Deny the extra brain protection for the blue bombers

Content of the article

Don't expect many Winnipeg Blue Bombers to be wearing new head protection when the regular season begins, even minus the concussions.

Content of the article

The CFL has mandated the use of Guardian caps in training camp and contact drills, and announced this week that players can use them in games if they choose.

Content of the article

Only one of the three players we asked Thursday plans to wear the cap, but only for exhibition games.

“Honestly, in the preseason, I don't see why you don't wear it,” linebacker Shane Gauthier said. “Why do you get concussions in the preseason?” You have a lot of young guys trying to prove themselves in the preseason and they bring it. I think I'll get a regular helmet during the season.

“But in the preseason, if I can keep the injury, the concussion at bay, I don't see why I wouldn't do it.”

The CFL says it saw a 42% reduction in training camp concussions last season thanks to the use of caps and other safety measures.

Content of the article

Content of the article

Other studies also show the odd-looking helmet cover leads to fewer brain injuries.

“It's (ugly), I'm not going to lie,” Gauthier said. “I'm thinking about it. For example, why not? But I think I'll see in the next two weeks.”

For some players, looks aren't the only turn off.

He also has a macho side.

“I'm not wearing the Guardian,” Bombers defenseman Willie Jefferson said. “I like rough, tough, tough football. That's how it's played, and that's how I want to play it. I feel comfortable wearing the Guards during training to eliminate concussions, all those scenarios. But when it comes to football games, if it really counts, we have to play football.

“I want my gold helmet with my stripes and W on it. I don't need anything to stop it.''

Content of the article

Some players have said the caps add weight, but Gauthier says he doesn't notice any difference.

Sometimes the shock knocks it over, but once it's tapped, it snaps back into place.

“A lot of guys are scared when they first come to practice,” said defensive lineman and player union representative Jake Thomas. “Why do we wear these?” many people complain. But guys are used to it. The data actually shows a significant reduction in the number of head injuries in at least one year. You never get frustrated when they go above and beyond to keep players safe.

However, Thomas does not plan to dress for the game.

“I don't want to say never, but I don't think it's going to be something I plan on at the beginning of the season,” he said. “Maybe if I had any issues, that would be something I would consider.”

Content of the article

Concussion mouth guards are mandatory for games this season.

THE INFLUENCE OF JY

The players are coy about how different the defense will be under new coordinator Jordan Younger.

“I won't give too much away,” Jefferson said. “I'm waiting for the season to start so the guys can see it for themselves. But I like it. It's a change of pace, a change of perspective.”

Jr. took over for Richie Hall this offseason, moving up after at least one team tried to snag him.

“He's a very smart guy,” defensive back Evan Holm said. “He sees the game differently than I do. He has a different perspective. he gives me tips that i didn't know. He sees flaws that I don't.”

Content of the article

It seems that the roles of some positions may change.

“Married guys are doing two different things,” Holm said. “We're just trying to make things better that aren't good enough.”

The Bombers allowed the fewest points (20.9 per game) in the CFL last season and were the only team to allow fewer than 300 yards per game.

They were also the least penalized defense and had the third most forced turnovers, despite finishing last with 13.

BOOK CLUB, ANYWHERE?

Entering her third season, Holm has become a mainstay on and off the field, popular with teammates and coaches alike.

One of the things she did last year was start a book club.

“He's just an easy guy to get along with,” Thomas said. “He studies very well. He made a big contribution to gathering the boys in the book club. It was the first book club I ever joined. I may have read three novels for the first time, which I haven't been assigned in a long time.

Content of the article

It hurts

Linebacker Adam Bighill wasn't the only player on the six-game injured list.

Defensive back Jamal Parker was also on hand, and his stay is expected to be longer than Bighill's.

MEMORY OF GOLDCHIA

Head coach Mike O'Shea opened his Thursday media session with a tribute to TSN broadcaster Darren Dutchysen, who died this week.

“It's a sad day to hear the news about Dutchie,” O'Shea said. “If you were any kind of Canadian sports fan, he was a big part of your living room every night. This news is hard to hear. Being a Saskatchewan guy, he was a big fan of the CFL.”

[email protected]

X: @friesensunmedia

Content of the article