Bombers’ D starting to show its teeth - Winnipeg Free Press
Bombers’ Defensive Performance
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers‘ defence has demonstrated significant improvement recently, following a challenging start to the season. After opening the year with three performances that saw them struggle, the unit has since shown a different form. They are currently the only team in the CFL to limit opponents to 21 points or fewer in their last two games. This defensive resurgence contributed to their 30-21 home victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday.
The Bombers, with a 3-2 record, now rank second in the league for scoring defence, allowing an average of 24.4 points per game. They have an opportunity to further reduce this average when they face the Ottawa Redblacks (0-5) on Sunday at TD Place Stadium. Defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger acknowledged the slow start but noted that it helped identify areas needing work, which is not always clear during training camp against their own offence.
Initially, the Bombers were vulnerable to the run game and faltered late in matches. However, they have since made it difficult for opponents to establish a ground attack, holding the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (in Week 5) and Toronto to a combined total of 108 rushing yards. The defence also achieved a second-half shutout against Hamilton, after quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell left the game. Against the Argonauts, they stopped a drive in the fourth quarter, leading to a missed 40-yard field goal attempt that resulted in a 129-yard touchdown return by Trey Vaval, securing the win. The Argonauts had been averaging 37.5 points per game before that match.
Safety Redha Kramdi commented that the team has settled down and did not panic after the initial games, indicating improved communication and cohesion within the unit. Despite the recent improvements, the defence still faces challenges, including allowing opponents to convert 53.2 per cent of their second downs. They are also tied for last in the CFL with only four takeaways, comprising one interception and three fumble recoveries, despite having had more opportunities.
Quarterback Situation and Upcoming Matchup
The status of quarterback Zach Collaros remains uncertain, according to head coach Mike O’Shea. Collaros was present at Wednesday’s practice in full gear but did not participate. For the second consecutive day, Dru Brown took all the first-team repetitions. Collaros was a non-participant in practice last week due to a neck injury and was placed on the one-game injured list, missing the game against the Toronto Argonauts.
Dru Brown started in place of Collaros against the Argonauts, completing 80.6 per cent of his passes for 339 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 30-21 victory. Coach O’Shea praised Brown‘s performance, highlighting his decision-making and composure. However, O’Shea stated that Brown‘s strong play will not influence the decision regarding Collaros‘s return to the starting role, emphasizing the team’s established process for such decisions. Brown was acquired from the Ottawa Redblacks last month.
Collaros sustained his neck injury early in the second quarter of the team’s 14-13 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 5, following a sack by linebacker Reggie Stubblefield. Through four starts this season, Collaros has completed 71.8 per cent of his passes for 985 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a 2-2 record. The Bombers are scheduled to visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Return to Ottawa
The upcoming game will also mark a notable return for Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell, who previously parted ways with the Redblacks in the off-season. After Ottawa hired Ryan Dinwiddie, Condell joined Winnipeg. Despite the reunion with his former team, Condell stated he is not treating this game as an opportunity to make a statement, viewing it with the same competitive spirit as any other matchup.
The Redblacks‘ offence ranks near the bottom of the CFL in several passing categories. Quarterback Jake Maier threw four interceptions in their last game against Edmonton. There is speculation that Maier could be benched in favour of McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who signed with Ottawa last month after Dru Brown was traded to Winnipeg. Defensive end Willie Jefferson cautioned against underestimating the Redblacks, emphasizing that the Bombers must earn the win rather than expect it.
The Bombers are off on Thursday and will conduct a closed practice on Friday before travelling on Saturday for their game against the Redblacks.
Source: winnipegfreepress.com
