Bombers’ defensive resurgence
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers‘ defence has demonstrated significant improvement following a challenging start to the season. After three initial performances that were described as discouraging, the unit has recently appeared transformed. This shift comes without major overhauls to the scheme or significant roster changes.
The Bombers are currently the only team in the CFL to have limited opponents to 21 points or fewer in their last two games. Following a 30-21 home victory against the Toronto Argonauts, Winnipeg holds the second position in the league for scoring defence, allowing an average of 24.4 points per game.
Defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger acknowledged that no team desires a slow start or to concede big plays early in the season. However, he noted that playing against their own offence in training camp does not always forecast where work is needed. The team’s early struggles included being vulnerable to the run game and faltering late in contests.
Recently, the Bombers have made the run game less effective for opponents. They held the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts to a combined total of 108 rushing yards. During the game in Hamilton, they achieved a second-half shutout, although this occurred after quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell exited the game. Against the Argonauts, Winnipeg‘s defence stopped them on a short field in the fourth quarter, leading to a missed 40-yard field goal attempt. The kick was returned 129 yards for a touchdown by Trey Vaval, securing the victory. The Argonauts had been averaging 37.5 points per game prior to that match.
Safety Redha Kramdi indicated that the team has settled down and did not panic after the initial games. He mentioned that players communicated more, and the results are now evident. Despite the recent improvements, the defence still faces challenges, including allowing opponents to convert 53.2 per cent of their second downs. Additionally, the team is tied for the lowest number of takeaways in the CFL, with only four—one interception and three fumble recoveries.
Younger noted that there have been missed opportunities for interceptions, estimating four or five easy drops. He emphasized the importance of catching the ball to improve their takeaway statistics. Head coach Mike O’Shea recounted a personal experience of dropping a crucial interception in a high school championship game, highlighting the lasting impact such plays can have.
Upcoming challenge and quarterback situation
The Bombers have an opportunity to further reduce their average points allowed when they face the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday at TD Place Stadium. The Redblacks currently hold an 0-5 record. Ottawa‘s offence ranks near the bottom of the CFL in several passing categories, with quarterback Jake Maier having thrown four interceptions in his last game against Edmonton.
There is speculation that Maier could be benched in favour of McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who joined Ottawa last month after Dru Brown was traded to Winnipeg. Defensive end Willie Jefferson cautioned against underestimating the Redblacks, stating that they have good players who can make plays and that the Bombers must earn a win.
In other team news, quarterback Zach Collaros, who has been dealing with a neck injury, was present at Wednesday’s practice in full gear but did not participate. For the second consecutive day, Dru Brown handled all first-team repetitions. Collaros was listed as questionable for the game against the Toronto Argonauts but was moved to the one-game injured list and did not play. Brown started in his place, completing 80.6 per cent of his passes for 339 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 30-21 victory.
O’Shea praised Brown‘s performance, noting his accurate and timely throws, creative plays, and good decision-making under pressure. Despite Brown‘s strong showing, O’Shea stated that it would not influence the decision regarding Collaros‘s return to the starting role, emphasizing the team’s established process for such decisions. Collaros sustained his injury in the second quarter of the team’s 14-13 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 5 when he was sacked for a seven-yard loss.
Brown was acquired from the Ottawa Redblacks late last month. Ottawa‘s head coach and general manager, Ryan Dinwiddie, later commented that Brown had become a distraction and questioned his arm strength. Brown has maintained a positive outlook, wishing the Redblacks well. O’Shea anticipates that Brown will remain composed if called upon to start against his former team in the nation’s capital.
This weekend’s game will also mark the return of Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell to Ottawa, his first time back since leaving the Redblacks in the off-season. Condell stated that he is not treating the game as an opportunity to make a statement against his former team, viewing it similarly to any other competitive matchup. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-2) are scheduled to visit the Ottawa Redblacks (0-5) on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
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Source: winnipegfreepress.com
As CasinoNews's Sports News Writer, Mason Leclair reports on the CFL, golf and combat sports for readers across the country. He moved from regional papers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. Mason lives in Ottawa, where he follows the PGA Tour and mixed martial arts. “Get the facts down first, then add the context.”
