2024/2025 CFL (non-Bomber) Off-Season Thread

[17to85]

8 minutes ago, Booch said:

I not rticising the whole thing...but an aspect of things...and they are not unwarranted at that....we should arguably have won 4 of those 5 easily....and why we didnt....totally avoidable....and until we shift in how we do things...and shuffle the deck a bit in some instances....much of the same will likely be the result....if you...or anyone is happy with the post seson failures because we had a good regular season....so be it...I am not

Would you have rather made it to 3 cups in 5 yrs....and won em all....as opposed to be batting under .500 in 5..??...and basically cause we shot ourselves in the foot....with basically the same stupid reasons in 3 of the losses?....

2 grey cup losses tho the defence got walked over too when the rubber had to meet the road....so it's not just offence issues....Last yr was offense issues fielding 3/5ths OF a receiving corp that had no business or use playing....Thats on Coaching

2022 ZC was allowed to start...and play whole game when he was obviously hurt....couldnt move in pocket or plant properly to throw...rendering our passing attack useless....and he was never pulled...again....coaching ....which leads right to this yr....down by a TD...QB again was rendered useless by injury....but out he trots.....hate to say it again...thats on coaching....We lost 3 straight now for basically a combination of the same reasons...You would think now rolling into 2025 with a chance to play for a Cup at home....you would sit down and revisit the last 5 yrs...look at everything...top to bottom...the whats..why's...what we could have done different...what we SHOULD have done different....and turn the page and make the necessary tweaks.

The off-season is just starting so hard to say what our gameplan is going to be...we do know there will be a new or different scouting/recruitment set-up....we are going to have a new OC as well.....and I see 2 guys nobody expected to see us lose walk....so how the rest shapes up will be very telling and possibly exciting

But if we see a within hire for OC....no new player personnel guy brought in and re-upping of guys like Thomas....Biggie.....Wilson.... and Osh pumping their tires in the media about it.....nothing is changing for the better and it's just status quo....if there was/is a yr to make a fairly significant shift....this is the yr

When I say constant criticism I'm not talking about criticism of the whole thing, I'm talking the over the top criticism of the same thing in every context.

I disagree with the assessment of the defense getting walked over. Football is a team sport, your offense needs to do something to win a championship because eventually the D in the CFL will give up something. 

3 years the offense has been a bag of ****. Injuries, play calls, players not executing... what ever the reason that's why they lost 3 straight. Even a pedestrian offensive effort likely wins some of those games (maybe all).

[wbbfan]

26 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

If this were really true why even have the regular season? 

Yes ultimately the championship is the main goal, but you don't get the chance without regular season results.

You know that I don't blindly support every move this team makes with their roster choices, and you know I think you've got some good insights and are generally a knowledgeable voice.... however you are completely off the deep end in your constant criticism of the whole thing. You have strong opinions about the kind of player you like... but that's just one opinion, there's lots of things that can make a good player. Does this group get everything right? Nope not at all, but they do get a lot right as evidenced by the fact they have all this regular season success and have made 5 straight championship games. Honestly biggest step now IMO is figuring out why the offense has turned into a giant pile of useless in 3 straight Grey cups and change that.

The entire purpose of the regular season is to set up the post season. The only reason the season isn’t shorter is monetary. Drastically less regular season would make the season much better in terms of quality. Shorter post season wouldn’t benefit any thing. 
 

You’ve got 3 tiers for quality of season. Missed the play offs, made the play offs but lost in them, and the champion. we can soothe our self with the considerable financial success of the year or the extra games, but in the end we are no different in terms of success than the rest of the teams that lost in the play offs. 
 

Nothing wrong with enjoying the team despite them missing the final goal. If the goal posts get moved shorter though, that’s how you end up in situations on the field like Edmonton and Calgary. That’s how you end up with fan bases like the riders and leafs. Oh hey we won ldc and made a good push late in the year, go us! We’re no1! 

[17to85]

I view it somewhat differently... I mean during the years Lyle Bauer was here we had some successful seasons but the failure in bringing home the championship kept leading to change, which kept causing setbacks organizationaly which led to a huge hole to dig out from. I'm not so linear in thinking that if you're not first your last. There's a lot of context surrounding any seasons result. 

3 straight Grey cup losses... they do show some areas to adjust for sure, but we can't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[Booch]

3 hours ago, 17to85 said:

I view it somewhat differently... I mean during the years Lyle Bauer was here we had some successful seasons but the failure in bringing home the championship kept leading to change, which kept causing setbacks organizationaly which led to a huge hole to dig out from. I'm not so linear in thinking that if you're not first your last. There's a lot of context surrounding any seasons result. 

3 straight Grey cup losses... they do show some areas to adjust for sure, but we can't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Nope..this is true...but you can throw out some aging vets...and lack luster others who have been there for the 3 straight losses, as obviously they aren't getting it done... for new...fresh....inspired blood....because the intelligent person can't think that in attempt  number 4...being one yr older...1 more step slower...some guys probably 2....and one more additional yr removed from being productive that this time they gonna do it........that's something you can do to the bath water.

You can also maybe change how you fill that tub too,,,schematic and philosophy wise a bit ....evolve some would call it....thats what you can do.....and it's easy to do it if you flip your mindset a bit....and coming from being there before...an older player knowing that a younger...and many times more athletic player is on your ass...and can take your job at any moment brings out a lil more fire and squeezes out the last couple drops of juice outta that guy....which also is a net positive.....can't coast and feel safe that you are a lock....just because....too many instances of guys the last 3 yrs being too comfortable and not having that extra something something....

[Brandon]

9 hours ago, GCn20 said:

??....Goveia has been almost primarily our NAT scout and he's done a pretty darn good job at it.  However, there has been nothing meh about the talent we've brought in as IMPs either. We have gotten excellent, far above average scouting from our team. 

I will disagree,  the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.  The d-line and lbers have rotated in and out with very little success.   The punter is god awful.  The o-line has aged and the only new blood that saw lots of play time is a Rider cut.   Our import talent has been a whole lot of meh.   Our Canadian talent has looked as good as it has in the past so I will say for that part we are doing a good job of bringing in fresh faces that can make plays.  

 

[wbbfan]

With maksymic to Edmonton, landing spots are getting thin for Jackson. Be a damn shame if he didn’t get a job for this year. 

[M.O.A.B.]

Buck said he will be calling the plays. So, looks like he be HC/OC. Jackson might not have a room there unless he's OK to be just a QB coach.

Here is his legit chance to be a OC or OC/QB just like Buck. 

 

Edited December 5 by M.O.A.B.

[Booch]

1 minute ago, M.O.A.B. said:

Buck said he will be calling the plays. So, looks like he be HC/OC. Jackson might not have a room there unless he's OK to be just a QB coach.

Here is his legit chance to be a OC. 

 

sign him up....I bet he would be a good mentor to Wilson too....He's more the type of QB Wilson is as to what Buck was....so that wouldn't hurt either. And I bet he be good for Strev too.

[17to85]

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.

Bonds was ******* good at db, Wilson did get 1000 yards as a rookie... which is not bad when you consider how many roles actually ever go to raw rookies in the league.

[CrazyCanuck89]

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

I will disagree,  the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.  The d-line and lbers have rotated in and out with very little success.   The punter is god awful.  The o-line has aged and the only new blood that saw lots of play time is a Rider cut.   Our import talent has been a whole lot of meh.   Our Canadian talent has looked as good as it has in the past so I will say for that part we are doing a good job of bringing in fresh faces that can make plays.  

 

Exactly, look at your past draft.  Wallace should take over for Neufeld at RG.  Clercius should be starting in the recieving corps.  Samson will rotate with Lawson at DT.  Not to mention, hopefully Hubert will get another chance.  That is a decent haul.

[GCn20]

13 hours ago, Brandon said:

I will disagree,  the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.  The d-line and lbers have rotated in and out with very little success.   The punter is god awful.  The o-line has aged and the only new blood that saw lots of play time is a Rider cut.   Our import talent has been a whole lot of meh.   Our Canadian talent has looked as good as it has in the past so I will say for that part we are doing a good job of bringing in fresh faces that can make plays.  

 

Ontaria Wilson having a 1000 yard season didn't do it for you I guess? Complain away then....

[GCn20]

10 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Bonds was ******* good at db, Wilson did get 1000 yards as a rookie... which is not bad when you consider how many roles actually ever go to raw rookies in the league.

I agree. There were others like Ayers and Woods that showed glimpses of high level play as rookies as well. I thought our recruitment this year was a real strong point and probably saved our team's butt when all the injuries piled up.

9 hours ago, CrazyCanuck89 said:

Exactly, look at your past draft.  Wallace should take over for Neufeld at RG.  Clercius should be starting in the recieving corps.  Samson will rotate with Lawson at DT.  Not to mention, hopefully Hubert will get another chance.  That is a decent haul.

I thought that last offseason the recruitment was a home run. We got two explosive starting receivers, a shut down DB, a good young LBer, and some pieces for our DL. Add the draft and we did really well.

13 hours ago, Brandon said:

I will disagree,  the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.  The d-line and lbers have rotated in and out with very little success.   The punter is god awful.  The o-line has aged and the only new blood that saw lots of play time is a Rider cut.   Our import talent has been a whole lot of meh.   Our Canadian talent has looked as good as it has in the past so I will say for that part we are doing a good job of bringing in fresh faces that can make plays.  

 

You say the DL and LBers rotated in with little success? Best defence in the league says they did rotate in with success,.

[Bigblue204]

13 hours ago, Brandon said:

I will disagree,  the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.  The d-line and lbers have rotated in and out with very little success.   The punter is god awful.  The o-line has aged and the only new blood that saw lots of play time is a Rider cut.   Our import talent has been a whole lot of meh.   Our Canadian talent has looked as good as it has in the past so I will say for that part we are doing a good job of bringing in fresh faces that can make plays.  

 

Honest question...how many new faces (that start/become solid contributors) do you think a team should be bringing in every year? And how many of those new faces should realistically be considered "all stars" for you to be happy with the recruitment?

Also this idea that other teams off casts shouldn't be seen as a find is bizarre. That's literally how this team was built. Either FA signings like Bryant (Which was an obvious homerun signing at the time). Or signing cast offs who other teams gave up on. (Yoshi, Nichols, Collaros, Taylor etc.) Good scouting doesn't just mean bringing in pure rookies.

Edited December 5 by Bigblue204

[bigg jay]

14 hours ago, Brandon said:

I will disagree,  the last two seasons at least we've brought in a whole lot of players who are barely depth level players in the league.   I can't think of anyone new that is remotely close to being considered an all star level of talent.  The d-line and lbers have rotated in and out with very little success.   The punter is god awful.  The o-line has aged and the only new blood that saw lots of play time is a Rider cut.   Our import talent has been a whole lot of meh.   Our Canadian talent has looked as good as it has in the past so I will say for that part we are doing a good job of bringing in fresh faces that can make plays.  

 

Lofton was a Bomber before he was a Rider as he played for us in 2022.  He also wasn't cut, he played out his contract with Sask and came back here early in Free Agency.  

[HardCoreBlue]

12 hours ago, M.O.A.B. said:

Buck said he will be calling the plays. So, looks like he be HC/OC. Jackson might not have a room there unless he's OK to be just a QB coach.

Here is his legit chance to be a OC or OC/QB just like Buck. 

 

Mr. Rourke better step up in 2025 or it may be a very long season for Buck in his first year as head guy.

I know it's important for the health of this league but I have a hard time cheering for NR.

I guess as long as we punch him in his face every time we play him but he does well against other teams, I'll give him that to help out our league.

[Booch]

1 hour ago, Bigblue204 said:

Honest question...how many new faces (that start/become solid contributors) do you think a team should be bringing in every year? And how many of those new faces should realistically be considered "all stars" for you to be happy with the recruitment?

Also this idea that other teams off casts shouldn't be seen as a find is bizarre. That's literally how this team was built. Either FA signings like Bryant (Which was an obvious homerun signing at the time). Or signing cast offs who other teams gave up on. (Yoshi, Nichols, Collaros, Taylor etc.) Good scouting doesn't just mean bringing in pure rookies.

for sure...seeing value and upside in guys where other teams didn't is also key....you have to remember some teams have eyes on guys that are on other teams heg list....or were signed before they got the chance...so when they get cut lose.....they get brought in

If you are not scouting the other teams and watching their moves for the chance to steal a guy...you not doing your job

 

[WinnipegGordo]

Ed Tait had a look at the Bombers' roster last month:

HOW THE 2024 BLUE BOMBERS WERE BUILT

Trades
QB Zach Collaros, 2019, from Toronto
OL Pat Neufeld, 2013, from Saskatchewan
DT Cam Lawson, 2022, from Montreal

CFL free agents
OL Stanley Bryant, 2015 (Calgary)
Rec Nic Demski, 2018 (Saskatchewan)
LB Adam Bighill, 2018 (B.C.)
RB Johnny Augustine, 2018 (Edmonton)
DE Willie Jefferson, 2019 (Saskatchewan)
C Chris Kolankowski, 2020 (Toronto)
LS Mike Benson, 2021 (Montreal)
LB Brian Cole, 2022 (Edmonton
Rec Kenny Lawler, 2023 (Edmonton)
K Sergio Castillo, 2023 (Edmonton)
DT Miles Fox, 2023 (B.C.)
Rec Lucky Whitehead, 2024 (B.C.)
LB Tony Jones, 2024 (Edmonton)
DB Michael Griffin II, 2024 (Calgary)
QB Jake Dolegala, 2024 (B.C.)
FB Bailey Feltmate, 2024 (Hamilton)
DB Nick Taylor, 2024 (Calgary)
OL Eric Lofton, 2024 (Saskatchewan)
LB Bryce Notree, 2024 (Montreal)

CFL Draft
DT Jake Thomas — 2012, Rd 4, 29th overall
LB Shayne Gauthier — 2016, Rd 4, 28th overall
Rec Drew Wolitarsky — 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft
RB Brady Oliveira — 2019, Rd 2, 14th overall
OL Tui Eli — 2019, Rd 4, 34th overall
DB Nick Hallett — 2019, Rd 7, 61st overall
DB Noah Hallett — 2020, Rd 2, 18th overall
LB Tanner Cadwallader — 2020, Rd 7, 64th overall
OL Liam Dobson — 2021, Rd 1, 3rd overall
DB Redha Kramdi — 2021, Rd 2, 16th overall
CB Tyrell Ford — 2022, Rd 1, 13th overall
DB Jake Kelly — 2023, Rd 2, 15th overall
WR Jeremy Murphy — 2023, Rd 3, 26th overall
DT Tanner Schmekel — 2023, Rd 4, 35th overall
LB Max Charbonneau — 2023, Rd 8, 71st overall
Rec Kevens Clercius — 2024, Rd 2, 13th overall
FB Michael Chris-Ike — 2024, Rd 2, 14th overall
OL Gabe Wallace — 2024, Rd 2, 17th overall
DT Kyle Samson — 2024, Rd 2, 20th overall
DE Owen Hubert — 2024, Rd 8, 73rd overall

CFL Global Draft
LB Souleymane Karamoko — 2022, 13th overall
P Jamieson Sheahan — 2023, 8th overall
LB Fabian Weitz — 2024, 8th overall
DE Lucky Ogbevoen — 2024, 17th overall

U.S. Scouting
S Brandon Alexander, 2017
LB Kyrie Wilson, 2017
QB Chris Streveler, 2018; returned in 2024
DB Deatrick Nichols, 2021
DB Evan Holm, 2022
DB Jamal Parker, 2022
Rec Dalton Schoen, 2022
DE TyJuan Garbutt, 2023
DE Celestin Haba, 2023
DB Tyrique McGhee, 2023
CB Terrell Bonds, 2024
LB Michael Ayers, 2024
WR Keric Wheatfall, 2024
WR Ontaria Wilson, 2024
QB Terry Wilson, 2024
DT Devin Adams, 2024
DB Marquise Bridges, 2024
WR Kody Case, 2024
WR Myron Mitchell, 2024
DL Jason Person, 2024
OL Kendall Randolph, 2024
OL Micah Vanterpool, 2024
DT Jamal Woods, 2024
RB Chris Smith, 2024
OL Chris Walker, 2024

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/11/15/48-hour-primer-the-build/

[SpeedFlex27]

On 2024-12-04 at 8:37 AM, GCn20 said:

??....Goveia has been almost primarily our NAT scout and he's done a pretty darn good job at it.  However, there has been nothing meh about the talent we've brought in as IMPs either. We have gotten excellent, far above average scouting from our team. This has allowed us to stay at the top of the pile in the CFL for many years now. I understand that many guys here are upset that we lost 3 winner take all games, but it is has gone full on bananas with people discounting entire seasons we have either led the CFL or finished 1st in the West. That kind of sustainability is exceedingly difficult, and is the work of excellent recruitment, management, and coaching. It is bizarre to suggest otherwise. Some fans here need to eat some humble pie. This is not Saskatchewan for cripes sakes, we are the envy of the league.

Goveia is a huge loss. We can sugarcoat it all we like but he's the primary reason our Cdn scouting was so good. I guess we have a young guy waiting in the wings wanting to make a name for himself as a scout but until he does he'll be a question mark. 

The Stamps in the 00's. 10 & 20's (until this year) may have mised the playoffs a couple of times. The Esks made the playoffs every year for 37 seasons straight. We've had a great run as but we're nearly two decades behind those teams. Who both eventually hit hard times because they never adapted or changed. We'll see this season how sustainable it is losing Pierce & Goveia. Maybe McManus. Changing scouting staff may be a shot of fresh air. 

Edited December 5 by SpeedFlex27

[Stickem]

I think we were due for a change ...be it management or players......The last Cup loss was a big hint that that should occur....Now how we deal with those changes will dictate what the future is for this club....immediate and long term....We need to give serious thought to who is available coaching wise right now and make our move(s)....Serious plan for FA should be paramount as well and the more immediate task is reupping the guys we want around for 25'....Lots of work for Walters and I know he's up to the tasks at hand ...I hope we're giving some real indepth thought to the quarterbacking for 25' as I think that's the key moving forward...IF a big move is being planned, I hope we make it early and that' where it all starts 

Edited December 5 by Stickem

[GCn20]

23 minutes ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

Goveia is a huge loss. We can sugarcoat it all we like but he's the primary reason our Cdn scouting was so good. I guess we have a young guy waiting in the wings wanting to make a name for himself as a scout but until he does he'll be a question mark. 

The Stamps in the 00's. 10 & 20's (until this year) may have mised the playoffs a couple of times. The Esks made the playoffs every year for 37 seasons straight. We've had a great run as but we're nearly two decades behind those teams. Who both eventually hit hard times because they never adapted or changed. We'll see this season how sustainable it is losing Pierce & Goveia. Maybe McManus. Changing scouting staff may be a shot of fresh air. 

There is no question losing Goveia is a massive loss. Totally. 100%. However, we do have the opportunity to replace him. Walters will have to find someone who is as capable, and that will be difficult. Judging how big a loss Goveia is can only be done after we compare his work to the work of his replacement though. This could be a devastating loss, or we end up finding the next Kyle Walters....either and everything in between is all on the table.

Edited December 5 by GCn20

[SpeedFlex27]

1 minute ago, GCn20 said:

There is no question losing Goveia is a massive loss. Totally. 100%. However, we do have the opportunity to replace him. Walters will have to find someone who is as capable, and that will be difficult. Judging how big a loss Goveia is can only be done after we compare his work to the work of his replacement though.

The quality of our front offic 5 years ago was impressive. Two were Asst GMs who eventually became GMs in Ringmaiden & Goveia. 

[Fatty Liver]

13 minutes ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

The quality of our front offic 5 years ago was impressive. Two were Asst GMs who eventually became GMs in Ringmaiden & Goveia. 

Walters started off as a Natl. scout, with his U-Sport connections no reason he can't continue on with the help of an assistant.  In his recent interview Rigmaiden revealed he plans to spend 6 months in Vancouver and the 6 months in his off-season home in Virginia scouting players in the US SE. 

 

 

[Dr Zaius]

14 hours ago, M.O.A.B. said:

Buck said he will be calling the plays. So, looks like he be HC/OC. Jackson might not have a room there unless he's OK to be just a QB coach.

Here is his legit chance to be a OC or OC/QB just like Buck. 

 

Wow, biting off twice as much as he can chew. BC's offence is going to suuuuuck

[GCn20]

1 hour ago, Booch said:

for sure...seeing value and upside in guys where other teams didn't is also key....you have to remember some teams have eyes on guys that are on other teams heg list....or were signed before they got the chance...so when they get cut lose.....they get brought in

If you are not scouting the other teams and watching their moves for the chance to steal a guy...you not doing your job

 

Janarion Grant was cut by the Ti-Cats in TC. before we scooped him. He has been the best returner in the league since then.

5 minutes ago, Dr Zaius said:

Wow, biting off twice as much as he can chew. BC's offence is going to suuuuuck

BC's offence already sucks.

[bigg jay]

Sask re-signs Harris... good luck with that!

https://3downnation.com/2024/12/05/staying-in-saskatchewan-riders-re-sign-veteran-qb-trevor-harris/