Bomber LB's

[Blueforlife]

He really "brings the lumber" on whom? Did I miss the open field Gauthier hit package or something? He's a beast of a run stopper? When? Where? The plays don't exist.

Look, he's got 10 special teams tackles this year which is nothing to sneeze at. He's a heart and soul guy. Lifetime Blue Bomber. Obviously an endearing player. Not taking anything away from him there. But you can awknowlege and appreciate the player without pretending he's something he's not.

You can't be a "run stopping MLB" if you don't have tackles. You can't be a "beast against the run" if you don't actually stop the run in games.

Two people think he is good against the run, you don't think so.  Truth in the middle.

He gets snaps because he can fill in well as needed, good depth player against the run.  Why do you think it would be that he is on the roster if he can't perform well?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Two people think he is good against the run, you don't think so.  Truth in the middle.

He gets snaps because he can fill in well as needed, good depth player against the run.  Why do you think it would be that he is on the roster if he can't perform well?

Correction: you think he's a "beast" against the run.

I think it's pretty obvious that he, in fact, hasn't stopped the run all year (or in 2023, despite our starting MLB missing lots of snaps both years) but I understand why you and others want to cheer him on. I'm also hoping he does well when he's in there but I'll go with "endearing veteran" versus "run stopping MLB" or "run stopping beast", until like, we have to start using more than two hands to count a season's worth of tackles. It's okay to say our players have limitations when they do. You can still be a good fan and speak a pretty obvious truth.

[Blueforlife]

Correction: you think he's a "beast" against the run.

I think it's pretty obvious that he, in fact, hasn't stopped the run all year (or in 2023, despite our starting MLB missing lots of snaps both years) but I understand why you and others want to cheer him on. I'm also hoping he does well when he's in there but I'll go with "endearing veteran" versus "run stopping MLB" or "run stopping beast", until like, we have to start using more than two hands to count a season's worth of tackles. It's okay to say our players have limitations when they do. You can still be a good fan and speak a pretty obvious truth.

I use the term beast as it relates to one's physical play.  Thus it's a fitting description of him based on my previous use of language on here.  When a player has a good physical game on defence or special teams, comanding pressence, I also use the term.  My word choices makes it a little confusing at times.

To suggest that he hasn't stopped the run for two years shows your bias against him and is not correct.  He is specifically on the field for that purpose, he used to rotate in on the runs and out for the pass (w/ Briggs).  You have clearly stated your opinion on his and Briggs play in the past, failing to give them props for the specialist role they play and slightly understating their contributions to the club.  At least one other poster has agreed about his ability to stop the run on short yardage.

Truth somewhere in the middle of two strong positions here.

[Blue In BC]

Two people think he is good against the run, you don't think so.  Truth in the middle.

He gets snaps because he can fill in well as needed, good depth player against the run.  Why do you think it would be that he is on the roster if he can't perform well?

He gets snaps because of the ratio. Truth is not in the middle. As an aging veteran he is average at best on defence and is getting less and less snaps.

His best play is on ST's.

[Blueforlife]

He gets snaps because of the ratio. Truth is not in the middle. As an aging veteran he is average at best on defence and is getting less and less snaps.

His best play is on ST's.

There it is.  The real reason why you are understating his contribution.  Your view on having guaranteed roster spots for Canadians is well documented.
 Canadians are a critical part of all CFL clubs, always has been, always will be.  He is playing because he is our best Canadian rotational player that can stop the run.
Truth is in the middle you are slightly understating his role and I'm slightly overstating it.

Agree about STs

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I use the term beast as it relates to one's physical play.  Thus it's a fitting description of him based on my previous use of language on here.  When a player has a good physical game on defence or special teams, comanding pressence, I also use the term.  My word choices makes it a little confusing at times.

To suggest that he hasn't stopped the run for two years shows your bias against him and is not correct. He is specifically on the field for that purpose, he used to rotate in on the runs and out for the pass (w/ Briggs).  You have clearly stated your opinion on his and Briggs play in the past, failing to give them props for the specialist role they play and slightly understating their contributions to the club.  At least one other poster has agreed about his ability to stop the run on short yardage.

Truth somewhere in the middle of two strong positions here.

I am not sure what is making me biased in this scenario. I gave him credit for his length of service, experience and leadership which are legitimate positives. I made mention of his 10 special teams tackles which is important. I get that his role should be to stop the run. That's the primary role of any middle linebacker, isn't that 100% obvious? Find the gap, fill it: that's basic MLB coaching and function at the amateur level. I am just pointing out through stats over 15 games this season that he isn't doing that. Pretty black and white.

[Blueforlife]

I am not sure what is making me biased in this scenario. I gave him credit for his length of service, experience and leadership which are legitimate positives. I made mention of his 10 special teams tackles which is important. I get that his role should be to stop the run. That's the primary role of any middle linebacker, isn't that 100% obvious? Find the gap, fill it: that's basic MLB coaching and function at the amateur level. I am just pointing out through stats over 15 games this season that he isn't doing that. Pretty black and white.

We can agree to disagree that he can stop the run.  Imo, if he couldn't he wouldn't have played so many reps at LB for us.

[theaardvark]

I don't dislike him. I even had a nice lunch with him this spring. He's a super nice guy and has recently started an electical company with his brother-in-law. He's on his 8th season in the CFL, all with Winnipeg. Married a woman from Winnipeg.

I am just pointing out I don't believe he's a "beast" against the run with five tackles all year and two in the last five weeks. And okay, sure, he hasn't taken a lot of defensive snaps. Would you like to venture a guess as to why that might be?

Just because a guy isn't credited with a tackle (only one deos per play) does not mean he cannot be integral in making the stop.  He fills the gap and pushes back.  And even if he doesn't make first contact with a runner, you can bet he's making last contact to prevent yards after contact.

[Blueforlife]

Just because a guy isn't credited with a tackle (only one deos per play) does not mean he cannot be integral in making the stop.  He fills the gap and pushes back.  And even if he doesn't make first contact with a runner, you can bet he's making last contact to prevent yards after contact.

Facts are presented above

People try to use the same argument on Jake (stats), as he continues to start, rotate and is a key cog in our lineup.

Football is won as a team not on the stats sheet.  Yes you need your stars but most of your success is on the back of your depth.

[Pigskin]

Yes, Gauthier has not had a great year. I think last year injuries have taken it's toll on him. Doesn't have that quickness he once had. But, still pretty good on teams, and short yardage. 

2021: 12 Games, 15 DTs, 9 STs.
2022: 13 Games, 28 DTs, 5 STs.
2023:  6 Games,  6 DTs, 3 STs.
2024: 15 Games,  5 DTs, 10 STs.

[Blue In BC]

There it is.  The real reason why you are understating his contribution.  Your view on having guaranteed roster spots for Canadians is well documented.
 Canadians are a critical part of all CFL clubs, always has been, always will be.  He is playing because he is our best Canadian rotational player that can stop the run.
Truth is in the middle you are slightly understating his role and I'm slightly overstating it.

Agree about STs

To use something similar ( opposite ) to your favourite saying: Overstated in the positive.

His value is on ST's but his days of being a good MLB are behind him.  Just look at the plays Jones makes and then compare that to Gauthier.

Evaluation of any roster is from top to bottom of each nationality, is a look at age, SMS and contribution. In effect which players are those that a team would least likely not want to lose.  Upside or downside.

You've never seen a Bomber of either nationality that you didn't think should be on the team.  I could care less whether he's a Canadian or an Import.

[theaardvark]

Regardless his D participation, he is worth having on the team for ST's alnoe.  Any D snap is bonus

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=502572940384831

The chase down tackle is at about the 2 minute mark...

It also shows his blocking at the point of catch, Grant got a lot of head starts because Gauthier neutralized the gunner.

[markf]

Regardless his D participation, he is worth having on the team for ST's alnoe.  Any D snap is bonus

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=502572940384831

Great video.I did not realize how good he is. Thanks.

Gauthier... Future Blue Bomber coach?

[Blue In BC]

Great video.I did not realize how good he is. Thanks.

Gauthier... Future Blue Bomber coach?

Noting that your video was not from 2024 and also shows Briggs, now retired. It comes to every player at one point or another. Age, Injuries, SMS and succession need to be considered. Looking at that video, there are quite a few players no longer on the team, or any team for that matter.

He might be a candidate as a coach if he has interest. Mike Miller has that locked down at the moment so I don't know where there is a spot for him in the near future.

Gauthier could be back in 2025 but that is not certain. Every year we have 3 or 4 draft choices that make the AR. They tend to replace the older vets on the downside or those lost in free agency.

[theaardvark]

Noting that your video was not from 2024 and also shows Briggs, now retired. It comes to every player at one point or another. Age, Injuries, SMS and succession need to be considered.

He might be a candidate as a coach if he has interest. Mike Miller has that locked down at the moment so I don't know where there is a spot for him in the near future.

Gauthier could be back in 2025 but that is not certain. Every year we have 3 or 4 draft choices that make the AR. They tend to replace the older vets on the downside or those lost in free agency.

The video showcases his game saving tackle, which was what I was looking for.  The facebook clip shows the Hansen twofer tackle, and the 44 chasedown.  But the youtube clip has more.

Future coach?  well, like you say, Miller has the ST coordinator spot locked up as long as the mafia is in charge.  But there are LB coaches, and other spots.  Sounds like he's a Bomber for life and a Winnipegger beyond his career.