Ticats up 20 to 7.
Zach Collaros looked good and the Cats scored a lot of points in the first half. Collaros also got out uninjured giving way to Masoli. Bakari Grant had a great half after playing well in the first pre-season game too. Andy Fantuz also had some catches and some drops. Masoli was OK somewhat surprisingly.
Ray Holley had some good numbers at running back.
The defence seemed to play well too.
Showing posts with label winnipeg blue bombers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winnipeg blue bombers. Show all posts
Friday, June 19, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2015 Second Pre-Season Game Lineup
The lineup for the game against Winnipeg is out (nothing televised or streamed unfortunately) so I thought I would look at it for anything interesting.
At the offensive tackles, two imports Olson and Lewis, who I don't think will be starting come the first game, but with all the injuries, who knows.
For the interior of the o-line, three Canadians, unlike last year. Dyakowski at guard, Filer at centre and the pickup in a trade from Montreal Bomben at the other guard spot. That may well be who starts the first regular season game.
Starting wide receivers are the import Underwood (who?) and second year Canadian Matt Coates (formerly a Hamilton Hurricane). Coates had a few passes caught last game including a TD I believe. Could this be foreshadowing of Coates being a second Canadian starter behind Fantuz as a receiver? In any event the Cats need a Canadian receiver to back up Fantuz.
Three slotbacks are listed as starting, imports Smith and Bakari Grant (who had a dominating game against some wanker REDBLACK defenders last week) and the aforementioned non-import Andy Fantuz.
Prime is the starting fullback, with Holley and Ford as the running backs due to injuries to Gable and Grigsby. Tigercatatonia has always been of the opinion that import running backs are kind of fungible so I'm not that concerned although I do like Gable and Grigsby especially receiving. Gable does seem to get injured a lot.
Collaros starts at quarterback with Masoli and Harris as the backups.
On defence the ends are non-import Gascon-Nadon and Eric Norwood who had a lot of sacks last year. In the middle starting are two imports, Daniels and Nevis, after Bulcke and Gaydosh are gone for the season (so much for defensive tackle non-import depth).
Imports Caldwell and Harris are the outside linebackers with former Laval player Plesius in the middle.
Corners are import Gainey and non-import Stephen, with Posey and Davis as the half-backs with non-import Daly starting at safety.
I'm not sure how well the Cats will play tomorrow. Collaros is in, as is Fantuz but no Tasker. Bakari Grant might have a good game though.
At the offensive tackles, two imports Olson and Lewis, who I don't think will be starting come the first game, but with all the injuries, who knows.
For the interior of the o-line, three Canadians, unlike last year. Dyakowski at guard, Filer at centre and the pickup in a trade from Montreal Bomben at the other guard spot. That may well be who starts the first regular season game.
Starting wide receivers are the import Underwood (who?) and second year Canadian Matt Coates (formerly a Hamilton Hurricane). Coates had a few passes caught last game including a TD I believe. Could this be foreshadowing of Coates being a second Canadian starter behind Fantuz as a receiver? In any event the Cats need a Canadian receiver to back up Fantuz.
Three slotbacks are listed as starting, imports Smith and Bakari Grant (who had a dominating game against some wanker REDBLACK defenders last week) and the aforementioned non-import Andy Fantuz.
Prime is the starting fullback, with Holley and Ford as the running backs due to injuries to Gable and Grigsby. Tigercatatonia has always been of the opinion that import running backs are kind of fungible so I'm not that concerned although I do like Gable and Grigsby especially receiving. Gable does seem to get injured a lot.
Collaros starts at quarterback with Masoli and Harris as the backups.
On defence the ends are non-import Gascon-Nadon and Eric Norwood who had a lot of sacks last year. In the middle starting are two imports, Daniels and Nevis, after Bulcke and Gaydosh are gone for the season (so much for defensive tackle non-import depth).
Imports Caldwell and Harris are the outside linebackers with former Laval player Plesius in the middle.
Corners are import Gainey and non-import Stephen, with Posey and Davis as the half-backs with non-import Daly starting at safety.
I'm not sure how well the Cats will play tomorrow. Collaros is in, as is Fantuz but no Tasker. Bakari Grant might have a good game though.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Make Money in 2014
I meant to post about Winnipeg's annual report when it came out, but I'm a bit late. Despite a bad season and not making the playoffs, the Bombers made money:
"Today the Winnipeg Football Club released its 2014 Annual Report and announced an overall operating profit of $3.9 Million – an increase of $1 Million from 2013. These solid results were due to revenue growth of 10.7%, as almost all of the Club’s significant revenue streams had positive increases in 2014, including double digit growth in corporate partnerships, suites, and concessions. Season ticket revenue and game day tickets, which make up total game revenue, continue to be the Club’s major revenue source at 37% of total operating revenue."
I wonder how much the Bombers great start contributed to these good numbers, as a 10.7% revenue increase is way above inflation. A lot of tickets were probably bought before the fans were aware the team was bad. Interesting that the ticket revenue is at 37%. That's obviously high compared to say an NFL team, but not bad. I will have to take a more detailed look at the report to see where merchandise sales are. I'm not sure whether the Bombers sell more merchandise than the Ticats or not.
Expenses increased to due to the higher salary cap:
"The increase in operating expenses relates to the focus on Football Operations where there was an increase of $735,000, due primarily to the new five year collective bargaining agreement with an increased salary cap, along with an increased emphasis on scouting and recruiting. In December 2014, the Club made its first scheduled payment of $4.5 Million to Triple B Stadium Inc., as a first payment on Investors Group Field."
The Bombers host the 2015 Grey Cup this year, which should produce an excellent 2015 in terms of revenue. If the Bombers actually have a great season it could be a remarkable year for revenue. However I wouldn't bet on the Bombers getting to Grey Cup 2015.
"Today the Winnipeg Football Club released its 2014 Annual Report and announced an overall operating profit of $3.9 Million – an increase of $1 Million from 2013. These solid results were due to revenue growth of 10.7%, as almost all of the Club’s significant revenue streams had positive increases in 2014, including double digit growth in corporate partnerships, suites, and concessions. Season ticket revenue and game day tickets, which make up total game revenue, continue to be the Club’s major revenue source at 37% of total operating revenue."
I wonder how much the Bombers great start contributed to these good numbers, as a 10.7% revenue increase is way above inflation. A lot of tickets were probably bought before the fans were aware the team was bad. Interesting that the ticket revenue is at 37%. That's obviously high compared to say an NFL team, but not bad. I will have to take a more detailed look at the report to see where merchandise sales are. I'm not sure whether the Bombers sell more merchandise than the Ticats or not.
Expenses increased to due to the higher salary cap:
"The increase in operating expenses relates to the focus on Football Operations where there was an increase of $735,000, due primarily to the new five year collective bargaining agreement with an increased salary cap, along with an increased emphasis on scouting and recruiting. In December 2014, the Club made its first scheduled payment of $4.5 Million to Triple B Stadium Inc., as a first payment on Investors Group Field."
The Bombers host the 2015 Grey Cup this year, which should produce an excellent 2015 in terms of revenue. If the Bombers actually have a great season it could be a remarkable year for revenue. However I wouldn't bet on the Bombers getting to Grey Cup 2015.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Bombers at Ticats Preview
Not that many changes to the Ticats roster from last week.
The offensive line still has three American starters. The tackles Olson and Lewis are both imports and both rookies, as is the right guard Simmons. The other guard, O'Neill and the centre Filer are Canadian.
Import Koch is one of the starting wide receivers as is Giguere. Ellingson is listed behind Koch so we'll see if he plays this week after missing last week. The slots are imports Grant and Tasker along with Chatham's Fantuz. Gable is the starting running back, with the non-import Prime as the fullback whenever the Cats aren't going with five or six receiver sets. Somewhat interestingly, Matt Coates is listed as a backup to Andy Fantuz. He's interesting as he is a rookie straight from the Hamilton Hurricanes.
LeFevour starts at quarterback, with Masoli and McGee backing up. Medlock kicks and punts, with A rookie, McDuffie as the punt and kick returner.
That would appear to be four Canadian starters on offense, five if Prime is in at fullback with Giguere and Fantuz.
On defence, the ends are both imports, Norwood and Coleman. The tackles are the usual non-imports Laurent and Bulcke, somewhat amusingly backed up by an import Hall.
The starting linebackers are all imports this week, with Lawrence, the hard hitting Bowman and the returning Rico Murray which I assume is the Cats favoured set when healthy. Laval's Plesius backs up after starting last week.
The corners are Breaux and the non-import Stephen. Half-backs are Stewart and Davis, with non-import King as the safety.
That's four Ticat starters on defence.
The Bombers have two American offensive tackles with three Canadians in the middle. In total the Bombers appear to start five Canadians on offense.
The Bombers start three Canadians on defence, including defensive tackle Thomas, dime linebacker Sherman and former Tiger-Cat Bucknor at cornerback.
The offensive line still has three American starters. The tackles Olson and Lewis are both imports and both rookies, as is the right guard Simmons. The other guard, O'Neill and the centre Filer are Canadian.
Import Koch is one of the starting wide receivers as is Giguere. Ellingson is listed behind Koch so we'll see if he plays this week after missing last week. The slots are imports Grant and Tasker along with Chatham's Fantuz. Gable is the starting running back, with the non-import Prime as the fullback whenever the Cats aren't going with five or six receiver sets. Somewhat interestingly, Matt Coates is listed as a backup to Andy Fantuz. He's interesting as he is a rookie straight from the Hamilton Hurricanes.
LeFevour starts at quarterback, with Masoli and McGee backing up. Medlock kicks and punts, with A rookie, McDuffie as the punt and kick returner.
That would appear to be four Canadian starters on offense, five if Prime is in at fullback with Giguere and Fantuz.
On defence, the ends are both imports, Norwood and Coleman. The tackles are the usual non-imports Laurent and Bulcke, somewhat amusingly backed up by an import Hall.
The starting linebackers are all imports this week, with Lawrence, the hard hitting Bowman and the returning Rico Murray which I assume is the Cats favoured set when healthy. Laval's Plesius backs up after starting last week.
The corners are Breaux and the non-import Stephen. Half-backs are Stewart and Davis, with non-import King as the safety.
That's four Ticat starters on defence.
The Bombers have two American offensive tackles with three Canadians in the middle. In total the Bombers appear to start five Canadians on offense.
The Bombers start three Canadians on defence, including defensive tackle Thomas, dime linebacker Sherman and former Tiger-Cat Bucknor at cornerback.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Mike O'Shea Named Winnipeg Blue Bomber Head Coach
Argos special team coach and former Argo and Ticat player Mike O'Shea has been named the Bombers new head coach. I don't think it is a bad move, although going from special teams to head with no coordinator experience is a little weird. O'Shea has plenty of experience as a player in the CFL though, and he could follow a model of appointing strong offensive and defensive coordinators and in general deferring to them.
In any case, after a 3 and 15 season, posting a 6 and 12 season would be an improvement.
In any case, after a 3 and 15 season, posting a 6 and 12 season would be an improvement.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Raise Prices for 2014 Season
This Winnipeg Sun article reports that the Bombers are raising their ticket prices for 2014, despite a pretty lackluster campaign in 2013. Most aren't going up that much, but for those poor souls in section P7 (are there P7 Boys or their prairie equivalent?):
"The biggest jump in price is in the P7 category, which includes 4,400 seats at both ends of the upper deck. The price of those tickets is going up from $196.95 to $249, or an increase of more than 25%, but it remains the least expensive ticket available."
Actually $196.95 isn't bad for upper deck at the ends. My section 5 seats at Ivor Wynne which would seem to be equivalent were $300. Who knows what they'll be for the new stadium.
"The biggest jump in price is in the P7 category, which includes 4,400 seats at both ends of the upper deck. The price of those tickets is going up from $196.95 to $249, or an increase of more than 25%, but it remains the least expensive ticket available."
Actually $196.95 isn't bad for upper deck at the ends. My section 5 seats at Ivor Wynne which would seem to be equivalent were $300. Who knows what they'll be for the new stadium.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Ticats Lose to Bombers 34 to 12
Well looks like it's official, the 2012 Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a bad team. It didn't look like it going into the season, but that's why they play the games.
The final score favoured the Bombers as the Cats were in if for most of the game and even leading at one point, but a combination of penalties and ineptness on offense finally ground down a Ticat defence that played relatively well.
The turning points were either the Fantuz fumble after gaining a first down or the contacting the kicker penalty that extended a Bomber drive. The Bomber
offense was helped by numerous penalties, some justified, some incredibly chintzy (including one of the weaker facemask penalties of the season) and not by the awesome play of Buck Pierce, although you wouldn't know it from the way the TSN personalities were massaging his prostate gland.
For the Cats to make the playoffs likely requires them to go 4 and 2 over the last 6 games, which considering their personnel is possible, although considering they are 4 and 8 now somewhat unlikely. Either Edmonton or Saskatchewan could also totally collapse as well, but now the Bombers are inexplicably back in the mix one game behind the Ticats.
I'll be curious to see if the coaches make any changes this week before the next home game. I'm not really sure what they could do either.
The final score favoured the Bombers as the Cats were in if for most of the game and even leading at one point, but a combination of penalties and ineptness on offense finally ground down a Ticat defence that played relatively well.
The turning points were either the Fantuz fumble after gaining a first down or the contacting the kicker penalty that extended a Bomber drive. The Bomber
offense was helped by numerous penalties, some justified, some incredibly chintzy (including one of the weaker facemask penalties of the season) and not by the awesome play of Buck Pierce, although you wouldn't know it from the way the TSN personalities were massaging his prostate gland.
For the Cats to make the playoffs likely requires them to go 4 and 2 over the last 6 games, which considering their personnel is possible, although considering they are 4 and 8 now somewhat unlikely. Either Edmonton or Saskatchewan could also totally collapse as well, but now the Bombers are inexplicably back in the mix one game behind the Ticats.
I'll be curious to see if the coaches make any changes this week before the next home game. I'm not really sure what they could do either.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Ticats At Bombers Preview
Can the Cats continue from last week and get into the crossover playoff race with Saskatchewan and Edmonton? After last week's dominating performance on offence and defence one would hope so, but the Cats have underachieved their expectations this year.
For the offensive lineup, nothing too remarkable, at least on the lineup card posted on the Cats website. Cobourne starts at running back for the still injured Chevon Walker. Dile is in at right tackle and no more Hage in the middle, with O'Neill in, but that was true last week as well. Jones is listed ahead of Bakari Grant at slot.
For Winnipeg Buck Pierce is listed as the quarterback. Insert Buck Pierce injury joke here. Pierce has given the Cats trouble over the years as have the Bombers at home.
On defence, the front four is Boudreaux and Peach outside and McElveen and Davis inside. Last week they had five sacks which compared to their previous efforts over the first ten games was impressive. With Pierce's propensity to hang on to the ball there may be some sack opportunities available.
Brock Campbell is in again at Markeith Knowlton's spot at linebacker. He had a sack last week.
The defensive backfield again has the rarity of two Canadian starters in Rwabukamba as one of the corners and Bucknor as the safety.
Looking over the Bomber depth chart, one problem seems to be their non-imports are pretty mediocre. No real non-import receiver of note and that's going to hurt you especially if you're starting two import offensive tackles like the Bombers. Compare that to the Cats trio of Fantuz, Stala and Giguere. I know the Bombers are a running team, but if they lose this game and have written off a playoff spot, I'd be throwing in whatever non-imports at slot and receiver for the remaining games and hope somebody or somebodies develop for next year.
For the offensive lineup, nothing too remarkable, at least on the lineup card posted on the Cats website. Cobourne starts at running back for the still injured Chevon Walker. Dile is in at right tackle and no more Hage in the middle, with O'Neill in, but that was true last week as well. Jones is listed ahead of Bakari Grant at slot.
For Winnipeg Buck Pierce is listed as the quarterback. Insert Buck Pierce injury joke here. Pierce has given the Cats trouble over the years as have the Bombers at home.
On defence, the front four is Boudreaux and Peach outside and McElveen and Davis inside. Last week they had five sacks which compared to their previous efforts over the first ten games was impressive. With Pierce's propensity to hang on to the ball there may be some sack opportunities available.
Brock Campbell is in again at Markeith Knowlton's spot at linebacker. He had a sack last week.
The defensive backfield again has the rarity of two Canadian starters in Rwabukamba as one of the corners and Bucknor as the safety.
Looking over the Bomber depth chart, one problem seems to be their non-imports are pretty mediocre. No real non-import receiver of note and that's going to hurt you especially if you're starting two import offensive tackles like the Bombers. Compare that to the Cats trio of Fantuz, Stala and Giguere. I know the Bombers are a running team, but if they lose this game and have written off a playoff spot, I'd be throwing in whatever non-imports at slot and receiver for the remaining games and hope somebody or somebodies develop for next year.
Friday, September 14, 2012
CFL Predictions 2102 Week 12 Part A
Winnipeg at Calgary
Calgary is hot, coming off back to back wins against the Eskimos, is at home and favoured by 9.5 points. The Bombers are not hot coming off back to back losses to the Riders. I don't think things are going to change although going by Kevin Glenn's history this is one of those games he usually losses inexplicably.
Stamps 33 Bombers 21
Calgary is hot, coming off back to back wins against the Eskimos, is at home and favoured by 9.5 points. The Bombers are not hot coming off back to back losses to the Riders. I don't think things are going to change although going by Kevin Glenn's history this is one of those games he usually losses inexplicably.
Stamps 33 Bombers 21
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
CFL Predictions 2012 Week 4, Part A
Winnipeg at Toronto
The Bombers are winless and Pierceless heading into Toronto. The Argos are coming off a close one, losing in Hamilton. The Argos are favoured by a relatively massive 8.5 points. Is Bomber coach Paul LaPolice's job in jeopardy? Maybe. Ricky Ray has been effective against better teams and the Argos should have an easy win.
Suck People 30, Bombers 16
Saskatchewan at Calgary
The Riders are unbeaten and the Stamps Tateless, having to make due with Kevin Glenn, who has a penchant for interceptions that give away the game. One problem for the Riders is the non-import receiver Rob Bagg is on the nine game injury list. The Riders are favoured by 3.5 points on the road. I'm going to go against my better judgment and say the Stamps win at home.
Stamps 35, Riders 32
The Bombers are winless and Pierceless heading into Toronto. The Argos are coming off a close one, losing in Hamilton. The Argos are favoured by a relatively massive 8.5 points. Is Bomber coach Paul LaPolice's job in jeopardy? Maybe. Ricky Ray has been effective against better teams and the Argos should have an easy win.
Suck People 30, Bombers 16
Saskatchewan at Calgary
The Riders are unbeaten and the Stamps Tateless, having to make due with Kevin Glenn, who has a penchant for interceptions that give away the game. One problem for the Riders is the non-import receiver Rob Bagg is on the nine game injury list. The Riders are favoured by 3.5 points on the road. I'm going to go against my better judgment and say the Stamps win at home.
Stamps 35, Riders 32
Thursday, July 12, 2012
CFL Week 3, Predictions, Part A
Calgary at Montreal
The Stamps are Tateless and the Alouettes are favoured by seven at home. I guess the oddsmakers aren't Kevin Glenn fans. Montreal appeared to be back on track last game, especially on offence. Calgary lost a close one to Toronto with Glenn at the controls for most of the game. Glenn can still be effective, but I never thought Calgary was that great a team going into the season.
Alouettes 30 Stampeders 24
Winnipeg at Edmonton
Edmonton is favoured by a mere 1.5 points at home, which isn't very good, especially considering their opponent has yet to win a game. Provided Pierce doesn't get hurt (which is entirely possible), I'll pick him and the Bombers over Jyles and the Eskimos.
Blue Bombers 20 Eskimos 16
The Stamps are Tateless and the Alouettes are favoured by seven at home. I guess the oddsmakers aren't Kevin Glenn fans. Montreal appeared to be back on track last game, especially on offence. Calgary lost a close one to Toronto with Glenn at the controls for most of the game. Glenn can still be effective, but I never thought Calgary was that great a team going into the season.
Alouettes 30 Stampeders 24
Winnipeg at Edmonton
Edmonton is favoured by a mere 1.5 points at home, which isn't very good, especially considering their opponent has yet to win a game. Provided Pierce doesn't get hurt (which is entirely possible), I'll pick him and the Bombers over Jyles and the Eskimos.
Blue Bombers 20 Eskimos 16
Friday, July 6, 2012
CFL 2012 Predictions, Week 2, Part A
Winnipeg at Montreal
Battle of the winless teams! Last I checked, the Alouettes are favoured by 7 at home, which seems a bit large considered they got their asses handed to them in Calgary last week. I assume Buck Pierce isn't playing for the Bombers this week due to yet another injury. Alex Brink isn't bad, but he isn't Anthony Calvillo.
The Bomber defence is still decent and looked OK against BC last week. The Alouette defence is rebuilding. I'll take Montreal, but they won't make the spread.
Alouettes 25, Bombers 20
Hamilton at BC
Oh Hamilton. Going into the season, things seemed so positive. Now you're 0 and 1 and heading into Vancouver as 8 point underdogs. The Cats looked OK in the first half last week and then as the game got away from them looked worse and worse versus the Riders. BC looked good last week from the parts I watched. Hamilton has bizarrely had success playing on the west coast the past few years, but I wouldn't bet on it in this case.
Adding veteran non-import receiver Dave Stala to the starting lineup and removing veteran non-import linebacker Kevin Eiben and replacing him with import Markeith Knowlton could help, but it probably won't be enough. Expect it to be close at the half and then the Lions to pull away.
Pot People 35, Ticats 21
Battle of the winless teams! Last I checked, the Alouettes are favoured by 7 at home, which seems a bit large considered they got their asses handed to them in Calgary last week. I assume Buck Pierce isn't playing for the Bombers this week due to yet another injury. Alex Brink isn't bad, but he isn't Anthony Calvillo.
The Bomber defence is still decent and looked OK against BC last week. The Alouette defence is rebuilding. I'll take Montreal, but they won't make the spread.
Alouettes 25, Bombers 20
Hamilton at BC
Oh Hamilton. Going into the season, things seemed so positive. Now you're 0 and 1 and heading into Vancouver as 8 point underdogs. The Cats looked OK in the first half last week and then as the game got away from them looked worse and worse versus the Riders. BC looked good last week from the parts I watched. Hamilton has bizarrely had success playing on the west coast the past few years, but I wouldn't bet on it in this case.
Adding veteran non-import receiver Dave Stala to the starting lineup and removing veteran non-import linebacker Kevin Eiben and replacing him with import Markeith Knowlton could help, but it probably won't be enough. Expect it to be close at the half and then the Lions to pull away.
Pot People 35, Ticats 21
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)