June 12, 2013: Toronto Argonauts vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

[T-Bone]

http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/tor.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/wpg.png

Pre-Season A
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 8:00pm EDT.
Investors Group Field. Winnipeg, MB.

TV: N/A
Video Webcast: N/A
Radio: TOR: TSN Radio 1050 (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=86894) (Delayed until Midnight) - WPG: CJOB 680 (http://www.cjob.com/Sports/BomberReport.aspx) (Live)
Audio Webcast: TOR: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/Toronto/) (Live) - WPG: Here (http://player.cjob.com/) (Live)

Depth Charts: TOR: Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/depthchart/list/team/7/year/2013) - WPG: Here (http://www.bluebombers.com/depthchart/list/team/5)

Post Game: Pre-Season Recap - Argos 24 - Bombers 6 (http://www.argonauts.ca/article/preseason-recap-argos-vs-bombers)

[Will]

Ray probably gets a quarter similar to the road pre-season game last year and then the others fight over the backup jobs for the rest of the game.

[AngeloV]

http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/tor.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/wpg.png

Pre-Season A
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 8:00pm EDT.
Investors Group Field. Winnipeg, MB.

TV: N/A
Video Webcast: N/A
Radio: N/A
Audio Webcast: N/A

Game will be definitely broadcast on TSN 1050 radio. They have been running adds for it the last week or so.

[gilthethrill]

I was really looking forward to seeing Investors Field...it looks amazing empty, so I can imagine it will be spectaculer with a full house next Wednesday when the Argos beat up on the home team.

[T-Bone]

Game will be definitely broadcast on TSN 1050 radio. They have been running adds for it the last week or so.
Thank you. I've updated the info. I wasn't sure as it is not listed on the schedule (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=43622). I was waiting for the weekly schedule (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=86894) to go up to confirm the info before posting it.

[mchesher03]

round one of the Collaros vs. Harris matchup for the backup gig - should be good and I'll have 1050 on. Isn't TSN actually broadcasting a few CFL pre-season games this year?

[T-Bone]

Isn't TSN actually broadcasting a few CFL pre-season games this year?Originally it was going to be six of the eight games but it looks like only two will be broadcast on TV now. (http://www.argofans.com/showthread.php?1752-2013-Schedule-Thread&p=30037&viewfull=1#post30037)

[Rocket]

Which two pre season games is tsn going to broadcast?

[ArgoRavi]

Which two pre season games is tsn going to broadcast?

Both of the Edmonton games - one at home to Saskatchewan and the other in B.C. Both are Friday night games IIRC.

[1argoholic]

Well you'd thing that both Harris and Collaros will be on the team and very close as two who's two and who's three. If Ray gets injured I'm sure both will hit the field at times.
I'm more interested to see how the secondary pans out. See or should I say hear since we have no tv.

[ArgoRavi]

Well you'd thing that both Harris and Collaros will be on the team and very close as two who's two and who's three. If Ray gets injured I'm sure both will hit the field at times.
I'm more interested to see how the secondary pans out. See or should I say hear since we have no tv.

I would expect Harris and Collaros to be battling for the #2 and #3 positions and Gale and Portis to be battling for the #4 spot but I am not sure if Milanovich and the coaching staff necessarily see it that way. I suspect that they see it as an open competition among the four for all of the backup spots. However, if Harris or Collaros slip down to #4, it is doubtful that they would keep them. BTW, Milanovich did confirm what you are saying in that if two QBs are pretty even for the #2 spot that they will just share that.

[Rocket]

I would expect Harris and Collaros to be battling for the #2 and #3 positions and Gale and Portis to be battling for the #4 spot but I am not sure if Milanovich and the coaching staff necessarily see it that way. I suspect that they see it as an open competition among the four for all of the backup spots. However, if Harris or Collaros slip down to #4, it is doubtful that they would keep them. BTW, Milanovich did confirm what you are saying in that if two QBs are pretty even for the #2 spot that they will just share that.

Does anyone know how much playing time Portis is going to get? as well is Darvin adams going to be suited up to play in the game?

[Will]

The depth chart hasn't been posted yet so we will find out soon enough. It's possible that Portis plays because the Argos played 4 QB's in the first pre-season game against Hamilton last year. It depends on whether Ricky Ray makes the trip or not.

[T-Bone]

Game will be definitely broadcast on TSN 1050 radio. They have been running adds for it the last week or so.


Thank you. I've updated the info. I wasn't sure as it is not listed on the schedule (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=43622). I was waiting for the weekly schedule (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=86894) to go up to confirm the info before posting it.
I just checked the TSN 1050 weekly schedule (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=86894) and it looks like the brodcast of the game is going to be delayed until midnight June 13th. It will be live on CJOB 680AM (http://www.cjob.com/Sports/BomberReport.aspx).

Update: It will be live on TSN.ca

[Will]

Well that sucks. The CJOB broadcast will be virtually useless because all we'll hear is information about Winnipeg's players. Nothing about ours.

The depth chart is up. No Ray, Owens, Kackert, Inman, Huntley, Mitchell, Isaac, McCune or Ball.

[ArgoFan1]

Sucks... now that 1050 am is broadcasting game one of the Stanley Cup finals. You will only get the Argo game on-line. I was looking forward to listening on my car radio as I am out all Wednesday evening, playing hockey.

[Will]

Oh I can still listen at home then. It will be like 1950!

[ArgoRavi]

Ray probably gets a quarter similar to the road pre-season game last year and then the others fight over the backup jobs for the rest of the game.

It looks like Ray may only get a couple of series in the second pre-season game.

[mchesher03]

makes sense no? Just a taste of game speed and a seasoned pro like Ricky will be ready to go. Given the potential implications for the franchise down the road (trying not to be too dramatic) - i think all the reps that Collaros and Harris get make sense given whoever gets the backup job becomes the heir apparent to Ricky (plus gets protected from being poached by those pesky redblacks)

[AaronInToronto]

Apparently all QBs qwill get one quarter. If things go well, I can see them not even playing Ricky. Hi spot is protected, so no real need to expose him in my mind.

[AaronInToronto]

Notes: Among those not making the trip are most of last year's starting offensive players; Ricky Ray, Chad Kackert, Chad Owens, Dontrelle Inman, Andre Durie, Jason Barnes, Chris Van Zeyl and Tony Washington are all back in Toronto. Defensive starters from a year ago; Kevin Huntley, Robert McCune, Marcus Ball, Brandon Isaac and Pacino Horne are also not on the trip, nor is K/P Swayze Waters. High-profile newcomer Khalif Mitchell will also sit this one out...Usually veterans are given the road pre-season game off, so it was a little surprising to see the two players with the most seniority as Argos on the trip. Fullback Jeff Johnson is entering his 14th CFL season, his 12th with Toronto, while centre Jeff Keeping is back for his eighth season in double blue. Both will play Wednesday...The demolition of the Bombers former home, Canad Inns Stadium, is underway. One of the grandstands has been completely torn down...That stadium hosted one of the most memorable games in Argo history, the 1991 Grey Cup win over Calgary, highlighted by Rocket Ismail's 87-yard kickoff return...The weather calls for partly cloudy skies and 22 degrees at kickoff.

[AaronInToronto]

Post above is from TSN. No Ray, Kackertt, Owens, etc. This looks like a pure try-out game from the list of exclusions.

[ArgoRavi]

I believe that there is a rule in place that says that you can only dress 55 players on the road for a preseason game but don't quote me on that.

[ArgoRavi]

I must say that CBC News Network has had some decent coverage today about this game, especially as it is the Bombers' first game in their beautiful new stadium. TSN really dropped the ball by not televising this game. Even with the Stanley Cup Finals on CBC, I still think TSN would have drawn at least 400k-500k for this game and they have nothing on TSN2 tonight that will get close to that IMO. It is debatable that their replay of the soccer on TSN will draw that either.

[argolio]

TSN really dropped the ball by not televising this game.Especially with it being the first game at Winnipeg's new stadium.

I wonder if the late NHL season made TSN wary of showing more pre-season games.

[argonaut11xx]

So the only place we can listen live to this game is the winnipeg radio station?

[T-Bone]

So the only place we can listen live to this game is the winnipeg radio station?
No, here (http://www.tsn.ca/Toronto/listen/) too.

[doubleblue]

This pretty well guarantees Winnipeg a win for their home opener with their new stadium. I'm ok with that. Let the Bomber fans get all excited about their upstart team beating the Grey Cup Champs.:D But it gives the Argo Coaches a good look at what they've got for depth. One guy I thought would be in the lineup is Reinders. Maybe he is dinged up a bit. I counted 57 players on the depth chart. I guess the CFL has relaxed the number visiting teams can dress for exhibition games now, it used to be around only 45 for cost saving.

[gilthethrill]

Is it wrong for me to PVR a preseason game that is on the radio? Do I have a problem???

I have to agree with Ravi, TSN should be television this game.

[AaronInToronto]

TSN is covering the NBA game, and U21 soccer (apparently important to a few neighbourhoods in Toronto)

[bluto]

Winterpeg lolBombers' Depth chart:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff313/voodoochylde_ca/image.jpg

[Wobbler]

Sorry for the subject edit, T-Bone. I'm just anticipating the future of the CFL!

[tc23]

All the bombers starters are playing LOL, most other teams rest their starters the first game so they can evaluate the other players !

[Argocister]

Sorry for the subject edit, T-Bone. I'm just anticipating the future of the CFL!

Or it could've been the BlueBlues vs the BlueBongers

[gilthethrill]

I can't seem to find the game on TSN.ca so I am listening to the Winnipeg station.....really miss listening to Hogan and Annunziatti....

[R.J]

I can't seem to find the game on TSN.ca so I am listening to the Winnipeg station.....really miss listening to Hogan and Annunziatti....
http://player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?CALLSIGN=BELL_EVENT

[gilthethrill]

http://player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?CALLSIGN=BELL_EVENT

Thanks Snowrogue.....much better! Love listening to Hoagie....

[Will]

Riggs scores a TD. He's looked good so far and Harris was 8-11 for 115 yards so a reasonable day for him, too. Anthony Alix is shaky to say the least.

I guess you are on a strict schedule (for lack of a better term), but why not let Harris finish that touchdown drive?

[Will]

The Argonauts lead 14-3 at the half over Winnipeg. Trevor Harris was solid completing 8 of 11 passes for 115 yards and led a TD drive that was capped by a Gerald Riggs run. Anthony Alix also missed a field goal on a drive that Harris led. Zach Collaros went 7 of 10 for 57 yards and a TD pass to Trent Guy. Both seemed to have been pretty solid. Spencer Watt looks like he's had himself a nice day (2 catches, 54 yards). On defense, Matt Black intercepted a pass as did Jonathan Williams a rookie from South Carolina. Sandy said he was happy with the plays of the tackles. The defense, as a whole, seems to have done an effective job so far against Winnipeg's backup QB Max Hall.

EDIT: Don Landry tweeted that Collaros was actually 9 of 12 for 95 yards and a TD.

[Will]

17-3 Argos. Gale completes a long pass to Bryant, but can't punch it in.

[Wobbler]

It doesn't sound as though the backup QB decision will be any easier after this game.

[Wobbler]

LOL at the fake punt. I guess we're more interested in assessing the offense than the defence...

[Will]

Why not, Wobbler? I guess they want to give Gale another opportunity.

Alix has been quite shaky today.

[ArgoRavi]

Alix still doesn't seem to be ready for primetime when it comes to field goals.

[Wobbler]

Indeed. Waters' job seems awfully safe.

[Will]

Alix still doesn't seem to be ready for primetime when it comes to field goals.

At least so far.

Alix stayed on the PR last year. I guess he is insurance for Swayze, but I sure don't trust him.

[ArgoRavi]

Realistically, if anything happens to Waters, Prefontaine is only a phone call away unless another team calls him first.

[Wobbler]

Has Culbert been lining up as a LB? We might need to find a spot for him, but he seems small for a linebacker.

[Will]

Realistically, if anything happens to Waters, Prefontaine is only a phone call away unless another team calls him first.

Yeah, I'd take him over Alix easily.

[Will]

Hogan emphasized that Gale isn't supposed to be a running QB, but he's done an effective job so far on the ground. He hasn't been as good as Harris and Collaros through the air, but he hasn't looked out of place either.

[Will]

TD pass Gale to Bryant.

[Will]

Matt Black with another INT. Josh Portis in at QB.

[ArgoRavi]

28,642 Winnipeg fans are enjoying the new stadium tonight.

[argolio]

28,642 Winnipeg fans are enjoying the new stadium tonight.And the 50/50 winner will enjoy $67,000.

[ArgoRavi]

Winnipeg fans are upset at the Argos for supposedly trying to take Pierce out: http://ourbombers.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35560

The 50/50 winner will get over $71k tonight.

[argolio]

It went up!

Illegal formation costs us a FG.

[ArgoRavi]

Josh Portis directed a nice 4th quarter drive for the Argos which should have ended with a Reggie Williams TD (?) catch but Williams dropped it and then with an Alix 46 yard FG which was called back due to not having an end on the line of scrimmage.

[argolio]

Wonder which QB is the odd man out/gets cut by next week.

[Will]

That is a final 24-6 Argos win.

[ArgoRavi]

Wonder which QB is the odd man out/gets cut by next week.

Portis and Gale had comparable numbers as did Harris and Collaros. Whomever the Argos let go might be a guy that another team will want to take a look at at some point.

[Will]

Neither Portis or Gale looked terribly out of place. My money would be on Portis not making it.

The four Winnipeg QB's combined to go 14-36-158 with 3 picks.

[1argoholic]

I was pretty impressed from what I heard for a perseason game. Then I saw on Sports Centre that we had something like 549 yards of offense. The Bombers really are horrible. Hope they keep that play up. The crowd sounded dead. O'Toole and Onrait were talking about how horrible the traffic is getting to this out of the way stadium.
Nice to see that we are indeed finally grooming our own young qb's. Holy Crap it's been years and years since we could say that. Please don't anybody bring up the name of the guy who thought he was so wonderful that he did little and bounced all over the league. The guy from Kansas St. The last guy we tried so hard to groom but really was Mr Interception.

[Will]

Argonaut Statistics

Rushing

Mitchell Game 4 for 52, 13.0 AVG, LG 23, 0 TD Hogan kept emphasizing that this guy wasn't a runner, but evidently he is a little more adept at that skill than originally anticipated. He actually took off on his first two or three snaps.
Curtis Steele 5 for 38, 7.6 AVG, LG 14, 0 TD As we will see from the below stats it is probable that Riggs' status as a backup is safe, but I suspect this guy will be kept around for a bit of an extended look.
Gerald Riggs Jr. 4 for 34, 8.5 AVG, LG 20, 1 TDs Looked pretty good out there. I say his status as the #2 is pretty solid.
Zach Collaros 3 for 26, 8.67 AVG; LG 19, 0 TD We all knew he had some solid mobility.
Anthony Alix 1 for 25, 25.0 AVG, LG 25, 0 TD He got a taste of the Mike O'Shea trickery.
Quinn Porter 7 for 13, 1.86 AVG, LG 7, 0 TD Probably not the day he was looking for.
Josh Portis 2 for 6, 3.0 AVG, LG 5, 0 TD Nothing really to say here.
Jeff Johnson 2 for 2, 1.0 AVG, LG 2, 0 TD Probably won't be getting many carries this season.

Receiving

Darvin Adams 2 for 60, 30.0 AVG, LG 31, 0 TD I think he had a drop too, but seems to have had the best day out of the rookies.
Spencer Watt 2 for 54, 27.0 AVG, LG 37, 0 TD Hoping for bigger things from him this season.
Romby Bryant 3 for 48, 16.0 AVG, LG 35, 1 TD Going to be quite valuable I think. Very solid.
Trent Guy 4 for 47, 11.75 AVG, LG 25, 1 TD His biggest problem might be the bodies in front of him.
Tyler Beiler 2 for 37, 18.5 AVG, LG 27, 0 TD One of the receivers who came in here with not as huge of a reputation. Made a case.
Juaquin Iglesias 2 for 33, 16.5 AVG, LG 20, 0 TD Not a bad outing for him either.
Reggie Williams, 3 for 27, 9.0 AVG, LG 16, 0 TD I think he dropped a few.
Gerald Riggs Jr., 2 for 13, 6.5 AVG, LG 9, 0 TD Again, like Kackert, he is a solid receiver.
Curtis Steele, 2 for 9, 4.5 AVG, LG 11, 0 TD
John Chiles, 2 for 7, 3.5 AVG, LG 5, 0 TD Short end of the stick for the rookie receivers, but I think he did get banged up at one point during the game.
Julian Feoli-Gudino, 1 for 6, 6.0 AVG, LG 6, 0 TD
Quinn Porter, 1 for 3, 3.0 AVG, LG 3, 0 TD
Isn't it nice to have a problem of who to select at receiver?

Passing

Trevor Harris 8 of 11 for 115 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT Made a strong case for the #2 spot. I assume the fact he started the game means that they think of him as the #2 at this point. He was taken out of the game just before Riggs scored the Argos' first TD. He also led a drive that ended up in an Alix missed FG.
Zach Collaros 9 of 12 for 95 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT The battle of for #2 seems to be very alive.
Mitchell Gale 5 of 9 for 67 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT Mildly surprised me here folks. I think he had a few passes dropped. Showed more mobility as we saw/
Josh Portis 4 of 5 for 67 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT Also didn't look out of place.

Defense

INT: Matt Black (2), Jonathan Williams
Sacks: Major Culbert, Jamie Robinson

The Major also led the team in tackles with 5.

Specials

Alix struggled going 1 of 3 on FGs with a 12-yarder. He also averaged only 38.57 yards on punts.

[paulwoods13]

Thanks for the stats and the analysis, argofan87. The CFL's online stats machine needs a bit of work as it suggests the Argo defence forced no fumbles but recovered 13 of them.

[Wobbler]

My impression was that of the QBs, Gale suffered the most from our subs on the OL. At least two of his runs were necessitated by immediate protection breakdowns; I'm impressed that he was so productive.

[mchesher03]

big game from Matt Black from the sounds of it - great stuff. thanks for posting those stats too

[Do or Die]

Congrats on the win. Argos looked pretty sharp in most phases of the game. Bombers were poor, in the 1st quarter+.... then went to our 2nd tier guys......who looked essentally horrible, the rest of the way. Just an xhibt game, but a combination of boring and inept, was not the way to christen, the new stadium.

At least the Blue, now have a pretty good handle, on how not to do it.....
(eyes rolling)

[1argoholic]

hey Do Or Die what are your thoughts on the new Stadium? Is it a pain to get to? Obviously depending on where folks live. They mentioned on TSN that driving there is hell from in town Winnipeg. Looks sweet.

[gilthethrill]

Well, the Casey Creehan coached defense again is unable to contain the Argonaut second stringers (see last years final game)....

Two names I have not heard much about this pre-season are those of veteran o-lineman Wayne Smith & Andrew Jones. I would think Smith is able to contribute while Jones may be ousted by a youngster such as Reinders. I like the fact Parenteau is able to play some center.

[Do or Die]

hey Do Or Die what are your thoughts on the new Stadium? Is it a pain to get to? Obviously depending on where folks live. They mentioned on TSN that driving there is hell from in town Winnipeg. Looks sweet.

As far as the upsides (physical facility):

Great sight lines, from anywhere in the place
Awesome scoreboards (same as in Texas Stadium)
Terrific main level concourse, that rings the entire field, with great views of the field, as you peruse concessions, etc.
Comfortable seats
Powerful acoustic factor, with almost enclosed and sunken field.....this Joint will be LOUD, when team actually does something.
Great lighting system
Excellent field turf - great drainage (saw that at camp) and very quick


Downsides (which are more "human factor" and can certainly be improved):

Disorganized and overrated concessions
Ear splitting PA sound levels
Some uninformed and confused staff
and yeah, the traffic around the stadium

The U of M runs along the Red River, right at the extreme south end of town - so you can only enter/exit via 2 points (2 directions, 2 roads) There was always going to be some logistical problems, with this site, for traffic. That said, there was a reasonable plan on paper - but, parking and bus service was very poorly implemented last night, leading to many unhappy campers.

There will be around 8K more people for the opener, with a concert, etc.....so they better figure it out, soon. Bombers will hold a press conference, this afternoon, to supposedly detail some planned improvements, before then.

[mchesher03]

for a stadium that nice i'd take poor traffic any day of the week - the thought of that stadium here would be incredible. sadly a bit of a pipe dream - hope they get the Grey Cup soon so I can check it out (while the Argos hoist the Grey Cup obviously)

[1argoholic]

Sounds great other than the traffic nightmares. Hopefully we'll get a closeup as we drive by on our way back to Ontario. Our house hits the market tomorrow. Here's hoping. If all goes well we should be past in Sept. haha. Hopefully not on a gameday because we won't be able to stop with as many pets as we have.

[ArgoRavi]

Nice to see the Argos giving the Bombers a bit of anxiety before the regular season even begins: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/Winnipeg/2013/06/13/20899031.html

[bluto]

Nice to see the Argos giving the Bombers a bit of anxiety before the regular season even begins: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/Winnipeg/2013/06/13/20899031.html

no doubt about it. Chris Jones is living rent free inside their heads right now.

[Wobbler]

We have bigger fish to fry in the East. Until Montreal is humbled we have reason to be cautious.

[Argo57]

We have bigger fish to fry in the East. Until Montreal is humbled we have reason to be cautious.

Hamilton will be a big factor this season as well, the Eastern division will be a tight race this season.

[mchesher03]

Hamilton - Toronto East Final at the SkyDome - what a sight that would be (minus all the pesky tabbie fans)

[gilthethrill]

Nice to see the Argos giving the Bombers a bit of anxiety before the regular season even begins: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/Winnipeg/2013/06/13/20899031.html

Ravi, I know that some Winnipeg fans are upset that Jones had the defense blitzing Wednesday night...I see no problem with that, what are your thoughts?

[1argoholic]

Preseason is to find out what you have and who can play. If the Bombers are so worried about the way TO played against China Boy Pierce than tell the fool to stop running and taking head shots. He's a qb and he's going to take hits are the Argos supposed wait until a three count before they rush.
I actualy like Pierce but I think he should call it a career and get to coaching before he's jello is a wheel chair.

[bluto]

Ravi, I know that some Winnipeg fans are upset that Jones had the defense blitzing Wednesday night...I see no problem with that, what are your thoughts?

Burke was told ahead of time by Milanovich that the Argo D would be blitzing...

[mchesher03]

maybe next time Pierce can just leave his red practice jersey on when he takes the field. Bomber fans grasping as straws here....

[Rich]

Trevor Harris 8 of 11 for 115 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT Made a strong case for the #2 spot. I assume the fact he started the game means that they think of him as the #2 at this point.

I would suggest that since they look like they're gonna go to Collaros in short yardage situations this year, that that gives him the inside track on the #2 spot. He's going to get playing time lining up at QB in every game, while Harris continues to be kick holder.

I would also say as a general principle, given that Harris and Collaros both seem to be pretty equal as passers, that we go with the guy who's the better ball carrier at #2. I remember we thought this was the case last year too, but Jarius never seemed to want to take off with the ball when he often should have.

[ArgoRavi]

Burke was told ahead of time by Milanovich that the Argo D would be blitzing...

Then the Bombers really have no excuses and I have no problem with what the Argos did. I do remember Don Matthews when he was with the Als blitzing the old Renegades during the preseason and they weren't happy about it but I am guessing that he didn't give them any warning.

[Do or Die]

Actually I have 0 problem with it, at all...

This is football not cricket. Some of the reaction to this thing, back in the Peg, is just a total joke.

[jerrym]

If you don't blitz in the preseason, then you don't have any chance to work any kinks out in the blitz or to check out who is good at blitzing among your new personnel. Waiting until the regular season to find out is not a solution. Winnipeg has nothing to complain about.