M.Silverback

My post ranking the Bombers DL mid range in the CFL was taking into consideration the entire rotation - 7 players, some teams run 9. No point ranking just the starting 4 because in today's game you need a rotation to be successful. As many of have said, our starting 4 gets gassed. The diddly behind them is the issue. And the sacks stat - touche. It's not always the D-line impacting in terms of overall sack stats though. Scheme, blitzing frequency ... I think we can agree that if we don't get better depth, or better play from our current depth, it does not bode well for the remaining 11 games and playoffs. Overworking and over relying on the Jeff's, with minimal impact from the DT position, isn't a Grey Cup winning recipe. And I still stand by my statement that I'd choose at least 4 other teams' to ours D-line rotation, while still acknowledging that Jeff's are elite.

I'm with you on semi-pleased. Davis has declined, but he's better as a rotational player than our current depth. What's Walters' plan? Considering depth and overall talent level, where does our D-line rank? Five teams who are better? Four at best, possibly six? We need an upgrade in talent and added depth. Doesn't feel like a Grey Cup winning talent level D-line at present. Or entire defense for that matter.

Agree. Trades are so rare in the CFL though. Not sure why Walters wasn’t in on the Kongbo trade. 4th round pick is nothing to give up. Maybe he didn’t want to come here? Or we didn’t want him? Money issue?

Farhan Lalji just tweeted Lemon signed with Montreal. Not sure what Walters plan is, but we need DL help.

Not sure McRae is that guy. I'm talking about a Carey, Mills, Logan type RB on Calgary. They're out there. Bring one in, tandem with Brady, maybe dress one less special teams LB or FB, there's your RB game setting up your passing game for Buck and Zach. Defenses have figured this out. It's on their whiteboards under their "Believe" signs - don't worry about the Bombers running game.

I hear ya. Like I said, I like Brady. I'd just like him more as part of an RB tandem, where the other RB actually was a break away threat that defenses worried about. Helps set up the passing game. Doesn't have to be a 180 lb juke RB. Calgary has three American RB's who are legit threats. NFL teams cut RB's every year that could easily excel in the CFL. Bombers could find one. They may have had one and cut him. And 4Q grind out a lead - Brady is definitely the guy I want. But 1st and 10, first Q, the opposing D is not worried he's breaking one, and are scheming for that. The run is not setting up the pass in other words.

Agree. I know Brady is kind of off limits to critique - Winnipeger, loves puppies ... - but I really think he'd be better as a secondary running option. I like him, and I know, he leads the CFL in rushing. But, he's not a threat that opposing defenses game plan around. He's not quick, shifty, and doesn't find holes enough for defensive coordinators to worry about in scheming. Unfair comparison, but he's not prime Andrew Harris. He's a great grind out the end of a game RB; get 4 tough yards RB. I'd like to see another RB share time with him who is a threat to break big runs. Even at UND he had another RB he shared time with. McRae - maybe. Likely someone new.

Exactly. And I don't get moving away from a platoon of DL's. BC starts 9. We start 6, 3 who probably shouldn't be on the active roster. I thought this was pretty much a rule now in Canadian football for success. DL's run way more in the Canadian game, hence you need to sub them out, keep them fresh. The Jeff's are completely gassed by the end of a game. It's crazy to me. Seems like roster management 101.

Here's hoping. It's weird to me how his talent acquisition goes in cycles. For years we complained about quality American receivers. Now we're good there, but really lacking in DE's and DT's. Haven't really hit on any for a while. And our depth at that position might be league worst.

You're bang on. And hard as it is to admit, it is good for the CFL. You're totally right about the roster issue. Some glaring gaps. Thomas, Schmekel and Walker are not a starting rotational three at DT for a championship level team. I know Osh loves Thomas, but that is an age thing. He shouldn't be playing this much. BC started 9 DL, we started 6, 3 of whom should not be starting. I trust in Walters to upgrade the talent level. It's too bad in season trades don't really happen in the CFL. Maybe trade a receiver (Bailey, Agudosi) for a starting caliber DT?

Agree. Question - where was the safety on those plays? Particularly the one (might have been two) to Tim White? Have to think the defensive scheme wasn't to leave their biggest threat in man coverage deep with Holm.

Damn. Was hoping we’d sign him again https://3downnation.com/2023/05/21/b-c-lions-sign-homegrown-defensive-end-jonathan-kongbo-following-nfl-stint/

I watch a lot of RSEQ football. Bomber fans will like Jeremy Murphy. Great hands, sneaky fast, good route runner, makes tough catches. One of those guys who would put up 100 yards and a couple of touchdowns against my son's team McGill, and make it look effortless. Steps up in big moments. And I'm thrilled for Collin Kornelson! I coached him way back in the youth football days with the upstart Valour Patriots football team. Was a great teammate and player then, and still is now.

I love mock drafts, period. I'm glad for any information about potential CFL prospects. It's the only source where I can learn about some of these prospects. And the CFL draft is by far the toughest to accurately predict. Teams are generally not picking the best player available, at least early, given NFL interest. Toughest draft for a GM of any pro sports team in North America because of that. Balancing whether someone can play in the CFL, with will they ever want to play in the CFL, with the positional value. Walters and his crew have been excellent overall.

I watch a lot of RSEQ football and Alexandre Marcoux, OL, McGill is definitely a Bombers type. Advanced from the invitational combine to the national combine. Athletic, nasty, versatile.

He was on the NFL radar coming out of college. Excellent CFL prospect now, and I liked what I saw of him when he was with us. I just hope he's in playing shape. He was a bit heavy for the CFL his first stint with us.

Not sure if you're saying best in the Grey Cup or the season. Grey Cup I agree. Very noticeable when he went out. Even the season, I think he's overall a better D-end than Jefferson, but doesn't make the splash plays Willie does.

Lirim Hajrullahu was cut by the Cowboys. Have to wonder if he's run out of NFL chances now. Maybe he considers returning to the CFL. I'd feel a lot better about a three-peat with him as our kicker.

I really want him to succeed but right now he looks like a back up RB at best.

We might not have a burner at WR (Grant, kind of), but we really a big receiving core. Schemed correctly that's a problem for defenses.

Exactly. No threat at all. That’s a problem

Opposing defenses have zero respect for our RB’s - running plays or screens

I vote for punt and kick return. The last time we had a good returner was … 19-something?

Agree with the opinion that Augustine and Oliveira should basically split reps, and go with whoever is rolling. Totally supported not paying a 35 year old Harris big $, but full respect - you can really see the difference. He is a hall of famer, our current RB's likely won't be. But we need at least 75% of the total production Harris gave us from our two RB's, and for defenses to at least respect our run game a bit.

I also trust the Buck's play calling. Using two young RB's, keeping them fresh, some screens, play actions ... Harris was a player that other D's had to key on, which opened some other things up, so we will miss that. But overall we'll be fine.