Blue Bombers - 2025 Regular Season - Discussion Thread

[rebusrankin]

40 minutes ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

Think he's actually doing a pretty good job of making chicken salad out of chicken ****.

Oliviera looks like he's about 70%.  Have one go-to guy in Demski.  Sterns seems somewhat reliable.  Everyone else is a basketcase.  So his best receivers are the two guys under 5'10.

OL is not assignment sound.  Wallace is physical, but can be easily tricked to chase a block and give up the most direct route to the QB/ball carrier.  Discipline and awareness not there yet.  Kolankowski and Neufeld get beat straight up more often than not.  Randolph has been the only consistent piece.

Following up on this, is Wallace a guy that its worth it to deal with the growing pains now for future gains? I think so but you have more technical knowledge.

 

[Slimy Sculpin]

43 minutes ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

Think he's actually doing a pretty good job of making chicken salad out of chicken ****.

Oliviera looks like he's about 70%.  Have one go-to guy in Demski.  Sterns seems somewhat reliable.  Everyone else is a basketcase.  So his best receivers are the two guys under 5'10.

OL is not assignment sound.  Wallace is physical, but can be easily tricked to chase a block and give up the most direct route to the QB/ball carrier.  Discipline and awareness not there yet.  Kolankowski and Neufeld get beat straight up more often than not.  Randolph has been the only consistent piece.

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.

[JuranBoldenRules]

6 minutes ago, rebusrankin said:

Following up on this, is Wallace a guy that its worth it to deal with the growing pains now for future gains? I think so but you have more technical knowledge.

 

Yeah but it's going to be similar to Dobson in terms of what he gets to on his next deal.  You'd like to see a bit more progress heading into next season, last on his rookie deal.  

He's got way better feet that Dobson and I like that he is seeking out contact...but too much opening the gate in pass pro to do it, turning his hips, chasing blocks.  Teams 100% have deemed that B gap vulnerable to blitz if they run stunts with their tackles to move Wallace around.

I don't think we should have 3 Canadian OL (of who we have) on the field this season unless we had some crazy injury bug.  Once Vanterpool is back they should be starting him, Bryant and Randolph.

[Tracker]

4 hours ago, wpgallday1960 said:

BBs QB situation is a mess.  As bad as Collaros is he gives us a better chance to win than with Streveler.

Here's hoping we can get some young QB that has potential to be a legit and competent CFL starter in 2026.

We may already have one, but with O'Shea and our current OC, we may never find out.

[CFL Convert from Ohio]

3 hours ago, Mike said:

We have a lot of the worsts in the CFL right now but the big one is that we have the worst starting QB

He might have the worst seasonal stats right now, but he still had the poise to run a last-minute game-winning drive despite all those worsts. I'm prejudiced, but feel that Zach  has been a little underappreciated. If you take a cloaer look, you'll find that ZC played a very solid game in the 2014 Cup, and only an away from the play penalty on Speedy Banks' kick return preventwd him from getting a likely ring. In 19 and 21, lofty stats were pushed to the side as he game-managed wins. The Bombers were on their way to a substantial lead in 22 when the backup QB threw a momentum-changing pick. Even then, they missed a FG at the end. The defense blew 23 with a 4th down play. Last year was a case of being physically manhanded. In summary, ZC was a hair away from winning 5 out of 6 cups. Playoff stats are often worse for QBs. I think it was the 19 playoffs when ZC had a surprisingly effective game in horrible weather while BLM was awful. I also remember 2 OT dimes that put them up by 8 one year. It does look like 2025 might be the first time since 2018 that the starting Western QB will nor be named Zachary J Collaros. 

[17to85]

1 hour ago, CFL Convert from Ohio said:

He might have the worst seasonal stats right now, but he still had the poise to run a last-minute game-winning drive despite all those worsts. I'm prejudiced, but feel that Zach  has been a little underappreciated. If you take a cloaer look, you'll find that ZC played a very solid game in the 2014 Cup, and only an away from the play penalty on Speedy Banks' kick return preventwd him from getting a likely ring. In 19 and 21, lofty stats were pushed to the side as he game-managed wins. The Bombers were on their way to a substantial lead in 22 when the backup QB threw a momentum-changing pick. Even then, they missed a FG at the end. The defense blew 23 with a 4th down play. Last year was a case of being physically manhanded. In summary, ZC was a hair away from winning 5 out of 6 cups. Playoff stats are often worse for QBs. I think it was the 19 playoffs when ZC had a surprisingly effective game in horrible weather while BLM was awful. I also remember 2 OT dimes that put them up by 8 one year. It does look like 2025 might be the first time since 2018 that the starting Western QB will nor be named Zachary J Collaros. 

Zach has played more bad Grey cup games than good ones. 

Guy was a decent qb in his prime, but that time is long gone.

[Bomberguy]

Elgersma is playing for the Packers right now. Looking pretty good on his current drive. Scored a TD on it. 👍🏻

Edited 23 hours ago by Bomberguy

[Booch]

3 hours ago, rebusrankin said:

Following up on this, is Wallace a guy that its worth it to deal with the growing pains now for future gains? I think so but you have more technical knowledge.

 

100 percent

[Booch]

9 minutes ago, Booch said:

100 percent

Pro coaching and also shotgun to Big Stan will help him along immensely...too bad he has to play handicapped with a brutal center 

Hes also just figuring out his best body composition too...which once he where he needs to be will help him thrive...has all the tools and once he gets his technical stuff refined for pass blocking dude gonna be a regular all star...we better pay up this time 

[kelownabomberfan]

6 hours ago, CFL Convert from Ohio said:

He might have the worst seasonal stats right now, but he still had the poise to run a last-minute game-winning drive despite all those worsts. I'm prejudiced, but feel that Zach  has been a little underappreciated. If you take a cloaer look, you'll find that ZC played a very solid game in the 2014 Cup, and only an away from the play penalty on Speedy Banks' kick return preventwd him from getting a likely ring. In 19 and 21, lofty stats were pushed to the side as he game-managed wins. The Bombers were on their way to a substantial lead in 22 when the backup QB threw a momentum-changing pick. Even then, they missed a FG at the end. The defense blew 23 with a 4th down play. Last year was a case of being physically manhanded. In summary, ZC was a hair away from winning 5 out of 6 cups. Playoff stats are often worse for QBs. I think it was the 19 playoffs when ZC had a surprisingly effective game in horrible weather while BLM was awful. I also remember 2 OT dimes that put them up by 8 one year. It does look like 2025 might be the first time since 2018 that the starting Western QB will nor be named Zachary J Collaros. 

are you the dude who draws Crankshaft?

[wbbfan]

6 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Zach has played more bad Grey cup games than good ones. 

Guy was a decent qb in his prime, but that time is long gone.

more bad play off games to good by a massive margin. 0 mop level gc games  

[wbbfan]

5 hours ago, Booch said:

Pro coaching and also shotgun to Big Stan will help him along immensely...too bad he has to play handicapped with a brutal center 

Hes also just figuring out his best body composition too...which once he where he needs to be will help him thrive...has all the tools and once he gets his technical stuff refined for pass blocking dude gonna be a regular all star...we better pay up this time 

and with all that, he’s better than dobson was at the half way point of last year. he’s close to as good in run pro, but significantly better in pass pro. dobson is very likely an east all star this year, and imo wallace will likely be better than him out of camp next year. 

Boy the ex bomber ol around the league is looking pretty good. hardrick, dobson, couture, desjarlais, and broxton. 

 

[Pete]

Playing mtrl its a contrast in gm approaches, Mtrl locks up their key players on 2- 3 yr contracts  , when they have injuries they look anywhere for replacements ie Ciante Evans, Dandridge, Hollins,Dukes

 We on the other hand dont, and end up losing young talent like Dobson,and Ford.and potentially players like Wallace. We only seem to do 1 yr contracts once the season is over and seem to be scrambling. There are a few exceptions but rare. Currently our depth in dbs is lacking and we try to bring back players we' ve cut.

 Oh one exception, we resign an aging quarterback whose play is declining. Its frustrating at times

Edited 15 hours ago by Pete

[SpeedFlex27]

14 hours ago, Mike said:

We have a lot of the worsts in the CFL right now but the big one is that we have the worst starting QB

I think considering our lack of a run game, our sketchy OL & really no receiving threat by anyone on this team, I think Collaros is doing about as well as any other starting qb would be doing in that situaton. 

[Goalie]

I think most if not all QBs would look like crap with hogan calling plays and the lack of actual game breakers. Demski sterns and Clercius would make a solid 3 4 5 but they are our 1 2 3. 
 

Kyle Walters goes quiet when the season starts. But make no mistake the lack of game breakers is on the gm cuz he didn’t wanna pay them. Maybe Wilson comes back up but need more than him also.  If you a receiver on the PR and you ain’t good to go in 2 weeks I’d cut the guy. But I’d give them a chance to see what they can do in a game especially when well we lack that guy. Should be trying a different guy weekly until you find the next one. Receiver is receiver. Mitchell ain’t it but he’s a guy I guess. Wheatfall goes quiet for games. 

Edited 14 hours ago by Goalie

[SpeedFlex27]

13 minutes ago, Goalie said:

I think most if not all QBs would look like crap with hogan calling plays and the lack of actual game breakers. Demski sterns and Clercius would make a solid 3 4 5 but they are our 1 2 3. 
 

Kyle Walters goes quiet when the season starts. But make no mistake the lack of game breakers is on the gm cuz he didn’t wanna pay them. Maybe Wilson comes back up but need more than him also.  If you a receiver on the PR and you ain’t good to go in 2 weeks I’d cut the guy. But I’d give them a chance to see what they can do in a game especially when well we lack that guy. Should be trying a different guy weekly until you find the next one. Receiver is receiver. Mitchell ain’t it but he’s a guy I guess. Wheatfall goes quiet for games. 

I agree with you on Walters. The decision making of the entire organization reflects back to him. I find it hard to believe that  he & Osh looked over the roster & said we can stand pat after letting Lawler, Woli, Dobson & Ford leave. 

[SpeedFlex27]

9 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Zach has played more bad Grey cup games than good ones. 

Guy was a decent qb in his prime, but that time is long gone.

The truth is he still is the best qb on the roster. I've seen enough of Streveler to believe that he is nothing more than a competent backup. I'd like to see Kevin Powell signed as a free agent in the off season. 

[CrazyCanuck89]

11 hours ago, Goalie said:

I think most if not all QBs would look like crap with hogan calling plays and the lack of actual game breakers. Demski sterns and Clercius would make a solid 3 4 5 but they are our 1 2 3. 
 

Kyle Walters goes quiet when the season starts. But make no mistake the lack of game breakers is on the gm cuz he didn’t wanna pay them. Maybe Wilson comes back up but need more than him also.  If you a receiver on the PR and you ain’t good to go in 2 weeks I’d cut the guy. But I’d give them a chance to see what they can do in a game especially when well we lack that guy. Should be trying a different guy weekly until you find the next one. Receiver is receiver. Mitchell ain’t it but he’s a guy I guess. Wheatfall goes quiet for games. 

Your recievers aren't the problem.  The QB play has been lacking this year.

[17to85]

1 minute ago, CrazyCanuck89 said:

Your recievers aren't the problem

With schoen on the IR who is that receiver you turn to when you absolutely must have a play? Demski... but history has shown he is at his best when he's the #3 type guy. Wheatfall is too inconsistent,  sterns is limited by his size. Clercius is still young and not the real dynamic make plays all over the field type anyway.

So yeah, receivers are a big problem 

[Mark H.]

It's fascinating how narratives shift.  Earlier this year, the consensus was that we shouldn't overpay for Lawler, Ford, et. al. Not criticizing, just making an observation.

[Tracker]

11 hours ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

The truth is he still is the best qb on the roster. I've seen enough of Streveler to believe that he is nothing more than a competent backup. I'd like to see Kevin Powell signed as a free agent in the off season. 

As a counterpoint to your argument, the best game the team has played so far (by a long shot) was the first game when Collaros was suspended, and the quarterback was.....Streveler.

[Booch]

58 minutes ago, Mark H. said:

It's fascinating how narratives shift.  Earlier this year, the consensus was that we shouldn't overpay for Lawler, Ford, et. al. Not criticizing, just making an observation.

I for one never said you shouldn't pay premium for Lawler or a guy like him

Ford...never...especially when u can get as good or better play from an entry level American for 1/3rd the price...or even significantly cheaper on a 2nd and 3rd contract guy 

Plus...your backup if u need a Canadian there is way inferior too

[Slimy Sculpin]

1 hour ago, 17to85 said:

With schoen on the IR who is that receiver you turn to when you absolutely must have a play? Demski... but history has shown he is at his best when he's the #3 type guy. Wheatfall is too inconsistent,  sterns is limited by his size. Clercius is still young and not the real dynamic make plays all over the field type anyway.

So yeah, receivers are a big problem 

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.

[Booch]

1 minute ago, Slimy Sculpin said:

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.

That one at the shins...looking back to the q.b.....that's on ZC ...that's a tough catch to make at best of times for elite guys

[wbbfan]

13 hours ago, Goalie said:

I think most if not all QBs would look like crap with hogan calling plays and the lack of actual game breakers. Demski sterns and Clercius would make a solid 3 4 5 but they are our 1 2 3. 
 

Kyle Walters goes quiet when the season starts. But make no mistake the lack of game breakers is on the gm cuz he didn’t wanna pay them. Maybe Wilson comes back up but need more than him also.  If you a receiver on the PR and you ain’t good to go in 2 weeks I’d cut the guy. But I’d give them a chance to see what they can do in a game especially when well we lack that guy. Should be trying a different guy weekly until you find the next one. Receiver is receiver. Mitchell ain’t it but he’s a guy I guess. Wheatfall goes quiet for games. 

agree. zach is a problem. so is the ol, and wr core. but oc is the biggest issue. 

 thing with zach is, he’s been hurt twice this year already and was beaten up a lot last year. he’s played what 3? games at the level you need in the past year. and we’ve seen him fall into this cycle before with ssk and ham. at his age i dont think hes got another turn around in him even with an improved supporting cast. 

Qbs are hard to replace though. ocs, and wrs pretty easy. that’s the starting point imo