Winnipeg @ BC pre-game

[Pete]

Part of the misconception is that Jackson is being used as a fullback, he's been utilized more as a tightend. Hes been progressing well all things considered, but it is a failure not having a backup plan to miller due to his age and injuries. That we had to put in a player that's never played the position prior isn't good. When you say that Jacksons doing many of the things well that miller did, other than making the short yardage kickout block what has he done?

[Pigskin]

Part of the misconception is that Jackson is being used as a fullback, he's been utilized more as a tightend. Hes been progressing well all things considered, but it is a failure not having a backup plan to miller due to his age and injuries. That we had to put in a player that's never played the position prior isn't good. When you say that Jacksons doing many of the things well that miller did, other than making the short yardage kickout block what has he done?

Agree, He has no DTs, he has only 3 STs.

[Blue In BC]

Part of the misconception is that Jackson is being used as a fullback, he's been utilized more as a tightend. Hes been progressing well all things considered, but it is a failure not having a backup plan to miller due to his age and injuries. That we had to put in a player that's never played the position prior isn't good. When you say that Jacksons doing many of the things well that miller did, other than making the short yardage kickout block what has he done?

It doesn't matter whether they call him a FB or TE. His role is as an additional blocker and he's not excelling at that position. As an import that's a total failure.

[TecnoGenius]

To compare Jackson to Miller is unrealistic, I rewatched the argo game paying attention to Jackson, he wasnt even in the vicinity on special team coverage, and on returns missed every block. in terms of protecting Zac he only goes in on short yardage plays when Zacs not even in

This is entirely untrue.  As someone who studies the "weird" formations when we use them (which is often), Jackson is in a ton on 1st down run plays, the first down looks-like-run-but-it's-a-short-pass plays where him being there tricks D's, and 2nd & manageable plays.  And yes, probably on sneaks too.

He's easy to spot as he's usually lined up halfway back to the QB rather than as a TE.  It's a bit novel for us as Miller almost always lined up TE on the line.

I have kept an eye on Jackson and he has made some incredible kick out blocks in jumbo package when we run.  He knows how to cut across the path of the runner and take away, nay, obliterate a DL/LB at the point of attack.

Ya, he's a big part of the reason why Brady is having big games, in the games he does.  And we're doing tons of change-up snaps mixing and matching Dobson, Eli and Jackson.  It's like musical chairs on run and fake-run pass plays.  You never know what you're going to get.  I bet MOS and Buck are grading these guys out on all the film and will settle more on a clear 1 or 2 favorites by playoff time.  Based on what I've seen, I have no clue who will win as they all seem pretty plug'n'play.  Maybe all 3 keep sharing reps.

I think we're missing the big picture here.  We're clearly gearing up for our cold weather playoff strategy.  We're getting big beef on the run game and short-pass blocking game.  We're not running nearly as much 5 R's out sets as we were before.  We almost never do empty backfield 6 R's out.  We're perfecting our bully ball game at the precise moment we need to, and optimizing our roster around it.

I don't see the other "big 2" teams doing that.  Our coaches know what's important and why we failed in the '22 GC.  Pray for cold and wet and snowy and awful post-season games for us, as all that will play into our hands.

All that said, if Miller manages to come back before season's end, I'm not sure anymore that Jackson will be benched.  Miller might have to take another NAT STer spot, and Jackson will continue the TE/FB duties while Miller just does ST.  Jackson has more beef than Miller, and knows all the newest schemes, most of which we used in prior seasons.  And Jackson still has the ability to be a "forgotten receiver" right when it matters most.

[TecnoGenius]

It doesn't matter whether they call him a FB or TE. His role is as an additional blocker and he's not excelling at that position. As an import that's a total failure.

Then I posit you're not seeing it right.  The proof is in the pudding.  He's on the field, and I'm pretty sure will stay that way all the way to the GC.  MOS and Buck clearly see something you are not.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

It doesn't matter whether they call him a FB or TE. His role is as an additional blocker and he's not excelling at that position. As an import that's a total failure.

Why is he a total failure in the run blocking and special teams roles? What do you see specifically that makes you so certain? O'Shea is closing in on being the most successful coach in Blue Bombers history, has been around the game his entire life, specialized in special teams for much of his coaching career, and is dressing him for the most important game of the year. So... your Xs and Os better be good.

[Blue In BC]

Why is he a total failure in the run blocking and special teams roles? What do you see specifically that makes you so certain? O'Shea is closing in on being the most successful coach in Blue Bombers history, has been around the game his entire life, specialized in special teams for much of his coaching career, and is dressing him for the most important game of the year. So... your Xs and Os better be good.

For a starting point he's not on the field very often. As I mentioned, he's of zero value as an offensive threat. There are import FB's and RB's that are available that are also excellent blockers that could also be an offensive threat.  We've seen those players in the CFL in the past. Most teams don't use a DI spot for an extra import RB though and even less use it for a player of this type.

Although some are suggesting he's a multiple role player but that is really a stretch. He's useless on ST's an only sees reps on defence late in blow out games. If he was a back up Canadian it wouldn't be an issue. Gee how are all the other teams managing without a player like him?

Giving credit to O'Shea for his ST work in a season where our ST's have been horrible and the discussion is about Jackson on offence is irrelevant.  In the world of what have you done for me recently, the Bombers have lost 3 games in 2023 to really bad teams. They lost the 2022 Grey Cup. We're down to 1 healthy Canadian on our PR.

Did somebody send a memo that we've won the Grey Cup in 2023 already. Let's see if we can secure the WDF tonight by defeating the Lions.

Just out of curiosity maybe someone can track how many times Jackson is on the field for offence and his " highlights " tonight.

Well lets see how the game goes tonight. If we run for 200 yards and beat the Lions by 14+ points I may feel better about it tomorrow. If the Lions snuff out our run game and are in the backfield all night there will be a different discussion.

If one our DL get injured early and we have difficulty in contain and or pressure on Adams, there will also be a continuation of the roster choices.

Winning solves all though questions.

[Blue In BC]

Then I posit you're not seeing it right.  The proof is in the pudding.  He's on the field, and I'm pretty sure will stay that way all the way to the GC.  MOS and Buck clearly see something you are not.

If your thought is that any player on the AR is productive, then that's a form of " proof". I'd suggest it's more a matter of on the roster by default. We cut Burtenshaw and he was the only other choice for a similar type of role.

Should we feel sorry for the Argos and Lions because they have Canadian FB's. BTW, the Argos FB is Calver and he was a Bomber at one  time.

[Waffler]

I doubt BC opens the upper deck. 

Upper deck IS open and it will be deafening in there with the roof on. Big advantage for them as it was in the 80's when it first opened.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

the stadium in BC will be louder than IGF.....with the roof closed and the upper deck full it will be deafening to,say the least.   Walby commented on just how loud it gets in there and the O-line can't hear the snap cadence.    The last time we trounced BC in their barn.....Janarian took the opening KO to the house and silenced the crowd early on and set the tone for the entire game.    I think Kenny Lawler had a huge game as well.    Hope both can rise to the occasion as they both have been disappointing this season for different reasons.   Janarian for being injured most of the season and Lawler for missing the first 6 games because of his 2019 incident which has still not been put to bed.    He didn't have a good game against the Argos and we need to see another BIG outing from him and the rest of our receiving corp to stay in front of the Lions vaunted offence lead by MOP candidate Vernon Adams who has emerged as a bonafide star in the CFL.  Houston not playing won't help our secondary out either and this game has now become the pivotal game of the entire Bomber season.    Are they up to the task?   We'll soon see!   Go Bombers go!!

[Stats Junkie]

The upper deck is open but it appears as though it is just the first 10ish rows, between the 20s, on the side opposite the benches - good for t.v.

Forecast is 17c at game time and 15c at game end. I expect that roof will be open so dress appropriately if you are attending.

Noise won't be anywhere close to the 1980s noise levels. BC has a good core of 18-20 thousand fans who know when to make noise. The incremental fans are casual fans who don't understand the protocols such as remaining quiet while the offence is on the field. In the past 10 years the loudest moments have been with 20k fans in the stadium.

[GOLDMEMBER]

The upper deck is open but it appears as though it is just the first 10ish rows, between the 20s, on the side opposite the benches - good for t.v.

Forecast is 17c at game time and 15c at game end. I expect that roof will be open so dress appropriately if you are attending.

Noise won't be anywhere close to the 1980s noise levels. BC has a good core of 18-20 thousand fans who know when to make noise. The incremental fans are casual fans who don't understand the protocols such as remaining quiet while the offence is on the field. In the past 10 years the loudest moments have been with 20k fans in the stadium.

Sounds like someone who lives there and knows insider stuff.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The upper deck is open but it appears as though it is just the first 10ish rows, between the 20s, on the side opposite the benches - good for t.v.

Forecast is 17c at game time and 15c at game end. I expect that roof will be open so dress appropriately if you are attending.

Noise won't be anywhere close to the 1980s noise levels. BC has a good core of 18-20 thousand fans who know when to make noise. The incremental fans are casual fans who don't understand the protocols such as remaining quiet while the offence is on the field. In the past 10 years the loudest moments have been with 20k fans in the stadium.

I'm in the interior, I think it's going to rain today so I'd be surprised if they left it open, how long does it take them to close the roof?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Wondering if Neufeld is a GDT based on how he handles Betts?  Can't recall how he did in the last two matchups but perhaps that is a consideration in the decision.  I don't think Dobson would be an improvement in pass protection but Eli might be.

[Stats Junkie]

BC Place tweeted within the past hour that the roof will be open. 7% chance of rain during game.

Wpg Blue Bombers tweeted that Wade Miller will be carving turkey for Blue Bombers fans 5-6pm in Terry Fox Plaza.