gbill2004

Why do you say that? Penton's article says the Bombers are interested.

Hmmm...I don't know much about McCune. What's the story on him? I see he's 34 years old and had 99 tackles last season for the Argos.

From today's Winnipeg Sun: STAFF ALMOST SET The Bombers have yet to announce their entire coaching staff, but sources say those on the defensive side of the ball are set. Gary Etcheverry will return to the CFL as the defensive co-ordinator, and he will have Nelson Martin coaching the secondary, former Winnipeg special teams assistant Cory McDiarmid as his linebackers coach and Mike Scheper as the defensive line boss. The Bombers and Edmonton Eskimos are apparently both pursuing former Bombers offensive line coach Bob Wylie to fill that role with their respective clubs. http://m.winnipegsun.com/2014/02/13/bombers-bringing-the-hammer.

Not necessarily...but it's a different style of football, especially for OL, so it adds something on top of what any rookie would need to adjust to coming from CIS which could make it a longer transition, but depending on the individual it could be smooth or it could be tougher...much like it would be for any rookie. I'm sure it is something he'll be quizzed on. Didn't Tyson Pencer come from that league? That might be why it's taking longer for him to develop.

Would the transition to the CFL be more difficult, compared to CIS?

Huh? Goossen doesn't play CIS? Simon Fraser plays in the GNAC since 2010...NCAA D2. Interesting I didn't know that. How does it compare to CIS?

Huh? Goossen doesn't play CIS?

Wally completely turned over the team that won the GC in 1998 & lost to the Ti Cats in 99. if there were 6 players left from that 98 team in 2002 I'd be surprised. That was his decision to do that. Even thought the Stamps won the GC in 2001, he continued to cut or let his players go to FA because he just didn't want to pay. That craptacular 2002 Stampeder team was all his doing. His philosophy of 'younger & cheaper" finally caught up with him that year. What happened with the Lions this off season we saw in Calgary every year he was GM in the 90's & early 2000's. He used to shrug off the players he released saying he could find someone as good or better for a cheaper price. Sounds a lot like Joe Mack.

That was six minutes of him destroying people. No kidding! Goossen looks like a monster with a mean streak. Nice to know we are guaranteed to do well and get a centre with either Lavertu or Goossen. In addition, Goossen has played every position on the OL so nice versatility there.

Looking at the schedule, I think we can realistically be at .500 come August.

Yikes...Bo Smith is terrible.

@FarhanLaljiTSN: LB Jamall Johnson has agreed to terms with #BCLions. Returns to where he began his career & lives in off season. #CFLFA14 #TiCats

I am extremely happy with Kyle Walters as our GM. I really like how he thinks outside the box and got early rights to Willy and Randle without really giving up anything. By doing that he ensured he got the guys he wanted without getting into a bidding war. He may have overpaid a little for Moore, but likely saved money by getting Willy and Randle's rights early, before they hit the market. Seems like he also tampered by having Newman signed 9 minutes into free agency; another nice veteran move.

Thanks everyone...especially JBR. After reading this thread, I am more comfortable with Morley as our new centre. He comes accross as a smart guy, so should have no problems reading defenses etc. Seems like the big thing is the centre to QB snap.

The Argos will do well with Burke as the DC. The problem last year was Creehan. Burke and Creehan were both in over their heads last year. They are more suited to their current positions and should both do well.

This was written a couple of weeks ago, at the time of the Korey Banks trade, but it's still worth reading: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Lions+release+Korey+Banks+part+familiar+regeneration+process/9459266/story.html Things seem to have actually degenerated since then. This quote was interesting to me as well, said by Dante Marsh: Who is he saying is the coach killer?

Awesome...thanks for the link! And that is great news for the Bombers...we are guaranteed to get a centre in the draft (if thats what Walters wants, which I assume it is).

Are you sure? Because I checked some of his highlites on YouTube and he was playing tackle. I can't find any reports saying he plays or is projected as a centre.

MLB is one of the easier spots to fill on a roster.

I agree...a bit. Ottawa has Hage, who is a centre so the need for them isn't as urgent. But there is some talk that Hage might now show up. And Walters said during his presser yesterday that there are 2 top OL prospects in this years draft who project as centres. Lavertu is one. Who is the other?

The more I look at the roster, the more options I see for NI spots: Possible options: DL (1 spot): Lucas/Thomas DB/Safety (1-2 spots): Newman, Bucknor, Muamba, Robertson WR (2 spots): Watson, Kolhert OL (3-4 spots): Greaves, Neufeld, Morley, Kowalczuk, Pencer, Swiston, Lavertu(?)

I wonder if a rotation combo of Lucas/Thomas could address one non-import spot on the DL? Are they good enough to be regular starters? That would allow us to start 2 imports on the OL (January & Jones), 1 NI at safety/DB and 2 NI WRs. There's the 7 NIs.

Walters mentioned in his presser that 2 of the top OL prospects in this years draft are centers. Lavertu is one. Who is the other...Goossen?

We can't underestimate the impact these additions will have on the culture change of the Bombers. The volume and type of changes will have a significant impact on the team, above the sheer talent, on paper.

The Lions aren't the powerhouse they once were. In the West, I think the Bombers will compete for 3rd place with BC and Edmonton, behind Calgary and Sask.