I guess we will not have to wonder how the Bombers will handle their quarterback situation!
Earlier this week I wrote the following, Here Is How The Bombers Should Handle Their QB Situation In The Playoffs.
In that article I said this was how I would handle the situation if I were the coach,
Al lot of people have asked me who the Bombers should start in the Eastern Semi-Final. And whether it is in the grocery store, church, or out in the community I ask a lot of people the same question; I want to hear what people think. I am not the smartest guy in the room. I just get the privilege of writing these articles.
And as it turns out, some of us think the same thing.
Start Collaros...but!
If he is healthy, or even able to play, I would start Collaros. But if he struggles it is going to be a short rope before I put in Brown. How short? Well that depends on the score and his completions and interceptions. But short enough that the game is still very much winnable.
However, even after that I would be telling Zach to stay warm. If Brown comes in and does not get it going in 3-4 series...I am putting Zach back in.
So Now What?
Here is a look at the Bombers' depth chart for Saturday:
Honestly, not much changes for me except the names. I am not rolling with Brown of he is not getting the job done. I would put in Perkins, then Elgersma, and Brown, and then rinse and repeat until I find a quarterback who can get it done in the Eastern Semi-Finals.
Will the Bombers do that? Probably not. If they are losing they will likely stick with Brown for too long in the hopes that he gets it going.
Sure Brown has the most experience out of himself, Perkins, and Elgersma. But the Bombers need a win! And if that means catching lightning in a bottle with Perkins or Elgersma then that is what is required.
Reality Check
It is not as if the Bombers would be moving off of an elite quarterback if they pulled Brown from the game. Brown is a 12th ranked quarterback in the CFL (Collaros is currently ranks 8th best quarterback as Brown comes in at the number 12 spot.)
I do not have to see too much inaccuracy and lack of flow to move off of a 12th ranked quarterback in the CFL's Eastern Semi Finals!
The Bombers brought in Dru Brown for this very situation, hoping it would never happen. And the other times this year that it has happened (Brown starting because Collaros was injured) it has not always been great! In fact, Brown has done better coming off the bench than he has starting games. Maybe I would just stat Perkins for a series and put in Brown so that Brown can come in off the bench.
Does Last Week Matter?
Last week Dru Brown came in off the bench and helped the Bombers win a game that they had to in order to keep their season alive.
Sure, BC was resting a ton of starters but if Collaros stays in the game I am not sure the Bombers are winning that one.
However, I would not take too much from Brown's performance last game. He like the rest of the Bombers, he has been inconsistent this year.
The only thing that does matter from last week is Brady Oliveira. The Bombers have to have the run game going and not get away from the run game if they want to win!
Chad Kelly is going to stretch the field and the more the Bombers can keep Kelly off the field the better it will be for the Bombers.
Speaking About Chad Kelly
What are the chances that he is distracted by his big contract signing this week?
And even if he is not distracted, Kelly has been reportedly not 100% healthy.
On top of that, Kelly may throw for 500 yards...but in that same game he could throw for 6 interceptions.
Keys To A Bombers Victory
1) The Bombers need to find a quarterback on their roster that can get into a grove - and be willing to make multiple quick changes at that position. I can only imagine that other analysts will disagree and say that you need to establish some rhythm to the game. Look, I do not necessarily disagree with that. However, at some point you have to stop hitting your head against a wall and calling that progress.
2) The Bombers need to have Oliveira running the ball. The Bombers staff should not outsmart themselves on this one! It is a simple formula that works for the Bombers. There used to be a time when every opponent knew the Bombers were going to run the ball and they still did. We called that "Bully Ball," or "Brady Bully Ball." It is time for that to come back.
3) Limit mistakes. The Bombers can win this game even if they make some mistakes because I expect Kelly to throw some interceptions. But the Bombers simply cannot compound mistakes.
Final Thoughts
However this ends, the East had an easier path for the Bombers!
Sure, no team has crossed over and made made it to the Grey Cup. Sure Montreal decimated Winnipeg in Montreal the last time they played. But going through the East was a path that is easier for the Bombers.
I think the Bombers could still beat Toronto, but BC has gashed them on the ground!
Whether or not they make it down that path is a different story!
What do you think? Let me know wherever you are reading this.
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