Slimy Sculpin

I kind of like what I've seen of Hubert so far this season but other than he's Canadian, 24, and out of McMaster, I don't know much about him. Did the Bombers draft him? Is he a rookie?

Laura Diakun. Yes, thoroughly professional. In my opinion, she is much better than Kate Beirness, who seems to encourage and participate in that mindless banter.

I agree that Bighill is having issues this season and is a problem.

OK, he's not smaller than some of the other teams' SAMs but I stand by my other points and he has trouble (like a few of his teammates) tackling. Special teams guy and backup LB at best. Just my opinion as a fan.

Some random thoughts: At times Canada v. Venezuela was more exciting. When was the last time Bighill or Alexander used their arms as part of their tackling technique? I’m not sure of the number of plays Thomas got but he looked ok last night. The ability of Steveler to run opened things up for Oliveira. There were some nice blocks by Streveler, too. However, I don’t know how long he can take the added pounding before something breaks. I don’t know anything about QBs’ throwing mechanics but Streveler’s still look odd. The corners and the halfbacks looked a lot better. I like Booch’s idea of moving Holm to safety. He seems to have good closing speed certainly a heck of a lot faster than Alexander and he can tackle. Not that O’Shea will pull Alexander. Are there competent guys in reserve to move to the halfback spot? Not much to say about Kramdi that hasn’t already been said other than too small, too slow and maybe doesn’t have a high football IQ. We use that term in hockey. Don’t know if it’s used in football. Special teams are improving although I’m still not sold on Sheahan. Miller’s systems getting ingrained? Castillo was right about those micro-chipped balls, more like macro-chipped. He has been excellent since those two early “misses” Calgary is no great shakes so far this season so next weeks game is winnable. Go Bombers Go!

Glad we won but I'll temper things a bit by suggesting that Ottawa is not a very good team. Calgary, a little better team, is up next. Go Bombers Go!

Anyone else think that Bighill is toast?

Streveler isn't going to last at this pace and that play calling. Kramdi the new Hurl? He is terrible. And that hit on Brown is inexcusable. But a lead is a lead. Go Bombers Go!

I think the TB understands. He's just being TB. I'm OK with that as he can be blunt but he's often on the mark. Look, this team isn't going to turn it around until they get their O-line figured out and that starts with getting a better centre. Based on what I've seen, Kolankowski doesn't have the size/strength and the mental acuity to handle the spot. Just my opinion.

Ah, yes. I had forgotten that we're 4-0.

The Bombers, as they're currently made up, have many problems. Of the problems, I think that one of the major ones is that our Canadian talent, starting Canadians in particular, is sub-par. Three stand out (in a bad way) to me: Kolankowski, Thomas and Kramdi. I'll pick on Kramdi for no particular reason. Kramdi in my view isn't starter material. He tends to lose his man in coverage or closes too fast and loses contain. In spite of all of the problems, three of the four games played so far have been winnable. I'm not jumping off the ledge just yet as I think that there's still plenty of season left to turn things around and squeeze into a playoff spot (crossover?).

I’m curious as to who makes the “on the fly” in game roster management decisions. In this case, is it O’Shea, Younger, by committee or based on a pre-game plan? Thoughts from you folks?

I'm sure someone has a count for his reps. I watched him sporadically and there were a couple of occasion swhen he took on two guys but most of the time he was pushed aside, too easily it seems to me. Do we have too many Sam Hurls on the team this season?

A few opinions based on observations in no particular order: Thomas (too old and slow) and Schmekel (too inexperienced?) especially when they were out there together....too often, for the most part were a nightmare! The whole centre of the D from the line to the safety position was a nightmare! The play calling on the Bombers' last drive of the first half was a nightmare! I appreciated that they marched down the field but it appeared that they were playing for a FG, which they screwed up anyway. The injuries that are mounting up are a nightmare! And the call to punt on 3rd and about 6 with two minutes to go......Mike O'Shea is becoming a recurring nightmare! Done venting. In spite of the many short-comings of the Bombers, they were in an exciting game and had a chance. P.S. Exiting the U of M parking from the Wallace Building to UC along Sifton Road was a nightmare (Sifton Road under construction)!

FWIW, one of the BC-residents (but a Bomber fan) who posts on the other board, was in for the season opener and mentioned that he had run into and had a short conversation with Wade Miller at the pre-game tailgating party. The BC-Bomber fan gave the impression that Miller was aware of "issues" and that they would be addressed. Who knows?

I agree about the centre position, too. I gather that you are well-connected in the football field. Do colleagues of yours have the same concerns about the O-line, centre in particular as you?

I appreciate and share your optimism. However, I am a bit concerned about the number of rookies in the secondary. (Was it Dave Ritchie who said that "you'll lose one game for every rookie started"?) Have they had enough time and reps to play as a cohesive unit? Here's hoping that the communication back there is getting better. Go Bombers Go!

I read this and the other forum and I for the most part appreciate the discussions on both boards but in reality these guys are just anonymous "keyboard warriors" (well, I guess Mike uses his real name first name) like the rest of us. Have they been there, done that? Maybe, maybe not.

I like your use of "s.

Sooner or later the roster management issue (and like you and others, I believe it is an issue) is going to result in more empty seats in the stands. I may be naive on this matter but I understand that Miller has stepped in in the past. Is it unreasonable to expect that he might have to have another "little meeting" with the HC? (I have no idea where Walters fits in here.)

I like your optimism!

Currently there are many things ailing the Bombers but, imo, it starts with the O line. I wasn't impressed with our centre (67) last year and after two games this year, I'm even less impressed. He may be consistent with his snaps but there's more to playing the position than that. As a football player, he makes a better matador, a whole lot of ole-ing going on. I don't understand why Eli isn't getting a shot at the position. I've got to convince myself that making the playoffs is all that matters. It's going to be a long season for us Bomber fans.

There are currently many things wrong with the Bombers, I'll just pick one. The O-line, especially the centre (#67) has to be better. It can start with relieving the C of his duties. He was absolutely atrocious out there. On the 3rd and goal from Ottawa's 7, he didn't even attempt to tie up his man. The guy had a free shot at Collaros with the resulting sack and 67 helping up Collaros. That would be a start. A frustrating game to watch.

That fumble by Demski was exasperating to watch. He had made a nice catch and had turned upfield. The first down had been secured but unfortunatel, Demski, who was in traffic, did not secure the ball. Sure fight for those extra yards but put two arms/hands on the ball and bear down. He's a straight line sort of guy anyway.

So, are you suggesting that all the balls are "chipped" with something the size (and weight?) of a golf ball? I'm grasping at straws here but could that impact Collaros' long throws where more than a little "touch" is required?