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Fun to sit and watch practice today... Been about 20 years since I was last able. With respect to the late great Randy Turner, the king of Odds and Sods writing.... here's some thoughts: -All jokes aside, Jake Thomas looks like he's lost at least 30lbs and maybe 10 years. Not sure it'll translate but he gave himself a chance. -There were a number of guys who I thought looked leaner (Adams the DL and Wallace, notably) and I wonder if there's a concerted effort by Brendan the trainer to get guys faster this year -Makonzo got hurt. Wasnt carted off, but he landed awkwardly in coverage and came up favouring his wrist. Didn't look good. -Mitchell looks very smooth and runs good routes. -If Vaughters can stay healthy, he is just an absolute load. He and Willie would be very hard to handle. That said, they were doing a drill to see who could get off the line fastest without being offsides and Jake beat Vaughters and was giving him a hard time. We'll call that a one off. -Both Zach and Strev looked good, tho Strev had a couple brain cramps. One under thrown ball that he was immediately angry about and I think a botched run play that he took the heat for. Patterson definitely has a rifle arm... Accuracy is the question. - I have hopes for Keric Wheatfall to take another step this year. -Our LB corps, as already noted, is very very deep and the coaches have a lot of options. People were shifting around a lot but packages with Kyrie at MACK was interesting. -Watched a lot of OL/DL 1v1... OL wasn't terrible, though it seemed like there would be holding calls on a number of plays. DL are just so much faster and you're trying to not get put on roller skates. Thought Wallace showed very well and some of the Americans like Randolph, Vanterpool and Lofton as well. In the reps we saw, we didn't think Neufeld looked very good. It was a bit concerning watching him get "walked" by a few DL. -Its very impressive what Mike Benson does. He really whips that ball and it is so deadly accurate. -Coaches are all very engaged and animated. Osh was hollering pretty good at one point about a missed tackle "You gotta have that!!" Richie, JY, Costello, among others, very very active and involved. -Stan and Willie are both basically coaches. They do a lot of teaching. That's just a few thoughts. I didn't take notes or anything.. just tried to enjoy the sunshine and being at the barn again. I love the CFL, I love the Bombers, and I love Manitoba summers.... It's great to be home.

Just to speak to Wolitarsky’s character and just what a good dude he is … few years back, some friends and I went to go see him play at Earl’s on Main and we ended up chatting with him and Streveler … he found out it was my friend’s birthday coming up who loved live music and he offered to come play some songs at his birthday party. Sure enough, few weeks later, Woli was in my basement sitting around with us having some beers while he played the guitar. All-time guy. I’m sad to see him go.

Really easy to always say that there's some mystical coach out there that would be a better fit. We've been through generations as CFL fans watching teams including our own who keep believing that. Hufnagel, Grant, Mathews, Buono, O'Shea That's the order of CFL coaches by winning percentage. Let's pull our collective heads out of our asses.

Bombers not offering Bighill a contract ahead of free agency according to Jeff Hamilton my first daughter was born Monday and this still might be the best news I’ve had all week

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/12/02/blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-all-cfl-left-tackle-stanley-bryant/

That deep ball right off the bat with Zach testing out the glove hand has to go down as one of the dumbest ******* things I’ve ever seen. And if that’s not coaching, I don’t know what it is. That should be so quickly addressed on the sideline before they take the field. Hey man, you’ve never worn that thing before, let’s feel it out before we sling it deep.

Went to practice this morning. Nothing ground breaking to report. Thought the running back 36, smaller American guy looked solid. Really effective blocker in the one on ones. Imo play of the day was made by Corcorcan(can't remember how to spell his name, but the wr they drafted this year). He is slow...there's no doubt about it. But he went up and made a great play on an under thrown ball that should have been intercepted. Schoen looked like himself out there. No brace on. No lack of speed etc. Routes were as sharp as ever. Talked to him after the practice and he said he was feeling great and anxious to get back out there. He was great with my son too. Talked to him a bit and gave an autograph. Sergio is the man...he came right up to my boy (who was wearing his schoen jersey) and talked a bit, then said he'd introduce him to Schoen after practice. Which he did. Needless to say, we had a great morning!

Wait wasn't he going to Saskatchewan? I thought Uncle Cleetus from Weyburn had some insider info on Facebook.

Not every one will be ready for this and that’s understandable. But we will definitely need a shot of positivity around here this off season. With that in mind here are some things I look forward to with the bombers in a positive light only. Terry Wilson. I was extremely impressed by how poised and in control he was when he came in. Stepped up in the pocket, kept his eyes down field when pressured and threw with authority. He has Great arm talent, and athleticism. But the mental side of him looks legit too. I look forward to seeing him progress next year. another Canadian draft. We really cleaned up in this last draft, which was a strong draft to be fair. So I don’t expect us to replicate that success, but adding another piece or two to the AR will be huge for our NI depth. On that note, our rookie Canadians did better than I expected this year. I can’t wait to see big kev with another tc under his belt, think Wallace will be poised to take a starting spot next year, mci came a very long way as a blocker too. I hope to see a good chunk of pre season reps for mci to play rb so we can see what he has and let him develop. He went from a guy out of place on an AR to a solid FB in one season and that’s pretty good. Kelly, I think he has a sneaky good chance of becoming our starting S next year. Imagine 3 starting Canadian dbs? Never thought I’d see that on a good team. tyjuan garbutt really turned a corner late. He isn’t the instant dominant pass rusher we need, but he’s a damn good two way end who plays with discipline. Imo he’d be excellent as a di rotational back up next year. Ayers and Cole. I’d love to see more of Ayers at mac and Cole at wil. Both guys are monsters on teams just scratching at their potential but are still a lot of fun to watch. Devin adams. Such an incredible athlete and raw talent. Gonna be awesome to watch him in his first full camp. Woods. Our best dl for my money all year. Guys a beast who can play a bunch of inside positions and some edge especially in the 30 front. Only 25 years old and the sky is the limit. can lawson and schoen the return. Nuff said. Love what both these guys bring. Owen Hubert. Really over achieved early. Hit the rookie wall hard. But showed a ton of lunch box type stuff that could make him a very valuable rotational piece next year. The majority of the secondary as well. Holm and Kramdi stepped up big, griffin and bonds were excellent Nichols was my modp for us and ford legit would’ve been moc in the league most years. How do you improve on that? Well Nichols is the only guy at 30. So another year could bring improvement for each of those guys. JY. Through some early struggles he really turned a rag tag group of guys into an elite pass defence. I can’t imagine what more he has in store with a year of growth and prep.

Tait says Schoen a full participant today for the first time. Huzzah.

Hey @Booch, I found your new homescreen pic.

Buy me a Grey Cup or go to hell!

Schoen is back on a 1 year deal https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/02/01/blue-bombers-re-sign-two-time-all-cfl-receiver-dalton-schoen/

Holm back on a 1 year deal. https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/15/blue-bombers-re-sign-defensive-back-evan-holm/

If there’s one player—just one—in the entire Canadian Football League who absolutely screams 'poster boy for performance-enhancing drugs,' it’s got to be Zachary J. Collaros. I mean, the sheer physical dominance, the unstoppable power, the jaw-dropping speed... it’s almost too obvious, right?

Don't you take that tone with me...

Only friesen can be that obtuse.

Well the 2019 team was 3-5 with Streveler starting and 4-0 with Collaros starting. So he had some impact. D wasn't getting it done by themselves, they got smacked around pretty bad in majority of games after Nichols went down. Probably don't get to any of the post-19 Grey Cups if you don't host the West Final. Matt Nichols never hosted a West Final. Buck Pierce, Kevin Glenn and Khari Jones hosted 1 East Final each. Collaros has hosted 4. Good to have some perspective. The only comparison that will matter in the end is Dru Brown from 2024 on vs Collaros from 2024 on.

Zach suspended for the first game is perfect. Now his complete collapse at the end of the season will be delayed by one week! That means he'll dominate the Grey Cup and then crumble at the parade. He'll cut his thumb shotgunning beers, fumble the cup, fall off the back of the truck.

Yeah I mean I’m not one for the political talk but can we all just please agree Donald Trump is a ******* loser ruining the world? McInnis at 250k is interesting … sure wouldn’t expect an American to ask for more than that now

I don't see anything on X because I got rid of it when it was bought by Elon F'n Musk. X is run by a Nazi for Nazi's & MAGA's. If you're still there, you are supporting them even if you don't agree with them. I'm certain you can find video games and cat memes elsewhere. I moved to Bluesky. I'd like it if all sports teams, government agencies, celebs (Sad but true), & businesses would move too.

I’d rather pay McManis 270 than pay Ford 220

A day early but Merry Christmas to you all.

Yessir, 2 hours. I can't wait to set Doug up to rant about Collaros's suspension. He's going to light it on fire again!

I can't pay writers for new material all the time.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers bring back longtime DB Brandon Alexander as guest coach - 3DownNation

Winnipeg Blue Bombers post 2024 operating profit of $7 million – Winnipeg Free Press A profit increase of over 20% from 2023 despite having more expenses last year.

I say this every year, but thank you VERY much to those of you who follow Junior/CIS/NCAA and can provide some input on the prospects. It's greatly appreciated!

I hate the off season

I'm not sure the league is ready for a Blue bombers vs Blue bombers GC though

Fun fact - 10 yrs ago today the Goat of Goats #66 on the field but #1 in your hearts, Stanley Bryant signed with the struggling WPG Blue Bombers, starting the path that would lead to the creation of an absolute CFL powerhouse team, the likes of which hadn't been seen in decades!! Just a ******* LEGEND!!

Just raise the minimum salary. The top guys get enough already.

S**t signing, s**t schedule. Thank God the Bacon Mushroom Melt is back or it may have been toaster bath day.

My vote is for Jackson. I was impressed with the Elks run game. I think he could bring some fresh ideas to Winnipeg's offence.

No player worth anything is ever going to not want to play. Coaches needed to sit him down.

I hate to be the one to do it but, people need to get off of demski's back. The kid was playing on one ankle and the fact that there was no better option than him isn't his fault.

Quick Hits | Rookie Camp - Day 2 - Winnipeg Blue Bombers I am rooting for Bailey now.

The Bombers bankroll the U16 and U18 provincial teams along with camps run all winter and spring in preparation, and not just for the more elite group who end up making those teams. Also U12 and U14 academy programs on top of that. In addition to bankrolling WHSFL league operations, supporting RMFL and supplying all minor football programs, some more than others based on need. They've been running a flag program for a long time. Both at indoor soccer facility and a summer program. I'd bet amateur football in MB would shrink by half if the Bombers pulled back. It costs way less to run a high school program now than when I played because of their support, like by 1/3.

Ba calls it a career. https://3downnation.com/2025/03/09/veteran-bombers-db-brandon-alexander-announces-retirement-from-cfl/ 8 years strong with 1 professional team. To the Blue Bombers that gave me a chance to play ball again I’m grateful and hopefully every day of my 8 years, I showed how grateful I was/am for that opportunity. My teammates/fans over that period of time made it easy to go to put it on the line everyday. I can’t thank the fans enough that accepted me into your home of Winnipeg, Manitoba. You’ve seen me start my career as a 23-year-old young adult. Always stood behind me and watched me grow into the football player y’all loved to cheer for. Winnipeg only shines because you all put the lights in and on the stadium. I will miss the love I’ve felt over the years. #1 fanbase in the CFL without a doubt. And to my teammates, ya’ll already know what it is. Too many memories were given to me that I will carry for the rest of my life. Can’t replace that. “Love y’all boys.” 37 out”

Team says it's just an error on the transaction wire.

So what's everyone's take on Jake Thomas? Feel like we've barely scratched the surface with that discussion.

To me, it really seems like the moves we are making scream “we are going to use the designated American rule this year” and I’m a fan of that

You gotta be really sour to have your mind made up on this being a bad hire. Keep in mind Buck Pierce hadn't called a play for a PeeWee team before he was given the OC job here. You've got three experienced CFL coaches leading the offense. Judgement on Hogan's scheme/play calling can come later.

Bighill signing here after coming back from the NFL was nothing short of HUGE! He's been nothing but an amazing leader on and off the field. His involvement in amateur football makes waves with kids everytime he's around. I can't thank that guy enough for his play. And his influence off the field will be felt for a long long time. Whether he realizes it or not. "That's Adam Bighill" heard weekly at U of W by children being introduced to the sport. The guy is a legend.

Love that for us

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/

Collaros has been pretty similar in all of the years he's been here IMO. The biggest problem is that every year we've given more money to our top guys, including himself, and not getting the return on the investment. Collaros is a good QB but he needs a great team around him if we're going to win it all (just like any QB). We've lost the last 3 Grey Cups to MBT/green Kelly, Fajardo, and Nick Arbuckle. Goes to show you, you don't need elite QB play to win a championship.