Mr Dee

Whats confusing for the fan is that they do look at "not calling" PI if the ball is deemed "uncatchable". Rule 6 article (ii) If a player commits pass interference when a forward pass is deemed uncatchable, no penalty for pass interference shall be applied And they do use the term "reachable" ball in determining whether a player has a reasonable chance to catch the ball or bat it down. And I do prefer to use the term reachable ball because who is to be the judge in determining whether a 'reachable' ball is 'catchable'?

Even if we were seriously interested in Harris, there would be no way the RedBlacks are going to trade their future QB. They have no QB depth. Burris, O'Brien and Brock Jensen. That's it. And my thinking is leaning towards a Burris retirement.

You have to ask yourself which was the smarter of the two. Re-sign..or re-start. Because the re-signing of O'Shea is bigger than just another signing. It's a commitment. To an identity and winning culture. It's the total picture with Miller, Walters and O'Shea. They all beleive in one another and in what they're doing. And they are not wrong. They have to have continuity and respect. They're well on their way to achieving both. You simply cannot keep changing the HCs every 3 years. Do you know what that leads to? - changing HCs every 3 years. If you're really going to be judging how good a Coach O'Shea is, the time to start would be now. Certainly not from the first 2 years. It's been stated by Walters that they may have had only a handful of players from year 1. Think about that. 5-7 players remain over the last 3 years. That's a hell of a lot of displacement. It means that the rosters we've had over this period just weren't good enough. Are they good enough now? I don't know, but, from what I've seen, I like the direction we're going, and that's what we should be looking at..with a Coach that do they are willing to go to battle for.

Why remove a strategic coaching decision from the game? It's a unique aspect of the CFL game and forces a sometimes tough decision. We should be celebrating the difference in our game, not looking for ways to dumb it down.

Clean up Friday.... ?‍?The Rider saga continues... Farman Lallji on Durant and the Riders LALJI: I think you're going to hear something in the next week to 10 days. I think both sides want some clarity in the situation sooner rather than later. When we went through the situation last week, it certainly sounded like both sides were wrapping their heads around moving on. There are some bad feelings there. -On Monday there was a report that Eskimos GM Ed Hervey is attempting to sign Franklin to a contract extension. Gary Lawless Jim Barker will represent @TorontoArgos at this week's @cfl #cfl meetings in Winnipeg. ?‍?Did you know? Most kickoffs in the NFL are touchbacks -- 63% so far this season. Ed Tait - on the Bombers Now, one of the real strengths of this team this year, from all accounts, was its camaraderie. That’s a common statement when a team has success, but if you saw how many guys hang around the locker room just to be around each other, or the large packs that head out to dine together on the road, it’s clear that played a role in the 2016 turnaround. ?‍?Ya... CFL History It takes an average of 3.5 weeks after Grey Cup for #CFL fans to stop yelling "NO YARDS" when switching to watch #NFL games for their fix CFL News -When all was said and done there was still an average of one more challenge per game this season. - @PentonKirk #CFL -Offences averaged 49 points per game this season, which was an increase of 4.5 from 2015 and 12.3 from 2014. - @PentonKirk #CFL -Ruminate on that for a moment.......within 2 years, #CFL games have increased in scoring by 12.3 points a game! -So yes, reviews DEFINITELY need tweaking, as well as competency in the booth, but the #CFL is most certainly onto something w/ changes. ?‍?As to the sock cover up.... Marshall Ferguson What is the CFL supposed to do when well over a dozen players wear Nike or Under Armour gear when Adidas is paying good money to be the exclusive outfitter of the CFL? Sit idly by and apologize to Adidas but gladly continue to take their money? CFL News Because context and facts matter. Grey Cup games with minor dress-code violations: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011... #40socks #CFL ?‍?In 2019 when the CFLPA and CFL meet in 2019, the union should show up in brightly coloured mismatched socks..just for fun. ?‍?As to one-year contracts: "Before 2010, CFL contracts contained mandatory option-year clauses. Anyone signing one-year-plus-an-option was bound to his team for a second year, at the club’s option, with the option year containing a specified salary bump of five, 10, 20 per cent…" Darrell Davis "Upon seeing the huge, ridiculous and official list of potential free agents — 223 players! — it’s obvious the Canadian Football League needs to re-implement the mandatory option-year clauses in its players’ contracts." A revamped collective bargaining between the CFL and the CFL Players’ Association tossed out the option-year contract for all veteran players; rookies were still required to have an option year on their first contracts. CFL teams believed it might slow the exodus of players to the NFL, while CFL players believed free agency would increase their salaries. ?‍?Look who's available in next year's draft... 8. Christophe Mulumba LB Maine Laval, Que. 6-1 245 6 Maybe we should stay away from that name ?‍?Next year - Winnipeg vs Hamilton in the Grey Cup. It only makes sense. They're the only two teams, out of nine, who haven't won the Cup in the last 7 years. ?‍?Please don't use Nichols and 'back' too closely together when mentioning our QB. There might be some confusion... Justin Dunk The Redblacks have released Canadian defensive tackle Cleyon Laing, per CFL sources. Laing was signed on Nov. 2 as the team prepared to make its stretch run, playing in one regular season game, the East Final and the Grey Cup game Ottawa defeated the Calgary Stampeders 39-33 in overtime. The deal included a $25,000 signing bonus and an agreement he’d be released after CFL season to explore NFL options. ?‍?In the 'it figures' dept. - News1130 Vancouver Talks so far have been positive between the #BCLions and Elimimian, both sides want to get it done.

This, of course, makes my day. It's a validation of MOS's abilities as a Coach and a good guy. It's the belief that the right man is in place. This is not just us here, (minus a few posters) but, as we have witnessed time, and time again, it's the belief of the Winnipeg Football Club. It's the belief by player after player who have spoken out and testified that they want to play for O'Shea. And to what extent have we've seen that before? What O'Shea has started here is remarkable to witness through the player's eyes and I would think his reputation will make Walters' job easier in recruiting. That also has to count for something. It doesn't hurt, either, to think that this announcement sours the day of some commentators in sport. I strongly hesitate to call them writers.. Let the progress continue...

Bighill over Leggett? No. For one thing, Leggett doesn't have his very own Elimimian...

For the time it takes to march out 5 or 15 yards, the game IS kept moving. There is that change of offence and defence/ST, so really, there is no real time lost. Besides it's better than watching grown men circle a ball until one man is knowledgeable enough to stop its momentum. For those who like the American rules..you can view it several times a week, but don't expect any CFL rules fans to throw a plug in for them.

I believe the delay in DC decision, and the reason we hired Etch, was caused more by waiting for a decision from at least 1 other DC candidate (Stubler).

Well, there are a few more games also..192 to date, vs 81 total in the CFL. Also, with a fair catch, there is NO possibility of a good run back. You get the ball where you cry wah. In the CFL, there is always the possibility of action..one way or the other.

If you look closely, you can see me waving my arms maniacally, in saying leave my CFL rules intact...with a few tweaks. In no way whatsoever, do I want to see that dumb American catch rule up here in Canada.

Which was the reason for Franklin's earlier tweet* to Warren Moon. Sounds as if Mr Moon OR someone similar has advised Franklin to a certain extent. If they're talking...then there IS a number Franklin has in mind. Surely he has an idea of his value, and his desire to be a #1. If the two thoughts can co-mesh, and the Eskimos are willing to pay... But what is that number? And would he be satisfied toiling behind Reilly until his next injury? On the other hand, should Edmonton strike while the interest has peaked? They could reap some rewards by trading him. This off season will be the best! * ("@WMoon1 hey Mr. Moon, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get your advice on some personal CFL decisions I'll be needing to make soon?")

"A number of CFL players make the jump to the NFL every year to varying degrees of success. Some are released mere days into training camp, while others crack their club’s 53-man roster, eventually developing into solid starters. The minimum salary for a player on an active roster in the NFL is $525,000 USD while the average CFL player made approximately $90,000 CDN. Most of the players on this list would command between $100,000 and $200,000 CDN per year in the CFL." ?‍?John Hodge has written an article naming 13 players who may a shot, however remote, in the NFL. These are the featured players named and an example of why they would be considered: DL Alex Bazzie, B.C. Lions Bazzie’s lean for the NFL at just 230 pounds, but his 29 sacks in three CFL seasons speaks volumes about his ability as a speed rusher. Now 26, Bazzie projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker south of the border. DL Mic’hael Brooks, B.C. Lions A two-year veteran of the Seattle Seahawks (2013-2014), Brooks was dominant at times during his two-year stint in B.C., but ultimately lacked consistency. If Brooks can convince an NFL coaching staff that he’s willing to work, it’s possible the 25-year-old gets a deal down south. REC Bryan Burnham, B.C. Lions Burnham has NFL size at 6’2, 205 pounds and made more tough catches this past season than any other player in the CFL. The Tulsa product will turn 27 in April, likely making this his final shot at the NFL OL Derek Dennis, Calgary Stampeders Fresh off winning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award, Dennis will have to convince NFL teams that he’s still worth a look at 29 years of age. As talented as Dennis is, that could be a tough sell. DL Willie Jefferson, Saskatchewan Roughriders His NFL stint with Washington was brief last season, but Jefferson’s output in just ten games with Saskatchewan — eight tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble — could earn him another look. His outstanding size (6’6, 245) and youth (25) are major assets. DB Abdul Kanneh, Ottawa Redblacks Kanneh’s play regressed somewhat in 2016, but the two-time East Division all-star is still dominant at times. Former Eskimo halfback Aaron Grymes won a practice roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles this fall at 25. Could Kanneh, 26, accomplish a similar feat this winter? LB Jeff Knox Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders Knox’s 112-tackle rookie season appears to have been an aberration, but the 25-year-old is still a talented football player. Knox’s age (24) and strong special teams play (19 tackles in 17 games this past season) will be strong selling points for his agent. DL Cleyon Laing, Ottawa Redblacks Laing was on the Miami Dolphins’ practice roster for eight weeks this season before his release at the end of October. After joining the Redblacks just prior to the playoffs, Laing will be looking for another shot down south. DB John Ojo, Edmonton Eskimos Getting an NFL look may prove to be impossible for a player coming off a torn Achilles, but NFL teams love big-bodied defensive backs. At 6’3, 205 pounds, Ojo fits the bill. If the 2015 CFL all-star can prove he’s healthy, there’s a chance he could land a deal with a team south of the border. REC Diontae Spencer, Toronto Argonauts At just 5’8, 163 pounds, Spencer will have a tough time convincing NFL teams he’s worth a look as a receiver. Still, with blazing speed and a friend in superstar Odell Beckham Jr., it’s possible Spencer gets a shot down south as a return specialist. REC Terrence Toliver, Hamilton Tiger-Cats His age (29 in March) will work against him, but his size (6’5, 205) and nose for the end zone (15 touchdowns in 26 career CFL games) could be enough to get him an NFL shot. OL Greg Van Roten, Toronto Argonauts The former Green Bay Packer (2012-2013) has spent time at tackle, guard, and centre for the Argos since joining in the team in 2015, excelling at all three positions. That type of skill and versatility could attract attention from a league that is always on the hunt for offensive linemen. REC Derel Walker, Edmonton Eskimos For my money, Walker is the only current CFL player who is guaranteed to receive an NFL contract this upcoming off-season. Recording 2,699 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in just 30 career CFL games, Walker is poised to earn a substantial signing bonus, increasing his chances of cracking a club’s 53-man roster. http://3downnation.com/2016/12/01/lucky-13-cfl-players-may-take-shot-nfl/ I would agree with Walker, Van Roten, Knox jr., Burnham, Bazzie and Dennis. I wouldn't mind the Bombers looking at LB Jeff Knox Jr. Anybody else you guys would figure to get a look?

Arash Madani Per #CFL sources: If Danny Maciocia becomes Als GM, Ricky Ray's landing spot may be Montreal. Show Vernon Adams the ropes + be insurance QB. Herb Zurkowsky -God love Chris Berman. He always talks about the Grey Cup after it has been played. Shout out to Anthony Calvillo too. -#Als have requested permission to interview Redblacks' assistant GM Brock Sunderland. The process begins. CFL News Edmonton was the only team in #CFL that didn’t open their dressing room once a week to the media. - @sunterryjones #Esks Drew Edwards If Steinauer gets the head job in Toronto, his first call may be to his former colleague with the Ticats, Tommy Condell, who resigned as offensive co-ordinator on the eve of the 2016 season. Condell and his family are still living in Ancaster and word is that he would be open to a return to the CFL. That said, another under-the-radar candidate for the Toronto coaching job, should it become available, could be Winnipeg offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice, who took the Bombers to the Grey Cup as head coach in 2012. CFL News Many believe that current Argonauts head man Scott Milanovich will be fired this week - @scratchingpost #CFL #Argos -Mitchell: 'I don’t know how we didn’t win' - CFL.ca @CFL cfl.ca/2016/11/28/mit… #CFL ?‍?With Henry Burris now qbacking 3 teams into the grey Cup in the last 4 years, and winning this last one, he is a shoe-in for the CFL's hall of fame. Whether you like him or not. It's my opinion the RedBlacks do not win if Trevor Harris starts the game. CFL Headlines Laval’s Antony Auclair, Manitoba’s Geoff Gray invited to U.S. university… goo.gl/fb/fX35jG - 3 Down Nation Herb Zurkowsky As I reported earlier this week, #Als requested permission to interview Brock Sunderland - who wasn't at Redblacks exit meetings. Hmmm -Dickenson: "Derek Dennis is looking at the NFL. If that doesn't work out, we'll be in the running (to sign him)" -Dickenson: "Dan Federkeil will have surgery tomorrow. If he decides to play again, it will be for us" Dave Campbell Argos sign DE Shawn Lemon to a two-year contract extension. #lemondrops #CFL Eskimos BREAKING: Offensive lineman Justin Sorensen extended through 2018. #Esks @justin_6868 Drew Edwards At this time last season, there were 203 players scheduled to become free agents (83 nationals and 120 internationals.) Of those 77 (0r 38 per cent) were either re-signed or extended by their existing club, while 54 (or 27 per cent) signed with another CFL team. Just 12 signed NFL contracts while 62 – or 31 per cent– were not signed by the time training camp started in June. http://3downnation.com/2016/12/01/pending-cfl-free-agents-never-hit-market-go/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+3downnation%2FgLSo+(3DownNation)

Why are there this many players becoming free agents? Because they got rid of the option Year contracts. Agents and players now can go elsewhere in pursuit of the big bucks. But, that may only work for the top end players...a dozen maybe? The rest of the players will go to whomever has the best SMS in place ie. those teams who can afford it. They got what they wanted but fail to recognize that there still is a salary cap in this league and it isn't very much, considering all the factors. Darryl Davis points out in his column that fans are the ones who will notice the most. Pick a favourite player? Yeah, well, he may be gone next year. This will work for the better players, but there will be a glut of 'secondary' level players, and these will see only marginal increases in salary, if that. Some may see decreases. In time, we'll come to see if it worth it for all concerned. As Davis says..bring back the option-year clauses. It would be the perfect gift for CFL fans at this time of year. Call it...the santa clause.

Gary Lawless, through TSN, has come up with a Free Agent list through talks with GMs, players and agents, this is what has been provided and there are a few dandies on this list. Keep in mind, it's unofficial and quite a few of these names will sign with their respective clubs before Free Agency, if a deal hasn't already been agreed upon. (24) BC - Bassie, Elimimian, Iannuzzi, Yell, Burnham (29) Calgary - Derek Denis, Bakari Grant, Hughes, Cordero Law, Quinn Smith (26) Edmonton - Devon Bailey, Lacey, Marcus Howard (28 Hamilton - Emanual Davis, X Fulton, Terrance Toliver, Rico Murray (30) Montreal - Cash, Jourdain, Klassen, Venable, Lewis (32) Ottawa - Deane, Ellingson, Hightower, Jackson, LaFrance (28) Saskatchewan - Foster, Fuller, Willie Jefferson, Jeff Knox Jr (29) Toronto - Coombs, Ellsworth, Durie, Owusu-Ansah, Kenny Shaw (21) Winnipeg - Adams, Bass, Hurl, Denmark, McDuffie The full list is here: http://www.tsn.ca/list-of-pending-cfl-s-free-agents-1.620485

This was one of the most enjoyable Grey Cup games and the officials did it right. Only 11 penalties.. That is fantastic. A CFL statistic, according to a source reported by Rod Pedersen, had the offiating with a 97% success rate. That means there was a lot of fan'atical blithering over 3%. Mind you, those were some bad, bad calls in that tiny percentage.?

Right now, we're at zero, neither negative nor positive in regards to our QB position. Many would say that puts us ahead of where we were just two short years ago. I cannot recall any time or any team not having any QBs signed. But it's not like this condition came upon us without deliberation. Something's up with the boys and it involves the direction this club is going forward in. Talks are under way and when one domino falls, that will cause a chain reaction. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of soon to be names under consideration as well as currently signed QBs. Names like Durant and Nichols and Glenn and M Bethel-Thompson and even Franklin. Whirlwinds are twirling and with all the free agents about to be sprung on each team...we'll be in for a delicious ride this off season.

Reffing in the CFL is no different than ANY organized sport. There are going to be mistakes. And a lot of them are in the fans' minds. I don't know how many times I've heard calls for penalties that are not penalties. And vice versa, the infamous missed calls. The fans see missed calls and the refs see calls that the fans miss. What the CFL is doing with reviews is commendable. The 1st model didn't work so well, but they're working on it. Less challenges, quicker decisions being rendered, and usually, the correct call. But they do have to streamline it. SLO-Mo should only be used to determine out of bounds or contact with the ground. Not with any kind of contact. It has been an effective tool, but it has been mis-used. Can they fix it off season? Of course they can. The officials, and the Coaches now have better parameters to streamline the wording. They'll get something they can agree on, and we'll get closer to what we all want - better results.

Solomon wants to stay in BC. Buono wants Eli to stay. However, all teams will be crunching numbers in the new CFL and their one year contracts. So, it will be interesting all over the CFL this year. For example, this is one of Marquay McDaniel's latest tweets: Marquay McDaniel @_McDaniel16 People keep saying you'll get them next year. A lot of us are free agents, it won't be the same next year. Look at the panthers But, I do agree with your sentiment. They will want to find a spot for Elimimian.

This is an example of salary creativity a team uses to sign their star QBs. Of course this is Saskatchewan and Durant. Durant is available because he is scheduled to make more this year but is open to negotiation. I'm not so sure Jones is. Jones wants Franklin, but I'm not sure they are in position to get this trade happening. He may look to Nichols himself. Here's Durant's 2016 info... https://t.co/wXuSg6Yym2 Durant’s 2016 contract numbers Signing bonus $250,000 Base salary $105,000 Housing $30,000 Active roster bonus 6 games $10,000 Active roster bonus 9 games $10,000 Active roster bonus 12 games $10,000 Active roster bonus 14 games $10,000 Playtime bonus (51% offensive plays) $1,388 per game (14 games=$19,432) Total $444,432

?‍?Then I don't understand helmet to helmet hits. Didn't Josh Bell tackle with his head? Like in a classic case of helmet-to-helmet. And nobody says anything except "what a hit"? ?‍?Calgary should have saved their "game winning drive" for the Grey Cup instead of wasting it on the mere mortal - Winnipeg Blue Bombers....you know, you only get to do that so many times... ?‍?Probably going to be a lot of inner reflection for Bo and the Boys. long pause... Nah. ?‍?Gotta say that BLM must have set a Grey Cup record for throwing up his hands in a "what the hell you doing gesture". ?‍?The MOP and the Coach of the Year both have their whoops moments...I almost, almost, feel sorry for them. ?‍?The way they planned for the return of the CFL football team to Ottawa, and carried it out, is to be commended. They truly did a great job...with the right people. ?‍?The biggest reason Calgary lost? No Marquay McDaniel. No doubt in my mind. Gary Lawless So Dave Dickenson's decision not to give it to Jerome Messam on 2nd and goal from the 2 will be debated and haunt @calstampeders offseason ?‍?Somewhere, upon hearing this, a slight smirk begins to come about, hidden by a beard. ?‍?I think Henry retires. ?‍?Is it true they're going to make a bobble-hands doll of Ernest Jackson? ?‍?Not enough can be said about the brilliant play calling and tempo of Jamie Elizondo' offence. It threw Calgary off from the start and adjusted when Calgary did. Burris gets all the credit for executing it, and he should, but Elizondo needs mentioning. ?‍?If I mention Elizondo, I must also mention Mark Nelson. He's exactly the kind of DC I wish the Bombers employed. Really disappointed in the Vanier cup attendance. The Vanier Cup should, once again, be played in the same city as the Grey Cup. It only makes sense. This bickering between Sportsnet and TSN is pitiful and hurts university ball all around. Congratulations to both the Stampeders and RedBlacks for having good years and for providing us with a remarkable Grey Cup game. Well done!

But that's the point. If McDaniel was still in the game they wouldn't have needed to go downfield so much. McDaniel is one of the best go-to guys on second down in the entire league. He runs perfect routes, breaks tackles and he's the guy Mitchell always goes to when he needs a clutch catch. Do you think Mitchell goes 0-3 in that final drive if McDaniel was in the game? Not a chance. The biggest reason Calgary lost? No Marquay McDaniel. No doubt in my mind.

If anybody watched the Vanier Cup on Saturday, you would have been entertained by the play, all the scoring and the reffing. If there were bad calls it didn't seem to affect the game. There were no challenges or play reviews. And you know what?...everybody lived. It can be done without these sideline distractions..

The greatest team that never was... Who knew? Take away BLM's crutch man - Marquay McDaniel and BLM is average. Henry took on the giant Bo, and felled him with a rock.. No, Mitchell isn't the greatest of all time, nor our time. Ultimately, the RedBlacks, Marcel Desjardins, Rick Campbell, and the rest of the staff deserve all the credit they can garner. And yes, that was a very good Grey Cup game.