Bomber LB's

[Sir Blue and Gold]

My worry remains: who's the brains of the operation when Biggie is out?  Jones doesn't strike me as that type.  Ayers I don't know enough about yet.  Gauthier has it, but he's not every-down.  No idea on Cole.

I think a bit too much emphasis is placed on Bighill's brains. Sure, he's a smart player who has seen it all but he doesn't telepathically move everyone's feet when the play starts. He fills gaps and makes some adjustments. The  defensive coordinator's gameplan, scheme and play calling has far, far greater impact on the cohesiveness of the unit than Bighill's on the fly experience. I don't want to discount it but it's certainly not a deal breaker. We've had good linebacker play since he's been out and the truth is some of the plays they've made since he's been out are ones Bighill probably doesn't make any more.

[LXTSN]

Really liking what I've seen so far from Griffin. He has shown flashes on special teams, and when he's on defence he is now making plays too! There hasn't been much talk of him until this week. I think that's similar to Kramdi last season, because of the position they play, there isn't that much to criticize or praise unless they get a sack or a knockdown.

Ayers is another who has been great on special teams and now is getting a chance to play on defence also. I can see him (only 25) as a long term player on this defense! Very fast and good at finding the holes and attacking with timing.

[LXTSN]

I think a bit too much emphasis is placed on Bighill's brains. Sure, he's a smart player who has seen it all but he doesn't telepathically move everyone's feet when the play starts. He fills gaps and makes some adjustments. The  defensive coordinator's gameplan, scheme and play calling has far, far greater impact on the cohesiveness of the unit than Bighill's on the fly experience. I don't want to discount it but it's certainly not a deal breaker. We've had good linebacker play since he's been out and the truth is some of the plays they've made since he's been out are ones Bighill probably doesn't make any more.

Agreed. Sam Hurl was a very smart football player too, but just didn't have the ability. Glad to have moved on from him!

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Yes, I would like to see Griffin in the mix. Good size and excellent speed. 19 DTs as a backup LB, and 15 STs which is second on the team.

Kramdi, Cole and Griffin all seem like strong-side linebackers though. And as long as Kramdi is here and playing at a fairly high level Cole and Griffin are not going to be starting due to their passport. I don't mind the idea of putting Griffin in for Ayers or whomever is at WILL in passing downs or instead of the 4th defensive lineman, but he's always going to be more situational with Kramdi starting.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Biggie comes back if:

1. he wants to (vs retire)
2. he gets no bonus (to shield our SMS hit when he gets 6GIR'd)
3. wants reasonable pay
4. can be incentive-laden pay

I can't see Mafia "dissing" him like they (reportedly and one-sidedly) did other recent departing players.  That means Mafia has to give him a call to at least discuss options.  From all accounts Biggie has always remained the consummate team player, pro, and general stand-up guy.  That goes a long way with MOS.

Biggie may be ROH-worthy.

I worry if O'Shea sees Biggie working super hard on his recovery and comeback he's going to hand his job back as soon as he's ready without deep consideration of the implications of that move. It could mean they toss Jones to the side as soon as he comes back, or relegate him to a backup role once again. At most Biggie has a half season left in his body and it looks like it could be after Labour Day next season, with the GC at home it could make a nice Cinderella story but the odds are always long everything works out as planned.

[Jesse]

Kramdi, Cole and Griffin all seem like strong-side linebackers though. And as long as Kramdi is here and playing at a fairly high level Cole and Griffin are not going to be starting due to their passport. I don't mind the idea of putting Griffin in for Ayers or whomever is at WILL in passing downs or instead of the 4th defensive lineman, but he's always going to be more situational with Kramdi starting.

He's playing lots. I don't really care who the "starters" are on the depth chart. We play lots of different coverages and rotate personnel on top of that.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

He's playing lots. I don't really care who the "starters" are on the depth chart. We play lots of different coverages and rotate personnel on top of that.

Totally. Except starters matter when Kramdi is Canadian and Griffin is not. Griffin needs to come on for an American which in practice means either the weak-side linebacker or a defensive lineman not named Jake Thomas. Maybe they see Griffin as an option at a different position next year but I think rotationally he's sorta maxed out in terms of how much more he can play now.

[J5V]

Really liking what I've seen so far from Griffin. He has shown flashes on special teams, and when he's on defence he is now making plays too! There hasn't been much talk of him until this week. I think that's similar to Kramdi last season, because of the position they play, there isn't that much to criticize or praise unless they get a sack or a knockdown.

Ayers is another who has been great on special teams and now is getting a chance to play on defence also. I can see him (only 25) as a long term player on this defense! Very fast and good at finding the holes and attacking with timing.

I agree 100%. I've been very impressed with both of those players. Griffin was excellent against the Elks and Ayers was noticeable too. If we noticed, you can bet O'Shea noticed.

[Blueforlife]

I think a bit too much emphasis is placed on Bighill's brains. Sure, he's a smart player who has seen it all but he doesn't telepathically move everyone's feet when the play starts. He fills gaps and makes some adjustments. The  defensive coordinator's gameplan, scheme and play calling has far, far greater impact on the cohesiveness of the unit than Bighill's on the fly experience. I don't want to discount it but it's certainly not a deal breaker. We've had good linebacker play since he's been out and the truth is some of the plays they've made since he's been out are ones Bighill probably doesn't make any more.

Bighill is a generational talent because of his physical play and the way he sees, calls and reacts to the game.  His leadership skills are world class.  Under estimating the importance of his "brains".  Yes he has declined a bit but still was getting it done imo.

[dd]

Our defense hasn't missed a beat with Bighill being out, so I can't see us offering up top dollar to a player that is playing his last season, especially if that means we lose one of the young up and coming LB who has been playing since his injury. I am hoping Bighill realizes where he is in his career and doesn't pull a Harris and go off in a tyraid and play somewhere else for big $$. I'd prefer he stay here, earn a fair salary and work him into the rotation so he can play his final season out here and help further develop the talent we have here.

[ichabod_crane]

Bighill is a generational talent because of his physical play and the way he sees, calls and reacts to the game.  His leadership skills are world class.  Under estimating the importance of his "brains".  Yes he has declined a bit but still was getting it done imo.

I guess you are forgetting last years Grey Cup...the guy should have been on the sidelines and gave up one of the Als passing TD's which was his coverage. Everyone has their time in the sun, but Biggie's in a sunset now it seems unless he is Methuselah!! Maybe Linebackers coach next season if he wants to keep his nose in the game. Not sure if he wants to coach though. Home Grey Cup next season MAY be a consideration, but still seems like a longshot.

[Blueforlife]

I guess you are forgetting last years Grey Cup...the guy should have been on the sidelines and gave up one of the Als passing TD's which was his coverage. Everyone has their time in the sun, but Biggie's in a sunset now it seems unless he is Methuselah!! Maybe Linebackers coach next season if he wants to keep his nose in the game. Not sure if he wants to coach though. Home Grey Cup next season MAY be a consideration, but still seems like a longshot.

Biggie helped us get the cups we won.  Yes he will get burnt like almost anyone.  Not here to debate Biggie's future which is uncertain for sure.  I wanted to state my opinion of how valuable he was (is) because of his exceptional knowledge of the game.  Generational talent imo.

[TecnoGenius]

Griffin has been very good and is getting a lot of reps on defence. I think both he and Ayers have passed Cole on the depth chart. However, Cole has been above average in his role.

Griffin has been a great find.  He's probably been more impactful than Ayers.  What's Griffin's natural position?  He could be a future starter.

[TecnoGenius]

Without biggie Jones has done great! I think with the help of veterans at each of the other defensive positions, this will be a non-issue. We have Nichols, Alexander, and Willie all helping out. Plus I do think Jones is a very smart linebacker.

I forgot about Kramdi, he may now be the "brains" of the Ayers-Jones-Kramdi operation.  And Gauthier when he's in for special sets.  MOS has touted Kramdi as critical to the whole operation.

I do believe you need a "QB of the D", and you can usually see them pointing and yelling out positional adjustments to other guys.  Biggie does that all the time.

The DC can make calls all they want, and unit coordinators can bark out orders, but if things aren't 100% perfect once they get out there, it's up to the "smart guys" on the D to correct it, as well as dealing with pre-snap motion/changes by the O.

[Blueforlife]

I forgot about Kramdi, he may now be the "brains" of the Ayers-Jones-Kramdi operation.  And Gauthier when he's in for special sets.  MOS has touted Kramdi as critical to the whole operation.

I do believe you need a "QB of the D", and you can usually see them pointing and yelling out positional adjustments to other guys.  Biggie does that all the time.

The DC can make calls all they want, and unit coordinators can bark out orders, but if things aren't 100% perfect once they get out there, it's up to the "smart guys" on the D to correct it, as well as dealing with pre-snap motion/changes by the O.

Kramdi thinks the game well, my memory is poor but I think MOS commented on this when he was developing.  Some were hard on him as he learned the game.  Patience paid off with him big time.  He hasn't hit his full potential yet imo.