Nield:
opp comp/att yds avg-long
CGY 3/4 52 (17-18)
HAM 7/9 111 (16-24)
EDM 2/3 12 (6-10)
HAM 0/0
TOR 4/4 58 (14-19)
OTT 4/7 48 (12-16)
CGY 1/4 8 (8-8)
It's just not good enough. He had 1 good game, 2-3 modest games, and 3 useless games. He's not supposed to be Cobb and Corcoran, he's supposed to be a solid #3 option. And besides that one good game I have seen zero flash or circus or difficult catches. The stuff he's gotten has been easy, like uncontested zone sits. I think his stats flatter him.
In the original signing thread, peg_city said Nield cost us $175k. That's extremely high for a guy with this (lack of) effectiveness. In fact, he may be the most lackluster NAT REC earning more than $125k. If you're in year 6 and you're earning $175k then you have to do better. I'd take nearly every single NAT over $125k (and under $175k) instead of him.
The main reason we brought him in is he's 6'3 and we wanted that 50/50 & jump ball threat. Except his 1 good game, I don't think he's made any 50/50 balls. We gave him 2 tough/jump balls in the last game, and he just looked foolish. His ladder is more like a stool. What's the point of a tall/big-body REC who can't get the high balls?
We also wanted better blocking, and thought his beef would help. The jury is still out on that. I grade out every game now and including important blocks, and I'm not sure I've seen him do anything of substance yet. He's just not near where he can do any good.
And he has a bad case of the dropsies. He'll whiff on at least 1 catchable ball every game. And he always looks deflated and beaten, which drags down everyone around him.
If he was earning ELC or old Woli-type money, that would be great. I'd be all for that. But he was clearly brought in to be a solid #3 target, as well as a specialist on clutch 50/50's, and probably a legit EZ high-throw or body-block-out threat. He's accomplished none of that. Look who we went to on the critical 2PATs to win vs OTT; hint, not Nield! He's a drive killer on 2nd down, and I don't even want to see him get targets on 2nd anymore.
We signed him for 2 years, but I hope we have an easy out in the off-season, if not before vet cut-down day. Clercius/Corcoran may not get as many looks, but at least they are upbeat and seem to try. Who's to say they can't get this level of production if put in that role?
Again, I'm not saying he's crap, he's just crap for $175k. He should be $110k and 5th read in a normal-functioning team. Keep in mind... SSK decided Busby was the keeper over this guy!! We got played. We overpaid.
At 1st I thought he might start to get better but that window is quickly closing
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 28, 2026, 11:01:52 AMAt 1st I thought he might start to get better but that window is quickly closing
I agree. I was hesitant in the original signing thread because I thought he cost us around $135k. Now it seems he was $175k.
I don't know about you, but I thought he was maybe year 3 or 4? I never would have guessed he was year 6! He was pretty invisible in TOR all those years. And in SSK he was pretty under the radar until that WDF. Fans there complained about him all season long, and no one cried when he left.
As of right now his stats are on pace to match what he did (per game) in SSK, which amounted to 535Y in 13 games. The difference, though, is he got 5 TDs in SSK, and he's on pace for ... zero ... TDs in WPG. That's not a good sign at all.
Yes, I agree he needs to step it up, or I bet we cut him loose by FA, because his abilities do not remotely match his price tag. I guess he could suddenly wake up, and I'll be the first to applaud him. But I won't bet money on it.
An interesting comparison is with Sterns. Sterns was 530Y in 14 games for us, 4 TDs. In that sense we could consider Nield a Sterns-replacer. The only problem is Sterns was more around $125k from what I recall. So the question is then: is the ratio bonus for a similar-stats player worth an extra $50k? Or is our hope for Nield's blocking ability worth $50k?
If either answer is "yes", then Nield is justified at current production. If the answer is "no" then we need to keep looking.
The names I always mention are Brissett and Gittens (pneumonic: mustard in curly hair), because those guys are Nield-like, can block etc, but have also been big-game playmakers: both destroying us in GCs. And I'm nearly positive both are cheaper (though maybe only slightly). Both bounce around FA fairly often. Mital is going to be the next one like them. My question is why did we pick Nield and not them?
Aside: Brissett and Gittens have been around as long as Nield, and may have peaked, as pointed out on other threads. We shall see if they pick it up for the remainder of '26. But if they are on the downslope, where does that leave Nield if not following them?
You call him a #3. Is he supposed to be getting more targets than Wilson, White, or Demski?
Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 01:36:45 PMYou call him a #3. Is he supposed to be getting more targets than Wilson, White, or Demski?
And to add to this point, last year Brady was our #2 most targeted player and in this offence should absolutely be getting more targets than our #4 receiver. So Neild should really be judged as a 5th read.
I'm not sure what all the hype was about. He's the quintessential Canadian depth receiver. He's training camp fodder level talent if he doesn't have the ratio backing him. That's just the reality. He quite literally wouldn't be playing if Singer was born in Ontario. Yay for the game!
Tommy is exactly what he's always been, a big slow average #4 or 5 NAT receiver. He should be on a $100-125k contract but we decided he was worth $175, that's not his fault it's ours. But he is exactly what he's always been
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 28, 2026, 02:27:32 PMI'm not sure what all the hype was about. He's the quintessential Canadian depth receiver. He's training camp fodder level talent if he doesn't have the ratio backing him. That's just the reality. He quite literally wouldn't be playing if Singer was born in Ontario. Yay for the game!
Singer has literally done zero. He's just a guy unless proven otherwise.
Quote from: dd on July 28, 2026, 03:02:49 PMTommy is exactly what he's always been, a big slow average #4 or 5 NAT receiver. He should be on a $100-125k contract but we decided he was worth $175, that's not his fault it's ours. But he is exactly what he's always been
Agree. If your unhappy with Tommy's contract talk to Mr. Walter's.
Clercius. is in his 3 year with the Bombers. 37 games, 767 yards, 1 TD.
Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 03:26:49 PMSinger has literally done zero. He's just a guy unless proven otherwise.
Or any other guy of his ilk. We could have kept Wheatfall probably for similar money.
Quote from: Pigskin on July 28, 2026, 03:36:58 PMAgree. If your unhappy with Tommy's contract talk to Mr. Walter's.
Clercius. is in his 3 year with the Bombers. 37 games, 767 yards, 1 TD.
Clercius showed well in the pre-season games but I believe they lined him up as an interior slot, on the outside he's always been relatively ineffective.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 28, 2026, 03:42:31 PMOr any other guy of his ilk. We could have kept Wheatfall probably for similar money.
Yeah, Wheatfall earned his way off the roster. No regrets there.
Quote from: Tecno on July 28, 2026, 11:59:37 AMAn interesting comparison is with Sterns. Sterns was 530Y in 14 games for us, 4 TDs. In that sense we could consider Nield a Sterns-replacer. The only problem is Sterns was more around $125k from what I recall. So the question is then: is the ratio bonus for a similar-stats player worth an extra $50k? Or is our hope for Nield's blocking ability worth $50k?
If either answer is "yes", then Nield is justified at current production. If the answer is "no" then we need to keep looking.
The names I always mention are Brissett and Gittens (pneumonic: mustard in curly hair), because those guys are Nield-like, can block etc, but have also been big-game playmakers: both destroying us in GCs. And I'm nearly positive both are cheaper (though maybe only slightly). Both bounce around FA fairly often. Mital is going to be the next one like them. My question is why did we pick Nield and not them?pick it up for the remainder of '26. But if they are on the downslope, where does that leave Nield if not following them?
Bombers needed a bigger receiver so scratch Gittens but I would take Brissett although he's about average in size he seems more dangerous. I think their thinking was by flipping the ratio on the O-line cheaply they could fill in the blank with a big Natl. target at #4 in the mould of McInnes. Neither experiment has worked out great yet but I'd reserve declaring mission failure until after Labour Day. Zach worked out with Nield over the past 2 summers and may have had a say in his acquisition.
They could have brought back Woli had they wanted to, but they were dreaming of something more, but so far Nield has failed to live up to Woli's awareness or physicality. Corcoran was coming on for SY plays while Nield stood on the sidelines watching with the other small receivers.
Tbh I haven't been terribly impressed by anyone yet. When it feels like every individual is underachieving, it really highlights the more systemic problems with the entire offense. Throw in the defense and special teams inconsistencies as well.
I'm not smart enough to understand exactly where those inconsistencies arise from, but I'd like to see how Nield (or, again, anyone else) does when we actually click for a while.
If we were slinging 400 yards a game and Nield was just a decoy and missed most of the times he was targeted, then I'd see your point, but as of today I think we have far bigger problems than a #4 receiver who may or may not make ~50K too much.
Maybe overpaid him, but there's a Much Bigger problem than receivers .....
an online that can't protect the qb very well, or open holes for the running back?
Our offence was good when we had prime stan, and Prime Hardrick.
Quote from: markf on July 28, 2026, 07:02:04 PMMaybe overpaid him, but there's a Much Bigger problem than receivers .....
an online that can't protect the qb very well, or open holes for the running back?
Our offence was good when we had prime stan, and Prime Hardrick.
Our O line hasn't been the same since Hardrick left, and prime stan left the stadium at about the same time, coincidence?? Hardly.
Quote from: dd on July 28, 2026, 11:12:04 PMOur O line hasn't been the same since Hardrick left, and prime stan left the stadium at about the same time, coincidence?? Hardly.
It kind of is a coincidence though -- Bryant's age caught up. We should have made a switch at LT in the off season. Or we could have done what was probably the most correct move, which would have been to extend Hardrick and release Bryant back then instead.
O'Shea loves to hang on to his veterans but I'm not sure Jake Thomas last year or Bryant or Nichols this year are going to reward him for it on the field.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 28, 2026, 02:27:32 PMI'm not sure what all the hype was about. He's the quintessential Canadian depth receiver. He's training camp fodder level talent if he doesn't have the ratio backing him. That's just the reality. He quite literally wouldn't be playing if Singer was born in Ontario. Yay for the game!
Yay for making the same irrelevant point every time we discuss a depth Canadian.
This is the CFL. The first word is Canadian and that's what makes it special and great. Take off the C and it will never work.
Yes Yay for the Canadian game.
Yay for Canadian role models
Yay for Canadian pros in the community
Yay for guaranteed pro ball jobs for the working class (Cdn lol)
Yay to the Canadian superstars
Yay to the Canadians that make the NFL
Quote from: dd on July 28, 2026, 03:02:49 PMTommy is exactly what he's always been, a big slow average #4 or 5 NAT receiver. He should be on a $100-125k contract but we decided he was worth $175, that's not his fault it's ours. But he is exactly what he's always been
Facts are presented above
The only problem is he under preforming and we over paid.
I am not happy with him by any means but it is what it is.
Quote from: Jesse on July 28, 2026, 03:26:49 PMSinger has literally done zero. He's just a guy unless proven otherwise.
Agree, great point
Some people counting American chickens before they hatch lol
Foxes might get them if let em out too early lol
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 28, 2026, 11:17:21 PMIt kind of is a coincidence though -- Bryant's age caught up. We should have made a switch at LT in the off season. Or we could have done what was probably the most correct move, which would have been to extend Hardrick and release Bryant back then instead.
O'Shea loves to hang on to his veterans but I'm not sure Jake Thomas last year or Bryant or Nichols this year are going to reward him for it on the field.
For sure we should have extended Hardrick, we've never been the same since he left
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 28, 2026, 11:17:21 PMIt kind of is a coincidence though -- Bryant's age caught up. We should have made a switch at LT in the off season. Or we could have done what was probably the most correct move, which would have been to extend Hardrick and release Bryant back then instead.
O'Shea loves to hang on to his veterans but I'm not sure Jake Thomas last year or Bryant or Nichols this year are going to reward him for it on the field.
It's no coincidence that we let lineman go and that Bryants age caught up to him.
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 28, 2026, 11:32:02 PMThis is the CFL. The first word is Canadian and that's what makes it special and great. Take off the C and it will never work.
I agree. The ratio is what make the GM's job interesting, and challenging. Anyone can "pull a Baltimore" and slap together 45 good IMPs. It's navigating the draft and development and NAT FA that make building a winning CFL team so difficult. And it also "slows down" the speed at which teams can get good... or bad -- also a good thing if you believe in the idea of slowly building your way to a GC team, vs TOR going from zero to GC hero in 1 season (bleh).
The problem is, when your NATs are trending down, and you make poor NAT DP/FA choices, while your opponents are maxing the NATs, then you feel like cursing the ratio. That kind of us right now. We're in ratio heck on the O and it's costing us games.
But when your NATs are world-beaters, like we've had in the past, then the ratio is rainbows and unicorns and everyone loves it! The biggest problem is, there's rarely a quick fix for this -- we're talking many seasons...
Quote from: Pigskin on July 28, 2026, 03:36:58 PMAgree. If your unhappy with Tommy's contract talk to Mr. Walter's.
Clercius. is in his 3 year with the Bombers. 37 games, 767 yards, 1 TD.
And Clercius is probably ELC + tiny bump, not $175k. I bet if we gave Clercius as much field time and targets as Nield got, he could produce
at least 50% of what Nield does. That would Clercius on par with Nield in terms of production per $.
Yes, ultimately this is a KW mistake. Nield & his agent were probably giggling like 10 year old girls at a sleeepover when KW made that offer. SSK didn't want him at anywhere near that price, if at all. Just like with the Dru trade, we seem to try as hard as we can to overpay
when we don't have to.
Quote from: dd on July 28, 2026, 03:02:49 PMBut he is exactly what he's always been
Surely there was some sort of plan/reason when we grossly overpaid for him? Mafia must have had justifications in their brains. Again, Mafia is not stupid. Maybe we envisioned this run & screen game where Daniels & Nield & Eli & Clercius were unstoppable in blocking for Brady or Demski? So what's wrong with the scheme or players that is not realizing this dream?
See the 2 jet sweeps in the last game that got absolutely blown up behind LoS? Sad & pathetic if the whole goal was to get those to work. And still, many other teams run 5 of those a game at 8-13Y gain each time.
Why can't we have nice things?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 28, 2026, 02:27:32 PMI'm not sure what all the hype was about. He's the quintessential Canadian depth receiver. He's training camp fodder level talent
Most teams now have a Demski, KSB, McInnis legit-star-NAT-REC guy. Nield doesn't have to be that, but he for sure needs to be our between-Busby-and-KSB type -- like Woli. And the closer he can get to being KSB instead of Busby, the better for us. But he's not, and therein lies the problem.
What bugs me the most is he always looks downtrodder out there. He's like Eyeore: "Oh well, I missed again, I'm just no good at this, sorry guys, I'll go back to my house made of pooh-sticks now." I'm not one to usually like the practice, but someone seriously needs to get Nield some smelling salts before each game.
Quote from: Tecno on July 29, 2026, 06:30:51 AMSurely there was some sort of plan/reason when we grossly overpaid for him? Mafia must have had justifications in their brains. Again, Mafia is not stupid. Maybe we envisioned this run & screen game where Daniels & Nield & Eli & Clercius were unstoppable in blocking for Brady or Demski? So what's wrong with the scheme or players that is not realizing this dream?
See the 2 jet sweeps in the last game that got absolutely blown up behind LoS? Sad & pathetic if the whole goal was to get those to work. And still, many other teams run 5 of those a game at 8-13Y gain each time.
Why can't we have nice things?
I think you're grossly overestimating what 175k is worth these days. Demski, White, Brady are all paid more. I don't have the numbers, but Wilson is probably paid more too. Neild is the 5th option on our offence by any definition.
I do expect him to clean up the drops, that's his job, but I do not expect our offence to hinge on him. He's essentially a depth/role player. We should only depend on him if Demski needs some time off.
Quote from: Tecno on July 29, 2026, 06:27:00 AMAnd Clercius is probably ELC + tiny bump, not $175k. I bet if we gave Clercius as much field time and targets as Nield got, he could produce at least 50% of what Nield does. That would Clercius on par with Nield in terms of production per $.
Yes, ultimately this is a KW mistake. Nield & his agent were probably giggling like 10 year old girls at a sleeepover when KW made that offer. SSK didn't want him at anywhere near that price, if at all. Just like with the Dru trade, we seem to try as hard as we can to overpay when we don't have to.
We paid a reasonable price for Dru. Generally we are careful not over spending on FAs.
I don't expect Nield to earn his $ but he might.
Quote from: Jesse on July 29, 2026, 06:13:43 PMI think you're grossly overestimating what 175k is worth these days. Demski, White, Brady are all paid more. I don't have the numbers, but Wilson is probably paid more too. Neild is the 5th option on our offence by any definition.
Even with inflation its still too high if you are relegating him to 5th. 5th should be ELC, or around there. 4th should also be around 110k. It's been that way here forever. With inflation, fine, make it 125k.
What is cobb making? Probably under 125k. That is what Nield should earn if he's not going to put up more useful numbers.
If I'm a dc right now, I'm doubling up Demski, white, and pokey, and just ignoring our other 2 Nats.
Quote from: Tecno on July 30, 2026, 12:08:03 AMEven with inflation its still too high if you are relegating him to 5th. 5th should be ELC, or around there. 4th should also be around 110k. It's been that way here forever. With inflation, fine, make it 125k.
What is cobb making? Probably under 125k. That is what Nield should earn if he's not going to put up more useful numbers.
If I'm a dc right now, I'm doubling up Demski, white, and pokey, and just ignoring our other 2 Nats.
No need to do that when we have all our receivers in the same area of the field anyway.
The reason I think we paid up for Nield, is the starting the 3 import OL and also to provide some security when/if Demski gets injured. Even though he is just the 5th option on offence.
Really too bad we didn't get KSB. Pretty sure he was up for FA too. KSB at 225 is far more useful than Nield at 175!
Quote from: Tecno on July 30, 2026, 12:08:03 AMEven with inflation its still too high if you are relegating him to 5th. 5th should be ELC, or around there. 4th should also be around 110k. It's been that way here forever. With inflation, fine, make it 125k.
What is cobb making? Probably under 125k. That is what Nield should earn if he's not going to put up more useful numbers.
If I'm a dc right now, I'm doubling up Demski, white, and pokey, and just ignoring our other 2 Nats.
Game #2, Zach made Nield the top target 7/9 for 111 yds, I'm sure they'll connect again soon, you can put away the crazy pills.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 30, 2026, 01:43:16 AMGame #2, Zach made Nield the top target 7/9 for 111 yds, I'm sure they'll connect again soon, you can put away the crazy pills.
And his year-to-date total is 289Y. So his one good game accounts for roughly half his yearly output. IOW, his other 6 games he was invisible. Kind of proves my point.
What I see is Zach or Dru will go to him early, he'll drop 1-2, and then the QB ignores him the rest of the night. That's a very Zach thing to do, and Dru also shunned him in the last game after he proved useless.
Cobb & Corcoran must be a bit miffed that Nield is making 50-100% more than them when he's only maybe 25% better (if at all!). And why? CFL seniority and a big body?
Overall, the BB receiving corp just isn't that good..
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on July 30, 2026, 06:51:45 AMOverall, the BB receiving corp just isn't that good..
White, Wilson, and Demski are all on pace for 1000-yard seasons; Nield is on pace for his most productive season.
The weakest link on offense is the O-line.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 30, 2026, 01:15:21 PMWhite, Wilson, and Demski are all on pace for 1000-yard seasons; Nield is on pace for his most productive season.
The weakest link on offense is the O-line.
Unfortunately, 1000 yard season just means they're averaging 55 yards a game. It speaks to consistency and the fact that we're evenly dispersing the ball, but you'd hope that one or more of them was capable of demanding more of our offensive focus than that. You look at Pokey, who's suddenly seeing 15 targets a game from Dru, and he's not really producing anymore than he was with half the targets.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 30, 2026, 01:15:21 PMWhite, Wilson, and Demski are all on pace for 1000-yard seasons; Nield is on pace for his most productive season.
The weakest link on offense is the O-line.
Totally agree. I am I happy the Bombers are paying him $175K, no. But, he works hard in practice, and I believe he will come around. We have bigger problems on this team then Nield.
Quote from: Pigskin on July 30, 2026, 04:21:47 PMTotally agree. I am I happy the Bombers are paying him $175K, no. But, he works hard in practice, and I believe he will come around.
Sounds like Rudy. Will Nield get a sack in the last game too?
Quote from: Tecno on July 30, 2026, 09:12:29 PMSounds like Rudy. Will Nield get a sack in the last game too?
Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy.
Nield nearly invisible again. You'd think with a possession offence scheme like we had, the big body guy would be the ideal target. Big body can shield out the db behind him.
But nope. Just one catch? Unless I missed one while in the can...
The whole offense was invisible. Singling out any single person is meaningless.
Quote from: Jesse on July 31, 2026, 05:19:19 AMThe whole offense was invisible. Singling out any single person is meaningless.
Ya, but this thread was already created, so...
Remember, the premise isn't "did the player produce", it's "did the player produce to expectations/money". As I said, this should have been the perfect game for big-body Nield.
Never said it was all on Nield. It was MOS/Condell/Dru who decided not to give him more targets. But ask yourself, what has Nield done to date to instill confidence they could turn to him in this type of game?
As is usually the case, it can be a both/and, not either/or.
Nice boy for some touch football team
Bombers have a host of incapable players
Gone next year
Bryant
Collaros
Nichols
Neufeld
Younger guys
Nield
The Safety
Elesma the QB
Defensive coordinator
There are more
Offensive coordinator
Neild is perhaps underperforming, but really who isn't on offence? I just think Condell is not calling plays to our strengths. I think its a bit of square peg round hole...heck look at what Buck called with the roster he showed up with.....he got the best out of his guys....we didn't...
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on July 30, 2026, 06:51:45 AMOverall, the BB receiving corp just isn't that good..
Overall the Canadians not named Demski are not very good but everytime I mention it people remind me "good Canada,rah rah rah".
We have good receivers. We just don't have any depth receiving.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 02:29:01 PMOverall the Canadians not named Demski are not very good but everytime I mention it people remind me "good Canada,rah rah rah".
We have good receivers. We just don't have any depth receiving.
Honestly, this really feels like an OC/QB issue. I like our receivers are much better than they are being put in a position to show.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 02:29:01 PMOverall the Canadians not named Demski are not very good but everytime I mention it people remind me "good Canada,rah rah rah".
We have good receivers. We just don't have any depth receiving.
If you think the Canadians are bad on this team, wait til you see the Americans.
I don't know why we re ranting about tommy Neil's, he is who he's always been. What we should be screaming about is our pathetic run defense and our O line. Our defense allowed 377 yds rushing in one game. How do you even begin to defend that. Heads should roll, starting with your DC and MLB. Gone. No questions asked. Our O line is horrible, has been for 2 seasons now and is getting worse. Forget about complaining about a #5 receiver, there's bigger fish to fry!!
Quote from: blue_or_die on July 31, 2026, 02:52:26 PMIf you think the Canadians are bad on this team, wait til you see the Americans.
Do you mean the ones on pace for 1000 yards receiving who are making Tommy Nield money?
What a joke.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 03:25:13 PMDo you mean the ones on pace for 1000 yards receiving who are making Tommy Nield money?
What a joke.
The only contract we know about is Tim White and he makes much more than Neild. I bet Wilson does too since we got him to sign for 3 years.
His contract bothers people but he's probably the 5th highest paid player behind every other receiver and Brady.
Quote from: Jesse on July 31, 2026, 04:10:44 PMThe only contract we know about is Tim White and he makes much more than Neild. I bet Wilson does too since we got him to sign for 3 years.
His contract bothers people but he's probably the 5th highest paid player behind every other receiver and Brady.
Look at it this way, they have 3 DB's earning Nield's salary and the secondary has always been the bargain basement, salaries have been escalating significantly in the last few years.
Quote from: Tecno on July 29, 2026, 06:27:00 AMAnd Clercius is probably ELC + tiny bump, not $175k. I bet if we gave Clercius as much field time and targets as Nield got, he could produce at least 50% of what Nield does. That would Clercius on par with Nield in terms of production per $.
Yes, ultimately this is a KW mistake. Nield & his agent were probably giggling like 10 year old girls at a sleeepover when KW made that offer. SSK didn't want him at anywhere near that price, if at all. Just like with the Dru trade, we seem to try as hard as we can to overpay when we don't have to.
Just because SSK walked away due to price (like they did with Dressler and Demski) doesn't mean he would not get interest elsewhere. Solid 3-4 Nat receivers will get paid, its an easy ratio fix.
There are times you get a deal, and times you pay a little more. Are Brady or Broxton worth their contracts? They are to us, and that's all that matters.
Quote from: dd on July 31, 2026, 03:04:08 PMWhat we should be screaming about is our pathetic run defense and our O line.
I think that's the biggest problem to solve on offense. An O-line is expected to provide 3 seconds of protection to the QB. After that, all bets are off.
While watching the game, after the snap (when the Bombers were on offense), I started counting. Many, many times I saw pressure on the QB (other than the fumbles) in ~2 seconds, and those plays were mostly poor one other than when Dru Brown occasionally made something out of nothing for small gain. On the plays where he had 3s of protection or more, the play went for a much stronger gain.
It's clear the Offensive line needs a significant upgrade. Without that, nothing else on offense matters. With more time, it gives the QB more time to pass which forces defenses to hold back downfield, which in turn allows for more options in the run game.
Quote from: Cool Spot on August 01, 2026, 04:08:41 PMI think that's the biggest problem to solve on offense. An O-line is expected to provide 3 seconds of protection to the QB. After that, all bets are off.
While watching the game, after the snap (when the Bombers were on offense), I started counting. Many, many times I saw pressure on the QB (other than the fumbles) in ~2 seconds, and those plays were mostly poor one other than when Dru Brown occasionally made something out of nothing for small gain. On the plays where he had 3s of protection or more, the play went for a much stronger gain.
It's clear the Offensive line needs a significant upgrade. Without that, nothing else on offense matters. With more time, it gives the QB more time to pass which forces defenses to hold back downfield, which in turn allows for more options in the run game.
Impossible, if a QB needs 3 seconds of protection to find his receivers his name is Drew Willy. I noticed in the Als game yesterday they sometimes have 7 or 8 players across the line protecting Alexander, including the RB in the backfield. Trying to protect with 5 now days is an invitation to getting blitzed from both sides, the Bombers need to step up their coordination in terms of the offensive line assignments and play selection, don't know if that's on Condell or Costello but it needs improvement.
As far as O-line personnel, individually don't have much problem with their play other than the noticeable decline of Stanley.
I don't know why we don't run a heavy set/TE formation more often to give our Qb time. TE can leak out of the protection as the check down. I see Daniels does this occassionally, but I'd be running it more often. Seems simple, yet we continue to go with the traditional 5 man O line the majority of the time.
Week 9:
Brissett 6/8 109 1TD 18.2-43
Gittens 2/2 36 0TD 18-20
Nield 1/1 18 0TD 18-18
Just sayin'. (And this was Gittens with no QB... he usually gets more stats.)
Nield was supposed to be Brissett, not Corcoran. But hey, at least he didn't drop any this week!
I guess a person could cherry pick games. I guess you could look at which player has had a consistent quality QB. But at the end of the day, the $175K might be the biggest issue for a #4 receiver. Put any one of these guys in Montreal and numbers would be better.
Brissett: 23/55/0/70/86/34/0/109. QB. Adams. 377 yards.
Nield: 52/111/12/0/58/48/8/18. QB. ZC8, TE13, Brownie. 307 yards
Gittens: 50/17/43/30/10/57/7/36. QB. BLM, Dolegalo, Ford, Frost. 250 yards.
His salary doesn't change my expectations for him. I want the offence going through Demski, White, Wilson, and Brady. And then Neild getting the odd look to keep defences honest.
Quote from: Jesse on August 04, 2026, 08:34:09 PMHis salary doesn't change my expectations for him. I want the offence going through Demski, White, Wilson, and Brady. And then Neild getting the odd look to keep defences honest.
Exactly, our #4 & #5 recievers blocking skills are more important than their catching skills. They have to be a threat, but they are here to block for recievers 1-3 and that's why I thought we brought in a big body reciever like Nield. Why we paid him $175k is beyond me.
But unless your team has a Philpot The Greater or Kenny you generally have to be a ball-spreading O to win. Another factor is quality of OL: the top 1&2 OL teams (like MTL) can afford to wait for their big stars to get open and ignore the other RECs.
The best teams & QBs, especially ones with bad OLs, tend to distribute the ball. You know, like WPG in '21? We used to always talk about good ball distribution. 5th read Woli would actually get us TDs every 2-3 games.
Nield is worse than useless. Cut him now. Or to PR. Put Clercius in his spot. At least Clercius' hands work.
Nield caught one uncontested gimmee short pass when schemed open tonight. And then he whiffed on a similar short curl gimmee with no one around at the most critical juncture of the game and cost us our drive and chance to win. (Compare to rookie Luther who caught the game-sealer AND escaped for YAC.)
His hands don't work. He mopes around. He's almost never open. For a "big body" he's totally useless at YAC. He has a poor attitude. He brings down the whole team. Even Cobb & Corcoran bring more energy when they are out there.
I'm calling this the biggest GM fail since C.Matthews. We bought this guy based on one good catch ('25 WDF) in his whole career. One good catch! Before that catch I bet you literally could not name another catch of any importance or magnificence by Nield. And some people still think his good catch was a trapped ball, so maybe he doesn't even have that going for him!
He's a liability and drags the whole team down. He will never do anything to help win games. Does he qualify as a vet already? Probably? So I guess we're stuck with him now the vet cutdown date has passed. That's another fail by KW. Just bench him now and put in one of the other "3 C's", or use the 293 spots we're over-ratio by to add Singer.
Quote from: Tecno on August 22, 2026, 05:31:45 AMNield is worse than useless. Cut him now. Or to PR. Put Clercius in his spot. At least Clercius' hands work.
Nield caught one uncontested gimmee short pass when schemed open tonight. And then he whiffed on a similar short curl gimmee with no one around at the most critical juncture of the game and cost us our drive and chance to win. (Compare to rookie Luther who caught the game-sealer AND escaped for YAC.)
His hands don't work. He mopes around. He's almost never open. For a "big body" he's totally useless at YAC. He has a poor attitude. He brings down the whole team. Even Cobb & Corcoran bring more energy when they are out there.
I'm calling this the biggest GM fail since C.Matthews. We bought this guy based on one good catch ('25 WDF) in his whole career. One good catch! Before that catch I bet you literally could not name another catch of any importance or magnificence by Nield. And some people still think his good catch was a trapped ball, so maybe he doesn't even have that going for him!
He's a liability and drags the whole team down. He will never do anything to help win games. Does he qualify as a vet already? Probably? So I guess we're stuck with him now the vet cutdown date has passed. That's another fail by KW. Just bench him now and put in one of the other "3 C's", or use the 293 spots we're over-ratio by to add Singer.
Hard to watch when BOLO has become such a versatile and solid Natl. receiver. If memory serves they kept Woli and Clercius over him, but one year later also decided to give Woli the boot.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 22, 2026, 06:06:53 AMHard to watch when BOLO has become such a versatile and solid Natl. receiver. If memory serves they kept Woli and Clercius over him, but one year later also decided to give Woli the boot.
Would you consider versatile and reliable? Guy is averaging 2 targets per game over his career and 3 catches every 2 games... and inexplicably a quarter of his yardage over the entire year comes on a single play. Although he should buck that trend this year unless the bottom falls out. This is looking to be by far his best season... 6 seasons and 3 teams in. Edmonton does seem to be using him the most effectively though.
At least BOLO catches it. And appears to be able to fend of some DBs to get YAC. Not saying he's the answer (he's taken and we don't usually step "backwards"), but you can't keep throwing to a guy who can't do simplest of basics.
Pokey's whoopsies can be forgiven because they are 35Y away from Zach. Nield is just 10Y away, and Zach is well known for his nice touch -- he's not putting uncatchable heat on those like some QBs do.
This nield person is very invisible. Clercius should easily start anead of hi,. He sure hasn't hit on many gems.. ithoughtnwe would have a few new bodies after the bye. It seems like. The coaches, are here kn a term contract for I hear.
The GM hasn't given the QB or. younger much to work with.
the GM
Nield has been a disappointment.
BOLO left us in free agency, we didn't get rid of him.
Quote from: Tecno on August 22, 2026, 06:43:17 AMbut you can't keep throwing to a guy who can't do simplest of basics.
I remember thinking how odd it was that Sask didn't offer Nield a contract, I no longer think that is odd. They knew.
We're not cutting anyone. It's not the MOS way. We ride and die with the players we have. It is known.
Again we re ranting on Neild, who is what he's always been. You should be ranting on Walters and MOS. Neild never will be a game breaker, never. He's always been a 1-3 catch per game guy for 50 yds . Demski and white. Are the only 2 receivers pulling their weight, all others can be swapped out for the next guy in line
Quote from: TBURGESS on August 22, 2026, 03:10:49 PMWe're not cutting anyone. It's not the MOS way. We ride and die with the players we have. It is known.
Truer words were never spoken! And this year looks to be a die year!
Quote from: Mikerahl on August 22, 2026, 06:33:02 AMWould you consider versatile and reliable? Guy is averaging 2 targets per game over his career and 3 catches every 2 games... and inexplicably a quarter of his yardage over the entire year comes on a single play. Although he should buck that trend this year unless the bottom falls out. This is looking to be by far his best season... 6 seasons and 3 teams in. Edmonton does seem to be using him the most effectively though.
Not saying BOLO is a superstar but as a 4th or 5th receiver and a Natl. he does a lot of things well. Useful blocker, fast enough to stretch the field and occasionally catch bombs and also physical enough at 6'-4" 205 to compete for 50/50 balls. Bombers drafted him in 2021 and stuck him on a backburner for 3 years instead of developing his potential.
Nield and Cobb are next to irrelevant in our offense unless you're a fan of paying to watch players stand around and act Canadian, and I realize there are some who very much enjoy that.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 22, 2026, 05:03:42 PMNield and Cobb are next to irrelevant in our offense unless you're a fan of paying to watch players stand around and act Canadian, and I realize there are some who very much enjoy that.
They put on a toque, light up a smoke, crack open a stubby, and cook back bacon, while saying "sorry, eh"?
Quote from: dd on August 22, 2026, 03:53:24 PMAgain we re ranting on Neild, who is what he's always been. You should be ranting on Walters and MOS. Neild never will be a game breaker, never. He's always been a 1-3 catch per game guy for 50 yds
But he's not catching the gimmees. That's not acceptable. Even JFG and Kohlert would have made that simple catch last night.
I don't need another Demski or even a Woli -- but you do need to drop the ball less than Cobb who earns 1/2 his salary.
Quote from: TBURGESS on August 22, 2026, 03:10:49 PMWe're not cutting anyone. It's not the MOS way. We ride and die with the players we have. It is known.
But we have been known to late-season bench a perceived "safe" player for another PR guy. Late last season & playoffs we benched Clercius for Corcoran.
It is 100% within Mafia norms to bench a guy like Nield and switch to Corcoran or even Singer (though ratio-changing is rarer for us).
If Nield drops more of those, and especially if he also whiffs on blocks, he could ride the pine.
Quote from: Waffler on August 22, 2026, 02:20:09 PMI remember thinking how odd it was that Sask didn't offer Nield a contract, I no longer think that is odd. They knew.
I read the Rider forum fairly regularly, for many seasons. They never liked Nield. Often wanted him cut. Only ever like him when he got them to the GC. No one cried when he left.
It should scare everyone that SSK considered Busby less expendable than Nield.
Quote from: RebusRankin on August 22, 2026, 02:13:04 PMBOLO left us in free agency, we didn't get rid of him.
Had this conversation before... it's the same thing. If a guy is up for FA, if we don't offer a contract, it's exactly the same as a cut. If we wanted him, we'd give him a contract. And if we really wanted him, we'd match better offers.
You never "lose" anyone in FA unless you want to lose them, or simply don't want to pay up.
Quote from: Tecno on August 23, 2026, 02:37:53 AMHad this conversation before... it's the same thing. If a guy is up for FA, if we don't offer a contract, it's exactly the same as a cut. If we wanted him, we'd give him a contract. And if we really wanted him, we'd match better offers.
You never "lose" anyone in FA unless you want to lose them, or simply don't want to pay up.
I didn't mind the move at the time and can't fault them for letting BOLO go, everyone thought Clercius was going to become more than he has and Woli had many more years of productivity left. No one ever thought they were going to move to 3 Natl. receivers.
If BOLO ever became available I'd pursue him and offer him the same salary Nield is now costing, he would be a valuable addition to the receiving corps. if used and not ignored.
QuoteBut we have been known to late-season bench a perceived "safe" player for another PR guy. Late last season & playoffs we benched Clercius for Corcoran.
It is 100% within Mafia norms to bench a guy like Nield and switch to Corcoran or even Singer (though ratio-changing is rarer for us).
If Nield drops more of those, and especially if he also whiffs on blocks, he could ride the pine.
Aside from Demski and white, everyone else on our receiving corps is expendable/benchable. I don't think they'd bench Neild, he's one of their prized off season acquisitions so he's not likely to be cut or benched. Should he be? Definitely could save some$$ if we re tight on cap space and not lose anything in the process.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 23, 2026, 03:34:01 AMIf BOLO ever became available I'd pursue him and offer him the same salary Nield is now costing, he would be a valuable addition to the receiving corps. if used and not ignored.
Sure, if lower-middling NAT RECs now cost Nield money, then so be it. But keep in mind the other teams got Brissett, Gittens & Mital at the same or less money than we paid Nield. All are better players with much more storied history & stats (except Mital who is still pretty new).
However, the "saving face" of not going backwards is also important to Mafia, and as such I think we need to look at non-previous-Bomber names instead of BOLO. The above 3 I mentioned are a good start, though Brissett & Gittens may be on the tail end of their careers too -- hard to tell.
Quote from: Tecno on August 23, 2026, 02:37:53 AMHad this conversation before... it's the same thing. If a guy is up for FA, if we don't offer a contract, it's exactly the same as a cut. If we wanted him, we'd give him a contract. And if we really wanted him, we'd match better offers.
You never "lose" anyone in FA unless you want to lose them, or simply don't want to pay up.
Pretty sure BOLO left because he didn't take a snap in the 2023 Grey Cup when we played three WR who were hurt. It wasn't a cut, he left.
Quote from: Tecno on August 23, 2026, 04:22:07 AMSure, if lower-middling NAT RECs now cost Nield money, then so be it. But keep in mind the other teams got Brissett, Gittens & Mital at the same or less money than we paid Nield. All are better players with much more storied history & stats (except Mital who is still pretty new).
However, the "saving face" of not going backwards is also important to Mafia, and as such I think we need to look at non-previous-Bomber names instead of BOLO. The above 3 I mentioned are a good start, though Brissett & Gittens may be on the tail end of their careers too -- hard to tell.
Point is BOLO does everything the Bombers need their #4 or #5 receiver to do in areas Nield is falling well short, especially in the physicality dept. Paying a receiver the going rate to do the job that needs to be done is the definition of "money ball" in terms of functionality.
Mital is another Demski it would be pretty hard to pry him away from the Argos. Stop bringing up Gittens, it's like suggesting a Popeil Pocket Fisherman when you need a full sized rod to land a 20 lber, he's too small! Clercius should be able to do the same job as BOLO but in the Bomber system Natl. receivers rarely progress.
Whether BOLO would return or not depends on him, but if he continues to become a FA it pretty much sends the message that he's a mercenary and is willing to work for the highest bidder. Walters could swallow some pride for once and admit his decisions have not all been perfect, he did bring back Lucky Whitehead and Castillo a few times.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 23, 2026, 04:48:10 PMPoint is BOLO does everything the Bombers need their #4 or #5 receiver to do in areas Nield is falling well short, especially in the physicality dept. Paying a receiver the going rate to do the job that needs to be done is the definition of "money ball" in terms of functionality.
Mital is another Demski it would be pretty hard to pry him away from the Argos. Stop bringing up Gittens, it's like suggesting a Popeil Pocket Fisherman when you need a full sized rod to land a 20 lber, he's too small! Clercius should be able to do the same job as BOLO but in the Bomber system Natl. receivers rarely progress.
Whether BOLO would return or not depends on him, but if he continues to become a FA it pretty much sends the message that he's a mercenary and is willing to work for the highest bidder. Walters could swallow some pride for once and admit his decisions have not all been perfect, he did bring back Lucky Whitehead and Castillo a few times.
I guess I am sort of out of it but who the heck is BOLO???
Quote from: BBRT on August 23, 2026, 04:54:48 PMI guess I am sort of out of it but who the heck is BOLO???
Brendan O'Leary-Orange
The Bombers made BOO an offer after the 2023 season, but Hamilton out bid us.
3 years with the Bombers. 25 Rec, 344 yards. 2 TDs.
2024. with Hamilton. 16/335 yards. 1 TD.
2025. with Hamilton. 22/336 yards. 4 TDs.
2026. with Edmonton. 28/384 yards. 1 TD.
Quote from: ModAdmin on August 23, 2026, 05:13:00 PMBrendan O'Leary-Orange
Thank You for helping me understand who BOLO was. Ugh got to tell you this retirement gig is killing me. I spend all day at the University working on my thesis and then home working on my Job Jar! I am lucky to see one game a week!
Props to Nield where it's due. In the MTL game he made 2 spectacular grabs that hint at the player clearly Mafia think he is. We're talking contested ladder-climbs with huge hits that he held on to. Think K.Johnson, Hardy, Cottoy -- those are the type of guys making that play.
The GL fumble I'm not even going to get too much on his case for. It sucked, but they always say "the D gets paid too". My main takeaway from that play is I want a player capable of that stop for my team -- our FS isn't doing that! Heck, none of our DBs are making that play.
So Nield was almost perfect on the night, with more catches than any other game except that early-season one. One of the pressers (MOS?) talked about Nield and how he expressed disappointment that he hadn't produced the expected season yet. I guess it's clear Mafia believes in him. He's earned some grace from me this week. If he can regularly make those real tough catches, then no one will care if he has 1-2 dropsies a game.
P.S. He also had many effective blocks, and that may be his main job here.
Quote from: Tecno on September 04, 2026, 02:52:04 AMProps to Nield where it's due. In the MTL game he made 2 spectacular grabs that hint at the player clearly Mafia think he is. We're talking contested ladder-climbs with huge hits that he held on to. Think K.Johnson, Hardy, Cottoy -- those are the type of guys making that play.
The GL fumble I'm not even going to get too much on his case for. It sucked, but they always say "the D gets paid too". My main takeaway from that play is I want a player capable of that stop for my team -- our FS isn't doing that! Heck, none of our DBs are making that play.
So Nield was almost perfect on the night, with more catches than any other game except that early-season one. One of the pressers (MOS?) talked about Nield and how he expressed disappointment that he hadn't produced the expected season yet. I guess it's clear Mafia believes in him. He's earned some grace from me this week. If he can regularly make those real tough catches, then no one will care if he has 1-2 dropsies a game.
P.S. He also had many effective blocks, and that may be his main job here.
A nice balanced take on him. That dropped sucked but yes the D missled him. If he plays like that the rest of the way he will earn his cake. Those catches were ace.
Nield is definitely not an elite receiver... not even close.
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on September 05, 2026, 07:10:50 AMNield is definitely not an elite receiver... not even close.
Maybe not close, but not too far away.