Slimy Sculpin

I'm looking forward to the next two weekends. (I'd be satisfied with a split.) I think that our secondary is finally coming around. Due to injuries and outright poor play by the DBs, the Bombers' braintrust was forced to make changes. I think that Vaval and Allen are "keepers" and Houston, perceived baggage or not, will help solidify things. As for the D-line, I cringe every time I see two Canadians plugging up the middle. I'm hoping that the coaches realize that one Canuck, if they have to, is enough. The receiving core is a sore point. Pray for Schoen to return; Demski to be able to handle more pounding; and Mitchell to wake up?

I agree. He seems to know where to go but he's a tad slow getting there and his tackling technique has regressed. The result of too many injuries and age, I guess. While visiting family, I've been to two Bomber games in Calgary over the last two seasons. I've taken my grandkids (8 and 5) to the games early and both times, Castillo has come over to chat with them and sign autographs.

A few comments about the game. Glad the Bombers won but there were still a few WTF moments starting with the coaching staff. There was some questionable play calling on both sides of the ball and O’Shea’s time-management skills leave a lot to be desired. Do these guys talk to each other? The O-line played pretty well especially when run-blocking. Kolankowski deserves a lot of the barbs thrown his way but on Oliveira's initial big run (28 yards?), Kolankowski opened it up for him by blocking one defender and then bouncing back to get a second guy. It actually looked like he knew what he was doing. Oliveira was immediately in open ground. I was pleasantly surprised. Lawson, the DB, was terrible at least to begin with. There's a reason the Bombers brought back Houston. The sooner he's inserted into the lineup the better. Why is Kramdi starting at S when Allen is a keeper. Don't we already start more than the minimum required Canucks? Kudos to our Special Teams (good coaching). The kicking game is solid. Castillo always was and it has taken several years but Sheehan is coming around. I like Vaval over Logan as a returner but it's probably too early to judge Logan. Good to see Wilson out there for the 3rd and short plays although he might have been out there because Streveler was lining up as a receiver. Do the coaches not see (what seems pretty obvious to me) that Wilson for whatever reasons is at this point the better option. I’m still convinced that the recent game in Calgary was lost because they used Streveler instead of Wilson on that 3rd and 1 on the Calgary 10. Had we scored on that drive, it would have been a dagger in the Stamps. Collaros played well. Was that his best game in a long while? Oliveira is looking stronger which points to a full recovery from his injury. The next two games will be interesting. Objectively, the Riders are the best team in the league so it will be challenging for the Bombers. Go Bombers Go!

Perhaps, but I don't expect to see Lawson starting at the corner. I realize that some folks aren't crazy about the Houston signing but charges were dropped and I'm ok with givong a guy a second chance. He can play and he's a lot better than Lawson.

Not much beyween those ears of Maas. Coaching brain cramps all around.

Why wasn't he playing earlier in season? Seriously.

You realize that's an indictment of Younger?

You won't get an argument from me. And, I'd make him an offer to coach that he can't refuse. Never thought I'd be saying that.

Seriously, is he dressed?

Too much wine. I did edit it.

Corcoran making a mark!

I wouldn't go that far.😄

You or I would too if we had Lawson covering us.

Lawson looking like he's already been cut.

Comments on the 1st half: There's a reason Houston is in town. OC should be fired for very strange play calling. Time management by coaches was disgusting at end of half. 3rd and 1. Put in Wilson and go for it. If Demski is The Guy, we're not going far and he'll get hurt. (Said it a few games ago.) And we can't tackle. I'm looking at you Wilson.

I have to admit I know next to nothing about O-line technique but I've watched every Bomber game for the last few years (including TSN replays) and Kolankowski does, at least to my untrained eye, get overwhelmed a lot. Maybe he's got a high football IQ as the centre is supposed to call blocking assignments. Right? However, imo, he's too small to begin with. Is he one of those "gud in the room, glue guys?" Who the heck knows? It's frustrating watching him getting beaten regularly.

Hey, I got an "eye roll" from Noeller! Does that mean I've been initiated?

Ah, so that's what Hogan looks like. I couldn't tell from the earlier photos wth the cap on backwards and the sunglasses. Perhaps, his play calling will mature along with his attire?

Just an observation about Clercius. In each of the last two games, he has dropped, in my opinion, an easy one. And, I've posted this before, if Demski, who I really like, is the (only) go-to-guy for those long ones, we're going to have trouble on O.

The game in Calgary turned on a dime when Streveler was stuffed on 3rd and short at around the Stamps 10. Had we scored, I believe victory was distinctly possible even with the DBs dressed that day and some other brain freezes by our OC. Easy for me to say though. The CFL is an intetesting league, on any given (pick a day).....

There hasn't been a lot of consistent play by the O-line this year, probably the result of injuries, diminishing skills or, in the case of our C, not enough skill. Hopefully, they can get the five best guys out there in their best positions...eventually. To my eye from watching a lot of games this year, Collaros isn't getting a lot of time in the pocket and because of issues like our C, has literally no room to step up in the pocket. If this can't be corrected, I think that more roll-out plays should be included in the play repertoire. Collaros is long in the tooth but he still can move. Just my opinion.

Have to agree about our OC. His play calling has me yearning for Buck.😔

Yes, on that second and 3, I would have left Collaros in and called a "regular" play, one with a couple of options. Putting all the big guys in and giving Streveler no option other than try to find a hole to whatever side the play called for. (Can he audible to change it? Is he even allowed that?) And, with his not totally healed body, he hasn't looked good on these short yardage plays. Wilson, imo, has looked better (more yards gained per attempt, I think). So if a play like that is the (dumb)call, get in your better player for that situation. It still ticks me off.

Yep, it is disappointing. I would have considered opening the bank (darn any penalties) for another FA or two or different FAs. I have to wonder what Miller/Walters were thinking. (The extension for Collaros is one of many head-scratchers.) Having said that, I believe they'll be playoff bound (probably without a home game) and if the D continues to grow and the currently cringe worthy O can at least become more consistent, we have a shot.

I have to admit that I was fit to be tied while watching the second half last night. Fortunately, I was watching with my 8 year-old grandson and 5 year-old granddaughter and some Lego blocks so I kept it under control. I might have auggested that the coaches should be fired but in a nice way, sort of. Anyway, after a sleep, I think that things are shaping up with the D and with the injuries to the DBs in particular, the team will be forced into bringing in some bodies that may develop. Younger seems competent enough although I didn't like his schemes towards the end of the game. Special teams are coming along pretty well, too, that hiccup of a TD return against them excepted. They still take the odd unnecessary penalty though. I like Vaval and I'm beginning to appreciate Sheehan. Sergio, well, he's no Medlock but he's Sergio so that's quite alright. As for the offence, I'm not as positive about them. I hope that Hogan's Zero can figure it out (soon) but I'm not holding my breath. Collaros surprised me with that run to set up the FG so perhaps a few more roll-out plays should be called for, although not too many of those where he has to throw across his body. I'm just hoping for a competent O but I'm concerned that the go-to-guy for the long ones is Demski. I'm hoping for them to make the playoffs and since this is rhe CFL where anything can happen...... Go Bombers Go!