What QB should start game 1 (week 2)?

[TecnoGenius]

A new thread for who can best handle starting QB in game 1 when Zach serves his suspension.

[TecnoGenius]

My personal thoughts:

I think if Strev is 90%+ it'll be Strev.  If not then surely Wilson.

I don't think Patterson will be anywhere near up to speed on the book by then.

Depending on how much Dolegala learned last season, it may be really sucking about now that we just released him like a few days ago.  He may have been the best bet if Strev is not good to go.

If it's Wilson, this'll be a great "second chance" for him to redeem himself from the deflation that was the GC.

[TecnoGenius]

Why not let the incoming QB's compete for the start in TC and the pre-season games, imagine real competition, the QB who performs the best gets the start.

Yes, clearly that is what will happen.  However, there has got to be favorites already.  MOS probably has a hunch of what 1 or 2 guys have a shot at starting week 1.

This poll is for "based on what we know now" and/or who would you personally like to see get a shot at shining.

[Waffler]

Yes, clearly that is what will happen. However, there has got to be favorites already. MOS probably has a hunch of what 1 or 2 guys have a shot at starting week 1.

This poll is for "based on what we know now" and/or who would you personally like to see get a shot at shining.

Agree. Someone could shine in limited game reps but that does not make them #2 on an MOS team. 

I would guess Strev if able then Patterson, him being the only other that has started a game at this level.

[Waffler]

You can remove Elgersma.  Signing with Green Bay.

https://x.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/1920201518373834818

[Waffler]

Maybe it will be Dolegala after all.

[Jesse]

If Strev can walk, it's him. There's not a competition.

[Pigskin]

You can remove Elgersma.  Signing with Green Bay.

https://x.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/1920201518373834818

Good for Elgersma.

[Pete]

You can remove Elgersma.  Signing with Green Bay.

https://x.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/1920201518373834818

not a bad thing, he would'nt have seen much action here, this way he gets some coaching and experience without it costing us a year on his contract. Chances are we may see him later in the year or next similar to Nathan Rourke

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

If Strev can walk, it's him. There's not a competition.

Please review games Strev. played in last season, past performance suggests he could never beat a decent Lions team.

[Waffler]

Or maybe he never comes. An article I read says they hope he can be #2 in Green Bay in 2026. He will compete for #3 this year and if he doesn't get that he will get PR'ed. They consider him raw but has all the tools they want. Live arm impressed as does arm length, hand size etc., things you don't hear about in the CFL.

[Pete]

Or maybe he never comes. An article I read says they hope he can be #2 in Green Bay in 2026. He will compete for #3 this year and if he doesn't get that he will get PR'ed. They consider him raw but has all the tools they want. Live arm impressed as does arm length, hand size etc., things you don't hear about in the CFL.

where have we heard that before... he gets pr'ed then sits, they then draft a qb high  and he gets waived to another pr who again would rather roster a player they used a high draft pick on etc etc

[TecnoGenius]

Please review games Strev. played in last season, past performance suggests he could never beat a decent Lions team.

Lions gonna be decent?        

We usually win games vs BC via superior D anyhow, so maybe it won't matter as much if we start a weaker QB.  Well, that's my dream anyhow.

[Waffler]

Lions gonna be decent?        

We usually win games vs BC via superior D anyhow, so maybe it won't matter as much if we start a weaker QB.  Well, that's my dream anyhow.

The question is if Buck shows us anything we don't already know about.

[Blueforlife]

Wilson for me.  He has the tools and some experience with us.  But Strev if healthy a good option or maybe a little combo platter.  Camp and preseason will be very telling.  My preference is Wilson as I like his tool kit.

Thanks for making the thread and nice work on the poll, it's horse race with a photo finish!

[TecnoGenius]

Wilson for me.  He has the tools and some experience with us.  But Strev if healthy a good option or maybe a little combo platter.

Yup, if Strev is healthy for sure we could see a combo platter with Wilson.  You maybe set it up as a 1a/1b and alternate a bit until you see who has the hot hand (or legs!).  We are kind of a "hot hand" team anyhow, at least we were under Buck.

But if Patterson somehow wins the job in TC then it'll probably be just 100% Patterson except SY.  If that happens, I'll be so thankful we're not playing in SSK!  That would get rowdy real quick.

[dd]

Wilson, are you kidding me?? This is the same guy who we didn't put in the GC when Collaros was hurt. Not a chance. We go with Patterson, who has CFL real game experience. He won't know the playbook as well as Wilson, but he's shown he can move the ball better than Dolegala did in Sask. Of course, if Strevy is good to go, he gets the nod, no questions asked. But Wilson would be my 3rd choice. I guess training camp and pre season reps will clear this mystery up. I am hoping we go more #1 team reps in pre season this year vs last years disasterous start. .

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

where have we heard that before... he gets pr'ed then sits, they then draft a qb high  and he gets waived to another pr who again would rather roster a player they used a high draft pick on etc etc

If Elgersma doesn't show up at all this season it's going to leave some bad vibes, looking back it appears Ty Ford wasn't all that interested in playing or staying in Wpg.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I think of the options Patterson is probably the most talented QB before camp starts. Opinions will absolutely become more informed as training camp goes on.

Game one though? Maybe some kinda combination of Streveler/whoever wins the number 2 job.

[TecnoGenius]

In the MOS interview with the farmer hat posted in the rookie camp thread, he says  very clearly Strevy is "ready".

So it'll be a tough TC competition and looks like Strev's is the current favorite.

They didn't mention any of the other QB options.  But to be clear, MOS didn't say the name Strev in any relation to game 1, but it can be inferred by the temporal relation of the two questions/issues.

[Jesse]

Or maybe he never comes. An article I read says they hope he can be #2 in Green Bay in 2026. He will compete for #3 this year and if he doesn't get that he will get PR'ed. They consider him raw but has all the tools they want. Live arm impressed as does arm length, hand size etc., things you don't hear about in the CFL.

Not saying it's impossible, but if they felt that highly about him, he probably would have been drafted.

[Jesse]

In the MOS interview with the farmer hat posted in the rookie camp thread, he says  very clearly Strevy is "ready".

So it'll be a tough TC competition and looks like Strev's is the current favorite.

They didn't mention any of the other QB options.  But to be clear, MOS didn't say the name Strev in any relation to game 1, but it can be inferred by the temporal relation of the two questions/issues.

This team doesn't really do TC competitions. Strev was the #2 when he went down. It's his team until week 2 now.

[Blueforlife]

This team doesn't really do TC competitions. Strev was the #2 when he went down. It's his team until week 2 now.

100% disagree that we dont do TC competitions.

[GOLDMEMBER]

This team doesn't really do TC competitions. Strev was the #2 when he went down. It's his team until week 2 now.

I hope your wrong with this statement.

[Jesse]

100% disagree that we dont do TC competitions.

We saw this with the OL last year. 2 starting positions were open and it was decided before the players hit the field.

But especially in situations where there's already a guy in the role, like Strev.

[markf]

article about Patterson while in the UFL.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/shea-patterson-usfl-stats-michigan-panthers-release/j8okdu6fxvqshzan9qqvpggq

Also

" The 27-year-old Patterson joined the Riders in 2023 and dressed for 13 games, seeing sporadic action as a short-yardage quarterback. After finishing his career at Michigan he went undrafted and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but didn't crack the roster. Patterson took his talents north to the CFL, he dressed for five games with the Montreal Alouettes in 2021 and then played for the Michigan Panthers and New Orleans Breakers of the USFL in 2022."


He's 27.

[Ridermania]

Maybe it will be Dolegala after all.

Bombers released Dolegala a couple of weeks ago. 

[blue_or_die]

Is the question "who do we think should" or "who probably will"?

If the former, whoever performs best in camp and preseason.

If the latter, Strev.

[GOLDMEMBER]

I think Patterson starts week one. Darn shame about Zach. Call it built in motivation now!

[Blueforlife]

We saw this with the OL last year. 2 starting positions were open and it was decided before the players hit the field.

But especially in situations where there's already a guy in the role, like Strev.

100% disagree with your original statement, the club evaluates it's talent all the time and makes adjustments as needed.  You are over generalizing and wrong imo.  The level of competition is generally based on how many players are in camp for each position, their health, experience, cost, attitude, nationality and talent on the field (among many other factors I'm sure).  The organization is always evaluating that in camp, preseason, reg. season, off season and will bring in new faces as needed (PR).  I will not comment on the OL from last year can't remember what happened there exactly.  Our QB battle will be a good one imo and can't wait to find out the pecking order!

[Jesse]

100% disagree with your original statement, the club evaluates it's talent all the time and makes adjustments as needed.  You are over generalizing and wrong imo.  The level of competition is generally based on how many players are in camp for each position, their health, experience, cost, attitude, nationality and talent on the field (among many other factors I'm sure).  The organization is always evaluating that in camp, preseason, reg. season, off season and will bring in new faces as needed (PR).  I will not comment on the OL from last year can't remember what happened there exactly.  Our QB battle will be a good one imo and can't wait to find out the pecking order!

The thing is, you're not disagreeing with me because you can prove otherwise, you're disagreeing with me because you think I'm saying nothing negative against the club; if you can find an example of an incumbent starter losing their spot in TC or preseason, by all means offer one.

We've all talked about MOS' loyalty until blue in the face. For good and for ill, MOS puts his faith in his starters and, as we repeatedly see, those starters often don't participate much in TC and often don't participate in the preseason. I'm sure we'll see Strev take the first snaps in TC and whether he plays in the preseason or not, he'll be behind centre in week one.

[Blueforlife]

The thing is, you're not disagreeing with me because you can prove otherwise, you're disagreeing with me because you think I'm saying nothing negative against the club; if you can find an example of an incumbent starter losing their spot in TC or preseason, by all means offer one.

We've all talked about MOS' loyalty until blue in the face. For good and for ill, MOS puts his faith in his starters and, as we repeatedly see, those starters often don't participate much in TC and often don't participate in the preseason. I'm sure we'll see Strev take the first snaps in TC and whether he plays in the preseason or not, he'll be behind centre in week one.

Let's review what I disagreed with.  There is no right or wrong, nothing to do with positive or negative, just two peoples opinions.

"This team doesn't really do TC competitions. Strev was the #2 when he went down. It's his team until week 2 now."

It's a false statement to say the Bombers don't really do TC competitions imo and what I disagred with.  Each year what about 100 players come in, after a lot of recruitment and mini camps to professionally compete for a roster spot.  I believe every year the Bombers really do TC comps.  That is all.  Agree to disagree.  Always lots of roster movements.  Yes we have had a vetern core but there is always lots of turnover with any club and we have had great success with both vets and new faces.  Lots of new faces this year with lots of jobs on the line.

My opinion is based on decades of following the club.  Cfl camps are always highly competitive and one of best parts of the season is seeing who wins critical positions.  The battles are in depth positions and STs for most part.

[TecnoGenius]

Is the question "who do we think should" or "who probably will"?

If the former, whoever performs best in camp and preseason.

If the latter, Strev.

The question is "you're the HC, if you have to choose the guy tonight to play game 2 tomorrow, what QB do you pick?"

[TecnoGenius]

if you can find an example of an incumbent starter losing their spot in TC or preseason, by all means offer one.

It's rare, but it does happen.  No one is ever set in stone.

The ones I can recall are:

- whoever D. Alford replaced
- whoever Schoen replaced

Especially Alford was just another of a million DBs brought in to try out.  He was so good instantly in camp ("best hips ever") that whoever was penciled in that spot before he showed up was quickly moved or PR'd.  The normal course is to have the new DB PR and DI for a year, or get a shot when injuries crop up (like Bonds/Bridges).

As for Schoen, I can't remember who exactly he displaced, but he also won a fast-track to starting week 1 by beating everyone in TC.  I can't remember the quotes, but it was along the lines of "best dynamic receiver rookie to show up to camp in years".  Maybe it was Darvin's spot, so was wide open, but I think Agudosi, McKnight and Ellingson were the favorites for that spot, as some had starts in prior years?

So you're both right.

However, out of all the spots that are more "written in stone" before TC, it's probably TC.  Hard for super-skill spots to have a rookie just jump off the page in camp.  For instance, who was that QB that lit it up in PS I think 2 seasons ago and we dumped him like a week later.

[Jesse]

It's rare, but it does happen.  No one is ever set in stone.

The ones I can recall are:

- whoever D. Alford replaced
- whoever Schoen replaced

Neither displaced an existing starter.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Neither displaced an existing starter.

Kramdi dispaced somebody mid-season, the DB they brought over from Hamilton, don't think it was Anthony Gaitor.

[TecnoGenius]

Kramdi dispaced somebody mid-season, the DB they brought over from Hamilton, don't think it was Anthony Gaitor.

Probably Rutledge.  He'd Gaitor'd himself right out of town.  Strange situation.

However, that's not a TC example as was requested.  We do often do late-season change-ups at SAM, WILL and DB (even excluding injuries).  Like quite often.

[TecnoGenius]

Neither displaced an existing starter.

I'd have to go back and check the roster and off-season losses to be sure.  So you're saying both were simple cases of open spots due to FA losses and these guys simply were the best of the replacements?

[Jesse]

I'd have to go back and check the roster and off-season losses to be sure.  So you're saying both were simple cases of open spots due to FA losses and these guys simply were the best of the replacements?

Yup.

Heading into 2021, Alford, Nichols, and Houston were all listed as back-ups to Mike Jones entering training camp with some place holders listed as the starters at CB and HB.

Schoen came on after Lawler bailed to Edmonton.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yup.

Heading into 2021, Alford, Nichols, and Houston were all listed as back-ups to Mike Jones entering training camp with some place holders listed as the starters at CB and HB.

Schoen came on after Lawler bailed to Edmonton.

Schoen

Probably Rutledge.  He'd Gaitor'd himself right out of town.  Strange situation.

However, that's not a TC example as was requested.  We do often do late-season change-ups at SAM, WILL and DB (even excluding injuries).  Like quite often.

Twasn't Rutledge, Alden Darby who they traded for twice, first time in 2019 they sent OL Terry Poole to the Argos, Darby left Wpg. in FA after winning a GC and being named a CFL West All-Star.  Second time 2022 they traded  Cedric Wilcots to the Ti-Cats for him, Wiki says he sustained a serious injury in 2023 that ended his season and his career, so I guess Kramdi didn't directly take his job either.

[TecnoGenius]

So with the poll closed, Strev is the clear winner, getting more votes than the next 2 combined.

Patterson/Wilson are neck and neck in 2nd place.

I'm actually a bit surprised as many vocal posters really don't like Strev as a legit #2 (and #1 fill-in when Zach is out).  I guess there's a silent majority who either like Strev, or think MOS will choose Strev.

So it's a good thing that Strev is looking pretty darn healthy in TC!  We'll see if the forum is right with this prediction in a few weeks!

[Jesse]

So with the poll closed, Strev is the clear winner, getting more votes than the next 2 combined.

Patterson/Wilson are neck and neck in 2nd place.

I'm actually a bit surprised as many vocal posters really don't like Strev as a legit #2 (and #1 fill-in when Zach is out).  I guess there's a silent majority who either like Strev, or think MOS will choose Strev.

So it's a good thing that Strev is looking pretty darn healthy in TC!  We'll see if the forum is right with this prediction in a few weeks!

I think Strev will be the one. I absolutely don't see him as a legit starter.

I also don't believe Zach's replacement is on the roster, so might as well be Strev, I guess.

[theaardvark]

I think Streveler is a potent player, and had his spot.

Starter, I think other teams can gameplan against him too easily.

SY, then stay in for first and 10 with their Jumbo out there, he will be a disrupter.  2nd and short, step to the line and drop back, massive potential for harm.  He has package capabilities, and can spell an aging Collaros quite effectively.

And should we develop a new guy to replace Collaros, spelling a new guy is just as important. 

Love Strevey, love what he brings on and off the field, and hope he gets utilized to his full potential here.

Not sure that the Woli move was the best idea if Streveler is etched in stone, but no doubt he is a team guy first.  Would not put it past Goveia to come after Strevey, either during the season through trade, or in FA.  If we have a solid QB corps and Elgersma comes north, Goveia might get his wish. 

[Jesse]

Not sure that the Woli move was the best idea if Streveler is etched in stone, but no doubt he is a team guy first.  Would not put it past Goveia to come after Strevey, either during the season through trade, or in FA.  If we have a solid QB corps and Elgersma comes north, Goveia might get his wish. 

What does Woli have to do with Strev? Because they were friends? I think you're reaching for something that isn't there.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Zach's suspension threw a spanner in the works, instead of having a real competition to find the next best QB in TC, it sure looks like MOS defaulted to elevating Strev. for the early season start before TC even began.  Hopefully it's only a temp. arrangement and they reevaluate the QB room after the game, but it's bad news for the QB's that had their rep count and opportunity to perform cut in TC to accommodate this decision.

EDIT: It was reported somewhere Zach and Strev. are taking the lions share of reps. in practice, so it's semi-obvious they plan to start Strev. in their first game.

[theaardvark]

What does Woli have to do with Strev? Because they were friends? I think you're reaching for something that isn't there.

They are more than friends, best men at each others wedding, going to Australia for it...  these guys are bro's.  And like Tyrell Ford, sometimes you just want to play with your bro.

Not a stretch at all.  All things being equal, Ican see Goveia making a bid that makes Strevy forget his fur coat.

[Jesse]

They are more than friends, best men at each others wedding, going to Australia for it...  these guys are bro's.  And like Tyrell Ford, sometimes you just want to play with your bro.

Not a stretch at all.  All things being equal, Ican see Goveia making a bid that makes Strevy forget his fur coat.

Yes, if Goveia or any other GM offers him more than we do, that is where he will go. Much like Edmonton offered Ford more than we did.

[TecnoGenius]

They are more than friends, best men at each others wedding, going to Australia for it...  these guys are bro's.  And like Tyrell Ford, sometimes you just want to play with your bro.

They also used to be a great connection in-game.  They used to room together and seemed to talk plays & routes and draw up some stuff/tweaks that were unique to the pair.

[theaardvark]

Now you can take Paterson off the poll...

[TecnoGenius]

Now you can take Paterson off the poll...

LOL, ya.

I wonder why we don't do the hold-5-legit-QBs-on-the-roster thing TOR did a while back and then trade for big DPs when the other teams have injuries.  Sometimes it's aggravating how straight-laced and boy-scout Mafia is!  If it's not KISS, it's not within the walls of PAS.

But I'm not complaining, it's worked near perfectly since 2019.  Maybe when you bring on too many complications you lose focus of the things that really matter.  That said, TOR has won 2 cups in 3 years with the word "simple" banned from their dictionary...

[TecnoGenius]

Now you can take Paterson off the poll...

So Paterson was basically just an "insurance rental", kind of like Dolegala.  I'm fine with it.  And a part of me is very glad to see the "Green" QBs shown the door, but that's my blue bias peeking through.

[theaardvark]

I think Paterson was here for a legit look.  He obviously did not fit well enough, or did not have the tools to continue.  Maybe Chase showed really well, or Wilson progressed in the offseason.  Strevy being fully healthy was also a factor.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I think Paterson was here for a legit look.  He obviously did not fit well enough, or did not have the tools to continue.  Maybe Chase showed really well, or Wilson progressed in the offseason.  Strevy being fully healthy was also a factor.

Kinda. Maybe they didn't like the way he studied or something. Perhaps he came to camp without the knowledge they were expecting. Or it could just be they were satisfied with Streveler's knee and the new knowledge Wilson has. But releasing a guy well in advance of the first pre-season game isn't really a legit look at the position. QB is one of those positions where you need the game I think. Not questioning the release so much. But to say he had a legit look would be false in my opinion.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Kinda. Maybe they didn't like the way he studied or something. Perhaps he came to camp without the knowledge they were expecting. Or it could just be they were satisfied with Streveler's knee and the new knowledge Wilson has. But releasing a guy well in advance of the first pre-season game isn't really a legit look at the position. QB is one of those positions where you need the game I think. Not questioning the release so much. But to say he had a legit look would be false in my opinion.

I don't think we should judge Patterson in a negative light, it looks like they made the decision to continue on with the QB's they've already invested in, Strev and Wilson.  It's too bad they didn't give him the chance to show what he could do in game time.  Have to remember he came out of left field last season to win the Riders back up job over incumbents Dolegala and Fine who had been in the Rider system for a couple of years each.  If he keeps applying he'll probably pop back up again somewhere later this season as an injury replacement, maybe even in Wpg.

[theaardvark]

Kinda. Maybe they didn't like the way he studied or something. Perhaps he came to camp without the knowledge they were expecting. Or it could just be they were satisfied with Streveler's knee and the new knowledge Wilson has. But releasing a guy well in advance of the first pre-season game isn't really a legit look at the position. QB is one of those positions where you need the game I think. Not questioning the release so much. But to say he had a legit look would be false in my opinion.

We have game film of his performances.  So that was un-necessary.  What was needed was to see how he fit, what is work ethic is like, what his ability to learn the new system is.  Looks like he failed, or at least did not outperform his competition.

[TecnoGenius]

Have to remember he came out of left field last season to win the Riders back up job over incumbents Dolegala and Fine who had been in the Rider system for a couple of years each.

Ya, but it's not hard to win out over Dolegala and Fine!  Fine's so bad he never got hired here in WPG as post-season insurance!   

I agree with others, it appears Wilson showed enough improvement and can-do attitude that he won his spot back.  Maybe that's all we ever wanted!?

Man, I sure hope Wilson isn't the next Dom Davis though.      

[Jesse]

I'm absolutely of the opinion that Patterson (and Dolegala) we're merely kept on the roster as insurance/emergency place holders.

Once Streveler showed that he was healthy enough to practice and Wilson came in and he hadn't gained 40 lbs in the off season - the insurance policy was no longer needed.

[Pete]

They also used to be a great connection in-game.  They used to room together and seemed to talk plays & routes and draw up some stuff/tweaks that were unique to the pair.

I would think its more likely hamilton goes after Collaros, his family is around there isn:t  it? ( Not to mention Lawler Woli Dobson etc etc

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Ya, but it's not hard to win out over Dolegala and Fine!  Fine's so bad he never got hired here in WPG as post-season insurance!   

I agree with others, it appears Wilson showed enough improvement and can-do attitude that he won his spot back.  Maybe that's all we ever wanted!?

Man, I sure hope Wilson isn't the next Dom Davis though.      

A lot of QB's have better athletic tools than Zach, Dom Davis definitely did, where most fall down is on the mental side of the game.  Can they read and understand a defence in flux quickly and do they have the confidence to be decisive and command their teammates on the field? Doing well in game action is the litmus test, a test the majority of QB's fail.  Hopefully Wilson can demonstrate early on he has the ability to proceed, if not cut bait and switch gears by season's end

I think Dru Brown is a good example of a player that has great mental command of the game and mediocre physical tools, they're adequate but not great.

[theaardvark]

I would think its more likely hamilton goes after Collaros, his family is around there isn:t  it? ( Not to mention Lawler Woli Dobson etc etc

Collaros to replace Mitchell?  Really?

Zach will retire after the 2025 GC, I'd bet money on that one.  He was ready years ago until Nichols went down and his career was reborn.

[Jesse]

Collaros to replace Mitchell?  Really?

Zach will retire after the 2025 GC, I'd bet money on that one.  He was ready years ago until Nichols went down and his career was reborn.

I would not be shocked at all to see Zach return in 2026. He's openly talked about it.

[theaardvark]

I would not be shocked at all to see Zach return in 2026. He's openly talked about it.

I don't doubt it is a possibility is there is "unfinished business".  But if we finish the business this year, I have a feeling he will "go out on top".

[Jesse]

I don't doubt it is a possibility is there is "unfinished business".  But if we finish the business this year, I have a feeling he will "go out on top".

That's a media/fan narrative. We want our players/teams to write the perfect story.

Players play as long as they feel they can. I don't think Zach believes he's done yet, unfinished business or not (imo).

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

That's a media/fan narrative. We want our players/teams to write the perfect story.

Players play as long as they feel they can. I don't think Zach believes he's done yet, unfinished business or not (imo).

Not easy to find someone that wants to pay you $500k per year to perform, also hard to turn away from once yer gettin it.