Game day thread: Winnipeg at snowy Calgary

[BigBlue]

Since Michael O'Shea has arrived here we have relentlessly heard preached the crucial elements of character, heart and team loyalty. Tonight that's going to be put to the test -  - to see how character stacks up against talent.

The Bombers have a lot on the line, Calgary doesn't. One of the 2 teams will end on a three-game losing streak.

The snow by the way is just another wildcard, not an advantage card.

Let's see who wants it more  (which is another way of saying how much does heart and character really count for anyway). 

[jazzsax]

I think this game is going to be decided by special teams, and lots of run / short pump and dump passes. Whoever handles the coverage and tackling in the snow the best wins.

(Predicting at least one Kick or Punt return for a TD)

 

[JCon]

Turnovers will decide this game, IMO.

[jazzsax]

That too. 

[Noeller]

I'm really curious about shoe choice in conditions like this.... @Booch did you ever play in conditions like this? What kind of footwear is best for astro-turf in the snow/ice?

[pigseye]

Calgary's been playing like crap lately so I wouldn't be too surprised to see Lefouver one up Buckley.

[pigseye]

2 minutes ago, Noeller said:

I'm really curious about shoe choice in conditions like this.... @Booch did you ever play in conditions like this? What kind of footwear is best for astro-turf in the snow/ice?

I can't speak for booch but turf shoes are the only option.

[Booch]

Yeah I have...tho thankfully this isn't astro turf as that stuff froze basically up as a sheet of hard pack, or ice...so cleats were basically useless. This field turf now is like real grass...probably better because it wont freeze rock hard like grass, so your usual cleat should be just fine.

Back in the astro turf days broomball shoes...especially for line man was a preferred choice..or those old style astro turf rubber bottom cleats which had the whole bottom covered in small black nub like cleats...if you can recal those

[Noeller]

Unreal....I can only imagine. I still have nightmares of the Esks routing the Bombers at Commonwealth in 96 which was almost entirely because of footwear on that God awful natural grass. I'll never get over that.

Interesting that the new stuff is really good for holding up in "conditions"....hopefully that evens things up for everyone today.

[JCon]

1 minute ago, Booch said:

Yeah I have...tho thankfully this isn't astro turf as that stuff froze basically up as a sheet of hard pack, or ice...so cleats were basically useless. This field turf now is like real grass...probably better because it wont freeze rock hard like grass, so your usual cleat should be just fine.

Back in the astro turf days broomball shoes...especially for line man was a preferred choice..or those old style astro turf rubber bottom cleats which had the whole bottom covered in small black nub like cleats...if you can recal those

How did it change your technique? How did you brace yourself?

Also, what about those rookies from way down south? How did they handle it? And what questions did they ask?

Sorry for all the questions!

[Mark F]

just need a staple gun.

[JuranBoldenRules]

When it snows or even if it rains quite a bit this generation of turf can fill with the moisture.  It’s not like real grass because there isn’t anything under it to absorb moisture naturally.  There’s nothing for cleats to grab into once the space between the fibres is packed with moisture.

They’ll be wearing 3/4 or one inch cleats if there’s a light layer of snow.  If it’s packed they’ll probably be wearing their shortest cleats because there won’t be anything to grab into.  Assuming the grounds crew will be working on clearing the field basically until warmup and then afterwards until the game starts the only accumulation should be during play.

Many of the NFL fields are heated in the northern cities but not in Canada!  Best to move fast in straight lines in these types of conditions.

Edited November 3, 2017 by JuranBoldenRules

[Booch]

On defense you just have to be more sure of self and not get caught biting on any moves...play off a bit more...The offensive guy knows where he is headed, so on defense you need to stay in control and you won't see many big hits...this is in extreme crap conditions by the way. In the trenches a lot of times you don't even notice it in the snow...u just are more wet.

Ice fields tho..basically it's just do what you can, and hope for the best.

Played with a lot of guys who had never seen snow...let alone played in it, and most enjoyed it...the only giys who really struggled or complained were the back-ups and specialty guys who were just standing around for the most part...when you are playing you dont really notice it until it's a windy sub -15-20 degree game...then it hurts like a mofo

[jazzsax]

Keep in mind it only just started snowing 2 days ago. Until then we had nice weather. There's a bit of wind but not much.

Snow is light. We haven't had as much as they warned (they were talking 25cms). It's not heavy. Assuming they are keeping the field reasonably clean it shouldn't be so bad.

 

Nothing like where it's been snowing for weeks. 

[Noeller]

Snow supposed to taper off late afternoon/early evening, so if they can clear it off well before the game, there'll be negligible amounts to worry about during the game. "Mainly cloudy, Low -18" for tonight...

[TBURGESS]

Snow warning cancelled.

A light snow is coming down/blowing around in the SW as I type.

-11 C, just feels cold cuz it's the first time we've got cold this year.

[jazzsax]

Alright boys (and girls) in Calgary, lets not be wimps and lets rep up in style!!!!!

(My bright yellow bomber gear fits perfectly and snugly over my jacket). So hopefully my ass isn't too frozen)

Come say hi if you have a chance 

[Mark F]

Do not: rely on the Fever to win by passing.

Do:  have  an extra O lineman, and a fullback to make running game more effective. Let the fullback bang on Singleton, make room for Harris.

Do not: use trick plays.

Do: Ground and Pound.

 

Edited November 3, 2017 by Mark F

[BBRT]

1 minute ago, Mark F said:

Need an extra O lineman, and a fullback to make running game more effective. Let the fullback bang on Singleton, make room for Harris.

No trick plays.

just Ground and Pound.

 

I think Ground and Pound is what Calgary will do with their 240 lb back. Sam Hurl will have cleat marks up and down his font getting in the way of Messam - who by the way he will not stand a ghost of a chance of stopping. Gave my seats away as I am heading out to see Jersey Boys instead.

[Mark F]

3 minutes ago, BBRT said:

I think Ground and Pound is what Calgary will do with their 240 lb back. Sam Hurl will have cleat marks up and down his font getting in the way of Messam - who by the way he will not stand a ghost of a chance of stopping. Gave my seats away as I am heading out to see Jersey Boys instead.

Based on some other teams playing Calgary, Messam goes down  pretty easily  if  tackled  low, don't bother with arm tackles shoulder tackles, flying tackles.

unpopular to say, but Duron Carter took him down easily that way.

 

Edited November 3, 2017 by Mark F

[WildPath]

8 minutes ago, BBRT said:

I think Ground and Pound is what Calgary will do with their 240 lb back. Sam Hurl will have cleat marks up and down his font getting in the way of Messam - who by the way he will not stand a ghost of a chance of stopping. Gave my seats away as I am heading out to see Jersey Boys instead.

No, Hurl will be filling a different gap

[jazzsax]

The food in the red and shite club is surprisingly good.

 

Same with rum

 

Game on

[do or die]

Now that I have returned......all should be well.....

or there is always gin......

[do or die]

But I will take the win......

[aalgernon]

Which TSN feed is the game on??