So what is the best approach to take for this game?  Do you play all, most or none of your key starters?  Should Chris Streveler get the whole game or should Nichols get the first half?

 

The struggle is always never to needlessly risk injury to a starter in the season finale because playoffs have to take precedent, but at the same time you want them to get mentally ready for the big time and not go in on cruise control.

 

One might feel this will be a game that Edmonton's players might be fired up and ready to play thereby giving us a competitive one as playoff preparation and here's why.

Certainly the playoff picture is practically all set as we'll be in third place in the West regardless, and certainly Edmonton doesn't have that to play for.  But Mass's future could be in doubt there, and the question could be whether or not the players want to come out and play to keep him there.  If they do, we can definitely expect they will come out swinging hard.  But even if not, they still could because they know if Maas is fired, the next guy might take notice and decide to cut anyone he doesn't think is putting up a tough effort.

 

Lotta things at play in this game, lotta things.

My ideal approach...

Prepare like any other week. Have the starters go through the reps and start the game. Then take them out, one by one during the first half. 

Let Nichols start and manage the first quarter. 

Let Harris get the rushing crown. 

Let Bighill tackle a few. 

Then, swap out as many as you can. 

Please no handoffs from Nichols to Harris...

I suspect Harris may be the first to get pulled from the game.  He might get enough to get those yards, but then he'll sit so he's fresh for the playoffs.

Nichols missed a month to start the season...then he missed a month because his head wasn't in the game.... I think he needs this whole game to prepare for the playoffs.  Plus another win for matt would help solidify his game changer moniker....going into the playoffs on a five game winning streak, only to win three more would more than solidify that.

2 minutes ago, NorthernSkunk said:

Nichols missed a month to start the season...then he missed a month because his head wasn't in the game.... I think he needs this whole game to prepare for the playoffs.  Plus another win for matt would help solidify his game changer moniker....going into the playoffs on a five game winning streak, only to win three more would more than solidify that.

A win in a meaningless game won't mean anything.   This game changer moniker also only really matters to some fans.   The coaches will do what they think is best to win in the playoffs.

It would be foolish to play Nichols this whole game and risk injury in a meaningless game for the playoffs.

Pretty certain as shown by play as of late that Nichols is back in his usual head space, so meaningless reps with risk to injury will serve no purpose for him leading up to the play-off game...he won't be rusty or stale from a week off...

 

A wise coach once said that 'not going all out' on every play results in more injuries in a game that means a lot to them and not much to you...You always want to beat the guy across from you and as far as injuries go, let the chips fall where they may...Now that's not saying you can't avert disaster in the injury department...You can sit your first line guys and that's what most teams who have locked down their postseason spot will do...Get up to speed in the week following...Name of the game is to stay healthy and you do what you have to do...I think we'll see a lot of Streveler...and yank Harris early....Don't know what Biggie is going to do BUT I'd sit him early as well ...He's not indestructible but pretty close lol

Edited November 1, 20187 yr by Stickem

1 hour ago, Rich said:

A win in a meaningless game won't mean anything.   This game changer moniker also only really matters to some fans.   The coaches will do what they think is best to win in the playoffs.

It would be foolish to play Nichols this whole game and risk injury in a meaningless game for the playoffs.

Exactly. The coaching staff and the players have full confidence in Nichols. There’s nothing to gain by playing in Edmonton. Give big Chris the keys.

I would like to see the starters go in the first half and get them out in the second... or the second someone important gets slightly nicked (Harris, Nichols, Dressler) pull them immediately...

Like to see lots of reps for LaFrance, Petermann, Simonise, Nelson, Washington and Wolitarsky

I've probably missed the news but...

What was Loffler's ailment? Has he practiced this week? 

27 minutes ago, JCon said:

I've probably missed the news but...

What was Loffler's ailment? Has he practiced this week? 

I believe he is still not practicing.  For sure won’t play this week. They are expecting him back for the playoffs 

1 hour ago, Booch said:

Pretty certain as shown by play as of late that Nichols is back in his usual head space, so meaningless reps with risk to injury will serve no purpose for him leading up to the play-off game...he won't be rusty or stale from a week off...

 

Not to mention with Streveler in development, this is a good opportunity for him or even Bennett to get more good reps.

Darrin Bauming saying via twitter that Streveler will start on Saturday...

No Nichols, no Harris, big no Dressler, no Adams and no Bighill. Also no Maas...  😋

Edited November 1, 20187 yr by bb1

4 minutes ago, bearpants said:

Darrin Bauming saying via twitter that Streveler will start on Saturday...

Awesome!   I hope he does well.    

like JCon said, give Nichols the first quarter... gotta give him some time in his old digs.  He always seems to play well in Edmonton.  Streveler gets the next 2, and let Bennett play the whole 4th.

Harris, same... give him the first quarter and then let LaFrance & co handle the rest of the load.  Dressler, let him pick up a catch to keep his consecutive receptions streak going, and get him outta there!

Bighill, you'll need to straight jacket, and he'd still try and play.  But you gotta do what you gotta do.... 

Edited November 1, 20187 yr by trueBlue83

Peterman, who I have liked, and Simonise playing would provide insight into their future development. 

This could be the last we’d see of Maas as the Schmoes HC. I’d take that bet. 

Edited November 1, 20187 yr by Rod Black

4 minutes ago, Rod Black said:

Peterman, who I have liked, and Simonise playing would provide insight into their future development. 

This could be the last we’d see of Maas as the Schmoes HC. I’d take that bet. 

bring back Maccocia??

1 minute ago, trueBlue83 said:

bring back Maccocia??

I never said I hated the schmoes! Lol

I hope Augustine bets the bulk of the carries...we have seen and pretty much know what lafrance can do..Augustine is the big unknown other than a few nice pre-season game runs, and some nice burst in plays during TC

1 hour ago, Booch said:

I hope Augustine bets the bulk of the carries...we have seen and pretty much know what lafrance can do..Augustine is the big unknown other than a few nice pre-season game runs, and some nice burst in plays during TC

Would love to see more of Augustine! Man Am i  excited about our Canadian depth. 

8 minutes ago, Arnold_Palmer said:

Would love to see more of Augustine! Man Am i  excited about our Canadian depth. 

Yes and what a perfect time to show it....Give all of our future a look

6 hours ago, Brandon said:

Please no handoffs from Nichols to Harris...

^^This.

So much this.

Still have nightmares over that year.

Any word on Flanders?