Color me shocked, happy but still not sold....yet

First off was nice to see Ears lose his **** multiple times again on the sidelines like Maas of old...we definitely made him pop...and his team sure takes on his personality, as a collective group they truly are a bunch of whiny yappy babies when things don't go well for them...If anything with our team when we are getting our butts handed to us, we never act like that

Bringing the nasty back...Shades of 2019 to 2023 oline work and it made a difference. Again, we went into what Our identity should be with smash mouth play and how it opens up things for our receivers...Now don't keep going away from it in games unless it's taken away. It also allows our hogs to get in the zone immediately and dictate the tone...That's big...the last 2 weeks my observation is that Stan seems to be rounding into form. As mentioned in game thread I think his injury was hindering him and why he was consciously kicking out a bit early and looked old and slow on plays quick off the snap where he had to make a fast step....He was still good in the run but he did look compromised in certain blocking assignments

But last night he was active and all over in the run game...the whole line was and we need to keep using all that oline movement...It worked well in Edm too until we went away from it. If he plays like this again next week then maybe the slagging he was getting here wasn't 100 percent justified...that being said I hope we have talked to him about this being his farewell season

Kudos to Condell as well for that game plan...almost like he stole Mtl's to be honest, but that what we need to do game in and game out. Receivers actually played tough...made some tough grabs, and actually fought for YAC. Pokey needs to be used **** we used him ..lotsa horizontal routes and getting ball to him while he moving, as he is slippery and greasy and can slither his way through the slightest opening with speed. He's not the consistent vertical threat we can lean on...That I guess is a Demski role currently as we don't have a guy...and is what we really need. I think the 3rd Canadian WR experiment needs to end as Cobb offers absolutely nothing in that spot. If anything, use Clercius there and have him and Neild both show looks from inside and outside....If we refuse to add an import....That would still make us better, and Clercius is a guy teams will have to take note of. All he does is make catches, and actually will do something with the ball after the catch...and he was key in downfield blocking on several runs

Encouraging to say the least tho....next week is the true litmus test. In that environment and hype if we do what we have done in the half of game in Edm and last night again...with a convincing win...look out...That's the make of a trend and a BB repeat we could be sending ourselves into a real run of wins as the confidence grows

Vaval has to have earned that starting DB spot...it's almost changed how we play a bit back there...for the better and you can see he is legit good. Texada as well in his limited reps showed some real promise...Only time he was really noticed was when making a play...pretty good debut for a raw rookie vs the offensive juggernaut the Al's are reported to be. Let Nichols rest another week...let the youngsters (Williams/Vaval/Texada) run with it and make a decision for BB if Nichols is ready to go. But safety and Kelly needs to end...yesterday already...cant cover...poor tackling...soft. If kramdi is back is he better...Maybe a bit but he also isn't great. He's perfect for the role Kelly had before he went in at safety and would be a shame to sit one of the 3 aforementioned from the starting lineup...and you cant pull Smith off for him, and as much as Wilson and Jones get grief on here, Kramdi at WIL would be the worst possible decision. When ready yank Novack off for Kramdi and use him all over in the rotation...He does do well mucking it up in the box when we go 3 dlineman

Speaking of yanking...Hazen needs to be..whats he offer?...whats he done to justify being on roster?...especially when Kramdi back...Nothing....and if we keep Vaval at Corner then Singer for Hazen makes a ton of sense, or if we just swap out Cobb for clercius and say no to another skilled player...Nichols as depth isn't a bad thing

Dline has the talent to dominate games...tho a true Nose would be nice, but they are frustrating as they go in spurts...is it scheme and what we asking them to do...or is it just growing pains as we have essentially 3 rookies taking big time reps...none the less I really have no issues with that group for the most part...Some fine tuning scheme wise tho I think could really put em over the top!

None the less like what I saw...actually not dreading the Labour Day game now...and curious to see if this was a turning the corner....or just a mirage of a game...we shall see shortly...The only bad part of the win is it will basically ensure zero changes...even tho a few could really set us off

1 hour ago, Booch said:

Color me shocked, happy but still not sold....yet

First off was nice to see Ears lose his **** multiple times again on the sidelines like Maas of old...we definitely made him pop...and his team sure takes on his personality, as a collective group they truly are a bunch of whiny yappy babies when things don't go well for them...If anything with our team when we are getting our butts handed to us, we never act like that

Bringing the nasty back...Shades of 2019 to 2023 oline work and it made a difference. Again, we went into what Our identity should be with smash mouth play and how it opens up things for our receivers...Now don't keep going away from it in games unless it's taken away. It also allows our hogs to get in the zone immediately and dictate the tone...That's big...the last 2 weeks my observation is that Stan seems to be rounding into form. As mentioned in game thread I think his injury was hindering him and why he was consciously kicking out a bit early and looked old and slow on plays quick off the snap where he had to make a fast step....He was still good in the run but he did look compromised in certain blocking assignments

But last night he was active and all over in the run game...the whole line was and we need to keep using all that oline movement...It worked well in Edm too until we went away from it. If he plays like this again next week then maybe the slagging he was getting here wasn't 100 percent justified...that being said I hope we have talked to him about this being his farewell season

Kudos to Condell as well for that game plan...almost like he stole Mtl's to be honest, but that what we need to do game in and game out. Receivers actually played tough...made some tough grabs, and actually fought for YAC. Pokey needs to be used **** we used him ..lotsa horizontal routes and getting ball to him while he moving, as he is slippery and greasy and can slither his way through the slightest opening with speed. He's not the consistent vertical threat we can lean on...That I guess is a Demski role currently as we don't have a guy...and is what we really need. I think the 3rd Canadian WR experiment needs to end as Cobb offers absolutely nothing in that spot. If anything, use Clercius there and have him and Neild both show looks from inside and outside....If we refuse to add an import....That would still make us better, and Clercius is a guy teams will have to take note of. All he does is make catches, and actually will do something with the ball after the catch...and he was key in downfield blocking on several runs

Encouraging to say the least tho....next week is the true litmus test. In that environment and hype if we do what we have done in the half of game in Edm and last night again...with a convincing win...look out...That's the make of a trend and a BB repeat we could be sending ourselves into a real run of wins as the confidence grows

Vaval has to have earned that starting DB spot...it's almost changed how we play a bit back there...for the better and you can see he is legit good. Texada as well in his limited reps showed some real promise...Only time he was really noticed was when making a play...pretty good debut for a raw rookie vs the offensive juggernaut the Al's are reported to be. Let Nichols rest another week...let the youngsters (Williams/Vaval/Texada) run with it and make a decision for BB if Nichols is ready to go. But safety and Kelly needs to end...yesterday already...cant cover...poor tackling...soft. If kramdi is back is he better...Maybe a bit but he also isn't great. He's perfect for the role Kelly had before he went in at safety and would be a shame to sit one of the 3 aforementioned from the starting lineup...and you cant pull Smith off for him, and as much as Wilson and Jones get grief on here, Kramdi at WIL would be the worst possible decision. When ready yank Novack off for Kramdi and use him all over in the rotation...He does do well mucking it up in the box when we go 3 dlineman

Speaking of yanking...Hazen needs to be..whats he offer?...whats he done to justify being on roster?...especially when Kramdi back...Nothing....and if we keep Vaval at Corner then Singer for Hazen makes a ton of sense, or if we just swap out Cobb for clercius and say no to another skilled player...Nichols as depth isn't a bad thing

Dline has the talent to dominate games...tho a true Nose would be nice, but they are frustrating as they go in spurts...is it scheme and what we asking them to do...or is it just growing pains as we have essentially 3 rookies taking big time reps...none the less I really have no issues with that group for the most part...Some fine tuning scheme wise tho I think could really put em over the top!

None the less like what I saw...actually not dreading the Labour Day game now...and curious to see if this was a turning the corner....or just a mirage of a game...we shall see shortly...The only bad part of the win is it will basically ensure zero changes...even tho a few could really set us off

Excellent analysis! I really don't know what happened with Clercius last year but he has exceptionally strong hands, boxes out very well and this allows him to make those tough contested catches. He also downfield blocks very well. Daniels last night also impressed me , made some good key blocks and the catch and run he had was just what we need more of. Tony Jones used correctly like last night is a weapon. He got into Alexanders face quite often and the trash talk I'm sure added to the QB's whiney reactions and probably threw him off of his game a bit.

Be honest - even if we had received the butt-whooping we all expected, would anything have changed?

It reminded me of the 2019 GC run. Aggressive, hard hitting play & the opposition losing it.

Just watched a replay they were showing of Dane Evans in 2022 and all I was thinking was can we break Davis Alexander in 2026 like we broke Dane Evans in 2019?

Edited August 29Aug 29 by kelownabomberfan

1 hour ago, coach17 said:

Excellent analysis! I really don't know what happened with Clercius last year but he has exceptionally strong hands, boxes out very well and this allows him to make those tough contested catches. He also downfield blocks very well. Daniels last night also impressed me , made some good key blocks and the catch and run he had was just what we need more of. Tony Jones used correctly like last night is a weapon. He got into Alexanders face quite often and the trash talk I'm sure added to the QB's whiney reactions and probably threw him off of his game a bit.

one the things I do like about Jone's game is he is an agitator and loves to talk smack, in a non harming way to the team!

53 minutes ago, kelownabomberfan said:

Be honest - even if we had received the butt-whooping we all expected, would anything have changed?

either way we were destined to not change a thing...so if we can squeeze every bit of juice outta some these guys I guess thats what we gonna have to do...but man...a few lil tweeks....and...............

I know this is gross to admit it but I’m starting to see the visions with Daniel’s as the Tight end. Man if you can get him to rip some big blocks for Brady and get him two or three targets a game I think he’s absolutely worth where you’re drafting him. He’s been mauling people out there and if that gives holes for Brady and keeps Zach upright AND even provides a little bit of Offense then I can eat some crow on the pick.

He does seem to be getting better....and if we use him a bit more effectively too it will further develop him...Yet to see us use him in true TE fashion inside the 5 and slide out for an easy mismatched TD pass

Daniels has looked every bit the rookie who has never played in the CFL before up until now, but he's starting to get it.

needs to do some speed and agility training this off-season....And doesn't need to drop mass to accomplish that either. Get that dialed in a bit and he could become a real pain in ass for defences

hmmmm...good idea Booch - know any personal trainers he could hire?

2 minutes ago, kelownabomberfan said:

hmmmm...good idea Booch - know any personal trainers he could hire?

Lol...well me hahahaha..or some good ones in Cali but hes an east coast dude i think

27 minutes ago, kelownabomberfan said:

Daniels has looked every bit the rookie who has never played in the CFL before up until now, but he's starting to get it.

I never really had a problem with the Daniels pick, it just seemed like he was wedged in too early.

52 minutes ago, kelownabomberfan said:

Just watched a replay they were showing of Dane Evans in 2022 and all I was thinking was can we break Davis Alexander in 2026 like we broke Dane Evans in 2019?

this play.

(clip is cued up even though the thumbnail doesn't make it look so. youtube sucks.)

Edited August 29Aug 29 by johnzo

For those eating crow today, I would remind those talking trash about Tony Jones to get their fork out too. Guy was sensational last night.

Yeah no one really has an issue with Tony Jones playing down close to the line. But he is not terribly effective when he's gotta drop back and cover anything.

5 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Yeah no one really has an issue with Tony Jones playing down close to the line. But he is not terribly effective when he's gotta drop back and cover anything.

Agreed.. he always has been good in the fraccass and some blitz packages..and as I said in different post like his agitator smack talking gifts..we need more of that

But of all our lbs hes the worst in his drops or coverage responsibility..and doest have best pursuit angles...

6 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Yeah no one really has an issue with Tony Jones playing down close to the line. But he is not terribly effective when he's gotta drop back and cover anything.

I think for a guy his size he’s actually pretty good in coverage. I’ve seen him in good position quite a bit. The issue was we were used to prime Biggie who was the greatest MLB in the history of the CFL

D line played very well, I loved the usage of Jones...as pointed out, if we keep him in that role he should absolutely excell. Younger maybe tweaked a few things .. Kelly has improved, but we need better at safety.....Vaval closes so fast.....Major has been a major find.....

Daniels....I agree with those who said he was given too much too quick, he does seem to be picking it up though....

While Booch does like to beat that horse, dead or not...I 100% agree with his roster tweaks above

18 minutes ago, 3rdand1.5 said:

D line played very well, I loved the usage of Jones...as pointed out, if we keep him in that role he should absolutely excell. Younger maybe tweaked a few things .. Kelly has improved, but we need better at safety.....Vaval closes so fast.....Major has been a major find.....

Daniels....I agree with those who said he was given too much too quick, he does seem to be picking it up though....

While Booch does like to beat that horse, dead or not...I 100% agree with his roster tweaks above

i'll beat the mofo till its dead and gone...we 2 tweeks...Maybe 3 from really turning this around but I gotta see at minimum back to back games like yesterday to think we changed some internal things...we do an encore next sunday I could see a real taken out behind the barn beating in the BB...then we really in buiness

2 hours ago, kelownabomberfan said:

Just watched a replay they were showing of Dane Evans in 2022 and all I was thinking was can we break Davis Alexander in 2026 like we broke Dane Evans in 2019?

I just laughed when I saw that Evans video with him jumping around considering he was an angry, sobbing mess in the 2021 Grey Cup when our D kicked the living **** out of him

Vaval is an incredible athlete but late to react on every play however he can cover it up by being the fastest guy on the field, sometimes, and his compete level is through the roof

2 minutes ago, Atomic said:

Vaval is an incredible athlete but late to react on every play however he can cover it up by being the fastest guy on the field, sometimes, and his compete level is through the roof

I'm not surprised by this, given how little playtime he's had on defense. Hopefully that part improves with time.

Love how aggressive the Bombers were. O-Line was nasty and they got called for some pretty soft calls in my opinion. But totally worth it as they wore down the Montreal defenders all night long. Same with Williams. Guy is such a stud out there, he’ll break up a play, make a hard hit, and then let you know he’s here to play. The intensity the guys played with last night was amazing. Something to build upon because I’ve seen Winnipeg beat the crap out of their opponent now 3 out of the last 4 halves and this is against in my eyes the two best football teams in the league.

Post game mortem Nast Nate style.

BOMBERS 44, ALS 28: MIKE O’SAME DOES SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Well gather around, rounders, hobos and assorted prairie plutzkies…your Winnipeg Blue Bombers just hung 44 points on the best team in the CFL.

That is not a typo.

The 5–5 Bombers welcomed the 9–1 Montreal Alouettes to Princess Auto Stadium and administered the most complete beating this club has delivered all season. Montreal arrived with seven straight wins, the league’s hottest quarterback and plans to clinch a playoff spot. They departed 9–2 with their tail feathers smoking and Jason Maas barking at officials like somebody had stolen his parking space.

Where has THIS football team been hiding?

Collaros played his best game of the year: 26 completions on 32 attempts, 324 yards, two touchdowns and—hold onto your hats—NO INTERCEPTIONS. He was decisive, accurate and protected well enough that he didn’t spend the night fleeing the pocket like a man being chased through a dark alley.

Wilson caught nine passes for 114 yards and both touchdowns. White added 96 yards, while Nield caught all five balls sent his way for 52 yards. Nield also fumbled at the goal line, cuz apparently even during the best offensive performance of the season the Bombers must leave one dead fish lying on the kitchen floor.

Still…324 yards through the air, 106 on the ground from Oliveira and 44 points against Montreal. That is not offence by accident.

Credit must go to Tommy Con-Dull, who temporarily transformed into Tommy Can-Do and called an excellent game. He mixed the run and pass, used Perkins properly, moved the pocket and—most shocking of all—remembered Oliveira existed for BOTH halves.

Oliveira carried 16 times for 106 yards and a touchdown. Perkins punched in two more majors from short yardage without requiring a double reverse, flea flicker or twelve-page feasibility study. Winnipeg controlled possession, kept Davis Alexander watching from the sideline and squeezed the life out of the clock.

Simple football…executed properly. What a concept.

Defensively, Jordan Yawner finally woke from his summer nap. Montreal entered averaging almost 119 yards rushing per game. Travis Theis managed 31. The defensive front attacked instead of standing around waiting for the play to introduce itself. Jefferson, Ceresna and the rest of the mob kept Alexander uncomfortable and denied Montreal the balanced offence that had terrorized the league for two months.

Then Tanner Cadwallader came flying through the middle and blocked a punt deep in Montreal territory.

The Punt Burglar had arrived.

Winnipeg immediately turned the robbery into a Perkins touchdown and a 31–21 lead. THAT was the moment the game changed. Montreal had forced the Nield fumble before halftime, received the second-half kickoff and appeared ready to seize momentum. Instead, the defence produced a two-and-out and Cadwallader stole the football back.

Vaval and Texada also brought some badly needed speed to the secondary. Texada ran stride-for-stride with Philpot on a deep ball, which may not sound revolutionary until you remember how many Bomber defensive backs have spent this season chasing receivers like somebody running after a departing bus.

Now for the deadwood floating in the celebratory punch bowl…

Montreal still threw four touchdown passes. Snead caught three of them and occasionally wandered through the secondary like he had purchased an all-access tour. Tackling remained questionable, Neufeld collected a pair of needless penalties and Winnipeg left at least ten more points on the field.

The fourth-quarter defence also softened enough to remind everyone that Jordan Yawner remains Jordan Yawner. Rush three, retreat eight and hope the clock tackles somebody.

But the Bombers answered whenever Montreal threatened. Castillo kicked field goals from 51, 43 and 20 yards. Collaros found Wilson for the fourth-quarter dagger. The offence drained the clock instead of handing the opponent three extra possessions and a handwritten invitation to steal the game.

Even Mike O’Same showed signs of different behaviour. He challenged the first play of the game, won it and watched his offence turn it into seven points. He allowed Con-Dull to remain aggressive and did not begin protecting the lead midway through the second quarter.

For one night, Mike O’Same became Mike O’Maybe-He’s-Learning.

As for Kyle Waiters…well, he waited. No dramatic roster overhaul. No cavalry arriving from the NFL cut pile. But Vaval and Texada played, Cadwallader made the biggest special-teams play of the game and the receivers already in the building finally produced.

Perhaps the cupboard wasn’t completely bare. Perhaps somebody merely needed to open the damn door.

So the official accounting reads:

THE GOOD: Collaros clean and confident…Oliveira properly employed…Wilson uncoverable…Con-Dull calling a balanced game…Castillo drilling everything…and the defensive front turning Montreal’s running attack into a rumour.

THE BAD: Four passing touchdowns allowed…Snead roaming free…Neufeld’s penalties…and Nield donating a touchdown at the goal line.

THE BEAUTIFUL: Forty-four points, Montreal’s winning streak DEAD, Alexander rattled, Maas whining and Princess Auto Stadium sounding like the madhouse it used to be.

The Bombers are 6–5. One great game does not erase ten weeks of inconsistency, stubborn roster management and halftime hibernation.

But it proves the season is not dead.

Now take this act to Regina. Feed Oliveira. Protect Collaros. Attack on defence. Make the Riders miserable.

And somebody keep an eye on the Punt Burglar.

One thing that was noticeable last night was the blocking by the receivers. Several times they had the Montreal DBs locked down and we were able to get a lot of extra yards.