Other Games GDT for the weekend of Jun 7

[TecnoGenius]

Thread to discuss the other 3 games this weekend.  I think the pain and ire at our bad game has caused a lack of interest/urgency in the other games.  Still, there'll be some things to discuss.

I'll start:

HAM@CGY (partway through):

Butler looking stout.  Why is Butler getting consistent 7-9Y runs -- with the stinky HAM team! -- while our Brady was getting 2-4?  Yikes.

BOO (WR) looking good on a deep(ish) route.  We dev'd him good!

Boo (ST coord, aka Boudreau) stinking up the joint in HAM with a personnel mistake in Q1 forcing him to take a timeout!  It was like the 1st or 2nd ST play, other than the KO.  Doh!

2Q8:25 they are talking about Dickenson The Remaining becoming a Canadian citizen.  All well and good, but at the end they say Dave said it makes him the last Canadian HC to win a GC?  Britt and the booth clearly haven't a clue, because MOS is the last Canadian HC with a GC.  NOW... maybe what Dave really said is the last Canadian QB to win a cup and Britt just screwed it up?  (Did Dave win a GC as QB?)

Really weak crowd in CGY in Q1.  They do like to arrive late, so maybe it picked up.  Otherwise that's really weak for a season opener, especially one they are thanking BLM at.

[TecnoGenius]

Based on what I've seen in HAM@CGY up to halftime, CGY, and maybe even HAM, would have beaten us on Thu night.  Both teams have a great run game so far.  Ya, maybe our run-D strength and concentration would have made it harder for them, but maybe not.

BLM hot & cold so far.  Much like 2023, he's having trouble dialing it in.  We'll see what he does in H2.  That new Echols guy looking very good for CGY.  His TD was circus... like what Kenny should have caught.

Houston gets his first INT early for CGY.

BLM taking a huge pop doing a silly non-slide run near halftime, causing him to be concussion-pulled.  He's trying too hard to make up for his overthrows and dwindling career.  Just stay in your lane BLM and worry about the dial!  I don't want to see Zach doing that either (unless it's the GC).

Haha, HAM's Boo (ST coord) just had another too-many-men right at the half.  He's freaking out.  Can you fire a STC after week 1?  I wish him well, but man, he's off to a horrible start.

[TBURGESS]

I thought that BLM looked a lot better this year. He had zip on the ball that I haven't seen for a while. He took a big hit without breaking. Inches away from another TD which would have made the game way more interesting. If he stays healthy, he could be just what Hamilton needs. 

[Blueforlife]

Calgary and Maier looked polished.  Both teams runs games were solid.  A decent game.  BlM looks better but I am still not sold.  BOO looks to be starter ready.

Thanks for starting this I missed it last night.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Based on what I've seen in HAM@CGY up to halftime, CGY, and maybe even HAM, would have beaten us on Thu night.  Both teams have a great run game so far.  Ya, maybe our run-D strength and concentration would have made it harder for them, but maybe not.

BLM hot & cold so far.  Much like 2023, he's having trouble dialing it in.  We'll see what he does in H2.  That new Echols guy looking very good for CGY.  His TD was circus... like what Kenny should have caught.

Houston gets his first INT early for CGY.

BLM taking a huge pop doing a silly non-slide run near halftime, causing him to be concussion-pulled.  He's trying too hard to make up for his overthrows and dwindling career.  Just stay in your lane BLM and worry about the dial!  I don't want to see Zach doing that either (unless it's the GC).

Haha, HAM's Boo (ST coord) just had another too-many-men right at the half.  He's freaking out.  Can you fire a STC after week 1?  I wish him well, but man, he's off to a horrible start.

Calgary looked better than I expected, Maier may finally be ready to progress as a QB, can see them battling for second or third this season if all goes well.

BLM looked composed and his arm seemed reasonably strong, agree his choice to run the ball at his age is ill conceived and will only lead to more severe injuries. His receivers let him down quite often dropping easy catches. Ti-Cats seem to have a quality control issue in that they always end up with a few players that look  inferior skill wise, seriously James Tuck?  Could be their scouting dept. is weak as they always seem to build their roster around scavenged pieces they've stolen from other teams.

[Blueforlife]

Good game here, nice to see Warren Moon, looks good.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Good game here, nice to see Warren Moon, looks good.

good start indeed. Entertaining. MBT looks sharp to start.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Ouelette on his first nice play gave the wave offf to Joshi on the buddy bump,lol

[Blueforlife]

Nice pick

Sask OL kicked out (25 yard penalty) as punched a guys face mask.  Was a weak punch but league making a stand on head shots.

[gobombersgo]

Nice pick

Sask OL kicked out (25 yard penalty) as punched a guys face mask.  Was a weak punch but league making a stand on head shots.

Also making a statement by calling spearing.

Surprised though that they didnt call the Riders for the late hit on the receiver that didnt catch the ball. They have called that on Alexander and Bighill in the past.

[Blueforlife]

Nice deep ball to Lewis

[Blueforlife]

Nice int Gray

[Blueforlife]

Sweet toss Harris to Bane (2nd TD)

[Blueforlife]

Sterns looks good for Sask

[The Zipp]

Elks implosion coming up ??

[Jesse]

Elks implosion coming up ??

Sigh. Looks like it.

[The Zipp]

Boris big miss

Not even close

Dumb penalty by Dalke didn't cost them points

[The Zipp]

Sterns - butter fingers on that one. 

[The Zipp]

CFL is better with MBT in it

[GOLDMEMBER]

These in game interviews are a bloody brain drain on the in game action.

[Blueforlife]

These in game interviews are a bloody brain drain on the in game action.

I enjoy them.

MBT throwing darts, also playing hot potato lol.

[The Zipp]

Wow.  Sloppy play by Elks and MBT - can't fumble that MBT

[The Zipp]

You get a penalty

You get a penalty

Haven't really been impressed by Oulette in the time I have watched this game

[Jesse]

My picks are toast this week.

[The Zipp]

Yikes

[Blueforlife]

Bane 3x Tds and Harris throwing on a dime

[The Zipp]

Done

Sad sack Elks

[Blueforlife]

MBT ends on a low note with some duck served up

[Blueforlife]

21 pts in 4th Q for Riders

[Blueforlife]

Done

Sad sack Elks

Don't ring the bell till dinner is ready

[Blueforlife]

Cool ending

[Blue In BC]

Most entertaining game so far.

MBT is still a turnover machine. Hit him and he'll fumble. That said he makes the Elks much better than they were.

So how many roster changes will C. Jones make for next week?

[GOLDMEMBER]

Bush made my pick look good.

[Road Griller]

Bombers are the worst team so far by a long shot, why can everyone else find a decent punter and returner? 

Changes are needed, start with the HC.  Hopefully LaPo is on speed dial.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Bombers are the worst team so far by a long shot, why can everyone else find a decent punter and returner? 

Changes are needed, start with the HC.  Hopefully LaPo is on speed dial.

Stick to road grilling.

[Road Griller]

Stick to road grilling.

I always do. Look who is in the basement.  Falls on coaching.  Who admitted the team wasn't ready...?  The first year HC next door had them ready.  Hmmmmm.  This team is in trouble and all the silly costumes in the world can't change it unfortunately.

[Blue In BC]

I always do. Look who is in the basement.  Falls on coaching.  Who admitted the team wasn't ready...?  The first year HC next door had them ready.  Hmmmmm.  This team is in trouble and all the silly costumes in the world can't change it unfortunately.

I didn't know the Grey Cup was awarded in the 1st week of the season. Is that new for 2024?

[Road Griller]

I didn't know the Grey Cup was awarded in the 1st week of the season. Is that new for 2024?

Nope, but those who know football can see there is big trouble brewing.  4 losses in a row and counting. 

[Blueforlife]

Nope, but those who know football can see there is big trouble brewing.  4 losses in a row and counting. 

Your posts and opinions will age poorly

[Road Griller]

Your posts and opinions will age poorly

Nope, unless there is a coaching or QB change, both preferably. BTW 4 loses in a row is a fact.

#8 is washed and every DC in the league knows it.  They bring the heat and watch him crumble.

[Blueforlife]

Nope, unless there is a coaching or QB change, both preferably. BTW 4 loses in a row is a fact.

#8 is washed and every DC in the league knows it.  They bring the heat and watch him crumble.

Every year we have someone come along like you stating strong opinions as fact with no reasoning behind them.  Your ideas make zero sense.  Your posts will age poorly.

[Road Griller]

Every year we have someone come along like you stating strong opinions as fact with no reasoning behind them.  Your idea make zero sense.  Your posts will age poorly.

4 loses in a row.  Opinion or fact?

#8's performance, declining or getting better?

My idea making zero sense is your opinion.  Who said they came out unprepared for the last game again?

[ModAdmin]

Bombers are the worst team so far by a long shot, why can everyone else find a decent punter and returner? 

Changes are needed, start with the HC.  Hopefully LaPo is on speed dial.

Again, you come on here with the same nonsense, wild speculation and proving that you only come on here to agitate.  Just letting you know you are welcome here IF you post in a reasonable, rational way. If not, you will be looking another forum to share your "wisdom".

[Blue In BC]

4 loses in a row.  Opinion or fact?

#8's performance, declining or getting better?

My idea making zero sense is your opinion.  Who said they came out unprepared for the last game again?

I smell a troll.

[Blueforlife]

I smell a troll.

Don't feed after midnight

4 loses in a row.  Opinion or fact?

#8's performance, declining or getting better?

My idea making zero sense is your opinion.  Who said they came out unprepared for the last game again?

#8 best QB in league, will have a few bad games per season.  I see no evidence off decline (rust yes). Others have done a good job in there replies.  I would suggest a little balance in your posts, it will make things much better for all.  You might try participating in the discussion rather than trying to prove yourself right with your extreme positions.

Suggesting to switch up vetern, proven, excellent  players and coach is nonesense.

We will develop a returner (hopefully) and our punting will remain average.

[Pigskin]

Both of you are no better. Mod has given him a warning, no need to keep stirring the pot. 

[Blueforlife]

Impressed by the Argos thus far.

BC with an nice answer back.

One missed convert and one bad exchange.  It's week 1.

Adams hurt his hand. 

[GOLDMEMBER]

Adams sure likes to bang his body around. Throwing hand got nicked early on.
Welp his hand looked good on the TD toss.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Dukes shows his lack of awareness.

BC might just bust this one open now. 20-6

[Blueforlife]

Nice toss for Dukes into double coverage to Bailey

[GOLDMEMBER]

Bailey looks better than any of our WRs did in week 1 already!

Geez wizz

[Blueforlife]

Bailey looks better than any of our WRs did in week 1 already!

Geez wizz

Bailey is good our receivers are great, we will miss him

Nice stand for TO 3rd and 1

[Blueforlife]

Polk #15 for Argos looks like a keeper.
Carey looking very good

[GOLDMEMBER]

Polk #15 for Argos looks like a keeper.
Carey looking very good

He looks outstanding.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Dukes looks very good. He throws the nice accurate balls for the most part under pressure no less.

[The Zipp]

Just tuning in now...looks like a close game.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Just tuning in now...looks like a close game.

It has been a very entertaining tilt. All these teams make the Blue Bomber O look lost.

Some pretty devastating hits as well.

[Blueforlife]

I see a league with great parity this year.  Will make for some great ball games.

[GOLDMEMBER]

I see a league with great parity this year.  Will make for some great ball games.

Hard to argue that. All teams look very close. Gonna be a slug fest all year.

[The Zipp]

It has been a very entertaining tilt. All these teams make the Blue Bomber O look lost.

Some pretty devastating hits as well.

The big blue were definitely the rustiest on offence.  These teams are delivering some entertainment on both sides of the ball.  No excuses for the Bombers next week 

[J5V]

Geez you guys. Let's take it easy on the blue and gold here. We're the only team that played the defending champs first game. Just about any other game would have been easier. We've had a lot of changes and are going to need some time to gel. It'll come. If any team deserves to be cut some slack, it's the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

I have noticed that our D looked as good as or better than any other I've seen so far. Generally the D is ahead of the O early in the season and I haven't been overly impressed with any team's D. Our D is going to be fine.

Collaros is the Ricky Ray of our time. He and Buck will have this O humming sooner rather than later. I haven't seen another QB I'd rather have. There is a lot of talent on the O side of the ball on our team for it not to be successful.

[Blueforlife]

Safety issue on sidelines, players are slipping on the black material just out of bounds

[The Zipp]

Wow.  They called that a catch ??  Looked OOB to me

[Blueforlife]

Argo D looks good

[Blueforlife]

Wow.  They called that a catch ??  Looked OOB to me

Foot down, dragged

[Blueforlife]

Geez you guys. Let's take it easy on the blue and gold here. We're the only team that played the defending champs first game. Just about any other game would have been easier. We've had a lot of changes and are going to need some time to gel. It'll come. If any team deserves to be cut some slack, it's the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

I have noticed that our D looked as good as or better than any other I've seen so far. Generally the D is ahead of the O early in the season and I haven't been overly impressed with any team's D. Our D is going to be fine.

Collaros is the Ricky Ray of our time. He and Buck will have this O humming sooner rather than later. I haven't seen another QB I'd rather have. There is a lot of talent on the O side of the ball on our team for it not to be successful.

There are some on this forum that take any opportunity to dump on the Blue as soon as any sign of weakness is witnessed.  This was MO pre dynasty and this place was fairly dysfunctional back then at times (some posters).  The old habit is hard to break.  Agree all!!!!

Patience paid off back then and it will again this season.

[The Zipp]

Janarion Grant Bomber highlights 

[GOLDMEMBER]

Janarion Grant Bomber highlights 

Had to of been a cap victim.

[Blueforlife]

BC OL a little leaky

[GOLDMEMBER]

BC OL a little leaky

either that or Argo DL strong. Vern makes a big play though.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Ceresna would been an amazing pick for Big Blue.

[Blueforlife]

Ceresna would been an amazing pick for Big Blue.

Yes but too $$$$

[Blueforlife]

TO punter is very good

[Jesse]

Well, I'm terrified to play either of these teams right now.

[The Zipp]

Argo D pressure is intense

[The Zipp]

Solid game for the aaaaargos

Dukes put in a tough spot with the Kelly fiasco and he delivers

[GOLDMEMBER]

Well this TO win screws up my picks a bit this week but good for the Blue Bombers!

Hold on Hoolahoop misses a chip shot...

What happened to Dinwiddie's face? Wowsers.

[The Zipp]

Not over yet

[GOLDMEMBER]

Argo DL is super impressive, again.

[The Zipp]

Orimalade is wrecking crew...like a young Willie Jefferson

[GOLDMEMBER]

Not over yet

now it is.

[Blueforlife]

6 sacks Argos look very good

Not sold on BC

[GOLDMEMBER]

Fantastic CFL contest. To bad no one the GTA showed up for it.

[J5V]

BC and Toronto look very much like they did last year. BC still can't run the ball and their offensive line is weak. Their fortunes will rely on VAs arm.

[Blue In BC]

An entertaining game but I'd disagree that either team played well defensively.  While there were some important plays made, there was no consistency. Argos got torched on a bunch of plays and gave up over 400 yards in total.

Yes, I know. They still won and made some big plays at the right time, but that doesn't change my opinion. Receivers on both teams were often wide open.

Hansen had no impact. Bailey played well and Grant did nothing special but it was his 1st game.

[Blueforlife]

An entertaining game but I'd disagree that either team played well defensively.  While there were some important plays made, there was no consistency. Argos got torched on a bunch of plays and gave up over 400 yards in total.

Yes, I know. They still won and made some big plays at the right time, but that doesn't change my opinion. Receivers on both teams were often wide open.

Hansen had no impact. Bailey played well and Grant did nothing special but it was his 1st game.

Argos were deadly on D 2nd half, got to VA and changed the outcome of this one.  Yup lots of yards and open receivers but Argos D came through on a tough battle.

[TecnoGenius]

Sask OL kicked out (25 yard penalty) as punched a guys face mask.  Was a weak punch but league making a stand on head shots.

I'm not sure I've ever seen an OL kicked out on a 1-play DQ.  Not sure even a 2x misconduct, which (in theory) would be more likely to occur.

They are not like D players who have zillions of backups dressed: the team usually has only 1 or 2 backup OL!  And hoggies, especially NAT ones, tend to be far more cool-headed.  So what gives?

Boy, was Mace miffed!  I bet he chewed him a new one post-game.  Doubt that happens again.

[TBURGESS]

Best game of the week. Back and forth. A bunch of lead changes. Some big plays by both teams. 

It came down to the lines. Toronto's D line dominated BC's O line in the second half. Sacks and fumbles cost BC the game. 

[Blue In BC]

I'm not sure I've ever seen an OL kicked out on a 1-play DQ.  Not sure even a 2x misconduct, which (in theory) would be more likely to occur.

They are not like D players who have zillions of backups dressed: the team usually has only 1 or 2 backup OL!  And hoggies, especially NAT ones, tend to be far more cool-headed.  So what gives?

Boy, was Mace miffed!  I bet he chewed him a new one post-game.  Doubt that happens again.

Well he took a punch at an opponent. I wouldn't call that a head shot per se. A low velocity hit to the head with the player wearing a helmet. Sure no problem with him being disqualified but we see worse many times. A player being hit at full speed with a shoulder into the head area etc.

[TBURGESS]

A punch = a hot shower and always has. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Well he took a punch at an opponent. I wouldn't call that a head shot per se. A low velocity hit to the head with the player wearing a helmet. Sure no problem with him being disqualified but we see worse many times. A player being hit at full speed with a shoulder into the head area etc.

Stupidest play in football, more likely to damage your hand than the guys face.

[bluebeard]

Whats happening in the west?  Two best teams losing to eastern teams and two also rans winning. I know it is early but could it be parity?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Whats happening in the west?  Two best teams losing to eastern teams and two also rans winning. I know it is early but could it be parity?

Seems like we've been waiting about 40 years for parity to emerge!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Just finished watching the BC/Argo game.  Can anyone explain why the Lions cut Prukop and are relying on VA to handle all short yardage situations?  Was their first game some kind of anomaly, with that task reverting to newcomer Chase Brice next game?  I know they thy won't use Dolegala because he's too big and clumsy but at this rate VA will be knocked out of action before game 4. He took a helluva beating against the Argos, most of it totally needless.

[Blueforlife]

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/06/11/argos-release-defensive-lineman-shawn-oakman/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/06/11/argos-release-defensive-lineman-shawn-oakman/

That seems like big news, but Bombers ain't got no money.

[Jesse]

That seems like big news, but Bombers ain't got no money.

I didn't want him in FA, don't want him now that the Argos decided he wasn't worth it.

[Blueforlife]

Will be interesting to see where he lands

[TecnoGenius]

Can anyone explain why the Lions cut Prukop and are relying on VA to handle all short yardage situations?

Stupidity?

I mean, I can understand if your #1 QB is a bruiser like D.Durant.  But VAJ is probably the smallest/lightest starting QB in the league, no?  Dude is gonna get killed.

[TecnoGenius]

A punch = a hot shower and always has.

Ya, no problem with that.  But name the last time it was a hoggie ejected for a punch...  It's just not something that happens to hoggies.

And the "lighter" punches (like this) sometimes just get you 15 and a strike.  Remember that EZ fracas where AH33 punched some guy?  Ya, they didn't DQ him (Riderfans were hella mad).

[TecnoGenius]

Orimalade is wrecking crew...like a young Willie Jefferson

With 100 more lbs!

[TecnoGenius]

Well, I'm terrified to play either of these teams right now.

Ya, someone else said it in another thread... we were probably the worst team this week, in terms of actual performance.  We had the lowest score.  I bet Zach had the worst %age.  I bet we had the most drops/whiffs.

All of the teams, except us, clearly prepared for their games.

Hopefully we got some massive work in this week (players and coaches), otherwise I can see a loss to OTT.  Dru would really love to whip his old team...

[TecnoGenius]

Wow.  They called that a catch ??  Looked OOB to me

I did the computer PVR thing and it was 100% a catch.  When he had control/possession, the forward foot was not down yet, and the rear foot was still on the turf.  Certainly hard to tell in realtime!

[TecnoGenius]

Nice stand for TO 3rd and 1

Well that's a weird play I've never seen before...

VAJ ostensibly gets the 3rd & inches (I checked, it's almost certain before he fumbled he got those inches), but then he fumbles, BC still recovers but now it's back behind the sticks.

So for the purposes of the 3rd down turnover, does forward progress count (pre-fumble) or does the fumble recovery count in terms of yards gained to move the sticks?

I'm actually unsure of the rule here...  I suppose it would be like a WR ball carrier running beyond the sticks but circling back to avoid a defender and ending up short.  In that case the (yards gained) meant nothing.  BUT in this case VAJ is doing no circling back, he's been touched and clearly just moving forward.

Anyone have an interpretation of this?  Say he did get the 1st down before fumbling... explain it.

[TecnoGenius]

Bailey looks better than any of our WRs did in week 1 already!

Geez wizz

No kidding.  More importantly, did you see the heart and fire Bailey had after his TD!  He was riling up the crowd, and his team.

In our game, I was watching our team closely for who the "fire" was going to be and it was clearly Woli.  I think he's stepping up to fill the void left by Yoshi & Bailey.  We need the fire guy out there, and so many in our team are low-key, quiet types.  I hope Woli will keep it up and take it to the next level.  I look forwarding to see who else will join him this season.

[TecnoGenius]

BC OL a little leaky

BC's OL was looking weak like ours was.  Simple stunts were fooling them.  And 4 man-rush was regularly getting through.

Ya, part of it is VAJ likes to sit back there for the 4-5s deep routes, but sometimes they weren't even buying him 2.7s.

I wonder if a D can gameplan around VAJ and use the fact he'll often wait the 5s to their advantage to have the DL attack in a "slower" more deliberate manner.

BC's plan for the year will not work out if that OL can't give VAJ time.  Teams will just look at this game, and the '23 WDF, to see how to trounce their O.

[J5V]

BC's OL was looking weak like ours was.  Simple stunts were fooling them.  And 4 man-rush was regularly getting through.

Ya, part of it is VAJ likes to sit back there for the 4-5s deep routes, but sometimes they weren't even buying him 2.7s.

I wonder if a D can gameplan around VAJ and use the fact he'll often wait the 5s to their advantage to have the DL attack in a "slower" more deliberate manner.

BC's plan for the year will not work out if that OL can't give VAJ time.  Teams will just look at this game, and the '23 WDF, to see how to trounce their O.

I believe D's are usually ahead of O's early in the season and that evens out by the halfway mark as the O's get in sync. I also believe O-lines are especially prone to looking bad early and a good line coach is worth his weight in blue & gold. I fully expect to see BC's and Wpg's O-lines start to gel as the season goes on and it'll get harder for D-lines to be breaking through and because of that you'll likely see more blitz packages to affect pressure. The result is smart QBs like ours will start burning D's when they blitz and when they don't the QB will have more time to find and hit his receivers. Barring some kind of disaster BC and WPG will be in the mix at season's end.