What's your opinion of successful season?

Started by Blueforlife, October 27, 2024, 08:03:50 PM

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?

Put up a good fight in the final
1 (2.8%)
Win final
7 (19.4%)
Put up a good fight in GC
3 (8.3%)
Win it all baby
16 (44.4%)
Already there, class of the West
9 (25%)

Total Members Voted: 36

Blueforlife

I'm already happy and really proud of this club but want to make the cup to be satisfied

Patience paid off

ModAdmin

Ultimate success clearly is winning the Grey Cup. That is the goal of management, players and fans.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

Blue In BC

I voted for already there. Obviously we want to win the Grey Cup but we're in anything can happen time now. We just saw how weather can impact a game. Wind, rain and snow with an odd shaped ball that doesn't always bounce in a given teams favour.

Injuries did us in in 2023. At the moment we're relatively healthy but that can change in an instant.

I think we have the perfect opportunity to win it all this year and I'll be disappointed if we don't.

We'd like to see payback against the East after the last 2 Grey Cups.
Take no prisoners

Pete

This has been a strange season, we went in excited about our offence, having signed Schoen and Olivera. But they struggled out of the gate.
 In 2019 we had the Dark side defense, this year it feels more like the smoke and mirrors defense. Other teams seemed to move the ball easily,but at the end of the day we gave up less points than any other team.
 Given the amount of changes espec. On d (last game 8 of 12 weren't starters last year) to finish 1st is pretty impressive

Jesse

There's nothing successful about this season so far. We took a lot of steps back in many ways, so losing before we get to the Grey Cup would make this year an abject failure.

The bar is high, but making the Grey Cup for 5 straight years but losing three straight would also leave a sour taste in our mouths.

Win it all, guys.
My wife is amazing!

Sir Blue and Gold

#5
I'm actually pretty content. I have no problem with the Grey Cup or bust mantra but I think it doesn't really tell the whole story.

We're killing it off the field. We've hosted four straight west finals. We absolutely have the most fun atmosphere each home game. We're in the throes of one of the most successful runs in franchise history. What is our home record lately? It's absurd.

It would be nice to win the Grey Cup every year but I don't define success or failure in that narrow lense exclusively.

I think it's been a successful season no matter what happens now. If we win it will be even sweeter.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Pete on October 27, 2024, 08:51:05 PMIn 2019 we had the Dark side defense, this year it feels more like the smoke and mirrors defense. Other teams seemed to move the ball easily,but at the end of the day we gave up less points than any other team.

Yes, what we're doing on D needs studying.  We look great, then we give up a 20-50Y run every other game.  We also give up the odd deep shot.

What if those few explosions aren't a mistake but part of the system?  Maybe we try harder to take away the "bread & butter" plays: the 8Y 1st down plays and the 6Y 2nd down conversions, and the odd 15Y shot.

On the ground we seem to try taking away the expected run, like 1st down runs by the few "running teams".  We may be "giving up" the "unexpected" run, like 2nd & long, or one by a run-last team.

In short, maybe we concentrate on the 80%-probability play at the expense of the 20%.  Even though that 20% can give an opponent huge yards (and look really ugly), clearly it's not enough for teams to beat us sometimes.

Maybe Younger is a poker player and he knows if he plays the odds, he'll win more often than not.
Never go full Rider!

dd

I d say we've had a successful season thus far---remember the start of our season???!! If you'd have said chill out we'll be first in the west, most would have laughed you off this forum. But we clawed our way back. That in itself is success, but realy success comes in the form of playoff wins, I want us to win the west, that's my bar for a successful season, hopefully we win the Grey Cup, but nothing is guaranteed, all the teams in the playoffs could win it, just get hot at the right time and ride it out. I m just hoping this year its us that's doing that.

pdirks67

We were an aging team coming into this season. And when we started so slow, I thought this might be a reset year. Taking first was a massive accomplishment, and I think that this has already been a successful year. I think that home field advantage will allow us to sneak out a win. But we'll be underdogs in the Grey Cup. But the second best team often wins the Cup (see Montreal, last year).

There will be more new faces than normal in the dressing room next year.

ModAdmin

Next year will be interesting for sure.  This year, we have overcome adversity, injuries and yet have somehow overcome these and are now in the Western Final.  Next year is next year.  But the motivation to go all the way in 2024 will take the Bombers to a Grey Cup win.  My early prediction!
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

TecnoGenius

Quote from: pdirks67 on October 28, 2024, 02:57:57 AMWe were an aging team coming into this season.
...
There will be more new faces than normal in the dressing room next year.

Not necessarily.  Because of all the injuries, many to the oldsters, we've gotten a premature (extended!) peek at many younger guys.  And many of them have proven worth keeping around.

For example, I think we've found our answer at MLB if Biggie retires.
Never go full Rider!

theaardvark

I think the poll is substantially different today from week 5...

Then, making the playoffs would have been the goal.

Now, as the top team in the league, who just beat the team with the most wins, anything less than winning it all is a bad beat.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Jesse

Quote from: theaardvark on October 28, 2024, 04:00:17 PMI think the poll is substantially different today from week 5...

Then, making the playoffs would have been the goal.

Now, as the top team in the league, who just beat the team with the most wins, anything less than winning it all is a bad beat.

Disagree. The season simply would have already been a failure if we didn't turn it around. Now we have the opportunity to make the season a success.
My wife is amazing!

wpg#1

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on October 27, 2024, 11:08:08 PMI'm actually pretty content. I have no problem with the Grey Cup or bust mantra but I think it doesn't really tell the whole story.

We're killing it off the field. We've hosted four straight west finals. We absolutely have the most fun atmosphere each home game. We're in the throes of one of the most successful runs in franchise history. What is our home record lately? It's absurd.

It would be nice to win the Grey Cup every year but I don't define success or failure in that narrow lense exclusively.

I think it's been a successful season no matter what happens now. If we win it will be even sweeter.
You've said exactly how I feel. At the end of a season I always ask myself, did I have fun ? My answer for this season, and most seasons is YES !!
It would be great to win the Cup, but I'm already happy with how the season has gone.
GO BLUE BOMBERS GO !
COOL BEANS !

ichabod_crane

Just to be in contention after the horrible start. Sort of a crap shoot from here on out as difference between top 5
Teams (excluding Ottawa) is minor. Who gets hot and gets some breaks could win it all. In the end if your lines
Dominate though, you should win. To me that is always the key. Argos D line pushed bombers around that prior game and they can't let that happen again.

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 28, 2024, 05:46:32 AMNot necessarily.  Because of all the injuries, many to the oldsters, we've gotten a premature (extended!) peek at many younger guys.  And many of them have proven worth keeping around.

For example, I think we've found our answer at MLB if Biggie retires.


Problem is there is no indication Biggie intends to retire, he's rehabbing to come back and play and chances are O'Shea plugs him right back in as the starter once he's healthy. I think it will take a Kyle intervention to do the right thing in the off-season and convince O'Shea to move on with the younger Jones.

blue_gold_84

#16
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 28, 2024, 07:19:51 PMProblem is there is no indication Biggie intends to retire, he's rehabbing to come back and play and chances are O'Shea plugs him right back in as the starter once he's healthy. I think it will take a Kyle intervention to do the right thing in the off-season and convince O'Shea to move on with the younger Jones.

Probably because it's too early to make any assumptions one way or the other right now.

There's certainly no need to make presumptuous criticisms of O'Shea right now, either. To say nothing of the ridiculous comment about a GM intervening.
#forthew
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Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on October 28, 2024, 07:27:04 PMProbably because it's too early to make any assumptions one way or the other right now.

There's certainly no need to make presumptuous criticisms of O'Shea right now, either. To say nothing of the ridiculous comment about a GM intervening.

Nothing so ridiculous about it, there is reason to believe both Kyle and Wade have intervened for changes in the past that O'Shea did not want to make. Even a few of the roster decisions made last off-season were likely not to O'Shea's preference. He's 3rd boss in the hierarchy of the mafia and doesn't always get his way.

dd

I think we d be smart to move on from the aging Bighill and the injured Schoen...no sense typing big $$ up on players can have found replacements for and arguably never missed a beat. I'd use the $$ to find us a killer DE and DT

Sir Blue and Gold

We need salary to upgrade the defensive line and if there's an o-line piece available we should do that too.

Better line play would probably win us the Grey Cup this year and I think the lack of pressure will ultimately result in us coming up a bit short.

You obviously need to spend it correctly but assuming the players are there for the signing you do it 100 times out of 100 and if it means losing a receiver or older MLB then it needs to be done.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: dd on October 29, 2024, 12:55:47 AMI think we d be smart to move on from the aging Bighill and the injured Schoen...no sense typing big $$ up on players can have found replacements for and arguably never missed a beat. I'd use the $$ to find us a killer DE and DT

Our O has had only maybe 2 dominant games this season.  Every other game has been won by the D, or the other team being equally anemic or unlucky on O.

What would our O have looked like with Kenny & Schoen healthy at the same time?  (The first game doesn't count as no one was ready.)  Wheatie making mistakes worthy of Zach beration tells me our O is still off-kilter and definitely sub-optimal.  Zach having to direct guys to their spots with 5s left on the play clock in our final game also tells the tale.

So it's not a slam dunk what we do with overpaid Kenny & Schoen in 2025.  I think the best case is Schoen at least takes a big haircut.  Maybe Kenny too... did he get anywhere near 1000 this season?  (Even with injury, it's kind of expected.)  No team can tie up $525k+ in a tub-sitter and a sub-1000er.

I don't have the answers, but I do know the whole O has to be vastly improved next year for the amount of money we throw at them.  Otherwise let the big $$ walk and spend it all on D.
Never go full Rider!

blue_gold_84

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 28, 2024, 08:08:48 PMNothing so ridiculous about it, there is reason to believe both Kyle and Wade have intervened for changes in the past that O'Shea did not want to make. Even a few of the roster decisions made last off-season were likely not to O'Shea's preference. He's 3rd boss in the hierarchy of the mafia and doesn't always get his way.

Do you have any proof to substantiate the claim in bold?
#forthew
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Blue In BC

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on October 29, 2024, 12:04:56 PMDo you have any proof to substantiate the claim in bold?

Miller and Walters are making the SMS spend final decisions against the roster choices. Coaches will always want to retain players that are playing well, but it's never that easy managing the entire roster and SMS spend.

Take no prisoners

blue_gold_84

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 29, 2024, 04:06:16 PMMiller and Walters are making the SMS spend final decisions against the roster choices. Coaches will always want to retain players that are playing well, but it's never that easy managing the entire roster and SMS spend.

I'm not sure that applies to the Bighill situation; he's past his prime. And everyone knows as much, O'Shea included.

I certainly agree it's never easy managing a roster and the SMS but from what I can tell, the Canadian Mafia works together to keep the machine running smoothly week in, week out. And I'd conclude that's evidenced by how successful this organization has been for some time.
I just don't really agree with narrative that Walters has had to intervene on roster decisions. And certainly not from an outsider's perspective and without any substantiation of that narrative.
#forthew
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This is the weirdest timeline.
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Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on October 29, 2024, 12:04:56 PMDo you have any proof to substantiate the claim in bold?

Sorry to disappoint, but there is little concrete proof available for anything ever discussed on this forum, transparency of action and motives being a low value priority of this regime. FIFO doesn't just apply to the players, it's an "us against the world" statement. 

Two examples of interference from above I suspect are the Drew Willy demotion/trade and the greenlight given by Wade to re-sign both Schoen and Brady last season at whatever the cost. There were probably more of these incidents in the early days involving the hiring and firing of co-ordinators when the team was still struggling to find it's way. One thing for sure, it's not a good sign when Wade attends practice.

blue_gold_84

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 29, 2024, 04:44:02 PMSorry to disappoint, but there is little concrete proof available for anything ever discussed on this forum, transparency of action and motives being a low value priority of this regime. FIFO doesn't just apply to the players, it's an "us against the world" statement. 

Two examples of interference from above I suspectare the Drew Willy demotion/trade and the greenlight given by Wade to re-sign both Schoen and Brady last season at whatever the cost. There were probably more of these incidents in the early days involving the hiring and firing of co-ordinators when the team was still struggling to find it's way. One thing for sure, it's not a good sign when Wade attends practice.

Eh, it is what it is.

Couldn't disagree more with your take of the organization/regime, so I'll just leave it at that.
#forthew
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GOLDMEMBER

All a failure unless we win the grey cup.
I LOSHT MY MEMBER IN AN UNFORTUNATE SHMELTING ACCSHIDENT!

Blue In BC

Always lots of thoughts regarding the team for the following season, regardless of how this season ends. It's always an interesting discussion / speculation.

Retirements, actual releases, free agency and the draft are all TBD. The corps should stay intact but like every off season there are some big questions. IIRC there are only a few players that will be potential free agents that will require significant raises like Ford.

I think the bigger questions will fall onto the status of some older vets that may or may not be returning.

Take no prisoners

bluengold204

If your not winning the grey cup the season is a failure

dd

Only one team can win the Grey Cup, so all the other teams had 'failure' seasons?!!? Ridiculous.

Calgary had a failure season!!

We started off poorly, but have went on quite a nice tear to win the Division and host the WF. That in itself is a success.

We uncovered/found new linebackers and recievers to replace some injured high priced help. That in itself is a success.

For sure I want us to win the Cup, but if we fall short, heck, we've had a decent season, I certainly wouldn't call it a failure if the unthinkable happens!!

BBRT

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 29, 2024, 07:20:43 PMAll a failure unless we win the grey cup.

sort of agree - but sitting here in Calgary sure makes anything the Bombers accomplish all good stuff. I have two season tickets (Super Reds) here in Calgary and really wonder why???

Blueforlife

#31
Quote from: Jesse on October 27, 2024, 09:34:29 PMThere's nothing successful about this season so far. We took a lot of steps back in many ways, so losing before we get to the Grey Cup would make this year an abject failure.

The bar is high, but making the Grey Cup for 5 straight years but losing three straight would also leave a sour taste in our mouths.

Win it all, guys.
Yeah I hate finishing 1st, clawing back from the dead and being the hottest club to end the season, having numerous new faces emerge as very good players, over coming key injuries, yup no success this year.  :-\ 

Yup we need playoff success but I believe you are really understating the success we found after falling on our face.  Challenges builds character and I believe our path to the playoffs has strengthened our resolve.

Thanks for the responses everyone nice to see the diversity in the answers.

GOLDMEMBER

Quote from: BBRT on October 29, 2024, 11:00:46 PMsort of agree - but sitting here in Calgary sure makes anything the Bombers accomplish all good stuff. I have two season tickets (Super Reds) here in Calgary and really wonder why???
understood but a good CFL team must cash in while you are up!
I LOSHT MY MEMBER IN AN UNFORTUNATE SHMELTING ACCSHIDENT!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: bluengold204 on October 29, 2024, 09:35:48 PMIf your not winning the grey cup the season is a failure

If you peruse other team forums, you'll come across the odd post that casually mentions how the Bombers aren't as "dominant" as they've been since 2019.  And we get similar chatter here.

For 5 years or so we were like TOR was in '23 and MTL was this year: just couldn't be beat unless it was some weird unlucky trap game.

And it's true: they are right.  We struggled and stunk and clawed our way this season to get where we are.  Nothing was easy.  Every point was a struggle.  Most games came down to the last 3 mins.  No part of our team is dominant.  Every unit has problems.  Some units suck.

Injuries have killed us this season (and still are).  Our desired starter plans have been thrown off since week 1.  Still missing some key guys even now.

So we should be realistic.  I think we should be very happy with making it to the cup because we are now the massive underdog against any MTL or TOR GC matchup.  It will take both our best game PLUS massive luck to win it all against those balanced and well-built, well-coached teams.

Don't get me wrong, I think we can win the GC, just as TOR & MTL beat us when they were the massive underdogs.  But don't put all of your hopes and dreams into that cup, because odds say we won't get it.

I think what the team has done with what they have and iffy pre-season SMS choices and iffy coaching choices is simply astounding.  Winning the W?  Get outta here!  Insane.  They were given lemons and made lemonade, with extra organic cane sugar.  I'm proud of the whole team and club.  Losing in BC on Nov 17 won't change that.
Never go full Rider!