What might have been and what could be

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/11/2009 (5803 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Blue Bombers were cleaning out their lockers and preparing to head their separate ways on Monday. Here’s a sampling of quotes from the players after the reality of Sunday’s 39-17 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and subsequent failure to make the post-season had a chance to sink in.

Veteran linebacker Barrin Simpson was asked if he’d be talking to coach Mike Kelly for a decision on his future:

"I think we will visit that for sure. We’ll talk about the future and the immediate future for the team and myself and then we’ll move from there. That’s a must as far as being able to move forward and move on."

Defensive back Lenny Walls had two interceptions on Sunday and led the team with eight on the season as a key component to a much-improved secondary:

"We fell short and we’re disappointed. Especially when you have guys that care for one another and believe in one another. I played for Calgary last season and we won the Grey Cup and I honestly think this team is more talented. Easy for me to say that now, but I think it’s true. Now all we can do is get ready for the next go round."

Defensive back Brady Browne says missing the playoffs will only make him hungrier:

"I’m not staying here for the winter. I’ve done five of them and that’s enough. I’m heading to Vancouver for the winter and do some travelling around with Ian Logan and forget about this and then hit the training hard in the off-season. If this doesn’t get you jacked up for next year, then nothing will. This hurts too much not to get motivated and come back and make a statement next year."

Veteran linebacker Ike Charlton says this team never found a rhythm:

"There was a lot of change and a lot of uncertainty. We just didn’t put it together. The talent was here but at crucial points in games and in practice we didn’t have consistency. You have to be a pro and understand your job. If someone continues to slap you in the mouth, what are you going to do about it? To make a long story short — too much uncertainty. We never had a chemistry. We took a step back being 7-11 but we exposed a lot of players on this team as talented. We can be a dominant team."

Punter Troy Westwood, 42, who returned to the club for the final three games of the season after Mike Renaud needed season-ending surgery, says he’d like a chance to fight for the job at training camp next season.

"There are punters my age still doing it in the NFL. I think I can be one of the top three punters in the country. I’d like a chance to come back."

— Gary Lawless