First-year OC Hogan asks for patience

The offensive co-ordinator can be one of the most criticized roles in all pro sports — especially in a football-crazed market.

The criticism usually comes from the stands, and first-year Blue Bombers OC Jason Hogan has certainly heard an earful from paying customers. But on Tuesday, a subtle shot came from his star running back Brady Oliveira.

“I think maybe us players could be put in some better situations to succeed as well so that it always doesn’t fall on the player,” said Oliveira, when asked for his opinion on the negative reviews surrounding the play of backup quarterback Chris Streveler.

Hogan addressed reporters Wednesday and had no issue with Oliveira’s remark.

“I think he’s doing what any great teammate would do: have his guy’s back,” responded Hogan.

“As coaches, that’s our job. The reality is it’s our job to put them into better situations, week in and week out. No doubt about it.”

The Bombers rank seventh in offensive points scored (23.5) and passing yards (254.6), last in QB efficiency (88.4), fifth in net offence (358.0), and first in turnovers committed (36). Regardless of where the criticism comes from, it’s hard to argue that it isn’t warranted.

“He shouldn’t think about it,” said quarterbacks coach Jarious Jackson. “Me, personally, I worry about people within the walls. How do they assess me? How do they see me helping the guys become better players? I think that’s what it’s about more than anything. At the end of the day, he’s a first-year guy trying to find his way. You’re going to have bumps and bruises, and that’s part of it. But as long as you’re growing in the role, that’s what matters most.”

Hogan admitted it’s been humbling but also referred to the highs and lows of life with the headset as “an awesome experience.”

He also asked for some patience.

“I think just like everybody (else), Bomber fans, everybody included, we all want it done today. We all want to win,” said Hogan.

“We don’t want to throw interceptions. All those things are understandable. I’m just as human as everybody watching the game, right? So, just understand it’s going to take some time. Sometimes I’m going to make mistakes. I just got to learn from them and not repeat them.”

COLLAROS UPDATE

It was another day in pads as a limited participant for Zach Collaros.

The starting quarterback continues to work his way back from a head injury he suffered in the Banjo Bowl. For the second day in a row, Streveler took all the work with the first-team.

Despite not taking any reps so far this week, head coach Mike O’Shea has not ruled Collaros out for Saturday’s road tilt against the Ottawa Redblacks (2 p.m. CT).

“Zach doesn’t necessarily need any reps,” said O’Shea. “If there were certain things he neeeded to see, he would do it pre-practice or post-practice.”

PARKER’S BACK

The Bombers’ secondary is getting a boost.

Defensive back Jamal Parker Jr. was a full participant on Wednesday after missing the previous six games with a leg injury. It wasn’t the first time the fourth-year pro has been bitten by the injury bug as he missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL.

“It was tough, but I went through something major last year, so this was really nothing,” said Parker. “Mentally, I know how to deal with it. Physically, of course, you don’t want that.”

He was mostly working with the starters at the field-side corner spot — a position that was being held down by Dexter Lawson Jr. during his absence.

“You’re always discouraged and hurt for (Parker) when the injury happens,” said defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger.

“Then you see his spirit, his willingness to keep fighting back, to keep doing the work, and then come back and contribute in practice and give us energy and you understand why that type of guy is important to have in the locker room.”

Defensive back Michael Griffin II — who the team uses all over the field — injured his knee in Friday’s loss in Hamilton and has yet to practice this week. While getting Parker back is big, Younger said potentially losing Griffin cannot be understated.

“Michael Griffin is probably one of our unsung heroes. He’s one of the few people in the league that can play at three levels of the defence. That type of versatility is critical to a lot of the looks we like to show other offences,” said Younger.

“Definitely a difficult guy to replace. As a matter of fact, he’s one of the most irreplaceable guys that we have.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca