Old Bomber Fan

I don't want to overestimate the Bomber or Calgary but they have superior coaching and player personnel. Edmonton will be right there with the Bombers as will BC. Their placement will depend largely on how they do against one another as most will win in the East. I didn't rate the East, not interested cal 12- 6 edm 11-7 wpg 11-7 bc 11-7 ssk 7- 11

When are the plans for the Grey Cup parade being announced....wholly cow guys aren't we being a bit optimistic? I realize we all have eyes on the Blue and Gold but to think that the other teams in the league have just stood pat and done nothing is not a good thing. Yes we may have improved; yes we have a solid OL; yes we have two very good running back and yes we some good QBs. I personally believe until proven otherwise that is where our improvements end. We had Loffler middle to end of last year; we had Heath middle to end of last year; we had Legget pretty much all year and we had Hurl at middle LB flanked by Wild and Legget. Our DL was supposed to be good as is this one but what happened, a huge pile of yards against.....we couldn't stop a pop warner football team when it really counted....the end of the game with a slim lead. Now I'm not being a naysayer simply that don't get your hopes too high. Review the yardage given up during the exhibition games. While I do understand it was exhibition, our number 1 defense was playing the first half of the last game and look what happened. It was only when the second and third string players got on the field that we started to hold them off until.....you guessed it the end of the game and we couldn't stop anything. So in a nutshell, while we can all be optimistic, I would caution about too much optimism. Overlook Sask, and I'm not a sask fan, and we will be hanging our heads guaranteed. Remember OShea painted the same picture last year; such an improvement on D and we had Willie and a great OC. Look where that got us until he finally heard the fans, or at least someone in the Bomber organization heard them and then and only then did we seem to make forward progress. Let's all hope that continues this season but at the same time let's not look at it with rose coloured glasses. Go Bombers Go

Wish Smith the best in his new career. Wasn't a huge fan as I believe he only had one really good season in Sask and then was hurt a lot here. Glad we kept Denmark or at least he came back. Very reliable and hopefully the others will become the same this year. Time will tell

I congratulate the Bombers on thinking of families. My only question now is will they cut down on the drunks that come to the games and make them unenjoyable and NOT a family experience for those around them. If they can get that right hopefully they will start a new generation of Bomber fans. Now before you start on me about drinking at games, I'm not against it in the least, I just don't see the reason or rational for people to go to a game, and get totally hammered and frankly not even be interested in the game. I have gone for years and have a drink or two during the game (although in recent years the cost of a beer is out of control) but it isn't in order to get drunk or be disruptive, it is merely enjoying the atmosphere and the game. Unfortunately I have been to too many games recently where that isn't the case any longer. Just my opinion.

We don't have to look too far to see the best way to solve OT. Simply look at the CFL with a little change. Presently each team has two chances from the 35 to score either a TD or field goal. On the first try if each team scores the same number of points then they do it again. The only thing I would change, and I would leave in the mandatory 2 point conversion, would be to start the teams at centre field or the 50 yard line. The rational is simple, their kickers can kick 55 yard field goals with ease it seems so in order to make it a little more difficult have them start at the fringe of their range and go from there. Should both teams be tied after 2 tries each repeat until a winner is declared. I do agree that the NFL OT is not fair. I am a patriot fan and am glad they won but it isn't fair nonetheless. Oh and Brady will be known and should be known as one of the best all time QBs in the game period. Deflategate my foot!

my big question is what are we doing to replace those who are seeking or have sought employment down south...apparently there are at least 3 that are being given serious consideration with at least 1 or 2 of them being signed south of the border...in addition we have lost one of our DTs to our eastern opponents. Hopefully there are answers to be disclosed shortly

First and fore most Merry Christmas to all and may you all have a healthy happy 2017! Regarding the Bombers, perhaps no news is good news but I do get a little edgy when I read about all the other teams in the CFL resigning some of their free agents and not hearing a thing about the Bombers save they have signed their long snapper and some that were on the practice roster last year. I make the assumption that they are hard at work in the back ground but it would certainly ease the concerns if a few of the significant free agents were signed. Not sure your feelings but throwing it out there for others to comment.

I trust 17 to 85's post was in jest at least I certainly hope so. As a snowbird who travels south annually it has become very frightening reading the newspapers and watching TV about the gun violence in the US. The comments about increased gun sales after 9/11 are frightening and true. In Arizona they have a open carry policy and when you are in wal mart and see someone walk in with an AK15 it makes you wonder. The Americans have forgotten that the second amendment was written in the wild west days in order for someone to protect themselves when there was little law and order save perhaps a sheriff or two. In todays society they have police forces that are well armed and manned. Just think of this scenario; a guy walks into Walmart with an AK15 and opens fire. All those who have weapons pull theirs and open fire as well. That results in a lot of bullets flying everywhere. Wonder what the damage would be? While I understand their desire and fear, perhaps more vigilance and support of the police would be a better alternative. I can only guess that the death or injured toll would be significantly higher in the scenario I presented than if the public let the police look after it. On the other hand on Black Friday I attended the shopping frenzy for the first time and while it was very busy it was cordial and attended by many police armed and in kevlor vests. No incidents so there are some rational people here. Then again with that said twice they have voted to not inforce the use of cell phones while driving. Guess you win some and lose some. The wild west mentality remains however and that is frightening.

In my opinion the reason for the reduction in season tickets is somewhat simplistic; the product on the field and the location of the stadium. The latter first: you can build the best facility in the world but unless you can move traffic in and out throughout the game and quickly it will be a loser. In Phoenix, where the Cardinals play and the Coyotes, they clear the stadium in less than 15 mins and we are talking anywhere from 70,000 to 10,000 fans. In other words it is accessible. The big thing with IGF is the location no doubt and the fact most are bussed in and cannot leave until at least 10 mins prior to the game ending has some bearing. It was one reason we did not renew. The other is the product on the field. While we did improve this year much against MOS's determination to blow us under the bridge until someone said sit Willy! After that we did well until MOS raised many more questions about his ability as a head coach not to mention Hall as a DC. Combining the two; location and product it isn't any wonder that season tickets have declined since arriving at IGF. Will it continue, that is to be debated. Yes a better product will certainly help but unless they do something with the access to and from the stadium it will continue to hamper any attempts to increase the season ticket holder base. I wish them luck I've been a fan and season ticket holder for many many years but I decided that enough was enough when I had to drive 5kms to catch a shuttle that drove by my residence to get me to the game only having to wait until the game was over even though the outcome was never in doubt by half time. It is a sad testament but unfortunately a true one.

Regardless of the 29+ take away stat, our defense this year was one of the worst in the CFL. I don't have the stats to back this up but I would suggest other than that stat they are at the bottom or near the bottom in every other categorical stat that is kept. If that is considered a good defense then I guess I am watching the wrong sport. Similarly with the offense....I would think we were middle to below middle in most categories once again. While that isn't as bad as the defense it nonetheless needs much improvement if we are to grab the golden grail!!!! On the offensive note however, I was very pleased to see us throw the ball downfield 7 times (more than 15 yards) last game. It really seemed to open up other options until Lapo decided to go away from the run etc. Just don't understand how you deviate from things that work for you to return to things that don't work IE short rinkie dink passing game. He will never learn just as Hall will never change his defensive schemes. Oh well let's see what happens next year. I think we will learn a lot as soon as we find out if Oshea is rehired, which I believe he should be and I can't believe I'm saying that! However he must get rid of this stubbornness streak he has; think a little more about crucial decisions he makes and hold coordinators responsible with the wet the bed as both did this past game. We could have won had our defense stopped BC once in the last 4 possession but didn't; and if our offense would have kept the peddle to the metal instead of going all conservative after the mid way point of the 3rd quarter. AND if MOS would have recognized these things and demanded changes, never mind the bonehead call with 36 secs remaining. If these things are cleared up we have a good chance to host a playoff game next year and maybe get to the cup; if not we will reside in 3rd or 4th place with perhaps a chance for a crossover for playoffs. You heard it first here. Here's hoping I'm wrong

I agree with you j5v but the game wasn't lost on just that play... what about the wide open receivers that moved the ball downfield at ease.... what about the poor gap coverage to stop the run.... and of course what about our run game... it was missing in the second half. And what about the 3 man rush with BC on their 7 yd line that resulted that pass interference call and mov d the ball halfway down the field? Poor coaching decisions and you are right ultimately it falls to MOS. Can't call him a rookie anymore

It is typical of bomber games where we have a lead and need to protect it.... the offence can't move the ball let alone take time off the clock and the defence disappears..... open receivers all over the place and no bomber in site.... really frustrating to watch the game was theirs if they could cover and apply pressure......OC and DC and HC can wear this one

I had the answer in my mind just was wondering if others thought the same.

I agree with the depth chart with the exception of Smith. I know many here don't this Gurley is worthy but I'm equally not sure Smith is worthy as well and if it was a draw I would take the bigger body and apparently faster body that the little guy. Whatever, let's hope they all play well from START to finish. If they get down by 20 they we are toast plain and simple. If we are equal or slightly ahead or behind at the half we have a chance. However I will say what I said before my gut says we lose by 14 but my heart would simply like us to win.

MOS had a great game plan once when he had all the wrinkles in special teams and we won. That won't happen again especially against a Buono coached team. We fought tooth and nail against the Lions and won twice. Do you think we will do it again? I'm hoping we will but my gut says we lose by 14 points. Boy I hope I'm wrong. And I will be the first to apologize should we win even by 1!

I wonder if the lack of performance is a result of not being thrown the ball enough. I know there are what 4 or 5 potential receivers but why is it that the other teams can distribute the ball whereas the bombers seem to focus on 1 receiver a game. One game it is Dressler, the next maybe Adams, then it is Denmarks turn (however that was long ago and again a forgot plug in this offense) and then to Harris. Seems to me if you design an offense with diversity not only with the run and pass but also with different receivers, it keeps the defense on their toes so they cannot focus on only one receiver. Case in point, what 3 or 4 1000 yard receivers for the second year in Ottawa, what about BC and Calgary as well. Just saying we don't throw the ball deep or intermediate and we seem to focus on one receiver at a time. Maybe I'm wrong and I'm sure stats will prove that but from a layman's eye it sure looks that way.

what happened to Gurley??? sorry for my spelling. This that would be a major upgrade to Smith???

Harris a great pick and a Winnipeg native. Hebert an ex Bomber whom we should have signed on return to the CFL,,,,thank Kelly for that! Hopefully Harfris wins and Hebert a close second

I didn't expect a personal attack on this topic. The reality is Lapo has been an OC with the Bomber in the past. He took over Rick Worman's offense and bathed in the adulations of its success his first year. After that, that offense went down the tubs and he was subsequently was fired 2 years later. He was rehired with Sask I believe and to his credit won a grey cup with them however the team that won the grey cup was not offensive orientated but rather defensive orientated. I'll let you read into that what you will. He was then HC of the Bombers and that resulted in failure, which I'm sure you are aware of as you are certainly old enough to remember that. He was subsequently fired from that job because our team was terrible, to say the least and our offense was.......I'll let you fill in the blanks. He then took on the TSN gig which was perhaps the biggest and best job he had ever held. He had no defense to counter his assertions that this or that offense was superior. He also indicated that he had learned from his mistakes by going south to learn from the souther OC coordinators with little or no confirmation of the same. Actually the confirmation comes from this season with the Bombers his first since his last firing! What have we learned, not him. First he doesn't use his most dynamic offensive weapon nearly enough. Second he has not learned that in order to be successful you have to stretch the defense so that the run game and the short passing game can be effective. Third he hasn't learned that time of possession is critical to the other 1/3 of the team.....defense. The longer the offense is on the field the less the defense is resulting in better field possession and a more aggressive defense. And forth the better the offense plays the better the whole team plays......better field possession....less reliance on a 50 yard field goal kickerKI for points....and less opportunity for the other team to generate momentum. It is really a simple equation and yet Lapo and all his hip from TSN "coach's playbook" has resulted in nothing learned, nothing gained, same story. I am really sorry to say this but reality is reality. Simply look at the stats shown and the team record to date. I'm really sorry if I offend any one with my comments however I thought this board was one where one could comment freely without any personal attacks. I'm sorry to say I'm not sure that is the case. I am a Bomber fan, have been for some time although honestly have lost a lot of heart lately because of several issues with the Bombers but that is not the discussion here; it is merely about the well being of the team and those who comment freely (?) about it. Hopefully we can continue to voice our opinions without retribution or attack. Good luck to the Bombers this weekend. Hopefully they will do well and win in BC. My gut says not but my heart says yes.

Sorry to say this but I said when they hired him that he is not what Bomber fans want or need. Yes we made the playoffs but can you honestly say we did that because of the offense???? Look at the stats. Unfortunately he has learned little from his stint with TSN and his supposed trips south to pick the brains of OC's down there. BUT we are in the playoffs soon to be dispatched after the BC game and will do it all again next year with the same coaching staff. My apologies if I offend anyone but it is what it is. We need a new thinker for an OC not a retread and certainly not any of the current assistant coaches. Where and who I simply don't know but it is a change we need. If you look around we are using retreads as coaches where other teams are using retired players with a perchance to coach. Look at Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Hamilton and Toronto. While some flourish and other flounder they are not as bad or at least the same as we are.

MOS yet again proved his inability to think not only for his players but also the team long term. I say that for a few reasons; 1. he kept Nichols in far too long. If he is to the person who will take us to the Grey Cup he should have been out of there end of the 3rd quarter. Glen is a very capable back up. 2. He takes out Dressler and Harris within what was it 6 yards and 26 yards of 1000yd seasons and then re inserts Dressler after he has gone through concussion protocol to get his 6 yard catch; yet keep Harris out, a Winnipeg boy to boot, even though he is running well. Some here say he may have been nicked OK let's say he was then please explain to me why he put him in on the last play of the game! That is simply throwing dirt in Harris' face no wonder he looked p...... on the sidelines. We had three players looking for milestones in this game; Medlock, an non Canadian, Dressler a non Canadian and Harris not only a Canadian but a Winnipeg boy and who gets it..... not the Canadian Winnipeg boy. Now some will say that its on Lapo and they may very well be correct but unfortunately the buck stops with the head coach and if he is worth anything he would have known about these milestones and when to opportunities arose I believe he should have suggested to Lapo that they try to get it for Harris. What was it 10 all game????? Give me a break! Oh well we will see what happens now and what other great coaching moves this guys makes. I must admit even at 11-8 I'm still not a fan.

I simply think that when someone is struggling taking them out so they get a better perspective from the sidelines does not harm. It may perhaps give the team a boost (different look); it gives the struggling player a breather so they can regroup; and it keeps their confidence instead of destroying it. Happens in almost every team sport why would it not work in football. And in fact in BC they did it; they did it in Ottawa, have done it in Hamilton and Toronto and if I am not mistaken it happened in Calgary early in the season and certainly happened there when Huffnagel was coach. Don't see the harm.

I have been reflecting back on last game and while I understand that the whole team did not play well it seemed to me that the QB, one position that can be "controlled" to a degree, is one that he has complete control over. If this is the case then with having a proven "starter" and more than capable back up in Glenn standing on the sidelines, why was it that MOS did not insert him into the game when it was obvious to everyone, except him, that Nichols was struggling mightily and needed be taken out for not only the teams sake but also for his confidence! This is not the first time MOS has shown his stubbornness can cost us games; I need only refer to the start of the season and wonder how many games we may have won had he pulled Willy or started Nichols in his place. Then there are the DBs who supposedly won the starting jobs from training camp and were terrible in coverage only to be replaced when injuries dictated that was the case. Then we go on a 7 game winning streak with multiple games with at least 4 take aways per game or more. Slowly those originals have been inserted in the line up once again, save for Harris, and now we seem not to be able to cover a table! My point is merely, a good coach needs to know when to pull players during games to stop the bleeding while at the same time give the player a breather and different view of the proceedings. To merely keep them in to "let them work it out" is not a function of good coaching. If the ability level of the team is supposed to be a close as they state, then substitutions should be made freely. That does several positives while keeping a non performer in the game does much damage. The Bombers lost control of their own destiny for several reasons; the players were not and should have been ready to play this important game; the game plan to stop the Ottawa offense was poor, the offensive game plan was poor and of course so was the execution, and ultimately the coaching staff did not prepare this team to the level it needed. And finally bad decisions on behalf of the head coach sealed the deal. Now it is only one game but the consistent stubbornness of MOS in my mind will ultimately destroy any chances this team has of winning any play off games let alone get to the Grey Cup. Curious to see others viewpoints on this.

thanks for the help fellows. My tsngo won't work as my internet is on vacation mode and apparently this shuts down tsngo. By the time I was able to get streaming thanks to throw long banatyne I had lost interest. But will use it next week and hopefully it will be a different game. We need an explosive offense not some rinkie dink one. It hasn't served us well all year, our saving grace was the defense and turnovers. Time will tell. Thanks again for the help

yup in Sask they didn't catch many passes across the middle and short mainly long outs or slants. So why now????