September 22, 2018

Win over Als much needed confidence boost for Bombers

WINNIPEG — The pressure was on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers heading into their tilt against the Montreal Alouettes.

The Blue and Gold had dropped their last four straight, three of them against divisional opponents, and found themselves in the bottom of the West Division entering Week 15.

A convincing victory over Montreal was just what the doctor ordered.

“Anytime you go through a stretch like that without getting a win, you almost forget what that feeling feels like, to celebrate with your teammates in the locker room after a good win,” said quarterback Matt Nichols. “It was a much needed win. Obviously it’s an incredible feeling. I’m proud of how the team responded this week.”

Bombers receiver Kebrell Thompkins echoed those sentiments.

“It’s always good to get a win,” said Thompkins, who had a season high 94 receiving yards in the win. “That’s our job. There’s a lot of smiles in this locker room right now… we’re just going to try and piggy back off of that and keep things going from here on out.”

Despite Winnipeg’s recent struggles, they are still very much in the playoff hunt. Only four points separated the last place Bombers and second place Eskimos in the West heading into Week 15.

Defensive lineman Craig Roh says the Bombers may be finding their stride at the right time.

“Everyone’s invested. Everyone wants to win. Everyone is putting in the work,” Roh said after the game. “We’re not decreasing at all just because there was a skid here. It’s good to finally get the win and get some mojo going.”

There was a sense of relief surrounding the Bombers after Friday night’s victory, as if a weight have been lifted off the shoulders of the team.

The lightness around the dressing room was evident. When Roh was asked about sacking former college star Johnny Manziel, his answer received a few chuckles.

“Sacking quarterbacks is already fun, but when they have a million Instagram followers, it’s even more fun.”

It’s a much needed change in atmosphere for the Bombers, but they will have to work hard to keep the good times rolling.

Four of the Bombers last five games to close out the season will be against West teams. While it will be a tough task, it also gives them a much needed opportunity to make up more ground in the division.