OT: Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2023 Season - Another terrible disappointment. NEXT: Tough Decisions on How to Rebuild.

[ps241]

r/CFL is unbearable. Full of Suckskatchewan fans and folks who are jealous of the Bombers

Embrace the heel role!

 

[ps241]

What the Jets are missing is a true rivalry like the Bombers have with the Riders.

 

[bustamente]

 

[Stumbledore]

So, the Bombers lose an offensive roll and potential points because of a phantom "hands to the face" penalty at the end of the first half.

At the start of the second half, Big Willie gets his helmet pushed off and there's NO penalty against the Riders for "hands to the face". How did the refs think that helmet came off? Or where they just too busy flagging Big Willie for playing without a helmet?

While I'm at it, has everyone noticed how the camera zooms in on a player after a penalty? They provide his name, a close-up of his face, and a replay of him commiting the offense. So, why don't we do the same for officials? When a review shows there was not the slightest evidence of an illegal block on a punt return, why can't we have a close-up and name displayed of the incompetent official who threw the flag?

It's only fair. And maybe after a few of those, we can see which officials are incompetent and which ones might not be -ahem- impartial.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Game Thoughts

Winning is FUN!

Offence
This offense is going to win a lot of football games all by itself. When they get clicking there isn't going to be a team that can do anything about it. Someone please point me at the weakness a defense could exploit. Anywhere.

Has to start with the man, the myth, the legend Zach Collaros. What can't this guy do at this point. I was talking last night I can only think of one other guy in the world who can adjust his arm angle as quickly and successfully as Collaros and that's Patrick Mahomes down in KC. He's a hell of a QB. Took a few too many hits for my liking last night though (not on the OL, but scrambling and running via his own choices).

Oliveira didn't get much going, but the Bombers never really seemed to try to get him going. The big concern is his health. His been banged up though camp and much of practice last two weeks, albeit has played fully last week and this week until late in the 4th. Appeared to be in pain on the sideline. Augustine actually showed some great burst late despite Sask knowing that Bombers were running. But the team is thin at RB, particularly as 3rd string RB Greg McCrae is American making the ratio a challenge. So let's hope Oliveira is OK.

Dalton Schoen is a beast. I think the Bombers have two of the top 3 WR talents in the CFL in Schoen and Lawler. He just makes plays, it's insane. That shoetop grab for TD #1 was simply amazing. Not to be overshadowed last night was, of all people in the WR corps, Drew Wolitarsky putting in some work. KEY catches when it mattered, and hell for the guy I call "Catch and Fall Over" there he was making plays after the catch as well at times. There were times were us watching game couldn't tell if it Wolitarsky or Schoen making these plays as 82 and 83 were both flying out there. To be honest, the rest of WR's were a bit quite, particularly Rasheed Bailey and Carlton Agudosi. I know it was PI but I really would have liked to see Agudosi come up with that TD catch. He was knocked over and falling away but down in the red zone like is why you have him and his size. I'm not sure where his role goes when Lawler comes back. And how about Janarion on that sweep on offense, breaking a big run. What a weapon.

The OL was solid again. I don't really have much to say here, these guys just get the job done. I really didn't notice any weaknesses last night, they just went out did and their job. Biggest thing O'Shea and Walters have done, and it was priority when they took over in 2014, was fixing the OL. Bombers had years of crap OL play, it all starts from there. Only note, and I'll cover it a little later, but damn that hands to face call on Bryant was such horseshit.

Defence
After dominating in 3 phases last week, I'd say this was more of a 2 phase domination this week, with the defense being just so-so. But IMO the stat lines for the D don't tell the entire story and they played better than those stats.

Starting along the line, I think the Bombers have something in this Haba. I am coming away more and more impressed by him. He is incredibly quick off the edge. Seems to play a very responsible game, not sacrificing his lane to get to the QB. But can get after it when he has the chance as well. What a scouting find there. Willie was being held all game, it was clearly gameplan. Look at the dominance he put up in Week 1 Sask got scared and seemed to decide to hold him from play 1. Can't believe the reffing in this one. But how about "Fat Boi Thomas" getting in the on the sack party. Ricky Walker made a couple plays I saw, nice to see him start to pick it up. I don't think he's as good as a Stove Richardson or Casey Sayles, but like seeing the push from the middle from those two guys. Gotta mention as a unit the push from that DL was fantastic. The run game for Sask was completely stymied basically the entire night and Harris had to rely on quick hitters due to the pressure.

Malik Clements had himself a night in the LB corps, IMO. He was flying out there I saw that 33 quite a bit making tackles. The push from the DL meant the LB's didn't need to do too much in the run game, but Clements made a tackle or two there. He really thrives in pass coverage though, he has very smooth hips, IMO. Meaning he changes directions well, and is smooth in his cuts. I don't think he's an all-star or anything, but a nice piece to have with Kyrie being such an injury bug lately. Bighill had himself an up and down game, IMO. Got burned fairly badly on a crosser at one point, seemed to be just off at times. Has such natural skill and drive though that he still made plays, including the step up on 3rd and 1 early on riders 3rd string QB Shea Patterson which was just beast mode.

The DB's were a mixed bag FOR SURE. Trevor Harris was doing Trevor Harris things with success last night. Which is quick hitters, quick crossers, quick slants. That's where Harris has made his career and the Bombers struggled at times to contain that. That being said the final stat line for Harris was better than he deserved. I can't think of a DB who didn't allow some catches last night, but the worst of the bunch, IMO, was Desmond Lawrence. Sask seemed to be targeting him out there. I would say that was his worst game as a Bomber, not that he's played all that much. With HB Jamal Parker and CB Winston Rose both currently on IR there's going to be decisions to be made when they get healthy. We'll see if Lawrence can hold onto his starting job at that point. Alden Darby was fairly quiet, but both Darby and Lawrence dropped INT's last night that really would have improved their night obviously. Even complete shutdown HB Deatrick Nichols allowed a big catch over his head, so it wasn't exactly a clean night for anyone last night. Houston and Holm were just OK again.

Special Teams
Janarion Grant. That's it, that's the section.

Ok specifics are Janarion Grant is one of my favourite players to ever put on a Bombers uniform. Even with the refs determined to slow him down, he beat all sides to make this game happen for him. With the advance stats they are taking about I'd love to see some advanced break down of that return. He ran sideline to sideline first, then all the way down the field duking and dodging. That had to be 160 yards he ran with the ball in his hands on that play. One thing I saw on twitter is that the first guy he beat, Sask #24 that went flying past him was then the LAST guy he beat down at the other end again. I've seen different people post different things but it was anywhere from 7 to 10 dodged tackles. I mentioned in this report last week Janarion is going to do more positive than the negative and I think he showed why I said that this week

Sergio missed an XP eh?

Sheahan had a rough one. Where was the hang time on his punts last night? He looked nervous and looked like he was rushing his punts. I know his a rookie, but if we don't see some improvement there it might be time to give 36yo Karl Schmitz a chance.

It as mentioned last night but the Bombers are certainly missing their "gunners" on the coverage teams in Thiadric Hansen and Mike Miller. Those are two really key guys there. But the guy who stood last night to me was Nick Hallett. He was first man in nearly every time on punt coverage and kick coverage. Tanner Cadwallader had another good ST night as well.

Referees
Yes I'm adding a whole section for this cause that game was an absolute joke for the ref crew. I'm not one to talk refs, I try to avoid it at all costs cause I find it a lame excuse. But holy hell does that crew need to pulled aside given a good old fashioned verbal thrashing for the poor showing last night. Off the top of my head you have the following complete BS calls that directly affected the scoreline.
1. Phantom call on the Janarion return. They actually said live it was on #10. Which is Nic Demski. WHO DOESN'T PLAY SPECIAL TEAMS! Maybe they were referencing #00 Les Maruo, but even TSN wasn't sure. When you have to announce "we reviewed every possible block and found no violation", like come on. Did the ref who threw the flag not even know which block he thought was illegal? Pathetic.
2. The illegal hands to the face on Stanley Bryant. I'm out at the lake with my parents this weekend, and they have old school cable so for once I was able to rewind and watch the play a few times. It was quite clear Bryant's left hand made contact with the Sask DE shoulder pads around the collarbone region. Completely legal. Pulled the Bombers out of FG range at the end of the 1st half. Horrendous call.
3. Willie Jefferson has his HELMET KNOCKED OFF WITH HANDS TO THE FACE. Like there's absolutely NO WAY FOR IT TO BE MORE OBVIOUS. And they call Willie. Ok illegal participation legit call, but did not one of these collection of morons think, well how did Willie's helmet get knocked off before he got to the QB? Not one of them could think of that?
4. Willie Jefferson would have sacked Harris on one of those TD throws except the OT had him by the jersey RIGHT AS HARRIS RAN PAST HIM. Like right in your face, they couldn't even find an angle that didn't show that obvious hold cause it happened immediately before Harris threw the TD pass mere inches from Harris. OT hands were on either side of Willie, it was just the easiest holding call you could draw up, a play that they should be teaching refs on how to call holds.

And I mean that's just the most obvious egregious mistakes. Missed PI's, missed offsides, missed holds, it was a not a banner night for the striped men out there. The crew needs to be disciplined by the CFL for that performance out there.

Next Week

Anyways enough of that. What matters is the Bombers continue to roll. The real challenges start on Thursday. Many may not agree, but BC looks incredibly dangerous to me. I think they may be team #2 on the Bombers heels all year. Big play VA, a guy we all know can run and chuck it down field for chunk plays, looked like a wonderful pocket passer in week 1. If rounds out that game he could be QB #2 in this league. Bombers will have to be prepared. They have a great D as well. This is going to be a early litmus test for both squads on Thursday. Should be a fun one! Come on down to the stadium this is going to be a good game next week!

 

[snowkiddin]

I’m not concerned about VAJ, he’s been mostly garbage for his career, but we’ll see

 

[snowkiddin]

Game Thoughts

Winning is FUN!

Offence
This offense is going to win a lot of football games all by itself. When they get clicking there isn't going to be a team that can do anything about it. Someone please point me at the weakness a defense could exploit. Anywhere.

Has to start with the man, the myth, the legend Zach Collaros. What can't this guy do at this point. I was talking last night I can only think of one other guy in the world who can adjust his arm angle as quickly and successfully as Collaros and that's Patrick Mahomes down in KC. He's a hell of a QB. Took a few too many hits for my liking last night though (not on the OL, but scrambling and running via his own choices).

Oliveira didn't get much going, but the Bombers never really seemed to try to get him going. The big concern is his health. His been banged up though camp and much of practice last two weeks, albeit has played fully last week and this week until late in the 4th. Appeared to be in pain on the sideline. Augustine actually showed some great burst late despite Sask knowing that Bombers were running. But the team is thin at RB, particularly as 3rd string RB Greg McCrae is American making the ratio a challenge. So let's hope Oliveira is OK.

Dalton Schoen is a beast. I think the Bombers have two of the top 3 WR talents in the CFL in Schoen and Lawler. He just makes plays, it's insane. That shoetop grab for TD #1 was simply amazing. Not to be overshadowed last night was, of all people in the WR corps, Drew Wolitarsky putting in some work. KEY catches when it mattered, and hell for the guy I call "Catch and Fall Over" there he was making plays after the catch as well at times. There were times were us watching game couldn't tell if it Wolitarsky or Schoen making these plays as 82 and 83 were both flying out there. To be honest, the rest of WR's were a bit quite, particularly Rasheed Bailey and Carlton Agudosi. I know it was PI but I really would have liked to see Agudosi come up with that TD catch. He was knocked over and falling away but down in the red zone like is why you have him and his size. I'm not sure where his role goes when Lawler comes back. And how about Janarion on that sweep on offense, breaking a big run. What a weapon.

The OL was solid again. I don't really have much to say here, these guys just get the job done. I really didn't notice any weaknesses last night, they just went out did and their job. Biggest thing O'Shea and Walters have done, and it was priority when they took over in 2014, was fixing the OL. Bombers had years of crap OL play, it all starts from there. Only note, and I'll cover it a little later, but damn that hands to face call on Bryant was such horseshit.

Defence
After dominating in 3 phases last week, I'd say this was more of a 2 phase domination this week, with the defense being just so-so. But IMO the stat lines for the D don't tell the entire story and they played better than those stats.

Starting along the line, I think the Bombers have something in this Haba. I am coming away more and more impressed by him. He is incredibly quick off the edge. Seems to play a very responsible game, not sacrificing his lane to get to the QB. But can get after it when he has the chance as well. What a scouting find there. Willie was being held all game, it was clearly gameplan. Look at the dominance he put up in Week 1 Sask got scared and seemed to decide to hold him from play 1. Can't believe the reffing in this one. But how about "Fat Boi Thomas" getting in the on the sack party. Ricky Walker made a couple plays I saw, nice to see him start to pick it up. I don't think he's as good as a Stove Richardson or Casey Sayles, but like seeing the push from the middle from those two guys. Gotta mention as a unit the push from that DL was fantastic. The run game for Sask was completely stymied basically the entire night and Harris had to rely on quick hitters due to the pressure.

Malik Clements had himself a night in the LB corps, IMO. He was flying out there I saw that 33 quite a bit making tackles. The push from the DL meant the LB's didn't need to do too much in the run game, but Clements made a tackle or two there. He really thrives in pass coverage though, he has very smooth hips, IMO. Meaning he changes directions well, and is smooth in his cuts. I don't think he's an all-star or anything, but a nice piece to have with Kyrie being such an injury bug lately. Bighill had himself an up and down game, IMO. Got burned fairly badly on a crosser at one point, seemed to be just off at times. Has such natural skill and drive though that he still made plays, including the step up on 3rd and 1 early on riders 3rd string QB Shea Patterson which was just beast mode.

The DB's were a mixed bag FOR SURE. Trevor Harris was doing Trevor Harris things with success last night. Which is quick hitters, quick crossers, quick slants. That's where Harris has made his career and the Bombers struggled at times to contain that. That being said the final stat line for Harris was better than he deserved. I can't think of a DB who didn't allow some catches last night, but the worst of the bunch, IMO, was Desmond Lawrence. Sask seemed to be targeting him out there. I would say that was his worst game as a Bomber, not that he's played all that much. With HB Jamal Parker and CB Winston Rose both currently on IR there's going to be decisions to be made when they get healthy. We'll see if Lawrence can hold onto his starting job at that point. Alden Darby was fairly quiet, but both Darby and Lawrence dropped INT's last night that really would have improved their night obviously. Even complete shutdown HB Deatrick Nichols allowed a big catch over his head, so it wasn't exactly a clean night for anyone last night. Houston and Holm were just OK again.

Special Teams
Janarion Grant. That's it, that's the section.

Ok specifics are Janarion Grant is one of my favourite players to ever put on a Bombers uniform. Even with the refs determined to slow him down, he beat all sides to make this game happen for him. With the advance stats they are taking about I'd love to see some advanced break down of that return. He ran sideline to sideline first, then all the way down the field duking and dodging. That had to be 160 yards he ran with the ball in his hands on that play. One thing I saw on twitter is that the first guy he beat, Sask #24 that went flying past him was then the LAST guy he beat down at the other end again. I've seen different people post different things but it was anywhere from 7 to 10 dodged tackles. I mentioned in this report last week Janarion is going to do more positive than the negative and I think he showed why I said that this week

Sergio missed an XP eh?

Sheahan had a rough one. Where was the hang time on his punts last night? He looked nervous and looked like he was rushing his punts. I know his a rookie, but if we don't see some improvement there it might be time to give 36yo Karl Schmitz a chance.

It as mentioned last night but the Bombers are certainly missing their "gunners" on the coverage teams in Thiadric Hansen and Mike Miller. Those are two really key guys there. But the guy who stood last night to me was Nick Hallett. He was first man in nearly every time on punt coverage and kick coverage. Tanner Cadwallader had another good ST night as well.

Referees
Yes I'm adding a whole section for this cause that game was an absolute joke for the ref crew. I'm not one to talk refs, I try to avoid it at all costs cause I find it a lame excuse. But holy hell does that crew need to pulled aside given a good old fashioned verbal thrashing for the poor showing last night. Off the top of my head you have the following complete BS calls that directly affected the scoreline.
1. Phantom call on the Janarion return. They actually said live it was on #10. Which is Nic Demski. WHO DOESN'T PLAY SPECIAL TEAMS! Maybe they were referencing #00 Les Maruo, but even TSN wasn't sure. When you have to announce "we reviewed every possible block and found no violation", like come on. Did the ref who threw the flag not even know which block he thought was illegal? Pathetic.
2. The illegal hands to the face on Stanley Bryant. I'm out at the lake with my parents this weekend, and they have old school cable so for once I was able to rewind and watch the play a few times. It was quite clear Bryant's left hand made contact with the Sask DE shoulder pads around the collarbone region. Completely legal. Pulled the Bombers out of FG range at the end of the 1st half. Horrendous call.
3. Willie Jefferson has his HELMET KNOCKED OFF WITH HANDS TO THE FACE. Like there's absolutely NO WAY FOR IT TO BE MORE OBVIOUS. And they call Willie. Ok illegal participation legit call, but did not one of these collection of morons think, well how did Willie's helmet get knocked off before he got to the QB? Not one of them could think of that?
4. Willie Jefferson would have sacked Harris on one of those TD throws except the OT had him by the jersey RIGHT AS HARRIS RAN PAST HIM. Like right in your face, they couldn't even find an angle that didn't show that obvious hold cause it happened immediately before Harris threw the TD pass mere inches from Harris. OT hands were on either side of Willie, it was just the easiest holding call you could draw up, a play that they should be teaching refs on how to call holds.

And I mean that's just the most obvious egregious mistakes. Missed PI's, missed offsides, missed holds, it was a not a banner night for the striped men out there. The crew needs to be disciplined by the CFL for that performance out there.

Next Week

Anyways enough of that. What matters is the Bombers continue to roll. The real challenges start on Thursday. Many may not agree, but BC looks incredibly dangerous to me. I think they may be team #2 on the Bombers heels all year. Big play VA, a guy we all know can run and chuck it down field for chunk plays, looked like a wonderful pocket passer in week 1. If rounds out that game he could be QB #2 in this league. Bombers will have to be prepared. They have a great D as well. This is going to be an early litmus test for both squads on Thursday. Should be a fun one! Come on down to the stadium this is going to be a good game next week!

Nice summary breaking down how shitty the refs were. I had to contend with a bunch of Rider fans and Bomber haters in the r/CFL game chat, but to my biased eyes it was clear the Bombers had to beat two teams yesterday.

 

[bustamente]

Liegghio signs with the Ti Cats

 

[None]

Janarion Grant. That's it, that's the section.

Ok specifics are Janarion Grant is one of my favourite players to ever put on a Bombers uniform. Even with the refs determined to slow him down, he beat all sides to make this game happen for him. With the advance stats they are taking about I'd love to see some advanced break down of that return. He ran sideline to sideline first, then all the way down the field duking and dodging. That had to be 160 yards he ran with the ball in his hands on that play. One thing I saw on twitter is that the first guy he beat, Sask #24 that went flying past him was then the LAST guy he beat down at the other end again. I've seen different people post different things but it was anywhere from 7 to 10 dodged tackles. I mentioned in this report last week Janarion is going to do more positive than the negative and I think he showed why I said that this week

Feels like yesterday that I was talking people down from the ledge about the Bombers return game while Grant was injured.

 

[BigZ65]

Sheahan was great, 50 and 38 net vs Alford is great. Every ball was placed perfectly, that one inside the 20 was perfect but came with a phantom no yards. Guy has no issue pinning the ball between the numbers and sideline. Totally negated one of the top returners in the league with our cover teams reeling due to injuries.

I like that he can do the cross field punt too. That's a real weapon. Liegghio couldn't do it intentionally, he did it sometimes when it wasn't called and he didn't mean to.

 

[snowkiddin]

Next Week

Anyways enough of that. What matters is the Bombers continue to roll. The real challenges start on Thursday. Many may not agree, but BC looks incredibly dangerous to me. I think they may be team #2 on the Bombers heels all year. Big play VA, a guy we all know can run and chuck it down field for chunk plays, looked like a wonderful pocket passer in week 1. If rounds out that game he could be QB #2 in this league. Bombers will have to be prepared. They have a great D as well. This is going to be an early litmus test for both squads on Thursday. Should be a fun one! Come on down to the stadium this is going to be a good game next week!

Thanks for the reverse jinx. My gosh VAJ looked horrible tonight. BC is gonna have to do much better than that against the Bombers.

That Lions/Elks game was such a snooze. Two bad teams going toe-to-toe.

 

[snowkiddin]

I meant to share this a few weeks ago, but after his “dazzling” Week 2 performance, I think now is a wise time to dunk on this moron who thinks Cornelius will be the top QB this year.

I realize this is just some Joe Schmoe’s list, but still, it’s worth a gander for the chuckle. I’ve shared the list here (I apologize, by the way, that it’s very poorly written. I am not responsible for the writing, I simply copied and pasted it):

1. **Taylor Cornelius** (EDM) - I think Cornelius is ready to take the next step after two mediocre seasons I think he may finally get his feet under him this season. He is the only true dual threat QB in the league having rushed for over 500 yards last season in only 13 starts. Everyone has left head coach and GM Chris Jones for dead, it's almost a meme at this point. I am looking forward to his redemption this season.

2. **Chad Kelly** (TOR) - I am buying the hype. To be an elite QB in the CFL you have to be able to push the ball down the field and create big plays. Kelly has the best arm in the league, given the playing time and the right scheme I think he can breakout this year.

3. **Vernon Adams Jr.** (BC) - Normally I am a VAJ hater, but I feel he might be in for something of a bounce-back season in 2023. I think he turns the clock back to 2019 level production.

4. **Jake Maier** (CGY) Maier started out really hot last season before cooling off. I think with a full off-season Dave Dickenson can get the most out of him. I might even have him too low.

5. **Zach Collaros** (WPG) - the unanimous number one quarterback for the last two seasons, but nothing lasts forever. 2022 will be the best season of his career, I expect him to come back down to earth in 2023. And we cannot forget his history with head injuries.

6. **Trevor Harris** (SSK) - Harris had a strong season in 2022, but I am not sure he has the deep ball accuracy to continue his check-down style with the same level of success.

7. **Bo Levi Mitchell** (HAM) - I love Bo Levi as much as the next guy, but its been quite some time since we've seen him put together a good full season (2018-19). Has potential to miss games and also I don't think his body is capable of making all the throws he use to.

8. **Jeremiah Masoli** (OTT) - This one pains me because I believe Masoli is more talented than second last on this list, but he is coming off a significant ACL injury, and the Redblacks roster still seems weak to me. He has only played one full season as a starter (2017) since joining the league back in 2013.

9. **Cody Fajardo** (MTL) - doesn't seem that long ago that Fajardo was the Riders' next franchise quarterback, now he has been cast to the way side and ended up in Montreal, a franchise in transition. After two consecutive mediocre seasons this may be Cody's last chance as a starter in the CFL.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Thanks for the reverse jinx. My gosh VAJ looked horrible tonight. BC is gonna have to do much better than that against the Bombers.

That Lions/Elks game was such a snooze. Two bad teams going toe-to-toe.

Yeah all 4 of us watching that game last night were fighting to stay awake.

I thought EDM would be better this year, if Cornelius could give them at least slightly below average QB play. Well they are not better and Cornelius is the worst QB in the league so far not named Arbuckle. I cannot believe that Kai Locksley or Tre Ford stayed stapled to the bench.

Yeah VA didn't looked that great. BC'll need to be better than that to hang with WPG.

 

[bustamente]

Another view of one of the best punt returns you will ever see

 

[Ducky10]

I meant to share this a few weeks ago, but after his “dazzling” Week 2 performance, I think now is a wise time to dunk on this moron who thinks Cornelius will be the top QB this year.

I realize this is just some Joe Schmoe’s list, but still, it’s worth a gander for the chuckle. I’ve shared the list here (I apologize, by the way, that it’s very poorly written. I am not responsible for the writing, I simply copied and pasted it):

1. **Taylor Cornelius** (EDM) - I think Cornelius is ready to take the next step after two mediocre seasons I think he may finally get his feet under him this season. He is the only true dual threat QB in the league having rushed for over 500 yards last season in only 13 starts. Everyone has left head coach and GM Chris Jones for dead, it's almost a meme at this point. I am looking forward to his redemption this season.

2. **Chad Kelly** (TOR) - I am buying the hype. To be an elite QB in the CFL you have to be able to push the ball down the field and create big plays. Kelly has the best arm in the league, given the playing time and the right scheme I think he can breakout this year.

3. **Vernon Adams Jr.** (BC) - Normally I am a VAJ hater, but I feel he might be in for something of a bounce-back season in 2023. I think he turns the clock back to 2019 level production.

4. **Jake Maier** (CGY) Maier started out really hot last season before cooling off. I think with a full off-season Dave Dickenson can get the most out of him. I might even have him too low.

5. **Zach Collaros** (WPG) - the unanimous number one quarterback for the last two seasons, but nothing lasts forever. 2022 will be the best season of his career, I expect him to come back down to earth in 2023. And we cannot forget his history with head injuries.

6. **Trevor Harris** (SSK) - Harris had a strong season in 2022, but I am not sure he has the deep ball accuracy to continue his check-down style with the same level of success.

7. **Bo Levi Mitchell** (HAM) - I love Bo Levi as much as the next guy, but its been quite some time since we've seen him put together a good full season (2018-19). Has potential to miss games and also I don't think his body is capable of making all the throws he use to.

8. **Jeremiah Masoli** (OTT) - This one pains me because I believe Masoli is more talented than second last on this list, but he is coming off a significant ACL injury, and the Redblacks roster still seems weak to me. He has only played one full season as a starter (2017) since joining the league back in 2013.

9. **Cody Fajardo** (MTL) - doesn't seem that long ago that Fajardo was the Riders' next franchise quarterback, now he has been cast to the way side and ended up in Montreal, a franchise in transition. After two consecutive mediocre seasons this may be Cody's last chance as a starter in the CFL.

Pure comedy

 

[kanadalainen]

I meant to share this a few weeks ago, but after his “dazzling” Week 2 performance, I think now is a wise time to dunk on this moron who thinks Cornelius will be the top QB this year.

I realize this is just some Joe Schmoe’s list, but still, it’s worth a gander for the chuckle. I’ve shared the list here (I apologize, by the way, that it’s very poorly written. I am not responsible for the writing, I simply copied and pasted it):

1. **Taylor Cornelius** (EDM) - I think Cornelius is ready to take the next step after two mediocre seasons I think he may finally get his feet under him this season. He is the only true dual threat QB in the league having rushed for over 500 yards last season in only 13 starts. Everyone has left head coach and GM Chris Jones for dead, it's almost a meme at this point. I am looking forward to his redemption this season.

2. **Chad Kelly** (TOR) - I am buying the hype. To be an elite QB in the CFL you have to be able to push the ball down the field and create big plays. Kelly has the best arm in the league, given the playing time and the right scheme I think he can breakout this year.

3. **Vernon Adams Jr.** (BC) - Normally I am a VAJ hater, but I feel he might be in for something of a bounce-back season in 2023. I think he turns the clock back to 2019 level production.

4. **Jake Maier** (CGY) Maier started out really hot last season before cooling off. I think with a full off-season Dave Dickenson can get the most out of him. I might even have him too low.

5. **Zach Collaros** (WPG) - the unanimous number one quarterback for the last two seasons, but nothing lasts forever. 2022 will be the best season of his career, I expect him to come back down to earth in 2023. And we cannot forget his history with head injuries.

6. **Trevor Harris** (SSK) - Harris had a strong season in 2022, but I am not sure he has the deep ball accuracy to continue his check-down style with the same level of success.

7. **Bo Levi Mitchell** (HAM) - I love Bo Levi as much as the next guy, but its been quite some time since we've seen him put together a good full season (2018-19). Has potential to miss games and also I don't think his body is capable of making all the throws he use to.

8. **Jeremiah Masoli** (OTT) - This one pains me because I believe Masoli is more talented than second last on this list, but he is coming off a significant ACL injury, and the Redblacks roster still seems weak to me. He has only played one full season as a starter (2017) since joining the league back in 2013.

9. **Cody Fajardo** (MTL) - doesn't seem that long ago that Fajardo was the Riders' next franchise quarterback, now he has been cast to the way side and ended up in Montreal, a franchise in transition. After two consecutive mediocre seasons this may be Cody's last chance as a starter in the CFL.

Thanks for pasting this from Reddit. I mean, I'm not an expert but this looks like someone put the names in a hat and pulled them out to gain their rank order.

 

[Guardian17]

Another view of one of the best punt returns you will ever see

I still do not see why a flag was thrown on that play.

 

[bustamente]

I still do not see why a flag was thrown on that play.

That call was so messed up, I never knew you could look at the whole play to determine if a flag was warranted, they always ask to the coach what are you challenging when he challenges but I guess the CC has more leeway.

 

[BigZ65]

That call was so messed up, I never knew you could look at the whole play to determine if a flag was warranted, they always ask to the coach what are you challenging when he challenges but I guess the CC has more leeway.

I mean they called an illegal block on #10 who is Demski who wasn't even on the field. At that point how can a coach ask them to review that specific block when it can't possibly exist?

 

[bustamente]

I mean they called an illegal block on #10 who is Demski who wasn't even on the field. At that point how can a coach ask them to review that specific block when it can't possibly exist?

I've never heard of the CC being able to go thru a whole play to see if they can cherry pick a foul that never happened.

 

[Gabe Kupari]

Those Refs were f***ing the Bombers And OSH called them on it

 

[BigZ65]

I've never heard of the CC being able to go thru a whole play to see if they can cherry pick a foul that never happened.

Well I think they basically had to since the outcome on the field was the penalty negating the play, but based on the call they didn't know which block was even called. I'm not sure why whichever ref chucked the flag couldn't correct the number. At that point they should just wipe it out....literal phantom call.

There are a lot of new refs this season. Have noticed a couple already that I know from coaching WHSFL and I know they've brought in several through preseason the last couple years with zero officiating experience at any level.

There's a ton of uncalled offsides/procedures in this game both ways. It was absurd to me. But quite likely some of those side/line judges haven't officiated a dozen football games in their life at any level yet. And here they are in the CFL.

 

[bustamente]

Those Refs were f***ing the Bombers And OSH called them on it

Saw him talking to a couple of them during the game nothing aggressive but I'm sure he got his point across.

 

[Ducky10]

I still do not see why a flag was thrown on that play.

So many insane plays he made on that run, but his acceleration in getting to the edge past 21 and 17 was incredible. He goes from 0-60 in like 3 strides.

 

[snowkiddin]

Knock on wood, but watching all the CFL games so far this season and the Bombers are clearly 17 or 18 tiers above the competition. Literally every other team has yet to turn in even a decent performance. It’s clear there isn’t a QB in the league in the same stratosphere as Collaros. Please football gods, keep him healthy. And hopefully there aren’t any flukes this year.

Also, TSN was doing everything possible to hype up Chad Kelly, but, man, he looked awful. Terrible reads for most of the game — Hamilton is just worse.

Tim White should be getting cut tomorrow. His display after that hit in the 3rd quarter was embarrassing and that would never fly in Winnipeg.