Extra Points

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/08/2013 (4479 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More touches suits Simpson

IT is strictly verboten in football for players or coaches — especially with game day fast approaching — to give away any hints whatsoever about a game plan.

But there is at least an expectation that Bomber running back Chad Simpson might be busy this Saturday in Guelph against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, given that running backs have been featured prominently and productive in new offensive co-ordinator Marcel Bellefeuille’s offences with other CFL teams in the past.

Right, Chad?

‘Y’all have to see. You’ll have to wait,” Simpson said with a grin. “I’m not going to give it away. “We’re in a tough position right now and I don’t want to be giving anyone any tips.”

But for the second straight day more players in the Bomber offensive meeting rooms were raving about some of the changes Bellefeuille has already made to the game plan.

“He’s been on the details with everything with every position,” said Simpson. “He’s coaching up the O-line, the running backs… he’s giving us a little bit more game insight because the CFL game is different. I’m not saying (Gary Crowton) couldn’t have done that, but (Bellefeuille) has more experience being in the CFL.

“On offence you just want to read and react and expose a defence for their weaknesses and take advantage of that. I don’t think we’ve been doing that. A lot of teams have been blitzing us and we haven’t been having an answer. With this guy coming in and being detailed-oriented and changing a couple of things we should handle that differently… better.”

• OUCH REPORT: Receiver Terrence Edwards and offensive tackles Glenn January and Shannon Boatman were back at work Wednesday after missing portions of Tuesday’s workout. But defensive back Alex Suber did not practise as he has been hobbled by a foot injury. Bomber head coach Tim Burke said Suber is probable after having positive test results from the training staff. Guard Steve Morley, who has missed the last two days of practice with ‘bumps and bruises’ should also return on Thursday.

• ‘O’ TINKERING: With their receiving corps depleted because of injuries to Cory Watson and Chris Matthews, the Bombers were working Clarence Denmark at slotback on Wednesday with Jade Etienne at wide receiver. As well, Burke said fullback Carl Fitzgerald will be added to the roster this week “because we’re going to have some new personnel packages and we want to utilize his talents in those.”

• MULUMBA WATCH: Defensive end Andy Mulumba, drafted second overall by the Bombers in the 2013 CFL Draft, continues to draw rave reviews with the Green Bay Packers. The Green Bay Press-Gazette said it’s ‘almost certain’ Mulumba will make the final roster.

“I thought (Mulumba) jumped out in the spring,” coach Mike McCarthy told The Press-Gazette. “It’s been no different since he put the pads on. I think he’s an excellent fit for our defence. He plays with excellent leverage with his long leverage. He has a nasty streak to him.”

— Tait