Dillon Mitchell

[Foxhound]

Dillon Mitchell - DNP Non-Injury Related

What's the story on Dillon Mitchell? He's been solid when he's played but Coach O'Shea keeps him out of the lineup. Does O'Shea just not like Mitchell for some sort of disciplinary reasons?

 

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Pick some:

His top speed is about the same as Chris Streveler's.

Jason Hogan can't just copy what Buck did last year because he wasn't here.

He came into camp unprepared and that's the fastest way into O'Shea's doghouse and if it wasn't for the way the contract was set up he wouldn't be here at all.

In the Jason Hogan super system the only spot for a receiver like him is where Wheatfall plays.

He's not QB friendly since he doesn't separate well and he seemingly never earned the trust to go up and get some 50/50 balls. Maybe he just can't.

He's the first guy released as soon as we're bounced. 

Essentially none of our free agents had much of an impact this year (or were given much of an opportunity) and maybe that's not an accident.

[Big Daddy]

Pick some:

His top speed is about the same as Chris Streveler's.

Jason Hogan can't just copy what Buck did last year because he wasn't here.

He came into camp unprepared and that's the fastest way into O'Shea's doghouse and if it wasn't for the way the contract was set up he wouldn't be here at all.

In the Jason Hogan super system the only spot for a receiver like him is where Wheatfall plays.

He's not QB friendly since he doesn't separate well and he seemingly never earned the trust to go up and get some 50/50 balls. Maybe he just can't.

He's the first guy released as soon as we're bounced. 

Essentially none of our free agents had much of an impact this year (or were given much of an opportunity) and maybe that's not an accident.

Well said.  I had hopes for Mitchell that he would be a surprise signing that worked well - no expectations that he would fill the gap left by Lawler, just hoping he would be better than a decent FA signing.  Unfortunately it didn't work out that way.

You've put a number of reasons why it didn't work, sure would be interesting to know which ones are most accurate.  Gotta wonder - the fact he never cracked the lineup in almost the first half of the season, there had to be something that rubbed Osh the wrong way.

[Tecno]

Pick some:

His top speed is about the same as Chris Streveler's.

Uh, the dude was doing go & corner deep routes like mad in his rookie year.  He was beating everyone and also getting tons of YAC.  He looked like the next top-5 REC.  He was super fast.

Everyone thought his lack of production in EDM last season was due to them sucking.

Not many would have guessed he come here and be near useless!  I guess we now know why EDM easily gave him up.

I have no idea why he can't be like his rookie year.  He hasn't really had any gonna-slow-you-down-forever injuries.

But we should have dealt with this much earlier.  Now is not the time to start barely-here Echols or Elgersma or whoever!  It should have been figured out 6 weeks ago!

As such I don't see how you don't roll with Mitchell.  Someone just smack him upside the head and tell him to look alive.  This is his career on the line.  What is he, Chris Matthews on his return here?  Act like you care!!

[Blue In BC]

Uh, the dude was doing go & corner deep routes like mad in his rookie year.  He was beating everyone and also getting tons of YAC.  He looked like the next top-5 REC.  He was super fast.

Everyone thought his lack of production in EDM last season was due to them sucking.

Not many would have guessed he come here and be near useless!  I guess we now know why EDM easily gave him up.

I have no idea why he can't be like his rookie year.  He hasn't really had any gonna-slow-you-down-forever injuries.

But we should have dealt with this much earlier.  Now is not the time to start barely-here Echols or Elgersma or whoever!  It should have been figured out 6 weeks ago!

As such I don't see how you don't roll with Mitchell.  Someone just smack him upside the head and tell him to look alive.  This is his career on the line.  What is he, Chris Matthews on his return here?  Act like you care!!

He has to replace Wheatfall who has been here since 2024. I don't know why he isn't practising though. We could still have injuries in the playoffs.

[Waffler]

He signed a one year deal. They will just not sign him, no need to release. I am sure they will tell him that in a post season meeting.

[Jesse]

Uh, the dude was doing go & corner deep routes like mad in his rookie year.  He was beating everyone and also getting tons of YAC.  He looked like the next top-5 REC.  He was super fast.

Everyone thought his lack of production in EDM last season was due to them sucking.

Not many would have guessed he come here and be near useless!  I guess we now know why EDM easily gave him up.

I have no idea why he can't be like his rookie year.  He hasn't really had any gonna-slow-you-down-forever injuries.

But we should have dealt with this much earlier.  Now is not the time to start barely-here Echols or Elgersma or whoever!  It should have been figured out 6 weeks ago!

As such I don't see how you don't roll with Mitchell.  Someone just smack him upside the head and tell him to look alive.  This is his career on the line.  What is he, Chris Matthews on his return here?  Act like you care!!

His production was probably bloated because they sucked. Just chucked it to him deep all the time because they were always losing and didn't have better options.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He's have to replace Wheatfall who has been here since 2024. I don't know why he isn't practising though. We could still have injuries in the playoffs.

He might be headed to the PR before this weekends game, Echols replaced him as backup.

[Blue In BC]

He might be headed to the PR before this weekends game, Echols replaced him as backup.

Neither will be on the AR this week. Wilson will be back after a week on the 1 game IR as were about 8 starters.

[Blueforlife]

Uh, the dude was doing go & corner deep routes like mad in his rookie year.  He was beating everyone and also getting tons of YAC.  He looked like the next top-5 REC.  He was super fast.

Everyone thought his lack of production in EDM last season was due to them sucking.

Not many would have guessed he come here and be near useless!  I guess we now know why EDM easily gave him up.

I have no idea why he can't be like his rookie year.  He hasn't really had any gonna-slow-you-down-forever injuries.

But we should have dealt with this much earlier.  Now is not the time to start barely-here Echols or Elgersma or whoever!  It should have been figured out 6 weeks ago!

As such I don't see how you don't roll with Mitchell.  Someone just smack him upside the head and tell him to look alive.  This is his career on the line.  What is he, Chris Matthews on his return here?  Act like you care!!

Yup showed promise and speed.  For Sir BnG to suggest he is as fast as Strev is off the mark big time.  Yeah the guy didn't work out but let's not pile on imo.

[dd]

Ya, I just don't know what and who to believe. Talk was he came into camp out of shape, which really would have peeved MOS. So he's in the doghouse. But he did make some very decent plays last year on a horrible Edmonton team, so the talent was there, I saw it for myself. Seems he has never gotten out of the doghouse and if Wheatfield is in his spot, let him go there during the nothing Montreal game and see if he does anything much like all the other newbies did. But just not using him at all is a very bad look on the FA signing we committed some decent $$ to.

[Tecno]

He signed a one year deal. They will just not sign him, no need to release. I am sure they will tell him that in a post season meeting.

He may be the most expensive $ per completion REC WFC has ever had?  Roughly $8k per completion?  Yikes.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Ya, I just don't know what and who to believe. Talk was he came into camp out of shape, which really would have peeved MOS. So he's in the doghouse. But he did make some very decent plays last year on a horrible Edmonton team, so the talent was there, I saw it for myself. Seems he has never gotten out of the doghouse and if Wheatfield is in his spot, let him go there during the nothing Montreal game and see if he does anything much like all the other newbies did. But just not using him at all is a very bad look on the FA signing we committed some decent $$ to.

My understanding is he received numerous scoldings during the recent Elks loss and slunk off to stand by himself on the sidelines.

[Blueforlife]

My understanding is he received numerous scoldings during the recent Elks loss and slunk off to stand by himself on the sidelines.

Can't fix that

[Tecno]

Has Mitchell screwed himself off the AR even if Demski is out this week?  And the rest of the post-season?  I understand giving other guys a look in the last game when we decided we didn't care about the outcome, but leaving him off even if he's clearly the "next man up"... boy, you'd really have to screw things up to get that treatment.

Is he even there in civvies at practice?  Or just AWOL?

What a mess.  If we continue in the post-season we may need him as depth if other injuries occur, or if the "other next man up" fails.

Mafia needs to put in place a better pre-signing procedure to ensure this doesn't ever happen again.

[bunker]

Has Mitchell screwed himself off the AR even if Demski is out this week?  And the rest of the post-season?  I understand giving other guys a look in the last game when we decided we didn't care about the outcome, but leaving him off even if he's clearly the "next man up"... boy, you'd really have to screw things up to get that treatment.

Is he even there in civvies at practice?  Or just AWOL?

What a mess.  If we continue in the post-season we may need him as depth if other injuries occur, or if the "other next man up" fails.

Mafia needs to put in place a better pre-signing procedure to ensure this doesn't ever happen again.

Yeah, and they should figure out what went wrong the the Logan and J. Jones signings also. What a waste!

[Pigskin]

Yeah, and they should figure out what went wrong the the Logan and J. Jones signings also. What a waste!

I think Vaughters was the only FA signing that worked out for us. A lot of swing and miss by the Bombers.

[Tecno]

Yeah, and they should figure out what went wrong the the Logan and J. Jones signings also. What a waste!

At least those guys seem to FIFO.  Mitchell's whole problem is he doesn't FIFO.

And I don't think Logan & J.Jones were a bust.  Logan was here because we had no return game last season, and no one could have known Vaval would be the next Grant.  J.Jones was here purely as insurance against always-injured Kyrie, and/or T.Jones being a bust.  Now that we know, they are expendable, but it doesn't negate the insurance value they provided.

Depth was a problem last season and we spent a lot of resources making sure that didn't happen this year (at REC too, though it still ended up being a problem).

[Jesse]

Depth was a problem last season and we spent a lot of resources making sure that didn't happen this year (at REC too, though it still ended up being a problem).

This is my biggest problem. We spent so much trying to make sure there wasn't a repeat of last year in the receiving core and we're in the exact same place. Hoping for a limping Demski and Wilson to carry the team.

[theaardvark]

Mid tier FA's are quite the crap shoot.  High end are less, but so much more money.

We don't often recruit top FA's, and we dabble in the "what if's" of mid tier.  Our best money is spent on recruits and prospects, finding the diamonds in the rough, either ones that have had a cup of coffee in the CFL, or are true rookies with other pro experience.

[bunker]

At least those guys seem to FIFO.  Mitchell's whole problem is he doesn't FIFO.

And I don't think Logan & J.Jones were a bust.  Logan was here because we had no return game last season, and no one could have known Vaval would be the next Grant.  J.Jones was here purely as insurance against always-injured Kyrie, and/or T.Jones being a bust.  Now that we know, they are expendable, but it doesn't negate the insurance value they provided.

Depth was a problem last season and we spent a lot of resources making sure that didn't happen this year (at REC too, though it still ended up being a problem).

Both of them were paid on a scale of impact import starters. You don't use that kind of money for "depth" in the CFL. That's what scouting is for. For "depth", you find good young Americans down south, or other talented young players from other teams that don't have room to start because of talent playing in front of them. Logan also had an injury history, which is not a great thing in a returner. Walters misspent his SMS money on them, made a bad decision about going with Schoen over Lawler, did not sign a viable #2 QB, held onto a mediocre O-line and D-line even though games are won or lost in the trenches, and extended a 37 year old injury prone QB when he did not necessarily have to. Our scouting has not been great either the last couple of years. We've lost a lot of high end canadian talent, and failed to replace it in the draft. He'll get a mulligan because of all his past success from Miller probably, but it feels like he's lost his edge.

[peg_city]

Hopefully next year we can find a rookie. We are usually good for a decent rookie receiver every two years.

WR - Wheatfall
SB - Demiski
SB - guy
WR - Wilson
WR - Clercius

[dd]

Not sure what the circumstances of the Mitchell situation is but this is going to affect our ability to attract FA to come here as everybody has watched this drama unfold, if I m a FA receiver I d be thinking twice before coming here as they may be sitting on the sidelines wasting away like Mitchell has

And if it was a FIFO issue just cut him to show this club has character  expectations from its players, but to sit him seems we re just torturing him

[Jesse]

Not sure what the circumstances of the Mitchell situation is but this is going to affect our ability to attract FA to come here as everybody has watched this drama unfold, if I m a FA receiver I d be thinking twice before coming here as they may be sitting on the sidelines wasting away like Mitchell has

And if it was a FIFO issue just cut him to show this club has character  expectations from its players, but to sit him seems we re just torturing him

That doesn't make much sense to me. I doubt this is something any FAs are aware of or considering.

Guy gets benched for being bad. Incoming FAs hopefully aren't planning on showing up out of shape.

[theaardvark]

Not sure what the circumstances of the Mitchell situation is but this is going to affect our ability to attract FA to come here as everybody has watched this drama unfold, if I m a FA receiver I d be thinking twice before coming here as they may be sitting on the sidelines wasting away like Mitchell has

And if it was a FIFO issue just cut him to show this club has character  expectations from its players, but to sit him seems we re just torturing him

I don't think any self respecting rec would take Mitchell's struggles as a negative on this team.

A rec that expects to be handed a starting spot regardless his prep or play when getting slightly above average pay, sure.

Was Mitchell "stealing reps" in preseason?  Doing the things that made Pokey or Dalton stand out?  Did he outhustle Wheatfall?

It could very well have been a single incident that put him in the doghouse, and while his play has been good, it hasn't been "has to be on the roster" good.

We signed him knowing that Lawler was likely not coming back.  The fact that Lawler used him as the reason not to, well... that's on Kenny.

Was Mitchell a whiff?  We will see, he's depth, and this is the time of year that depth becomes either a concern, or a bonus.

[Blue In BC]

Both of them were paid on a scale of impact import starters. You don't use that kind of money for "depth" in the CFL. That's what scouting is for. For "depth", you find good young Americans down south, or other talented young players from other teams that don't have room to start because of talent playing in front of them. Logan also had an injury history, which is not a great thing in a returner. Walters misspent his SMS money on them, made a bad decision about going with Schoen over Lawler, did not sign a viable #2 QB, held onto a mediocre O-line and D-line even though games are won or lost in the trenches, and extended a 37 year old injury prone QB when he did not necessarily have to. Our scouting has not been great either the last couple of years. We've lost a lot of high end canadian talent, and failed to replace it in the draft. He'll get a mulligan because of all his past success from Miller probably, but it feels like he's lost his edge.

Once it was determined they wouldn't be starters in TC, they should have been released and prepared to keep rookie depth.

The problem was advance money spent.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Once it was determined they wouldn't be starters in TC, they should have been released and prepared to keep rookie depth.

The problem was advance money spent.

Only with Mitchell, they should have made the quick decision right out of TC that he wasn't right and Reggie White Jr. was the better option.  Jon Jones and Logan were reasonable bets as they've shown in the past they are high calibre players, unfortunately for them they slotted behind players that played well and stayed healthy.  As is, it's going to be hard to hang onto the LB talent without pushing Kyrie out the door. 

[Waffler]

Only with Mitchell, they should have made the quick decision right out of TC that he wasn't right and Reggie White Jr. was the better option.

White did stay on the PR for one week. Myron Mitchell also outplayed him by quite a bit.  I remember MOS saying they liked what they saw on film in Edm and wanted to give him a chance to get better. Truthfully you'd see a flash here and there that made you think he could be elite. With hindsight it was a mistake.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

White did stay on the PR for one week. Myron Mitchell also outplayed him by quite a bit.  I remember MOS saying they liked what they saw on film in Edm and wanted to give him a chance to get better. Truthfully you'd see a flash here and there that made you think he could be elite. With hindsight it was a mistake.

Forgot about Myron, he was also a better option although smaller than White, currently on the Ti-Cat PR.

[bunker]

I don't think any self respecting rec would take Mitchell's struggles as a negative on this team.

A rec that expects to be handed a starting spot regardless his prep or play when getting slightly above average pay, sure.

Was Mitchell "stealing reps" in preseason?  Doing the things that made Pokey or Dalton stand out?  Did he outhustle Wheatfall?

It could very well have been a single incident that put him in the doghouse, and while his play has been good, it hasn't been "has to be on the roster" good.

We signed him knowing that Lawler was likely not coming back.  The fact that Lawler used him as the reason not to, well... that's on Kenny.

Was Mitchell a whiff?  We will see, he's depth, and this is the time of year that depth becomes either a concern, or a bonus.

148,000 in hard money. 19 receptions.
Yes he's officially a whiff!

[Tecno]

if I m a FA receiver I d be thinking twice before coming here as they may be sitting on the sidelines wasting away like Mitchell has

I don't know, some might consider that a good deal.  Pretty sure Mitchell was collecting his full contract $ while having to do almost nothing all season.  He doesn't have to worry about injury, or trying, or anything.  Just show up to practice and get your contracted big $payday$.  Most would consider that a dream job!

[bunker]

I don't know, some might consider that a good deal.  Pretty sure Mitchell was collecting his full contract $ while having to do almost nothing all season.  He doesn't have to worry about injury, or trying, or anything.  Just show up to practice and get your contracted big $payday$.  Most would consider that a dream job!

Most of these guys are ultracompetitive and want to play. Also doesn't set you up very well for your next contract.

[Jesse]

Most of these guys are ultracompetitive and want to play. Also doesn't set you up very well for your next contract.

Yeah, it's not like suckering us for 140k sets him up for life, lol.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Most of these guys are ultracompetitive and want to play. Also doesn't set you up very well for your next contract.

Pretty sure no team is going to pursue him after this season, they'll trust the Bomber's evaluation of his attitude and talent.  Even dirt cheap he isn't worth the hassle.

[dd]

Pretty sure no team is going to pursue him after this season, they'll trust the Bomber's evaluation of his attitude and talent.  Even dirt cheap he isn't worth the hassle.

Agree, I think he's going to have a tough road ahead to catch on somewhere else, but he has an agent and he ll sell his clients services. My question is, How did we miss this character flaw when we talked to him during FA??? It's not a good look for either party involved.

[Foxhound]

Okay. I know nothing about how Dillon Mitchell showed up in camp or what he's been doing or not doing in practice. This thread has actually been my only "info" source and I'm treating what's been written here with a grain of salt.

But this is what I know:

Dillon Mitchell - 19/21 for 193 yards
Ontaria Wilson - 21/36 for 382 yards
Kevens Clercius - 40/57 for 411 yards
Jerreth Sterns - 48/70 for 530 yards
Keric Wheatfall - 42/73 for 655 yards

Dillon Mitchell has been catching almost all the balls thrown in his direction.

I also know that Clercius and Wheatfall have not played well for many weeks. They've actually played very poorly in the Bombers last two games. They've simply not been where either Coach O'Shea or the QB wants/expects them to be.

And who else can the Bombers trot out at Receiver now? Cam Echols and Gavin Cobb are worth every dollar of their Fantasy price but not a penny more. Mitchell at least has been coming up with the passes thrown in his direction.

 

[Tecno]

Dillon Mitchell - 19/21 for 193 yards

I see what you're saying.  However, clearly there are many other things going on that negate whatever talent he has on the field.

I bet he:
a) doesn't FIFO
b) miffed the mafia
c) lazy routes / wrong routes
d) bad blocker / not a team-first guy

His abrupt departure from the AR show me he probably blew routes/blocks in 1-2 games before being benched.  I'm talking such bad botches that they cost us 1st downs and probably the games.  And that was the final straw.  If Mafia/Hogan didn't notice it, I bet Zach was going up the chain letting it be known he doesn't want him out there.

Why must (some of) these things be true?  Because as you've pointed out there is literally nothing else it can be.  Dude has speed & talent, but he can't stay on ARs or teams.  Why?  And the final proof will be if we start way-lesser-talent Cobb or brand-noob-here Echols instead of him in the playoffs.

It's all kind of sad.  Another miscalculation & bust from KW & Mafia -- though possibly worth the shot seeing as how you could have had Kenny-lite for $150k?

[bunker]

Okay. I know nothing about how Dillon Mitchell showed up in camp or what he's been doing or not doing in practice. This thread has actually been my only "info" source and I'm treating what's been written here with a grain of salt.

But this is what I know:

Dillon Mitchell - 19/21 for 193 yards
Ontaria Wilson - 21/36 for 382 yards
Kevens Clercius - 40/57 for 411 yards
Jerreth Sterns - 48/70 for 530 yards
Keric Wheatfall - 42/73 for 655 yards

Dillon Mitchell has been catching almost all the balls thrown in his direction.

I also know that Clercius and Wheatfall have not played well for many weeks. They've actually played very poorly in the Bombers last two games. They've simply not been where either Coach O'Shea or the QB wants/expects them to be.

And who else can the Bombers trot out at Receiver now? Cam Echols and Gavin Cobb are worth every dollar of their Fantasy price but not a penny more. Mitchell at least has been coming up with the passes thrown in his direction.

 

Those stats are worth looking and thank you for posting them. But I would take them with a grain of salt. Everyone is lately very into receptions versus targets but they leave out a lot of information, and ultimately you have to watch the game. If a receiver gets open and the pass sails over their head or hits the dirt in front of them, that shows up as a target without a reception. If a receiver rarely  gets separation to get open, or runs the wrong route, he will get less targets. If a receiver is not trusted by the QB to make difficult or 50/50 catches, he will only get "safe balls" thrown to them, which will improve their reception to target ratio. If a receiver is trusted by the QB and has great hands or jumping ability, the QB will throw into a tight window for them, or throw it up and hope they make a play, which will lower their reception to target ratio. If a receiver tends to run deeper routes, which are more difficult to complete, they will have a lower reception to target ratio through no fault of their own. If a receiver is used as an escape valve within a few yards of the line of scrimmage, this will boost their target to reception ratio. If a receiver is a dangerous #1, he will get additional attention (best corner covering, help from safety), which will lower their ratio due to knock downs, interceptions. If a receive is the #5, he will get weaker coverage, which will help the ratio. In addition to watching the game, I would look at what the coaches decide about playing time and who gets the majority of the targets. They watch the film, and know better than the fan who the better receivers are. (At least I would hope they do...although the fact they spent so much signing Mitchell undermines this idea a bit.) Not saying the stats are not worth looking at, but as with most analytics, they have to be taken in context.

[Pete]

Has there been any word on why mitchell has been dnp non injury related this week?

[Blue In BC]

Has there been any word on why mitchell has been dnp non injury related this week?

I haven't heard anything but it might be something illness like flu or cold at this time of year. He wasn't likely going to dress ahead of Wheatfall this week.

[Jesse]

Has there been any word on why mitchell has been dnp non injury related this week?

I feel like the team has just washed their hands of him at this point.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I haven't heard anything but it might be something illness like flu or cold at this time of year. He wasn't likely going to dress ahead of Wheatfall this week.

Wheatfall is their deep threat and man that guy can run, problem is Zach has a hard time leading him so a lot of deep balls fall short and risk getting picked off. Wheatfall is not particularly good fighting for 50/50 or coming back either, so that doesn't help. These receivers are not bad, Pokey, Wheat and Demski could benefit from a QB with an unlimited arm which could turn the passing game around, could be Wilson or Elgersma.

[DM83]

Mitchell was either injured or Never earned a spot. Which seems bizarre. Oh well, when Schoen, Alexander, Strev return next year....ok are calendars turned back yesterday?.

How bout them Jets!

[blueraid]

Mitchell has talent...having said that he was a big mistake in fA considering the other talent that was available (Gino Lewis for one) ...Especially bad was the fact we let a player like Kenny Lawler fly the coop...I hope we have better thought going into fa in 26'

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Nobody can really deny that yesterday, in hindsight, turned into a game we could have really used a big body receiver to run down field and catch jump balls.

That's all Collaros ended up throwing and where we had most of our success.

Instead we went with Cobb and Corcoran as part of a nine Canadian ratio.

So dumb.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Mitchell has talent...having said that he was a big mistake in fA considering the other talent that was available (Gino Lewis for one) ...Especially bad was the fact we let a player like Kenny Lawler fly the coop...I hope we have better thought going into fa in 26'

How would paying Kenny Lawler $300k change the results yesterday?  Zach never had the graceful throwing ability of BLM, Zach looks like a golfer with a truncated swing trying to overpower the ball.

"For the 2025 season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats paid Kenny Lawler $277,200 in hard money, with a maximum value of $303,000 if he hits all incentives. The hard money includes a $125,000 signing bonus, $110,000 in base salary, and other payments like marketing and housing money."

[dd]

How would paying Kenny Lawler $300k change the results yesterday?  Zach never had the graceful throwing ability of BLM, Zach looks like a golfer with a truncated swing trying to overpower the ball.

"For the 2025 season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats paid Kenny Lawler $277,200 in hard money, with a maximum value of $303,000 if he hits all incentives. The hard money includes a $125,000 signing bonus, $110,000 in base salary, and other payments like marketing and housing money."

Zach completed one long bomb to Wilson for a TD, imagine if we had another deep threat receiver, maybe we'd score more points???

[Big Daddy]

Zach completed one long bomb to Wilson for a TD, imagine if we had another deep threat receiver, maybe we'd score more points???

You're not wrong - there's a lot of heat on Zach, which I understand given how this season played out.  I really wonder how it would have been though, with receivers (Schoen playing the full season, AND Lawler here), and an O-line that could protect him better.

My fantasy is that Zach re-structures for next year allowing for some movement on the O-line to improve, as well as retaining O. Wilson, Demski back, having Schoen back at full speed and playing a full season, and (may as well swing for the fence here - it's my fantasy) get Lawler back, or another receiver that he can depend on.  If not Lawler, maybe Philpot out of Montreal - I believe he's on an expiring contract?  And a national that means we can go cheaper somewhere else??

Hey - a guy can dream. My point is - if Collaros had time like a few years ago with a dominant O-line and some receivers - he could turn back the clock a few (5-6?) years.  But of course, we still need a succession plan.  Maybe one year of ZC lighting it up for old times sake and bringing it home for his swan song would be the one more year to see Dru Brown hit free agency and bring him home where he developed.  A QB developed here would be cool, but I would settle for another up-and-comer if a better option is there. 

Maybe I should be writing Harlequin romance novels, or Christmas movies filmed in Manitoba.  It may be a total pipe dream, but I like how it plays out so I'm going with it for today.

[theaardvark]

I think the dream of Zach, regardless Oline or Rec, hitting deep balls consistently is definitely romance novel territory.  He has been picked off so much this year because he just can't get the ball where it needs to go, when it needs to be there.  It is sad to see and say, but Zach has been on the downside for a while, and it's time.

If we want to go though a rebuild, and keep him around to tutor the new players while the team goes 3-15, sure.  But if we want to be competitive next year, that hard decision needs to be made.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think the dream of Zach, regardless Oline or Rec, hitting deep balls consistently is definitely romance novel territory.  He has been picked off so much this year because he just can't get the ball where it needs to go, when it needs to be there.  It is sad to see and say, but Zach has been on the downside for a while, and it's time.

If we want to go though a rebuild, and keep him around to tutor the new players while the team goes 3-15, sure.  But if we want to be competitive next year, that hard decision needs to be made.

I get the same impression, Zach wants to turn back the clock and win with his buddies one more time but doesn't seem to recognize the deterioration in his own abilities or theirs.  He barely rolled out at all last game when throwing on the run has been his bread and butter for most of his career.  He's lost the proverbial step and reacts too slowly but because he's attained legendary status they all go along and nobody addresses the issue at hand.  Hogan probably does everything he can to accomodate his requests and still can't get anything right, he might actually be relieved to be replaced so he can go back to being an anonymous position coach.

[dd]

Yes, Collaros is on the decline, but who's out there that's better right now?? Nobody. I'd bring in Crum or Arbuckle as our #2 and see if we can make the transition a year down the line with more development of our #2.

Right now, its Zach's clubhouse and the team would revolt if we cut him when he wants to come back, and MOS has said he wants Collaros back, so that's that. I think they have to listen to what he'd like to run as he knows more than our OC.

So we aren't replacing Zach, but we should be getting him a bonafide #2 understudy

[bunker]

Feels like watching a train wreck in slow motion as this team deteriorates and persists in doing the same things over and over. Probably won't change til we finish 5th, the sellouts stop, and we clean house.

[dd]

We need to get a bonafide #1 WR we can build our offense around, and add to that Demski, Sterns, Wilson and Brady, we have some very decent weapons. We have to stop turning the ball over and make that a priority right from TC next year.   

Need a Tackle, guard and centre for our O line, and a stud DE and DT and we're set next year.

[Waffler]

Right now, its Zach's clubhouse

And no one sees this as a problem?

[Jesse]

And no one sees this as a problem?

An unending stream of Monday morning QBs sees this as a problem. But until we find a better alternative, Zach is still our best chance.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

We need to get a bonafide #1 WR we can build our offense around, and add to that Demski, Sterns, Wilson and Brady, we have some very decent weapons. We have to stop turning the ball over and make that a priority right from TC next year.   

Need a Tackle, guard and centre for our O line, and a stud DE and DT and we're set next year.

Don't see what difference a new receiver would make with the #6 QB, Zach can't get the ball to them in the right time or space, how many times did he under throw receivers who were in the clear?  A QB that overthrows would be easier to work with. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Feels like watching a train wreck in slow motion as this team deteriorates and persists in doing the same things over and over. Probably won't change til we finish 5th, the sellouts stop, and we clean house.

Need to hire an OC that can be the boss and force Zach to change his game from over reliance on the deep ball, otherwise, same old issues will arise. Zach only seems to remember the games that go well, tries to forget all the mediocre-crappy performances he laid out.

[blue_gold_84]

Forcing someone to do something is foolish. If anything, this team needs to hire an OC who can create a system that allows the talent in its entirety to succeed based on factors such skill set, age, etc.

The system in place this season clearly failed. It's like Hogan basically assumed an aging QB behind an aging O-line would just sit comfortably in the pocket and chuck heaters down the field to some inexperienced receivers.

I don't think blaming one player for an entire unit's collective failures is reasonable, much less insinuating that he "forgot" games in which he played poorly.

[theaardvark]

For the team to set a path going forward, we need a new OC and a new QB.  At best, we get one more year out of ZC8... and retaining Hogan in light of all that transpired this year, is at best wishful thinking.

Rebuild is the only way forward, if Walters and MOS want the new challenge, they should dive in full force and embrace the suck for the next year or two.

Or, they (Walters, MOS, Hogan and ZC8) can nurse a paycheck for another year and then leave the scraps for someone else to clean up.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Forcing someone to do something is foolish. If anything, this team needs to hire an OC who can create a system that allows the talent in its entirety to succeed based on factors such skill set, age, etc.

The system in place this season clearly failed. It's like Hogan basically assumed an aging QB behind an aging O-line would just sit comfortably in the pocket and chuck heaters down the field to some inexperienced receivers.

I don't think blaming one player for an entire unit's collective failures is reasonable, much less insinuating that he "forgot" games in which he played poorly.

Milanovich saved BLM's career by making him adapt.

[dd]

An unending stream of Monday morning QBs sees this as a problem. But until we find a better alternative, Zach is still our best chance.

He's our only option that I can see. Who are are going to get to replace him?? And MOS supports Zach to the bitter end, so there will be no change in our #1 Qb this year, hopefully we get a competent #2.

[dd]

For the team to set a path going forward, we need a new OC and a new QB.  At best, we get one more year out of ZC8... and retaining Hogan in light of all that transpired this year, is at best wishful thinking.

Rebuild is the only way forward, if Walters and MOS want the new challenge, they should dive in full force and embrace the suck for the next year or two.

Or, they (Walters, MOS, Hogan and ZC8) can nurse a paycheck for another year and then leave the scraps for someone else to clean up.

Did you hear MOS year end presser....he's not blowing anything up, he expects Zach to be back, and we have a bunch of good football players and only need to tweak a few things, and Hogan ain't going anywhere.

[Pete]

For the team to set a path going forward, we need a new OC and a new QB.  At best, we get one more year out of ZC8... and retaining Hogan in light of all that transpired this year, is at best wishful thinking.

Rebuild is the only way forward, if Walters and MOS want the new challenge, they should dive in full force and embrace the suck for the next year or two.

Or, they (Walters, MOS, Hogan and ZC8) can nurse a paycheck for another year and then leave the scraps for someone else to clean up.

Im not sure that a complete rebuild is the answer yes we need some pieces but how good would we be if
on defense
1. Jenkins and or Jankowski turn out to be studs at de
2. We find a good dt
(Our lbs and secondary are good especially if we can get some pressures)

on offense
1. we add a top tier receiver to go with Wilson, Demski, Stern, and Clercius
2. upgrade Neufeld and Kolo
3  sign a backup qb with some skills ie Ford, Elgersma?
4. Get a decent OC

Basically a rebuild is needed on our dline and oline. Whether we have some of the pieces remains to be seen. Elsewhere we just need to add a few pieces.

[ModAdmin]

Don't see what difference a new receiver would make with the #6 QB, Zach can't get the ball to them in the right time or space, how many times did he under throw receivers who were in the clear?  A QB that overthrows would be easier to work with. 

As DD said, we need a tackle, guard and centre on the Oline.

That's 3/4 of the guys that protect Zach! Give him more time to see the field and look at more than one receiver and you just might get a different outcome/performance at QB.

[blue_gold_84]

Milanovich saved BLM's career by making him adapt.

How so? Show your work.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

How so? Show your work.

He threatened to bench him in his first year in Hamilton in Favour of Taylor Powell if he didn't start making his reads closest to furthest instead of looking for the long ball first. The long ball takes more time to develop and by the time it does, the other windows of opportunity (timing routes) have closed and the QB is left with fewer options. Often Zach does the same, goes for the long shot when the easier completion is wide open underneath near the 1st down marker.

[blue_gold_84]

He threatened to bench him in his first year in Hamilton in Favour of Taylor Powell...

He didn't threaten it. He did just that.

How did that decision save Mitchell's career?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He didn't threaten it. He did just that.

How did that decision save Mitchell's career?

After that benching he began to light it up and has continued this season, vying for the MOP I believe.

[Horseman]

Did you hear MOS year end presser....he's not blowing anything up, he expects Zach to be back, and we have a bunch of good football players and only need to tweak a few things, and Hogan ain't going anywhere.

Then our only hope of trying to upgrade our team is for MOS and KW to get hired by the Argos. I could see pinball doing that.

[dd]

Then our only hope of trying to upgrade our team is for MOS and KW to get hired by the Argos. I could see pinball doing that.

MOS is as good as gone, KW likely becomes the 'real' GM there and brings some much needed professionalism and integrity to the Argos. Big thing I am wrestling with is who the heck is going to replace Batman and Robin??