Blue Bombers Forum

The Extra Point => Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum => Topic started by: ModAdmin on May 06, 2023, 05:06:19 AM

Title: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 06, 2023, 05:06:19 AM
Blue Bomber Main Camp opens May 14th.

All announcements, comments and discussion will take place here.

This thread will be opened on May 13th.

Thread is now unlocked.  Practice times for the main camp are in the following link...

https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=54906.0
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 13, 2023, 09:57:58 PM
Opening practice at Training Camp 9:00am to 11:40am tomorrow (Sunday).

Attenders, please file your observations here!
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 13, 2023, 10:46:26 PM
The people that go and report are the heart of this forum, thanks in advance
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 14, 2023, 02:49:07 AM
I will try. See what I can see? :P
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 14, 2023, 02:27:02 PM
I?m picture perfect morning for first main camp session. Perfect temp no wind not a cloud.Good can turn out.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: bomb squad on May 14, 2023, 03:15:59 PM
Looks like Agadosi may be be limping slightly.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 14, 2023, 03:32:49 PM
Quote from: bomb squad on May 14, 2023, 03:15:59 PM
Looks like Agadosi may be be limping slightly.

Guy can't catch a break. That said he's in no immediate danger.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 14, 2023, 03:55:41 PM
Quote from: bomb squad on May 14, 2023, 03:15:59 PM
Looks like Agadosi may be be limping slightly.
Oh no
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: bomb squad on May 14, 2023, 04:13:15 PM
#6 Matt Cole import Db standing out a bit. Very athletic.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 14, 2023, 04:16:27 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 14, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 14, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American wide receiver Braxton Westfield (6-4, 205, Carson-Newman, April 6, 1998, in Simpsonville, SC)
American defensive tackle Julius Turner (6-0, 275, Rutgers, December 4, 1997 in Meridian,  MS)
National offensive lineman Jakub Szott (6-5, 305, McMaster, July 13, 1998 in Toronto, ON)
Global punter Jamieson Sheahan (6-0, 205, California, May 17, 1997 in Bendigo, Australia

Released from roster:

American running back TaZhawn Henry
American quarterback Cooper Callis
National offensive lineman Tyler Grisolia
National punter Chris MacLean
American kicker Marc Orozco
National defensive back Cedrick Lavigne
National receiver Michael O'Shea
American defensive back Jordan Brown
American defensive back Tyrique McGhee
American defensive back Karon Delince
National defensive back Noah Hallett
American receiver Jaivon Heiligh

Transferred to suspended list:


American defensive back Will Allen Jr.
American defensive tackle O'Bryan Goodson

Transferred to six-game injured list:

Global defensive end Thiadric Hansen
American linebacker Kyrie Wilson
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: bwiser on May 14, 2023, 04:19:26 PM
Quote from: ModAdmin on May 14, 2023, 04:16:27 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 14, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 14, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American wide receiver Braxton Westfield (6-4, 205, Carson-Newman, April 6, 1998, in Simpsonville, SC)
American defensive tackle Julius Turner (6-0, 275, Rutgers, December 4, 1997 in Meridian,  MS)
National offensive lineman Jakub Szott (6-5, 305, McMaster, July 13, 1998 in Toronto, ON)
Global punter Jamieson Sheahan (6-0, 205, California, May 17, 1997 in Bendigo, Australia

Released from roster:

American running back TaZhawn Henry
American quarterback Cooper Callis
National offensive lineman Tyler Grisolia
National punter Chris MacLean
American kicker Marc Orozco
National defensive back Cedrick Lavigne
National receiver Michael O'Shea
American defensive back Jordan Brown
American defensive back Tyrique McGhee
American defensive back Karon Delince
National defensive back Noah Hallett
American receiver Jaivon Heiligh

Transferred to suspended list:


American defensive back Will Allen Jr.
American defensive tackle O'Bryan Goodson

Transferred to six-game injured list:

Global defensive end Thiadric Hansen
American linebacker Kyrie Wilson
Kyrie Wilson starting the season on the six game injury list does not bode well for his future with the club. Hopefully he will recover but this provides an opportunity for someone new to step up and take the job.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 14, 2023, 05:04:36 PM
I had hopes for Heiligh (WR) and McGhee (DB) 
A little surprised they dropped Hallett jr, was he the one that was injured?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 14, 2023, 05:08:32 PM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 14, 2023, 05:04:36 PM
I had hopes for Heiligh (WR) and McGhee (DB) 
A little surprised they dropped Hallett jr, was he the one that was injured?

Yes Noah Hallett suffered a serious injury in 2022. With all the rookie Canadian DB's we have I don't expect him back.  11 games over 2 seasons and only 2 in 2022.

We might even see Ford return from NFL tryout by Sept.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 14, 2023, 06:24:34 PM
Camp was super well organized and orchestrated!

Schoen Lawler and Demski all took turns creating ooos and aaas from the nice crowd!

Gavin Gardner had a couple real nice grabs including a deep one
As did Tim Knuettel who caught everything thrown to him

M.Bailey had only a so so day with a couple drops

Zach and Dru looked good throwing
Jones pretty meh

Brian Cole #41 had a real nice Pick!
Good break ups by Parker Holm Nichols and Barrington

Lines tough to judge as there was no tackling. No pads today. One on ones was far from where I was sitting.

Brady was running hard and Schoen is king of the endurance wind sprints!

Lawrence was limping around but stayed in

Did not notice the Agodosi situation

Saw Bauming in the can lol. To my dismay he never heard of GoldMember. Booooo! :D
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 14, 2023, 07:23:29 PM
Cedrick Lavigne cut? The kid had nice size and a good motor. Montreal will probably snap him up by the end of the day.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 14, 2023, 07:51:30 PM
Quote from: bomb squad on May 14, 2023, 04:13:15 PM
#6 Matt Cole import Db standing out a bit. Very athletic.

He looked very fast out there, but he got beat up pretty good a couple times in coverage. But you can't teach speed...

Kenny Lawler and Winston Rose had some hard-fought (but friendly) battles going today.

The first string offense looked really sharp. If they can stay healthy and the OL can play up to the standards we're used to, oh my...they will be a handful.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Zach Schnitzer on May 14, 2023, 08:37:08 PM
Thx everyone for the continued updates!
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 14, 2023, 08:56:24 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 14, 2023, 07:23:29 PM
Cedrick Lavigne cut? The kid had nice size and a good motor. Montreal will probably snap him up by the end of the day.

I would think some of these super early TC cuts are not related to past or potential future performance, more likely to be
related to injury, conditioning or a personal disagreement the player has with the club regarding their future.  As for Lavigne and Jaivon Heiligh, I think they probably declined their invitation to TC for whatever reasons.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 14, 2023, 09:27:29 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 14, 2023, 08:56:24 PM
I would think some of these super early TC cuts are not related to past or potential future performance, more likely to be
related to injury, conditioning or a personal disagreement the player has with the club regarding their future.  As for Lavigne and Jaivon Heiligh, I think they probably declined their invitation to TC for whatever reasons.

O'Shea mentioned in today's presser that Hallett's release was expected on everyone's part and was decided a long time ago. He's very open to Hallett's return when his injury permits him to do so.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/14/coach-oshea-may-14th/ (https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/14/coach-oshea-may-14th/)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: kkc60 on May 14, 2023, 10:43:36 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 14, 2023, 08:56:24 PM
I would think some of these super early TC cuts are not related to past or potential future performance, more likely to be
related to injury, conditioning or a personal disagreement the player has with the club regarding their future.  As for Lavigne and Jaivon Heiligh, I think they probably declined their invitation to TC for whatever reasons.


Heileigh was at rookie camp iirc so not too sure that?s the case
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 15, 2023, 01:16:24 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day One

Quick Hits - Training Camp - Day 1

Notes and quotes from the first day of Blue Bombers training camp...

EYES AHEAD: The Blue Bombers opened main camp with six kickers - incumbent Marc Liegghio, who handled the placekicking, punting and kickoff chores last year - veteran Sergio Castillo, one of the heroes of the 2021 championship who is back for a third stint with the club, rookie placekicker Chandler Staton, Kansas State punter Devin Anctil and two Global punters in Jamieson Sheahan and Karl Schmitz.

Every single one of them is scrapping for a share of the kicking duties.

"I've met all the guys briefly for a couple days now and I met them more today," Liegghio said.
"They all seem like really cool guys and I?m looking forward to working with them in camp. It's just like having a few more friends with us in camp. Competition is going to be at any camp you go to, so it's just coming out here and doing your thing and keep doing what you do.

"You've just got to stick with it like you're the only guy out here. You put the work in the offseason, so you come in and do your thing, have the coaches evaluate you and then you get feedback and move on from there."

Liegghio said he wants to again handle all the kicking, but added "whatever the team needs to help them win, I'll do whatever they want me to do."

Castillo, meanwhile, carries that cred of having hit massive kicks before for the Blue Bombers - he was 5-for-5 in the 2021 Grey Cup - and has a veteran presence that brings confidence to a veteran crew.

"It's definitely good to be back; it just feels like home coming back and seeing all the familiar faces," he said. "I'm definitely ready to get this show on the road.

"I'm just grateful to have a job. When you think about it, there's 32 teams in the NFL, there's nine here and another 16 with the USFL and XFL, so less than 60 jobs in the whole world. I'm grateful to have a job and then grateful to be in a position with this team here. There's something special here. They've been building it... I know I've been here since 2015 and to see where it's gone from then to now with the core values the same, that's when I know its real.

"The way I see it, it is what it is. I can't change the situation so whatever situation it is, I'm going to attack whatever way I can and be the best version of myself - it doesn't what they do, if I don't bring my 'A' game it doesn't matter. It only matters what I bring on a daily basis."

- -

NEW FACES/SO LONG/ETC:
The Blue Bombers massaged their roster prior to the first day of main training camp, adding four players, releasing a dozen, moving two to the suspended list and DE Thiadric Hanson and LB Kyrie Wilson to the six-game injured list.

The new faces include:

-WR Braxton Westfield (Carson-Newman)
-DT Julius Turner (Rutgers)
-Canadian OL Jakub Szott (McMaster)
-Global punter Jamieson Sheahan (California)

Released from the roster were RB TaZhawn Henry, QB Cooper Callis, OL Tyler Grisolia, P Chris MacLean, K Marc Orozco, DB Cedrick Lavigne, WR Michael O?Shea, DB Jordan Brown, DB Tyrique McGhee, DB Karon Delince, DB Noah Hallett and WR Jaivon Heiligh.

O'Shea, it should be pointed out, appeared to be injured in Friday's practice session.

"It's pro football. It happens," said head coach Mike O'Shea of the difficulty of having to release his son. "I got cut, too, a few times."

O'Shea did add that it?s a hard conversation cutting every player, while also mentioning that Hallett could return when he is fully recovered from his offseason knee surgery.

"He?s not going to pass his medical right now," he said. "That conversation you have with Noah you have five months ago with how this is going to play out. He's on board. We loved having him around and he'll keep working."

DB Will Allen Jr. and DT O?Bryan Goodson were both moved to the suspended list.

- -

FYI: DT Jake Thomas has not yet arrived for camp but is expected soon as he makes his way from his offseason base in New Brunswick... O'Shea said Sunday's practice was "extremely clean. There?s value to that. Our guys show up and they know exactly what to do and how to do it and that makes the jobs of the coaches a little easier."... Chris Kolankowski took the first reps at centre Sunday, for what it's worth... A handful of veterans did not practice including LBs Adam Bighill and Jesse Briggs and receiver Brendan O'Leary-Orange... Former Blue Bomber OL Val St. Germain is in camp as one of the guest coaches. Acadia head coach Jeff Cummins will also soon be making his annual appearance. Also expected is former Toronto RB Michael Fletcher, who was most recently a defensive analyst at Arizona State.

LIVING THE DREAM:
OL Tui Eli was back in Blue Bombers colours for the first time since the 2021 Western Final. He was suspended for the Grey Cup after making the decision to not be vaccinated and returns after sitting out last season.

"I'll tell you about my interaction with him today," said O'Shea. "He's snapping at the beginning of practice, and I just look at him and say, 'How's that feel, Tui?' And he says, 'I'm living the dream.' Now, you pass people in the hallway on a weekly basis, and they say, 'I'm living the dream' and they say it in a way that you know they're not. But when Tui says it, you know he absolutely is from the look on his face and the way he says it, the way he communicates with you you 100 percent absolutely know that he is living the dream right then and there. I appreciate that. It just gives you another perspective."

Eli gives the Blue Bombers options at both guard and centre and O'Shea said the club welcomed him back not just because he was an important part of the '21 cup run.

"He's such a good human being," O'Shea said. "There would be no other choice. If you made a choice to not support him, you would be going against humanity - I don't know how else to say it. If you get to know him a little bit you know how good a person he is. He deserves our support."

QUOTABLE: "From Day 1 of free agency - even from Day 1 of our offseason I knew where I wanted to be. After the game I was able to play Winnipeg, me and my family stayed in the Winnipeg locker room for about an hour. The love that I have for these guys is real. I can't explain it... when you go to war with guys, man, and you develop a relationship with them, words can't really describe it. This bond is special that I've got with these guys.

"There was no thinking about where I was going to go. It was 'For the W' and FIFO.? - Kenny Lawler.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/14/quick-hits-training-camp-day-one/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 01:28:40 PM
Re conversation carried over from the rookie camp string:

I don't believe Gauthier will be starting at WIL in game 1. I just felt I couldn't rule it out 100%. When Wilson was injured in 2022 I expected Clements to be the starter but that didn't happen. Gauthier played fairly well.

We chose to start 8 Canadians for several games when we had Clements and another rookie LB as a DI.

For 2023 I'm also not convinced that  any of Clements, Cole or Cooper won't be beat out by rookie LB's. Cooper is now designated as a DE.  If that happens we might not want a rookie starting in game 1.

We'll see who steps up and whether Clements take the role as starter or a newbie. We may see a transitional situation.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 01:36:16 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 14, 2023, 08:56:24 PM
I would think some of these super early TC cuts are not related to past or potential future performance, more likely to be
related to injury, conditioning or a personal disagreement the player has with the club regarding their future.  As for Lavigne and Jaivon Heiligh, I think they probably declined their invitation to TC for whatever reasons.



Why the surprise about Heilegh so to speak? IIRC he barely even had any PR time let alone game experience. He just stopped in for a cup of coffee so to speak. In that sense the team has a longer look at him than newbies got in mini camp.

He was very young and didn't seem to have any pro experience. Bombers have Agudosi, Harrison and McCrae returning and 7 or 8 other import receivers fighting what will probably be PR spots.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on May 15, 2023, 01:59:25 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 01:28:40 PM
Re conversation carried over from the rookie camp string:

I don't believe Gauthier will be starting at WIL in game 1. I just felt I couldn't rule it out 100%. When Wilson was injured in 2022 I expected Clements to be the starter but that didn't happen. Gauthier played fairly well.

We chose to start 8 Canadians for several games when we had Clements and another rookie LB as a DI.

For 2023 I'm also not convinced that  any of Clements, Cole or Cooper won't be beat out by rookie LB's. Cooper is now designated as a DE.  If that happens we might not want a rookie starting in game 1.

We'll see who steps up and whether Clements take the role as starter or a newbie. We may see a transitional situation.

For sure. Knowing that Wilson will miss time (maybe a lot) right out of the gate makes it easier to find a longer term solution in camp. Also, a lot of people seem to view him as this really fantastic established veteran but he's basically played one full season for us (2019) and then been in and out of the lineup since 2017. Put another way, outside of 2019 his next best season is 7 starts since (and including) 2017.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 15, 2023, 03:00:15 PM
Injuries kill careers.

Another year potentially, doesn't look good. for him as a pro athlete.  But never say never.  It's a young man's game, at positions involving running and changing directions.  Good Luck!
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 03:22:32 PM
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 15, 2023, 01:59:25 PM
For sure. Knowing that Wilson will miss time (maybe a lot) right out of the gate makes it easier to find a longer term solution in camp. Also, a lot of people seem to view him as this really fantastic established veteran but he's basically played one full season for us (2019) and then been in and out of the lineup since 2017. Put another way, outside of 2019 his next best season is 7 starts since (and including) 2017.

We'll see if we find some great rookie LB's including one that can take the WIL spot. At the moment I'd think Clements has that spot to lose and he's not a bad player that is still developing I suppose.

What the development curves will be like from 2022 to 2023 TC IDK. Some early reports on newbie LB's were encouraging but it was just rookie camp.

Reports from the main camp will start to show us who is lining up with the 1st teams and how often etc.

Can't complain about anything from the defence in 2022 by in large. 15-3 finish, gave up the least points etc etc.

OTOH I was surprised by the DI depth ( quality ) for the LB's in 2022. Perhaps I'm being harsh based on the results comments starting Gauthier and Briggs for many games. Experience rules.

At the moment we have" Cole, Dixon, Stanley, Wade as rookies and even Maruo that could be in the mix. Obviously Clements may be the best choice to start the season.

I was impressed with Maruo in 2022 and it would be something if we had a Global that was a primary starter or even as the primary back up. That's a ratio advantage that would offset needing to use a DI spot for Castillo.

Of course we don't know how the imports will do and where they will rank.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 15, 2023, 05:10:12 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 01:36:16 PM
Why the surprise about Heilegh so to speak? IIRC he barely even had any PR time let alone game experience. He just stopped in for a cup of coffee so to speak. In that sense the team has a longer look at him than newbies got in mini camp.

He was very young and didn't seem to have any pro experience. Bombers have Agudosi, Harrison and McCrae returning and 7 or 8 other import receivers fighting what will probably be PR spots.

Heilegh was a bad example, I didn't know they had a good look at him during rookie camp.  As for Lavigne who showed well in his short playing time last season, I think the cut is more personal related and not based on his playing ability......of course I'm only speculating.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: the paw on May 15, 2023, 05:19:11 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 15, 2023, 05:10:12 PM
Heilegh was a bad example, I didn't know they had a good look at him during rookie camp.  As for Lavigne who showed well in his short playing time last season, I think the cut is more personal related and not based on his playing ability......of course I'm only speculating.

I think you might be engaging in some wishful thinking here.  Lavigne was a seventh round draft pick who only got on the roster for 2 games.  And we drafted a DB in the second round.  I think Lavignge did well just to last as long as he did. 
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 05:22:40 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 15, 2023, 05:10:12 PM
Heilegh was a bad example, I didn't know they had a good look at him during rookie camp.  As for Lavigne who showed well in his short playing time last season, I think the cut is more personal related and not based on his playing ability......of course I'm only speculating.

We drafted 2 DB's this year and have 2 territorial DB's in the mix + Veltri. Janke was signed as a free agent, so the competition is steep.  There might be some expectation that Noah Hallett might return at some point and then there is the Ford situation with the NFL.

OTOH, Lavigne not only had to beat out all those candidates he might be less willing to take on a PR role.

IMO, we have AR spots for 2 of those 6 on the roster right now. Kelly and MacDougall probably get the longest looks but I also thought Veltri sounded promising.  The 2023 was reportedly a deep draft for DB's?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 15, 2023, 05:51:25 PM
Quote from: the paw on May 15, 2023, 05:19:11 PM
I think you might be engaging in some wishful thinking here.  Lavigne was a seventh round draft pick who only got on the roster for 2 games.  And we drafted a DB in the second round.  I think Lavignge did well just to last as long as he did. 

I dunno, understandable if he attended rookie camp and they had another look at him, but to cut a second year player before he has a chance to show what he learned during his first season seems cold.  Plenty of undrafted players have made the grade, so draft place is irrelevant.  Can never have enough "Cedric's" on a football team, I'm sticking with that!
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 15, 2023, 06:07:51 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 15, 2023, 05:51:25 PM
I dunno, understandable if he attended rookie camp and they had another look at him, but to cut a second year player before he has a chance to show what he learned during his first season seems cold.  Plenty of undrafted players have made the grade, so draft place is irrelevant.  Can never have enough "Cedric's" on a football team, I'm sticking with that!

I'm not sure if he was at rookie camp. That seems almost moot after having him on the PR for an entire season in 2022. I don't know anything about him. However they may not have liked his work ethic. His athleticism may have had a low ceiling. He may not have had generally a good skill set.

I don't know that any of the above are true, only that the team had a very long look at him and made a decision. It's not unusual for 2nd year draft choices to not survive into their 2nd season.

Perhaps he gets picked up by another team and does well.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 15, 2023, 06:35:57 PM
What is a Cedric?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: the paw on May 15, 2023, 06:42:11 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 15, 2023, 05:51:25 PM
I dunno, understandable if he attended rookie camp and they had another look at him, but to cut a second year player before he has a chance to show what he learned during his first season seems cold.  Plenty of undrafted players have made the grade, so draft place is irrelevant.  Can never have enough "Cedric's" on a football team, I'm sticking with that!

I love cheering for the Rudy's too, but when the dream finally dies, we can't be surprised.  I was a big fan of Rory Kohlert for example...

And while it is true that draft position isn't 100% the last word, if you look through the seventh round for the last 10 years, it is pretty apparent that not too many stick.

But you may be onto something with the name though.   Lavigne spells it "Cedrick" and on a team looking for Cedric, that might be the kiss of death....
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 15, 2023, 06:52:42 PM
A few things that I noticed at Day 2 of main camp today:

1. Picks: Both Matt Cole (#6) and DeJaun Cooper (#15) had picks today.

2. Kickers: I had a bad vantage point, but I think that Castillo, Staton, and Liegghio made all their FG attempts (might have been one miss by #13). Appreciate if anyone else can confirm.

3. It was made pretty clear who the starters are on offense as they were separated from the rest on a couple of occasions to work on their own. I was wondering if Bailey might get pushed a bit at camp, but he was with the rest of the no-brainers in this group. Agudosi and McRae remained with the challengers.

4. Gavin Garner (WR#77) made a really nice diving catch, and has looked better each day. A big dude, but built more like a TE than Agudosi (doesn't have quite the wingspan). But, he's in pretty tough - not sure how he makes the club in any capacity.

5. Tyrelle Pigrome (QB#3): I didn't see him out there today, but he still appears to be on the roster?

6. Adam Bighill: He's still not practicing - was this expected? I don't think I read anything about him being injured coming into camp?

7. "Starting" Defense: I know it's early, but when the one's came out as a group on defense, Jamal Parker (#7) was consistently at field half with Desmond Lawrence (#22) at field corner. The LB's seemed to be constantly rotated with no one except Darby consistently in there.

8. Feel-Good Moment of the Day?: Cole Adamson got cheered pretty loudly by his OL brethren and Coach on a real good rep against a DL (missed the #). Sure seems like a band of brothers out there.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 15, 2023, 06:59:42 PM
Thanks for the update.

The team doesn't play for another month.?? Anyone think Bighill needs any reps for a no-contact practice?  I mean he probably can coach up every position on defence and I am sure he is in shape.

He is a football player's player.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 15, 2023, 07:07:23 PM
Quote from: pdirks67 on May 15, 2023, 06:52:42 PM
A few things that I noticed at Day 2 of main camp today:

1. Picks: Both Matt Cole (#6) and DeJaun Cooper (#15) had picks today.

2. Kickers: I had a bad vantage point, but I think that Castillo, Staton, and Liegghio made all their FG attempts (might have been one miss by #13). Appreciate if anyone else can confirm.

3. It was made pretty clear who the starters are on offense as they were separated from the rest on a couple of occasions to work on their own. I was wondering if Bailey might get pushed a bit at camp, but he was with the rest of the no-brainers in this group. Agudosi and McRae remained with the challengers.

4. Gavin Garner (WR#77) made a really nice diving catch, and has looked better each day. A big dude, but built more like a TE than Agudosi (doesn't have quite the wingspan). But, he's in pretty tough - not sure how he makes the club in any capacity.

5. Tyrelle Pigrome (QB#3): I didn't see him out there today, but he still appears to be on the roster?

6. Adam Bighill: He's still not practicing - was this expected? I don't think I read anything about him being injured coming into camp?

7. "Starting" Defense: I know it's early, but when the one's came out as a group on defense, Jamal Parker (#7) was consistently at field half with Desmond Lawrence (#22) at field corner. The LB's seemed to be constantly rotated with no one except Darby consistently in there.

8. Feel-Good Moment of the Day?: Cole Adamson got cheered pretty loudly by his OL brethren and Coach on a real good rep against a DL (missed the #). Sure seems like a band of brothers out there.


I should have also mentioned Caleb Thomas (DT#92) - he sure seemed like a handful out there for the OL.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 15, 2023, 07:14:40 PM
Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC
Quick FG session during morning @Wpg_BlueBombers camp - Sergio Castillo, Marc Liegghio and Chandler Staton were all perfect


Gord Barnsley
@WinnipegGordo
2h
Replying to
@EdTaitWFC
and
@Wpg_BlueBombers
I was impressed that Leggs still had good air from 50 yards. I've always been concerned about his leg strength.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 15, 2023, 08:19:11 PM
Good for Legs.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 15, 2023, 08:26:46 PM
Quote from: pdirks67 on May 15, 2023, 06:52:42 PM
A few things that I noticed at Day 2 of main camp today:

1. Picks: Both Matt Cole (#6) and DeJaun Cooper (#15) had picks today.

2. Kickers: I had a bad vantage point, but I think that Castillo, Staton, and Liegghio made all their FG attempts (might have been one miss by #13). Appreciate if anyone else can confirm.

3. It was made pretty clear who the starters are on offense as they were separated from the rest on a couple of occasions to work on their own. I was wondering if Bailey might get pushed a bit at camp, but he was with the rest of the no-brainers in this group. Agudosi and McRae remained with the challengers.

4. Gavin Garner (WR#77) made a really nice diving catch, and has looked better each day. A big dude, but built more like a TE than Agudosi (doesn't have quite the wingspan). But, he's in pretty tough - not sure how he makes the club in any capacity.

5. Tyrelle Pigrome (QB#3): I didn't see him out there today, but he still appears to be on the roster?

6. Adam Bighill: He's still not practicing - was this expected? I don't think I read anything about him being injured coming into camp?

7. "Starting" Defense: I know it's early, but when the one's came out as a group on defense, Jamal Parker (#7) was consistently at field half with Desmond Lawrence (#22) at field corner. The LB's seemed to be constantly rotated with no one except Darby consistently in there.

8. Feel-Good Moment of the Day?: Cole Adamson got cheered pretty loudly by his OL brethren and Coach on a real good rep against a DL (missed the #). Sure seems like a band of brothers out there.


Totally agree, Caleb Thomas is a load. 6'1" 300lbs. He might give Walker a run for that starting DT spot.

Kickers: All three kickers are looking very good. Nobody is missing much, if anything.  Staton could be a cheaper option then Castillo. Leggs does seem to have a little more leg strength this season.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 15, 2023, 09:33:34 PM
I'll just add what I saw that was not already mentioned.

Collaros threw to Lawlor a LOT. The chemistry is there maybe better than ever. easily his favorite target. What's the over/under on Lawlor's td stats? Bet over.  Rasheed had a nice catch to end practice too. This offense looks unstoppable truly. Everyone looks good. Also I was reading this "it could actually be advantageous to the Bombers to have Bailey as a reserve, as he qualifies as a ?nationalized Canadian? this year, due to playing three seasons with the same team."  in the Sun and it makes you think.

Schmitz hit a couple bombs that landed in someone else's drill 60 yards away. Nice spirals. Not sure if placement was part of the drill.

As far as QB, we don't have much past Collaros. Thinking the Canadian is just as good as anyone else for 3rd string. 

Not sure what is wrong with Biggie, he is out there running, throwing and looking fine.





Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 12:21:59 AM
Quote from: Waffler on May 15, 2023, 09:33:34 PM
I'll just add what I saw that was not already mentioned.

Collaros threw to Lawlor a LOT. The chemistry is there maybe better than ever. easily his favorite target. What's the over/under on Lawlor's td stats? Bet over.  Rasheed had a nice catch to end practice too. This offense looks unstoppable truly. Everyone looks good. Also I was reading this "it could actually be advantageous to the Bombers to have Bailey as a reserve, as he qualifies as a ?nationalized Canadian? this year, due to playing three seasons with the same team."  in the Sun and it makes you think.

Schmitz hit a couple bombs that landed in someone else's drill 60 yards away. Nice spirals. Not sure if placement was part of the drill.

As far as QB, we don't have much past Collaros. Thinking the Canadian is just as good as anyone else for 3rd string. 

Not sure what is wrong with Biggie, he is out there running, throwing and looking fine.







They could use Bailey as the Nationalized American. That would allow the Bombers to have another import receiver on the roster  ( as a non DI ) ( Agudosi ) for example and use Bailey as a rotation player.

It's not a horrible idea and would reduce the load on our receivers.

Grant could also fit that bill but we don't want him taking too many offensive reps and wearing him out as a returner.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: kkc60 on May 16, 2023, 12:29:59 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 12:21:59 AM
They could use Bailey as the Nationalized American. That would allow the Bombers to have another import receiver on the roster  ( as a non DI ) ( Agudosi ) for example and use Bailey as a rotation player.

It's not a horrible idea and would reduce the load on our receivers.

Grant could also fit that bill but we don't want him taking too many offensive reps and wearing him out as a returner.
really don?t get why the bombers wouldn?t take advantage of this. it would keep him fresh too. only issue is the 49% of snaps
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 16, 2023, 12:58:59 AM
Quote from: kkc60 on May 16, 2023, 12:29:59 AM
really don?t get why the bombers wouldn?t take advantage of this. it would keep him fresh too. only issue is the 49% of snaps

I guess if Bailey shared time with Woli, it would leave an opening for Agudosi to start but I don't see the Bombers seriously exploring this option.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 16, 2023, 01:06:47 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 12:21:59 AM
They could use Bailey as the Nationalized American. That would allow the Bombers to have another import receiver on the roster  ( as a non DI ) ( Agudosi ) for example and use Bailey as a rotation player.

It's not a horrible idea and would reduce the load on our receivers.

Grant could also fit that bill but we don't want him taking too many offensive reps and wearing him out as a returner.
Agree on Grant
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 01:30:33 AM
Quote from: kkc60 on May 16, 2023, 12:29:59 AM
really don?t get why the bombers wouldn?t take advantage of this. it would keep him fresh too. only issue is the 49% of snaps

Some teams use a DI spot for a receiver.  It would be similar to doing that. Reduces the wear and tear on the entire corps. Keep in mind we will likely use O-Leary-Orange in rotation as well. One reason is to assist in his development / succession and the other is need to rest players.

The only question is which player comes off and why on a given play. When you have a big lead you can take starters off the field more often for example.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 16, 2023, 12:28:48 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 15, 2023, 08:26:46 PM
Totally agree, Caleb Thomas is a load. 6'1" 300lbs. He might give Walker a run for that starting DT spot.

Kickers: All three kickers are looking very good. Nobody is missing much, if anything.  Staton could be a cheaper option then Castillo. Leggs does seem to have a little more leg strength this season.

We'll have to hop this new Thomas kid pans out as with Goodson not reporting (suspended?) he doesn't really have any competetion.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: LXTSN on May 16, 2023, 01:48:41 PM
Quote from: pdirks67 on May 15, 2023, 07:07:23 PM
I should have also mentioned Caleb Thomas (DT#92) - he sure seemed like a handful out there for the OL.
LOVE to hear it!
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 16, 2023, 01:56:21 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 01:30:33 AM
Some teams use a DI spot for a receiver.  It would be similar to doing that. Reduces the wear and tear on the entire corps. Keep in mind we will likely use O-Leary-Orange in rotation as well. One reason is to assist in his development / succession and the other is need to rest players.

The only question is which player comes off and why on a given play. When you have a big lead you can take starters off the field more often for example.


This helps me understand the strategy thanks man
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 04:38:06 PM
There are always many battles in TC that will be of interest. Not to downplay any of them but I'd be particularly interested in how are 2023 draft choices are looking.  I have an expectation that 3 or 4 will make the AR due to openings.

Any info would be appreciated for those attending TC.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 16, 2023, 05:30:28 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 04:38:06 PM
There are always many battles in TC that will be of interest. Not to downplay any of them but I'd be particularly interested in how are 2023 draft choices are looking.  I have an expectation that 3 or 4 will make the AR due to openings.

Any info would be appreciated for those attending TC.
those are difficult to tell much of any worth due to there position DE STer
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 16, 2023, 05:31:59 PM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 2

Notes and quotes from Day 2 of Blue Bombers training camp:

COLLAROS, BROWN, AND...:
The Blue Bombers have got considerable mileage out of the No. 3 QB spot over the last few years, from Dan LeFevour to Chris Streveler to Sean McGuire and Dakota Prukop last year.

Prukop left this winter for the USFL and more playing time, leaving the third QB spot behind Zach Collaros and Dru Brown wide open. Billy Hall of Reinhardt University and Josh Jones of UNC-Pembrooke remain in camp, along with CFL Canadian QB Internship pivot Arnaud Desjardins of Laval.

Here's Coach Mike O'Shea on what they're looking for at that position:

"We're looking to find out what they do really well and trying to keep them in that groove. And as they go along, learn the system and give them more - that's the type of progression you get from any young quarterback you bring into this league that's not used to playing against 12 defenders, wider field and all those things.

"I think Buck (Pierce, offensive coordinator) does a great job of making sure he's adding more to their plate but also seeing what they can do and trying to keep it progressing forward in a real positive way. We'll see where they all end up.

"There's different ways to do it. You either say, 'Here's our system. We're very rigid. We're bringing people in to fit that system. If you don't fit the system, you're gone.' We look at it the other way - what can they do and how do we put them on the field and have them be successful."

KICKER WATCH: For what it's worth, Sergio Castillo, Marc Liegghio and Chandler Staton were a combined 9-for-9 in field goal attempts, the longest distance covering 50 yards.

The club also has three impressive punters still in camp, along with Liegghio, in Kansas State product Devin Anctil and the two players selected in the CFL Global Draft - Jamieson Sheahan and Karl Schmitz.

FYI: WR/KR Janarion Grant has yet to practice, but O'Shea said he will be good to go. Ditto for LB Adam Bighill. "He'll be on soon enough," O'Shea said of Bighill. "He doesn't need the reps. We've got a lot of guys to look at, too."... O'Shea on Stanley Bryant, who recently turned 37:

"He's that old? He has a lot of fun, he likes being around the guys and he's just so **** good he just keeps rolling. He's good. He's the best. As long as he wants to play. We'll see, but he just keeps showing up and getting the job done. As long as he's having fun doing it, why would you want to stop?"... One more from O'Shea on Tui Eli, who he raved about on Sunday:

"He is just a great human being. Brings a lot of joy to the locker room. He's always bringing his best and that's not always on the field but just in the locker room with his attitude every day. He's a fun guy to be around."

Asked about the effect of that - bringing joy to the locker room - he added:

"It's contagious. If you walk into a locker room and there's a bunch of guys moping around all the time, it's hard to be around. People start to just divest themselves of that person. They try at first to bring the guy up, find out what's wrong and see if we can't help you out. But over the course of time if you're never happy then you're tough to be around... unless you're so grumpy it's comical all the time then you're fun to be around."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/15/quick-hits-training-camp-day-2-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 16, 2023, 05:45:15 PM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 16, 2023, 05:30:28 PM
those are difficult to tell much of any worth due to there position DE STer

I had the DB's in mind in particular. Even though none are expected to be starters, they will provid depth lost during the off season. We really only have Hallett as actual depth. Kramdi is a back up at SAM more than in the secondary.

So I'm curious about how much work the Canadians are getting and whether anyone stands out. Obviously they will earn an AR spot as much on their work on ST's than  as DB's, but some assessment might be available as TC progresses.

I only count 3 rookie import DB's but we have something like 6 rookie Canadian DB's to consider. 

Expectation is for Bennett to make the AR almost by default due to need for rotational player on the DL. Losing Hansen also increased that need.  Bennett may be the only rookie Canadian DL. The 2 DT's may be returning to university for 1 more year.

Rosary might have a shot on the AR if he can play ST's. He seems to have skills as a RB, receiver and returner. I'm really expecting if he does well he will more probably end up on the PR but wouldn't rule out a role on AR just yet.  He might be another Augustine type individual.

Realistically I don't imagine any OL or WR to make the AR barring injury. They will spend time on the PR initially.  There are only 2 Canadian LB / LS types and I'd also guess PR or bust?

All of this is based on steep hill to climb for some rookies and other easier path ( DB & DE ) for others at the moment.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 16, 2023, 07:57:23 PM
I see Malcolm Thompson is still a F.A., for a Natl. I thought he played pretty well at the beginning of last season beating out Hallett initially at Safety, while Alexander recovered from injury.  Obviously pro football evaluators saw it differently.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 16, 2023, 08:20:39 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 16, 2023, 07:57:23 PM
I see Malcolm Thompson is still a F.A., for a Natl. I thought he played pretty well at the beginning of last season beating out Hallett initially at Safety, while Alexander recovered from injury.  Obviously pro football evaluators saw it differently.

I really like the way Thompson played. However, he also had a season ending injury. Could it be his injury that's holding him back.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 16, 2023, 10:25:59 PM
Practice might look different soon.  The league has mandated the guardian cap. And during the games there will be medical tents.

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/16/new-health-and-safety-measures-introduced-to-further-safeguard-players/

Good ideas.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 17, 2023, 02:25:18 AM
Quote from: Waffler on May 16, 2023, 10:25:59 PM
Practice might look different soon.  The league has mandated the guardian cap. And during the games there will be medical tents.

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/16/new-health-and-safety-measures-introduced-to-further-safeguard-players/

Good ideas.
Agree thanks for the link
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 17, 2023, 04:02:23 AM
Quick Hits | Training camp - Day 3

Notes and quotes from Blue Bombers training camp...

GOOD TO BE HERE: There's an obvious excitement in Barrington Wade's voice and the source of it is obvious: the man is just thrilled to be out here at Blue Bombers camp doing what he loves and chasing his dream.

"It's been really good," Wade began after practice Tuesday. "The biggest thing I was just adjusting to was just being back out here. It's been a while since I've played. I haven't really been on the field since (last) August. It's been fun being back, seeing the new scenery and being around a team again.

"I'm super happy to be back. It's all I've been thinking about, all I've wanted to do. Every day I come out here I'm excited."

A University of Iowa product who has had NFL looks from the Baltimore and Denver, Wade was first spied by Blue Bombers scout Cyril Penn last year during Broncos training camp. The club then signed him in the offseason.

"They told me they wanted me and I was like, 'Yeah.' Instantly I said, 'Yeah' because even with me being out for so long I've never stopped training," he said. "I've always been ready and waiting. The moment I got a call from somebody I was definitely ready to go."

You can read more about Wade and how he was found by the Blue Bombers in Cyril's piece here:

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/09/tales-from-the-scouting-trail-barrington-wade/

"My want-to to get back playing is very high," said Wade. "I thought about it every single day. I know for a lot of guys it's really hard mentally. That's the toughest thing - to stay focussed and keep working - because you never know if you're going to get a shot again.For me, training and working and pushing myself a lot is how I clear my head. I just kept believing I would get another shot."

That comes with an element of uncertainty, though. And Wade found his inspiration through that from his family.

"I have a lot to play for," he said. "I believe I have a God-given ability to play. I care for my family a lot and I want to make them proud. My brother dreamed of me being on a field and watching me play on TV and so that's something big for me. He matters a lot to me."

COMING SOON...
: to CFL training camps... a new safety initiative that is very well explained in this piece from the CFL:

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/16/new-health-and-safety-measures-introduced-to-further-safeguard-players/

FYI: Teams must reduce their rosters to 75, plus non-counters (draft picks, junior players) by 11 p.m. Tuesday night... OL Drew Richmond spent all of last year recovering from a knee injury suffered in November of 2021.

It was an injury which would have had many walking away from the game. But the big tackle is back, and the club is thrilled to see him working. "It takes a lot to take that through the end," said head coach Mike O'Shea. "What's excellent is he must have kept his eye on the finish line which was a little bit off in the distance, but he focussed every single day to be ready. You've got to work every day to be back. He's definitely showed enough that we want to look at him."."... Spotted at training camp: University of Manitoba Bisons head coach Brian Dobie, who was showing a prospective recruit around the facility, as well as Winnipeg Rifles head coach Geordie Wilson.

"Brian is quite often around the facility and it's a pretty good partnership between both clubs," said O'Shea. "And Geordie... there should be a good push from the Bombers to support the Rifles. It's good football, so to have more guys playing in our community is a good thing."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/16/quick-hits-training-camp-day-3-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: blue_gold_84 on May 17, 2023, 01:34:05 PM
Janarion Grant put on the suspended list.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 17, 2023, 01:46:45 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on May 17, 2023, 01:34:05 PM
Janarion Grant put on the suspended list.

Hope he's just late getting to Camp and its not anything big.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: gobombersgo on May 17, 2023, 02:01:07 PM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 17, 2023, 01:46:45 PM
Hope he's just late getting to Camp and its not anything big.
He's been at camp all week so it should be just a numbers thing. Although I don't see him on the field today.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: gobombersgo on May 17, 2023, 02:03:57 PM
The Blue Bombers also released 11 players, cutting American quarterback Billy Hall, Global receiver Timothy Knuettel, American offensive lineman Payton Muljo, Canadian offensive lineman Brandon Sanford, American defensive linemen Jadrian Taylor and Julius Turner, American linebacker Christian Dixon, Canadian defensive back Charles-Antoine Beaulieu, American defensive backs Gee Stanley and Deuce Wallace, and American punter Devin Anctil.

Winnipeg also signed American receiver Sean Coyne and American defensive lineman Keenan Agnew.

https://3downnation.com/2023/05/17/winnipeg-blue-bombers-suspend-returner-janarion-grant-release-11/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: blue_gold_84 on May 17, 2023, 02:08:00 PM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 17, 2023, 01:46:45 PM
Hope he's just late getting to Camp and its not anything big.

He's here according to Ed Tait, but hasn't participated as of yet.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 17, 2023, 02:38:04 PM
Definitely getting a little worried that Bighill and Grant haven't practiced.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 17, 2023, 03:03:09 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 17, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 17, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American wide receiver Sean Coyne (5-10, 185,  UNH, July 14, 1998 in Portsmouth, RI)
American defensive tackle Keenan Agnew (6-0, 290, Southern Illinois, January 3, 1999 in Chesterfield, MO)

Released from roster:

American defensive tackle Julius Turner
American quarterback Billy Hall
Global receiver Timothy Knuettel
National offensive lineman Brandon Sanford
American defensive lineman Jadrian Taylor
American linebacker Christian Dixon
American offensive lineman Payton Muljo
American punter Devin Anctil
American defensive back Deuce Wallace
American defensive back Gee Stanley
National defensive back Charles-Antoine Beaulieu

Transferred to suspended list:


Receiver/returner Janarion Grant
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 17, 2023, 03:40:27 PM
The plot thickens so to speak. I don't think we have to worry about Grant being put on the suspended list until we hear otherwise. He doesn't need to participate IMO.

1. Down to 2 rookie import DB's. Our secondary choices are solid.
2. Down to 2 rookie import DE's and 2 at DT. Cooper is still here so he's in the mix at DE as a 2nd year player.

There are about 4 specific players I thought might be cut in this round but are still here.

I also am surprised we didn't trim a few more receivers. We have 7 rookie imports and 3 returning PR players from 2022.  Veteran receivers is our deepest depth on the team.

Either we're very happy with the rookies on the DL and LB's or we should be adding a few new faces while releasing a receiver or two? Perhaps we should be adding in those spots in any case to see who is available?

EDIT: I wonder if we consider bring back LS Latour as a choice for depth. Who is our current back up?



Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 17, 2023, 04:50:35 PM
Haven't heard a peep from either camp about that young receiver from Transcona Mekhi Tyrell, don't even see him listed on the roster.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: gobombersgo on May 17, 2023, 05:18:04 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 17, 2023, 04:50:35 PM
Haven't heard a peep from either camp about that young receiver from Transcona Mekhi Tyrell, don't even see him listed on the roster.
He's attending the practices but is just watching. There's got to be an injury there as the 3 other Rifles are participating in the practices.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 17, 2023, 07:34:48 PM
Quote from: gobombersgo on May 17, 2023, 05:18:04 PM
He's attending the practices but is just watching. There's got to be an injury there as the 3 other Rifles are participating in the practices.

That's too bad, it's going to be difficult for them to give him a fair look if he can't participate in camp, hopefully we get to see him perform in a pre-seaon game.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 17, 2023, 07:47:52 PM
I'll eat crow on Deuce, I thought he would make it, maybe I just liked the name lol

Sure hope Biggie and Grant get reps

We want to see what the receivers can do so we keep them as long as possible (my guess)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 17, 2023, 08:02:35 PM
The kid from Transcona should go back to class and get an education. He should try to qualify for a scholarship if he's lucky, and play with boys his own age, and develop accordingly.

This is no more than a publicity stunt.  Perhaps the Blue should work with guys who are CIS and at worst Okanagan Juniors.  Our best High schoolers often pick the BC Junior league as it is presumably better.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Nic16 on May 17, 2023, 09:14:33 PM
Since we are not getting much of anything for TC reports from the media so I will offer up a few notes from the 2 practices I attended.
Offence
- ZC looks in mid-season form.
- Brown is unquestionably #2.
- Oliveira showed some real good bursts and IMO looks even more like a faster version of AH33.
- the #1 offence has no surprise starters.
- Agudosi looks 100% healthy and hopefully he can stay that way.
- Pico Harrison was noticeable on day 1. He looked good in 1v1.
- Demski looks even more confident and dangerous in his routes.
- Great to see Richmond finally practicing. A big athletic looking OT that is being groomed for LT.
- The battles are clearly for PR spots.
Defence
- Thomas looks like stiff competition for Walker at DT.
- the new guy Wade has a presence. A big strong athletic NFL-like MLB.
- no changes in the secondary, but with Houston now healthy I can see him pushing his way into a starters role.

The AR looks pretty much set, but it looks like there could be a few real nice additions to the DI spots & PR.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 12:24:00 AM
I'd think Wade is in the hunt at WIL but would think he'd start the season as a DI adapting to the CFL.

Walker isn't a bad DT but if Thomas pushes him to a DI role, that's not a bad thing either.

We re-signed QB Pigrome?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: gobombersgo on May 18, 2023, 12:36:56 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 12:24:00 AM
I'd think Wade is in the hunt at WIL but would think he'd start the season as a DI adapting to the CFL.

Walker isn't a bad DT but if Thomas pushes him to a DI role, that's not a bad thing either.

We re-signed QB Pigrome?
Wade is getting looked at middle linebacker.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 01:20:04 AM
Quote from: gobombersgo on May 18, 2023, 12:36:56 AM
Wade is getting looked at middle linebacker.

That may be but we have a starting MLB and our WIL has gone to the 6 game IR. Bombers have rotated in Gauthier, Briggs and Clements at MLB. It's early days and I'd expect to see him getting reps at WIL as well.

So starter at WIL could be in question but MLB certainly isn't.

Are any of the other rookie LB's getting work at WIL at the moment?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 18, 2023, 01:53:38 AM
Good point Nic

What is Ed Tait up to?

No official reports posted on here since camp day 2
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 18, 2023, 02:51:07 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 4

Notes and quotes from the fourth day of Blue Bombers training camp:


DEEP CUTS THE KNIFE:
The Blue Bombers had to shave their roster down to 75 - plus non-counters like draft picks and junior players - by 11 p.m. Tuesday night.

To make that work, the club released 11 players, including defensive linemen Julius Turner and Jadrian Taylor, defensive backs Gee Stanley and Deuce Wallace, linebacker Christian Dixon, offensive lineman Payton Muljo, punter Devin Antcil and quarterback Billy Hall - all of them Americans - along with Global receiver Timonthy Knuettel, Canadian O-lineman Brandon Sanford and Canadian defensive back Charles-Antoine Beaulieu.

Added to the roster were receiver Sean Coyne and defensive tackle Keenan Agnew, both Americans, while receiver/returner Janarion Grant was added to the suspended list.

Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea on Grant, the CFL's all-star kick returner: "Just needed some time. Personal reasons."

The release of Anctil impacts the fight for the punting chores leaving incumbent Marc Liegghio to battle with Globals Karl Schmitz and Jamieson Sheahan. Liegghio is also battling Sergio Castillo and Chandler Staton for the placekicking gig.

"The punter we released (Anctil) had a huge leg and punted a beautiful ball. It's just the decision we made," said O'Shea. "He was very good, too. I think that tells you where we're at with the competition with the good guys we still have in camp."

The final cuts will come after the two preseason games.

'NEW' LIDS: Blue Bombers offensive and defensive linemen and running backs were all wearing the new 'Guardian Caps' at practice on Wednesday as part of the new health and safety measures implemented by the CFL's Medical Committee. The Guardian Caps are a padded shell which is affixed to the outside of a helmet, with the research showing that it can help reduce the severity of impact by at least 10 percent, or at least 20 percent when worn by both players in contact.

"It's better for the health of the players, better for the health of the league," said Blue Bombers right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick. "If it?s something they want to do and it's something Coach O'Shea said to do and the CFL said to do, I'm all in.

"My son plays 7-on-7 in the offseason and they wear these. I support it. I had to buy my son one, so this is nothing new to me."

One more from Hardrick, who remains as gregarious as ever at practice everyday, on the joy of being back in Bomberland:

"I'm getting a little wiser in age, so I'm enjoying everything, enjoying all the moments. It's just good to be back, man. There's nothing like growing and I credit Marty (Costello, offensive line coach) and Coach O'Shea for continuing to help me grow as a person first and as a player. The conversations I have with Marty and Osh in the offseason over the last eight years have just been so helpful to my life and in the way I'm raising my kids, in the way I grow, the way to think and help people and taking on that type of mindset.

"It's great to be back to football. Football is football when I'm in my 12th year as a pro, but it's about being a better person, being a better teammate, being a better husband, being an easier guy to coach and an easier guy for the training staff. It's about trying to do that every day.

"Most of my conversations in the offseason with O'Shea are not football related. I'm always calling him and asking him about life - how did he do this, how did he do that, and he's an open book. That's the biggest thing I can tell you about Osh - you can call him up and he'll answer the phone and he's an open book. He can be vulnerable with me, so it's easy for me to be vulnerable with him."

FYI: O'Shea on receiver Rasheed Bailey, who took less in free agency to remain with the Blue Bombers and the value he brings to the team:

"We all know what Rasheed can do. He was very productive for us last year and you look at what he does without the ball - and not a lot of people focus on that - but you could do a whole highlight reel on what he does without the ball."... And one more from O'Shea on QB Dru Brown, a player we wrote about earlier in the week in this piece:

"He absolutely loves studying the game of football. He's a good athlete. He's a fierce competitor. He's a good teammate. All these things are excellent for us and he just keeps learning and getting better. I'm sure he understands his role here - for now."... The Blue Bombers continue to give some veterans a breather during camp, including LB Adam Bighill, along with FB Mike Miller and RB Brady Oliveira, who did not practise on Wednesday, as well as CB Winston Rose and WR Brendan O'Leary-Orange, among others.

WELCOME: To Michael Fletcher, who has joined the club for training camp as a guest coach. A CFL All-Star at the middle linebacker position with Toronto in 2005, he was also part of the Argos 2004 Grey Cup squad alongside Mike O'Shea.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/17/quick-hits-training-camp-day-4-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 18, 2023, 02:57:41 AM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 18, 2023, 01:53:38 AM
Good point Nic

What is Ed Tait up to?

No official reports posted on here since camp day 2

GM...if you read through this thread you will see all 4 of Ed Tait's Training Camp articles are posted here.  We put them up at the end of each day's practice.  Just FYI.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 18, 2023, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 01:20:04 AM
That may be but we have a starting MLB and our WIL has gone to the 6 game IR. Bombers have rotated in Gauthier, Briggs and Clements at MLB. It's early days and I'd expect to see him getting reps at WIL as well.

So starter at WIL could be in question but MLB certainly isn't.

Are any of the other rookie LB's getting work at WIL at the moment?

Until we see Bighill step on the field, it kind of is.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 18, 2023, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: ModAdmin on May 18, 2023, 02:57:41 AM
GM...if you read through this thread you will see all 4 of Ed Tait's Training Camp articles are posted here.  We put them up at the end of each day's practice.  Just FYI.

And we always appreciate the work Tait does.

It just never has any info on what is happening on the field.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 18, 2023, 12:32:50 PM
Quote from: Jesse on May 18, 2023, 11:46:30 AM
And we always appreciate the work Tait does.

It just never has any info on what is happening on the field.
same
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 02:02:22 PM
Quote from: Jesse on May 18, 2023, 11:40:29 AM
Until we see Bighill step on the field, it kind of is.

No real reason to suspect there is an issue with Bighill. He's at camp isn't he? He wasn't moved to 6 game IR as was done with Wilson and we have no suggestion of any pre camp injury?


In any case, I don't feel any need for a pessimistic view quite yet. If there is an issue, we'll know soon enough.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on May 18, 2023, 02:27:58 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 02:02:22 PM
No real reason to suspect there is an issue with Bighill. He's at camp isn't he? He wasn't moved to 6 game IR as was done with Wilson and we have no suggestion of any pre camp injury?


In any case, I don't feel any need for a pessimistic view quite yet. If there is an issue, we'll know soon enough.



No reason to be concerned or not as far as I can discern, however, I don't remember a training camp where he sat out the first week either.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 18, 2023, 02:45:11 PM
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 18, 2023, 02:27:58 PM
No reason to be concerned or not as far as I can discern, however, I don't remember a training camp where he sat out the first week either.

He's another year older and many veterans will see maintenance time during TC and the season.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 18, 2023, 02:49:36 PM
AB4 has been a busy guy. Fulltime job, making commercials, not a lot of time for TC.  maybe next week. lol.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on May 18, 2023, 03:42:54 PM
AB4 has nothing to learn/prove in TC, and him sitting the first week opens up lots of first team reps for potential backups to learn/prove in.

I wonder if anyone has watched him, is he just standing around, or is he perhaps looking like a "guest coach".  Not sure if he needs a post playing football position, his current side hustle is probably a lot more lucrative than CFL coaching, but one has to wonder, guys with a passion...  players can have side gigs, they have limited time practicing and working out.  Coaches, though, from what I've seen, are there before the players and remain long after the players leave...
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 18, 2023, 04:40:08 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on May 18, 2023, 03:42:54 PM
AB4 has nothing to learn/prove in TC, and him sitting the first week opens up lots of first team reps for potential backups to learn/prove in.

I wonder if anyone has watched him, is he just standing around, or is he perhaps looking like a "guest coach".  Not sure if he needs a post playing football position, his current side hustle is probably a lot more lucrative than CFL coaching, but one has to wonder, guys with a passion...  players can have side gigs, they have limited time practicing and working out.  Coaches, though, from what I've seen, are there before the players and remain long after the players leave...

He is there in partial uniform. I heard them call him over to be part of a drill but not as a player. He looks perfectly fine. Throws and runs without discomfort. He does stuff on the sideline too on his own. Does not appear to be rehabbing. Probably being rested is my guess.

"guest coach" is a good description too.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Zach Schnitzer on May 18, 2023, 05:09:04 PM
It was freezing at TC today. Staton hit one off the post but otherwise the kickers looked good. Castillo missed one from about 52 yds. Holm made a nice play that caused an INT.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 18, 2023, 05:09:29 PM
"I never would have thought I'd be up here playing football."

True story: Jamieson Sheahan - a proud product of Bendigo, Australia, which just so happens to be some 15,000 kilometres from Winnipeg - spent his youth dreaming of a career playing for the Bombers. No, not our Blue Bombers but the Essendon Bombers of the Australian Football League.

And so, this story is as much about the many roads Sheahan has travelled to get here to the Blue Bombers - from a career with Essendon in the second division of the AFL, the Victorian Football League, to a scholarship at the University of Cal-Berkeley and then all the way to Winnipeg - as it is about perseverance and chasing a dream.

"I was just thinking about that last night. It's been a wild journey," began Sheahan in a chat with bluebombers.com following another day of Blue Bombers training camp. "This is the fourth type of football I've played now. I grew up playing soccer, then switched to Australian Rules Football, then played in America in college and now I'm up here in Canada.......


More on Jamieson Sheahan's football journey here! (http://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/17/i-never-would-have-thought-id-be-up-here-playing-football/)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Nic16 on May 18, 2023, 06:11:26 PM
As waffler posted Biggie shows no signs of injury. It certainly looks like he is just getting the start of TC off. And I would expect he receives the load mgmt treatment throughout the year.

This also gives the coaching staff a good look at Barrington Wade, and at the same time gives him the reps needed to speed up the learning process.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 18, 2023, 07:00:05 PM
Love to continue to know how Wade is doing?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: gobombersgo on May 18, 2023, 07:37:57 PM
Quote from: Waffler on May 18, 2023, 04:40:08 PM
He is there in partial uniform. I heard them call him over to be part of a drill but not as a player. He looks perfectly fine. Throws and runs without discomfort. He does stuff on the sideline too on his own. Does not appear to be rehabbing. Probably being rested is my guess.

"guest coach" is a good description too.

He did some long snapping when they needed a third guy.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 18, 2023, 07:58:56 PM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 18, 2023, 07:00:05 PM
Love to continue to know how Wade is doing?

I was at yesterday's practice. Wade was getting reps in the middle, but it's so hard to tell if he's actually doing what he's supposed to be doing from up in the stands. He looks and moves like an athletic stud, but does he have the instincts to be in the right place, and the kind of aggressiveness (Desire? Motivation? Competitiveness?) to be a great LB like Bighill?

I guess that's the thing with all these guys - showing athleticism in training camp may have little to do with game performance. Bighill certainly doesn't look like an athletic freak, but he's got the instincts, the heart, and leadership to be a great LB. It's nice to have a great 40 time, but if you process things a half-second slower and your first move is to the wrong spot, you're not going to be much of a player. I'm really looking forward to what Wade can do in a preseason game!

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 19, 2023, 02:22:42 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 5

Notes and quotes from Day 5 of Blue Bombers training camp...

TO HELL AND BACK: Blue Bombers cornerback Demerio Houston was in the midst of a breakout campaign last summer - he had dressed for 11 games, including nine straight starts - when his season went up in smoke in a home win over the Calgary Stampeders.

Naturally, then, there is a certain amount of joy he's getting from simply being back on the field with his teammates and competing for starting work in a crowded secondary.

"Man, it feels amazing, especially missing the rest of last season and then having to go into the offseason building my body back up. It's just amazing to be back healthy and back on the field," said Houston after practice on Thursday. "I felt like I was playing at a very high level and that I had earned the trust of my coaches and teammates that I was in the right position to make plays and help my team win.

The injury was a major setback. It could have been an injury that ended my career or maybe caused me to miss this camp. The training staff and my trainers back home definitely helped me prepare myself to help me be 100 percent for camp."

Houston worked his backside off to try and get healthy again, and had hoped to be an option for the club for the Grey Cup. Watching that defeat - after not dressing for the 2021 championship - was a difficult moment. But he vowed to be a good teammate during his recovery and right up to the final game of 2022.

"I just had to make sure I was staying focussed and engaged with the team," he said. "I just wanted to make sure I would be ready to go back into the rotation if they needed me. It was hard, especially when you're not seeing yourself on the screen... it can be hard to watch others."

Houston's ability to play all spots in the secondary is one of his best strengths, as is his familiarity with the defence.

"He's in the mix," Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea said of Houston. "Last year with all sorts of things going on we ended up with a lot of guys that you feel real good about in terms of putting them out there and then communicating and fitting with the group and getting the job done. We're fortunate there to have the number of players we have that we feel that good about. He's certainly one of them."

FYI: Veteran defensive tackle Jake Thomas arrived midway through Thursday's session and spent the next 10 minutes hugging it out with teammates and coaches.

O'Shea on DB Evan Holm, who appeared in nine games last year - four of them starts: "As good feet as you'll ever see on a DB. Fast. Athlete. Quick. But his feet are great."

Not practising Thursday were: LBs Adam Bighill and Jesse Briggs, DE Jackson Jeffcoat, RBs Brady Oliveira, Johnny Augustine and Jonathan Rosery.

Safety Brandon Alexander told reporters Thursday he had added 15 pounds. Asked what he's seen from him, O'Shea said:

"The usual. He flies around, he's moving people in the right spots. Obviously we can't hit in camps, so you can't see that great part from him. But he's always the leader." Alexander should also benefit from a full offseason of recovery after making his first start last year in September following offseason surgery.

"With those types of injuries, for sure, there's a point where you feel really good and you know you can play," said O'Shea. "And then another little while later you go, 'Oh, that's what feeling good is.'  Then after a year what you thought feeling good was and being able to play at six months (after surgery), that year goes by and now it's this is what feeling good is. Guys like him can play at a certain stage and then after a year it's quite noticeable how much better they feel."

PIVOTAL REPORT:
Towson State QB Tyrrell Pigrome had a good session Thursday. He's in the battle for the No. 3 QB job behind Zach Collaros and Dru Brown with another rookie, Josh Jones of UNC-Pembrooke.

And here's the head coach on Pigrome: "Super athletic. Really, really athletic. When you watch him run it?s just effortless. He's gliding around. He can throw a heavy ball. He just has to get some experience, see more plays, get more reps... those kind of things. It's really hard to evaluate guys this early, especially at that position."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/18/quick-hits-training-camp-day-5-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 19, 2023, 02:38:41 AM
"The best ability is availability and if you need someone, no matter what it is, I'm your guy."

Matt Cole began his professional career as a receiver and now calls himself a defensive back. He returns kicks and would absolutely insist his name be atop the sign-up list for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers special-teams units.

And so, safe to say if given the chance he'd also to play just about every position on the depth chart. Heck, he'd even likely raise his hand if there was a call for volunteers to paint the lines at IG Field. Canadian Football League training camps are all about opportunity, after all, and the 26-year-old Chicago product is going to make **** sure he empties his tank during this grind.

"It's been sensational so far," began Cole in a chat with bluebombers.com following Day 5 of Blue Bombers training camp. "Playing up here in the Canadian Football League I know there are a lot of different rules and changes I need to get acclimated to, a new learning curve, but I'm slowly getting there. I think I'm improving one day at a time.

"It is a grind. It really is. It's a marathon. I've only been a professional for two years, but I know that at the end of the day it's football, and all you can do is go out there and try and be the best player and the best teammate you can be."

A star during his days with the McKendree Bearcats, a Division II school in Lebanon, Illinois, Cole was first signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Since then, he's had looks from the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets and Giants, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Commanders. The Blue Bombers touched base with his agent in March and when he wasn't offered an NFL mini-camp invite by May, he jumped at the chance to come north.

A receiver/returner during his college days - he was the Great Lakes Valley Conference Special Teams Player of the Year and a first-team All-GVLC as a receiver in his senior year - Cole's transformation into a defensive back essentially began as a whim.....

More on Matt Cole and his multi-skills here! (http://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/18/the-best-ability-is-availability-and-if-you-need-someone-no-matter-what-it-is-im-your-guy/)

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 19, 2023, 02:05:51 PM
We're down to one rookie import DB. Cole is a 2nd year player along with Holm and Parker competing for roster spots.

Cole has some versatility which is interesting but we have more talent than we can fit into a CFL roster.  Reports are that he would be a good ST player as well.

Our secondary is going to be very good. Who lines up where may come down who is the most healthy at the end of TC. A few nicks and bruises may alter the depth chart a bit in the early going.

Are any of the imports getting looks as SAM candidates to back up Darby?  Kramdi looked good as a Canadian back up briefly in 2022. Not sure if he's 100% after his injury?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 19, 2023, 11:08:14 PM
Quote from: Nic16 on May 18, 2023, 06:11:26 PM
As waffler posted Biggie shows no signs of injury. It certainly looks like he is just getting the start of TC off. And I would expect he receives the load mgmt treatment throughout the year.

This also gives the coaching staff a good look at Barrington Wade, and at the same time gives him the reps needed to speed up the learning process.

Apparently Bighill and Brady are hurt. MOS made a comment of them not being out "long term" but that "they'll be ready when they're ready".

There's no way Bighill wouldn't be practicing at all if he wasn't injured.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 20, 2023, 02:10:02 AM
Alexander up 15 lbs, he will bring some big hits.  What a beast.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 20, 2023, 04:34:21 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 6

Notes and quotes from Day 6 of Blue Bombers training camp...

ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES:
Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros was not at practice on Friday, the club issuing a statement indicating he was 'excused from practice for family reasons. Expected back in a couple days.'

"As many as he needs," added head coach Mike O'Shea when asked how many days Collaros might be gone.

As a result, Dru Brown worked with the starters during practice, with the other two QBs in camp challenging for the third-string gig - Tyrrell Pigrome of Towson State and Josh Jones of UNC-Pembrookie - also getting more snaps.

Veteran defensive tackle Jake Thomas, meanwhile, was in gear and practised a bit as he eases back into action after missing the first few days following the birth of his new daughter.

"I don't think there?s any other choice. We wouldn't do it any other way," said Mike O'Shea of the decision to give Thomas a few extra days before coming to camp. "That is such a big event compared to a couple practices. I would hope people would trust us enough to make that decision. If they do it the other way we usually give them a bit of crap... 'Why didn't you tell us? You should be doing this. You shouldn't be here.'"

Thomas had been in constant contact with coaches and players during his absence.

"The interesting thing is he's been texting with guys and watching film and asking questions and critiquing and doing stuff that 'GM Jake' does," said O?Shea. "He should have been paying more attention at home than watching film, too."

HIGH PRAISE: Linebacker Kyrie Wilson, who was placed on the six-game injured list on the weekend as he recovers from an Achilles injury suffered last year, continues to have a huge fan in O'Shea.

"The smart thing is to give him as much time as he needs," O'Shea said. "I'm assuming he'll be six weeks. We'll see."

Wilson was having a sensational start to 2022 when he suffered the injury, having registered 17 defensive tackles, one on special teams with one sack and one pass knockdown in four games. He also has a knack for stepping up his performance in big games - like the 2019 and 2021 Grey Cup wins.

"Over the last bunch of years, when he's been out there you see a level of play that is very, very good and rising," O'Shea said of Wilson.

"So, I don't confuse the issue and talk about the last bunch of years and all the setbacks he might have had. I look at the positives and say when he's out there he does things a lot of guys can't do.

"Besides being an excellent teammate and a smart football player he's very athletically gifted. You just want him out there for a longer period and I don't think rushing anybody back from injury and then having him go back on IR (injured reserve) doesn't make any sense. We'll see how long it takes, but we'd rather have him out there when he feels really, really good."

FYI: LB Barrington Wade continues to open eyes during camp, especially with his speed, his length and his quick study of the Canadian game.

"He's very fast and he runs hard," O'Shea said. "Sometimes - in rookie camp, especially - guys stop their feet because they start thinking about what just happened and they slow down. With Barrington, he ran to the ball hard every single play. You saw what he today he chased down Nik (Demski), went for the ball and had a lot success with it. That kind of stuff stands out. The idea of special teams... obviously he's listening because you let them know how important it is. It's nice to know he heard it."

O'Shea said he has no timeframe on when LB Adam Bighill and RB Brady Oliveira might be on the field. "I don't really put my expectations on it. They're going to be ready when they're ready. And even when they're ready we'll probably go for another day."

Neither one, O'Shea said, is 'long term.?'... With WR Drew Wolitarsky one of the players taking a breather today, draft pick Jeremy Murphy was working in his place with the 1s.

Good piece here from Don Landry of CFL.ca on Melissa Greico, who is with the Blue Bombers as a participant in the CFL?s Women In Football Program presented by KPMG.

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/19/landry-grieco-comes-full-circle-at-bombers-camp/

DEEP CREW: There will be arguments from other teams across the league, but the Blue Bombers receiving corps is arguably the deepest and most talented in the land. Asked after practice Friday how the corps looks, O'Shea said: "Thin right now, just because of guys getting nicked up. We pushed them pretty hard these first bunch of days. It's sort of par for the course. A couple guys need a bit more time to rest and they'll be back.

"There?s a lot of playmakers out there. A lot of guys who can find the end zone - and they can do it different ways, too. We've got enough versatility across the board, guys that do different things. They're complimentary. The group of them compliment each other very well in terms of what their skill sets are and what they bring. I would say they're all high-football IQ, they all care deeply about making sure that the offence is running well and they're doing their part for each other."

THIS JUST IN:
The CFL announced Friday its first-ever live streaming platforms: CFL Preseason Live and CFL+. The details are here:

https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/19/watch-free-and-online-welcome-to-cfl-preseason-live-and-cfl/

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/19/quick-hits-training-camp-day-6-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 20, 2023, 04:52:54 AM
"He's as advertised. Fast. Pretty good instincts."

Jake Thomas stood in front of the camera and grinned, chuckled and then cracked wise - just as he has done a hundred times before in a long Canadian Football League career that dates back a decade now. He even joked that there was $20 coming for a compliment passed along about the consistency of his game over the last few seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

A few minutes later, Jake Kelly - the club's second round selection, 15th overall, in this year?s CFL Draft - pulled off his helmet for an interview, and yours truly was instantly struck with how young he looks.

"I don't think that kid shaves yet, which is fine," said Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea of Kelly with a laugh. "It will save (Brad) Fotty (Head Equipment manager) some razors."

This is the story of two players at opposite stages of their careers, one soaking up every nanosecond as he heads into a second decade in the trenches; the other doing the same while embarking on what he hopes will also be a long stay in the professional ranks.

This is the story of a grizzled vet and the fresh-faced rookie. This is the story of the Two Jakes...

And here is that story on the Two Jakes... (http://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/19/hes-as-advertised-fast-pretty-good-instincts/)


Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 20, 2023, 01:52:49 PM
Wilson will heal up and by the fall he will be in full beast mode
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: bwiser on May 20, 2023, 03:11:48 PM
Quote from: pjrocksmb on May 20, 2023, 01:52:49 PM
Wilson will heal up and by the fall he will be in full beast mode
I sure hope you are right. We all hope he gets healthy and returns to form
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 20, 2023, 03:30:25 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 20, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 20, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American wide receiver Brandan Beaulieu (6-2, 215,  Bemidji State, March 27, 1999 in Cottage Grove, MN)
American running back Kevon Latulas (6-0, 200, Missouri State, March 15, 2000 in Port Arthur, TX)

Released from roster:

American wide receiver Dominick Fiscelli
American wide receiver Michael Young Jr
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 20, 2023, 04:08:28 PM
Quote from: ModAdmin on May 20, 2023, 03:30:25 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 20, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 20, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American wide receiver Brandan Beaulieu (6-2, 215,  Bemidji State, March 27, 1999 in Cottage Grove, MN)
American running back Kevon Latulas (6-0, 200, Missouri State, March 15, 2000 in Port Arthur, TX)

Released from roster:

American wide receiver Dominick Fiscelli
American wide receiver Michael Young Jr

I thought that both Fiscelli and Young looked pretty good out there at camp. Good hands, good routes. But they were both in very tough, even to make the practice roster.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 20, 2023, 06:21:44 PM
Quote from: pdirks67 on May 20, 2023, 04:08:28 PM
I thought that both Fiscelli and Young looked pretty good out there at camp. Good hands, good routes. But they were both in very tough, even to make the practice roster.

Bombers are very deep at the receiver position. We still had 5 rookie imports in the fight. Now back to 6 with Beaulieu.

Interesting that another import RB was brought in to off set all our Canadian REB's that are nicked at the moment.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 20, 2023, 07:50:15 PM
Quote from: bwiser on May 20, 2023, 03:11:48 PM
I sure hope you are right. We all hope he gets healthy and returns to form
Will be #1d if he does
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: kkc60 on May 20, 2023, 08:31:53 PM
it?s always interesting seeing guys like Beaulieu get brought in late. Solid numbers and size.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 20, 2023, 09:17:30 PM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 7

Notes and quotes from Day 7 of Blue Bombers training camp...

SWEAT EQUITY PAYING OFF: Blue Bombers receiver Brendan O'Leary-Orange popped off the page a couple of times during camp on Saturday, using his speed and length to latch onto passes that would have gone over, or through, many others.

Now heading into his third year with the club, but still with just 15 games under his belt, the former fourth-round selection in the 2020 CFL Draft seems poised to take that proverbial next step in his career.

"I put a lot of work in during the offseason and I'm really excited to display it now," O'Leary-Orange told bluebombers.com after a windy morning session at WSF South. "At the same time, I'm trying to play smart and put the team first and my body first and take care of myself to get ready for the season."

O'Leary-Orange is an enticing target for quarterbacks, standing 6-4 and weighing 207, and sporting the speed to get open outside and to make the tough grab over the middle. He dressed for 12 games last year, seven of them starts and finished with 19 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown, that score coming against Saskatchewan in the Banjo Bowl.

Over the winter he continued to work at his craft and while he missed the first couple of days of camp to make sure he could hit the ground running, his last few sessions have been solid. Here's Blue Bomber head coach Mike O'Shea on what he has seen in O'Leary-Orange since his arrival in 2021:

"Constant growth. And I think that's really important for Brendan. Physically, he's an imposing human being as a receiver - tall, thick, carries a lot of weight, but with a lot of speed. It's just a matter of time before he felt really comfortable with the playbook and everything they were going to ask him to do. That time was filled with hard work. He spent a lot of time with Kevin Bourgoin, the receivers coach, a lot of time on his own watching film and studying to make sure that he knew what he was supposed to do last year and it was good to see.

"He didn?t come in expecting it to be handed to him. There?s always that initial shock that you?re not the best any more. After that initial shock it went to work and realized there was a good amount of work to be done, as there is with a lot of guys.?

The seven starts last year and increased work load only fuelled O?Leary-Orange further. He wants more and knows to get that he has to earn it. That made this past offseason critical.

"I wanted to master the playbook a little bit more and lock into that," he said. "I wanted to become a better route runner and continue to develop my game in every aspect. I don't think you can ever not stop getting better and if you change that mentality you won't. I tried to take that approach with things and it definitely helped.

"Confidence-wise, (last year) was my first time playing in a couple of years. It just lets you know you that you can still do it and perform at the highest level. It also gave me confidence in that there was still so much room to grow. I had a limited role where I got a taste of it and it left me wanting more. It made me want to work even more and buy into the process. I?m excited to be here with such a good group of guys. I'm lucky, man."

A humble and soft-spoken man, O'Leary-Orange chuckled when asked to describe life in the Blue Bombers receivers room.

"There's a lot of big personalities in there, but I love it," he said with a smile. ?I love coming to work every day with guys like Kenny (Lawler), Woli (Drew Wolitarsky), Sheed (Rasheed Bailey), (Nic) Demski, Carlton (Agudosi), Dalton (Schoen)... it's such a mixed blend of guys and such good people. There's lot of alpha males, but no one is selfish and for a young guy like me it reminds me that this is the path I need to walk.

"If you want to be successful in this league you have to be humble, have a great attitude and just continue to try and get better every day. Working around a group like that makes it easier."

COMINGS/GOINGS:
The Blue Bombers added two players Saturday in WR Brendan Beaulieu (6-2, 215, Bemidji State) and RB Kevon Latulas (Missouri State) while releasing two receivers in Dominick Fiscelli and Michael Young Jr.

Beaulieu started 13 games last year for Bemidji State, leading the conference and finishing second in Division II with 82 receptions for 1,504 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns - all three school records. He also posted nine 100-yard receiving games and left the school as the program's career record holder in receiving yardage (3,725), receptions (215), touchdown receptions (38), 100-yard receiving games (17) and third in career touchdowns scored (39).

Latulas started five games last year at Missouri State and averaged 7.3-yards per carry and earned a spot on the MVFC Honor Roll.

FYI: QB Zach Collaros was not in attendance as he continues to deal with a personal matter... O'Shea on Demerio Houston, who is working at one corner spot opposite Desmond Lawrence with Winston Rose having missed the last couple of days of practice: "Smooth athlete, can cover, doesn't panic.You get put out on an island if you lose a step some guys, their mind starts to race and you lose what they've got with their natural ability. He's very confident, very calm out there... great demeanour for a spot that if you make a mistake it can cost points."... RB Johnny Augustine returned to work on Saturday. Jordan Salima of Truman State has been getting a lot of work with the 1s with Brady Oliviera still on the mend, along with RB/SB Greg McCrae... WR Drew Wolitarsky was back at his post on Saturday... LB Adam Bighill has not practised yet, with Shayne Gauthier in the middle with the defensive starters.

NEXT: Sunday's practice session runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at IG Field.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/20/quick-hits-training-camp-day-7-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 21, 2023, 02:06:50 AM
Update Training Camp Roster...

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f5d43987d4&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1766439675561156202&th=1883a786a2fa9e6a&view=att&disp=safe
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 21, 2023, 02:47:48 PM
When is the next round of cuts?  Will be some good players let go this time.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 21, 2023, 02:54:48 PM
Are we all comfortable with a rookie QB#3 doing the shortyardage?  I wonder if we'll see Brown doing that duty to see the field a bit more?
If not, I read that Pigrome is a good runner - maybe we see him in that Strev role?  I like JJ's size, but know nothing about his abilities.  He's the baby of the bunch too, so hopefully he can stick around on PR.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 21, 2023, 03:14:01 PM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 21, 2023, 02:54:48 PM
Are we all comfortable with a rookie QB#3 doing the shortyardage?  I wonder if we'll see Brown doing that duty to see the field a bit more?
If not, I read that Pigrome is a good runner - maybe we see him in that Strev role?  I like JJ's size, but know nothing about his abilities.  He's the baby of the bunch too, so hopefully he can stick around on PR.

That seems to be what the club wants. Back-up QB and short yardage are seen as two different positions.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 21, 2023, 09:34:34 PM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 21, 2023, 02:54:48 PM
Are we all comfortable with a rookie QB#3 doing the shortyardage?  I wonder if we'll see Brown doing that duty to see the field a bit more?
If not, I read that Pigrome is a good runner - maybe we see him in that Strev role?  I like JJ's size, but know nothing about his abilities.  He's the baby of the bunch too, so hopefully he can stick around on PR.

Pigrome seems smaller to me than listed at 5'10" but he can really move and seems elusive in the open field. Would be a great option to bounce outside. Brown is the second smallest of the backups and I doubt he would be doing the short yardage.  I guess the exhibition games will tell us what the coaches are thinking.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: bwiser on May 21, 2023, 10:12:28 PM
Quote from: Waffler on May 21, 2023, 09:34:34 PM
Pigrome seems smaller to me than listed at 5'10" but he can really move and seems elusive in the open field. Would be a great option to bounce outside. Brown is the second smallest of the backups and I doubt he would be doing the short yardage.  I guess the exhibition games will tell us what the coaches are thinking.
I am not sure Prokop could still be in the Bombers future. I believe he can rejoin the Bombers after the USFL season is over.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: bwiser on May 21, 2023, 10:16:02 PM
The USFL final is July 1st so there would still be 3/4 of the CFL season to be played. Maybe we will see a few USFL refugees playing in the CFL later this season.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 22, 2023, 01:21:14 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 8

Notes and quotes from Sunday, May 21st - Day 8 of Blue Bombers training camp?.

ZACH'S BACK: Zach Collaros returned to practice on Sunday after missing the last two days. He had returned home to Stuebenville after the passing of his grandmother Frankie Zanetos Collaros. She was 93.

"Big Bombers fan and one of my biggest fans for my entire life," Collaros said after practice. "It was definitely tough. She was looking forward to the season. A saint of a woman. I'm fortunate that Osh (head coach Mike O'Shea) and everybody was so understanding to allow me to be home with my family."

Dru Brown had been working as QB1 in the absence of Collaros, with Tyrrell Pigrome and Josh Harris also getting more reps behind centre.

"When he got those reps he really took command," said O'Shea of Brown. "He was running practice that day, which was good to see."

FIRST TAKE: The Blue Bombers are now officially one week into training camp and here is Coach O'Shea's big-picture assessment of what he's seen.

"So far the guys have been pretty disciplined," he said. "Pretty clean in that regard... the chest and triceps aren't super sore from doing push-ups all the time (a requirement after an offside or prodecure penalty), so that's a good thing. "There's a natural progression in camp where guys get to the point where they're a little tired. We hit that and backed off a little bit, as planned. A lot of the guys showed up in pretty darn good shape and seem to be happy about being on the field playing football. It's been a relatively normal camp."

FYI:
The list of players who did not practice Sunday - a day bolstered by new season-ticket members watching - including Mike Miller, Winston Rose, Jackson Jeffcoat, Brady Oliveira, Adam Bighill, Tui Eli, Drew Wolitarsky, Greg McCrae and Jonathan Rosery. The absences of Oliveira, McCrae and Rosery partly explains why the club has added two running backs in the last week in Kevon Latulas and Jordan Salima.

"Everything has a domino, right?" O'Shea said. "Any time a guy goes down the other guys start getting more reps and then we put them into a position where they get tired too quick and there's more risk of injury. People should understand that - we bring guys in, there's a group of guys on a list that our scouting department puts together that we want to see and for the most part all these guys are part of that list, or guys we've been in contact with. All these guys that come in can play and when players get injured it opens up opportunities for other people. You certainly don't want to keep taking bodies out of the system without replenishing them because the guys that in there grinding it out, you're putting them at risk, too."

O'Shea didn't seem concerned about Oliveira, stating, "He'll be out as long as he needs. It's a long season, so (missing) this part, we're OK with." Asked a similar status question about Rose, he added, "he'll be ready when he's ready."

NEXT:
The Blue Bombers practice Monday at IG Field from 8:30-11:40 a.m. All practices are open to the public.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/21/quick-hits-training-camp-day-8/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 22, 2023, 01:27:51 AM
"All the potential we have here, it really is exciting"

The first week of Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp has been a bit like settling in to watch a movie you've seen before. Make that, three-four times before.

A team with championship aspirations that returns so much of its roster from a squad that went 15-3 last year and is chasing a fourth Grey Cup appearance and third championship over four years wasn't going to head to camp with a pile of riveting positional battles or a swack of new faces as part of a roster or coaching staff makeover.

So, 'continuity' is a common term tossed around on Chancellor Matheson Road these days and it will be through the two preseason games - including the first one this Saturday in Edmonton against the Elks - leading up to the season opener at home versus the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 9th.

"Continuity means we're speaking the same language, not just the terminology with the offence, but understanding what our expectations are and how we want to approach every single day, whether it's the meetings or on the field," said quarterback Zach Collaros after practice on Sunday. "It's the language in the organization.

"It helps with the overall timing of things. Even with Kenny (Lawler) being gone for a year, it didn't take much to get back into a rhythm with him because he runs such precise routes and has such great body language.

"I'm just really excited for the season. We have a lot we can accomplish in this camp and need to get better at. We'll do that, but I can't wait until the 9th."

One week into camp, here's what we've learned, what we've had confirmed and what is still to be determined...

Read the rest of All the Potential... here! (http://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/21/all-the-potential-we-have-here-it-really-is-exciting/)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 22, 2023, 03:20:31 PM
https://3downnation.com/2023/05/22/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-versatile-rec-amare-jones-release-one/ (https://3downnation.com/2023/05/22/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-versatile-rec-amare-jones-release-one/)

Tavaris Harrison has been released.

"The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed American receiver Amare Jones and released American receiver Tavaris Harrison.

The five-foot-eleven, 195-pound target caught 60 passes for 834 yards and six touchdowns over two season at Georgia Southern University. He also ran the ball 42 times for 194 yards and completed four-of-eight pass attempts for 45 yards and one interception.

Jones started his collegiate career at Tulane where he contributed as a running back, receiver, and return specialist. In 2019, he finished the season with 1,611 all-purpose yards, which ranked No. 5 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and No. 22 in all of Division I NCAA football.

Harrison dressed for five regular season games with the team in 2022, though he did not register a statistic. He caught a 32-yard touchdown pass during last year?s preseason.

The six-foot-three, 190-pound target caught 80 passes for 1,279 yards and three touchdowns over four seasons at Florida Atlantic University."
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 22, 2023, 03:25:45 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 22, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 22, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American wide receiver Amare Jones (5-11, 195, Georgia Southern, August 29, 2000 in Frisco, TX)

Released from roster:

American wide receiver Tavaris Harrison
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 22, 2023, 03:31:09 PM
Holdovers from previous seasons PR's have a tough time sticking against newbies and other previous holdovers IMO.

While press clippings of rookie receivers always looks impressive, you never know which will make enough impression to survive final cuts. My general thought was that he was in tough already being behind Agudosi and McCrae as holdovers. Lots of receivers in camp and some good ones will be released as we progress.

Interesting that we keep adding new receivers to get a look at. I think to some degree that is due to some players being a little nicked and also wanting to reduce workloads on veterans. This is the best projected starting roster of receivers we had in many season.

We might get some indication of players ( PR ) that could be retained by who plays pre-season game 1 and how well they show. Few if any will play in game 2.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: kkc60 on May 22, 2023, 04:38:18 PM
the churn at receiver continues. I?m sure there?s a shot some of these guys get a PR spot or maybe even another TC spot later this season or next, there?s only so many position openings and only so many snaps to go around. Harrison spent most of last season here, so what he brought is pretty known among the staff.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 22, 2023, 05:02:18 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on May 22, 2023, 04:38:18 PM
the churn at receiver continues. I?m sure there?s a shot some of these guys get a PR spot or maybe even another TC spot later this season or next, there?s only so many position openings and only so many snaps to go around. Harrison spent most of last season here, so what he brought is pretty known among the staff.

Always need extra Import receivers and DB's kicking around for backup purposes, they often come and go without much fanfare.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on May 22, 2023, 08:51:00 PM
Preseason gives a chance to see how WR's and RB's adapt to the waggle.  That's a huge thing, looking at a guy like Schoen, who shines with the waggle, but can't get a sniff in the NFL.  Finding the next Schoen means running lots of players through the paces...
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 23, 2023, 01:12:48 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 9

Notes and quotes from Day 9 of Blue Bombers training camp...

COMINGS/GOINGS: The Blue Bombers added one receiver and released another on Monday.

Coming aboard is Amare Jones (5-11, 195), who spent the last two years at Georgia Southern after beginning his college days at Tulane. Jones started six games last year, catching 35 passes for 483 yards and six touchdowns while also returning punts. He was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference First Team in 2021 and in 2019-20 he finished with 1,611 all-purpose yards, ranking seventh in program history.

Released was Tavaris Harrison, who dressed for five games last year in a reserve roll. Harrison hadn't practised the last couple of days after picking up an injury.

As for Jones, he is being thrown to the wolves here quickly with camp already over a week old - close to two weeks old for rookies. Asked what he liked about him, head coach Mike O'Shea offered this:

"I don't know yet. We see him as a returner. We have to see how quickly he can get up to speed. Today we throw him in there, Kevin Bourgoin (receivers coach) is standing with them and telling as he breaks the huddle what routes he's got to run.

"Obviously, he's quick. He's got some speed and versatility and we can use him as a returner, but it was his first day on the field. Sometimes you have to temper that and see how quickly they can get up to speed. It's probably easier to put him in as a returner than it is to put him in offence until we see how quickly he can learn."

NOT UP FOR DISCUSSION:
Darrell Davis, the hall of fame writer from Regina, is visiting Winnipeg and popped into to practice on Monday. He asked O'Shea after practice if the Blue Bombers quest for a fourth straight berth in the Grey Cup and a third championship is a topic tossed around during camp.

"Nothing like that gets talked about. Not with me. We don't say it as coaches. We don't talk about it in the room," said O'Shea. "That's a great question for the players as to what their mindset is. The hope is that we've moved well past that. That was supposed to be sorted out in the offseason."

O'Shea offered a solid answer to the follow-up question asking if 'revenge was a swear word.'

"Revenge on who? Teams are different," he said. "The young guys that are new on our team right now, the young guys that are going to be on our team for Week 1 - whoever those guys are - they know nothing of that. So, I don't know why we would saddle them with that. They're here trying to figure out our game, figuring out how to make our team. And they need the clear focus from the vets to help them do that."

INCHING CLOSER: The Blue Bombers will break up the routine of training camp this weekend in Edmonton with the first preseason game against the Elks. O'Shea talked Monday about the plan for playing time for the players who make that trip.

"Too early to talk about that," he said. "We're going to speak in the next couple of days about how we want to the roster to take shape in that first preseason game. In terms of the number of reps you want someone taking, it's really interesting - you can go in with that sort of plan and then you don't get the ball, or you only have it for a little bit or you score very quickly. We always have plans, and then the game starts and so I don't know that a specific rep count is how we would look at it."

As to how a player could maximize his opportunity in what is a short camp, he added:

"Cheat. It's funny, but Orlondo Steinauer (Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach) and I have talked about this quite a bit... Brandon Alexander would be a good example. He just steals all the reps he can. Steinie was a guy who was not letting somebody take his reps either.

"Then as training camp goes along you have to keep making plays and if that taking some risks to make a play, sometimes you have to do that. You still have to let the coaches know you that you understand the system and are going to play within the system, but for a lot of guys you need to make plays. If you go the whole camp and you don't make a play it would be hard to for somebody to say, 'Yeah, I really noticed this guy. I really like what he does.' It's a tricky one, but you've got to put yourself in position to make those plays and then you've got to make them when they come your way."

OLD SAYING: Long-time Blue Bombers coach Cal Murphy used to quip during training camp that a player ?can?t make the club from the tub.' Translation: a player injured for too long won't make the squad if he's not practising.

"It's an old saying for a reason. It's old," said O'Shea when asked about it Monday with respect to the group of walking wounded. "The amount you look after your players has changed compared to whenever it was. There's a reason there's a CBA now because a long time ago if they thought you had a hangnail they'd get rid of you. It's changed for a good reason. The health and safety and wellness of the players has got to be paramount."

What then becomes a challenge is making sure players get a fair evaluation before the final roster cuts.

"There's just so many variables that go into it," O'Shea said. "I think we try to be very fair, it just doesn't mean it's equal for each guy depending on the (position) group they're coming from and the number of players that are in that group and how we have to practice. You'd love for (camp) to be at a pace where you could really make sure you weren't taxing the guys to the point where they get injured. You'd also love for everybody to come into camp in the kind of shape that they could handle volume, but that's not the case - in either way."

FYI: Former Blue Bombers DL Jonathan Kongbo, a member of the club in 2019 and 2021 before signing with the Denver Broncos, signed on the weekend with the B.C. Lions. O'Shea: "Happy for him. I wish he was still down south. We always want to see the guys we have a lot of history with do well."

NEXT: The Blue Bombers practice Tuesday at IG Field from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/22/quick-hits-training-camp-day-9/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 23, 2023, 04:19:55 AM
Jones has 4.45/4.55 40 speed. Can play RB, WR, return punts and kickoffs. Little bit of a swiss army knife.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: LXTSN on May 23, 2023, 12:28:31 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 23, 2023, 04:19:55 AM
Jones has 4.45/4.55 40 speed. Can play RB, WR, return punts and kickoffs. Little bit of a swiss army knife.
He will be a really exciting player to watch if he sticks around. Seems like a guy who has the talent and heart but has been overlooked for some reason...
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 23, 2023, 04:46:06 PM
Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC

2h
Good morning for Sergio Castillo in the FG department at @Wpg_BlueBombers training camp, including hitting a 58 yarder
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 23, 2023, 07:21:12 PM
Nice, but it's pretty windy today.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 23, 2023, 11:10:09 PM
Vikings sign EX-bomber, Lucky Jackson. Jackson was with the Bombers for the 2022 TC.

Lucky had 36 catches for over 500 yards and 5 TDs with DC Defenders this season.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 24, 2023, 12:34:44 AM
Ex Bomber?  Only Lucky I remember was Whitehead.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 24, 2023, 01:14:50 AM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 24, 2023, 12:34:44 AM
Ex Bomber?  Only Lucky I remember was Whitehead.

He never made it out of TC and had suffered an injury. That resulted in him being released.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 24, 2023, 02:01:18 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 10

Notes and quotes from Blue Bombers training camp on Day 10...

GETTING CLOSER: Saturday's preseason game in Edmonton is inching closer and with that the opportunity to lock up some work for veterans and fresh faces.

Quarterback Josh Jones, a first-year pro straight from Division II University of North Carolina-Pembrooke, is one of those new players trying to make a good impression.

"I'm excited. It will be a good opportunity to get out there and get some live reps," Jones said Tuesday after practice. "I've been doing the training camp life for 2-2 1/2 weeks now and so it'll be exciting to get out there, go against another opponent and get my feet wet in a CFL game."

Blue Bombers Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel Danny McManus saw Jones in the FCS National Bowl in Daytona Beach, Fla. and that earned him an invitation to one of the team's free-agent camps in Atlanta in late April. A couple days later he got a phone call from the club with a rookie camp invitation.

"I feel pretty good about where I'm at right now, but there's still a ways to go," said Jones, who started for five years at UNC-Pembrooke, including as a freshman. "I think I've come in here with that mindset and I think I've taken another step each day. That's my goal: to come out here and get one percent better, one play better, each day. Learn from my past mistakes the next day and if I do that I think I'll stack up some pretty good things.

"That's part of the journey - you get an opportunity and you try to make the most of it, so that's what I'm doing. I don't what I'd be doing, but I'm glad I don't have to worry about that right now. So, I'm getting ready for Edmonton. I'm super-grateful to be here, for sure."

There's a route to a roster spot with the Blue Bombers as a third-down/short yardage specialist with Jones battling Towson State product Tyrrell Pigrome.

"Different quarterbacks, obviously," said head coach Mike O'Shea. "Josh has the ability to get through the read quickly and get rid of the ball. And Piggy is super-athletic and can use his feet to really extend plays and he's got a really strong arm, too. They're both different and they're both trying to have a better understanding of the CFL game with the extra defender and the receivers with the Waggle and all that stuff. But they both seem to be picking it up fairy quickly."

Asked what the coaching staff would like to see from them Saturday and through the rest of camp, O'Shea said:

"You want to see growth in training camp and you want to see them in the meeting area to continue to learn and grow. You want to see them be able to put that on the field - take what they can do well in practice and put that on the field. From a coaching standpoint, our coaches are going to give them some things that they are good at and give them some things that will challenge them to see if they've learned. You certainly want them to have some success out there and give them some positivity so they can grow further from that, too.

FYI:
A number of players did not practice or were limited on Tuesday including Jackson Jeffcoat, Adam Bighill, Brady Oliveira, Cam Lawson, Greg McCrae, Tui Eli, Marc Liegghio, Konner Burtenshaw, Desmond Lawrence, Winston Rose and more. Asked if he could sense players getting excited about Saturday's game, O'Shea said:

"Right now, they need rest. They need a few days to recuperate. I think they're a little bit tired right now. In a couple of days if you ask that question they would absolutely be looking forward to seeing a different opponent."

O'Shea on Ricky Walker, who headed into camp as the leading candidate to replace Casey Sayles, who signed with Hamilton in free agency: "Athletic. Strong. Fits with the guys. Has been here and knows what we're doing - all those things add up to him being able to get in there and do it. And he has for us. He's been out there and made plays for us for two years now."

The Elks will be playing their second preseason game on Saturday after opening with Monday's game in Calgary in which many of their starters did not dress. Asked if that might impact the Blue Bombers roster this weekend, O'Shea was straightforward:

"We've got a plan. We know what we want to do. We'll execute our plan regardless of opponent, place, whatever."

NEXT:
The Blue Bombers practice on Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. at IG Field. All practices are open to the public.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/23/quick-hits-training-camp-day-10/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 24, 2023, 02:17:59 AM
"This game has brought me so much"

It's a story that begins in Sierra Leone with a mother fleeing the civil war there in 2001 with her youngest son alongside, but her oldest left behind.

It features stops in Ohio, in Germany and now in Winnipeg. And surely there's a movie or a Netflix series just waiting to be made about Abu Daramy-Swaray one day, even as he hopes to add another chapter by making an impression with the Blue Bombers during training camp.

Most of all, this is a story about perseverance and about drive, and how surviving and fighting through so much adversity can provide a 26-year-old defensive back an all-star perspective.

"This game has brought me so much," began Daramy-Swaray in a chat with bluebombers.com this week. "I've been in three different countries now to play football. I played American football, played football in Germany and now I?m trying out in the CFL.

"I'm extremely blessed with this opportunity and to be around this winning organization. I just want to keep it going."

Those are two words Daramy-Swaray uses constantly ? 'blessed' and 'opportunity' - and given what he's had to overcome just to get to Blue Bombers camp, they say so much about his outlook on life. Let's try to do this justice with some background here...

Daramy-Swaray was born without his father. A diamond dealer in Sierra Leone, he was killed in the war when his mother was six months pregnant with him. When his mother fled five years later, she had to leave her oldest son behind with her extended family to care for him. Nine years later they were reunited.

"It was one of those things where my mom did what she had to do," said Daramy-Swaray. "I know if she could have had it differently, she would have brought us both. Those nine years of her life... I watched it eat her alive. She would go back and visit him from time to time while he stayed with her brothers and sisters.

"It was difficult because I love my brother so much and we didn?t really get the chance to have a childhood together and grow up together. We had to start late with that, but I?m glad in the last few years we?ve both become a lot closer with him now in Ohio.

?All that has been difficult, but I've accepted it and understand now it's for the best because of everything my mom taught me from a woman's perspective. And being in the world without a father has allowed me to see the world through a completely different lens."

Incredibly, there are even more layers to his story. A star during his days at Colgate University as a defensive back, returner and part-time contributor on offence, Daramy-Swaray was hoping for an NFL mini-camp opportunity in 2020. And then, as we all well know, the global pandemic turned so many lives upside down.

He battled just to make ends meet during that period, working at an Amazon factory, as a server at a restaurant and then at Best Buy. He worked for Door Dash and he delivered pizzas.

"COVID was really bad for everyone," he said. "I'm grateful I have my health and my life because it wasn't that way for everyone. I had my own trials and tribulations."

"I tried to look at it positively. I learned a lot about myself. I learned how tough I can be and how much of a hole I can dig myself out of. I was going from job to job. But at the end of the day, I kept my head up knowing that it was eventually going to get better. There was no way I was going to put in all this work and it was going to get worse, so I kept my positive attitude.

"It was one of those moments that when you're at your lowest you really figure out who you are and what you're made of. I'm grateful for those moments because I've grown so much from them. I know that life can throw me almost anything and I'll be ready for it."

Daramy-Swaray played in Germany for the Potsdam Royals in 2021 and then had a shot with the Cincinnati Bengals and, most recently, with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL.

And now he's in Canada trying to adjust to the longer and wider field, the 'Waggle' and all the other intricacies of the three-down game that can make for a tough learning curve for defensive backs.

"It's definitely been an adjustment," he said. "It's very, very new because the game is very different to me. Luckily with a coach like JY (Blue Bombers defensive backs coach Jordan Younger) he's helped me adjust quickly and see the field differently. It's something that I've been able to piece together and luckily, we have great vets around that are holding us accountable and helping us understand what this new system is."

Critical now for Daramy-Swaray will be to try and separate himself from the pack in the two preseason games, beginning this Saturday in Edmonton against the Elks. Whatever happens, the maturity and perspective he's shown - especially over the last three-four years - will be massive for his days in the game and beyond.

"Honestly, all the credit goes to my mom," he said. "She's been through the worst. She's seen the worst and, somehow, she always keeps a positive attitude about it. That's what she's always ingrained in me - have a positive outlook and believe today is going to be better than yesterday and go out there and be the best version of yourself.

"Every day I wake up it's another blessing, especially knowing and seeing what she had to do to get me here. Every day I get to step on this field I thank God because I love it. I know there are thousands of players in the U.S. and across the world who wish they were in the position I am. I'd be selfish and ungrateful for taking it for granted and not trying to make the most out of it."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/23/this-game-has-brought-me-so-much/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 24, 2023, 03:29:54 PM
We seem to have about 10 veterans nicked and not practising. I doubt any would have played in the 1st pre season game, so not an issue there. The real question is how significant are any of the actual injuries. Bighill, Oliveria, Rose, Lawrence, Jeffcoat, Eli to name a few.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 24, 2023, 05:00:42 PM
A concern for sure.

If Bighill hasn't stepped foot on the field. for him that is a big concern.
Jeffcoat and Rose?  Hmmm.  Big salaries, little playing time.  All things being equal, those guys could get cut. Younger cheaper guys.  Rose was awful last year.
Oliviera?  He had a breakout year last year.  I don't think the club thought he would be  injured.  Bur they have brought in, an American running back.
Eli?  I can hope for the guy,....but I am old school, you can't make the club from the tub.  Did he actually really play and make a contribution, or was he a turnstile.?

Speaking of turnstiles how is Gray doing?  I guess no news is good news.

Starting to get concerned about Jeffcoat.  If any of our DE's (number one draft choice) is the real deal, maybe it's bye-bye.

Pure speculation on my part.  But the Jeffcoat thing is lingering since last year, and when brought back, re-injured whatever it is, or did something new.   The age thing was not anticipated to be an issue, but.......Rose and Jeffcoat, could be in trouble.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: TBURGESS on May 24, 2023, 05:39:36 PM
Anybody remember a training camp when so many starters got the first week off?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on May 24, 2023, 05:47:43 PM
With the number of bodies in camp, and the depth of the veterans knoiwledgebase of the O and D we run (continuity unsurpassed in the league), I'm all for resting them as long as possible. 

The more reps we get on the rookies / newbies, the better book we have on tehm for whether they make the AR, PR or the speed-dial list.  And we will need a deep PR and speed dial list. 

Shortening the TC and only 2 preseason games does not make for good, sound teams game one of the regular season.  The league should have extended PR's for the first 3 weeks of the season, not the last ones.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 24, 2023, 05:56:08 PM
Quote from: TBURGESS on May 24, 2023, 05:39:36 PM
Anybody remember a training camp when so many starters got the first week off?

I think O'Shea is more focussed on the end of the season than he is the start, probably a new health management strategy he's implementing.  I know they did not like the spat of injuries they suffered through last season and they're probably trying to find a way to avoid that scenario.  Expect to see even more vets. skipping practices throughout the year.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 24, 2023, 07:32:49 PM
Days off?!!!

In reality Football is a brutal game.  If you as a player can avoid serious injuries. or if given time to heal that is what it should be.  It already is a kind of miracle we have Biggy still playing a position where collisions are nearly every play.  I am afraid for Andrew Harris.  There is no heroism in ramming into people with your head as the initial point of contact.

Hoss Humard. Fun to watch.  What is he up to now!

The DBs RBs and receivers suffer leg injuries.  While they or some of the "they" can come back, and perform significantly well, I am scared for them that the "loss of a tenth of a second"  ends the career, as a top performer in any league.

What I liked about the Bombers these past few years, is that as was said already, they bring in a ton of guys, and they can rotate  guys in.

In reality, the Grey Cup teams usually have a number of guys who are fresh., just my opinion.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 24, 2023, 08:06:50 PM
JJ94, AB4, and Grant were all banged up at the end of the season. June 9th is our season opener. How many practices do these three need?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: RyGuy13 on May 24, 2023, 08:49:48 PM
A week/week and a half before game 1 you?ll start seeing all the vets/starters participating in all practices (unless injured). Regular reps for the new guys will only benefit them and the coaches for who should be on this team. Sounds like there?s some intriguing names to watch for in these preseason games coming up.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 24, 2023, 10:05:57 PM
No reason to panic. All the players we are talking about are on the field, no casts, no limps, nothing visibly wrong.  I think it is just resting the vets with minor hurts that have already made the club. Smart football.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 24, 2023, 10:19:55 PM
Pretty cold in the stands today. Funny thing about that was I could hear Jefferson saying his trademark "come on down to Winnipeg" to another player. Some went back in to change to long pants.

Dru Brown is separating himself from the other QB's. He is throwing some nice passes somewhat consistently. Collaros is still the king though, by a wide margin. The rest I am praying never have to throw a pass in a game. Like Forest Gump's box of chocolates you never what you are going to get. Physically they can do it but sorely lacking experience and knowledge of the CFL.

All the usual suspects are making good plays. Demski and Lawler I notice in particular with Collaros throwing. They make it look so easy.

The only thing saving Liegghio right now is that he can do all 3 jobs. We'll see what the coaches decide but there are some capable people here.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 24, 2023, 11:47:41 PM
Brown is going to be good and will progress this year.  I expect folks to be impatient with him but I believe he will figure it out.  Just need reps.  I'm just worried MOS won't give him enough.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Zach Schnitzer on May 25, 2023, 01:46:44 AM
I?m super concerned Re Jeffcoat. DT said he had the most QB pressures in the league last year. Not sure if that was adjusted for playing time tho.
Quote from: DM83 on May 24, 2023, 05:00:42 PM
A concern for sure.

If Bighill hasn't stepped foot on the field. for him that is a big concern.
Jeffcoat and Rose?  Hmmm.  Big salaries, little playing time.  All things being equal, those guys could get cut. Younger cheaper guys.  Rose was awful last year.
Oliviera?  He had a breakout year last year.  I don't think the club thought he would be  injured.  Bur they have brought in, an American running back.
Eli?  I can hope for the guy,....but I am old school, you can't make the club from the tub.  Did he actually really play and make a contribution, or was he a turnstile.?

Speaking of turnstiles how is Gray doing?  I guess no news is good news.

Starting to get concerned about Jeffcoat.  If any of our DE's (number one draft choice) is the real deal, maybe it's bye-bye.

Pure speculation on my part.  But the Jeffcoat thing is lingering since last year, and when brought back, re-injured whatever it is, or did something new.   The age thing was not anticipated to be an issue, but.......Rose and Jeffcoat, could be in trouble.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 25, 2023, 02:33:20 AM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 11

Notes and quotes from Wednesday and Day 11 of Blue Bombers training camp...

OUCH UPDATE:
Receiver Dalton Schoen was back at his post at practice today, one day after sitting out a session. The list of those not practising is long, although it's still to be determined who will make the trip to Edmonton for Saturday's preseason game and who will be left behind in Winnipeg.

Among those not participating on Wednesday were LB Adam Bighill, DT Cam Lawson, CB Winston Rose, LB Kyrie Wilson, DE Thiadric Hanson, RB/rec Greg McCrae, RB Jonathan Rosery, DE Jackson Jeffcoat, OL Tui Eli, RB Brady Oliveira, DB Nick Hallett and CB Desmond Lawrence.

PRAISE FOR THE GOAT:
Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea has always been appreciative of the players who have rose to prominence and worked their way up through the depth chart. He gushed about veteran FB Mike Miller when asked about him on Wednesday.

Here's the coach when asked by Jeff Hamilton of The Free Press why Miller - the CFL's all-time leader in special-teams tackles - has been so successful for so long.:

"It's the type of guy he is," O?Shea said. ?He's obviously talented in terms of his athleticism and whatever you're going to measure is not going to make a difference. You put him in any sport and he will find a way to be successful in that sport. He can do a lot of different things. Then the way he's made up physically, there's something about that, too, that just allows him no matter his weight and size, he's really stout for his size. Looking at him and the way he plays, when there's contact to be had he?s really, really stout through the core. Smart, loves the game, does it for the right reasons. He's just really good. Really good and he has been for a long time.

"The story is, undrafted, and we're talking to Jeff Cummins (the head coach at Acadia University and a guest coach at Blue Bombers camp) who is coaching him and he says 'I don't know where or how or what, but that guy is going to play special teams in the CFL.' You put on the film and he's a safety, but he's running down on kickoff and he's just annihilating everybody and making plays. And it didn't stop when he got here.

"More than anything else - and he has all these other attributes - it's the type of man he is. It's just he?s wired that way."

THERE'S JOHNNY:
We spoke to RB Johnny Augustine on Tuesday as he was one of the last players to leave the field about fighting and scratching his way for a roster spot.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/23/johnny-augustine-may-23/

Augustine earned praise from O'Shea a day later when asked about his work on special teams - he hadn't played on any specials during his days at the University of Guelph - and learning to accept his role on the squad.

"We appreciated him quite early on for what he could do as a tailback physically, but Johnny has always been that type of guy that just trusts in his ability and he trusts in the coaches and the team," O'Shea said. "And the type of guy Johnny is, he's going to take his role and whatever he's given he?s going to make the most of. We don't stock our room full of complainers. He's not going to complain at all. He's going to be ready. Those two things are very important for a guy who's taking less reps than another guy."

NEXT: The Blue Bombers final practice session of the week before the club flies to Edmonton on Friday goes Thursday at IG Field from 10:45 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Practice is open to the public.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/24/quick-hits-training-camp-day-11/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 25, 2023, 02:42:48 AM
"This is my football home. This is where I want to be."

Chris Kolankowski thought about quitting. There's no shame in saying that now, especially as he is essentially locked into the starting centre gig with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and with that career-crossroads moment having long since passed.

It's also part of what makes his story both so endearing and enthralling.

A sixth-round draft pick of the Toronto Argonauts in 2016, Kolankowski was released by the Boatmen during camp in 2019 and then lost another season due to the pandemic in 2020 after signing with the Blue Bombers. He worked his way through the Blue Bombers depth chart from a practice roster player to his first game in November of 2021 - a span of 1,007 days between action.

And so, excuse the 31-year-old veteran - who made 15 starts at centre last year after Michael Couture was injured - if he isn't a little territorial about his starting role now. He waited for his shot, after all, and will scrap and fight to keep it.

That's Kolankowski in a nutshell. Yes, there's a great deal of skill - a physical toughness mixed with technique - required to play in football's trenches. But healthy doses of battle, of grit and scrappiness are also required. And that's a characterization of Kolankowski's game he relishes.

"I'd embrace that," he said of that description. "I'd said I'm a by-any-means-necessary guy. If I get tripped up on a play, I'm getting up as fast as I can to hit the first colour I can find. It's not that I don't have technique, it's just that I play with a certain amount of desperation in my game."

That 'desperation' has been present for years. Kolankowski has always been tagged as under-sized, even dating back to his college days when he arrived at York University as a 220-pound centre. He was recognized as the school's top lineman in 2015 and won a hard work and character award during his days at York.

All of that, however, was certainly put to the test over 2019-20. A player's love for the game can only last for so long, especially as the doors of opportunity keep getting slammed shut.

"There were a lot of days when I was working out alone in the gym or doing the construction job with 14-hour days," he said. "Then it was straight to the gym, followed by straight home to bed and then do it all over again. There were a lot of days where I questioned whether it was time to move on."

Two things kept him fighting - his own stubbornness, and a conversation he had with his parents, particularly his father Roman, who once played for the Oshawa Hawkeyes football team before opting to pursue a career as a plant and production manager. First, the stubbornness...

More on Chris Kolankowski here! (http://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/24/this-is-my-football-home-this-is-where-i-want-to-be/)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 25, 2023, 02:50:34 AM
Interviews with Evan Holm and Mike O'Shea...

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/24/evan-holm-may-24/

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/24/coach-oshea-may-24-2/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 25, 2023, 03:23:10 PM
All Tait to do player features.
Zero on field reporting.
I am unfulfilled.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 25, 2023, 05:35:37 PM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 25, 2023, 03:23:10 PM
All Tait to do player features.
Zero on field reporting.
I am unfulfilled.

Samsies.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: kkc60 on May 25, 2023, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 25, 2023, 03:23:10 PM
All Tait to do player features.
Zero on field reporting.
I am unfulfilled.
yeah getting any training camp notes outside of Derek Taylor?s has been difficult and disappointing to say the least
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 25, 2023, 07:05:26 PM
This is kinda true of TSN also.
They have nobody here.

We need to produce a local flavor sports  production.  I mean after  score review the five or six leading teams, would not still get much air time.

Man do I miss Bob Irving.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 25, 2023, 07:44:49 PM
Maybe Tait has clear instructions not to share anything that gives other clubs a heads up on other players they may release.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 25, 2023, 08:14:56 PM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 25, 2023, 07:44:49 PM
Maybe Tait has clear instructions not to share anything that gives other clubs a heads up on other players they may release.

Tait is doing his job perfectly.

It's the beat writers from the papers that need to look up once in a while.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 25, 2023, 10:17:09 PM
Quote from: Jesse on May 25, 2023, 08:14:56 PM
Tait is doing his job perfectly.

It's the beat writers from the papers that need to look up once in a while.
indeed
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 25, 2023, 11:51:36 PM
 RB Rosery retired today. Not sure if this was due to an injury and the need to make roster space, or he saw the handwriting on the wall?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 25, 2023, 11:56:47 PM
Quote from: DM83 on May 25, 2023, 07:05:26 PM
This is kinda true of TSN also.
They have nobody here.

I think John Lu has been at most of the training camp practices that I've been at. I don't know if he's produced any content though?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 26, 2023, 12:19:11 AM
Quote from: pdirks67 on May 25, 2023, 11:56:47 PM
I think John Lu has been at most of the training camp practices that I've been at. I don't know if he's produced any content though?

Will John Lu be replacing Sara Orlesky as TSN's Bomber reporter or is he only covering the Jets?  No stories from him that I can see on TSN.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 26, 2023, 12:31:36 AM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 26, 2023, 12:19:11 AM
Will John Lu be replacing Sara Orlesky as TSN's Bomber reporter or is he only covering the Jets?  No stories from him that I can see on TSN.

Yes, I believe so.

https://www.tsn.ca/adieu-montreal-hello-winnipeg-1.1854953 (https://www.tsn.ca/adieu-montreal-hello-winnipeg-1.1854953)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on May 26, 2023, 12:57:13 AM
Chandler Staton comes off as a very cool customer in this video from today.
https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/25/chandler-staton-may-25/ (https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/25/chandler-staton-may-25/)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 26, 2023, 04:13:04 AM
Jonathan Rosery retires? Is this injury related.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 26, 2023, 01:10:11 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 26, 2023, 04:13:04 AM
Jonathan Rosery retires? Is this injury related.

This only showed up in the CFL.CA transactions. Haven't seen any actual comments yet but take it to suggest a TC injury that puts him out at the moment. Whether that's a month or the season IDK. Usually when this happens we see that player ( draft choice ) return later on the PR of in TC the following year.

2023-05-25   WPG   ROSERY, Jonathan   WR   N      Transfer To   Retired

EDIT: Found this this morning.


RB Jonathan Rosery, the team?s seventh-round pick who was injured in rookie camp and has not practised, was transferred to the retired list on Thursday afternoon.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on May 26, 2023, 05:25:41 PM
Are "suspended" and "retired" lists different?  Either one, should the player decide to play again, the team he was suspended or retired from retains his rights, no?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 26, 2023, 05:34:37 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on May 26, 2023, 05:25:41 PM
Are "suspended" and "retired" lists different?  Either one, should the player decide to play again, the team he was suspended or retired from retains his rights, no?

I think in both cases the rights are retained only for the duration of the contract. My recollection from a historical point of view is that " retired " generally meant a player was injured and the team would look at him again when healthy. Of course their are veterans that decide to hang them up even after signing new deals prior to TC. The strain of TC and family / business makes that decision.

Suspension is a little odd. Usually see that when someone doesn't report or is going to report late ( Jake Thomas ) for example. The other example is a rookie import mostly that decides he doesn't want to play in the CFL. We see a few of those every year across the CFL.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Big Daddy on May 27, 2023, 01:01:15 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2023, 05:34:37 PM
I think in both cases the rights are retained only for the duration of the contract. My recollection from a historical point of view is that " retired " generally meant a player was injured and the team would look at him again when healthy. Of course their are veterans that decide to hang them up even after signing new deals prior to TC. The strain of TC and family / business makes that decision.

Suspension is a little odd. Usually see that when someone doesn't report or is going to report late ( Jake Thomas ) for example. The other example is a rookie import mostly that decides he doesn't want to play in the CFL. We see a few of those every year across the CFL.

Interesting - I don't remember how this all works.

Wasn't there talk that Darian Durant cannot be signed as a rider for a one day contract in order to retire a rider, after he screwed us over in 2018? 

For those that don't remember, he signed as a backup early in the year, accepted a $70k signing bonus (which went against our salary cap for that season), then announced on social media he was retiring right before training camp.  He never even told the Bombers this ahead of time - they heard along with the rest of us.

I sure hope it's true he can't sign as a rider.  Yeah, I may still be a little bitter over that one.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Waffler on May 27, 2023, 12:42:46 PM
Quote from: Big Daddy on May 27, 2023, 01:01:15 AM
Yeah, I may still be a little bitter over that one.

We got the last laugh on that one.  Because of not having to pay his salary we were the team with the most money available when Biggie came back from the NFL. If they can prevent him retiring a Rider in addition, I am all for it because he is basically a thief.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on May 27, 2023, 01:28:16 PM
Quote from: Waffler on May 27, 2023, 12:42:46 PM
We got the last laugh on that one.  Because of not having to pay his salary we were the team with the most money available when Biggie came back from the NFL. If they can prevent him retiring a Rider in addition, I am all for it because he is basically a thief.

And it allowed us to get a real good look at Streveler, if we had Durant we might have had to cut Stev.
One could say by having Bighill & Strev it was the best 70K spent by this club.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on May 27, 2023, 02:52:31 PM
Quote from: NewBlue on May 27, 2023, 01:28:16 PM
And it allowed us to get a real good look at Streveler, if we had Durant we might have had to cut Stev.
One could say by having Bighill & Strev it was the best 70K spent by this club.
lol Here Here
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 28, 2023, 09:16:55 PM
Bombers are going to have some choices to make in the secondary. We have too many good players than I think we will be able to keep. A couple of eastern team have lost some DB's for an extended time.  Redblacks just lost M. Hunter for an extended period.

If we can't keep everyone, perhaps we can at least trade someone out of the western division. Trade value for import DB's isn't usually very high but something is better than nothing if it comes down to it.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2023, 12:47:57 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 28, 2023, 09:16:55 PM
Bombers are going to have some choices to make in the secondary. We have too many good players than I think we will be able to keep. A couple of eastern team have lost some DB's for an extended time.  Redblacks just lost M. Hunter for an extended period.

If we can't keep everyone, perhaps we can at least trade someone out of the western division. Trade value for import DB's isn't usually very high but something is better than nothing if it comes down to it.

Winston Rose is in a bit of trouble I think. Very, very, very few trades get made at.cutdown time.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 01:17:57 AM
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2023, 12:47:57 AM
Winston Rose is in a bit of trouble I think. Very, very, very few trades get made at.cutdown time.

It's not cut down quite yet but you have a point. I was thinking more about Lawrence possibly being the odd man out.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pete on May 29, 2023, 02:39:06 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 01:17:57 AM
It's not cut down quite yet but you have a point. I was thinking more about Lawrence possibly being the odd man out.
I think Lawrence has a lot of potential, one of our best options when it comes to defending the run which was a big issue against Edmonton. I'd expect at this point our defensive backs would set up to start the season as:
S - Alexander
dime back - Darby
half backs - Nichols/Parker
corners - Lawrence/Houston
with Rose and Holm being DI or on practice roster. Rose would have to beat out Houston in order to start
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on May 29, 2023, 02:44:41 AM
Quote from: Pete on May 29, 2023, 02:39:06 AM
I think Lawrence has a lot of potential, one of our best options when it comes to defending the run which was a big issue against Edmonton. I'd expect at this point our defensive backs would set up to start the season as:
S - Alexander
dime back - Darby
half backs - Nichols/Parker
corners - Lawrence/Houston
with Rose and Holm being DI or on practice roster. Rose would have to beat out Houston in order to start

Too early to tell but I see Holm getting plenty of reps.  I don't have any updates on Rose and how he has looked in camp but I expect he will be ok.  Anyone know much about him? Holm been getting lots of reps at practice 1st and 2nd teams.  He is rotating with another guy, can't remember who.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 29, 2023, 04:49:40 AM
Believe Holm is safe.  Dline will be interesting to watch unfold.  Sayles to be replaced. Who will be the #3 QB?  Is Jeffcoat ready to play?  Also LB with Wilson likely on the IR list.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 29, 2023, 11:50:12 AM
Holm is definitely on the roster.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 01:15:42 PM
Quote from: Pete on May 29, 2023, 02:39:06 AM
I think Lawrence has a lot of potential, one of our best options when it comes to defending the run which was a big issue against Edmonton. I'd expect at this point our defensive backs would set up to start the season as:
S - Alexander
dime back - Darby
half backs - Nichols/Parker
corners - Lawrence/Houston
with Rose and Holm being DI or on practice roster. Rose would have to beat out Houston in order to start


Don't get me wrong. I like Lawrence a lot. I think some posters are being hard on Rose after a difficult 2022 season. I'm not convinced that he won't be starting either. Putting any on the PR might not be a great idea. They might not accept that and could be off to another team.

As I suggested we have too many good players than starting positions. I think many are very versatile which is an added bonus.

There are a couple of rookie DB's that I think make the PR but also have some intriguing potential.

I've point out that it might be difficult to get a DB on the roster as a DI unless he's the returner until Grant is back.

In a perfect world I'd like to see a DE, a DT and a LB as DI's. That's already an issue with a kicker and returner as 2 of 4 DI's. Obviously nothing is written in stone that 2 DI's are on the DL.

So just waiting to see how this plays out.

Your list to start is a pretty solid looking group. It's nice to have such good options though.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 29, 2023, 03:01:34 PM
Practice roster for a vet like Rose??? what do they earn $500.00 a week? Geez even splitting an apartment with a few guys is questionable. (Maybe if you are aged 20-24.  After that,...yikes.

Not surprised if they cut  him and Agodusi.  (Give them a chance to catch on somewhere else.)
As Doug Brown said if Shaun Lemon has any gas in the tank he may be an option .  Not sure Jeffcoat makes the team as old age and injury may have caught up to him.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 03:21:13 PM
Quote from: DM83 on May 29, 2023, 03:01:34 PM
Practice roster for a vet like Rose??? what do they earn $500.00 a week? Geez even splitting an apartment with a few guys is questionable. (Maybe if you are aged 20-24.  After that,...yikes.

Not surprised if they cut  him and Agodusi.  (Give them a chance to catch on somewhere else.)
As Doug Brown said if Shaun Lemon has any gas in the tank he may be an option .  Not sure Jeffcoat makes the team as old age and injury may have caught up to him.



I think a couple of vet players will spend some time on the 1 game IR.  We won't be able to move vets ( or Agudosi ) to PR as you suggested, so it's 1 game IR or outright release. 

That's not in our best interests IMO. Trades are not easy at the best of times, so that probably doesn't happen.

I'd be stunned if they released Jeffcoat in particular.  Our rookie DE's didn't exactly overly impress in pre season game 1. Lemon is older than Jeffcoat BTW.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2023, 04:20:04 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 03:21:13 PM
I think a couple of vet players will spend some time on the 1 game IR.  We won't be able to move vets ( or Agudosi ) to PR as you suggested, so it's 1 game IR or outright release. 

That's not in our best interests IMO. Trades are not easy at the best of times, so that probably doesn't happen.

I'd be stunned if they released Jeffcoat in particular.  Our rookie DE's didn't exactly overly impress in pre season game 1. Lemon is older than Jeffcoat BTW.

For sure. If he starts the year hurt they'll probably just throw him on the 6-game. No need to release him unless we're completely fed up.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 05:15:25 PM
Two practices this week + a walk through. I won't be surprised if we make a few cuts before start of practice tomorrow.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on May 29, 2023, 07:04:10 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 05:15:25 PM
Two practices this week + a walk through. I won't be surprised if we make a few cuts before start of practice tomorrow.

We might wait just because this game will be mostly back-ups.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 29, 2023, 07:56:12 PM
OH yeah!  I would be shocked if they released either Jeffcoat or Agudosi.  I for one want them both to be contributors.  I would think, as a coach I would want Agudosi, just for the potential ability to out jump people.

Bailey is a jack - of - all- trades, and a heart guy. (Maybe he can skate and play on the Jets top six.)
As the Bombers reputation goes, Mike O'Shea is a loyal guy, so Bailey probably starts.  Maybe they D.I. one of those two?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 08:47:14 PM
Quote from: Jesse on May 29, 2023, 07:04:10 PM
We might wait just because this game will be mostly back-ups.

It was only the Lions game 1 as well and they cut 13. Bombers don't have to make cuts, I'm just saying I expect them to make a few trims. Even playing back ups, there are a lot of players and some rookies should get more reps rather than spread them thin across others with no chance. 

We have 7 rookie import receivers alone, 3 rookie kickers, 3 import RB's ( including McCrae )
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 08:51:26 PM
Quote from: DM83 on May 29, 2023, 07:56:12 PM
OH yeah!  I would be shocked if they released either Jeffcoat or Agudosi.  I for one want them both to be contributors.  I would think, as a coach I would want Agudosi, just for the potential ability to out jump people.

Bailey is a jack - of - all- trades, and a heart guy. (Maybe he can skate and play on the Jets top six.)
As the Bombers reputation goes, Mike O'Shea is a loyal guy, so Bailey probably starts.  Maybe they D.I. one of those two?

I've mentioned that Bailey could be a DI as Nationalized American a couple of times. While it's possible, choices for our DI's and limited spots wouldn't seem for it to be high on the list of options.

That said, I don't know if Agudosi would be willing to go back to the PR and think another team would take him.

He's on an ELC, so unless he wins out as the starter I see him on the 1 game IR.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pete on May 29, 2023, 10:14:36 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 29, 2023, 08:51:26 PM
I've mentioned that Bailey could be a DI as Nationalized American a couple of times. While it's possible, choices for our DI's and limited spots wouldn't seem for it to be high on the list of options.

That said, I don't know if Agudosi would be willing to go back to the PR and think another team would take him.

He's on an ELC, so unless he wins out as the starter I see him on the 1 game IR.
if only we had this problem on our defensive line
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 01:22:54 PM
Quote from: Pete on May 29, 2023, 10:14:36 PM
if only we had this problem on our defensive line

We have a few rookie Canadian DL. I don't know which might be going back to school for one more year or which might stick. One of the possibilities is a 2nd Canadian DT on the game day roster.

The coaches are going to see who fits the best and the earliest of being game ready.

Those that have been to TC will have a better idea of which players at which positions fall into that choice.

Obviously many will be sent to our PR to start the season, but 2 - 3 could be added to AR.

I have my ideas based on what I've heard / read and think our needs might be. However, didn't get much confirmation from the 1st pre -season game.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 30, 2023, 03:04:23 PM
Agreed Blue in BC.

I am concerned about the DT spot, and our LBs.  The run game - defence, specifically, with our starters was inadequate during the Esks game.
Plain and simple.  The Bombers will not win anything unless they bring in some professional players to play DT.

Usually the tackles are responsible for the A gap, but it looked like we had Peter Pan being pushed around and placed on roller skates.  Not encouraging.  So LBs couldn't get to B or C gaps. 

But this was the first game, and new guys got experience.  Obviously, those less tough guys will be cut.  So, we have a couple positions to work on.(ideally)

Ritchie Hall and management have brought in good players to make the team the best in the league during their spell as the bosses.  So, they will as they always say will try and find guys to make the team better.  And as such I am sure a number of our cuts could find employment elsewhere.

In conclusion, If Bighill is injured before camp, and Wilson is out, we don't have any first string starter quality LBs. Coupled with no run stopper at DT, as some has already said, we might have to outscore everyone.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Lincoln Locomotive on May 30, 2023, 03:10:18 PM
Doug Brown one of the best DTs in Bomber history AND a Canadian, has concerns with our interior DL.    Our DE's need a strong push from our interior linemen to make them more effective.....he was more or less "meh" on Walker.    We still have never really replaced "Stove" but then again he was a unique and very explosive tackle.    We may have to outscore our opponents with our high powered corp of receivers and with  Janarian Grant running back KOs and punts for TDs.   I was hoping for some younger blood on our DL and hoping Bennet works out.  
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 30, 2023, 03:10:56 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 30, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 30, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American defensive end Celestin Haba (6-2, 250, Texas A&M- Commerce, April 6, 1998, in Columbia, SC)
American receiver Tavaris Harrison
American defensive back Karon Delince

Released from roster:
American receiver Tre Turner

Transferred to one-game injured list:
National offensive lineman Tui Eli

Transferred to six-game injured list:
National fullback Konner Burtenshaw


Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 03:22:39 PM
Quote from: ModAdmin on May 30, 2023, 03:10:56 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 30, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 30, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:

American defensive end Celestin Haba (6-2, 250, Texas A&M- Commerce, April 6, 1998, in Columbia, SC)
American receiver Tavaris Harrison
American defensive back Karon Delince

Released from roster:
American receiver Tre Turner

Transferred to one-game injured list:
National offensive lineman Tui Eli

Transferred to six-game injured list:
National fullback Konner Burtenshaw





Well that answers a couple of things. Dobson will be the extra Canadian OL. Another roster spot opens up to replace Burtenshaw.

Cruious they brought back 2 players released earlier.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 30, 2023, 05:32:10 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 03:22:39 PM

Well that answers a couple of things. Dobson will be the extra Canadian OL. Another roster spot opens up to replace Burtenshaw.

Cruious they brought back 2 players released earlier.

I know Harrison was injured earlier on and may not have participated in Rookie Camp, maybe he's ready to go and they're just giving him his shot.  If he hangs with the team at all, he's probably destined for the PR.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: the paw on May 30, 2023, 06:47:47 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 03:22:39 PM

Well that answers a couple of things. Dobson will be the extra Canadian OL. Another roster spot opens up to replace Burtenshaw.

Cruious they brought back 2 players released earlier.

Delince is small but super fast.  Either he's the reincarnation of Alex Suber or they are looking at him as a returner.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 30, 2023, 06:49:16 PM
Anyone know if JJ94 practiced today.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 06:50:39 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 30, 2023, 05:32:10 PM
I know Harrison was injured earlier on and may not have participated in Rookie Camp, maybe he's ready to go and they're just giving him his shot.  If he hangs with the team at all, he's probably destined for the PR.



Yeah I think I knew that. Essentially I was just thinking we already had 6 rookie import receivers before releasing Turner.  Harrison is a known player.  Agudosi and McCrae are still here from 2022.  Even making the PR won't be easy for too many receivers.

Burtenshaw's injury is unfortunate. I know they've had Damian Jackson playing FB and LS but he's an import which won't make putting him on the AR roster all that easy. Didn't notice whether he got any snaps on defence during the game and / or in TC.

Mike Miller gets some reps at FB but we need a younger player to take the actual role as a FB.  Burtenshaw had a decent chance of making the AR almost in default.

Is there a Plan C?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 06:52:23 PM
Quote from: the paw on May 30, 2023, 06:47:47 PM
Delince is small but super fast.  Either he's the reincarnation of Alex Suber or they are looking at him as a returner.

Just a guess but the returner spot is still unanswered? Bombers already have lots of very good DB's.  Having said that, not sure what management knows about the possible return of Grant timeline.

Anybody at practice today to see which walking wounded returned to practice? The good news is that none of Bighill, Jeffcoat, Rose, Lawrence or Oliveria etc were added to any injury list. Generally that suggests they could be ready this week or for regular season game 1.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 30, 2023, 07:07:40 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 30, 2023, 06:49:16 PM
Anyone know if JJ94 practiced today.

According to Derek Taylor he did.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 30, 2023, 07:13:17 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 06:50:39 PM
Yeah I think I knew that. Essentially I was just thinking we already had 6 rookie import receivers before releasing Turner.  Harrison is a known player.  Agudosi and McCrae are still here from 2022.  Even making the PR won't be easy for too many receivers.

Burtenshaw's injury is unfortunate. I know they've had Damian Jackson playing FB and LS but he's an import which won't make putting him on the AR roster all that easy. Didn't notice whether he got any snaps on defence during the game and / or in TC.

Mike Miller gets some reps at FB but we need a younger player to take the actual role as a FB.  Burtenshaw had a decent chance of making the AR almost in default.

Is there a Plan C?

Damian Jackson got some reps. on the D-line, it will be difficult to find a spot to keep him, but he has the tools and with a year of schooling on the PR, he might become a Hansen clone.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 30, 2023, 07:13:17 PM
Damian Jackson got some reps. on the D-line, it will be difficult to find a spot to keep him, but he has the tools and with a year of schooling on the PR, he might become a Hansen clone.

Except he'd have to fill a DI spot not a global spot. I'd say it's easier to make a fit for a global than an import.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 30, 2023, 07:36:51 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 07:29:59 PM
Except he'd have to fill a DI spot not a global spot. I'd say it's easier to make a fit for a global than an import.

His designation doesn't matter if he spends the year on the PR.  Question is if he is worth the investment, and whether he will be content with that arrangement.  Being a significantly older guy, he may have other plans.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on May 30, 2023, 07:39:51 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 07:29:59 PM
Except he'd have to fill a DI spot not a global spot. I'd say it's easier to make a fit for a global than an import.

Of course it's easy to roster a Global. Or a Canadian. The problem is there are no great Global or Canadian pass rushers out there. Certainly not on our roster. Hansen has 4 sacks in 42 games. Or 3 sacks in 24 games including zero in 10 games last year. The Americans shoulder much of the load as always. Obviously it would be great to have a sensational global DE. Quite literally, none exist.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on May 30, 2023, 08:03:28 PM
I like  guys who sacrifice their own body making a "play making" block to spring our QB.  That's what football is all about.  Doing your assignment, the block, actually he saw the LBs were sealed and he went down field, which is above the call of duty.  That was a great play  Therefore I hope he makes the team, somehow.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 30, 2023, 08:03:51 PM
Delince has a 4.32/40. That is very quick. 5'9"/160 is a little on the lean side.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: DM83 on May 30, 2023, 08:03:28 PM
I like  guys who sacrifice their own body making a "play making" block to spring our QB.  That's what football is all about.  Doing your assignment, the block, actually he saw the LBs were sealed and he went down field, which is above the call of duty.  That was a great play  Therefore I hope he makes the team, somehow.

I think the coaches like him and think he's kept around on the PR. The catch 22 is that he's an older player and PR money may not work for him. If he is married and / or kids, then he needs to be earning a solid living.

If it wasn't for ratio limitations he'd probably make the roster.

I listened to O'Shea's daily report but there was nothing about walking wounded. We had one report that Jefferson participated in practice today, but an update on the others would be helpful.

BTW, was exactly is Hansen's injury?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on May 30, 2023, 09:49:41 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 30, 2023, 08:03:51 PM
Delince has a 4.32/40. That is very quick. 5'9"/160 is a little on the lean side.

A bit hefty compared to Speedy B... ;)

That's fast, is he quick?  Will be interesting to see him on a live punt/kick return...
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 10:15:54 PM
Here's a TC update on the walking wounded. I'd take that to suggest that Oliveria is back at practice. However reason for concern increases with Bighill, Darby, Lawrence, Rose and O'Leary-Orange not practising. Now even Sterling didn't practice?? Tomorrow is the last practice before the walk through this week.

On the positive side, there are still 10 days before our 1st regular season game.

FYI: Returning to practice on Tuesday was DE Jackson Jeffcoat. Not practising were: LB Adam Bighill, CBs Desmond Lawrence and Winston Rose, OL Tui Eli, FB Konner Burtenshaw, LB Jesse Briggs, DB Alden Darby, Jr., WR Brendan O?Leary-Orange, DE Aaron Sterling and RB/WR Greg McCrae? QB Tyler Pigrome had the ball sail over his head on a botched snap on his first snap in Edmonton and then converted a second-and-27 with a 34-yard strike to Jeremy Murphy.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 31, 2023, 02:57:28 PM
Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC
41m
RB Brady Oliveira also back working with the @bluebombers
this morning.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 31, 2023, 03:22:52 PM
Glad to hear BO20 is back. Had a slow start last season. Like to see BO20 start the season off with a big season opener.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 31, 2023, 03:22:57 PM
Quote from: ModAdmin on May 31, 2023, 02:57:28 PM
Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC
41m
RB Brady Oliveira also back working with the @bluebombers
this morning.

Darby, O'Leary-Orange and Sterling all played on the weekend. Didn't notice any injuries at the time. Did they get some minor nicks or are they just giving maximum reps to those going to play this week? Our expectation is that all 3 of that group have already made the team.

The real question is what is the deal with Bighill, Lawrence and Rose?  There have been comments from posters ( including me ) thinking Lawrence and Rose might be beat out as starters in the secondary. While that may have validity, that doesn't mean one or both of them might not be a DI or on 1 game IR even if they aren't starting.

The best I can comment about Bighill is that he doesn't need to practice and they are just giving rookies a chance to play and win either a DI pr PR spot. That and just workload management for an older player that has a very physical role on defence. IE: we don't need to beat him up with daily practice reps. In effect he's probably helping to coach some of the rookies.

Briggs and McCrae fall into somewhat of a 3rd group. I won't be surprised if both make the roster in some capacity although McCrae would end up on the PR at best. OTOH, I wouldn't be entirely surprised if neither makes the team in 2023. Not to say either are bad players but succession and continuing roles for either are not guaranteed.

Our secondary is going to be very good regardless of who starts etc.

The only immediate question is about Bighill. As I mentioned before, he hasn't been placed on 1 or 6 game IR, so that's an optimistic view all is ok.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: ModAdmin on May 31, 2023, 03:24:14 PM
Quick Hits | Training Camp - Day 17

Notes and quotes from Day 17 of Blue Bombers training camp...

JUST RIGHT: Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea indicated after practice Tuesday that QB Zach Collaros will not play in the preseason finale this Friday at home against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. That should leave the work to be shared among Dru Brown, Tyler Pigrome and Josh Jones.

Collaros played all of the first quarter and the first series of the second in last Saturday's 25-23 win over the Edmonton Elks, leading two scoring drives and completing 5-of-8 passes for 93 yards, including a 67-yard TD strike to Kenny Lawler. His offensive snaps totalled 13.

"I think throughout my career it's kind of been a mixed bag," said Collaros after practice Tuesday. "There's been some years I haven't played at all; there's been some years I played one, some years I've played both. So, if I'm going to be out there... we had two or three two-and-outs. I asked to be out there for another drive in the second quarter and Osh (head coach Mike O'Shea) and Buck (Pierce, offensive coordinator) allowed it. It's good. It's good to get out there and throw the ball around."

The Blue Bombers brought a lot of veterans to Edmonton and have this week as their final preparation before June 9th and the season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at IG Field.

"It's the same thing we talk about every year with Zach: we think we have a plan," said O'Shea. "Then we work the plan with him, ask him what he thinks he needs. Couple that with what Buck thinks and what I think and come up with an answer. And that's the answer."

Collaros said the work he got against Edmonton and the pace with which the club practises will be enough to have him ready for the Ticats in Week 1.

"Again, once we start game-planning and getting into that week, you feel good from a preparation standpoint and things like that," he said. "We've had a lot of reps in practice so far. Obviously getting into a game you can't really replace those live reps. But we practise at a pretty high level out here - you guys know that - so we'll be ready when the time comes."

REKINDLING THE OLD MAGIC:
Kenny Lawler was the Blue Bombers leading receiver in both 2019 and 2021, before departing in free agency to Edmonton last season. And now that he's back, he adds another threat to an already stellar receiving corps.

"He's just a great receiver, not only his physical gifts just from being fast and being able to catch the football and high point it, but he has great body language, and he understands what we're asking him to do on each and every route," said Collaros of Lawler. "He's a great communicator with how he wants to run that route depending on the leverage of the defender, the depth of the defender and all those things.

"He's just a great teammate. Again, in our system, too, you've got to get in there and fight and block and he's never been afraid to do that."

FYI: Returning to practice on Tuesday was DE Jackson Jeffcoat. Not practising were: LB Adam Bighill, CBs Desmond Lawrence and Winston Rose, OL Tui Eli, FB Konner Burtenshaw, LB Jesse Briggs, DB Alden Darby, Jr., WR Brendan O'Leary-Orange, DE Aaron Sterling and RB/WR Greg McCrae... QB Tyler Pigrome had the ball sail over his head on a botched snap on his first snap in Edmonton and then converted a second-and-27 with a 34-yard strike to Jeremy Murphy.

"It's always tough when something doesn't go your way on the first snap you're out there,? said Collaros. "But I thought (Pigrome) was very composed and poised and I think guys in the huddle felt that as well. To go out there and move the chains on second-and-27 isn't something that you see very often. He did a good job there; Murph did a great job... I think the play call was a little screwed up, so there was a little bit of freelancing there, but he was able to move the chains and stay on the field. That's the name of the game - being able to call more plays and we were able to get a nice run play there; Damian came around and did a great job selling the block on the end and getting up the field and blocking for Pig and he did the rest. He's a great athlete. He's just a good guy, nice guy. Everybody's a little different on the field, but like I said, it's always important for the quarterback to have a sense of composure about themselves. The guys in the huddle feed off that and he did that really well."

O'Shea on what he's seen from Murphy: "Yeah, he's smart. He picks it up very quickly. Very smart. He's made some good tough catches, too. He'll continue to grow and he picks up a lot of stuff very quickly. Woli (Drew Wolitarsky) is one of those guys that if you?re around Woli or playing behind him, you can't help but just be really taken by how smart he is, how he's always doing the right thing and how he's always working so well for the quarterback. There's so much trust between quarterbacks and Woli, not just Zach, but anybody, Woli would immediately be the guy. So, being around Woli like that would be a great opportunity for a young guy."

COMINGS/GOINGS:
The Blue Bombers added three players today in new DE Celestin Haba while bringing back WR Tavaris Harrison and DB Karon Delince, while moving OL Tui Eli to the one-game injured list and FB Konner Burtenshaw to the six-game injured list.....

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/30/quick-hits-training-camp-day-17/
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pigskin on May 31, 2023, 09:32:22 PM
 BO20 was back on the field today, but wasn't doing that much. A light work out at best??????????
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on May 31, 2023, 09:34:34 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on May 31, 2023, 09:32:22 PM
BO20 was back on the field today, but wasn't doing that much. A light work out at best??????????

It's a long season at a physically demanding position and he has already made the team.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 31, 2023, 09:58:07 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 30, 2023, 08:52:37 PM
I think the coaches like him and think he's kept around on the PR. The catch 22 is that he's an older player and PR money may not work for him. If he is married and / or kids, then he needs to be earning a solid living.

If it wasn't for ratio limitations he'd probably make the roster.

I listened to O'Shea's daily report but there was nothing about walking wounded. We had one report that Jefferson participated in practice today, but an update on the others would be helpful.

BTW, was exactly is Hansen's injury?

From today's interview, it sure sounds like O'Shea loves the attitude, toughness  and flexibility Damian Jackson brings to the table, I'd be very surprised if they didn't find a way to keep him as a backup utility player in the mode of Hansen.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on May 31, 2023, 10:11:14 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 31, 2023, 09:58:07 PM
From today's interview, it sure sounds like O'Shea loves the attitude, toughness  and flexibility Damian Jackson brings to the table, I'd be very surprised if they didn't find a way to keep him as a backup utility player in the mode of Hansen.

He's an import. Two of our DI's will be Grant and Castillo in theory. I like his skill set as well but is he the best choice for one of the other two DI spots?  We should watch to see how many reps he gets on defence this week.

Keep in mind that there are few other imports looking to land those spots. Sterling, Ward and C. Thomas are all in the hunt. Yes someone will end up on the PR so I don't know when or if they've already ranked their expectations.

Jackson could play a role on ST's as well. Not only as a back up LS but on coverage teams?  The Burtenshaw injury creates a role for a FB in blocking schemes at times and I don't know if we have an alternative in that role.

Stay tuned. lol He will be a player I'll try and keep tabs on this week.

There are a bunch of options. Noting it's just speculative on my part. Using Sheahan as a global kicker instead of Castillo as an import DI is one of the options. In theory that opens up one more DI spot.

I'm not betting on that outcome but it can't be discounted either.

The ratio against team need is a complicated calculation.





Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: the paw on May 31, 2023, 11:03:32 PM
I agree with BlueinBC.  The only way Jackson makes the AR is as the DI defensive end.  Any long snapping or ST work is added value, but he has to cut the mustard as a rotational DE for it to work.

I think it is pretty clear that we signed Castillo to play, so that's one DI.

We need a returner, that's the second DI.

We always have an extra DB as one of the DIs, and with Ford down south, I don't think that changes.

That means the 4th DI is either a DE or LB, but not both.  So Jackson has to beat out some DEs to stick.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pete on May 31, 2023, 11:24:34 PM
in the past we've regularly used a dt as a di (walker) rotating in with Sayles. DI's could be:
Thomas
Castillo
Grant
then either LB or db
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 12:09:41 AM
Any word on why Neufeld was placed on suspended list today? Family stuff perhaps and he'll be away for a couple of days? Or just a paper shuffle to account after adding Grant back?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 12:15:26 AM
Quote from: the paw on May 31, 2023, 11:03:32 PM
I agree with BlueinBC.  The only way Jackson makes the AR is as the DI defensive end.  Any long snapping or ST work is added value, but he has to cut the mustard as a rotational DE for it to work.

I think it is pretty clear that we signed Castillo to play, so that's one DI.

We need a returner, that's the second DI.

We always have an extra DB as one of the DIs, and with Ford down south, I don't think that changes.

That means the 4th DI is either a DE or LB, but not both.  So Jackson has to beat out some DEs to stick.

I think that's where Karamoko comes in as the 2nd global player instead of an import DI. Because we also have Lawrence and Rose on the limp, that further chances him being that 6th DB.

I fully expected that Maruo would be 1 of the global choices but it also doesn't mean we don't add a DI LB.

Obviously I've also said that we could add Sheahan as a global kicker. We know that Castillo was signed and expected to take  that role. But O'Shea has liked all the kickers so who knows?

Not having Hansen available means a DE is needed unless Bennett has really impressed.

Those will be things to watch in this week game for any clues. Essentially do we see a rookie player in this group standout to lock down a spot. Does O'Shea see different advantages as to which global and DI's are selected.


I'm looking forward to the game and coming out of it with no new injuries.


Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: the paw on June 01, 2023, 01:47:36 AM
Quote from: Pete on May 31, 2023, 11:24:34 PM
in the past we've regularly used a dt as a di (walker) rotating in with Sayles. DI's could be:
Thomas
Castillo
Grant
then either LB or db

That's correct, but typically we had Kongbo and Hansen rotating as DEs.  Bennett hasn't made his bones yet, and Hansen's hurt, so I think it has to be a DE at least to start the season.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: M.O.A.B. on June 01, 2023, 04:16:49 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 12:15:26 AM
I think that's where Karamoko comes in as the 2nd global player instead of an import DI. Because we also have Lawrence and Rose on the limp, that further chances him being that 6th DB.

I fully expected that Maruo would be 1 of the global choices but it also doesn't mean we don't add a DI LB.

Obviously I've also said that we could add Sheahan as a global kicker. We know that Castillo was signed and expected to take  that role. But O'Shea has liked all the kickers so who knows?

Not having Hansen available means a DE is needed unless Bennett has really impressed.

Those will be things to watch in this week game for any clues. Essentially do we see a rookie player in this group standout to lock down a spot. Does O'Shea see different advantages as to which global and DI's are selected.


I'm looking forward to the game and coming out of it with no new injuries.


what if they used the Naturalized Import on Jefferson (or Jeffcoat)?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on June 01, 2023, 11:34:41 AM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on June 01, 2023, 04:16:49 AM
what if they used the Naturalized Import on Jefferson (or Jeffcoat)?


You could (if the rule even comes into force this year after all) but which Canadians are going to play 51% of snaps then?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: M.O.A.B. on June 01, 2023, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 01, 2023, 11:34:41 AM
You could (if the rule even comes into force this year after all) but which Canadians are going to play 51% of snaps then?

Bennett?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on June 01, 2023, 01:41:43 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on June 01, 2023, 12:32:05 PM
Bennett?


God no.

Quote from: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 12:09:41 AM
Any word on why Neufeld was placed on suspended list today? Family stuff perhaps and he'll be away for a couple of days? Or just a paper shuffle to account after adding Grant back?

This could be it. We didn?t do much for cuts after the first game, so if the plan was to sit him anyway, we might just want/need the roster spot.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 01:47:18 PM
Final cuts must be this weekend. That's always a bit fluid as players are released and then added to PR's around the league. The catch 22 is that not every player a team may want to put on their PR will accept.

Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on June 01, 2023, 02:20:52 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 01:47:18 PM
Final cuts must be this weekend. That's always a bit fluid as players are released and then added to PR's around the league. The catch 22 is that not every player a team may want to put on their PR will accept.



And that's where GMing comes in... AR/IR means full pay, PR can mean as much pay as you want, including over ELC money, but applies to the cap, but does not that a roster spot, and can be poached.

Figuring out who will and will not take a PR spot is essential in deciding who you AR/IR, all other things being equal.  If you want to keep a player, you have to do what you have to do. 

Accepting a PR spot behind strong, healthy veterans might not be in a players best interest, especially if there could be opportunities elsewhere, in our case, WR.  But if there are spots behind oft injured, or declining vets, where you are a hit away from the AR on a CUp contender, then sure, hanging on a PR is fine.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on June 01, 2023, 02:23:03 PM
I am not so sure the first couple weeks of the season rosters are very set.  There is a lot of movement.  However, not having the two D-Line spots settled seems like an on-going problem. 
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: LXTSN on June 01, 2023, 02:35:09 PM
Quote from: DM83 on June 01, 2023, 02:23:03 PM
I am not so sure the first couple weeks of the season rosters are very set.  There is a lot of movement.  However, not having the two D-Line spots settled seems like an on-going problem. 
I wouldn't be too concerned about the DL spots. Jake Thomas will likely start with Lawson backing him up. On the other side, it's just between Walker and Caleb Thomas right? I think both are good options. I could see Caleb on running downs and Walker on passing downs. Doesn't really matter who starts there, since we do a lot of rotating the whole DL to keep them fresh.
DE spots are obviously covered, but with little backup help...
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Lincoln Locomotive on June 01, 2023, 03:02:32 PM
Despite all the analytics on this forum and obvious some of you spend a lot of time with this and are quite knowledgeable ......I still have concerns about our DL's ability to stop the run.    Yes we have veterans who have brought us glory over the past 3-4 seasons, however the fact remains that they are aging and Doug Brown pointed this out and several articles have been published with his insight about this.    MOS is loyal to a fault and though I love the man I don't see our D as being dominant this season.    We seem to be more focused on our offence this year and perhaps this is the season where we simply overwhelm our opponents with a high powered offence.....it's just a gut feeling I have and it's not based on any analytics the likes of many posters on this forum.    It's too early to say for sure how things unfold and our first game is against the Cats and BLM.    A lot will be riding on Zach's ability to stay healthy which he has mostly done since he signed with us.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 03:12:55 PM
Quote from: LXTSN on June 01, 2023, 02:35:09 PM
I wouldn't be too concerned about the DL spots. Jake Thomas will likely start with Lawson backing him up. On the other side, it's just between Walker and Caleb Thomas right? I think both are good options. I could see Caleb on running downs and Walker on passing downs. Doesn't really matter who starts there, since we do a lot of rotating the whole DL to keep them fresh.
DE spots are obviously covered, but with little backup help...

I'm think we'll have a DE as one of the DI's. Our Canadian depth there is marginal so it's the greatest area of need. C. Thomas seems to have some good potential and I hope he can make the AR as well.

Hopefully we don't give up another 200 yards rushing. The team has had live reps and actual hitting that doesn't happen in TC. Should be a better result. That may or may result in a win but that's not the issue.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Pete on June 01, 2023, 03:59:01 PM
The only problem is that none of the new de's has shown anything. Hopefully against Sask that changes
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 01, 2023, 05:16:50 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 01:47:18 PM
Final cuts must be this weekend. That's always a bit fluid as players are released and then added to PR's around the league. The catch 22 is that not every player a team may want to put on their PR will accept.

I could be wrong but I believe the cut down deadline has been relaxed and they're not forcing every team to make cuts at the same time any longer.  Mainly because team schedules are so uneven during the pre-season, it isn't fair.  I think the new rule is the final roster must be submitted 48 hrs. prior to their first game, again I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 01, 2023, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Pete on June 01, 2023, 03:59:01 PM
The only problem is that none of the new de's has shown anything. Hopefully against Sask that changes


I disagree, too early to tell but I thought Sterling showed promise.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pjrocksmb on June 01, 2023, 05:20:28 PM
Quote from: LXTSN on June 01, 2023, 02:35:09 PM
I wouldn't be too concerned about the DL spots. Jake Thomas will likely start with Lawson backing him up. On the other side, it's just between Walker and Caleb Thomas right? I think both are good options. I could see Caleb on running downs and Walker on passing downs. Doesn't really matter who starts there, since we do a lot of rotating the whole DL to keep them fresh.
DE spots are obviously covered, but with little backup help...
It's just the area we are not "set" with.  I think we will do it by committee but will take a few lumps until the entire D is healthy.  I expect out interior to be anywhere from slightly below average to average.  Teams will try to run on us b/c our back end will be decent. 
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 01, 2023, 05:42:01 PM
Quote from: pjrocksmb on June 01, 2023, 05:20:28 PM
It's just the area we are not "set" with.  I think we will do it by committee but will take a few lumps until the entire D is healthy.  I expect out interior to be anywhere from slightly below average to average.  Teams will try to run on us b/c our back end will be decent. 

I think they're fairly set at DT with Walker, newcomer Caleb Thomas, Jake and Lawson, DE is were a lot of question marks remain.  With Hansen out and Jeffcoat's health questionable, I think they will have to bring in a few more bodies.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on June 01, 2023, 06:26:36 PM
I think there will be more players that will play for other teams that TC'd with us than players making our AR/PR that TC'd for other teams...

Our recruiters are good for the league...
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 06:49:46 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on June 01, 2023, 06:26:36 PM
I think there will be more players that will play for other teams that TC'd with us than players making our AR/PR that TC'd for other teams...

Our recruiters are good for the league...

I think you say that every year. TC cuts from any team seldom end up elsewhere in any great volume.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on June 01, 2023, 08:25:33 PM
Yeah, and denial isn't healthy boys.  The players that played vs. Edmonton got their ***** kicked.  We are not going to be any good with those guys..  They were on roller skates.  Edmonton could have rushed for 300 yards had they wanted to. If those guys start, every other team will try and shove down our throats.  Pretty basic stuff run the A gap and see what the defence does,....giving up 5 yds a carry, equates to not having to do anything else.  Just run the middle.

Now I assume we'd change that rotation up.  The new guys just were not good enough ( I assume size wise)
As mentioned before the LBs that played did not play successfully.  But  again, the Bombers management usually brings in people that succeed.
If Lemon is out there, and the guy who destroyed peoples knees last year,would certainly catch offensive players attention. (Now of course that is an extreme but it's the opposite of  "chicken fighting and having  a 7 yd., advantage against you.

I am guessing with Bighill, Thomas, and another DT, that problem disappears. 

Maybe Bennett get in as  part of the rotation, but he has to "do something".  Otherwise he is taking up a position someone else should have, and that could make a difference.  I just don't see Bennett as that guy, based on his play.  I hope he does have superior  speed, and becomes a situational edge rusher.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: BBRT on June 01, 2023, 08:26:33 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 06:49:46 PM
I think you say that every year. TC cuts from any tream seldom end up elsewhere in any great volume.

Just back this week from an extended winter vacation and glad to be back in CFL land and glad to see Blue in BC and good old Ards still at it. I am catching up on whose still in camp and how all the other teams are doing.

Just great to be back in Canada! - it is surprising how no one down south knows what Pierogies and Cabbage Rolls are!  ;D
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 01, 2023, 09:36:37 PM
Quote from: BBRT on June 01, 2023, 08:26:33 PM
Just back this week from an extended winter vacation and glad to be back in CFL land and glad to see Blue in BC and good old Ards still at it. I am catching up on whose still in camp and how all the other teams are doing.

Just great to be back in Canada! - it is surprising how no one down south knows what Pierogies and Cabbage Rolls are!  ;D

LOL. Other teams can have some of the defensive players we fielded last week after we cut them this weekend.

EDIT: I see Neufeld has been added back from the suspended roster. As suspected this was just a paper transaction to balance the allowed roster earlier. Now Lawler goes to suspended and Neufeld is added back.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on June 02, 2023, 08:13:12 AM
I think you spelled perogies wrong.:)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Lincoln Locomotive on June 02, 2023, 02:43:22 PM
Quote from: DM83 on June 01, 2023, 08:25:33 PM
Yeah, and denial isn't healthy boys.  The players that played vs. Edmonton got their ***** kicked.  We are not going to be any good with those guys..  They were on roller skates.  Edmonton could have rushed for 300 yards had they wanted to. If those guys start, every other team will try and shove down our throats.  Pretty basic stuff run the A gap and see what the defence does,....giving up 5 yds a carry, equates to not having to do anything else.  Just run the middle.

Now I assume we'd change that rotation up.  The new guys just were not good enough ( I assume size wise)
As mentioned before the LBs that played did not play successfully.  But  again, the Bombers management usually brings in people that succeed.
If Lemon is out there, and the guy who destroyed peoples knees last year,would certainly catch offensive players attention. (Now of course that is an extreme but it's the opposite of  "chicken fighting and having  a 7 yd., advantage against you.

I am guessing with Bighill, Thomas, and another DT, that problem disappears. 

Maybe Bennett get in as  part of the rotation, but he has to "do something".  Otherwise he is taking up a position someone else should have, and that could make a difference.  I just don't see Bennett as that guy, based on his play.  I hope he does have superior  speed, and becomes a situational edge rusher.
We'll know after the first game in Hamilton what's up with our team and how many of the TC casualties will return....and if not how the back ups make out.    We had plenty of injuries to key personnel last season and still managed a 15-3 record of which at least two games we won where we were outplayed and two games we lost that we should have won.    BLM will be out to make a statement against us who usually plays well against us!   
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: BBRT on June 02, 2023, 05:44:15 PM
Quote from: DM83 on June 02, 2023, 08:13:12 AM
I think you spelled perogies wrong.:)

And this is probably one of the few things I will agree with you on. Spent too many months way down south and forgot how to spell! ;D
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on June 02, 2023, 06:48:34 PM
LOL!

Been there done that.  That's why we go on vacations.  We get a chance to not sweat the small stuff.
and of course, me of all people correcting spelling....OMG!

Welcome home! Let's enjoy the  game tonight.  Lots of little dramas to unfold.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on June 02, 2023, 07:11:53 PM
Quote from: BBRT on June 01, 2023, 08:26:33 PM
Just back this week from an extended winter vacation and glad to be back in CFL land and glad to see Blue in BC and good old Ards still at it. I am catching up on whose still in camp and how all the other teams are doing.

Just great to be back in Canada! - it is surprising how no one down south knows what Pierogies and Cabbage Rolls are!  ;D

Was at a million chip championship poker tournament the other day where a bunch of the people had come up from ND to help run it (their company had lots of chips), and none of them knew what a pyrohy, pyrogy, pyrogie, pierogi, perogi was.  The hotel had a lunch special that was crappy commercial ones, deep fried with some sour cream and green onions.  Had to explain how wrong that was, and how good real ones are.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 03, 2023, 06:40:21 PM
Bombers always seem to one of the last teams to make their final cuts. Not sure why that is but now waiting to see how this unfolds. To some degree, more interested in what players are moved to 1 or 6 game IR.  It all starts there.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: M.O.A.B. on June 03, 2023, 06:46:03 PM
DB Brad Muhammad will be a good pickup. He can play halfback and corner and good in special teams too.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Blue In BC on June 03, 2023, 08:35:42 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on June 03, 2023, 06:46:03 PM
DB Brad Muhammad will be a good pickup. He can play halfback and corner and good in special teams too.

We might need to because of injuries. He'd be a good immediate choice that has CFL experience.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: Jesse on June 03, 2023, 09:23:15 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 03, 2023, 06:40:21 PM
Bombers always seem to one of the last teams to make their final cuts. Not sure why that is but now waiting to see how this unfolds. To some degree, more interested in what players are moved to 1 or 6 game IR.  It all starts there.

MOS insists on telling each guy in person before announcing the list.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: DM83 on June 03, 2023, 09:24:17 PM
Yup surprise injuries to Rose a concern.  Parker couldn?t walk off the field properly last night.
Houston was burned badly in trying to cover anyone.

Not unlike any other year I know, but how can I pick a winner between Bo and Biggie?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: The Zipp on June 03, 2023, 11:31:42 PM
Cuts and PR announced here:


https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/06/03/blue-bombers-transactions-15/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter (https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/06/03/blue-bombers-transactions-15/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on June 03, 2023, 11:53:29 PM
Quote from: The Zipp on June 03, 2023, 11:31:42 PM
Cuts and PR announced here:

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/06/03/blue-bombers-transactions-15/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter (https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/06/03/blue-bombers-transactions-15/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

A few newbies that catch my eye on the active roster. I didn't notice them for good or bad last night.
- DT Tanner Schmekel
- DE Celestin Haba
- LB Brian Cole
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: kkc60 on June 03, 2023, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: pdirks67 on June 03, 2023, 11:53:29 PM
A few newbies that catch my eye on the active roster. I didn't notice them for good or bad last night.
- DT Tanner Schmekel
- DE Celestin Haba
- LB Brian Cole
Haba was a recent addition. Interesting to know what they saw in him.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: NewBlue on June 04, 2023, 12:03:59 AM
Quote from: kkc60 on June 03, 2023, 11:56:39 PM
Haba was a recent addition. Interesting to know what they saw in him.

I only noticed he had that offside.
Does this mean Kelly made the active roster?
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: pdirks67 on June 04, 2023, 12:05:09 AM
Quote from: NewBlue on June 04, 2023, 12:03:59 AM
I only noticed he had that offside.
Does this mean Kelly made the active roster?

Appears so. He's not mentioned in the cuts and still appears on the BB roster page.
Title: Re: Main Training Camp Comments and Discussion
Post by: theaardvark on June 04, 2023, 04:54:50 AM
Quote from: DM83 on June 03, 2023, 09:24:17 PM

Houston was burned badly in trying to cover anyone.


I noticed Houston got beat twice, by Walker... on perfectly thrown balls... his coverage was pretty darned good...