Status Updates of both our OC and DC

[Sec223]

A great returner will make any ST coach look like a genius. We didn't have that returner this year.

[GOLDMEMBER]

A great returner will make any ST coach look like a genius. We didn't have that returner this year.

it is more kick coverage for me. We were terrible at it with really no improvement as the season went along. Our Punter sucked to on top of it.

[dd]

Agreed. His mechanics are awkward at best and that lead to a couple of blocks this season. I 'd be changing our punter for next season

[Lincoln Locomotive]

it is more kick coverage for me. We were terrible at it with really no improvement as the season went along. Our Punter sucked to on top of it.

Agreed....not a fan of our "gadget" punter and out ST tackling has been atrocious.

[TecnoGenius]

it is more kick coverage for me. We were terrible at it with really no improvement as the season went along. Our Punter sucked to on top of it.

Our coverage team completely locked down MTL's future-star Letcher all GC, except for one medium-ish return.  That's the same dude who put a return TD on TOR to seal the EDF...

And our punter did well too... someone grab the net yards on KOs and punts for the GC: I do believe we matched or beat MTL!!  That's a win in my book and buys Boudreau some breathing room.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Our coverage team completely locked down MTL's future-star Letcher all GC, except for one medium-ish return.  That's the same dude who put a return TD on TOR to seal the EDF...

And our punter did well too... someone grab the net yards on KOs and punts for the GC: I do believe we matched or beat MTL!!  That's a win in my book and buys Boudreau some breathing room.

Overall ST had an underwhelming year, with spells of bad returning, tackling and blocking.  I certainly wouldn't be upset if they shook things up.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

Our coverage team completely locked down MTL's future-star Letcher all GC, except for one medium-ish return.  That's the same dude who put a return TD on TOR to seal the EDF...

And our punter did well too... someone grab the net yards on KOs and punts for the GC: I do believe we matched or beat MTL!!  That's a win in my book and buys Boudreau some breathing room.

Yes, I have to admit that STs on the whole played a solid Grey Cup game albeit JG had only one fairly nice return to just past CF.   It was pretty much the entire season in general I'm referring to..which included our terrible down field tackling and our complete lack of a threat at the return position until Grant finally played at the very end of the season..and not getting a big punt when you really need one.  But then we have one of the top KO and FG kickers in the league.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

Agree with this 100%.  Boudreau certainly deserves another year to right the ST performance ship.

Their solid all around performance in the most important game of the year gives Boudreau another shot at getting better.   Losing both JG early last season really hurt us plus not having on the AR the entire season, the GOAT Mile Miller hunting down opposing RBs and PR specialists was nigh impossible to replace....so Boudreau made some adjustments and getting back players like JG  didn't hurt either.

[Jesse]

A great returner will make any ST coach look like a genius. We didn't have that returner this year.

ST is more than returning.

We look fine when Grant is in the line-up. Our weakness this year was punting/coverage. We gave up short fields faaaaar too often.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

ST is more than returning.

We look fine when Grant is in the line-up. Our weakness this year was punting/coverage. We gave up short fields faaaaar too often.

Janarian as good as he has been,  really wasn't a factor in the WF or the GC where he was mostly contained albeit for one decent return to just past midfield.    Not sure if he is the same returner as before his injury which kept him on the sidelines for most of the season.   When he wasn't playing, we really never found anyone who could adequately replace him or ever pose a serious threat to break one.   
Our saving grace on ST's was Castillo who had the 2nd highest FG completion average behind BC's White....who was money this season..but other than Sergio our STs were mostly a dumpster fire and we were pretty much giving up valuable field position in most every game.    Sheehan did make some good punts but his hang time is usually low allowing returners to get a good head of steam before our cover team can engage.   
As Techno pointed out, our Special Teams played well in the GC which is the game that counts albeit we didn't get any points off of a punt or KO return this time around.    It will be interesting to see if Janarian sticks around for next season and if he does, will he be a threat as he has been for his entire Bomber career?

[TecnoGenius]

As Techno pointed out, our Special Teams played well in the GC which is the game that counts albeit we didn't get any points off of a punt or KO return this time around.    It will be interesting to see if Janarian sticks around for next season and if he does, will he be a threat as he has been for his entire Bomber career?

Returner career-spans are somewhat short.  Like others, I think Grant was still nicked up after his return.  Good enough to dress & play, but not well enough to break out the 110% speed gear.  That should be rectified by next TC.  I wouldn't prematurely mark him as washed up (like I do Super-plodding Mario in SSK).  Besides, he's earned some buffer space between him and the trash heap.

So Grant is up for FA in '24.  I see no reason why we don't re-sign him quickly, and for basically the same $$.  He was in the tub 80% of the year and production was way down even in the games he dressed, and didn't make his usual post-season splash.  And he's being overshadowed by Letcher and Leake.  I think Grant is still #1, but those 2 young L's are nipping at his heels.  If you're a team wanting to grab a returner in FA, you're looking at the 2 L's before Grant.  Thus he should still fit within the budget.

[theaardvark]

I think Hall's thoughts of retirement have greatly diminished with the success the team has had.  Its fun and invigorating to be part of a winning group. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think Hall's thoughts of retirement have greatly diminished with the success the team has had.  Its fun and invigorating to be part of a winning group. 

He seems to have put his health issues behind him, couple of years ago he was using a cane, and he's not that old!

[Blueforlife]

He seems to have put his health issues behind him, couple of years ago he was using a cane, and he's not that old!

Good to hear

[TecnoGenius]

He seems to have put his health issues behind him, couple of years ago he was using a cane, and he's not that old!

Whenever I see glimpses of him on TSN or @IGF he's still hobbling a bit.  I feel way better knowing he/we are (or should be!) grooming a Hall-apprentice/replacement if the worst ever comes to pass.  He doesn't have to keel over... just becoming significantly less mobile would probably force him to retire.  I wish and pray for him to remain healthy for a long time to come!

What a mind.  Has anyone read his book yet?  I keep meaning to seek out a copy.