Slimy Sculpin

I had a bit of down time today so I decided to look up the number of Canadians that each team in the league started in each game played so far this year. (According to what I've read each team must start 8 Canadians one of which could be a "nationalized American".) So... Hamilton: started 8 for all games so far this year Montreal: mainly 8 but had 9 twice and 10 another time Ottawa: 8s across the board Toronto: 8 for all games Edmonton: started 8 except for two games where they started 9. Saskatchewan: 8 for all games Calgary: 8 except for one game when they started 9 BC: one game with 8, 4 with 9 and two games with 10 Bombers: from what I could make out...three games with 10 and five games with 11 What am I missing here? Is the Bombers' Canadian talent that good? Do the Bombers' coaches know something the other coaches don't?

Some thoughts about yesterday's game, in no particular order. That's four fumbles with three of them lost from Demski this year. He gets paid relatively big $$s to not do that. Castillo can blame the misses on the natural grass field.....kidding, sort of. I don't know what to say about the O-line other than "Help!" Pass blocking is atrocious. Most of them must have graduated with straight As from matador school. I thought run blocking was OK especially when Eli was in. This guy should be starting C.. Wilson was pretty good and dramatic. Johnson should be given a bus ticket out of town. I really like what Miller has done with the special teams after a slow start to the season. Early on they were giving up the sidelines which resulted in a few long returns by the opposition. His plan and some disciplined play looks good. They seem to have gotten on the same page as their punter, too. Case reminds me a bit of Paul Bennett....nothing flashy but good hands an goes forward. Good for cold weather and the playoffs. Oops, well, maybe not this year. Buck Pierce is not having a good year with his play calling in critical situations. Officiating has been terrible all year. The league should be embarrassed by it. Has any coach, player, TSN talking head called them out on it. As for the Command Centre, I think they spent most of their time eating popcorn. I was more than surprised that PI wasn't called on that INT TD return. I'm also thinking that the O-lines on all teams have suddenly learned to not hold. It's hard to believe how few holding penalties are being called this year. The Argo's QB are not very good. I'll leave it at that.

Actually, I ok with Case...so far.

I like what Miller has done with that crew.

Thankfully it was a helmet and not ball.

As much as I'm down on Bighill and a few other on D, they're keeping team in the game tonight.

Can vets still be cut before Labour Day without financial penalty to team?

FFS. Demski.

I'm hoping for an overturn but not putting money on it.

Kind of liking our special teams now. 👍 to Miller. I'm OK with Case and our punter has been OK tonight. Is it OK to say that?

I've watched every Bomber game this year and it appears that we're the only team that holds. Exaggerating a bit but not much.

Bighill is done. Back up the bus. Get him out of town.

He's looked pretty good so fat. And has some size.

I admit that he's had a good first quarter.

Kramdi looking ok.....so far....this game. Sort of.

Castillo, our O player of the year?

Underthrown....again.

Clercius is a big guy.

It's early but even our O is looking semi-competent.

Like what our D is doing so far.

Oliveira doing his best Demski impersonation. Faster on the thumbs than I am.

This is one of the head-scratchers for me (bolded above). I'm not up on all of the rules but I think that I read earlier here that we're starting more Canadians than mandated.....10 or 11 when only 7 or 8 (?) are required. I understand the whole patriotic, nationalistic thing but aren't Canuck starters paid on the whole more than equivalent imports. Cheaper and most likely better imports are probably available. And are we even making use of the Designated Nationalized American rule?

Yes, he does which is not a good thing. Do you (or anyone else) know if the league keeps track of net yards for punts? (I couldn't find it.) Perhaps he might be better in that category? I also noted that he is the only punter who has yet to register a single. Could this be because of good placement near the opposition's goal line? I'm not trying to defend him but just looking for a broader picture.

Good night boys.

Refs leaving more than a lot to be desired. Bighill could be heading for Boothill. Collaros looks like he is done like dinner. I thought Holm was pretty good.....last year.