Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The first half of the 2018 season has been quite the ride for Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols.
On the field, Nichols has struggled to alleviate pressure applied by promising backup Chris Streveler, who showed a bright future during Nichols’ time on the injured list. The Bombers’ starter has failed to throw for 300 yards in a game this year, while the Bombers have lost their last two outings by a combined 36 points.
Away from the white lines, every word out of Nichols’ mouth has been scrutinized. He had to backtrack after, for one fleeting moment, he showed his human side when he expressed disappointment over being booed during a 44-21 loss to Ottawa. Then, a week later, the TSN panel was critical of Nichols for his comments about his receivers following a loss to the Stamps.
It’s no secret that the quarterback position welcomes the spotlight and, with it, a fair share of scrutiny. Blame for a tough loss and credit for an inspiring win comes with the territory, so it’s no shock that Nichols has been questioned with the Bombers at 5-5 and with his words.
On the other hand, given his part in the team’s re-emergence the last two years, does Nichols deserve better?
More in The Weekly Say.
Matt Nichols criticism: Fair or offside?
The pressure is on Matt Nichols heading into a Sunday clash with the rival Riders (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
James Cybulski: Totally fair. Time to win a big game— and when you make the big money— the spotlight is that much bigger.
Jamie Nye: FAIR. When you lose, it’s ‘I’ have to do better. When you win it’s ‘we’ did a great job. Whether the assessment is fair or not about the receivers getting open or fans booing, Nichols has to take be able to take the heat. The team isn’t winning and criticism is always going to come.
Matthew Cauz: Totally fair. He was critical of his own performance as well. Yes, it’s better for the team when the QB toes the boring company line and says nothing. but there is nothing wrong with a wee bit of honesty every now and then
Marshall Ferguson: On the field it’s fair. The character assassination is completely offside.
Chris O’Leary: Fair, if you’re criticizing his play. His numbers aren’t where they were last season. Unfair if you’re taking issue with what he’s saying. We tune out when athletes spout cliches and we rake them over the coals when they speak their minds (for what it’s worth, if you listen fully to what he’s saying, he includes himself in any critiques). I’m glad Nichols says what he thinks.
Don Landry: The Matt Nichols criticism is fair from the standpoint of critiquing his play, because that’s always fair. As far as criticizing him for his comments after the Calgary game, it’s way offside. He merely credited the Stampeders’ defence with playing a very, very good coverage game. In no way did he “throw his teammates under the bus.” It’s a real stretch of inference to say he did and the criticism in this regard should be reserved for those who gave a hot take without considering context.
Jim Morris: Offside. I don’t think what he said was really that terrible. If his receivers are pouting, maybe do a better job of getting open.
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Should the Als start Pipkin or Manziel in Week 12?
Antonio Pipkin has come on strong for the Als, but should Manziel take a back seat? (The Canadian Press)
Morris: I would go with Manziel. The Als have invested time and money in him. They have to know what he can do before they make a final decision.
Nye: Hmmm… only two wins on the season and Antonio Pipkin has one and just threw for over 300 yards. Montreal has only one choice and it’s the QB who just won.
Cauz: Antonio Pipkin. If we believe in the idea of meritocracy in sports than Pipkin should get the start. He played well against Toronto and his one interception was not his fault. No point rushing Manziel back out there.
O’Leary: As a graduate of the school of go-with-the-hot-hand, I’d start Pipkin. If Manziel is healthy enough to play, the Als’ decision will be telling. A Pipkin start says they’re after wins right now. Starting Manziel says they’re committed to him and are looking past this season.
Cybulski: There’s a window to buy time for Manziel right now. Let’s continue to see what Pipkin can do. Wins are few and far between in Montreal these days so if you get a W— stick with what worked.
Landry: I’m starting Antonio Pipkin at quarterback this week. He got the Alouettes rolling a little, last week, not just with his play, but with his energy and leadership. He earned the start and his teammates know it. The Als’ braintrust should know it too.
Ferguson: Pipkin, The Alouettes haven’t won much lately. When someone helps them do that – especially at home – they need to be rewarded or it will send the wrong message that playing time is determined by trade value and not on-field performance.
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Which QB would you take for one game: Bo or Reilly?
Bo Levi Mitchell (left) and Mike Reilly (right) lead their teams into the annual Labour Day Classic (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Ferguson: Reilly. Might not be pretty but I know he’ll get the job done.
Morris: I go with Mike Reilly. In the last two big games that really mattered, Bo came out on the wrong end.
Cybulski: I’ll happily take my chances with the CFL’s Mad Hatter — Reilly.
Landry: I’ll take Mike Reilly. I’d like to have the added scrambling ability in my pocket just in case I need it.
O’Leary: Reilly. Bo has won more in the regular season, but they both have a Grey Cup each. Reilly’s ability to run makes him more of a threat in the late stages of a game, when things can get chaotic and off-script.
Nye: I’ll be the guy sitting on the fence because there are too many intangibles. If you have a questionable offensive line, Reilly. If your O-line is solid, Mitchell.
Cauz: You realize that whatever answer I give will be both correct and incorrect, right?????!!! I’ll go with Bo Levi Mitchell.
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