BC @ Winnipeg Aug.3.

[TecnoGenius]

I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but can anyone tell me what they think Kramdi did poorly in his first start?

In the games Kramdi has started I thought he did pretty well.  I haven't rewatched the EDM game yet, but @IGF he didn't stand out as a major problem.  He's not as good as Darby, but I don't think anyone expected him to be.  He's decent NAT depth, like Gauthier or (lesser extent) Briggs.

[TecnoGenius]

We need to show we can compete and win against the top teams, and BC is a top team. We need to establish a run game as we have shown we cannot be successful one dimensional and our O-line has difficulty is sustained passing sets. IF we can get the run game established it should be a great game, even it means burning a spot or two on TE's, and import FB's whatever needs to be done to get the run established if not BC and Betts will tee off on Zach all game.

This.  It is critical we establish that we can beat BC, so our players have that seed in their mind that they can beat BC.  BC will have much better odds at home later in the season, so we need to grab our easier win now.  I don't care as much about whether we end up #1 or #2 in the W (vs BC) as long as we know we can (and do) beat them in the WDF.

As for run game: I say look to the OTT@CGY game.  CGY basically didn't run.  At all.  And they are a "running team" with some great RBs.  And look at the O production they had.  I think if our OL can't get the job done that we should look to emulate this against teams that hose our run via scheme (OTT, BC, TOR(?)).

Not running at all also throws the opponent completely off-kilter because everyone plans against stopping WPG's run.  We are probably the #1 or #2 most-runningest team in the CFL by reputation.  MOS has hinted in recent pressers that he's doesn't think we're a "anything team" and that we'll morph to fit the opponent and what we see in-game.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

This.  It is critical we establish that we can beat BC, so our players have that seed in their mind that they can beat BC.  BC will have much better odds at home later in the season, so we need to grab our easier win now.  I don't care as much about whether we end up #1 or #2 in the W (vs BC) as long as we know we can (and do) beat them in the WDF.

As for run game: I say look to the OTT@CGY game.  CGY basically didn't run.  At all.  And they are a "running team" with some great RBs.  And look at the O production they had.  I think if our OL can't get the job done that we should look to emulate this against teams that hose our run via scheme (OTT, BC, TOR(?)).

Not running at all also throws the opponent completely off-kilter because everyone plans against stopping WPG's run.  We are probably the #1 or #2 most-runningest team in the CFL by reputation.  MOS has hinted in recent pressers that he's doesn't think we're a "anything team" and that we'll morph to fit the opponent and what we see in-game.

The Lions switching to Dane Evans doesn't help the Bombers game plan, his performance is even harder to predict than Adams.  Can't ever be sure which Evans will show up, the bad one who turns over the ball every time he's hit or the one that kicked the Bombers butts last season.

[LXTSN]

I don't need another STer at that key of a position.

I'd be more interested in giving Parker a shot. Or Alexander if they're going to play him close to the line anyway.

Parker would fit in great there too. I think it would be good to keep that position fluid as well. Have Parker in there for 2nd and long, with Kramdi to play first downs?
I guess you'd technically have to start Parker for the ratio, right?
Kramdi also looks bigger than 5'10" so that surprised me a bit!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I don't need another STer at that key of a position.

I'd be more interested in giving Parker a shot. Or Alexander if they're going to play him close to the line anyway.

Why pigeonhole athletes and restrict their development, are all American athletes superior in your mind? 

[LXTSN]

Why pigeonhole athletes and restrict their development, are all American athletes superior in your mind? 

Agreed! There's no reason that Kramdi can't just be a really good prospect that earned his shot through great special teams play!

[CrazyCanuck89]

Parker would fit in great there too. I think it would be good to keep that position fluid as well. Have Parker in there for 2nd and long, with Kramdi to play first downs?
I guess you'd technically have to start Parker for the ratio, right?
Kramdi also looks bigger than 5'10" so that surprised me a bit!

Kramdi is good in coverage, no need to take him out.  In fact his scouting reporting coming out of college, said one of his strengths is man coverage.

[LXTSN]

Kramdi is good in coverage, no need to take him out.  In fact his scouting reporting coming out of college, said one of his strengths is man coverage.

I totally agree with you. I'm actually happy with him at the SAM, in hopes that he could be a long term piece for us.

[Jesse]

Why pigeonhole athletes and restrict their development, are all American athletes superior in your mind? 

Development being the key word.

Throwing him in at one of the hardest spot isn't development, it's throwing him to the wolves.

[TecnoGenius]

The Lions switching to Dane Evans doesn't help the Bombers game plan, his performance is even harder to predict than Adams.  Can't ever be sure which Evans will show up, the bad one who turns over the ball every time he's hit or the one that kicked the Bombers butts last season.

I think Evans is a huge boon for us on Aug 3.  Evans is a known quantity.  We've played him a whack ton, including in 2 GCs -- which we won BTW.  That will be Evan's 3rd start effectively, and his headspace will already be in "I'm the starter for the foreseeable, I can't do this, panic panic".

He'll do what Evans does: sit in the pocket too long waiting for the deep pass and either get sacked or throw a pick.  He may get a few completions downfield, but overall it'll be same old Evans.  The strength of BC's attack was Rourke/VAJ's insanely quick read and release for the short/mid route.  Evans just can't do that.

I think BC will go run-heavy against our poor run D, especially on the edge (probably weak side), and then use play action to let Evans take deep shots.

[Horseman]

By Aug 3rd, I would expect VAJ to be starting against us. Sounds like his knee has no damage to any ligaments.

[LXTSN]

Development being the key word.

Throwing him in at one of the hardest spot isn't development, it's throwing him to the wolves.

Would DB be an easier position for development? I'd argue that other than DL, all of the backfield/LB positions are equally as hard/complicated.

He has been developing over the last couple years on special teams and second team defence in practice. Starting in the SAM spot is his next step in his development.

[Pete]

To me Kramdl lacks the speed to be at the db position, guys like whitehead and rhymes would have a field day
We will get a better read on his abilities after the bc game, who will no doubt test him.  The guy I think that would be an interesting choice once he's off the injury list is Desmond Lawrence at 6.0 ft and 201 lbs with cover abilities.
I also wonder why Cole isn't given the chance, as he seems to have the physical tools. Does he lack the abiltity to read defences ? He's been around long enough that he should have a grasp of the defence and if he doesn't why is he on the roster?

[pjrocksmb]

To me Kramdl lacks the speed to be at the db position, guys like whitehead and rhymes would have a field day
We will get a better read on his abilities after the bc game, who will no doubt test him.  The guy I think that would be an interesting choice once he's off the injury list is Desmond Lawrence at 6.0 ft and 201 lbs with cover abilities.
I also wonder why Cole isn't given the chance, as he seems to have the physical tools. Does he lack the abiltity to read defences ? He's been around long enough that he should have a grasp of the defence and if he doesn't why is he on the roster?

Kramdi earned his chance.  I think some are provided a goof assessment of his skills and promise and others are underselling what he brings. Time will tell.  I think he could become a key part of our club for many years.  Will he be a backup, rotational guy or starter? Likely know by end of this season or early next.  My bet is mostly a rotational guy that can start as a fill in as injuries arise and not skip a beat.

[TecnoGenius]

By Aug 3rd, I would expect VAJ to be starting against us. Sounds like his knee has no damage to any ligaments.

Did they 1 game or 6 game VAJ?  If 6 game, I bet he's out longer than 2 weeks.  If they GTD him on Aug 3 I bet it's a ruse and he doesn't start.  Why would you risk rushing back your #1, post-season-hopes guy with an iffy knee?  The injury looked pretty nasty on camera.  Rhymes may be out for a while, too.  Hatcher and Hollins have been looking weaker this season.  Was Cottoy banged up too?

The game won't be critical for them as they can always win the series @BC later in the season.

Whether Evans or VAJ I think our team will have a few surprises for BC.  Might Wilson or Hansen be back?  Rose?  We've watched how TOR beat them.  With both Evans and VAJ it is possible to turn them into "bad Evans" / "bad VAJ".  And one other word: Kenny.