Mr Dee

Bob Irving will be happy!

C'mon. It's sports where one team tries to outdo the other. Not always legally. I've never watched a sport where the reffing or umping , or whatever, hasn't had a hand in the outcome of a game, usually in a good way. I'll complain like crazy sometimes, but thank garb, they're there. The refs HAVE to call what they see, not what we want them to overlook..for ratings.

There's a reason the Bombers recruited DBs so diligently...

Walk Off the Earth? Now, that would be different.

Heartily agree on the deep ball touch, but as to stats, I used to echo those statistics as being indicators, and now I see they are no more than that. If we went strictly by passing stats, then no, the stats aren't there, but if you see ALL the stats, including the most important one....wins, then, yes Nichols is getting closer and being a closer doesn't hurt...

I hereby submit my entry fee of a grain of salt for your perusal and acceptance. I await my own key...

Nichols is getting closer to that vaunted eliteness tag. IMO, the only thing he has yet to conquer is dropping that pass over the top for that long gain. He's hit a few, but he misses the mark when the play is there. An example of that is he, and Gudino. They just can't make that connection. Mind you, it's not always on Nichols, but those overthrows he launches, at least have to give the receiver a chance to make the play. So, no, not yet, but he is getting closer, and he's taking us with him.

Let's not lose sight of the benefits of the PR for both the player and the team. It's development and learning for both. It's also part of the team philosophy and whether the player 'buys' into the program. The remuneration should only be a part of the big picture, if the player can see it. It's temporary. It seems the majority of players are fine with that role. But each decision is personal and if those involved are of like mind, then all is good. Some Guys would rather sign for Saskatchewan over BC. Those are the ones that seem weird to me. It doesn't take into account the whole picture. Sure, there was short term gain, but how about long term results? Anyways, I'm really glad the lovin Spooner wants to spend summer in the city over leaving for perceived greener grass somewhere else...

Finally, it's Thursday...CFL Football is back! Week 8 starts... most fans are picking Edmonton over Ottawa. Not me. EDMONTON @ OTTAWA CFL.ca Staff Thursday’s contest is the ultimate mid-season test for both squads; injury-ravaged Edmonton faces a long trek east to face a determined REDBLACKS team, while Ottawa would love nothing more than to break its losing trend by handing the Esks their first loss of 2017. West Division teams have won nine straight games against East Division opponents. Through seven weeks of football, a mere 36 points separate the Edmonton Eskimos (plus-28) from the Ottawa REDBLACKS (minus-8). By The Numbers 3 – Interceptions for Edmonton linebacker Kenny Ladler. 11:2 – TD-INT ratio for Edmonton’s Mike Reilly, the best mark amongst all starting quarterbacks. 204 – Completions allowed by Ottawa’s defence, the most in the CFL. 702 – League-high receiving yards for REDBLACKS receiver Greg Ellingson. GM Marcel Desjardins pointed to turnovers as a major cause for Ottawa’s early-season struggles; protecting the rock will be critical on Thursday against an Esks team that ranks top-two in possession (32:34), sacks allowed (10) and offensive turnovers (6). In contrast, the REDBLACKS have allowed six more sacks and sit last in turnovers (13). 3downnation Edmonton visits Ottawa on Thursday night coming off a 33-28 home win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The hard-luck Redblacks lost a 33-30 home decision to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their five losses have been by a combined 13 points. That includes a 23-21 setback in Edmonton on July 14. Edmonton is 6-0 to start a season for the first time since 1961 and is doing it with a depleted roster. But a constant is quarterback Mike Reilly, who stands fourth overall in passing yards (1,945) and third in touchdowns (11). Dunk: Edmonton can close. Simple. ESKS Hodge: Ottawa will turn this thing around… but not this week. ESKS Edwards: Edmonton has been finding a way, Ottawa not so much. ESKS Gasson: The streak will end eventually but not yet. ESKS Busby: There’s a desperation in the home side the visitors won’t match. REDBLACKS Smith: Ottawa needs this. Badly. REDBLACKS Filoso: Edmonton’s injuries finally catch up with them. REDBLACKS Totals: ESKS 4 REDBLACKS 3

It's really a refreshing atmosphere that has been brought about by our current GM. We are finally, finally, addressing our O-Line for the long term and not just game-to-game as it seemed in the past. Even a move such as getting Neufeld, who was heavily panned for 'issues', has shown to be a wise long-term move that allows us to move the pieces around. And now, they're planning more long term for the D-Line. It's never a bad decision to stock those trenches.

Jeff Reinebold unlikely to stay with Ticats, slams ‘disloyalty’.... http://3downnation.com/2017/08/10/jeff-reinebold-unlikely-stay-ticats-slams-disloyality/ Not a complete ambush on Reinebold, but pretty close. Looks like Austin was hedging his bets around the DC position. In this interview^^ Reinebold lays it out pretty good. It's bold Jeff, just Bold.

Well, I didn't see this one coming...

You're right. Trying to pluck somebody like that reeks of desperation or unpreparedness. Either they're trying to fix their roster because of previous ineptness or it's payback baby. Neither way is a good PR move...

CFL.CA ANDREW HARRIS THE DUAL-PURPOSE BACK Harris has 105 touches, 65 carries for 283 yards (4.4 YPC) and 40 receptions for 318 yards (8.0 YPR) for a total 601 yards. In his career Harris has recorded 50+ receptions in four of his seven seasons in the CFL. His career high was in 2012 with BC when he notched 75 receptions. Harris’ average of 6.7 receptions per game has him on pace for 120 which would be a record for a running back (minimum 75 carries). On the rushing side, he is on pace for 195 carries and 849 yards. As a receiver, he is on pace for 954 receiving yards. No player in CFL history has recorded 1,000+ rushing and receiving yards seasons in a single season. Robert Drummond was closest in 1997 (RUSH 935 yards, REC 798 yards) and 1998 (RUSH 1,134 yards, REC 840 yards). Drummond is the only player to reach 800+ rushing and receiving yards in a season. .

Tait calls a fumble a fumble, a mistake a mistake, systematic offence problems when they occur and maybe a word on talent depth. He does not question LaPolice's brain activity, nor Hall getting bent out of shape, nor a smirk on any individual on the team. He can write about the team on many facets because he can write. He's got imagination, knows a lot about football, and doesn't allow himself to get cornered to any one area of a total team function. He's heard the question, and the answers, but doesn't take everything at face value...because he can think. How many times have we said or written that we are lipucky to have him? Well, here's one more...

Drew Edwards is reporting that June Jones was acting like the OC at Tuesday's practice. He was said to be directing players during the walk through and working with the QBs during the individual sessions - things that OC Ptaszek and Austin used to handle. So, Jones running the Offence, Austin calling the plays, and Ptaszek left wondering just what is his role...And of course, the LB Coach who just assumed the DC role, Phillip Lolley. That is the mess the Bombers step into on Saturday. The Ticats will have tons of film on us while the Bombers prepare for a run-and-shoot offence? Or a mix? I have to assume that Hamilton will not put it all together in one week, so we have to stick to what works for us and let them worry about it..

We simply can't "go back" and rethink these draft picks. There's no point. Everything was based on everything that was occurring at that time...not what might have been. The guy was a prospect, as are all eligible picks. It really is no big deal, especially when other picks seem to be working out well and Walters has kept his eyes open and replenished the NI receiver set. Time to move on, as Richards seems to have done.

-Former #Ticats DC Jeff Reinebold says he’s ‘headed home’ 3downnation.com/2017/08/08/for… #CFL via @scratchingpost

And I think it's just over 2 years Addison was here..

Well, it's never been even hinted at. I might have said Edmonton, but their moves recently on the O-Line confuse me. They get some injuries from last game on the line, and yet they release (T) Washington for nothing. Apparently, they have good 'in-house' personnel already.. By the way, good for BC to look at Saskatchewan.

It haunts him like an ill-fitting bra. You can't really see it, but it sure as hell makes him uncomfortable..?

Too bad for him. It just didn't turn out well for him or the club. But, his absence won't be felt as the Bombers have been busy bringing in suitable? replacements in Coates, Blaszko, and the new Drew...Wolitarsky. The pick, at the time, was valuable and went for naught, but now, it's just a bad memory and thrown away onto the pile of 'has beens' and 'never wases'. Bring on next year's 9th overall pick!

BYE - Montreal Bomber comebacks - Ed Tait Several Bombers fans have also chimed in with greatest-comeback candidates, among them: • The 47-35 OT victory over the B.C. Lions on Oct. 11, 2010 in which the Bombers entered the fourth quarter down 32-11, but with Steven Jyles coming off the bench, rallied to tie the game on a 39-yard Jyles-to-Greg Carr TD with 57 seconds remaining before getting a TD from Yvenson Bernard, and a 72-yard interception return for a score by Deon Beasley in extra time. • The crazy Troy Kopp game on Sept. 13, 1998 when the Bombers – 0-10 at the time – replaced starting QB T.J. Rubley. Kopp, a virtual unknown at the time, completed 11 of 15 passes for 171 yards and two TDs – including the game-winner to Dimitrious Stanley with 21 seconds remaining as the Bombers rallied from down 28-10 in the fourth quarter for a 36-35 win. • Matt Dunigan’s first-ever start for the Bombers back on July 9, 1992 in Hamilton when he guided the club back from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit and completed 23 of 52 passes for 398 yards and two TDs. • A 46-44 victory over Hamilton on Oct. 22, 1994 in which the Bombers twice overcame 27-point deficits as Dunigan threw for 375 yards and two TDs before Troy Westwood sealed the deal with a 35-yard-field goal with 27 seconds remaining. • A 51-48 double-OT win over Calgary on Aug. 23rd, 2003 in which the Bombers came back from trailing 17 points in the fourth quarter as Khari Jones hit Arland Bruce for a TD with 24 seconds left and then again in extra time. ?‍?Canadian linebacker/defensive lineman Andy Mulumba has signed with the Los Angeles Rams. CFL News - #Argos put Cleyon Laing and Victor Butler on six-game injured list 3downnation.com/2017/07/31/arg… #CFL ?‍? Toronto returns to practice on Tuesday. Will the Argos have Johnny Sears practice 'touching down' a tackling dummy? Or is he already the designated dummy? “If you’re asking me about the goal-line stand, I think it was bloody awesome,” said O’Shea when asked about the defensive effort against Montreal. CFL News - - Matt Black released by the Argos.. - Regina's new Mosaic Stadium — capacity 33,000 — has 4 water fountains - CBC RELEASED: •Nat'l DL, Linden Gaydosh from Saskatchewan CFL - Historic Comebacks from 10+ down: Winnipeg's late comeback was one of the most stunning in CFL history in that it combined three elements in one: 1) Down by 10 points or more, 2) Done entirely in the final 3:00 of the game, 3) Completed by a last play score. Add to that scenario that it required an onside kickoff and you get one of the greatest comebacks to win in league history. ?‍? Apparently the Bombers practiced this in 1999… Winnipeg over Montreal on October 17, 1999 with most of the circumstances the same, down by 10, last play TD and with the late scoring starting with just 0:59 left. ?‍? Edmonton Eskimos have 18 players on the 6 game injury list. Staggering. There's going to be some interesting roster movements in a while. The Calgary Stampeders have scored 94 points in their last 7 quarters. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have scored 90 points all season. - Josh Smith Toronto Sun - The Argos D brought down Bo Levi Mitchell a season-high five times on the night while getting to Andrew Buckley once. Entering Week 7, Calgary had given up a total of four sacks in their previous six games and had not allowed a single sack in the previous two games. CFL News - .@GlenSuitor - "Reports I got he's (Ricky Ray) going to be okay" #CFL #Argos via ckstam.streamon.fm/listen-pl-1948… @FarhanLaljiTSN & @brookwardtsn Rod Pedersen - Wally Buono: He'd like the CFL rules committee to meet this week to go over where the league's at through the opening 1/3 of the season CFL News - #AlsMTL DB Chris Ackie plays with torn tendon, undergoes surgery, out for season 3downnation.com/2017/08/04/alo… #CFL via @JDunk12 TSN Stegall: 'I would truly be surprised to see Ricky Ray back in the CFL this year' 3downnation - Harris was playing pitch and catch in the first quarter (racking up 116 passing yards), he managed just 37 in the 2nd quarter, 33 in the 3rd quarter and 77 yards in the 4th The Bombers averaged an incredible 8.1 yards per 1st down play though they only converted on 2nd down 48% of the time. Much was made of Khalil Bass playing his former team, but it was interesting to note that he split reps with Serderius Bryant. The duo combined for 8 tackles and a sack. ?‍?missing in action? Jerrell Gavins ?‍? Bomber special teams came close 3 times to blocking punts.. ?‍? the Redblacks have now set a CFL record with seven straight games decided by 5 points or less. ?‍? Nobody asked, but I think it was MOS shaking all the players’ hands before the game that was the turning point? “Huge,” quarterback Matt Nichols said. “It was something we had dialled up … we talked about it all week and we knew that was going to be the first play of the game, preached to the O-line that we needed to make sure we hold up because it was a double-move down field and good luck keeping up with that guy. He’s just another dynamic to our offence and it played out exactly how we drew it up. Rob Vanstone - The Roughriders have yet to record a first-quarter point on the road this season. -Dating back to mid-September of 2014, the Roughriders are chronically unable to win a West Division road game. Saturday’s, er, game was the 15th such setback in succession. Over the same period, Saskatchewan is a horrifying 3-26 against West opponents, irrespective of the venue. Blue Bomber Talk - Fourth place in the West is the best place for the #Bombers to be. Now have a 4-pt cushion over #Riders. Good stuff. #CFL ?‍? Does anybody feel sorry for Wally Buono? I mean he has to choose his starting QB for next week…between Jennings and Lulay. Boohoo. ?‍? how is it Matlock Manitoba hasn't changed their name to Medlock Manitoba yet? #BCLions agree to terms with defensive end @Foley4Real ? ? “We knew we were going to try and kick a single,” said Medlock. “I just took the directional out of it and tried to kick it NFL style (deep). That was good to get that point on there and make it a three-point game.” ?‍?O’Shea and the defensive coaches have constantly preached trying to score on a turnover. ?‍?Man, the state of affairs in salary, in the NFL, is so screwed up. 10 million dollars a year for Jay Cutler? ?‍?Can the Argos be serious about starting R.Ray this soon after being injured? Craig T Smith - Done in Indy. Off to Bourbonnais, IL early for the Bears at 11am. @ Indianapolis Colts Training… Blue Bomber Talk - Larry McCarren says Geoff Gray is having a poor practice, he was going well up to this point. Tait - Dating back to last year, the Bombers are now 9-3 on the road in the regular season – two of the losses in Calgary in 2016, the other in Vancouver a few weeks ago. To put that into perspective, from 2012-15 the Bombers were 10-26 on the road. #Argos have added a trio of Canadians to the roster: DL Linden Gaydosh, WR Alex Charette & DB Matt Black. #CFL CFL.CA Staff - Matt Nichols is playing his way into the upper echelon of Canadian Football League quarterbacks. The Bombers pivot continues to put up strong numbers while piling up the wins in doing so, moving to 4-2 on the season and 14-5 since taking over the starting role last July. And the numbers don’t do justice Nichols’ heroics in consecutive late-game victories over Montreal and Ottawa. While Nichols has work to do before catching Bo Levi Mitchell or Mike Reilly, he’s making a strong case for a top-three spot should he continue trending upwards. https://www.cfl.ca/2017/08/07/quarterback-index-nichols-joins-elite/ Drew Edwards - #Argos have signed Canadian DT @LindenGaydosh. Was fist overall pick by #Ticats in 2013, dealt to #Riders, released by Sask 5 days ago. #CFL ?‍?Matt Black is back! Ed Tait - Former #Bombers OL Chris Greaves has signed with the Alouettes Blue Bomber Talk. - The #Bombers have allowed less than half as many QB pressures (28) as the #Ticats (57), their week eight opponents. #CFL ?‍? Did a little digging, and there are no plans, at this time, for Cat Stevens to re-write, and record the 'Year of the Catch' for the CFL this year.. WEEK 8 Edmonton @ Ottawa - Thurs. Toronto @ Montreal - Frid. Winnipeg @ Hamilton - Sat. BC @ Saskatchewan - Sun. BYE - Calgary