The Bombers wrapped up Day 4 of training camp on Wednesday. Here are our daily collection of notes and quotes from the session…
HIGH PRAISE:
Adam Bighill doesn’t nuance things when it comes to his job in the middle of the Bombers defence. He’s a seek-and-destroy linebacker who leads by his actions on the field and expects those around him to follow.
And so when the veteran defender declares that the talent assembled on the defensive side of the ball at camp is one the best he’s been around in his seven years in the Canadian Football League, that serves a bold and telling statement.
“This is one of the most talented camps I’ve been around as far as the rookies we’ve brought in, the draft picks we’ve brought in,” said Bighill. “I’m very impressed with what these guys have been able to do out here.”
Bighill pointed to the team’s continuity on a defence that will return eight regular starters and 13 players who made at least one start. Every team faces change in the offseason, but that continuity – including on the defensive coaching staff – can be critical.
“We’ve got a lot of talent in this camp and that’s what’s exciting to see,” said Bighill. “We’ve got a lot of competition going on. The rookies are learning at a fast pace and we’re working extremely hard. We’re working hard to get better and we’re starting at a high level because of the continuity we already have in our defensive room.”
Asked if any of the new guys in particular is jumping out, Bighill said he could name a lot of guys and then referenced draft picks Connor Griffiths and Tariq Lachance along with import defensive tackle Steven Richardson and then said that in the secondary “we’re always making plays.”
THE EVIDENCE:
One more from Bighill, when asked for the signs that indicate this camp is heavy in defensive talent compared to others he attended: “The things that separate are guys winning their one-on-one battles. When you’ve got guys on the defensive side winning at a high rate, a lot more than they would lose across the board, that tells you that guys are doing well. When you’ve got guys not making mistakes because they’ve been in their playbook and they know what they’re doing, that allows them to play at a fast level and allows them to showcase their talent. Those are the things we’re seeing.”
WEIGHING IN:
Bombers coach Mike O’Shea was asked about three receivers in particular after practice on Wednesday. His take:
On Nic Demski: “He’s won and he’s scored touchdowns so far and in our limited number of practices so far, he looks good. He’s found the end zone and gotten by guys. He’s very athletic. That’s his potential. He’s certainly playing up to it and I think he’ll just get better and better.”
On Corey Washington: “Fast, long, strong hands, high-points the football and can win. For any young guy, and a guy being in his second year, the game slows down a little bit so he should be right more often and as with any offence, you’ve got to be right out there to get the football. He’s going to be right more often this year and it’s showing a little bit early.”
On Rasheed Bailey: “I really liked him down in Tampa. He was one of a group of guys that stood out and he still does. I don’t know if you timed how fast he is… he’s fast, he’s not slow, but he seems to play with a high level of speed. He understands the ‘Waggle’, he catches the ball well and for a guy getting his first taste of it he’s right more often than not.”
FYI:
The CFL and CFLPA officially ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement over the last couple of days. Said O’Shea:
“I’m happy it’s ratified. I think both sides put a lot of effort in and spent a lot of time and went through the night trying to get a deal done. I applaud both sides for that, it’s awesome. We depended on an agreement being done in good time and I’m thankful they got it done.”
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH:
Charles Nelson, the receiver/returner candidate, worked with the No. 1 offence on Wednesday… OL Jermarcus Hardrick was held out of the session, and could miss Thursday as well, although O’Shea said there’s nothing serious related to his not participating… Standing out: Chandler Fenner, who has been working at wide-side corner; SB Nic Demski; RB John Santiago; DT Steven Richardson… O’Shea was asked about the OL’s collective personality and how it ‘drove the team’ over the last few years but has now lost two players in Matthias Goossen and Sukh Chungh. “Still does. Still does. Not worried about it. Still does. These guys get it. Michael Couture and Cody Speller… they’ve been here and they understand it and they’re those type of guys.”
