Bring a strong #2 in to challenge O’Shea loyalist Zach
Terminate the Bighill era at training camp
Nick Taylor? What!!!
Jordan Younger ain’t movin’ anywhere after yesterday’s embarrassing coaching performance
Note to Kyle Walters: Find a decent returner (Lucky was an immense fail, so were the mopes you put in there before Lucky arrived)
Note to Zach: Take a financial haircut, allowing a decent #2 to roster
Note to Mickey O: How’s that loyalty to Zach working out for you big man? Especially in Grey Cups.
Note to Wad Miller: Bump up the price of Grey Cup tickets 10% across the board. You can’t lose. Winnipeg fans will gobble them up faster than you can trot out Zach Collaros from sick bay
NOTE TO ODDSMAKERS:
FAIL. An undermanned and underpowered Bomber squad were fortunate to keep themselves in the game until they were finally blown away in the 4th quarter
FINAL NOTE TO BOMBER MGMT:
Make a strong play for Nick Arbuckle as your #2 ascending after he blew away Zachey last nite. Toronto, however might hold onto him pending Predator Kelly’s rehab. Ensure Pred Kelly has a male physio-therapist.
Does Wade Miller have the stomach to approve a tear-down/re-build? Would Walters and/or O’Shea want to stick around if WM approves that going that route?
“One more try with the guys that brung ya” didn’t (IMO) seem like a smart move last year … even more so this year … done with the right management and coaches, rebuilds don’t take that long in the CFL with the normal high roster turnover.
Winnipeg does need to make some changes and just keep your mouths shut about determination, revenge, getting it done etc etc.
we’ve all heard it before and you fail to complete it so until you do, stop talking. less talk more action.
the Bombers made a few bad mental mistakes. The interference on a loose ball was probably one of the bigger ones and Whitehead not maintaining possession on the football before his fumble.
Also, Collaros having his finger hurt on his throwing hand did not help, he couldn’t throw the ball the same.
Yikes Lyle… you make it sound like we were completely outclassed from start to finish. That wasn’t the case at all.
By the halftime the score was tied.
By the end of the 3rd quarter the score was 17 to 13.
Then to start the 4th quarter Willie Jefferson reached up with his mighty paws and intercepted MVP Arbuckle’s errant throw which could’ve, would’ve, should’ve led to either a FG or a TD. So you have to admit, Jorden Younger’s defense held us in the game and gave Buck Pierce’s offense every opportunity to even things up.
When and where did things go off the rails for us? When this game became a battle of the ‘Backup Quarterbacks’. Nick Arbuckle looked like he belonged on the football field whereas Terry Wilson looked like he belonged on the practice roster. Before Wilson even came into the game his stats showed that he was way out of his depth:
In a battle of the backups we had no chance whatsoever. AND THAT’S WHY WE LOST THE GAME.
Kyle Walters will likely make changes to his quarterback room in the off season, especially at the backup position. I wouldn’t be surprised if he renegotiates Zach’s salary down to mirror his decline in performance from previous seasons. Failing that… Walters might even move us in a different direction by hitching our fortunes to one of the many free agent quarterbacks that will likely be up for bids come January.
As for Jordan Younger’s league leading defense? The only stat that we could possibly improve would be in the sack category. One mighty lineman and one or two QB killing linebackers who stay healthy all season long should do the trick.
Nice analysis Maxwell - but the result is the result. Bombers were forced to trot out a severely damaged Zach even though they knew he couldn’t get it done.
Everyone lauds Kyle Walters but he was an abject failure in trying to re-up Janarion Grant (who’s playing for less money in TO than in Wpg.), hasn’t been able to land a quality developmental QB and really can’t replace the aging and broken Adam Bighill.
Saving grace for Grey Cup 112 in Wpg. - if the Bombers bring back the Over-the-Hill gang, I suspect they might not even get to the western final. BC is gonna be tougher and stronger next year, Sask’n might be able to get the job done, Calgary won’t be in the Grey Cup but they’ll be better. Edmonton has Ford but he has yet to prove himself.
Keep this current loyalty brigade and you’ve got yourself anywhere from a 7-11 to 10-8 team. Nothing better, nothing worse.
And with respect, while the score was close at halftime, the Bombers were facing Nick Arbuckle, a guy whose career, in his own words, was a month from being over until Toronto came calling this year. They had a week to game plan for him and it didn’t work.
Yes, “the result is the result”. And “if the Bombers bring back the Over-the-Hill gang” they’ll get what they deserve. Having said that we both have to believe that changes are coming. Kyle Walters is no dummy.
He’s not holding a losing hand just yet, but the key players who are aging gracelessly are beginning to stand out for Walters like sore thumbs. I don’t believe for one second that this lineup won’t see some big changes during free agency. Expect our GM to shake things up at two key positions: quarterback and linebacker. One more great D-Lineman to compliment Willie J and one great kick returner who’s up for grabs would be the icing on the cake.
Loyalties will be tested but I truly believe that Kyle Walters will be tough enough to make the right decisions.
Blue Bombers are till a pretty god team.
Collaros is still a darn good QB. Winnipeg need to groom some one to take over over the next couple of years… Tre Ford or Alexander Davis ?The defensive line is still unbelievable Minor overhaul but not major overhaul at this time. Coaching changes may be due but O’ Shea should stay if he wants
I have refrained from posting since September for personal reasons & watched nary a football game but did watch the full GC this morning. First of all Maax, I feel for the Bomber fans. However, they’ve been reluctant to make changes & that cost them any chance of a dynasty. West dynasty, yes, but far short of a CFL powerhouse.
The one sack is misleading - as ALL the commentators noted in the post game, the Bombers were leaking pressure around the QB’s all game. The issues all season were of the Bombers inability to generate pressure with a 4 man rush & used 2 extra OL at times in the West Final. The Argos rarely had to blitz all game & that wreaked havoc with the pass game. Zach had 114 yds passing when he left late in the 3rd quarter. He barely hit 200 yds & needed garbage time to get it.
So much attention has been focused on the Bombers & justifying a “dynasty” but the fact is that ended in November '22. The Argos in the past 3 years have won 2 GC’s & sandwiched a record tying 16-2 season in between & the veteran Bombers aren’t in the same class & haven’t been for some time. They lost to Duke in game 1, a rusty Kelly in game 2 & now Arbuckle. The Argos, not the Bombers, are staring at a dynasty in the making. The Bombers join the '54-'56 Als as the only teams, since the league went to a full slate of 9 members, to lose 3 in a row. That will be what’s remembered, unfortunately - what could have been, not what was.
The Bombers are in a bit of a tough spot. Prior to GC Bryant & Thomas announced their intent to return. Bighill, again, declared he’s not done with football. I would lean towards keeping Bryant for another year because quality LT’s are hard to find & expensive. They have to improve on OL & I would wave goodbye to Neufeld, who turns 36 next month. In the 2 regular season games the Argos had 12 sacks & constant pressure. Likewise on DL, they need some changes & Thomas should be the 1st to go IMO. Bighill is Overthehill. When he declared his intent, he lauded his replacements by going 8-1 without him. So…the other way of putting that is they went 3-6 with you. He’ll be an automatic into the HOF his 1st eligible year - time to call it quits. (Tony Jones played extremely well in his spot this year).
Zach - restructure the deal. Pony up for a decent backup & I don’t mean Streveler.
This was quite the pummeling, yes, but really, from the perspective from a spectator at the game who was ABW, this was anyone’s game until ZC injured his hand. The philosophy of beating the Argos with the pass was what I thought a sound one, as the Argos have been much like the Riders of late, susceptible to the big pass play.
However, the Argos adjusted well and played the Bombers tough. Yes, Arbuckle had a great game but he had a TON of help plus it seemed that Dimwittie outcoached MOS.
Your analysis appears to me to be the most balanced on here and I hesitate to even make one post in response to Lyle’s standard doom and gloom Bomber predictions. Almost none of them ever come true and if I recall they were even worse after they lost last year and the Bombers had to do nothing short of make a bargain with the devil to return to the Grey Cup game per the gospel according to Lyle.
The reality is that the Bombers are in the midst of a dynasty unlike any seen in any sport in the salary cap era. I do temper that by noting that a dynasty is much easier to come by in a 9 team league than a 30+ team league. Nevertheless, no other CFL team has come close to what the Bombers have accomplished in the salary cap era. If they played during the time of the Edmonton dynasty I have no doubt they would have won all 5 Grey Cups they played in. They could have kept all of their free agents (no free agency back then either) and paid them whatever they wanted (and as the most profitable team that would be easy) and could even have competed straight up for a few select NFL players as was the case back in the day.
I see fans of other teams who likely know little about the Bombers or their inner workings are offering all kinds of not so insightful opinions on the Bombers and have swallowed Lyle’s bait. The reality is that Bombers management and indeed their entire organization far exceeds those of any other team. They continually win and make money and find great players via scouting and are easily the #1 preferred team for free agents in the league. They have integrity and class and don’t botch scandals like Montreal and Toronto did this year. And make no mistake, every team will face a potential scandal at some point- it’s how you handle it that is the true measure of integrity. I have complete confidence that the Bombers brilliant management and scouting team will ensure they compete in next year’s Grey Cup at home. They seemingly have a PEZ machine that spits out all star running backs, receivers and DB’s. Always a good start.
Like any team they are not without their problems and nothing is guaranteed, but let’s be real, there is hardly a cause for gloom and doom and they are situated as well as anyone except perhaps Toronto. Montreal and BC both stand to lose a quality QB before next season. I see the biggest problem for the Bombers being at QB due to the fact that Collaros is guaranteed some $250,000 to $300,000 (can’t remember exactly) next year. Unless he retires that would likely prevent Winnipeg from participating in the off season QB sweepstakes that are expected. Having said that, unlike many naysayers who barely follow the team (and some who do) I am perfectly fine if they can bring Steveler back. I have no doubt he would have been in the game in a flash yesterday once Zach got hurt and that he would have stayed in the game. Don’t know if the Bombers would have won, but I like my chances with him and the character and leadership and respect he brings and exudes. Although the Argos were forced to start their backup, Winnipeg was down to their 3rd stringer once Zach got hurt and it was obvious from his first pass directly to an Argo in the end zone that he wasn’t ready for prime time.
Winnipeg lost fair and square yesterday, but there is no cause for doom and gloom and they are still better than 7 other teams. Given all we know about them I like their chances next year and it wouldn’t surprise me if they are the preseason Grey Cup favourites as they were this year.
Some final random thoughts on yesterday’s game:
This was another unfortunate year when an award was forced to be given to a Canadian that didn’t earn one. Brissett with 45 yards receiving and little to no impact on the game? That is just silly and many better players went unrecognized.
Wynton McManis is the best defensive player in the CFL and has been for at least the last few years. I have always gushed about him. Another horrific mistake by Calgary to cast off another hall of famer as they did with many others, including Bryant and Doug Brown. The man is fast and fierce as well as a leader and appears to be everywhere. I thought he could easily have been MOP yesterday and probably should have been. Not that Arbuckle was a terrible choice, but I would prioritize on field play over the Days of Our Lives heartwarming story Arbuckle became.
I am also of the opinion that Willie Jefferson was the best player on the field for either team last night. One man wrecking crew describes his play perfectly. He did it all and at his age is simply a phenomenon. Still one of the top 5 defenders in the league. But no awards available usually for best player on the losing team although Bomber fans can be proud of his performance.
Yes, Collaros is still a good QB. Well above average, even as age declines performance.
Problem is, there are certain defenses where Collaros is virtually impotent - Montreal caught him last year - although that one was more on Richie Hall’s feeble last minute defense.
This time around Zach was unable to cope with press coverage and even his classic underthrows were picked off or knocked down. When Olivera was smothered by a good d-line who prevented him from stretching gains, Zach was in trouble, even with half decent pass protect.
Everyone’s an expert on kicking a team when they’re down hey?
There were changes this year, and there will be changes next year. WPG will be back looking to put up yet another 10+ win season and host yet another WF.
Nonsense. You can’t claim to be a dynasty and the league’s model franchise, then cry when your team folds like a house of cards again in the big game like you’re a hard-luck team that just can’t catch a break. Bomber fans have no problem piling on less successful teams in the CFL. Reap as you sow. This is the open forum.
Five Cup appearances and two Cups in five years is elite. No question. But the two Cup wins were three years ago. It pains me to say it, but if anyone is building a dynasty, it’s the Argos. Two championships in three years and a 16-2 season in between.
End of 1st and 2nd quarter the stats were very heavy in favour of TO. I tried taking a photo of the stats but was watching on TSN app on my phone and the app doesn’t allow photos. I was surprised. I thought it would be very equal game. While the score was, the first downs, passing yards and time of possession was heavily in favour of TO. Only stat Bombers where leading in was rushing.
