Markus Howell should be made offensive coordinator. Free Press Article by Gary Lawless

Mike O?Shea should have done this Saturday night. Or Sunday morning if he really felt the need to see the film. But he won?t, which casts a light on both a strength and a weakness of this young head coach.

Bombers offensive coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille and quarterbacks coach Gene Dahlquist need to be demoted. Markus Howell should be made offensive coordinator and Buck Pierce named quarterbacks coach.

O?Shea has stuck his nose into the areas of defence and specials teams of late and they?ve improved. Offence isn?t his forte, however, so it?s difficult to imagine him having a meaningful impact in terms of new ideas.

No, the easiest fix here is to give Howell and Pierce more power and influence.

Winnipeg?s offence is missing a lot of things ? mostly a quarterback which likely won?t be fixed until Drew Willy gets healthy. But the offence is also outmatched in scheme and play-calling.

Last in total yardage, last in points (145), last in points per game average (16.1), last in passing yardage and seventh in rush yardage. Undoubtedly the worst offence in the CFL.

Howell and Pierce would represent an upgrade over Bellefeuille and Dahlquist. Howell is smart and now experienced. Pierce not long ago was a quarterback in this league. He knows what other teams have been doing. They have ideas and deserve a chance to try and implement them. It can?t get worse, right?

O?Shea, like the rest of us, has a few blind spots. A second-year head coach, he likes to hire people to do their jobs and give them the opportunity to succeed. He?s loyal. But loyalty has to come in the form of what?s best for the team and organization and not just the individual.

O?Shea hasn?t earned the gravitas to lean on his way of thinking and to not re-consider some of his positions. That comes with years of experience and a proven formula.

We saw this play out last season when he stuck with defensive coordinator Gary Etcheverry when his scheme was proven porous. O?Shea waited until almost Christmas before firing the veteran coach.

As a young coach, O?Shea has wanted to surround himself with seasoned assistants. In theory, it?s a good idea. But it didn?t work with Etcheverry and it?s not working with Bellefeuille.

This offence isn?t effective. The Bombers haven?t proven capable of running or passing the ball. Some of it is personnel, but it?s also the game plan.

The coach has to see what the rest of us are watching and that?s an offence trying to operate with a playbook well past its prime.

All across the CFL, young and creative minds are doing wonders with their team?s offence. Winnipeg is not one of those places. With a little shuffling of the chess pieces that could change.

Never was it more evident than Saturday night with Calgary Stampeders offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson using multiple looks and formations to get the ball into the hands of his play-makers.

The Bombers? Who knows what they drew up because quarterback Robert Marve certainly didn?t execute it. That?s on the quarterback one might argue, but the coordinator has to recognize what his players can or cannot handle. Marve wasn?t put into a position to succeed.

Calgary is ahead of the curve and forward thinking. Not Winnipeg. Not right now.

Coaching can only go so far. The right personnel has to be in place for success to be achieved. But Winnipeg?s offensive roster is better than what we?ve seen this season.

Willy is a smart and effective quarterback but even under his hands this offence was predictable in scheme and inconsistent in results.

Changing the coach is far too often just a quick reflex suggestion. More often, a team?s failure is a result of poor execution and a lack of talent.

Nine games into this season and the Bombers remain in the playoff picture. The defence is coming into form and special teams were a strength in Saturday?s loss to the Stamps.

The offence, however, couldn?t stay on the field and eventually the defence gave out.

There?s still some life in this season. But it?ll be quickly extinguished if the offence can?t begin to chip in. Right now it?s the weak link, sapping energy from the rest of the team.

Talking to players around the league and in Winnipeg, O?Shea is gaining a reputation as a coach players want to work for. He?s a players coach but he also runs a tight operation. That will go a long way for a coach with the right personnel and coaching staff.

Just like the roster still needs tweaking, so does the staff.

Bellefeuille has had his opportunity to straighten this out. It hasn?t happened. Time to give someone else a chance.

Howell has earned an opportunity.

So be loyal, Coach O?Shea. Put the needs of the many ahead of the few.

Give change a chance.

 

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @garylawless

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/Say-bye-bye-to-Bellefeuille-and-make-Markus-the-man-323512751.html#st_refDomain=t.co&st_refQuery=/sbnwwzk2pQ
 

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

From what you've seen with Marve, with coaching and reps, does he have the talent to be a legitimate CFL QB?

 

Too soon to tell.  He needs more game reps. But if we remember Reilly's first year with the Esks. Most wouldn't have expected much more out of him.

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

From what you've seen with Marve, with coaching and reps, does he have the talent to be a legitimate CFL QB?

 

 

Not so far.  I would say he doesn't have the basic skillset that a good pro QB has, particularly as a passer which is the majority of the game for a QB and his inexperience just magnifies that.  He's got a long way to climb to even be in the league of guys like Brink and Elliott.

C'mon O'Shea make it so,.  Stop being so stubborn and dump MB. 

 

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

From what you've seen with Marve, with coaching and reps, does he have the talent to be a legitimate CFL QB?

 

Too soon to tell.  He needs more game reps. But if we remember Reilly's first year with the Esks. Most wouldn't have expected much more out of him.

 

 

Is this a joke?  Reilly threw for 4000 yards that year.

 

 

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

From what you've seen with Marve, with coaching and reps, does he have the talent to be a legitimate CFL QB?

 

Too soon to tell.  He needs more game reps. But if we remember Reilly's first year with the Esks. Most wouldn't have expected much more out of him.

 

 

Is this a joke?  Reilly threw for 4000 yards that year.

 

 

 

No...I don't think so.  Reilly had some absolutely horrible games and he played behind a porous O-line.  All I'm saying is that many on here are writing Marve off after 2 games.   Its exactly this short sightedness by fans that makes it difficult to develop QB's.   

 

And yes I'm still not laughing.     

 

 

 

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

From what you've seen with Marve, with coaching and reps, does he have the talent to be a legitimate CFL QB?

 

Too soon to tell.  He needs more game reps. But if we remember Reilly's first year with the Esks. Most wouldn't have expected much more out of him.

 

 

Is this a joke?  Reilly threw for 4000 yards that year.

 

 

 

No...I don't think so.  Reilly had some absolutely horrible games and he played behind a porous O-line.  All I'm saying is that many on here are writing Marve off after 2 games.   Its exactly this short sightedness by fans that makes it difficult to develop QB's.   

 

And yes I'm still not laughing.     

 

 

Seem hardly comparable to me.  Like apples to the planet Mars.

Reilly could actually throw passes more than 7 yards

 

 

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

 

 

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

 

A couple nice scrambles there.  Too bad everyone clued in on that.  Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert.  He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.  

 

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards.  That's incredible and not in a positive way.  When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

Exactly. MB's game plan was really not that bad. It was a simple dink and dunk plan with occasional deep balls to keep team honest..

Vanilla? Yup. Executable? Yup. Did marve execute? Nope. He couldnt hit any pass consistently. He also made brutal decisions.. This was a poor game by QB IMO. Could we do better then MB? Sure.. Its a moot point tho until we have a QB who can actually.. You know.. Play QB..

IF marve craps the bed again.. Its Davis time imo.. Demote marve, can brohm and bring in new blood.

Marve's problem isn't his arm or his legs, it's between his ears, with the right coaching/game plan he could be a good to great pro qb.

He is brutally inaccurate on short, medium and long throws AND is running on multiple blown out knees..

But do tell me again how his legs and arms are not liabilities.

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option. Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure. Good luck.

Throw in some screens and crossing patterns. Makes it easier on the QB and makes a QB look better.

We HAD them last game.. Marve missed them almost every time.. He is never dead to rights. Its always behind or low or high.. Better then brohm as at least the receivers had a chance on em but still.. Accuracy is sorely lacking.

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

Exactly. MB's game plan was really not that bad. It was a simple dink and dunk plan with occasional deep balls to keep team honest..

Vanilla? Yup. Executable? Yup. Did marve execute? Nope. He couldnt hit any pass consistently. He also made brutal decisions.. This was a poor game by QB IMO. Could we do better then MB? Sure.. Its a moot point tho until we have a QB who can actually.. You know.. Play QB..

IF marve craps the bed again.. Its Davis time imo.. Demote marve, can brohm and bring in new blood.

 

 

Watch the link I posted.

 

 

 

 

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

 

A couple nice scrambles there.  Too bad everyone clued in on that.  Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert.  He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.  

 

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards.  That's incredible and not in a positive way.  When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

 

 

And how many deep balls has Willy hit? You actually need time for those deep routes to develop, 2 steam boats isn't long enough.

 

 

 

 

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

From what you've seen with Marve, with coaching and reps, does he have the talent to be a legitimate CFL QB?

 

Too soon to tell.  He needs more game reps. But if we remember Reilly's first year with the Esks. Most wouldn't have expected much more out of him.

 

 

Is this a joke?  Reilly threw for 4000 yards that year.

 

 

 

No...I don't think so.  Reilly had some absolutely horrible games and he played behind a porous O-line.  All I'm saying is that many on here are writing Marve off after 2 games.   Its exactly this short sightedness by fans that makes it difficult to develop QB's.   

 

And yes I'm still not laughing.     

 

 

Seem hardly comparable to me.  Like apples to the planet Mars.

 

 

I remember a few years ago when Reilly was rumoured to be available and we were in the midst of the Buck Pierce saga.   I was very high on him but many on here thought he was a flash in the pan. 

 

All I'm saying is that we need more time to make the decision. 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

Exactly. MB's game plan was really not that bad. It was a simple dink and dunk plan with occasional deep balls to keep team honest..

Vanilla? Yup. Executable? Yup. Did marve execute? Nope. He couldnt hit any pass consistently. He also made brutal decisions.. This was a poor game by QB IMO. Could we do better then MB? Sure.. Its a moot point tho until we have a QB who can actually.. You know.. Play QB..

IF marve craps the bed again.. Its Davis time imo.. Demote marve, can brohm and bring in new blood.

 

Watch the link I posted.

I did. Remember how awesome elliott looked at times too? Even Brohm has highlights where he looked good. Consistency and rising to the occasion are more important then anything he has done in the past. So far, he is consistently missing recievers and making poor decisions.. He isnt rising to the challenge of being the starter.. Hes struggling to run an embarrassingly simplistic offense..

Have you seen any progression since his game last season in calgary? All ive seen is regression.. Sure. Hasnt had a chance to definitively prove himself yet but frankly, i had more confindence in Elliott or Brink and would have liked Hall over Marve at this point.. He HAS to show something and soon.

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

A couple nice scrambles there.  Too bad everyone clued in on that.  Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert.  He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.  

 

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards.  That's incredible and not in a positive way.  When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

 

And how many deep balls has Willy hit? You actually need time for those deep routes to develop, 2 steam boats isn't long enough.

Wasnt our offense when led by willy leading the league in big play deep ball passes? Lol.

Smh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

A couple nice scrambles there.  Too bad everyone clued in on that.  Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert.  He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.  

 

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards.  That's incredible and not in a positive way.  When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

 

And how many deep balls has Willy hit? You actually need time for those deep routes to develop, 2 steam boats isn't long enough.

Wasnt our offense when led by willy leading the league in big play deep ball passes? Lol.

Smh.

 

 

Darvin Adams? Maybe when he's back in the lineup.

That last paragraph about O'shea being a coach players want to play for should shut some people up... but won't

They have a funny way of showing it......

Or you watching on TV or in the stands just refuse to see it. Guys in the know and people around the cfl vs a fan on a message board. Hmm. Who to believe

Yeah getting blown out at home and every 3 games that's showing the coach some real love.Only those in the know though.

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

A couple nice scrambles there.  Too bad everyone clued in on that.  Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert.  He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.  

 

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards.  That's incredible and not in a positive way.  When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

 

And how many deep balls has Willy hit? You actually need time for those deep routes to develop, 2 steam boats isn't long enough.

Wasnt our offense when led by willy leading the league in big play deep ball passes? Lol.

Smh.

 

Darvin Adams? Maybe when he's back in the lineup.

How is darvin adams going to make marve not throw into double and triple coverage? He aint faster then veltung and marve aint hitting him in stride behind defenders. In open spaces beyond 10-15 yards? Not without telegraphing it to hell and gone..

 

So if Markus Howell calls the plays Robert Marve will be able to pass like a real CFL QB?  Sign him up!

You know what...the MB fan club is over there...

 

 

...go sit with them.

 

 

Youtube super stars.  That's the angry video game nerd on the left and Keith Apicary on the right.  Both are far more successful than anyone the Bombers have employed this season.

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option. Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure. Good luck.

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

A couple nice scrambles there. Too bad everyone clued in on that. Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert. He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards. That's incredible and not in a positive way. When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

And how many deep balls has Willy hit? You actually need time for those deep routes to develop, 2 steam boats isn't long enough.

There were only a couple snaps in the entire game vs Calgary where Marve didn't have a suitable amount of time. They rushed 3-4 the majority of the Bombers pass plays. The biggest problem in terms of "steamboats" is Marve's lack of pocket presence leading him to panic and get stuck as the pocket closed in on him due to the disciplined rush of the Stamps not giving him any exit lanes from the pocket.

Willy has hit a ton of long balls this season. A month ago the silly mob was criticizing him for looking to go deep too often.

 

There were only a couple snaps in the entire game vs Calgary where Marve didn't have a suitable amount of time. The biggest problem in terms of "steamboats" is Marve's lack of pocket presence leading him to panic and get stuck as the pocket closed in on him due to the disciplined rush of the Stamps not giving him any exit lanes from the pocket.

 

This is pretty much exactly what I thought was happening. He looked like he'd panic and run directly into trouble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm no fan of Bellefeuille, but it's ridiculous to think that someone else calling the plays is going to make a lick of difference with Marve or Brohm.

Different schemes would make a difference though.

 

Only if you bring in Paul Johnson and the triple option.  Marve can't pass, probably can't throw either, Brohm can't throw for sure.  Good luck.

 

lol, you are shoveling it on a little thick there chachi.

 http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robert+marve+highlights&qpvt=robert+marve+highlights&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=9ACED657D3397B5BCDA09ACED657D3397B5BCDA0

 

A couple nice scrambles there.  Too bad everyone clued in on that.  Even in that game his longest completion was 18 to Kohlert.  He needs to make someone respect his arm, because no one does and the offense isn't going anywhere with him until they do.  

 

He's thrown almost 80 passes in the CFL and hasn't completed one in the air for 20+ yards.  That's incredible and not in a positive way.  When do we get to see the "strong arm?"

 

And how many deep balls has Willy hit? You actually need time for those deep routes to develop, 2 steam boats isn't long enough.

Wasnt our offense when led by willy leading the league in big play deep ball passes? Lol.

Smh.

 

Darvin Adams? Maybe when he's back in the lineup.

How is darvin adams going to make marve not throw into double and triple coverage? He aint faster then veltung and marve aint hitting him in stride behind defenders. In open spaces beyond 10-15 yards? Not without telegraphing it to hell and gone..

 

 

Darvin Adams has been turning 15 yard passes into big yac yards, no other receiver has done that for us. But if you really expect Marve to start lighting it up in this offense, you will be waiting a long time. His game is pretty simple, sprint right, sprint left, hand off. That's all you need out of him to string together first downs.

 

 

There were only a couple snaps in the entire game vs Calgary where Marve didn't have a suitable amount of time. The biggest problem in terms of "steamboats" is Marve's lack of pocket presence leading him to panic and get stuck as the pocket closed in on him due to the disciplined rush of the Stamps not giving him any exit lanes from the pocket.

 

This is pretty much exactly what I thought was happening. He looked like he'd panic and run directly into trouble.

 

 

Sure he may have a suitable amount of time but was his receiver open? He's trying to make something happen at that stage in the game, throwing into the stands wasn't an option.