Official Game Day Thread - Edmonton at Winnipeg - July 20, 2023

[Pigskin]

We need to go out and get a DE, and LB, unless the Bombers are expecting to a number of players back after our bye week. With Bennett the only backup for WJ and JJ, I am a little concerned. Let's hope our O has the ball for 10 each quarter. 

[Jesse]

Our training camp must have been such a waste of time.

Don't bring in anyone new. We don't have anyone on the PR to replace injuries at DE and LB. Good thing we're keeping around the 36 year old punter.

We already start less along the DL than any other team and one goes down, along with our LB, and we choose to roster an American fullback? That's ridiculous.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Okay.. so... I know all conversation is fair game but we've lost two games so far in 2023. This is the same team that has been to three straight Grey Cups. I don't think it makes sense to start thinking the Bombers don't know how to make training camp, roster or PR decisions.

[kkc60]

Our training camp must have been such a waste of time.

Don't bring in anyone new. We don't have anyone on the PR to replace injuries at DE and LB. Good thing we're keeping around the 36 year old punter.

We already start less along the DL than any other team and one goes down, along with our LB, and we choose to roster an American fullback? That's ridiculous.

on top of that, we?re dressing a 30 year old rookie fullback as a DI who played DE in college. Why can?t he at least rotate in at times here? Can?t be worse than Bennett!

Also, hilarious how we have struggled at the SAM spot outside of 2021. 3rd time in 4 years we have made a SAM switch at some point in the season.

[bunker]

Okay.. so... I know all conversation is fair game but we've lost two games so far in 2023. This is the same team that has been to three straight Grey Cups. I don't think it makes sense to start thinking the Bombers don't know how to make training camp, roster or PR decisions.

I actually think the last few years were a run of blind luck, and now the chickens are coming home to roost (sarcasm font).

I also have some questions about roster management, and I think its legit to bring these issues up. Having said that, if I'm being honest, the management team of the bombers have far more experience and knowledge than I, have access to information and data I do not regarding player health and performance, and have a recent track record of incredible success. Until we flame out for an entire season, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.

[Nic16]

On offence things should be better this game?
- Lawler is a huge addition.
- Jackson is proof Pierce needs a FB in his offence and the OL & Brady need a little extra help in pass pro.

On D there is question marks?
- the Elks O & OL - especially at OT is below average sooo?maybe Bennett will be enough backup at DE.
- Kramdi has played some SAM and is apparently better than Darby at it sooo? we need to find another SAM.
- Maruo starts his 1st game at WIL and he has lots of backup soooo?there is that!
- Nice to see Parker back in the lineup for PR duties sooo?Maybe he will get some time at SAM!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Not sure about roster management once again. We lost Haba and Clements to 6 game IR. I understand injuries happening and that Wilson is not quite ready to return this week. We'll see how Maruo and Kramdi do at WIL and SAM.

We keep losing 1 or 2 players a week to 6 game IR.

My bigger issue is why has the team not brought in other DE's and LB's to evaluate on the PR? Cole seems to be an after thought anywhere besides ST's. Jackson is back at FB?

Our use of our DI's doesn't seem astute for lack of a better word.

If we win, nobody will care about these changes.  I question some of the holdovers on our PR when we should be looking at some new bodies.

Parker as a punt returner and McCrae as a KR only ( in theory ). I hope that combination improves our field position. It shows how significant losing Grant has become.

We'll see if Parker sees the field often on defence with scheme adjustments due to changes at LB.

Good points, the implications of cutting 3 in 1 Natl. Marc Liegghio go deeper than most fans anticipated, but that's the option most voted for.  My opinion changed when I realized what an inexpensive option he was and the greater roster flexibility keeping him allowed, hoping the offence could outplay his inconsistent moments. 

I think next offseason the Bombers should re-examine the kicking role and attempt to get back to finding a Natl. that can fill at least 2 of the 3 jobs.  The Bombers don't seem to have a problem finding global players that can fill other roles, keeping a global kicker on the PR should be security enough.

[Pigskin]

Our training camp must have been such a waste of time.

Don't bring in anyone new. We don't have anyone on the PR to replace injuries at DE and LB. Good thing we're keeping around the 36 year old punter.

We already start less along the DL than any other team and one goes down, along with our LB, and we choose to roster an American fullback? That's ridiculous.

Have no idea why this Jackson is hanging around. Can he play DE in a pinch tomorrow. 

[Blue In BC]

Have no idea why this Jackson is hanging around. Can he play DE in a pinch tomorrow. 

O'Shea seems to have a man crush on this player. That would be ok if he could something on defence in rotation. We don't use a FB that much.

[theaardvark]

Have no idea why this Jackson is hanging around. Can he play DE in a pinch tomorrow. 

FB is not his "position", just his place on the depth chart... he is a special teams guy and a swiss army knife...

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/10/you-just-ask-him-and-hell-line-up-and-do-it-hes-a-tough-dude-hes-mature/

His natural position is Long Snapper / DE.  He earned his spot on Nebraska's team in an open tryout at MLB.  He moved to OLB/DE... but he will play any spot he depth chart if asked.  So having him on the AR might make for a surprise depending on injuries...

[BBRT]

Not sure about roster management once again. We lost Haba and Clements to 6 game IR. I understand injuries happening and that Wilson is not quite ready to return this week. We'll see how Maruo and Kramdi do at WIL and SAM.

We keep losing 1 or 2 players a week to 6 game IR.

My bigger issue is why has the team not brought in other DE's and LB's to evaluate on the PR? Cole seems to be an after thought anywhere besides ST's. Jackson is back at FB?

Our use of our DI's doesn't seem astute for lack of a better word.

If we win, nobody will care about these changes.  I question some of the holdovers on our PR when we should be looking at some new bodies.

All valid points! Using Maruo and Kramdi at WIL and SAM will be a test IMHO. Just very uncomfortable with this line up.

Parker as a punt returner and McCrae as a KR only ( in theory ). I hope that combination improves our field position. It shows how significant losing Grant has become.

We'll see if Parker sees the field often on defence with scheme adjustments due to changes at LB.

[BBRT]

My browser seems to be sick! All I was trying to say is that new guys at WIL and SAM do worry me.!

[bwiser]

Not sure about roster management once again. We lost Haba and Clements to 6 game IR. I understand injuries happening and that Wilson is not quite ready to return this week. We'll see how Maruo and Kramdi do at WIL and SAM.

We keep losing 1 or 2 players a week to 6 game IR.

My bigger issue is why has the team not brought in other DE's and LB's to evaluate on the PR? Cole seems to be an after thought anywhere besides ST's. Jackson is back at FB?

Our use of our DI's doesn't seem astute for lack of a better word.

If we win, nobody will care about these changes.  I question some of the holdovers on our PR when we should be looking at some new bodies.

Parker as a punt returner and McCrae as a KR only ( in theory ). I hope that combination improves our field position. It shows how significant losing Grant has become.

We'll see if Parker sees the field often on defence with scheme adjustments due to changes at LB.

I guess that Clemens got hurt in the Ottawa game explains why Briggs saw so much action in the second half against the Redblacks.

[Pete]

Hopefully Cole gets some reps in at linebacker, I'd like to see how he does, hes been with the team 2 years and all hes done it seems is play special teams which he does well at. Same applies to Cadwallader. They both seem to have good tackling abilities and decent speed. Hard to evaluate what we haven't seen

[pjrocksmb]

I think these changes will be fine.  Kramdi and Maruo can do it in a pinch.  Next man up and time for them to show it.  I was wrong about taking Darby out, someone suggested it.  Nice prediction there.

We will miss Haba and Clements the most but hopefully can find a way to make up for their absence.

I think we win by two majors.  Hall is going to scheme something special up.