Week 3 Game Thread - Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Toronto Argonauts - August 21, 2021

[Will]

They're coming home to BMO!
Can't wait!

[OV Argo]

I despise back to back games (outside of the Labour Day Classics) in the CFL.

[Mocha]

I despise back to back games (outside of the Labour Day Classics) in the CFL.

I agree. I'm not sure why they do it so much the past ten years or so. I guess some fans must really like it? Generally, I'd prefer the games against each particular opponent be evenly spaced out across the season. I don't mind it once for the Labour Day matches as they make that week more of an event.

[dmont]

Offensive line needs to keep Arbuckle upright. Also, it needs to keep making holes for the run game. Nicastro has been taking a lot of penalties.

Arbuckle needs to be on the same page as his receivers, particularly Daniels. Macbeth missed him about three times, but Arbuckle also missed him once.

I was much happier with the Dline in game 2. They stopped the run and forced Collaros into the air. Held Winnipeg to only 10 points coming down the stretch. If Bede had made that first half field goal attempt, and White hadn't fumbled the ball when we had the momentum, it couldve been a very different game.

I am eager to see what the injury status is for the team. Brescasins looked bad, but the team hasn't announced hes done for the season and the man himself tweeted "I'm fine". Biggest question mark is at DT, where only oakman and achempong are healthy. Achempong really ticked me off with that late unneccessary roughness penalty after the play, and right in front of the refs. I expect Odel Willis will be in this game, but hes an end. Who will rotate in at tackle???

Bede is better than his numbers. Hes been asked to hit at least three 50+ yarders. The two he missed had all the range in the world, and were very close to going in. It's great to have a weapon like that, especially in defensive contests.

[AngeloV]

Argos will win this game. They are on a level playing field this week regarding time between games and will be much fresher than they were Friday.

[paulwoods13]

I agree. I'm not sure why they do it so much the past ten years or so. I guess some fans must really like it? Generally, I'd prefer the games against each particular opponent be evenly spaced out across the season. I don't mind it once for the Labour Day matches as they make that week more of an event.

I would bet coaches like them because they can get more bang for their limited prep time. If you only have 4.5 hours per day with your players, may as well use it to prep for one opponent rather than two.

[Mocha]

I would bet coaches like them because they can get more bang for their limited prep time. If you only have 4.5 hours per day with your players, may as well use it to prep for one opponent rather than two.

That makes sense. Practices in the second week could be more about fine-tuning adjustments from the first week.

[Stevoman]

Nick Arbuckle starts! https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-argos-sta...pson-1.1683090

[Will]

Not unexpected.

[argolio]

Not unexpected.

Not at all.

No doubt he would have started the season opener if not for missing the last part of camp.

[ArgofanIan]

Should be a lot of bomber fans at the game. Will be so great to sea a CFL game in person after all this time. Should be great atmosphere and nice down by the lake... Need everyone out if you can make it ... Need to pull together... Lets go ARRGOS !!!!!

[Rich]

Not at all.

No doubt he would have started the season opener if not for missing the last part of camp.

By his own count he took only 30 snaps in camp, and some of those were skelly. He missed MOST of camp.

[RB957]

Question.... what is everyone's thoughts on what the attendance for the game will be? We averaged 12,000 or less pre-pandemic. I would have thought the fact people can finally get out and enjoy events would boost attendance, but I don't know. Haven't seen any real marketing or advertising for the game at all.

[RB957]

Not unexpected.

I hope Arbuckle has a great game... but even if he doesn't, you have to leave him in. I really believe we need to put the QB carousel behind us. As much as I admire MBT for his grit and perseverence and being a great team mate, it is time to acknowledge he is not our future at QB. The Argos have helped to introduce and develop three QB's who are starters in this league... for other teams. That has to stop.

[Mocha]

Question.... what is everyone's thoughts on what the attendance for the game will be? We averaged 12,000 or less pre-pandemic. I would have thought the fact people can finally get out and enjoy events would boost attendance, but I don't know. Haven't seen any real marketing or advertising for the game at all.

It's really tough to predict, eh. I'm guessing that somewhere around that 12,000 average is what we'll see. But hopefully they can reach capacity, whatever that is for this game. Anyone know what they're allowed to accomodate?

Edit 1: Capacity looks to be 15,000 based on Step 3 under Ontario's re-opening protocol.

https://www.bmofield.com/plan-your-visit/back-in-action


Edit 2: I just checked ticketmaster, and it looks like there are fewer than 250 tickets available. Not sure how accurate their numbers are, but it could be a relatively good sign.

[Wobbler]

The depth chart lists only 7 NAT starters, with Brescacin out.

Colquhoun comes off the IR as the "replacement Canadian", DJ Foster is in for Ouelette at backup RB, Terry Poole is activated at OT in case Dejon Allen can't play, and Hendrix starts at DT for the injured Ealy.

There are now nine players on the 6-game DL with the additions of Brescacin and Ealy.

[ArgoRavi]

Once Poole was acquired from Winnipeg, it seemed destined that he would become the starting left tackle. If he plays tomorrow, it will be interesting to see how he does.

I would really love to see Brissett return kicks. I don't see Braverman or Collins as being the answer there.

[jerrym]

Here's the Bomber's depth chart:

It's depth chart day ⤵️#ForTheW pic.twitter.com/zpU0pHHwIc

— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) August 20, 2021

[Shatto]

The team has some outstanding receivers but I would like to see a real speedster added to the game time roster. Someone who could threaten downfield and stretch the field. However, my major disappointment, is the lack of a really good returner. With all the kicking in the CFL game, a dangerous returner can be a real weapon.

[RB957]

The team has some outstanding receivers but I would like to see a real speedster added to the game time roster. Someone who could threaten downfield and stretch the field. However, my major disappointment, is the lack of a really good returner. With all the kicking in the CFL game, a dangerous returner can be a real weapon.

Good point. Ex-Argo Marcus Alford seems to filling that exact role with the Alouettes. Although he didn't have a huge impact last night due to excellent coverage, he has scored 4 special teams touchdowns in his last five games, going back to 2019. Even Chris Rainey seems to be doing better with the Lions than he was able to do here.