Over the years Mike has continued to be loyal to players and coaches who bleed Blue and Gold. Eventually quietly without extra media attention ie " throwing players under the bus" He needs to play ,find better players. Stanley looked old an slow and they did help him with chipping but he is past his expiring date. Nichols too is ditto the above old and slow. To coin a phrase the coaches and players often use I need to look at the film. JY needs to accountable for not scheming correctly and not having players with the ability to contain the ends. Tommy was basically telling us you want run I will give you run. Poor play calling at very important times. I am and continue to be a Bomber fan. I am sad today as I write this comment. As fans we need to see improvements. Hope Zack is back soon we can see why Ottawa didn't want Dru.
It's not players, Zach won't fix this.....It's who is making the decision to continue to play the Bryants, and who is putting these guys into schemes that don't work....The question becomes now, can OSH make some tough decisions.....
The biggest problems are the ones that have been here awhile:
Younger
Nichols
Oliveira
Bryant
Vanterpool
Collaros
Eli
Kramdi
O'Shea
Wow, we thought the Calgary game was bad, this game was an entirely new level of bad-Jeff reinbold and Justin goltz bad!! We are a very bad football team, the worst in the league. Young punk Qb comes in and taunts us and nobody responses. That's weak. This season is a wash, we need some decent O linemen, a MLB that can stop the run, a secondary that can tackle, a safety that can make a play. The laundry list is long and this isn't getting fixed overnight, and will be more difficult since we traded away 2 first round draft picks. this unit ends up last in the west and out of the playoffs. This is the reinbold era v2
QuoteThe biggest problems are the ones that have been here awhile:
Younger
Nichols
Oliveira
Bryant
Vanterpool
Collaros
Eli
Kramdi
O'Shea
You can add Walters to the top of that list. What new talent has he brought in and he gave away 2 first round picks for a backup Qb, only because our other QBs are way worse. Elgersma is a complete joke of a Qb.
Quote from: dd on July 31, 2026, 02:33:43 PMYou can add Walters to the top of that list. What new talent has he brought in and he gave away 2 first round picks for a backup Qb, only because our other QBs are way worse. Elgersma is a complete joke of a Qb.
Walters hasn't been bad. He doesn't have the biggest voice on the coordinators or the systems being run. And if we don't play or sign Brown next year it's not a second first.
His off season work this year has been largely good. It's the older players who have failed and I think that quite squarely rests with O'Shea.
Someone needs to sit Mike down and explain very clearly that his commitment to honoring his vets doesn't work if they don't win and is no longer acceptable. I thought this conversation was had after last year but we're seeing the same pattern of choice making and therefore results. It's becoming a real issue that's hard to ignore and it for certain needs real correction.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 03:29:53 PMWalters hasn't been bad. He doesn't have the biggest voice on the coordinators or the systems being run. And if we don't play or sign Brown next year it's not a second first.
His off season work this year has been largely good. It's the older players who have failed and I think that quite squarely rests with O'Shea.
Someone needs to sit Mike down and explain very clearly that his commitment to honoring his vets doesn't work if they don't win and is no longer acceptable. I thought this conversation was had after last year but we're seeing the same pattern of choice making and therefore results. It's becoming a real issue that's hard to ignore and it for certain needs real correction.
Walters brings in the players. He shares all of this too. Our recruiting and our drafting has been subpar for years.
Yes, they have to save their faces. So all top three QBs should be gone. BCs third string is better than all the guys we have. Status quo. That Elderma kid,is so over hyped,it's rediculous. Who did he play against? What a waste short career. Talk about a never was! Give him to Lapo to play flag football. Our third string guy must be really bad, to never see the field...yikes.
Who's in charge of this tire fire? Chevaldayoff? lol!
I'd say tire fire. Old, lousy never were. We should suspend the franchise for the remainder of the year. Lots of people being overpaid and not delivering this year!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 02:25:17 PMThe biggest problems are the ones that have been here awhile:
Younger
Nichols
Oliveira
Bryant
Vanterpool
Collaros
Eli
Kramdi
O'Shea
Agree on Nichols, Vanterpool, somewhat on MOS.
To suggest Brady is a problem is massive stretch. He might break the all time Bomber rushing yards is he is healthy.
I know your thoughts on Kramdi but I don't agree, a very good starting CDN LB
I agree
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 31, 2026, 04:27:27 PMAgree on Nichols, Vanterpool, somewhat on MOS.
To suggest Brady is a problem is massive stretch. He might break the all time Bomber rushing yards is he is healthy.
I know your thoughts on Kramdi but I don't agree, a very good starting CDN LB
I agree on Kramdi, Ive underestimated his importance, after 2 games without him u can see the impact
Olivera isnt an issue.
The lack of preparedness for replacement players is a huge issue.
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 31, 2026, 04:27:27 PMAgree on Nichols, Vanterpool, somewhat on MOS.
To suggest Brady is a problem is massive stretch. He might break the all time Bomber rushing yards is he is healthy.
I know your thoughts on Kramdi but I don't agree, a very good starting CDN LB
You had a front row seat to a running back who costs a third as much SMS and was three times more versatile and effective. Kramdi is such a good linebacker he's been moved to safety. Time to wake up or write fiction.
Yes, loyalty was a strength, but it can be a weakness.
MOS does need to give Bryant some time off to get back to his proper level. He is obviously labouring and not able to keep up with the competition, and giving up the QB's blind side is killing us.
Nichols keeps getting beat, I'm not sure if he's lost half a step, but that's the margin he's getting outplayed by. Is he half a step better than his replacement, who would be beat by a whole step, I don't know. And I don't know if it is JY's system that is putting him half a step behind, with guys having to figure out their assignments and alignments new every down. Moxley is almost as bad.
The dline is stepping up, the LB's seem to be good, but we need Kramdi there, not Griff the whiff. And while Kelly has upped his game over the last few games, he was embarrassing last night. Again, did JY put him in a position to succeed previously, and now give him responsibilities beyond his abilities this game with Kramdi out? Regardless, pee you. He stunk.
Salter got his yards by stepping up past our dline. They were getting penetration nicely, but Salter wasn't there when they got there. And we got worse at it, not better, as the game went on. Where was our "spy" that we use on mobile QB's? Did they identify him and use a blocker on him effectively? Because he got to the second level far to easily.
The interior of the oline seemed better, and Brady had some nice runs. Until they stopped giving him the rock.
Daniels is coming along, and Clercius had a nice grab. Pokey and White did good work when the ball reached them.
But back to loyalty. Yes, Walters and MOS are loyal, to a fault. Whether it is Zach, or Dru, or Nichols, or Bryant... or even JY... we seem to have some underperforming stars...
Quote from: DM83 on July 31, 2026, 04:15:41 PMYes, they have to save their faces. So all top three QBs should be gone. BCs third string is better than all the guys we have. Status quo. That Elderma kid,is so over hyped,it's rediculous. Who did he play against? What a waste short career. Talk about a never was! Give him to Lapo to play flag football. Our third string guy must be really bad, to never see the field...yikes.
Who's in charge of this tire fire? Chevaldayoff? lol!
The Lions QB threw for just under 100 yards. Yes he can run but that isn't successful for long if you can't become a successful passer.
Jury is certainly out with such a short sample.
Quote from: Pete on July 31, 2026, 04:39:33 PMI agree I agree on Kramdi, Ive underestimated his importance, after 2 games without him u can see the impact
Olivera isnt an issue.
The lack of preparedness for replacement players is a huge issue.
Makes you wonder if Kramdi has become a crutch for the other players to rely on, maybe he's the only one paying attention and taking notes in class. Heard that Nichols was smart but don't see much evidence of it as he plays mostly by instinct, not sure he knows what he supposed to do on some of those receiver switch offs in zone. Anyone questioning what Jake Thomas was doing out there the last few seasons should also contemplate what his role was.
The fish rots from the head down. There are too many problems with this team (coordinators, coaching, poor new American talent, mediocre drafting, terrible free agent signing last off season) to believe that making a couple of changes will make a large difference. Walters and O'Shea are the problem, the rest are just a symptom of their mismanagement.
Unfortunately, we are stuck with them for another 3 years. I don't think things will truly improve until they are gone. Regarding changes, a true high end QB would help the most, but there is noone on the horizon.
I ran into Wade Miller at the game last night. The guy is unreal. He wanted to know how long I had to wait in line for my food. He's out there working hard, talking to people every game looking to make the game day experience better. I told him he was doing a fantastic job off the field, but that we had serious problems on the field. He nodded his head, and said "No XXXX". I think the problem is that 1. His hands were tied to an extent in terms of reupping Walters and O'Shea. O'Shea is very popular, took us to Grey cups in 5 of the past 6 seasons, and has 6 straight playoff appearances. Even is he was not 100% happy with the trajectory of the team, it would have been a stretch to fire O'Shea this offseason. 2. As long as they are selling out and making money hand over fist, there is less incentive to make drastic changes, and the replacements won't necessarily be better. I think the best we can hope for is that he lights a fire under Walters and O'Shea to change the way they do things and improve the team.
To find a bomber game I enjoyed less than the one last night, I think I'd have to go back to the Tim Burke era.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 31, 2026, 05:12:45 PMMakes you wonder if Kramdi has become a crutch for the other players to rely on, maybe he's the only one paying attention and taking notes in class. Heard that Nichols was smart but don't see much evidence of it as he plays mostly by instinct, not sure he knows what he supposed to do on some of those receiver switch offs in zone. Anyone questioning what Jake Thomas was doing out there the last few seasons should also contemplate what his role was.
The defense was awful with Kramdi in it too. He's not going to save us.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 05:18:24 PMThe defense was awful with Kramdi in it too. He's not going to save us.
Right? Nothing much has changed the last couple of weeks.
Quote from: Jesse on July 31, 2026, 05:20:04 PMRight? Nothing much has changed the last couple of weeks.
There have been a lot of threads of posters trying to narrow it down to individual failures. None of them are wrong necessarily and I certainly don't blame anyone for trying to cope and/or figure out a problem simply so that we could theoretically fix it and be good. But when I sit here thinking about who's failing, the list eventually becomes most if not all of the entire roster, including and especially the coordinators. And that doesn't change week in and week out even with player swaps due to injury or change in scheme or whatever.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 04:55:52 PMYou had a front row seat to a running back who costs a third as much SMS and was three times more versatile and effective. Kramdi is such a good linebacker he's been moved to safety. Time to wake up or write fiction.
Fiction is that Brady has been anything but great for us and having a decent year. He will go down as one of the great RBs in Bomber history and one of the best of his gen. You suggested that Brady should be replaced with Peterson and he has only performed good to great since you made that suggestion.
Fiction is trying to say that one performance trumps a career. Fact is our run D is poor and we got run on as bad as I have ever seen. Their RBs and QB had a field day and looked fantastic but that performance is rooted in how bad our run D is as well.
Kramdi is a good depth Cdn LB and has for years. The stats prove that, the team and his coaches opinions of his play prove that, the opinion of some of forum members support it and its telling how bad we have looked since he was gone.
Your anti Canadian bias is showing imo. We are at opposite ends of this one and thats ok.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 02:25:17 PMThe biggest problems are the ones that have been here awhile:
Younger
Nichols
Oliveira
Bryant
Vanterpool
Collaros
Eli
Kramdi
O'Shea
If you think Oliveira is an issue, have another beer.
Here's my take.
1 Didn't like Condell's offence or game calling in Hamilton or Ottawa and was not thrilled we signed him. If Condell intentionally called the game to " get back" at Brady then he has to go now. Feud or no Feud you have to put the team first.
2 totally disagree on comments about Elgersma I think he will be a very good QB given the right co-ordinator and 1st team reps. How many 1st team reps did he get at practice this week? Everyone is complaining about the OLine (rightfully so) but Elgersma sucks? Sorry but I see no logic there. To be clear I didn't think Elgersma looked good.
3 Agree Brady is not the problem. I haven't yet listened to the Bonfire episode - is it the post game one? And a poster mentioned Zach - meaning Collaros?
Quote from: TrueBlue4 on July 31, 2026, 10:31:38 PMHere's my take.
1 Didn't like Condell's offence or game calling in Hamilton or Ottawa and was not thrilled we signed him. If Condell intentionally called the game to " get back" at Brady then he has to go now. Feud or no Feud you have to put the team first.
2 totally disagree on comments about Elgersma I think he will be a very good QB given the right co-ordinator and 1st team reps. How many 1st team reps did he get at practice this week? Everyone is complaining about the OLine (rightfully so) but Elgersma sucks? Sorry but I see no logic there. To be clear I didn't think Elgersma looked good.
3 Agree Brady is not the problem. I haven't yet listened to the Bonfire episode - is it the post game one? And a poster mentioned Zach - meaning Collaros?
Yes, I think it's called Bonfire After Dark on YouTube and I was referring to Zach Snitzer.
Brady isn't perfect. If anyone touches him low he almost always goes down. He puts way too much into forward momentum instead of balance. He's like the anti Cornish. Cornish was always upright doing his baby step and spin thing, Cornish wouldn't get taken down by someone touching his foot.
Brady is also often making bad decisions and picking the wrong gap. His vision may be among the poorest in the league.
He's pretty awful in the red zone. Remember the chicken box? If you want a drive to die in the red zone, give it to Brady. Like this last game.
He's not horrible, but he's a standard back who was vaulted by the best run game team in the league, and following ah33. Brady was great when everything around him was great. Without that he's really nothing exceptional.
What is he good at? Well, you can't easily tackle him high. But the legs are so vulnerable it doesn't buy him much. Just watch, everyone goes for the legs. I'm hard pressed to think of something else. Nearly every back in the league looks better than him right now, including many backups and elcs. That's not good.
Not saying I don't want him, but the price is very steep, and the impact is weak.
If you don't believe me, wait for my bc game breakdown where I spot some big Brady mistakes that cost us dearly.
Quote from: Tecno on August 01, 2026, 12:16:01 PMBrady isn't perfect. If anyone touches him low he almost always goes down. He puts way too much into forward momentum instead of balance. He's like the anti Cornish. Cornish was always upright doing his baby step and spin thing, Cornish wouldn't get taken down by someone touching his foot.
Brady is also often making bad decisions and picking the wrong gap. His vision may be among the poorest in the league.
He's pretty awful in the red zone. Remember the chicken box? If you want a drive to die in the red zone, give it to Brady. Like this last game.
He's not horrible, but he's a standard back who was vaulted by the best run game team in the league, and following ah33. Brady was great when everything around him was great. Without that he's really nothing exceptional.
What is he good at? Well, you can't easily tackle him high. But the legs are so vulnerable it doesn't buy him much. Just watch, everyone goes for the legs. I'm hard pressed to think of something else. Nearly every back in the league looks better than him right now, including many backups and elcs. That's not good.
Not saying I don't want him, but the price is very steep, and the impact is weak.
If you don't believe me, wait for my bc game breakdown where I spot some big Brady mistakes that cost us dearly.
Don't agree with some but I did enjoy your take though
1.Brady has great vision and patience, Harris helped him with that
2.Impact is not weak
3.Every back and backups are not > Brady
We have lots of problems but Brady ain't one of them.
Quote from: DM83 on July 31, 2026, 04:15:41 PMYes, they have to save their faces. So all top three QBs should be gone. BCs third string is better than all the guys we have. Status quo. That Elderma kid,is so over hyped,it's rediculous. Who did he play against? What a waste short career. Talk about a never was! Give him to Lapo to play flag football. Our third string guy must be really bad, to never see the field...yikes.
Who's in charge of this tire fire? Chevaldayoff? lol!
Seen this type of panic before pre mini dynasty. Fire Hall, MOS, etc.
Purging all QBs is as terrible idea as I have seen. Backup QBs on other clubs are not better than our starters. Zach is still ok if healthy, Brown is an ok backup. Taylor is a top prospect.
Quote from: Pete on July 31, 2026, 04:39:33 PMI agree I agree on Kramdi, Ive underestimated his importance, after 2 games without him u can see the impact
Olivera isnt an issue.
The lack of preparedness for replacement players is a huge issue.
Yeah Kramdi's injury hurt bad.
Agree all
Quote from: TrueBlue4 on July 31, 2026, 10:31:38 PMHere's my take.
1 Didn't like Condell's offence or game calling in Hamilton or Ottawa and was not thrilled we signed him. If Condell intentionally called the game to " get back" at Brady then he has to go now. Feud or no Feud you have to put the team first.
2 totally disagree on comments about Elgersma I think he will be a very good QB given the right co-ordinator and 1st team reps. How many 1st team reps did he get at practice this week? Everyone is complaining about the OLine (rightfully so) but Elgersma sucks? Sorry but I see no logic there. To be clear I didn't think Elgersma looked good.
3 Agree Brady is not the problem. I haven't yet listened to the Bonfire episode - is it the post game one? And a poster mentioned Zach - meaning Collaros?
As well written and balanced points as I have seen, agree all,
Wow I believe the forum has officially surpassed the negativity from the pre mini dynasty run
Quote from: Blueforlife on August 01, 2026, 02:07:00 PMWow I believe the forum has officially surpassed the negativity from the pre mini dynasty run. I did enjoy your take though
1.Brady has great vision and patience, Harris helped him with that
2.Impact is not weak
3.Every back and backups are not > Brady
We have lots of problems but Brady ain't one of them.
You have to listen to what's being said - all players have weaknesses - Brady is not excluded from that.
And the fact is that he's paid double or triple what other RBs around the league are being paid and we obviously do not get double or triple the production (on the field). Brady is paid what is partly for the off-field production (which is totally fair, I'm sure his jersey sales make up for it).
But when we're discussing on the field impact, it's fair to ask what impact an import RB making the league minimum could do with Liam Dobson in from of us. Or if having Ford in our secondary could help out, because these are the trade offs we decided to make when you sign Brady long term.
But the organization decided - and I'm not saying this is right or wrong - that having the local boy re-write the record books has value off of the field as well as on it. And we pay for that premium at a position that is pretty easily replaceable.
Quote from: Jesse on August 01, 2026, 02:16:44 PMYou have to listen to what's being said - all players have weaknesses - Brady is not excluded from that.
And the fact is that he's paid double or triple what other RBs around the league are being paid and we obviously do not get double or triple the production (on the field). Brady is paid what is partly for the off-field production (which is totally fair, I'm sure his jersey sales make up for it).
But when we're discussing on the field impact, it's fair to ask what impact an import RB making the league minimum could do with Liam Dobson in from of us. Or if having Ford in our secondary could help out, because these are the trade offs we decided to make when you sign Brady long term.
But the organization decided - and I'm not saying this is right or wrong - that having the local boy re-write the record books has value off of the field as well as on it. And we pay for that premium at a position that is pretty easily replaceable.
Brady is a generational Cdn talent at RB. As far from easily replaceable as there is. America backs are a dime a dozen, not Cdn at his level. Brady is paid what he is worth. Brady is not the issue imo. Signing him at the time was way way more than Dobson or Ford. Suggesting an American back and one different OL would bring better success in the run game on this team is a huge stretch. Brady is paid for his on field performance. Yes both those players would be awesome but also very $. They would help.
Never said Brady doesn't have weaknesses.
Not buying what you are selling but its a good discussion and I enjoyed your take.
Quote from: Blueforlife on August 01, 2026, 02:19:22 PMBrady is a generational Cdn talent at RB. As far as easily replaceable as there is. America backs are a dime a dozen, not Cdn at his level. Brady is paid what he is worth. Brady is not the issue imo.
Or just ignore everything I said and dig in with same one-sided opinion without appreciating any nuance the situation has, sure. That's fine too.
Quote from: Jesse on August 01, 2026, 02:22:00 PMOr just ignore everything I said and dig in with same one-sided opinion without appreciating any nuance the situation has, sure. That's fine too.
Sure paint me as one sided with no counter argument because I don't agree with yours. No need to be that way. Don't like what I post, just ignore me. I posted how I enjoyed your take. Facts. I just do 40 edits and take time to post lol.
Every player is going to have a weakness, the key is for his coach to scheme to protect against exploiting that weakness, and the goal of the opponent is the opposite.
The team that wins that battle usually wins the game.
I don't think we scheme enough away from weakness, or protect enough against that. We did seem to make adjustments in the past, but I'm not seeing that as much lately, at least not consistently.
If Dru is starting, you definitely have to give him most of the reps in practice, he still needs to build up timing/tendencies with the non Demski receivers. But I'd also like to see some extra practice for the backups, outside the skels, to work on that. A lot more. There should be 3 sets of players running at the same time, giving all three QB's reps with different receivers.
We often here "he's the first one in and the last one out" or "he stays after to get extra throws/catches in". We know this is code for them working past the allotted practice time, and we're supposed to think "Man, that's dedication". We need every backup QB and depth receiver doing this every practice, and even days between practices.
I think I've heard the "gotta keep them fresh" argument from Osh 1 too many times. I want to see them ready, not fresh. And if you can't be fresh after a little extra work, you need to look at your conditioning coaches.
In his post game comments O'shea mentioned how Elgersma receives very few reps during the week so it's difficult to have him prepared and ready to go. This is a league wide problem that needs to be addressed as starting QB's are dropping like flies and with it the quality of the football matches.
Is it a matter of being short staffed that they can't dedicate the time or attention to incubating young QB's or are they being constrained by the PA in the time they can work with these players? I thought that was what a QB coach was hired to do, someone needs to design a football simulator that eliminates the manpower needed to recreate a realistic model of the CFL game. It works in multiple other sports.
At the end of the day, you give your starter the vast majority of the reps. And why would anyone do it any differently?
So if you know the Qb you're putting in is under prepared/hasn't had the reps, why not put in the mobile Qb that can run like the BC Qb, and at least you are able to move the ball??? Everyone and their brother knew the BC Qb was a runner and was going to run, and did so anyways and was successful. Why didn't we try that?? Why did we throw our Qb to the wolves, he lost yards, lost the handle on the football/fumbled and was a comedy of errors, it was embarassing.
Quote from: dd on August 01, 2026, 04:41:10 PMSo if you know the Qb you're putting in is under prepared/hasn't had the reps, why not put in the mobile Qb that can run like the BC Qb, and at least you are able to move the ball??? Everyone and their brother knew the BC Qb was a runner and was going to run, and did so anyways and was successful. Why didn't we try that?? Why did we throw our Qb to the wolves, he lost yards, lost the handle on the football/fumbled and was a comedy of errors, it was embarassing.
The guy who's had less reps and is less prepared?
Quote from: dd on August 01, 2026, 04:41:10 PMSo if you know the Qb you're putting in is under prepared/hasn't had the reps, why not put in the mobile Qb that can run like the BC Qb, and at least you are able to move the ball??? Everyone and their brother knew the BC Qb was a runner and was going to run, and did so anyways and was successful. Why didn't we try that?? Why did we throw our Qb to the wolves, he lost yards, lost the handle on the football/fumbled and was a comedy of errors, it was embarassing.
The Elgersma game plan against Hamilton was ugly but it worked, I don't know if that's what they were trying to do or not, as it only matched the ugly part.
Practices are limited, and reps in those practices are limited. The starter gets 90% of them. If you want to give your backups more reps, then you are taking them from your starter.
Quote from: dd on July 31, 2026, 02:33:43 PMYou can add Walters to the top of that list. What new talent has he brought in and he gave away 2 first round picks for a backup Qb, only because our other QBs are way worse. Elgersma is a complete joke of a Qb.
Walters has been at least average over the years. We paid a reasonable price for Drew. Likely a good insurance policy at the very least.
To say that Taylor is a joke is non factual, insulting and way to early to say either way what he is. Has the tools, likely will polish them but will take time.
Quote from: Blueforlife on August 01, 2026, 07:25:01 PMWalters has been at least average over the years. We paid a reasonable price for Drew. Likely a good insurance policy at the very least.
To say that Taylor is a joke is non factual, insulting and way to early to say either way what he is. Has the tools, likely will polish them but will take time.
Every QB that comes to the pros has the tools. Very few succeed. Whether he has a career is not really known at this point. I'm concerned about his lack of great mobility. He's a pocket passer and the system has to fit that skill set.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 01, 2026, 08:25:58 PMEvery QB that comes to the pros has the tools. Very few succeed. Whether he has a career is not really known at this point. I'm concerned about his lack of great mobility. He's a pocket passer and the system has to fit that skill set.
Not wrong but his gifts are > average
Can't have everything, yes mobility would be nice
Cannon > legs imo
Its a passing league
Time will tell, we have no idea what we have, in 2 years we will know more
Slow roast this kid, will come out of the smoker just right
Build the OL back up, find Brady 2.0. Future will sort out.
Quote from: Blueforlife on August 01, 2026, 09:12:39 PMNot wrong but his gifts are > average
Can't have everything, yes mobility would be nice
Cannon > legs imo
Its a passing league
Time will tell, we have no idea what we have, in 2 years we will know more
Slow roast this kid, will come out of the smoker just right
Build the OL back up, find Brady 2.0. Future will sort out.
We don't know much about his accuracy or football IQ yet. Lots of QB's have very strong arms and fail. I'm not writing him off and sample size is very small. I also don't see him in practice which might be more indicative.
as a whole our coaching has been terrible,
in the last game there were a number of glaring issues
The decision to go for a field goal on our first drive, we had a ton of momentum, which then switched to BC, even if we were stopped you had a rookie qb on the 5 yard line. On the 2nd down and 5 with the the entire BC d stacked in the middle you run a off tackle play for 2 yards
Then on the next drive they are back in a similar position, and again we run basically the same play with the same result.
The first quarter we did well with Olivera, and the run game but when BC adjusted we didn't, and the result was predictable..
Defensively, the only real success was BCs qb running. Do we adjust? NO. He runs all over us for the entire half.
We also knew that the only way BC was going to beat us was on the ground, and we had our worst run defense of the year.
The failure to make in game adjustments is killing us and it falls on the entire coaching staff
Quote from: theaardvark on August 01, 2026, 02:44:43 PMI think I've heard the "gotta keep them fresh" argument from Osh 1 too many times. I want to see them ready, not fresh. And if you can't be fresh after a little extra work, you need to look at your conditioning coaches.
Fresh butt is still butt. Just fresher.
"Fresh" is a goal for when your team is clicking and humming, like MTL or EDM. They need to be kept fresh, not to make strides in improvement.
But for our disaster area team, everyone needs to practice to the limits of the CBA, and then even more on their own time via peer pressure. Doesn't have to be crazy physical or tiring, but practice it needs to be. Timing routes, spot routes, etc., does not preclude staying "fresh".
I've been saying this for roughly 6 weeks now. MOS hinted some guys get together outside of practice, but he's not "sure". Well, let's start being sure.
Quote from: Blueforlife on August 01, 2026, 09:12:39 PMCannon > legs imo
But not when:
a) your OL sucks and can't give you >2secs
and
b) your HC/OC has decided no QB is allowed any deep shots that game
Quote from: TBURGESS on August 01, 2026, 06:09:51 PMPractices are limited, and reps in those practices are limited. The starter gets 90% of them. If you want to give your backups more reps, then you are taking them from your starter.
I think it was Aards who said, why not have the B-team practicing identically to the A-team -- there's basically enough guys. In fact, I would have guessed that's what CFL teams did anyhow! I'm shocked if they aren't.
Everything should be duplicated. Ya, sure, your best coaches, etc, work with the A-team. But you bring in junior guys or whatever to work with the B-team. They should be able to dev too.
If all they do is have the backups sit around picking their noses until coach decides to give them a couple of reps with the A-team, or they alternate between A & B teams, practicing sequentially, then that's just plain mental.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 01, 2026, 04:58:36 PMThe Elgersma game plan against Hamilton was ugly but it worked, I don't know if that's what they were trying to do or not, as it only matched the ugly part.
Must keep in mind no one had film on Elgs at that moment. PS doesn't count as no one would have studied that in case of an unlikely injury QB change.
And so Perkins would have had a natural advantage over Elgs vs BC.
He'd be the guy without film.
Kinda like throwing Frost in the CGY/HAM game this weekend when it appeared Ford had earned the starting spot for good.
Quote from: Tecno on August 02, 2026, 09:20:12 AMBut not when:
a) your OL sucks and can't give you >2secs
and
b) your HC/OC has decided no QB is allowed any deep shots that game
Great points nice counter
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 01, 2026, 09:53:41 PMWe don't know much about his accuracy or football IQ yet. Lots of QB's have very strong arms and fail. I'm not writing him off and sample size is very small. I also don't see him in practice which might be more indicative.
Nailed it on accuracy and IQ.
If he had Lawler to throw too, Dru or Taylor would do a lot better. Having to know when a player is going to zig instead of zag is tough, but having a guy who zigs when you throw the zag, but can then come back to the zag and make the contested catch, that's money in the bank.
Yes, Lawler is not the greatest guy off the field, but has no equal on it.
Gino Lewis is about as close as it gets to him, he should have a Blue and Gold jersey already.
Quote from: theaardvark on August 03, 2026, 03:19:24 PMIf he had Lawler to throw too, Dru or Taylor would do a lot better. Having to know when a player is going to zig instead of zag is tough, but having a guy who zigs when you throw the zag, but can then come back to the zag and make the contested catch, that's money in the bank.
Yes, Lawler is not the greatest guy off the field, but has no equal on it.
Gino Lewis is about as close as it gets to him, he should have a Blue and Gold jersey already.
I disagree. Regardless, which import will you take off the roster to get him on the roster as a starter? Noting that we are currently ONLY starting 7 Canadians due to the injury to Kramdi.
If the suggestion is that Lewis would be a better option than Nield, that may be true but it's a ratio issue.
So that is two specific issues beyond any SMS issue and / or even his willingness to join a bad team.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 03, 2026, 03:49:23 PMI disagree. Regardless, which import will you take off the roster to get him on the roster as a starter? Noting that we are currently ONLY starting 7 Canadians due to the injury to Kramdi.
If the suggestion is that Lewis would be a better option than Nield, that may be true but it's a ratio issue.
So that is two specific issues beyond any SMS issue and / or even his willingness to join a bad team.
I don't care how "bad" a team is, a player will come if he gets an offer he likes, and he has familiarity with Dru being here.
Start a DL, that's the starting ratio. Figuring out the DI issue, well, there are LOTS of moving parts there. It can be done.
The game before last, there was a comedic part to the commentators. "My gameplan is throw to Gino". Repeated all game long, every time he made any catch, and more when he made a special one.
Gino would open up Demski, Wilson and White more.
Quote from: theaardvark on August 03, 2026, 05:03:06 PMI don't care how "bad" a team is, a player will come if he gets an offer he likes, and he has familiarity with Dru being here.
Start a DL, that's the starting ratio. Figuring out the DI issue, well, there are LOTS of moving parts there. It can be done.
The game before last, there was a comedic part to the commentators. "My gameplan is throw to Gino". Repeated all game long, every time he made any catch, and more when he made a special one.
Gino would open up Demski, Wilson and White more.
You still have not specifically said which import you would take off the AR. You have not said how the starting receiver group would look at which positions.
Of course we can add imports anywhere we want, but what is the trade off. Making vague suggestions doesn't help.
Would Lewis be a benefit? Probably but it's just not that simple.
There are so many moving pieces, and we have no knowledge of any injury/contract status thanks to the CFL's secrecy laws.
If they wanted Gino, they could make it happen.
Release Nield, wiffin Griffin off, start Smith and replace the roster spot with Bouliane.
Quote from: theaardvark on August 03, 2026, 06:03:47 PMThere are so many moving pieces, and we have no knowledge of any injury/contract status thanks to the CFL's secrecy laws.
If they wanted Gino, they could make it happen.
Release Nield, wiffin Griffin off, start Smith and replace the roster spot with Bouliane.
I wonder if Griffin could replace K. Wilson at MLB or Jones at WIL, moving Jones back to MLB.
A question we might want to ask ourselves as fans is how much good will does Kyle Walter and Michael O'Shea have?
If we miss the playoffs this season? How about next season too?
Is Ayres classified as a starting IMP, If so replace him on the roster as there are a lot of Nat LBers . The def has a lot of IMP players and half are only producing. Is MOS trying to help out his friend Younger to look good?
Jackson and Ayers are nice to have on ST, but another better receiver would help the QB maybe get the ball out sooner with less presser.
Quote from: Blue72 on August 03, 2026, 08:05:57 PMIs Ayres classified as a starting IMP, If so replace him on the roster as there are a lot of Nat LBers . The def has a lot of IMP players and half are only producing. Is MOS trying to help out his friend Younger to look good?
Jackson and Ayers are nice to have on ST, but another better receiver would help the QB maybe get the ball out sooner with less presser.
Ayers is a DI. Removing him would allow adding Lewis on the roster. The issue is that it doesn't directly resolve the starting ratio.
The best option I heard to do that was starting Smith at LB. Taking K. Wilson off the AR solves both questions of starting Canadians and the import roster limit. The other option is a combination of both. Take Ayers off and have Wilson become a DI.
Wilson doesn't play ST's IIRC but he'd be better depth at LB than Ayers. I mentioned earlier that I'd cut K. Wilson so that's the choice I would make. I don't think O'Shea makes either of those choices.
I've continually questioned the Elsbury choice. He was a guard and only made 7 starts in college. Eli was drafted as an OC and has been on our AR for 78 games over multiple seasons.
The entire question during TC was will an import OC be a better option than 3 import receivers.
With Woodbey back and Smith playing better K Wilson can now be replaced with younger players. Jones back at center and younger faster players at Wil. I know Mike won't do it be now is the time.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 31, 2026, 03:29:53 PMWalters hasn't been bad. He doesn't have the biggest voice on the coordinators or the systems being run. And if we don't play or sign Brown next year it's not a second first.
His off season work this year has been largely good. It's the older players who have failed and I think that quite squarely rests with O'Shea.
Someone needs to sit Mike down and explain very clearly that his commitment to honoring his vets doesn't work if they don't win and is no longer acceptable. I thought this conversation was had after last year but we're seeing the same pattern of choice making and therefore results. It's becoming a real issue that's hard to ignore and it for certain needs real correction.
His drafting and scouting the past few years has been poor.
Quote from: Blue72 on August 03, 2026, 08:49:18 PMWith Woodbey back and Smith playing better K Wilson can now be replaced with younger players. Jones back at center and younger faster players at Wil. I know Mike won't do it be now is the time.
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking as well. Smith is still in a learning curve that should have been started in 2025.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 03, 2026, 10:35:04 PMSmith is still in a learning curve that should have been started in 2025.
Kramdi got the fast-track, and started (what most people consider) prematurely. Smith could be the next one. Some guys can handle being thrown into the fire and rapidly dev on the job.
Makes you shake your head at Shay, though...
Quote from: peg_city on August 03, 2026, 07:48:59 PMA question we might want to ask ourselves as fans is how much good will does Kyle Walter and Michael O'Shea have?
If we miss the playoffs this season? How about next season too?
Well, they have their big 3 year contracts, and the coaches cap is a thing. So there's really no way to change course. I think they have tons of goodwill leftover, and it will linger for a very long time.
Mafia could deflect a lot of the criticism by firing an underperforming unit coach. OL has been a problem for 3+ seasons now. Maybe it's time Costello go -- he's the only constant as the line-ups change and suckage continues.
Most people just want to see something - anything - is happening. That's what Dinwiddie is doing in OTT. Every other week someone is getting fired, whether player or coach. Throw the peanut gallery a bone and the heat goes away from the top.
I wasn't a fan of the "fire Younger" crowd, but the last disgusting show of D is making me think he's now not immune from the crosshairs. I would have complained before if they canned him, now I'd just be "meh".
If we don't win another game Oshea has to be fired.
The leagues coaches have not only caught up but surpassed him in terms of planning and attack, Buck is even going for 2 now to go up 2 scores, Oshea will never do anything like that.
We Got a lucky break with Matt Nichols in 2019 to bring in Zach for the epic playoff run. Or else Oshea would have been game managing and trying 70 yard FGs again to make the GC.
Barely won 2021 GC.
Embarrassed in 3 in a row because of a philosophy in the locker room that starts with Oshea.
After these performances and Osheas reaction to them I dont see how we win another game. See what happens
Was gonna start a new thread but.
What is the story on Osheas retirement* as a player?
He never actually retired and filed papers?
Isn't the story he showed up to Argos camp ready to play and they are like uhhhhhh dude, you're done, and cut him?
Any insights or gossip appreciated
What's every ones thought about bringing in Bighill to help out the LBers for the rest of the year, to many mistakes and nothing getting corrected. Especially the tackling and getting burnt filling the center of the d line and leaving the outside open. He could be a big help showing Jones a couple things to close up the middle and manage the LBers and DBs which the current coaching staff don't seem to be doing.
Quote from: Blue72 on August 04, 2026, 11:54:34 PMWhat's every ones thought about bringing in Bighill to help out the LBers for the rest of the year, to many mistakes and nothing getting corrected. Especially the tackling and getting burnt filling the center of the d line and leaving the outside open. He could be a big help showing Jones a couple things to close up the middle and manage the LBers and DBs which the current coaching staff don't seem to be doing.
I think we're at the max amount of coaches and can't hire anyone else.
Biggie would be good but would prefer after he got coaching experience
Bringing in Bighill won't do anything to fix the defensive scheme issues, We need a safety and a replacement for Nichols. Having a new assistant coach won't fix Younger
Quote from: Jesse on August 05, 2026, 12:22:34 AMI think we're at the max amount of coaches and can't hire anyone else.
AFAIK it's a $ issue (coaches cap) not a # issue. Some teams have lots of asst this-n-thats, some have few.
Pretty sure we're pretty much always at max coach cap. Mafia needs to get paid!!
Quote from: Sway on August 04, 2026, 12:45:11 PMIf we don't win another game Oshea has to be fired.
I could see us not winning another (until garbage season), or I could see us finding a way to fix the problems and make it all work within the system. What I don't see is some middle ground where we're kinda good and win a few against good teams.
The game against OTT will be the huge tell. That will set the tone: just like the BC game did. It may be their last chance for a win for a long time, especially at home.
If things appear hopeless, I'd put all our eggs into winning the BB to at least give the faithful home fans something to cheer about at least one time this season. Just like '12-'15, make the BB our GC.
I'm for new regime after this season. The question is who do we look at for the GM and HC jobs?
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on August 05, 2026, 02:31:04 AMI'm for new regime after this season. The question is who do we look at for the GM and HC jobs?
No one. Coaches cap means Mafia is 100% locked in until FA29.
Keep in mind that both KW & MOS would be snapped up in a heartbeat by other teams. They are not the next Claybrooks.
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on August 05, 2026, 02:31:04 AMI'm for new regime after this season. The question is who do we look at for the GM and HC jobs?
Terrible idea.
Some fans have become spoiled and think every year we should go to the grey cup. Well it ain't happening this year but that doesn't mean we kick the architects for the past 5 years of grey cup appearances to the curb. We re a bottom half of the league team this year, next year some vets will retire (Bryant, maybe Collaros) and new blood will be brought in and the quest will begin again. In the meantime, chill out, we ll be extremely lucky to make the playoffs and even if we do, we ll be one and done. That's ok, we ve had our run.
Quote from: Tecno on August 05, 2026, 02:16:18 AMAFAIK it's a $ issue (coaches cap) not a # issue. Some teams have lots of asst this-n-thats, some have few.
Pretty sure we're pretty much always at max coach cap. Mafia needs to get paid!!
I'm pretty sure it's both
Quote from: dd on August 05, 2026, 03:42:11 AMSome fans have become spoiled and think every year we should go to the grey cup. Well it ain't happening this year but that doesn't mean we kick the architects for the past 5 years of grey cup appearances to the curb. We re a bottom half of the league team this year, next year some vets will retire (Bryant, maybe Collaros) and new blood will be brought in and the quest will begin again. In the meantime, chill out, we ll be extremely lucky to make the playoffs and even if we do, we ll be one and done. That's ok, we ve had our run.
Once they re-signed Zach I didn't believe they'd be returning to the GC this season as he's been unable to defeat a top team in a meaningful game for the last 2 seasons. At the end of this season it will be time to cut their losses and stop betting on a losing hand. Accept every season can't be a winner and will enjoy the rebuild as long as it trends mostly in a positive direction.
Hoping to see a spark from either Brown or Elgersma that indicates they have the potential to develop in the next few years to make the team competitive with the best teams in the league, if not the search for an elite QB must continue.
They signed everyone to 3 yr contracts. Bad move.. no need to produce. Look at the players they cut in training camp. Some were better never get called up...especially one was a good linebacker played good in exhibition but axed because he has to be twice as good as the guy at his position to overtake him.
Quote from: buckzumhoff on August 05, 2026, 12:10:42 PMThey signed everyone to 3 yr contracts. Bad move.. no need to produce. Look at the players they cut in training camp. Some were better never get called up...especially one was a good linebacker played good in exhibition but axed because he has to be twice as good as the guy at his position to overtake him.
I don't agree with any of this. Least of our worries imo.
Quote from: buckzumhoff on August 05, 2026, 12:10:42 PMespecially one was a good linebacker played good in exhibition but axed because he has to be twice as good as the guy at his position to overtake him.
Ya, but the mafia way is to get looks at these guys, and only find spots for the stellar. The d.alfords and schoens.
But, if the guy is still around, I bet he gets picked up in roster expansion time, and is here at next camp. Then he might have hit the right timing window.
That's happened many times before. Mafia loves their guys that don't show quit.
Quote from: Tecno on August 05, 2026, 12:29:31 PMYa, but the mafia way is to get looks at these guys, and only find spots for the stellar. The d.alfords and schoens.
But, if the guy is still around, I bet he gets picked up in roster expansion time, and is here at next camp. Then he might have hit the right timing window.
That's happened many times before. Mafia loves their guys that don't show quit.
An increasing phenomenon could be players refusing to accept PR spots which messes with the Bombers tradition of indoctrination and succession. Some players like Griffin are elated by the PR offer, while others take it as an insult. If the first 3 players turn down PR offers and the 4th accepts, are they really stockpiling their best recruited players or just fulfilling planned quotas with 3rd rate players?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 05, 2026, 04:12:29 PMIf the first 3 players turn down PR offers and the 4th accepts, are they really stockpiling their best recruited players or just fulfilling planned quotas with 3rd rate players?
One way to tell is if the guy we ditched goes to get on another CFL team. Yes? Then they are too good for PRs. No? Then we were right. And then we've successfully weeded out the "FIFO undesirables".
Quote from: Tecno on August 06, 2026, 02:47:37 AMOne way to tell is if the guy we ditched goes to get on another CFL team. Yes? Then they are too good for PRs. No? Then we were right. And then we've successfully weeded out the "FIFO undesirables".
Can't see how it's a good thing when they end up with players on the PR they fully intended to cut. O'Shea confirmed 3 names that refused PR spots and moved on, good chance there was more. As well as the obvious ones like Randolph and M-Bailey who emerged on other teams immediately, they were still in the Bombers plans. There was the one linebacker that played exceptionally well in the pre-season who was not about to steal Tony Jones job this season but had a bright future, I can't even recall his name now. but everyone loved him.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 06, 2026, 04:39:57 AMCan't see how it's a good thing when they end up with players on the PR they fully intended to cut. O'Shea confirmed 3 names that refused PR spots and moved on, good chance there was more. As well as the obvious ones like Randolph and M-Bailey who emerged on other teams immediately, they were still in the Bombers plans. There was the one linebacker that played exceptionally well in the pre-season who was not about to steal Tony Jones job this season but had a bright future, I can't even recall his name now.
Sure. But maybe there's more of an entitlement attitude among the latest gen that rubs Mafia the wrong way. Back in the day you'd rarely hear about a newish guy refusing PR.
I wouldn't fret about Rand & Munier. Rand was on his way out, and isn't even starting right now AFAIK. Munier is just a GLOB and we like our NATs better because NATs can replace anyone, GLOBs can only replace IMPs.
We could have also used the RR (which we have empty most weeks) and didn't.
It could all be a function of overpaying in general, which Mafia is prone to doing -- no money leftover for RR ELCs or fake 1GIRs or whatever. So all that's left is to let them walk.
At least the guys that remain (or come back next expansion) are more FI.
I've added up my Tecno's Takes scores for week's 6, 8 & 9. I excluded the OTT game only because I never scored it (yet?) because it was pretty vanilla.
My main goal is to see if there's something to the current consensus punching bugs: Stan, Kyrie, Nichols, Kelly, and my ones Nield & Dru.
BAD PLAYS (3 games):
stan 7
dru 7
kyrie 5
wallace 4.5
nichols 4
elgs 4
jones 3.5
holm 3.5
neuf 3.5
pokey 3
eli 2.5
brady 2.5
smith 2.5
griffin 2
vant 2
kelly 2
jackson 2
nield 2
GOOD PLAYS:
dru 21
brady 16.5
pokey 15
major 12.5
demski 11
white 11
willie 11
jones 9
perkins 9
kyrie 8.5
fletcher 6.5
kelly 6
smith 6
nield 5
holm 5
els 4
griffin 4
vant 4
stan 3.5
gatkouth 3.5
ceresna 3.5
vaval 3
cadwall 3
ike 2.5
neuf 2.5
daniels 2
kramdi 2
moxey 2
nichols 1.5
You have to think about the numbers a bit to interpret them, or you can jump to possibly incorrect conclusions. For instance, if a DB has pretty low numbers in BOTH good/bad then that generally means he's darn good -- he's being ignored. But if REC has pretty low numbers in both then that could mean he's bad, because he's not open, not giving the QBs confidence, etc. And if someone has lots of good and/or bad, make sure to subtract the opposite count to see if there's balance.
Analyzing the punching bags (bad / good play counts):
Stan 7/3.5 (Wall 4.5/1.5, Els 1/4, Neuf 3.5/2.5, Vant 2/4)
Yes, Stan has the worst bad count, and an average good count, so there's clearly something to the theory Stan is a liability now. Els is the best(!), and Vant has not enough looks to know yet.
Nield 2/5 (Pokey 3/15, White 1/11, Demski 1/11, rest invisible)
Nield has more good than bad, but he's a half to a third as as useful as the "big 3". (Remember, I include blocks in the grades too.)
Kyrie 5/8.5 (Jones 3.5/9, Griffin 2/4, Smith 2.5/6)
Kyrie is a mixed bag. He's the biggest LB liability, but he also makes about as many good plays as Jones. So it's tough to know if you'd do better without him.
Nichols 4/1.5 (Moxey 1.5/2, Holm 3.5/5, Major 1.5/12.5)
Yes, Nichols is a major liability. Moxey is at least somewhat even and often ignored. Major is insane good and gets a lot of work.
Kelly 2/6
Kelly's not sucking as bad as we may think, especially seeing as how he's a "backup" and probably shouldn't be starting in a sane world.
Dru 7/21 (Elgs 4/0)
Dru is overall ok. But his 7 bad play sum has an outsized impact as each bad is generally a non-conversion or an INT/fumble. It would be interesting to see how Zach scores out after his next 3 games. If you were to run the same math for a guy like Alexander, it would be like 3/100 -- good QBs make more outstanding plays and limit the garbage. (Aside: Elgs does nothing good.)
Bottom line: bench Nichols & Stan, the peanut gallery is right. Probably bench Kyrie & Nield (and the "2 C's"). Kelly put back to 2nd safety (when you have Kramdi or Allen).
Not discussed: Fletcher & Willie are doing great. Ceresna is very quiet with his double-teams, but needs to learn to shed. The other DL very quiet, which probably isn't good for DL.
Now we need # reps each LB for the season ;D
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 06, 2026, 04:39:57 AMCan't see how it's a good thing when they end up with players on the PR they fully intended to cut. O'Shea confirmed 3 names that refused PR spots and moved on, good chance there was more. As well as the obvious ones like Randolph and M-Bailey who emerged on other teams immediately, they were still in the Bombers plans. There was the one linebacker that played exceptionally well in the pre-season who was not about to steal Tony Jones job this season but had a bright future, I can't even recall his name now. but everyone loved him.
I mean, this is just the way it is.
Quote from: Tecno on August 06, 2026, 04:51:18 AMSure. But maybe there's more of an entitlement attitude among the latest gen that rubs Mafia the wrong way. Back in the day you'd rarely hear about a newish guy refusing PR.
I wouldn't fret about Rand & Munier. Rand was on his way out, and isn't even starting right now AFAIK. Munier is just a GLOB and we like our NATs better because NATs can replace anyone, GLOBs can only replace IMPs.
We could have also used the RR (which we have empty most weeks) and didn't.
It could all be a function of overpaying in general, which Mafia is prone to doing -- no money leftover for RR ELCs or fake 1GIRs or whatever. So all that's left is to let them walk.
At least the guys that remain (or come back next expansion) are more FI.
Could be players that are refusing PR spots are acting on their agents advice, either that or they have commitments or relations in the US they want to get back to, taking care of families and such.