https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/08/09/need-to-know-week-11-zachs-back/
While I am happy to see him healthy, I'm not sure this is the best thing for him or the team.
Facing a desperate OTT team with "nothing to lose" that is full of players looking to make a name for themselves, it makes Zach more of a target than usual, IMHO.
On the other side, do we need Zach in the lineup to beat OTT?
I guess he's only missed 3 games officially, because they didn't 6 game him at first. Had they done that, he'd be eligible to practice this week, and back in time to face Montreal.
If he had finished his stint on the 6 game, we get $200k in cap space back. That is a lot, either for a Lewis, or to re-sign players.
I am thinking he is healthier than Dru Brown. So the other option is Elgersma. Zach is the right call. If we sleep on this game, it might be the season.
Collaros had $200K in early money, so the savings on the 6 game IR would be $350K / 18 = $120K maybe? Worth saving but the bigger issue is should he even play again. Each new injury adds to that worry.
As far as needing him the answer is probably less since Brown is also nicked
Either way, I'll be happy if he survives the game without getting hurt again. OL needs to play a lot better.
Quote from: Blue In BC on Today at 05:08:51 PMI'll be happy if he survives the game without getting hurt again. OL needs to play a lot better.
Ditto. Especially with regard to the O-line.
It's going to be hard for the OL to play any better. Part of it is they are only so good but part of it is there is no speed in the backfield. Cover A+B and if it's not run, attack the slowest starting QB in the league and voila, you've a master defensive strategist against the Bombers for the last two years.
The doctors cleared him to play, so he plays. We need him, and our team will respond and play much better and more inspired football, I fully expect us to beat Ottawa. On the other hand, if he can't go I wouldn't be putting Elgersma in, I'd be going for Perkins, Elgersma has clearly displayed he isn't anywhere near ready to play and if it wasn't for his passport, wouldn't even be on our roster.
Quote from: dd on Today at 05:37:10 PMThe doctors cleared him to play, so he plays. We need him, and our team will respond and play much better and more inspired football, I fully expect us to beat Ottawa. On the other hand, if he can't go I wouldn't be putting Elgersma in, I'd be going for Perkins, Elgersma has clearly displayed he isn't anywhere near ready to play and if it wasn't for his passport, wouldn't even be on our roster.
Doctors clear some players when they say are good to go. Need you be reminded of the Grey Cup where we played Schoen and Demski? In any case, there is not a medical test to determine long term concussion problems.
Monty Python: It's only a flesh wound.
The entire season was and will continue to be on the backs of the OL. If they can get healthy and play better, many other pieces fall into place.
Zach needs to play well get 250 yards plus, take a few hits and dust himself off and things maybe slowly get better in Bomberland.
Almost everything needs to go right for us to turn this ship around but it might. 1st step, our leader needs to calm the waters.
ZC8 doesn't play D or OL. And that's were we need the most help. However, some long drives might help our D. But the OL has to be much better.
Quote from: Pigskin on Today at 06:29:17 PMZC8 doesn't play D or OL. And that's were we need the most help. However, some long drives might help our D. But the OL has to be much better.
It is amazing how much a good QB can make an OL look good. And vice versa.
I'm not sure our Oline is as bad as it seems, with the QB's they've had behind them of late. It will be interesting to see if they step up a bit in front of ZC8
Quote from: theaardvark on Today at 06:32:29 PMIt is amazing how much a good QB can make an OL look good. And vice versa.
I'm not sure our Oline is as bad as it seems, with the QB's they've had behind them of late. It will be interesting to see if they step up a bit in front of ZC8
The O-line was exposed as a weakness last season. A year later, the only upgrade to the unit is Broxton. Bryant and Neufeld are in the twilight of their illustrious careers. The remaining talent and depth don't appear to be hacking it.
I highly doubt Collaros' return is going to magically provide some punch in the arm for the O-line to collectively elevate its game.
Keeping QBs clean and upright has become a struggle for the unit regardless of who's behind centre.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on Today at 06:55:14 PMThe O-line was exposed as a weakness last season. A year later, the only upgrade to the unit is Broxton. Bryant and Neufeld are in the twilight of their illustrious careers. The remaining talent and depth don't appear to be hacking it.
I highly doubt Collaros' return is going to magically provide some punch in the arm for the O-line to collectively elevate its game.
Keeping QBs clean and upright has become a struggle for the unit regardless of who's behind centre.
It's true. And Bryant really should have retired last year. But I also want to point out that the offensive line is a part of the offense and we shouldn't forget that it's an entire unit together that influences the play and results. If you took Rourke (using him as an example of a fresh legged QB not that I think he's so great) and a more versatile running back and put them behind this offensive line they would look much better. With the personnel we have there is so much pressure and stress on them to play perfectly on every play. Brady can only run through the A and B gap and Collaros (and Dru) needs a flawless (or close to it) pocket. That makes it easy on the defense and requires perfection from the line every single play. It's just a such a tough assignment.
Some good banter here, lots of good opinions. Will be so telling how this working out even by half time. Sounds little might be a little wet. Not sure that will play too much into the game plan but if its slick late and we are up, Bbb might be easier to implement in the slop.