, 06:00:53 PMWhat's the correlation here?

They need a miracle.

I don't know if we need a miracle, but we need to stop turning the ball over carelessly to give ourselves a chance. The game vs the Stamps was totally winnable, it was 38-30 and then we go out and throw pick after pick to knock ourselves out of that game. Brown was doing the same thing in Ottawa, that's what lead to his demotion. If we can't address this, we just gave away 2 first round draft picks for nothing.

If the team stinks out the joint the boobirds will be out fast, and in force.

If Zach reaches game 5, I don't see why you wouldn't keep him on until game 6 to reap the savings.

If I asked you before the trade what starting qb you'd want for 2 first rounders, dru would have been very far down most people's lists.

Quote from: Tecno on July 30, 2026, 09:20:12 PMIf the team stinks out the joint the boobirds will be out fast, and in force.

If Zach reaches game 5, I don't see why you wouldn't keep him on until game 6 to reap the savings.

If I asked you before the trade what starting qb you'd want for 2 first rounders, dru would have been very far down most people's lists.

I would have said you couldn't get any QB for two draft picks.

Quote from: Tecno on July 30, 2026, 09:20:12 PMIf the team stinks out the joint the boobirds will be out fast, and in force.

If Zach reaches game 5, I don't see why you wouldn't keep him on until game 6 to reap the savings.

If I asked you before the trade what starting qb you'd want for 2 first rounders, dru would have been very far down most people's lists.

The 1st game he missed he wasn't on the 6 game IR. So this is his 3rd game on the 6 game IR IIRC. O'Shea said he wouldn't be there for the full term. However, what he thought, meant or what happens is a question mark.

Quote from: Blue In BC on July 30, 2026, 11:08:35 PMThe 1st game he missed he wasn't on the 6 game IR. So this is his 3rd game on the 6 game IR IIRC. O'Shea said he wouldn't be there for the full term. However, what he thought, meant or what happens is a question mark.

Yah can't see them keeping him on the 6 game for the full term, winning is more important to them than saving SMS.

Dru is made of glass.  You can say he is not a starting QB for a number of reasons, and one of those reasons (definitely further down the list) is his inability to stay healthy when given the starter's role.

Quote from: blueandgoldguy on July 31, 2026, 04:43:41 AMDru is made of glass.  You can say he is not a starting QB for a number of reasons, and one of those reasons (definitely further down the list) is his inability to stay healthy when given the starter's role.

Happens every time, the uncontrolled scramble ends up with him being hurt.  Heard it mentioned that he was grabbing his back after being hit in the backfield so maybe it is an ongoing back problem.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 31, 2026, 04:49:58 AMHappens every time, the uncontrolled scramble ends up with him being hurt.  Heard it mentioned that he was grabbing his back after being hit in the backfield so maybe it is an ongoing back problem.

Yes, he was holding his back earlier in the game.

I watched dru after the hit, with the binocs. He was holding his lower back. But as he walked off he was holding his hip. Few plays later, on the sidelines, still in uniform, he was still holding the hip.

Is there a refund policy for defect in materials and workmanship?? We bought a bum steer, as the Kern Hill guy used to say.

We just gave away our 1RDP for the next 2 years.  Probably already reached the "conditional" threshold.  This makes not keeping Dru around a complete disaster.  But keeping him is a disaster... quite a conundrum KW has put us in, eh?

Dru was never a valid starter, not here, not in OTT.  He's a top backup, that's it.  And the question is, will he stay here to be backup in '27 while we force Zach to keep playing or get a real top young QB?  Dru is worth $200k tops as a backup, and I'm not even sure how we afford that if we are paying our #1 $600k (no matter who it is).

If Dru walks in FA for $250+ to backup somewhere else (no one will ever start him again if they can help it) then all of those DPs are FOR NOTHING.  What a complete poop show.  I was right all along when the trade was announced.  It's all well and good, until you factor in the cost, that everyone, including MOS was perfectly happy to just ignore because it's down the road.

Not all Dru's fault. How did we look without him?  The team has problems top to bottom, no need to scapegoat Dru because you didn't like the price.

Started the game with a touchdown called back and then got deep in their zone again only to be let down by MOS taking another field goal. If we don't convert better to leave the rookie an entire field isn't it? How does the game play out if it is 14 - 0 instead of 6 - 0?

I suggested before he is like Nichols. What I meant by that is he has Nichols's skill set. We should be using him the same way Lapo used Nichols. We won a lot of games doing that. I see a mismatch with Dru and Condell.

Brown is the least of our problems. We need an O line. Period. Keep Braxton, get rid of everyone else. And if you think brown is bad, what do you say about Elgersma??? either he lost yards or fumbled the ball away. He s no more a cfl Qb than I am. 

"The most popular guy in Winnipeg is the backup QB".  Nope, its the backup to the backup to the backup now... we've gotten that far down the chart.

Well, BC seems to have a very good third stringer.  Better than their second stringer.  And Buck wasn't shy about going to him.

Elgersma is going to be better, but he's a raw rookie.

Yes, back on the Brycewagon.  Perkins deserves a shot now.  Dru and Zach injured, Elgersma not impressive, the team needs a spark.  And what do you have to lose?  Give him the buy to prepare, and give him the reps before the next game.  Design some systems for him.  He is the type of QB this Oline needs.

Give him one game. One Game. If he craps the bed, at least he had a chance. And if he Salters his way to a win, bravo.

Quote from: theaardvark on July 31, 2026, 04:41:08 PM"The most popular guy in Winnipeg is the backup QB".  Nope, its the backup to the backup to the backup now... we've gotten that far down the chart.

Well, BC seems to have a very good third stringer.  Better than their second stringer.  And Buck wasn't shy about going to him.

Elgersma is going to be better, but he's a raw rookie.

Yes, back on the Brycewagon.  Perkins deserves a shot now.  Dru and Zach injured, Elgersma not impressive, the team needs a spark.  And what do you have to lose?  Give him the buy to prepare, and give him the reps before the next game.  Design some systems for him.  He is the type of QB this Oline needs.

Give him one game. One Game. If he craps the bed, at least he had a chance. And if he Salters his way to a win, bravo.

Buck's very good 3rd stringer just had the best game of his life, but he shouldn't think he's going to cake-walk through the CFL just yet, his film is out. I look forward to Salter starting the next few games and being fed a taste of reality through a straw, a better defence is going to contain him and crush his soul.  The interceptions come soon after the running around in the backfield starts. Maybe he should check in with Tre Ford to see how his career is progressing? 

Am I missing something?  People keep saying we gave up two first round picks.  Everywhere I have looked, the Bombers traded a first round pick in 2027 and a conditional 2nd round pick in 2028 for Dru Brown and a 2027 second round pick in 2027.  If we re-sign Dru Brown the Bombers will have essentially given up one first round pick....the two second round picks basically cancel each other out imo.

Does it suck if the Bombers finish last and the pick is last overall?  Yeah, but if you actually pay attention to the draft over the years you will find the first overall pick is pretty well never the best player chosen and there are as many quality Canadians, and likely more quality Canadians picked in the latter 5 or 6 rounds, than the first round.  The key is to have a decent number of picks each year (not necessarily high picks either) and good Canadian scouting (something the Bombers appear to have lacked the last number of years). 

Just don't be a Brendan Taman and trade away 80% of your picks every year.  Never go full Taman!

No one knows the conditions of that 28 pick yet. It almost certainly is "starts x games". How big is x? Because if it's 3, we're already there.

It would be nice if wfc would tell us what the conditions were! Or if naylor and Farhan can leak it.

In the grinding run-mostly game last night we 100 percent should have brought on Perkins, not elgs. Perkins would put the bc d in the same bind the bc kid did to us.

Not sure how anyone can look at that game and not see how dru is not a starter. Every coach decided, pregame, that dru was not to be trusted throwing more than 15 yards. And certainly nothing over the top.

That's why every single bc d player didn't protect the deep threat, and they all were cheating up to the line and shorter pass.

Dru is supposed to be a starter of 3 years. And we gave him a playbook similar to what bc gave their raw rookie! Only runs and short pass.

Dru threw only one longer pass all night, a mid zone crosser into a cleared out zone. Pretty sure that was still only 15y before yac.

That's not a sustainable model and shows no one has any confidence in him because of his 4 INT game.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 31, 2026, 05:02:06 PMBuck's very good 3rd stringer just had the best game of his life, but he shouldn't think he's going to cake-walk through the CFL just yet, his film is out. I look forward to Salter starting the next few games and being fed a taste of reality through a straw, a better defence is going to contain him and crush his soul.  The interceptions come soon after the running around in the backfield starts. Maybe he should check in with Tre Ford to see how his career is progressing? 

Guess we will see how Tre does today... and yes, Salter had the game of his life, but it wasn't the only game of the rest of his life.

Yes, there is film out there, and we had a half's worth when he came out and destroyed us in the second half.  It was embarrassing how he ran against our vaunted D.  He took some sacks, and then started running around them.  I don't think his soul got crushed. But sure, we will see if there are SAM's and Wil's that can wrap him up next time out.  Depending on how long Rourke is out.

 

Is Dru injured enough that he'll miss time?

Our Oline can't protect anyone right now