Sask at Winnipeg - pre game discussion

[gobombersgo]

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Makonzo is still listed on the 6-game, didn't think those guys were allowed to practice.

[Blue In BC]

Makonzo is still listed on the 6-game, didn't think those guys were allowed to practice.

He's on his 3rd stint on the 6 game IR. This is week 5 of that sting so he's eligible to practice.

We should see Houston back in this week. Wheatfall probably replaces Mitchell although a small chance both are on the AR. But we know that's a ratio shift. The only chance it does happen is if they don't expect Demski to play.

Griffin is back practising but was limited so maybe he's back for a play off game?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He's on his 3rd stint on the 6 game IR. This is week 5 of that sting so he's eligible to practice.

We should see Houston back in this week. Wheatfall probably replaces Mitchell although a small chance both are on the AR. But we know that's a ratio shift. The only chance it does happen is if they don't expect Demski to play.

Griffin is back practising but was limited so maybe he's back for a play off game?

Unlikely Makonzo gets any playing time this season, if both sides are willing he might get a chance to try again next year, his football career is on shaky ground.

[Tecno]

Not to be a naysayer, but Schoen doesn't exist anymore. The healthy version hasn't existed in 2 years and isn't coming back.

I don't know.  I don't even know if WFC will drop him in the off-season.  Knowing our luck we'll cut him and he'll sign wherever for cheap and beat 100% healthy all 2026 and be a top 3 REC.

What does it cost to sign/renegotiate Schoen in '26 to a very cheap contract ($125?) with incentives and no bonus, then if he pulls a 2025 we just plop him on the 6G all year?  It literally costs us no SMS, so no risk.  If he's healthy we win, if not who cares, it'll just be like '25.  Just make sure you have another top guy to take his place all season regardless (maybe Gino!).  Then Schoen becomes the gravy, not the meat & potatoes you pin your season on.

[Tecno]

What were those plays actually called as?  Do we need a more balanced run/pass offence?  Are we shifting appropriately from pass heavy to run heavy or vice versa depending on the score?

I think we don't do the "read 1 and 2 are it, must work, must throw to them" thing some teams do sometimes (see MTL).  I think we always give Zach at least 3 reads (plus maybe a dump).  And I think there's very often a deep option.  And Zach has heuristics he uses as to when he chooses the deep one.

So it's not that Hogan is calling deep, it's that he usually gives it to Zach as an option, even if first read is in the flat or something.  I don't think I've ever seen us scheme so that Zach is given "deep pass only or you're screwed".

The choice to take those shots is 100% on Zach thinking they are open or will make the 50/50.  When it's 1 on 1, he's generally right (even if execution at both ends sucks); but when FS/DB help comes over then he's clearly making mistakes.

[Tecno]

If we get out to a lead, I really hope they sit Zach while he's ahead and confident.

As proof that CFL teams don't really do that, see MTL vs OTT.  MTL was 2.5 TDs ahead a lot of the game and they never sat Alexander.  And that was against OTT who literally had no hope vs MTL no matter who was at QB.

As such, MOS will never sit Zach, unless we're up maybe 3.5 TDs -- even then...

[RebusRankin]

Its not worth bringing Schoen back for next year. Serious injuries the past three seasons + higher cost = not worth the risk.

[Jesse]

I don't know.  I don't even know if WFC will drop him in the off-season.  Knowing our luck we'll cut him and he'll sign wherever for cheap and beat 100% healthy all 2026 and be a top 3 REC.

What does it cost to sign/renegotiate Schoen in '26 to a very cheap contract ($125?) with incentives and no bonus, then if he pulls a 2025 we just plop him on the 6G all year?  It literally costs us no SMS, so no risk.  If he's healthy we win, if not who cares, it'll just be like '25.  Just make sure you have another top guy to take his place all season regardless (maybe Gino!).  Then Schoen becomes the gravy, not the meat & potatoes you pin your season on.

I didn't mean that he would be re-signed, just that I don't expect to ever see the rookie version of him again.

[dd]

I didn't mean that he would be re-signed, just that I don't expect to ever see the rookie version of him again.

You're right. This year's version was a shadow of his rookie season, wincing after every play, and then he got hurt. I think he's done, and if he does come back, he ll be lucky to be the 2025 version and a far cry from his rookie season. Injuries are cruel.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I didn't mean that he would be re-signed, just that I don't expect to ever see the rookie version of him again.

If he wants to continue playing I believe MOS is going to give Dalton Schoen every chance to do so until he quits, he may have to reinvent his game but he is smart enough to do so. He could become a short possession receiver that acts as a floating relief valve.

[Tecno]

I didn't mean that he would be re-signed, just that I don't expect to ever see the * rookie version of him again.

* rookie = 1st 2 years in this case.  He was monster in both '22 and '23.  Injuries didn't really hit hard until '24.

[wpg#1]

Completely off topic, sort of .. but is it just me or does Mace look like he's standing falling asleep on the sidelines?

[theaardvark]

I don't think the team needs to even have a lead to get Wilson a series or two.  "load management" would allow us to give Zach a rest if the D has a quick turnaround on a series.  Trot Wilson out and let Zach recover for the next series. 

Might even wake up a little competitive spirit, light the fire under Zach, and even Streveler, especially if Wilson comes in and does a Dru.  But it would mean giving him some reps this week, and making sure he know that he is going in.  Throwing any backup in cold is not ideal.  Yes, they are supposed to always be ready, and professional, but the difference between emergency sub vs. planned sub is night and day.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I don't think the team needs to even have a lead to get Wilson a series or two.  "load management" would allow us to give Zach a rest if the D has a quick turnaround on a series.  Trot Wilson out and let Zach recover for the next series. 

Might even wake up a little competitive spirit, light the fire under Zach, and even Streveler, especially if Wilson comes in and does a Dru.  But it would mean giving him some reps this week, and making sure he know that he is going in.  Throwing any backup in cold is not ideal.  Yes, they are supposed to always be ready, and professional, but the difference between emergency sub vs. planned sub is night and day.

It would be nice to see but they're currently fighting for their playoff lives, don't think any of this is going to happen.