AKAChip

Look, I respect the fact that there are people that look at what Nichols did in years past and say that it is theoretically possible that he becomes that guy again down the line but we have to face the facts that it’s becoming less and less likely. Let’s also remember that he was fairly mediocre his entire career outside of the first 2/3 of 2017. I appreciate what he did to help this franchise when it became clear that Willy was finished but at this point, I think that relief ultimately has done more harm than good. I agree that Nichols has been better since the Banjo Bowl when he could have completely lost it and basically ended his career but let’s call it like it is, he played just marginally well enough to beat a QB-less Rider team and get thoroughly embarrassed offensively in Calgary. He absolutely played well enough down the stretch to allow the other phases of our team drag us to victory but there was a point earlier in the season where he not only wasn’t winning games, he was essentially singlehandedly losing games. I know O’Shea isn’t likely to make a change at this point (though his relatively quick hook of Willy still gives me hope) but keeping Nichols as the starter is the classic “safe” play. The bombers likely lose Bighill next year and the many of the Bombers’ other best players are a year deeper into their 30s (Harris, Dressler, Randle, Darvin will be 30). Is there any reason to believe that if the rest of the team isn’t quite as good as it was this year that we can even repeat 10-11 wins and a western final appearance? It’s not going to happen.

So are you saying scrap the coordinator? Bring in new returners?

Who and or what are you referring to exactly?

Gotta admit, it would be funny if we replaced 34 year old frequently injured Dressler with 32 year old Arceneaux coming off a major injury. Yikes, would that ever be a horrible idea.

But Bryant Mitchell or Reggie Begelton are exactly what this team needs right now.

We will more than likely have to pick up another team’s free agent at receiver seeing as the last genuine find Walters has brought in at receiver has been... nobody.

The Glenn situation was different as Lefors was a complete unknown and even if there is a chance Streveler fails, he at least knows the offence and has shown promise in limited reps. Bring in a backup with some experience if it’s such a big concern. I would argue there are bigger risks with keeping Nichols than with moving on. Sure, this team has proven it can win 10-11 games with Nichols but at this point, that’s clearly the best case scenario. There is a reason Kevin Glenn has never won a cup. You have to take the chance that you find the next Mitchell or Reilly. Teasing us with limited upside regular season success ultimately gets this team nowhere.

I was not clear then and I apologize. I meant to comment solely on his ability as a professional quarterback, though that includes off the field.

You’re being a tad overdramatic and literal. I’m not insulting his character. I’ll clarify: for all his flaws as a professional quarterback, his lack of accountability is the most annoying. I’m sure he’s a stand up guy in real life, frankly I don’t care and don’t speak to it.

He’s a professional athlete. He should get used to it.

I didn’t hear the quote but it doesn’t surprise me in the least if true. Of all of Nichols’ horrible qualities, his lack of personal accountability is by far the most annoying.

What. A. Loser.

An overlooked thing about Nichols wasting this season is at 32 and 34 next year, have to wonder if Harris and Dressler are about to fall off a cliff productivity wise. Not too many dominant 32 year old running backs in history.

I am not even remotely content with LaPo but I do fear his replacement would be even worse. O’Shea loves retread hires and there are a LOT of really bad options out there.

Anyone is a good QB when all they have to do is hand the ball off.

I am hopeful but certainly not positive that Streveler is the long term answer at QB but if he goes another year and we lose our best (see: only) QB prospect in decades in favour of playing Matt Nichols, I don’t think I could recover.

The people who like to blame the “whole offence” when clearly Nichols was far and away problem number 1,2 and 3 are better off not blaming Nichols at all. We can see through the facade.

More like idiot QB and mediocre coach.

Don’t think you’ll find too many LaPo supporters after this season. Running up the gut with Harris into a wall when everyone and their demented mother knew it was coming not once but TWICE is a microcosm of everything he is and everything he always will be.

There’s really no response to this. It’s like arguing with someone who thinks the sky is green. Receivers were open plenty.

Nichols is not a starting caliber QB so we’ll call it a draw.

It would be a travesty if beating Brandon Bridge and getting a playoff win bought Nichols another year.

I said good at almost every position. They were not great at receiver but, yes their pass blocking was good. A decent QB doesn’t turtle with the slightest pressure. Pressure is not abnormal in the CFL regardless how good your line is.

The controversy is that people will continue to defend Nichols regardless of how many embarrassing performances he puts up. This Bomber team was really good at almost every position but Nichols was routinely below average and frequently abysmal. It’s the attitude of blaming the rest of the team and not holding Nichols accountable that keeps us in perennial mediocrity. You cannot win it all with a QB like Nichols unless literally everything else goes right. This isn’t how you win with regularity in the CFL.

You’re absolutely right that the offence was brutal but how much of that is having a QB that can’t get playmakers the ball and caves under the slightlest pressure? Most would argue a lot of it.