When a head coach and his team sit with just a pair of wins come Thanksgiving, the playoffs are all but a mathematical long shot.
Robert Tonyan Jersey . Considering that the team has gone through more turnover, turmoil, and injuries than the franchise has seen in decades, it may prove difficult to keep the troops motivated. For head coach Tim Burke and the rest of the organizational brass — from acting CEO Wade Miller to acting GM Kyle Walters all the way through to the scouting and coaching staff — the collective mantra is to have the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the most advantageous position possible come training camp. "Everything were doing from here on out, were building for the future," said Burke as he prepared his 2-12 club for Mondays Week 16 visit to Montreal. "The guys who are playing here are playing to get better. I just looked at who we played this last week against Calgary. We actively played I think it was seven rookies, six second-year guys, and nine third-year guys — so were really young. Were going to use these last four weeks to just get better as a team and gain experience in the CFL. That way were making ourselves better for next year." Burke has instilled a fresh mentality in his veteran leadership, as well as into the air-lift of new bodies brought in over the last few weeks. At this juncture, one could argue every single player on the roster is auditioning for a job next spring. "Ive never been in a situation like this before at this point in the season, but honestly were out here proving ourselves to the coaches and management every day," said defensive end Greg Peach, who was brought in mid-season after being released by Hamilton. "Its not like it all of a sudden changes and oh my god, Ive got to play hard. Every day that you are here youre playing for your job if its practice, games. So that hasnt changed in my mind, and I dont think a lot of the guys minds. But it is evident. We do have to play well." "Hes basically laid it out there for us that if you want to continue to play this game youre going to have to perform whenever times get tough," said fifth-year Blue Bomber Glenn January. "This is about as tough a time as you can have in this profession. Youve got to keep on coming to work every day with that hard-hat mentality, and making sure you dont put anything on film that can allow anyone to question your dedication to this game." For consecutive weeks the Blue Bombers have introduced new players into their lineup, either by way of injury, performance, or acquisition by the general manager. With the trade of CFL sack leader Alex Hall last week to Saskatchewan for a potential ratio-changer in offensive tackle Patrick Neufeld, Greg Peach slots into the starting lineup on the defensive line. The 24-year-old Neufeld will watch this week before potentially entering the lineup for the Week 17 home date with the Argonauts. The club has also brought in multiple imports including defensive end J.D. Griggs who will dress in Montreal. Burke describes Griggs as physically stronger than the departed speed rusher Hall. Others who will work to leave an impression over the remaining month of the season are defensive ends Michael McAdoo and Jake Killeen, offensive linemen Cordaro Howard and Shea Allard, receiver Jheranie Boyd, running back Mario Fannin, linebacker Taylor Reed, and defensive back Semaj Moody.
Ted Hendricks Jersey . Louis Blues were workmanlike, methodical and -- most of all -- effective on Monday night.
Jug Girard Jersey . -- Falcons running back Steven Jackson, who has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury, is expected to practice on Wednesday.CALGARY -- The Calgary Stampeders have added Marc Mueller to the coaching staff as a defensive assistant, filling their coaching roster. Mueller is the grandson of the late Ron Lancaster, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback and longtime head coach in the CFL. Last season, Mueller was quarterbacks coach of the University of Regina Rams, his alma mater. Under the 24-year-old Regina natives guidance, the Rams led Canada West in passing offence with 359.4 yards per game. The Stampeders have already hired Rich Stubler as defensive co-ordinator and Pat DelMonaco as offensive line coach.
Geronimo Allison Jersey. "Marc is a young, dynamic individual with a keen football mind and I know he will be an excellent addition to our veteran group of coaches," said Calgary head coach John Hufnagel in a statement. "With Marc, Rich and Pat as well as the six returning coaches, I believe this will be an excellent staff." ' ' '