Yes I’m aware, the stampeders were cfl gods. Keep living in the past.
Yes, the mountain man (O’Shea) is definitely the most stubborn, pig-headed coach in CFL history, exposing prize assets to unnecessary perils repeatedly.
But even if Zach was seriously damaged, all O’Shea has to do is wave a fist full of 5 fingers to angry inquirers. . . . of course, the 5 fingers represents 5 consecutive Grey Cup appearances, almost unprecedented in CFL history - even if O’Shea’s Bombers lost 60% of them!
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Have to believe Bombers still strong at following position areas: Running Back, DBs, FG kicker, STs, WRs and to a lesser extent linebackers + positional punting.
However, this team, as I’ve pounded away for a couple years is woefully under-powered on both sides of the line.
On paper, Bomber o-line is chock full of experience complimented by size - but when you see Old Yodas like Stan Bryant getting roller-skated backwards into his own QB by a smaller man like Jake Ceresna you realize how weak this line has become. Olivera gets the majority of his yards by crafty maneoveres, uncanny balance and strong legs, less by o-line blocking. O’Shea & Big Bopper are constantly under fire by opposing defenses, Zach now routinely popping Pik6s to defenders as he tries to pawn off the puck before ready.
d-line well stocked with over-rated vets, all-stars ready to enter their decline and guys unready for prime-time pressure. Vaughters was a scrap-heap acquisition who’s done nothing to prove the scrap heap wrong. Old Jake Thomas is a grizzled & gnarled vet who serves no real purpose other than cashing cheques. The only pressure they seem to get is when Jordy Young (DC) sends pressure from a linebacker or DB - which exposes the secondary to open WRs.
Things aren’t going to get better unless personnel is recruited. The D-line can slide by for awhile, bolstered by scheming. However, scheming is not a trait o-lines deploy. Lack of power and strength is lack of power and strength.
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On the other hand… our very own ‘Streveler the Leveler’ has developed into a legit passer who doesn’t go out of his way to take punishment anymore. Maybe a late game boo boo that renders Zach inoperable for a game or two won’t be too hard on our won/loss record.
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I think our football world has evolved into 2 distinct types of Zak.
Type 1 Zach: When receiving semi-adequate pass protect and/or skillfully moving the pocket, Zach is still amongst the top tier of CFL QBs. No longer the best - the last two Grey Cups proved that, but still a smart performer with above average physical skills.
Type 2 Zach: Zach under pressure is a far different kettle of fish. Prone to panic and discarding balls without regard for tight coverages, protecting himself from 7 to 10 yd sacks, Zach is quite the under-performer when pitted against a ferocious rush. Perhaps bottom of the league barrel in that regard. His awkward getaways usually result in turnovers or hefty sacks. An unsettled Calgary squad turned on the sack machine and rendered Zach all but impotent, which made Mountain Man, Mike O’Shea all the more determined to keep Zach in the game.
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