OT: 2019 Winnipeg Blue Bombers Next Stop the 107th Grey Cup vs. the Ti-Cats

[bustamente]

Very happy to win but there was a whole lot of ugly in that game, I fear for Collaros and his health but he in all probability gives up the best chance to win, now to get the D straightened out during the bye.

 

[TS Quint]

Shoulder to helmet. It was very obvious on replay.

Those are some pretty Blue glasses you're wearing.

 

[Larabee]

Men against the boys. We offer no competition.

So happy to eat crow.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

Collaros is starting in the playoffs don't think it's much of a decision anymore...

Obviously not, Streveler is hurt. But yeah, pleasantly surprised by how well Collaros played.

 

[Fairview]

Collaros looked good It has been a while, since we have seen a Bomber QB makes plays from scrambling situations like he did tonight.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

Those are some pretty Blue glasses you're wearing.

Still don’t like the hit. It was clear that Collaros was sliding at that point. Don’t think it was a true cheap shot with intent to injure, but still could’ve easily been a 15 yard penalty.

 

[Mbraunm]

It was great to see a competent passing QB play for the Bombers tonight. It felt weird-but great!

 

[None]

1st half
Coverage on first TD against was garbage. Looked like cover 1 but Taylor didn't realize he was playing the wideout. Can't really say I was paying much attention to what the coverage looked like pre-snap though.

Defensive line still looks mostly neutralized - They're not getting noticeably held, just no pressure from the inside.

Collaros' first throw was a nice change, need 10 yards; throw for 10 yards.
Short slant route on his second throw was also a different look we never saw with Streveler for no apparent reason.

Do Couture and Neufeld talk at all? The first hit that Collaros took was abysmal pocket protection by Neufeld but Couture did him no favours taking himself so far out of position for pass protection.

The ~33 yard pass on the second drive by Collaros looked like it was a little soft and wobbly but I guess it was accurate enough because Bailey came down with it rather than Roberson.

The horsecollar call on Jeffcoat was BS and Bighill on the 2 plays following was awful.

The Stamps do not respect the Bombers defense at all. I'm surprised they didn't continue going for the first down on 3rd and 12.

That hit on Collaros needs to be illegal on any player. Embarrassing for the league that a guy can launch himself like that head first and not get called for anything. That isn't tackling to bring the ball carrier down, it's tackling to take the player out of the game.

On the interception Collaros looked like Drew Willy but with better protection. Tunnel vision on his first read and not going through any progressions. Forced the ball into a spot with triple coverage.

Bighill is actually worse than Hurl. Just as effective but nearly twice the cost AND an international slot. I'm surprised he had 7 tackles, felt like he whiffed on every play he was around.

If that tackle on Grant wasn't a f***ing horsecollar then neither was the tackle on Jeffcoat. That was the same bullshit.

I wonder if Calgary is telling their defense to come in after the first tackler has a guy wrapped up and lead with their helmets. Seems like the second and third guys in aren't even making an effort to wrap guys up and they're either hurting themselves or their teammates more than anyone else.

The Bombers secondary was abysmal on the drive before the half.

2nd half
Missed the defensive stop and whatever led to the TD but saw the TD pass. Lawler couldn't really be more open, but it was a nice and crisp pass without any wobble.

Darvin Adams could play man defense better than most of our secondary.

Dave Dickenson is the biggest loser on the sidelines I've ever seen. Constantly in the ear of the closest ref any time their offense stalled.

That hit by Maston was very obviously Begelton's helmet on Maston's back, if anything Begelton was the one who lowered his head into Maston's back. Not sure how the ref in the defensive backfield could've missed that and overturned that call.

I take back what I said earlier this season where I said that this might be the best d-line we've had since Willis-Brown-Hunt, they're not even close. Doug Brown in his mid 30s never got dominated so consistently like this group, Willis and Hunt were just better rush ends and just as good at contain as our current ends.

That TD pass to Adams in the back of the endzone after making 2 turns to escape pressure was something we haven't seen from any QB in the past few seasons. Not sure we've had a QB with the strength to make that kind of play off their back foot since Michael Bishop. Nichols might have the arm to do it but I doubt he has the mobility to roll out twice like Collaros did.

Not sure about that challenge in the 4th. Happy to see they're not calling screens on 2nd and 10 like we seem to typically get with other QBs. Or in some cases with Streveler a QB draw up the middle.

I don't think Begelton thought it was PI when Dickenson challenged it. He was shaking his head all the way off the field.

That extra 12-15 yards that Harris got on 1st down was huge in nailing down the clock. I'm not sure I'd trust this ref group on cover teams to close out the game.

 

[jetsfan15]

Between Streveler and Collaros, there is no contest has to who is the more skilled QB. Collaros is hands down more skilled. His performance tonight after just 2 practices was very impressive. He gives this team the best chance to win right now.

 

[Mbraunm]

Collaros made many passes tonight that I rarely saw from Nichols. I don’t think I saw any check down passes to Harris tonight, which was Nichols’s bread and butter.

 

[None]

Collaros made many passes tonight that I rarely saw from Nichols. I don’t think I saw any check down passes to Harris tonight, which was Nichols’s bread and butter.

There was one on 2nd down in the 3rd where Collaros checked down to Harris over the head of Stanley Bryant on the left side, but I think that was the only one. For the most part Collaros seemed to actually be going through all of his reads downfield and trying to push the ball forward rather than hoping that Harris would make a play for a first down.

There were a few risky plays that he was lucky didn't get picked off, those might get improved with time but we really don't have a lot of time and just need to hope those plays are limited. I hope they focus more on some of the timing things rather than working on getting Collaros more acquainted with the playbook. I'd rather they keep it simple and not get into some of the sweeps and gadgety screen plays that Lapolice likes, let McGuire or Streveler run those if necessary.

 

[Guardian17]

 

[GNP]

Very happy to win but there was a whole lot of ugly in that game, I fear for Collaros and his health but he in all probability gives up the best chance to win, now to get the D straightened out during the bye.

_______________________________________________

There is absolutely "no question" that Collaros gives us the better chance to win --it's not even close, if comparing to Streveler, who's not really a quarterback in my mind.

That was a great pass he hit Adams on in the end zone, while scrambling at full speed, and somewhat throwing across his body. Not many quarterbacks could make that throw. Great throw.

With that being said, he did throw up a couple bad passes right into the defenders hands, but they dropped them. I hope it was because he's just getting back into the groove. Those passes looked pretty bad, but overall, I believe he was 22 of 28 --so not to bad at all.

If the Bombers start Steveler when he's healthy over Collaros -- I'll just laugh and know the management knows nothing about QB's. Take my word for it --Streveler in not a QB --he's more of a running 3rd down specialist QB --sort of a bull, that plays with a lot of heart. I like the guy's passion and all -- but he's no quarterback. He cannot make an accurate 25 -30 yard pass.

Bottom line -- you go with Collaros now, and see what he can do. That is our only chance of winning IMO.

 

[Jets 31]

They better figure out a way to get more pressure on the QB come playoffs , a mix of Collaros and Streveler in the playoffs might work very well . How was that none catch at the end of the half not reviewed ? I thought the league automatically reviewed plays inside 2 minutes and the Calgary guy clearly trapped the ball . Maybe they have to settle for a field goal and don't get the touchdown , just goofy by the league there . Glad we won , Calgary is so cocky and arrogant , someone should have thrown a drink at those Calgary guys that went up into the stands after scoring .

 

[Flair Hay]

Obviously not, Streveler is hurt. But yeah, pleasantly surprised by how well Collaros played.

I was assuming Streveler is banged up but would have played if it was playoffs this week.

I think using him as a frequent change of pace guy next week and giving Collaros the start is the only way to go

 

[jetsforever]

Only caught the first half but the second half looks great - nice to walk it off against Calgary
Grant is insane at returning - how many times do you ever see a convert return to the endzone?!
I'm now torn about who I'd like to see start the playoff game after Collaros had a solid night
Also hopefully Bighill is warming up with 7 tackles and a sack

 

[kylbaz]

Bombers only chance is going with Collaros. Streveler can't throw a ball to save his life. Our D is terrible though we're going to get picked apart like always.
I bet there are some slick plays you could come up with having Streveler lining up as a RB in some plays. LaPo is pretty creative it wouldn't surprise me. Could do like a sweep option.

Was an entertaining game nonetheless.

 

[kanadalainen]

Our D is a problem.

I LOVED watching Collaros scramble and pass, wow, haven't seen that for ages in Winnipeg.

 

[kcin94]

Bombers only chance is going with Collaros. Streveler can't throw a ball to save his life. Our D is terrible though we're going to get picked apart like always.
I bet there are some slick plays you could come up with having Streveler lining up as a RB in some plays. LaPo is pretty creative it wouldn't surprise me. Could do like a sweep option.

Was an entertaining game nonetheless.

Can two QBs be on the field at the same time, or were you talking about the Harris lining up at QB thing we've been doing.

 

[snowkiddin]

It’s a shame that the crow population had to take a hit after Collaros’s game last night

 

[Holden Caulfield]

It’s a shame that the crow population had to take a hit after Collaros’s game last night

Well I wasnt going to say anything since most were praising him. I was very so-so with Collaros. Calgary dropped 2 passes thrown between their numbers and a couple others they had chances on. No one (including me) thought his arm would be worse than Streveler. He had a few passes that had great zip and were well placed. And that Adam's TD was awesome obviously. But he makes alot of bad decisions out there, it's been his trouble for years now.

Admittedly I've gone from Streveler no question to let's see how health is for all involved.

However the idea that one so-so game means 2 year contract is laughable. That's how we've rolled out Nichols for years.

I still think next year Masoli will be the guy here.

 

[snowkiddin]

Well I wasnt going to say anything since most were praising him. I was very so-so with Collaros. Calgary dropped 2 passes thrown between their numbers and a couple others they had chances on. No one (including me) thought his arm would be worse than Streveler. He had a few passes that had great zip and were well placed. And that Adam's TD was awesome obviously. But he makes alot of bad decisions out there, it's been his trouble for years now.

Admittedly I've gone from Streveler no question to let's see how health is for all involved.

However the idea that one so-so game means 2 year contract is laughable. That's how we've rolled out Nichols for years.

I still think next year Masoli will be the guy here.

Please point me toward the people who want to give Collaros a two year contract. I haven’t seen them. I wouldn’t be surprised that they exist, and I’d be telling them the same thing - it’s crazy to give him a two year contract after this.

Most are just saying that Collaros gives us the best chance to win in the playoffs, which isn’t necessarily wrong, especially if Streveler isn’t 100%.

First, we won’t name our starter until very near the game. That won’t allow Calgary or Suckskatchewan to plan their gameplan around any one QB. It’s a nice advantage. I wouldn't be opposed to starting Collaros and using Streveler for gadget plays.

Second, Collaros will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Everyone had given up on him. Even Toronto with their laughably horrific situation at QB didn’t allow him to start.

He’ll be motivated to beat Suckskatchewan, and if we meet Hamilton in the Grey Cup, that’s another team that gave up on him. It could be key.

I still don’t think we bring him back next year (and if he’s smart, he retires) but he might be our best option to roll with heading into the playoffs.

Also: Why do you think Masoli comes here? Just curious. No chance he stays in Hamilton?

I’d bring back McGuire and Streveler next year, but not Nichols, if we can get Masoli or Arbuckle.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

I'm just heading into work so I cant respond to it all but Hamilton wont be able to keep Masoli and Evans. His choices will be tirefire in Ottawa or a ready made winner in Winnipeg.

And I was talking about radio yesterday people were saying 2 year contract.

 

[Fairview]

Well I wasnt going to say anything since most were praising him. I was very so-so with Collaros. Calgary dropped 2 passes thrown between their numbers and a couple others they had chances on. No one (including me) thought his arm would be worse than Streveler. He had a few passes that had great zip and were well placed. And that Adam's TD was awesome obviously. But he makes alot of bad decisions out there, it's been his trouble for years now.

Admittedly I've gone from Streveler no question to let's see how health is for all involved.

However the idea that one so-so game means 2 year contract is laughable. That's how we've rolled out Nichols for years.

I still think next year Masoli will be the guy here.

I don’t know if others here are thinking of signing Collaros long term. I don’t believe that we should do that.
What I do believe and I think was confirmed last night, is that Collaros is legitimate. He is not as some have said “ brutal or horrible”. He has an injury prone reputation and that is a very real concern for us. He is not a long term solution but just might be a reason for hope for this playoff. He gives the offence a QB that can make plays with his feet. Not just by running over or by someone, but by buying time to hit a man who worked himself open with the extra time. There is no way that Streveler or Nichols would make that play. It is true that he did make some bad decisions, but we have also seen Nichols( Mr. Game Manager) and Strev do the same and both have thrown some very bad picks at very inopportune times. It has been a while since a Bomber QB has provided us with that playmaking ability. In the meantime, we have watched almost every CFL team play QBs that can do that type of thing. It was refreshing to have that on our side for a change.

 

[None]

Second, Collaros will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Everyone had given up on him. Even Toronto with their laughably horrific situation at QB didn’t allow him to start.

He’ll be motivated to beat Suckskatchewan, and if we meet Hamilton in the Grey Cup, that’s another team that gave up on him. It could be key.

I still don’t think we bring him back next year (and if he’s smart, he retires) but he might be our best option to roll with heading into the playoffs.

Also: Why do you think Masoli comes here? Just curious. No chance he stays in Hamilton?

I’d bring back McGuire and Streveler next year, but not Nichols, if we can get Masoli or Arbuckle.

The Argos apparently want Collaros back, but I think the first news of that was when Jim Popp was still running things. They even had a 2 year extension worked out between Popp and Collaros but Popp was fired the day before they were set to sign it, at least I think that was the timeline.

As for Masoli, it might be more of a situation where Hamilton doesn't want him back because they have an equal or better option in Dane Evans who's also significantly cheaper. Evans is making less than half of what even the Bombers are paying Nichols even if Evans hits all of his performance bonuses and Nichols hits none. Nichols is around 400-460k depending on performance bonuses I've heard.
Masoli will be looking for starter money which is probably around $450-550k and he's coming off of a complete ACL tear.