TheSource

I agree that you need to be able to do both, unfortunately, encouraging anything outside of the pocket has not been a strong suit of the Bomber organization for over 20 years. In my opinion, allowing a rookie QB to take off BY DESIGN now and then opens things up, gives him confidence, and allows for some success BEFORE he gets to the point of 3 years game experience. In fact, if Edmonton kept Reilly, Damon Allen, Dunnigan, or Tracey Ham in the pocket when they were rookies none of them may ever have developed into the QBs they became. Too bad Bombers are so inept at designing any kind of run and shoot for their young QBs. This *could* have something to do with the fact that Winnipeg has been a grave yard for promising young QBs over the last 20 years... It's not a coincidence that Edmonton has been a QB development powerhouse over that same time. Just saying...

Don't buy that at all. Johnny Football is not a pocket passer. If that were true there is no sense bringing a guy like that in.

<start memo> But Bomber tradition (a directive from the BOD down) is that this organization ONLY supports pocket passing style. There will be no discussion of QB's running the ball. Any QB who runs will be subsequently benched unless he is tackled for a loss or only a short gain. WE NEED TO BE CONSERVATIVE BOYS!!!! <end memo>

MOS should hold off on releasing this information until later in the week, There is no sense in giving Edmonton the ability to plan for that guy all week.

Not a bad idea, IMHO This will be a consolidation thread similar to the pre-season and training camp threads. I do think it should be separate from those.

Now that's what I'm talking about. Not very good and this shows poorly on Walters and the scouting staff. The verdict is still out on whether this team has improved or regressed overall this year. Very interested to see how these first 6 games go, when the team does not have the capacity to score 40 points each game just to keep it close.

Yes, either extreme is bad. My point was that you have to mix some longer passes in with the short stuff, otherwise your opponent will just come up and shut you down. Hopefully they mix it up and include ** some ** longer passes and attempts when coverage is tight.

Kevin Fogg as the starting CB ???? Not so pumped about that. If that's what happens after bringing in all those DBs the secondary is going to be in trouble again this year

No surprise there, I think he's related to Miles White.

If the definition of "make smart passes" is to do that ultra-conservative stuff, then that's going to be awfully easy for a 1st string defense in the CFl to shut down when they know the ball will never go more than 5 yards out of the hands of the QB, if at all. You are going to lose any way with that strategy because you can't score points that way unless a team has terrible run defense. I'd rather let the kids develop their abilities and open things up. That is the only way those #2 and #3 guys are going to develop. They will not learn much in an ultra-conservative system.

That would be bad, but it may very well happen. What I'd like to see is to go down guns blazing rather than a steady stream of 2 and outs, which will be the inevitable result of the above. I think Lapo should modify the offence into 2 different reduced package versions to suit each of Ross and Streveler, and then not be afraid to change up from each of them during the games. Make a pocket passing package for Ross and a roll out style run and shoot for Streveler, and then let them both go for it. Reality is that Bombers are in trouble no matter what, so at least let your players use all the tools they have and go down that way rather than having no offence at all and just hanging around until the D gets worn out.

Actually I'm fairly certain that Mike could really help the team find talent south of the border.

Then lets go dig Cal up and I'll get the paddles ready...

Yep, meant to say Henoc, but the sentiment still applies. You see what I mean.

Well, not completely. Durability is also a trait that a championship team needs. Cant win a GC without it. Compared to the last time the Bombers were good in the Cal Murphy era, these Bomber teams lack toughness in my opinion. There are exceptions however - Harris would look great in any era. In my opinion, Bombers need more old-school guys like that. GMs and coaches should be looking for durability to go along with talent. Still think that after around the era of Dave Ritchie until now the Bombers have done a less than average job of finding players that are both durable and talented.

Not a bad group. But as noted, if Collaros does not work miracles behind that OLine, they will be in trouble.

Compared to all the other starting QBs, Nichols is very injury prone - that is why we are where we are, and that is well known. Other players who are considered Bomber starts who are extremely injury prone are: Dressler Adams Cory Watson (when he was here) Addison Richards (this one was the joke of the league) Drew Willy Robert Marve Isn't it possible that because Bombers have been so very poor at finding quality talent over the last 20 years that they are settling for players who really should not be playing?

Cauchy cut by BC. How do you think it will be before Jamaal demands that they sign him in Montreal? Bet he is there before their next game...

Yes, this is a valid point too. And this year Bombers brought in more of their own finds which is good, but not sure about bringing in a boat load of ex-Lions. Their D was not dominant the last few years either. We'll have to see if that is any kind of upgrade. With Nichols out we'll find out sooner rather than later...

Why do the Bombers build their team on injury prone players or players close to being wash outs? It seems Bombers always have guys who get injured more easily than the other teams. Is it because they are lesser quality guys trying to play over their heads or is it because broken players are cheaper?

Not a bad strategy to look at the cuts from the deepest, most talented, and best team at finding new talent. Better than Bombers who go dumpster diving each year in the cuts or free agents from Sask, Montreal, and BC - the bottom dwelling teams.

They are going to have to rely on their D. Will be interesting to see how they match up with Bombers in 2 weeks. Both teams are in the same situation QB-wise

Trade???? <just kidding> LOL

Fugate looks like he would fit in as a Bomber QB...

Als have a very strong D with lots of Cdn depth so he wont be missed. He was never that good a player based on his time in a Bomber jersey.