Younger's defense

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Could Texada play halfback because he could potentially go in and replace Nichols.

It makes no sense to compare a corner with a will linebacker.

[Blueforlife]

Nichols>>>Texeda

[Pete]

In the last game we added an extra DL as a DI. It was Reese. However the premise is whether Williams improves or a healthy Bonds is a better option mid season.

I'm not saying Williams can't develop and become a good CB. It's just an one example how we could change the ratio.

The other as mentioned repeatedly is Ayers. Great on ST's but that's just not enough. Any extra import DB is a better option than putting Kelly in the secondary. We're not getting any extra pressure from Ayers, so I'd be ok with adding Texada after the bye.

ST's are import but we have 12 players that can sub in.

Saw Ayers take a good amount of reps last game, but he sure didn't make a positive impression
 Once again OShea's favorites hurt us in terms of an effective roster
We can't afford the luxury of having 2 imports only effective on special teams.
 Its also worrisome that our safeties did not seem to make any tackles other than running plays

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

In the last game we added an extra DL as a DI. It was Reese. However the premise is whether Williams improves or a healthy Bonds is a better option mid season.

I'm not saying Williams can't develop and become a good CB. It's just an one example how we could change the ratio.

The other as mentioned repeatedly is Ayers. Great on ST's but that's just not enough. Any extra import DB is a better option than putting Kelly in the secondary. We're not getting any extra pressure from Ayers, so I'd be ok with adding Texada after the bye.

ST's are import but we have 12 players that can sub in.

They finally have a 7 man D-line rotation and you want to claw it back???  Let it be for a few games to see how it works out.  Hopefully Schmeck comes back soon, I think they'll be in a better ratio position with 2 Natl. DT's in rotation with Ceresna, Gatkuoth continues to take up space.

As for Kelly, I didn't see him get burned or miss any tackles against the Ti-Cats like many others, could be he's getting the hang of it with more playing time.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Nichols>>>Texeda

Probably. But on the other hand, how could you possibly know? Have you seen Texada play half? Speed and youth counts for a lot and his been much too discounted by the current coaching staff over the last few years. I don't care how smart or experienced Nichols is if he physically can't cover the out anymore. Burned over and over by the Cats and the everyone's got the film now.

[Blueforlife]

Too early to write off Nichols
Too early to start Texeda

Interesting points on Kelly didn't notice him, maybe a good thing

[Lincoln Locomotive]

I think Willie is no longer that effective......he mostly backs off the line and looks for a pass knockdown.   He lead the league last season in knockdowns....however he isn't great at pressuring the QB or against the run....even when Ceresna is double teamed.    Our DBs seem small and not that fast and our LBs aren't very aggressive.   Wilson had two tackles and the Cats ran for 170 yards?
Zach and 430 yards passing and on most nights that's enough to win games.....a sure dropped TD pass to Nields and a pick in the end zone didn't help either.   We may have to rely on our offence to outscore opponents however we need our running game to be a big part of that.   Brady had 32 yards on 8 rushes....not good enough

[towelie]

I think the defense is over-complicated in a ineffective way.

It's cool in theory that we have guys like Woodbey, Griffin, Kramdi, Smith, etc who can be anywhere at any time... but it seems like all we're doing is creating open zones by having guys drop out of traditional looks.

If teams were trying to run a tricky offense we'd probably be pretty well set up. But as it stands - simple ground game and pass attack exploits us while players scramble around the field on D.

For the most part I think we have the athletes to get it done. Though I'd rather someone else at safety, Jones at MLB (sorry Kyrie but it's over), and we all love Willie but outside of the knockdowns he's a "meh" player at best.

Simplify the D and let them make plays... if they can't, well then we know what positions we need to upgrade ASAP.

[dd]

Both Wilson and kelly need to be yanked from our starting D. Neither is the answer at their respective position. Totally agree on Jefferson, he's no where near what he used to be and we should have moved on

[bunker]

I can't quite figure Willy out. Most of the time he does a halfhearted rush outside the tackle, they bump him once, and he backs off to fill a lane looking for the pass knockdown. But in the last game in the second half, they lined him up inside, and he quickly beat a guard with a swim move and was in BLM's face.

I get that he's 35, but I can't believe it's just a motor or effort issue, that he's dogging it on 90% of his reps. Is he doing what JY wants him to do? If so, that's pretty idiotic.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I can't quite figure Willy out. Most of the time he does a halfhearted rush outside the tackle, they bump him once, and he backs off to fill a lane looking for the pass knockdown. But in the last game in the second half, they lined him up inside, and he quickly beat a guard with a swim move and was in BLM's face.

I get that he's 35, but I can't believe it's just a motor or effort issue, that he's dogging it on 90% of his reps. Is he doing what JY wants him to do? If so, that's pretty idiotic.

100%. Younger's system almost discourages sacks. It's all about lanes, contain, and a controlled, coordinated rush across three or four lineman. The theory is QBs feeling "pressure" is as good or better.

All defensive lines need some discipline and rush lane control but JY takes things to extremes and in practice then, results in an unconventional, unproven and largely ineffective system which doesn't ever impact the game so long as the QB takes the time we afford him and reads it out.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think the defense is over-complicated in a ineffective way.

It's cool in theory that we have guys like Woodbey, Griffin, Kramdi, Smith, etc who can be anywhere at any time... but it seems like all we're doing is creating open zones by having guys drop out of traditional looks.

If teams were trying to run a tricky offense we'd probably be pretty well set up. But as it stands - simple ground game and pass attack exploits us while players scramble around the field on D.

For the most part I think we have the athletes to get it done. Though I'd rather someone else at safety, Jones at MLB (sorry Kyrie but it's over), and we all love Willie but outside of the knockdowns he's a "meh" player at best.

Simplify the D and let them make plays... if they can't, well then we know what positions we need to upgrade ASAP.

Look how tough the Lions LB's are with Sankey and Hladik, they're old school, they ain't dropping back into pass protection or covering twitchy receivers out in the flats, they're tackling the ball carrier and throwing them to the ground. You could see Thor wasn't too happy with the treatment he received.

[Jesse]

Look how tough the Lions LB's are with Sankey and Hladik, they're old school, they ain't dropping back into pass protection or covering twitchy receivers out in the flats, they're tackling the ball carrier and throwing them to the ground. You could see Thor wasn't too happy with the treatment he received.

That said, their defence sucked too. Harris had over 400 passing yards and scored over 30.

[Blue In BC]

They finally have a 7 man D-line rotation and you want to claw it back???  Let it be for a few games to see how it works out.  Hopefully Schmeck comes back soon, I think they'll be in a better ratio position with 2 Natl. DT's in rotation with Ceresna, Gatkuoth continues to take up space.

As for Kelly, I didn't see him get burned or miss any tackles against the Ti-Cats like many others, could be he's getting the hang of it with more playing time.

I'm in favour of the 7 man rotation but it comes down to a ratio issue. Our secondary was left out to dry and I'd prefer Texada over Kelly. Scmekel might be a better option in the short term to change that ratio. He has CFL experience. Having 3 import rookie DL may work as the season progresses but is it now? Even Kornelson might be a better option. If he's not why do we keep him around?

I don't know how many times I need to mention that the simple solution is taking out Ayers and let the Canadian LB's sub in for his role on defence. Yes he's great on ST's but is that a luxury we can't afford elsewhere.

I didn't say that Texada needs to start. He needs to be a DI and if not him find anther import DB, perhaps one we had in TC.  Lamont comes to mind.

[bunker]

That said, their defence sucked too. Harris had over 400 passing yards and scored over 30.

Sasks O-line and protection was execeptional, Harris reads well and releases quickly, and they have great receivers. IMO, they would be a challenge for any defence right now. Have to see how BC's D does against some other teams before fully evaluating them. BC also had 2 rookie corners who might take time to get up to speed. But yes, their D was not that effective last night.