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 turnaround is evident as the Bombers are currently the only team in the CFL to have restricted opponents to 21 points or fewer in their last two games. They secured a 30-21 home victory against the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, bringing their season record to 3-2.
The team now ranks second in the league for scoring defence, allowing an average of 24.4 points per game. This improved performance sets the stage for their upcoming game against the Ottawa Redblacks (0-5) at TD Place Stadium on Sunday. Defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger noted that while no team wants to start slow, the early struggles helped identify areas needing work, which is not always clear during training camp when playing against their own offence.
Initially, the Bombers‘ defence struggled against the run game and faltered late in matches. However, they have since made the run game less effective for opponents, holding the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Week 5) and Toronto to a combined total of 108 rushing yards. In Hamilton, they achieved a second-half shutout, even after quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell exited the game. Against the Argonauts, they prevented a score from a short field in the fourth quarter, leading to a missed 40-yard field goal that was returned 129 yards for a touchdown by Trey Vaval, sealing 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, suggesting that increased communication among the players has contributed to their improved play. Despite the recent successes, 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, consisting of one interception and three fumble recoveries.
Opportunities and upcoming challenges
Jordan Younger acknowledged that the team has had opportunities for more takeaways, noting several dropped interception chances. He emphasized the importance of simply catching the ball in those situations. Head coach Mike O’Shea recalled a personal experience of dropping a crucial interception in a high school championship game, highlighting how such plays can impact a game.
Star halfbacks Evan Holm and Deatrick Nichols have also had chances for interceptions. They may find more opportunities against Ottawa, whose offence ranks low in most passing categories. Redblacks quarterback Jake Maier threw 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 cannot expect an easy win. The team is focused on earning the victory rather than assuming it.
Quarterback situation and returns
Quarterback Zach Collaros, who has been dealing with a neck injury, was present at Wednesday’s practice in full uniform but did not participate. For the second consecutive day, Dru Brown took all the first-team repetitions. Mike O’Shea stated that Collaros is “working” to return, but the timeline for his return is largely dependent on head athletic therapist Alain Couture and Collaros himself.
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. Dru Brown started in his place, completing 80.6 percent of his passes for 339 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 30-21 win. O’Shea praised Brown‘s performance, noting his excellent ball delivery, creative plays, and good decision-making. However, O’Shea indicated that Brown‘s performance 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 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 5 when he was sacked for a seven-yard loss. Through four starts this season, he has completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 985 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a 2-2 record. The Blue Bombers will be off on Thursday, hold a closed practice on Friday, and travel on Saturday before their game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, July 19.
The upcoming game also marks the return of Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell to Ottawa, his first time back since leaving the Redblacks in the off-season. Condell joined Winnipeg after Ottawa hired Ryan Dinwiddie. Condell stated he is not treating this game as an opportunity to make a statement against his former team, emphasizing that his competitive drive is consistent every week, regardless of the opponent.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
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Source: winnipegfreepress.com
