Bombers sign quarterbacks Dolegala, Scott & Others to practice roster

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers sign quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott to practice roster

WINNIPEG, MB., September 16, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott. Both players have been added to the practice roster.

Dolegala (6-7, 242, Central Connecticut; born: October 7, 1996, in Hamburg, NY) signs with the Bombers after being released by the BC Lions earlier this season. The quarterback has spent the last three seasons in the CFL, two with the Roughriders (2022-2023), and this year with the BC Lions (2024).

Dolegala has appeared in 24 CFL games, starting in 11, and has thrown for 2,968 yards on 246 completions for 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 112 yards and one touchdown.

In 2019, Dolegala signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the year on the 53-man roster, but did not see any game action. The quarterback then landed the New England Patriots (2020-2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), and Miami Dolphins (2021).

Dolegala spent his four-year collegiate career (2015-2018) with Central Connecticut State University. Over that time, he would complete 654 passes for 8,129 yards and 48 touchdowns, finishing with a career passer rating of 126.5 while also rushing for 292 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Scott (6-2, 220, Occidental College; born: August 17, 1995, in Rolling Hills, CA) signs with the Bombers after several stints in the CFL and USFL. In 2023 and 2024, Scott was a member of the Toronto Argonauts, dressing for all 18 games in 2023 and all nine games in 2024 before his release. In 2024, Scott threw for 79 yards on five completions, one being a 40-yard touchdown pass.

Scott briefly spent time with the Edmonton Elks in 2019, but chose to opt-out of his contract after the 2020 CFL season was cancelled.

Prior to joining the Argonauts, Scott started three games for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL (2022), throwing for 558 yards on 60 completions for five touchdowns.

In his collegiate career (2013-2016), Scott appeared in 32 games, throwing for 9,073 yards on 763 completions for 77 touchdowns, and rushed for 402 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The team has also released American receiver Josh Johnson.

 

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers add to practice roster

WINNIPEG, MB., September 17, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has added quarterback Darren Grainger, defensive end Brandon Wright, defensive back Russell Dandy, receiver Penny Hart. All players are Americans.

Grainger (6-4, 225, Georgia State; born: July 21, 2000, in Conway, SC.) returns to the Bombers after a late release from this year's training camp.  Grainger spent a five-year collegiate career with Furman (2018-2019) and Georgia State (2021-2023). With Furman, Grainger appeared in 17 games, starting 12, throwing for 1,403 yards on 161 attempts for five touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns.

Upon a transfer to Georgia State for the 2021 season, the next three seasons saw Grainger start 36 of 38 FBS games, completing 554 passes for 6,779 yards and 57 touchdowns, finishing his collegiate career with a passer rating of 142.4. Grainger also rushed 456 times for 2,153 yards and 19 touchdowns. Grainger appeared for the Bombers against the Calgary Stampeders at the end of training camp, completing one pass for 13 yards, but left the game due to injury.

Wright (6-2, 250, Michigan State; born: Aug. 13, 2000, in Euclid, OH.) comes to the Bombers after a five-year collegiate career (2019-2023) with Michigan State. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons as a running back, Wright appeared in 12 games, rushing 24 times for 61 yards.

For the 2021 season, Wright was converted to a defensive end to strengthen the pass rush. From 2021 to 2023, Wright would appear in 28 games, starting in seven of them, achieving 44 tackles, six tackle-for-losses, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one knockdown.

Hart (5-8, 180, Georgia State; born: July 5, 1996, in Roswell, GA.) joins the Bombers after spending four seasons (2015-2018) with Georgia State, and three stints in the NFL (2019-2023).

Hart was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts in May 2019. After landing on the injured reserve, he was released and signed to the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks in October 2019. Over the next three seasons (2020-2022), Hart appeared in 39 NFL games, catching 11 passes for 82 yards and rushing once for 19 yards. The receiver then signed with the Atlanta Falcons but was released in October 2023.

In college, Hart started 35 of 38 games, recording 203 receptions for 2,960 yards and 19 touchdowns, 16 punt returns for 200 yards and one touchdown, and 15 kick returns for 299 yards.

Dandy (6-0, 170, Eastern Illinois; born: April 28, 2000, in Hinesville, GA.) returns to the Bombers after a release at the end of this year's training camp.

Dandy started his collegiate career with Butte College (2018-2019), where he would make 25 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, three knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 15 games.

Following a transfer to Eastern Illinois (2021-2023), Dandy achieved 61 solo tackles, 13 assists, 3.5 tackle-for-losses, three interceptions, 24 knockdowns, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 25 games (24 starts). In his final year (2023), Dandy was selected to the First Team All-Big South Conference and led the FCS in passes defended with 19 knockdowns and one interception.

Dandy recently attended the New York Jets rookie minicamp after being unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

 

[theaardvark]

Wilson has been good on SY, so I don't think we need Dolegala for that. 


It will come down to who can best adapt to the playbook quickly and provide a solid #2 option.


I've made my preference known for Scott, but we will see how they do in practice this week.

The expanded PR moves for the rest, should help the scouts decide who comes to camp next year, can't see any of these players jumping to the AR without a slew of injuries. 

Wondering about Wright, RB converted to DE.  Is that a CFL FB?

[kkc60]

Wilson has been good on SY, so I don't think we need Dolegala for that. 


It will come down to who can best adapt to the playbook quickly and provide a solid #2 option.


I've made my preference known for Scott, but we will see how they do in practice this week.

The expanded PR moves for the rest, should help the scouts decide who comes to camp next year, can't see any of these players jumping to the AR without a slew of injuries. 

Wondering about Wright, RB converted to DE.  Is that a CFL FB?

I'd say DE, and since he's only listed as such I don't think they'll play him elsewhere. But never say never

[Blueforlife]

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/17/need-to-know-week-16/

[TecnoGenius]

Wilson has been good on SY, so I don't think we need Dolegala for that. 

Riderfans threads about Dolegala->WPG talking about how he wasn't a great SY fit.  I agree.  Skinny extra-tall guys are not ideal.  If they are that tall they have to be a muscle-mountain like Stevens.

Unless/until Wilson fails I'd keep rolling with him.  He's been here all season.

Dolegala the likely #2 (injury backup) guy.  How quick can he learn the book?  Zach took 3-4 weeks, right?

[ModAdmin]

First interview with Bryan Scott...
 
https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/17/bryan-scott-september-17-2024/

[Bomber Diehard]

WR Hart sounds like a good one.
Also a kick returner.

[gobombersgo]

Scott was released.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Hmmm wonder why. Some were high on him but there's suddenly a whole bunch of developmental guys around.

[Blue In BC]

Hmmm wonder why. Some were high on him but there's suddenly a whole bunch of developmental guys around.

It's difficult to have 5 QB's on various rosters at this time of the season. There isn't enough time to give all of them enough reps. For the most part we wouldn't even have 1 on the PR if not for losing Streveler earlier.

It's possible Scott got a quick look see and gets an invite back to TC 2025.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

First interview with Bryan Scott...
 
https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/09/17/bryan-scott-september-17-2024/

Coincidentally, also the last interview with Bryan Scott...

Although he may be back for TC 2025.

[Jesse]

Hmmm wonder why. Some were high on him but there's suddenly a whole bunch of developmental guys around.

We were never going to keep all those QBs. Signed a couple and they felt more comfortable keeping Dolegala if the worst should happen. Not exactly surprising.

[peg_city]

Hmmm wonder why. Some were high on him but there's suddenly a whole bunch of developmental guys around.

Because we signed a tackle from Duke

[Stats Junkie]

Hmmm wonder why. Some were high on him but there's suddenly a whole bunch of developmental guys around.

This move may have been initiated by Scott or his agent. If Scott remained on the Bombers' PR past the trade deadline he would have been tied to Winnipeg for the remainder of the season. By hitting the street prior to the trade deadline, Scott is available to all teams if a QB replacement is required due to injury.

[gobombersgo]

This move may have been initiated by Scott or his agent. If Scott remained on the Bombers' PR past the trade deadline he would have been tied to Winnipeg for the remainder of the season. By hitting the street prior to the trade deadline, Scott is available to all teams if a QB replacement is required due to injury.

Good to know.

Wasn't TJ Harris released after the trade deadline when Hamilton picked him up?

[Stats Junkie]

Players released after the trade deadline can still sign with other CFL clubs but they can not play for them in the current season.

[BLUEBOMBER]

I don't see us keeping nor should we keep Streveler on the team next season. Yes he can sell tickets but the Bombers don't really need him to sell tickets.

[TecnoGenius]

Letting Scott go could also be a function of us seeing that Wilson#3 can handle SY.  There was the chance Wilson#3 would "Pigrome" on SY.  But then we got to see him do 2 (3?) SY and do it very well.

I found it more interesting that it appears Wilson is our SY and #2.  When garbage time came with 6:00 left we put him in, not Dolegala.  However, that may be a function of Dolegala still learning the book (only a month here?).

I wonder who we'll start if we get to benefit of garbage season (1 more win and 1 SSK loss) after this week...

[TecnoGenius]

I don't see us keeping nor should we keep Streveler on the team next season. Yes he can sell tickets but the Bombers don't really need him to sell tickets.

Budget will dictate if Strev is re-signed.  It will be hard to afford Zach + Dolegala.  Strev is still the best SY+#2 in one player, and he comes very very cheap (probably half of Dolegala).

And don't discount the fan-fave aspect.  WM can always wink & nod at KW and remind him of merch sales and fan excitement.  It's not all just about top talent.

Plus, we usually give IR guys a chance to try out again.

[theaardvark]

Letting Scott go could also be a function of us seeing that Wilson#3 can handle SY.  There was the chance Wilson#3 would "Pigrome" on SY.  But then we got to see him do 2 (3?) SY and do it very well.

I found it more interesting that it appears Wilson is our SY and #2.  When garbage time came with 6:00 left we put him in, not Dolegala.  However, that may be a function of Dolegala still learning the book (only a month here?).

I wonder who we'll start if we get to benefit of garbage season (1 more win and 1 SSK loss) after this week...

If anything, the opposite.  Scott is not a SY guy, Dolegala is.  So if it is Dolegala vs. Scott, the fact Wilson can handle SY removes some of the pro argument for Dolegala...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Budget will dictate if Strev is re-signed.  It will be hard to afford Zach + Dolegala.  Strev is still the best SY+#2 in one player, and he comes very very cheap (probably half of Dolegala).

And don't discount the fan-fave aspect.  WM can always wink & nod at KW and remind him of merch sales and fan excitement.  It's not all just about top talent.

Plus, we usually give IR guys a chance to try out again.

Strev. is maybe making $120k and Dolegala is making less not more, probably league min. in a take it or leave it scenario. I don't know if they should bother re-signing Strev. again next year, I don't see him ever emerging as the Bombers future QB and he's been little better than average on short-yardage this season. They only have a few seasons left to find the replacement for Zach, what's the point in wasting one of the two spots on a temp. role filler?

[blue_or_die]

Budget will dictate if Strev is re-signed.  It will be hard to afford Zach + Dolegala.  Strev is still the best SY+#2 in one player, and he comes very very cheap (probably half of Dolegala).

And don't discount the fan-fave aspect.  WM can always wink & nod at KW and remind him of merch sales and fan excitement.  It's not all just about top talent.

Plus, we usually give IR guys a chance to try out again.

I don't think there's any way that we keep Dolegala around next year.

My hope is for consistency for the home Grey Cup next year and we feel comfortable having Wilson around as our development guy and he can maybe take that next step. And as long as it's in the budget I would be happy to have Streveler back even if he has underwhelmed this year. Maybe we will come to our senses and figure out how to best utilize his abilities.

[TecnoGenius]

Strev. is maybe making $120k and Dolegala is making less not more, probably league min. in a take it or leave it scenario.

I haven't seen anything hinting at Dolegala salary, but my guess is $180k.  It may seem cheaper if you heard a whisper number purely because you're hearing the only-for-8-weeks amount, not what he'd cost over a full year.

There are only 2-3 or so couch-sitting, uninjured, experienced, perennial #2's around the CFL right now (or really ever).  I don't think they are desperate signing for peanuts ELC; I think they know their value as the only games in town when a team is down an important #1 or #2.

I think Dolegala knew we had to make a reasonable offer because we were the desperate party, not him.  Fine was still dinged up, no?  Who else is there without requiring a trade?

If someone knows the inside scoop on Dolegala's actual salary (annualized), I'll reevaluate my theory.

[TecnoGenius]

I don't think there's any way that we keep Dolegala around next year.

I totally agree.  If everyone is healthy it'll be Zach/Strev/Wilson in 2025.  The only way Dolegala will stick is if a) he's cheap and b) he lights up the league if he gets a garbage-season game or two.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I'm not sure we can afford to let Dolegala go, especially in a Grey Cup hosting year. Streveler can't run our offense and he's coming off a severe knee injury. Who knows when he'll be ready or how he'll look when he does.  Could he really play that style of game and quarterback the Bombers to a Grey Cup next year? Highly doubt it.

Collaros is at the point in his career where every hit requires you to hold your breath and pray his head doesn't hit a helmet or the turf.

Dolegala fits nicely and came along at the exact right time. He can learn the offense this year, and because he's pro-rated it's inexpensive. If he's re-signed he'd have to be the betting favourite to start as the number two guy in 2025. The only argument you could possibly make is that Wilson is better but that's only because he's a total unknown. He probably plays that last game in Montreal and the most likely scenario is he struggles as much as a first year QB almost always does.

[Pete]

We really dont know who will be available at qb for 2025
Mair?  ,Mtrls Alexander? Ford? Mbt? Powell?
Depending if we have any money banked from this year with all the 6 game injuries and a willingness  to spend above the cap could all be factors
  Personally I don't think that Streveler is the answer or Domagala, They might help win one game but wouldn't sustain it.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

We really dont know who will be available at qb for 2025
Mair?  ,Mtrls Alexander? Ford? Mbt? Powell?
Depending if we have any money banked from this year with all the 6 game injuries and a willingness  to spend above the cap could all be factors
  Personally I don't think that Streveler is the answer or Domagala, They might help win one game but wouldn't sustain it.

Totally fair. I would be happy with someone else who has some experience. I think it would be pretty risky and not advised to go into 2025 with Collaros, Wilson and brand new QB from 2025 camp

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I'm not sure we can afford to let Dolegala go, especially in a Grey Cup hosting year. Streveler can't run our offense and he's coming off a severe knee injury. Who knows when he'll be ready or how he'll look when he does.  Could he really play that style of game and quarterback the Bombers to a Grey Cup next year? Highly doubt it.

Collaros is at the point in his career where every hit requires you to hold your breath and pray his head doesn't hit a helmet or the turf.

Dolegala fits nicely and came along at the exact right time. He can learn the offense this year, and because he's pro-rated it's inexpensive. If he's re-signed he'd have to be the betting favourite to start as the number two guy in 2025. The only argument you could possibly make is that Wilson is better but that's only because he's a total unknown. He probably plays that last game in Montreal and the most likely scenario is he struggles as much as a first year QB almost always does.

I wish Wilson would have received more than 5 minutes of playing time in a huge blowout game, those opportunities don't come around often. There was no real reason to play Zach more than 3Q's when they need to give Wilson an honest amount of playing time to overcome the jitters and begin to bring him along.  It's almost as if Dru Brown was a fluke occurrence and they have no active thought patterns functioning beyond Zach.

[theaardvark]

There will be a lot of QB's out there looking to take the next step.  And with Collaros possibly retiring after 2025, what better place than Winnipeg.

Dynastic team, great front office, fantastic fans and facilities, who wouldn't make WFC their #1 landing spot.

I do not think we will have an issue with putting in place a top #2 guy, if Wilson doesn't earn it himself.

And should Collaros hang them up after the 2025 home Grey Cup run, there will be a lot of QB's that will be on expiring contracts to choose from, no doubt.

If we can develop the next one internally, awesome.  But if we have to take someone away, I am fully confident we can offer a more enticing/exciting position than any other team.

Totally fair. I would be happy with someone else who has some experience. I think it would be pretty risky and not advised to go into 2025 with Collaros, Wilson and brand new QB from 2025 camp

I do not think we end up with Collaros, Wilson and a rookie in 2025.  Not with the stakes that high.

We really dont know who will be available at qb for 2025
Mair?  ,Mtrls Alexander? Ford? Mbt? Powell?

You'd have to wonder just how effective Ford would be on our team.  With Oliveira, Demski and Ford in the backfield, ouch.  And playing with his brother, an added bonus.  When is his deal up?

[dd]

I think Ford would be great on our team...look what he's done in Edmonton loosening up the run game and they have 3 RB's over 500 yds rushing, first time I've ever seen that happen.

[blue_or_die]

I'm not sure we can afford to let Dolegala go, especially in a Grey Cup hosting year. Streveler can't run our offense and he's coming off a severe knee injury. Who knows when he'll be ready or how he'll look when he does.  Could he really play that style of game and quarterback the Bombers to a Grey Cup next year? Highly doubt it.

Collaros is at the point in his career where every hit requires you to hold your breath and pray his head doesn't hit a helmet or the turf.

Dolegala fits nicely and came along at the exact right time. He can learn the offense this year, and because he's pro-rated it's inexpensive. If he's re-signed he'd have to be the betting favourite to start as the number two guy in 2025. The only argument you could possibly make is that Wilson is better but that's only because he's a total unknown. He probably plays that last game in Montreal and the most likely scenario is he struggles as much as a first year QB almost always does.

Totally fair. I would be happy with someone else who has some experience. I think it would be pretty risky and not advised to go into 2025 with Collaros, Wilson and brand new QB from 2025 camp

Yeah, in no way am I suggesting we let Dolegala go because we want to bring in another rook. It would be because we need to do better for a role necessitating coming in and managing games to wins. Should be an interesting off-season for the QB market.

[TecnoGenius]

I'm not sure we can afford to let Dolegala go, especially in a Grey Cup hosting year. Streveler can't run our offense and he's coming off a severe knee injury. Who knows when he'll be ready or how he'll look when he does.  Could he really play that style of game and quarterback the Bombers to a Grey Cup next year? Highly doubt it.

Dolegala fits nicely and came along at the exact right time. He can learn the offense this year, and because he's pro-rated it's inexpensive. If he's re-signed he'd have to be the betting favourite to start as the number two guy in 2025. The only argument you could possibly make is that Wilson is better but that's only because he's a total unknown. He probably plays that last game in Montreal and the most likely scenario is he struggles as much as a first year QB almost always does.

Aards and Pete are right: there are lots of guys available if we really want/need a step-in-producer at #2.

Dolegala didn't get the job a few weeks ago because he was the best of all the #2's: he got it because he was the healthy one on the couch, isn't a raw rookie, and he doesn't completely suck.

Once FA hits we can take our pick from a decent number QBs.  And trades are always an option.  Then we can get the one we really wanted all along, not the kludge.  I'm nearly positive Dolegala is the latter.

But like you said, he will have the advantage of 10 or so weeks of book-learning and currying favor with the Mafia.  And if Strev's knee is still out for more than weeks 1-4 or so, we'll probably want a real #2 instead of another ELC.  So in that sense I bet he gets a camp look as long as no other team has him on speed dial in FA.

But there are many current #2's in the league who are currently better or certainly seem more promising than him.

[TecnoGenius]

I wish Wilson would have received more than 5 minutes of playing time in a huge blowout game, those opportunities don't come around often.

We gave him 6mins and change... which I thought at the time was actually quite a lot.  It's usually the last 3 mins you see garbage-time QBs come in in the CFL.

Keep in mind at that stage EDM was gettings TDs, which we'd then instantly match.  If Collaros was out at the half we probably don't get those TDs and EDM gets within 7 or 10 of us.  That's not safe enough in the CFL.

They only pulled Zach when we score differential + time meant the game was over, absent major screwups.  That's why Wilson was clearly given a "just don't turn the ball over" playbook.

I think MOS played it perfectly.

[theaardvark]

If Masoli pulls a Collaros, and revitalizes his career, stays healthy and impresses, do we manage to get Dru back?

Probably not. 

[blue_or_die]

If Masoli pulls a Collaros, and revitalizes his career, stays healthy and impresses, do we manage to get Dru back?

Probably not. 

We can dream...

If that happened in fantasy land, I would sign him for 3 years and defer as much as possible to 2026 and 2027. Without guaranteed contracts though, we would still need to give him a sizeable signing bonus.

Might need to understand Zach's intentions beyond 2025 before that though. If he has gas in the tank and is still playing elite ball, I wouldn't want to ruin his legacy and put the "writing on the wall", especially going into a home Grey Cup year. Being 37 next year though, I'm sure he's thinking that life after football is coming. He should want to go out on top.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

We gave him 6mins and change... which I thought at the time was actually quite a lot.  It's usually the last 3 mins you see garbage-time QBs come in in the CFL.

Keep in mind at that stage EDM was gettings TDs, which we'd then instantly match.  If Collaros was out at the half we probably don't get those TDs and EDM gets within 7 or 10 of us.  That's not safe enough in the CFL.

They only pulled Zach when we score differential + time meant the game was over, absent major screwups.  That's why Wilson was clearly given a "just don't turn the ball over" playbook.

I think MOS played it perfectly.

The Elks weren't threatening a comeback in that game, only O'Shea believed that was remotely possible.  What is the point in restricting Wilson to a few useless play calls while attempting to kill the clock at the end of the game, is that some kind of feel good moment?  At least give the guy half a chance to do something after putting in a full season of practices, it's only fair to ask Buck to give him a play package like Strev. was supposed to run this season. 

[J5V]

The Elks weren't threatening a comeback in that game, only O'Shea believed that was remotely possible.  What is the point in restricting Wilson to a few useless play calls while attempting to kill the clock at the end of the game, is that some kind of feel good moment?  At least give the guy half a chance to do something after putting in a full season of practices, it's only fair to ask Buck to give him a play package like Strev. was supposed to run this season. 

If he has put in the work O'Shea will reward him but he has to put the team first. When he gets his shot he'll be ready!

[Jesse]

If he has put in the work O'Shea will reward him but he has to put the team first. When he gets his shot he'll be ready!

Agreed. Asking a rookie to do too much too soon is setting them up for failure.

[TecnoGenius]

The Elks weren't threatening a comeback in that game, only O'Shea believed that was remotely possible.  What is the point in restricting Wilson to a few useless play calls while attempting to kill the clock at the end of the game, is that some kind of feel good moment?  At least give the guy half a chance to do something after putting in a full season of practices, it's only fair to ask Buck to give him a play package like Strev. was supposed to run this season.

Hey, they let Wilson throw.  They didn't have to do that!  So many times the garbage-time guy will come in and only be allowed to hand-off or run.  And he completed his first pass!  Only problem was: 3Y short.

When EDM inched to within ~2 scores with a Q left, if you put in Wilson and he throws a pick-6, then EDM is within 7 or 10 and you have a legit shot at losing.  This is entirely reasonable and we've seen weirder things.  Every time we got less than 3 scores up I got nervous and would fully agree with MOS that you keep playing to win.

[J5V]

Hey, they let Wilson throw.  They didn't have to do that!  So many times the garbage-time guy will come in and only be allowed to hand-off or run.  And he completed his first pass!  Only problem was: 3Y short.

When EDM inched to within ~2 scores with a Q left, if you put in Wilson and he throws a pick-6, then EDM is within 7 or 10 and you have a legit shot at losing.  This is entirely reasonable and we've seen weirder things.  Every time we got less than 3 scores up I got nervous and would fully agree with MOS that you keep playing to win.

What was most impressive to me was the iron will of the offense in that game especially in the second half. Every time the Elks scored our offense would answer. It was like watching two good prize fighters going at it. After punch and counter-punch the Bombers kept it going on offense. That had to make the D feel good knowing they alone weren't tasked with the responsibility of providing the win. That was the first time this season that that has happened. The real back-breaker though was the Garbutt TD. You just got the impression that the game was truly over at that point (at least I did).

[TecnoGenius]

The real back-breaker though was the Garbutt TD. You just got the impression that the game was truly over at that point (at least I did).

It all depends on the morale.  A good team with discipline and "we can still win" attitude can still be dangerous down 3 scores.  I didn't have any way to gauge EDM morale at the moment.  We could probably guess, given that it's EDM, but since they are improving, who knows.  (Now we know for sure they were melting down because MBT said so in his post-game.)

Remember Tom Brady in that SB vs (I think) the Falcons where they were down like 3 scores and won (after many stupid rigged shenanigans, but I digress).  I bet many teams wouldn't ever take WPG lightly if we were down 3 scores with a whole Q to go!!  You can't sleep on teams with good fire, morale and discipline.

[J5V]

It all depends on the morale.  A good team with discipline and "we can still win" attitude can still be dangerous down 3 scores.  I didn't have any way to gauge EDM morale at the moment.  We could probably guess, given that it's EDM, but since they are improving, who knows.  (Now we know for sure they were melting down because MBT said so in his post-game.)

Remember Tom Brady in that SB vs (I think) the Falcons where they were down like 3 scores and won (after many stupid rigged shenanigans, but I digress).  I bet many teams wouldn't ever take WPG lightly if we were down 3 scores with a whole Q to go!!  You can't sleep on teams with good fire, morale and discipline.

Agree completely and would only add that when a team is firing on all cylinders (offense, defense, special teams) it results in a formidable force that is going to be nearly impossible to overcome. It's rare to see that kind of balance in a football team but the Bombers certainly displayed it last game and the Elks really had no answer for it. You have to tip your cap to Pierce, Younger, and Miller for the job they've done with the Winnipeg football club. Very impressive performance for players and coaches.

[Jesse]

We can dream...

If that happened in fantasy land, I would sign him for 3 years and defer as much as possible to 2026 and 2027. Without guaranteed contracts though, we would still need to give him a sizeable signing bonus.

Might need to understand Zach's intentions beyond 2025 before that though. If he has gas in the tank and is still playing elite ball, I wouldn't want to ruin his legacy and put the "writing on the wall", especially going into a home Grey Cup year. Being 37 next year though, I'm sure he's thinking that life after football is coming. He should want to go out on top.

Druski has apparently been playing injured. I'm sure he's still their guy.

Let both Zach and Dru play out their contracts. Then we can hold the mega press conference where Zach hands the ball to Dru on Free Agency day in 2026 (With our Grey Cup in the background).

[TecnoGenius]

Druski has apparently been playing injured. I'm sure he's still their guy.

Let both Zach and Dru play out their contracts. Then we can hold the mega press conference where Zach hands the ball to Dru on Free Agency day in 2026 (With our Grey Cup in the background).

Dru is still a question mark, even now.  Alexander may still prove to be the better QB, and the next "big thing".

Even if Dru's body is nicked, his brain has been making some poor decisions/reads.

I wouldn't necessarily tie our ship to any future QB just yet.  Best to let it play out.  Who knows, maybe Wilson is the guy!  (bad odds, but possible!)  Our 2026 QB could be literally anyone... even Zach.

[theaardvark]

Brown, Alexander, Palmer, Paterson... lots of "next guys" out there

[TecnoGenius]

Brown, Alexander, Palmer, Paterson... lots of "next guys" out there

Schiltz, Powell, Dukes, Masoli, Fine, Pipkin even.

If you have a crystal ball, or know how to spot the future star, there would seem to be way more choice than in recent years.  There's enough for everyone to get the #1 they want, plus enough to spread around as #2's.

My guess is Powell and Alexander.  I still like Masoli too, but he's got to elevate his game pronto.

[theaardvark]

Brown, Alexander, Palmer, Paterson... lots of "next guys" out there

Palmer?  Powell... lol.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Schiltz, Powell, Dukes, Masoli, Fine, Pipkin even.

If you have a crystal ball, or know how to spot the future star, there would seem to be way more choice than in recent years.  There's enough for everyone to get the #1 they want, plus enough to spread around as #2's.

My guess is Powell and Alexander.  I still like Masoli too, but he's got to elevate his game pronto.

The good ones will not be made available, count on it.