GAME THREAD / Week 18 / Winnipeg @ Toronto

[AngeloV]

I think it's fake news. The word at training camp was what an amazing physical specimen this guy was. I don't think he had very many extra pounds to lose. He sure doesn't look any different physically than he did at the start of the season.

To me it's obvious that the difference with Wilder is that the o-Line is opening up some beautiful holes for him that they weren't doing nearly as much before. In preseason and in the first part of the season Wilder had 4 or 5 brilliant carries which provided hints that he could be a very special back. But more often than not he was getting stuffed, and he was hesitating too much, because the openings simply were not there. Now they are.

That's a big part of it, but it's also tough to be instinctive when you are only getting 4 or so touches a game as he was early. I think that Trestman made him earn his way into a starting spot by doing hard work on special teams. Writing him off prior to seeing him really play was a knee jerk reaction, of which you will see plenty on message boards of every team.

[ArgoZ]

That's a big part of it, but it's also tough to be instinctive when you are only getting 4 or so touches a game as he was early. I think that Trestman made him earn his way into a starting spot by doing hard work on special teams. Writing him off prior to seeing him really play was a knee jerk reaction, of which you will see plenty on message boards of every team.

Reminds me of when Austin would roll Ricky Williams out on a sweep and everyone would wonder why he didn't break through the whole D and dominate. Williams goes back to the NFL and has a decent season.

[Rich]

That's a big part of it, but it's also tough to be instinctive when you are only getting 4 or so touches a game as he was early. I think that Trestman made him earn his way into a starting spot by doing hard work on special teams. Writing him off prior to seeing him really play was a knee jerk reaction, of which you will see plenty on message boards of every team.

More carries for Wilder and better run blocking are both indicative of The Professor's commitment to the run game and a truly diversified offence, something a lot of people around here didn't think he was capable of.

[Jon Gonzo]

More carries for Wilder and better run blocking are both indicative of The Professor's commitment to the run game and a truly diversified offence, something a lot of people around here didn't think he was capable of.

It is interesting to compare to work of the master (this year), to the work of the understudy (the past several seasons). There is no question, in my books, that either of those titles will be threatened moving forward. We clearly have the better coach now. He is a better motivator, he a consummately patient team-concept person, and he has an elastic, adaptable tactical mind.

This team is well coached and well represented. And because of it, this team has a decent shot at a Grey Cup this year, and I anticipate for many seasons to come.

[AngeloV]

It is interesting to compare to work of the master (this year), to the work of the understudy (the past several seasons). There is no question, in my books, that either of those titles will be threatened moving forward. We clearly have the better coach now. He is a better motivator, he a consummately patient team-concept person, and he has an elastic, adaptable tactical mind.

This team is well coached and well represented. And because of it, this team has a decent shot at a Grey Cup this year, and I anticipate for many seasons to come.

He also has a lot of better players to work with and a healthy QB.

[Jon Gonzo]

He also has a lot of better players to work with and a healthy QB.

Drew Willy was healthy last year (;

[RB957]

Drew Willy was healthy last year (;

He still is healthy. Sitting on the bench or standing on the sideline will do that for you. In both official languages.