major announcement - big changes to cfl playoff and season start

[dd]

what concerns me with this proposed extra round of playoff games is injuries happening in the 'nothing' first round game, where a team that has earned the right to be in the playoffs, loses its Qb or other valuable player and that will really compromise their ability to win games when it truly counts and a season's worth of effort is lost. And yes, injuries are part of football, but so is earning the right to be in the playoffs. This isn't curling, this is football, players are going to get hurt,

This idea stinks to high heavens and I can't wait until we get a new commissioner!!

[bunker]

https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/montreal-alouettes/zurkowsky-cfl-steps-out-of-bounds-with-ludicrous-playoff-overhaul?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-ca

Respected columnist Herb Zurkowsky considers the format a farce. But even more surprising farther down in the same article is this nugget...

While we believe the revamped playoff system is carved in stone, we've already heard rumblings that some of Johnston's other 2027 bold moves — shortening the field to 100 from 110 yards, 15-yard end zones and goalposts being moved back — could be scrapped after severe public criticism.

Claims bombers played to empty seats when we sold out every game last year.
 
Interesting tidbit about the possibility of the Americanization changes not going through. Keeping my fingers crossed.

My son and his friends don't live and die with the bombers like I do, but go to games to socialize/rum hut. I think that's the way to get the next generation interested, they should get advice from Wade.

[Blueforlife]

You are assuming that the games will draw a considerable amount of fans. That's possible if the play-in is Winnipeg vs Edmonton or Saskatchewan. I can't see an Ottawa-Winnipeg game in Ottawa drawing over 10,000 fans. Nobody will want to bother with two team that at best, finished in 3rd place in their respective divisions, playing a mediocre team, with no real rivalry.

Disagree all
Facts are presented in the graphic below, Ottawa will draw close or above these figures going forward, 10k was way off

[The Zipp]

https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/montreal-alouettes/zurkowsky-cfl-steps-out-of-bounds-with-ludicrous-playoff-overhaul?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-ca

Respected columnist Herb Zurkowsky considers the format a farce. But even more surprising farther down in the same article is this nugget...

While we believe the revamped playoff system is carved in stone, we've already heard rumblings that some of Johnston's other 2027 bold moves — shortening the field to 100 from 110 yards, 15-yard end zones and goalposts being moved back — could be scrapped after severe public criticism.

herb has been getting more and more annoying/negative about everything.  eats lemons for breakfast, lunch and dinner

[The Zipp]

this would be a great/fun playoff format for a 12 team league

[jets4life]

https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/montreal-alouettes/zurkowsky-cfl-steps-out-of-bounds-with-ludicrous-playoff-overhaul?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-ca

Respected columnist Herb Zurkowsky considers the format a farce. But even more surprising farther down in the same article is this nugget...

While we believe the revamped playoff system is carved in stone, we've already heard rumblings that some of Johnston's other 2027 bold moves — shortening the field to 100 from 110 yards, 15-yard end zones and goalposts being moved back — could be scrapped after severe public criticism.

Fans need to do anything humanly possible to save the league, from the dreaded Americanization of our beloved game. We should make petitions, boycott games, or even picked CFL offices.  We have to do it now, before these changes ruin the league.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Literally no one is going to do any of that.

[Blueforlife]

Fans need to do anything humanly possible to save the league, from the dreaded Americanization of our beloved game. We should make petitions, boycott games, or even picked CFL offices.  We have to do it now, before these changes ruin the league.

Terrible idea, won't happen.  While the changes are not perfect the league needs support more than ever.  It will get sorted out.

[jets4life]

[quote au

Terrible idea, won't happen.  While the changes are not perfect the league needs support more than ever.  It will get sorted out.

I don't think you or others who either support (or accept) the new American-style field or rules, understand the loyalty most of the Canadian fan base has towards the CFL and our version of the game.

Just a suggestion. We should pin this thread, just to revisit it at the end of the 2027 season. I wish I was wrong but I can already sense that fans will be alienated, and some will stop coming to games. I predict a drop of 15% in attendance within 2 seasons of the dreaded new changes coming into effect.

We need to get rid of Stewart Johnston, and the rest of the band of fools responsible for destroying the Canadian game. We need to take back our league.

The best way to go about improving the bottom line of CFL clubs, is to market the product much better.

[Jesse]

Terrible idea, won't happen.  While the changes are not perfect the league needs support more than ever.  It will get sorted out.

If fans disagree they should absolutely be vocal about it. The league is not infallible and doesn't need blind support.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

herb has been getting more and more annoying/negative about everything.  eats lemons for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Herb should be the poster boy for mandatory retirement, I remember him being super negative and grouchy on the pre-game show with Bob Irving and that was 10 years ago!

[Blueforlife]

I don't think you or others who either support (or accept) the new American-style field or rules, understand the loyalty most of the Canadian fan base has towards the CFL and our version of the game.

Just a suggestion. We should pin this thread, just to revisit it at the end of the 2027 season. I wish I was wrong but I can already sense that fans will be alienated, and some will stop coming to games. I predict a drop of 15% in attendance within 2 seasons of the dreaded new changes coming into effect.

We need to get rid of Stewart Johnston, and the rest of the band of fools responsible for destroying the Canadian game. We need to take back our league.

The best way to go about improving the bottom line of CFL clubs, is to market the product much better.

I'll take that bet, paying 2 for 1 odds that attendance doesn't drop 15% in two years.

If fans disagree they should absolutely be vocal about it. The league is not infallible and doesn't need blind support.

It was suggested that we do the following:

We should make petitions, boycott games, or even picked CFL offices. 

Petitions, sure.  Other 2, hard pass.

You moved the needle on the narrative a wee bit there.  Vocal sure.

[jets4life]

I'll take that bet, paying 2 for 1 odds that attendance doesn't drop 15% in two years.

You are on.

[bomber beetle]

Terrible idea, won't happen.  While the changes are not perfect the league needs support more than ever.  It will get sorted out.

This, X100.

The changes are part of an all or nothing play by the league.
There is no turning back. Support it and the league has a chance to survive.   

[jets4life]

This, X100.

The changes are part of an all or nothing play by the league.
There is no turning back. Support it and the league has a chance to survive.   

That's ridiculous.  Why should fans put down $4,000 (assuming two tickets, parking, concessions, etc) every year, for a watered-down version of the NFL? The CFL is a business. If they want to give the middle finger to loyal supporters, then let the league fold.

They should be marketing the existing product better.They are getting rid of the 55 yard line, moving the goal posts, changing the play clock, moving the season forward by 5 weeks, and making a convoluted playoff format that renders the regular season irrelevant.

No thanks.  It's not the "CFL" any longer. May as well change the name of the league at this point. Although I am certain they probably will by 2029, and try again with American expansion. Why else would they make the field more inline with the American game.  I will never spend a dime on the Bombers after 2026, unless Johnston is gone, and the new changes are dropped.