For the second time in a span of four weeks, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-1-0) proved to the BC Lions (4-6-0) just why they are the class of the CFL. This time around, they scored touchdowns on offence, defence and special teams in a 45-0 domination before a jacked-up crowd at IG Field. The result clinches first place in the West and home field advantage for the Bombers in the Division Final on December 5th.
For the Lions, it’s back to the drawing board after a fourth straight loss that has them behind the eight-ball in a tough playoff race with four games to play. It also marked the first time since October 25th, 1970- a 29-0 loss at Calgary- and the 12th time overall in franchise history the team has been shut out in a contest.
Self Inflicted Wounds
Bombers bringing the Heat
Just like we knew they would. Their stellar defensive front made things difficult for Michael Reilly all night while Willie Jefferson’s interception return touchdown late in the third quarter put the exclamation point on their victory. The Bombers also recorded four quarterback sacks on Reilly, including one on the Lions’ opening series to help set a tone that they were here to play hard once again. Reilly finished 15/31 for 131 yards and the interception. He was replaced by Nathan Rourke with under five minutes to play in that third quarter only to be pressed back into action after just five plays when Rourke tweaked his shoulder after being tackled by Jackson Jeffcoat. The Bombers’ special teams touchdown came on a 63-yard punt return by Janarion Grant.
Key Numbers
434- total offence for the Bombers, compared to 222 for the Lions.
33:29– the Blue Bombers’ time of possession.
80.0- completion percentage for Collaros (16/20) who also threw for three majors.
41- rushing yards for the Lions’ James Butler on just six carries. An encouraging sign as the running game will need to be a factor if the squad wants to be outside come playoff time.
108- kickoff return yards for Chris Rainey on six attempts. However, he managed just a single yard on two punt returns.
Quotables
Reilly on if this is “rock bottom.”- “I hope so. If it gets worse than this, then that’s obviously not a good thing. But hopefully, it is.”
Head coach Rick Campbell: “I’ve been a part of some not very good football teams and this is not one of those teams. There are too many good people and talent but we’re obviously playing like a bad football team right now. We’ve got time but it’s running short, so we’ve got to find a way to fix this.”
Next Up
The squad heads east to take on the Toronto Argonauts next Saturday, October 30th at BMO Field. The Argos are 6-4, tied with Montreal atop the East Division, after falling 37-16 to the Alouettes on Friday evening.