Old Bomber Fan

Well sorry for going against the flow on this one....I think he hit it on the head. I have never liked MOS's attitude from the get go. He is far too stubborn to be a head coach responsible for making decisions that will help the team win be it either during the game and game decisions or manpower decisions. The points that were made were spot on regarding his unwillingness to sit Willy, sit other starters who were underperforming etc. It was only when he was told to give Nichols a shot after a terrible 1-4 start and then by luck inserted a few rookies due to injury namely Loffler and Fogg that the team started to move. I believe there was also a move to insert Bond on the OL line but I may be wrong with that one. Point is he cannot make a manpower decision effectively and his game decisions are terrible.
He is one of the reasons I did not keep my season tickets after many years.....it was obvious what the outcome was going to be and I didn't want to spend 1 1/2 hours driving into the city to watch what I KNEW was going to be another loss and not a close one at that.....then if by luck it was a close one to be lost with a bone head decision by the head coach, only to have to wait over 1/2 hour to leave and face another 1 1/2 hour drive back home. And to top it all off I couldn't leave early because the shuttle bus didn't leave until it was full near the end of the game. I won't mention IGF which is another story of its own. Suffice to say, Mr MOS was a huge reason why I stopped going. Do I follow them on TV, yes I do but I have the privilege to turn it off when I chose. Do I wish them well, certainly do and will always but reality is they will never win a Grey Cup or get to it with MOS as head coach......so the article is bang on....at least in my opinion

Well sorry for going against the flow on this one....I think he hit it on the head. I have never liked MOS's attitude from the get go. He is far too stubborn to be a head coach responsible for making decisions that will help the team win be it either during the game and game decisions or manpower decisions. The points that were made were spot on regarding his unwillingness to sit Willy, sit other starters who were underperforming etc. It was only when he was told to give Nichols a shot after a terrible 1-4 start and then by luck inserted a few rookies due to injury namely Loffler and Fogg that the team started to move. I believe there was also a move to insert Bond on the OL line but I may be wrong with that one. Point is he cannot make a manpower decision effectively and his game decisions are terrible.
He is one of the reasons I did not keep my season tickets after many years.....it was obvious what the outcome was going to be and I didn't want to spend 1 1/2 hours driving into the city to watch what I KNEW was going to be another loss and not a close one at that.....then if by luck it was a close one to be lost with a bone head decision by the head coach, only to have to wait over 1/2 hour to leave and face another 1 1/2 hour drive back home. And to top it all off I couldn't leave early because the shuttle bus didn't leave until it was full near the end of the game. I won't mention IGF which is another story of its own. Suffice to say, Mr MOS was a huge reason why I stopped going. Do I follow them on TV, yes I do but I have the privilege to turn it off when I chose. Do I wish them well, certainly do and will always but reality is they will never win a Grey Cup or get to it with MOS as head coach......so the article is bang on....at least in my opinion

I will refresh everyone's memory about LaPolice; he came here as OC when Worman was fired because Charles Roberts, a second year player rebelled against Worman and it was either him or Worman to leave. The offense was good that year and LaPolice took over that offense and did little to change it. When he tried the subsequent year after his hiring the offense went down the tubes. He did win a Grey Cup with Saskatchewan however.
For those of you who suggest we just lost to a top tier team, you are correct. Regardless of score. We had to go into overtime to win our first game against Saskatchewan because of stupid coaching decisions in the 4th quarter; we lost to Calgary plain and simple; we nearly lost to Toronto in the 4th quarter and only Heath's INT prevented that from happening as Toronto was doing exactly what BC did except they didn't quite make it. In BC again up by 2 TDs and look what happened; we were fighting for our lives because we couldn't move the ball and we couldn't stop them from moving the ball. It seems pretty clear to me....we don't play football in the 4th quarter....our coaches are afraid to lose.....not try to win. It is a mentality that will quickly if not already slip into the players minds.
I will say I was pleased with the penalty count for us....not sure how many but they were nonfactors for a change which was great. Lots of work to do mostly by the coaches and GM

I think Mr Noeller you are being paid by the Blue and Gold to monitor this site and present as positive a position that you can. Even Ed Tait who is a paid employee tells it more like it is. Of course you have to tell it like it is....if not, you lie right off the bat and where do you go from there? By at least being honest with players and fans alike everyone gets the true picture and then can make a somewhat educated decision going forward.
I akin this to the constant before season hype from the Bombers year in and year out....first it was rebuilding so don't expect a lot. Then when that slant didn't work it was all about the quality of players that the scouts have brought it... a huge improvement that will create good competition at training camp....yet we see the same players and most if not all the recruits either on the PR or cut. An improvement? Then we heard we signed all the coaching staff because it created continuity and that is always good....and referencing teams like Calgary and Edmonton. Well Edmonton changed coaches, not by choice but nonetheless did and in the first year made the playoffs while losing many of their starters and much of the coaching staff the year previous. Calgary only seems to find quality players whether it be from the PR or scouting.....year in and year out. We don't do that!
We simply rely on the old lines of much improved this year. Then as the year progresses it is an injury issue as if no other team in the league has injuries and finally at the end of the year it comes down to a few plays here and there that caused us to miss the playoffs again.....all the while our coach talks about how great the players are and how hard they work.
No one is saying they don't play hard, no one is saying they are not talented. Perhaps what they are saying is these players are not being put in a position to win....not being put in a position to display their skills....not being coached according to their skills versus what the coaches think they should able to do. I realize there is a give and take here but let's be realistic.....this is a team that, at least in my opinion, is underperforming in several areas and these areas are consistent year in and year out. Bad coaching decisions by the head coach, an ineffective offense hell bent on dink and dunk where every team in the league knows it and doesn't even plan for the maybe one or two times we may get lucky downfield, and an ineffective defense that cannot seem to cover receivers period. Yes we do stop the run most games but the pass.....well that is simply another story. Are they coached properly....well whenever I see a DB trying to defend a pass and he is neither looking at the receivers eyes to see when the ball is coming or looking for the ball but simply flaying away at the air, then I see poor coaching or poor individual habits. Can it be taught, certainly but these guys are not rookies coming direct from college....most have played professional football somewhere so is it that they haven't learned, won't learn, or can't learn......or is it the coaches can't teach it.
I guess what I am trying to say is while I understand that you want to put a positive spin on everything, this does not mean you are a better bomber fan than those who talk about their shortcomings and who are frankly finished with the BS that keeps coming forth from this organization. We all want them to win and again frankly no one more so than myself. I haven't invested over 63 years watching and listening to this team so I can be fed total nonsense. When Bud Grant was the coach or Cal Murphy, there was no mincing words on the quality of product on the field. They expected to win and were coached that way. It was unacceptable to be substandard and while that did not always translate to winning, it nonetheless led to competitive, aggressive football that was both entertaining and rewarding to the players and fans. What we see today is neither.
So because people speak about what they perceive to be issues with this team....they do so as a fan and someone who expects more.

I think Mr Noeller you are being paid by the Blue and Gold to monitor this site and present as positive a position that you can. Even Ed Tait who is a paid employee tells it more like it is. Of course you have to tell it like it is....if not, you lie right off the bat and where do you go from there? By at least being honest with players and fans alike everyone gets the true picture and then can make a somewhat educated decision going forward.
I akin this to the constant before season hype from the Bombers year in and year out....first it was rebuilding so don't expect a lot. Then when that slant didn't work it was all about the quality of players that the scouts have brought it... a huge improvement that will create good competition at training camp....yet we see the same players and most if not all the recruits either on the PR or cut. An improvement? Then we heard we signed all the coaching staff because it created continuity and that is always good....and referencing teams like Calgary and Edmonton. Well Edmonton changed coaches, not by choice but nonetheless did and in the first year made the playoffs while losing many of their starters and much of the coaching staff the year previous. Calgary only seems to find quality players whether it be from the PR or scouting.....year in and year out. We don't do that!
We simply rely on the old lines of much improved this year. Then as the year progresses it is an injury issue as if no other team in the league has injuries and finally at the end of the year it comes down to a few plays here and there that caused us to miss the playoffs again.....all the while our coach talks about how great the players are and how hard they work.
No one is saying they don't play hard, no one is saying they are not talented. Perhaps what they are saying is these players are not being put in a position to win....not being put in a position to display their skills....not being coached according to their skills versus what the coaches think they should able to do. I realize there is a give and take here but let's be realistic.....this is a team that, at least in my opinion, is underperforming in several areas and these areas are consistent year in and year out. Bad coaching decisions by the head coach, an ineffective offense hell bent on dink and dunk where every team in the league knows it and doesn't even plan for the maybe one or two times we may get lucky downfield, and an ineffective defense that cannot seem to cover receivers period. Yes we do stop the run most games but the pass.....well that is simply another story. Are they coached properly....well whenever I see a DB trying to defend a pass and he is neither looking at the receivers eyes to see when the ball is coming or looking for the ball but simply flaying away at the air, then I see poor coaching or poor individual habits. Can it be taught, certainly but these guys are not rookies coming direct from college....most have played professional football somewhere so is it that they haven't learned, won't learn, or can't learn......or is it the coaches can't teach it.
I guess what I am trying to say is while I understand that you want to put a positive spin on everything, this does not mean you are a better bomber fan than those who talk about their shortcomings and who are frankly finished with the BS that keeps coming forth from this organization. We all want them to win and again frankly no one more so than myself. I haven't invested over 63 years watching and listening to this team so I can be fed total nonsense. When Bud Grant was the coach or Cal Murphy, there was no mincing words on the quality of product on the field. They expected to win and were coached that way. It was unacceptable to be substandard and while that did not always translate to winning, it nonetheless led to competitive, aggressive football that was both entertaining and rewarding to the players and fans. What we see today is neither.
So because people speak about what they perceive to be issues with this team....they do so as a fan and someone who expects more.

gee wiz other teams start rookies in their line up and they don't choke in the 4th quarter. We don't have the depth of other teams I agree but its the play calling that sends our offense off the field when we should be trying to keep it on the field. As I said 3 - 5 yard passes ain't going to do it sorry.

Cant kill the clock or get a first down with 3-5 yd passes. Way to go lapolice

Cant kill the clock or get a first down with 3-5 yd passes. Way to go lapolice

Cant kill the clock or get a first down with 3-5 yd passes. Way to go lapolice

Cant kill the clock or get a first down with 3-5 yd passes. Way to go lapolice

Cant kill the clock or get a first down with 3-5 yd passes. Way to go lapolice

Sorry guys but I am a Denmark fan. He seldom gets the ball thrown to him and when he does he is gold...seldom drops it if it is catchable. Not sure why they don't use him more. I get the fact they go to Dressler a lot which is fine but Denmark is money when given the chance, Yes he is small similar to Dressler but he gets open as much but isn't considered. Not sure why. The other two referred to are only average if that in the big picture. We need someone like Green or Bowman (I know we had him before) or Arsenault but I guess they are hard to come by.

Not sure why everyone is so disappointed. We lost to a superior team, we won last week over an inferior team that frankly the scores form both games indicate what type of team we have. Agree Carmichael can't play in this league Hurl was exposed for what he is and why he lost his job last year and our coaching staff again gets out coached. When folks stop listening to the garbage MOS delivers weekbinnand week out and take off their rose coloured glasses then you will see the true blue bombers; some quality players being coached by inept coaches. I figure we hopefully will still get 11 wins but that's the limit.

Not sure if I posted this previously but if I did disregard as I'm sure some of you will anyway. That was an entertaining game if you consider the lead swings, and miscues abound. What really irritated me was MOS decision making and particular taking a knew with 1 second remaining in the game! Why not throw it deep, three things could happen and two of them are in our favour; a completion, a pass interference call which provides us with another down and with Medlock around guess who wins in regulation; and then of course an interception. The chance of that being returned for a touchdown is slim to nil considering it would be a jump ball at best. It certainly appeared that MOS was playing for the tie and taking his chances in overtime. That in itself seemed weird as the defense had just given up a 14 point lead with 9:43 to play and the offense did nothing so not sure the chances were good based on that fact. However as inept as Sask was in overtime we were their equal save for guess who Mr. Medlock, who perhaps could have won the game in regulation (see above)
The players played hard; mr Carmichael got burned on at least 3 TDs better start looking over his shoulder. The defense, well I'm not a fan yet but maybe they need a game or two to get going. There was some pressure but Glenn escaped too many times for my liking and he is what 38 yrs old and how mobile?? Apparently enough to avoid our rush! The secondary closed on the ball well but in total they gave up what over 370 yards again and against a team many believe will be last in the west. If that is the case where will we be......second from last????? I certainly hope not.
I agree that MOS needs to rethink his strategy regarding punting out of our endzone. Should there be a 20mph wind at his back why not he could likely kick it 60 yards or more but without the field position is not good and to expect the current defense to hold, well I have a bridge for sale in Florida if you like.
Bottom line we won they lost. I'm not looking forward to next week with Calgary in town. That is a whole different dimension and if La Police and Hall not to mention MOS don't start getting their thoughts in order it could be a long night.....especially for those who think we will win the west!!! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.