THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are developing a bit of a reputation in 2017. After a 33-30 win over the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Friday night, the Bombers have played the role of buzzer beater comeback artists for two straight weeks. While they’ve pulled the last two out of the fire, Winnipeg is making a strong case not to be forgotten in the West Division.
Finish strong
While being down multiple possessions in the waning minutes of football games is not an ideal blueprint, you have to give the Bombers credit for sticking with it the last two weeks. Friday’s win over Ottawa saw Winnipeg make a couple big stops defensively while converting a couple of key first downs to set up three important Justin Medlock kicks. Medlock played an additional crucial role by booting a late kickoff through the end zone to scratch out an important single.
The week before it was quarterback Matt Nichols taking the Bombers on his back to stun the Montreal Alouettes. Nichols orchestrated two scoring drives in the final two minutes to turn a 40-28 shortfall into a stunning 41-40 win. Now Winnipeg sits 4-2 and needs to be considered a factor in the West.
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Justin Medlock celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal vs. Ottawa (The Canadian Press)
Yes, the Bombers have had to pull a few rabbits out of hats to pick up their last two wins and that definitely isn’t sustainable. But I’m not bullish on Winnipeg because of how heart-stopping their last two wins have been. Instead, there are some underlying traits shining through for me in a very positive way.
Yes, they’ve allowed too many points through six games; at 209, only Hamilton has allowed more than the Bombers have. However, I do think that number is a little misleading. Winnipeg has been involved in a couple shootout games and sometimes those can get away on a defensive unit, and I think this particular group is capable of noticeably bringing those numbers down.
This Bomber defence is strong against the run and it was generally up to snuff against the REDBLACKS, a pair of big plays not withstanding. That’s a strong sign and something Winnipeg can build on.
Against the pass the numbers haven’t been good and Trevor Harris was able to rack up some yardage against the Bombers on Friday night, especially in the first half. Again, though, Winnipeg’s numbers against the pass don’t strike me as signs of things to come.
The Bombers boast one of the strongest defensive backfields in the league and again lead the way in interceptions with nine; they led last year, too, with 30 picks. When you couple that with the way they’ve gotten after opposing quarterbacks, I think we’ll start seeing opposing passing numbers come down a bit.
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» Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET: Edmonton at Ottawa
» Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET: Toronto at Montreal
» Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET: Winnipeg at Hamilton
» Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET: BC at Saskatchewan
There are some good signs defensively right now: Winnipeg is top three in interceptions, forced fumbles, and sacks through the first six games. Offensively, Nichols has been accurate and poised in important situations while running back Andrew Harris is already up over 600 total yards.
Again, I’m not advocating for the Bombers to continue leaving it until the final minutes of games to dial it up. However, even though they’ve had to eek a couple out the last couple weeks, this Winnipeg group looks formidable. If the encouraging underlying traits outlined above translate positively, we could be talking about the Bombers starting to enter the same conversation as the three big boys in the West.
Under review
Last week I outlined my support of the league’s immediate initiative to cut down the amount of coach’s challenges to one, and I wanted to expand a little more on that here. It’s a great example of a league evolving, listening to its fans and not being afraid to admit flaws. I thought it was a nice early step for new commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
I think most would agree frequent video reviews were getting in the way of the flow and tempo of games. Essentially, coaches were using their challenges to try and change momentum (either gaining or stopping it) too often. Borderline plays were being reviewed just on the off chance something favourable might come of it.
Of course, I don’t blame the coaches one bit. It’s their job to find ways to gain an extra edge, no matter how small. Challenges were a helpful tool to ensure crucial plays were called correctly, but they were also being used as strategic weapons. The latter really wasn’t in the spirit of the rule.
The CFL announced last week that coaches will now be limited to one challenge per game (Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca)
It’s a league’s job to constantly move and evolve or else the risk of being left behind and rendered less relevant is real. There was a loud outcry from a large number of fans that games were being slowed down and to not listen would have been akin to the league burying its head in the sand.
As I said last week, cutting the number of challenges back to one helps strike a nice balance. While we’re on the topic of evolution, the league has access to video technology to provide a definitive eye on tough plays. To not use it would also be ignorant, I believe. Finding an equilibrium between technology and flow is the challenge, though, and that’s why I liked the ruling.
I’m hopeful this is a bit of a precedent for the commissioner. While it’s impossible to make every fan happy or listen to every fan’s demand, I’m glad they were a large contributing factor to a league decision.
Sigh of relief
Here’s the understatement of the week: Argos fans are breathing a sigh of relief when it comes to quarterback Ricky Ray. The CFL’s leader in passing yards went down with a shoulder injury in the third quarter of Toronto’s 41-24 loss to Calgary on Thursday and looked in a great deal of pain on the sidelines afterwards. Knowing the shoulder issues Ray has had in recent years, you can understand why some feared the worst.
Initial reports suggested something a little more serious; the fact Ray has been classified day-to-day has to be considered nothing but positive news. While he’s uncertain to start Friday’s game in Montreal, it doesn’t sound like Ray is going to miss a great deal of time with the injury.
I’m trying to keep an open mind on backup Cody Fajardo if Ray is unable to go, though. Fajardo had some exciting moments in garbage time against the Stampeders and we know the 25-year-old Nevada grad has wheels. Taking the reins from Ray, though, is certainly not an enviable task.
Ricky Ray is questionable to play in Week 8 after Argos fans initially may have feared worse (Johany Jutras/Argonauts.ca)
Helping me keep an open mind is the man running the sidelines for Toronto. Head Coach Marc Trestman has a track record of getting the most out of quarterbacks, and not just with Anthony Calvillo in Montreal. Trestman’s impressive history includes success stories in the NFL with the likes of Bernie Kosar and Rich Gannon before making his way north of the border.
Certainly working with a coach like Trestman isn’t going to hurt Fajardo if he goes in. Plus, let’s not forget Fajardo comes with a fairly solid resume himself. As a four-year starter with the Wolf Pack, Fajardo joined his predecessor Colin Kaepernick as the only players in NCAA history to pass for 9,000 yards and rush for 3,000.
Even Toronto’s recent history, albeit with a different coaching crew, gives me reason for optimism if the team needs to lean on Fajardo. After the Argos went through a dark period at quarterback with names like Steven Jyles, Cleo Lemon, and Dalton Bell, they’ve actually pumped out some real quality at the position over the last half-decade.
Since Ray’s arrival in 2012, we’ve seen Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris excel when given opportunity in Toronto and we’ve seen both go on to successful starting careers elsewhere. I’m not saying Fajardo is lucky number three, but it’s another reason for a little optimism.
Regardless, though, a healthy Ray is the ideal. As many had speculated about, his connection with Trestman has been a prolific one through the first third of 2017. While Fajardo could turn out to be something, it’s fair to say the Argos are hoping they won’t have to test that much this season.
