A number to mull over as we open this week’s Playbook…
Over the last 50 games, including playoffs, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have amassed a 41-9 record. Think about that for a moment and then repeat it again slowly just to reinforce the magnitude of that number – the Blue Bombers are 41-9 over their last 50 games played for winning percentage of .82.
Let’s also note that of those nine losses, two were by one point – including the 2022 Grey Cup game last November – while two more came in overtime and two more that were by less than 10 points.
The point here is that winning has become a regular occurrence in these parts and with that come some lofty expectations. But that standard of excellence also means that when the Blue Bombers win ugly – as they did in last week’s 19-18 victory in Calgary against the Stampeders or the week before in a rally from 22 points down in a comeback over the then winless Edmonton Elks – so many are quick to find flaws.
Including in those in their own locker room.
That’s understandable, of course. And it’s also important for a team trying to live up to its motto of getting one percent better every day not to gloss over the mistakes even in victory.
Yet, it might be said walking that line between enjoying the moments and expecting more can be a constant high-wire act.
“You can feel it around here. Expectations do change and do rise,” said receiver Rasheed Bailey Wednesday, not long after the Blue Bombers had completed final preparations for Thursday’s home date with the Montreal Alouettes. “There are times when even when we win games it feels like we lost. That happened a few times last year. But this year I also feel like we’re celebrating those wins a bit more. We’re just closer as an offensive unit and as team. It’s like we’re trying to be in the moment more and celebrate those moments more.
“We’re in a good place right now as to learning who we are,” Bailey added. “It’s important for some of the leaders to step up and we have. It’s been special… this year vs last year, like I said, we took some of those wins and we didn’t celebrate them. We’ve been better at that this season.”
One more on the current 41-9 run for context and courtesy CFL stats guru Steve Daniel…
- Over a stretch from the end of 1957 through to 1960 and a 10-0 start that season, the Blue Bombers went 46-9-1, or a .830 winning percentage.
- Adding to the above… the Blue Bombers went 10-2 to finish 1959 and then through a 7-1 start in 1962, posted a 42-9 mark, or .824 winning percentage.
“You can forget how hard it is to win when you’ve been winning regularly,” said Bailey. “I’ve been saying this to you and some of the other reporters: When you’re the giant – which we are – you’re going to get everybody’s best. Sometimes when we’re not at our best and we still win a game, it’s like ‘Ahhh…’ Last week we were running the ball well, we didn’t get the ball downfield regularly passing the ball, but we still won. That needs to be celebrated.
“I’ve been feeling it around the locker room – guys are appreciating this now more than ever. This is the time for us to do it. Some guys are getting older. Changes will be made. So, while we’re in it, soak all these moments up. I’m feeling appreciative, living life in the moment and ready for tomorrow.”
More sub-plots and storylines for Blue Bombers fans to keep an eye on in our Game 11 Playbook…
HOT TAKE GONE COLD
Remember in the offseason when the Als were in the midst of an ownership change just around the start of free agency and some players exited, like receivers Geno Lewis (Edmonton) and Jake Wieneke (Saskatchewan)? Back then many were expecting the Als to be a disaster in 2023.
Yet here they are at 6-3 and playing some inspired ball under new head coach Jason Maas. The Alouette defence is especially tough. Consider, as evidence, this stat: in his last three starts vs. Montreal, Zach Collaros has averaged just 212.7 yards passing.
“Montreal’s a really good football team,” said Collaros. “… They’ve been playing great football, especially as of late. We’ve obviously spent a lot of time this week watching their defence and they’re a very physical bunch. They’re fast, they take the ball away well. I think they do a really good job playing man coverage when asked to and week to week, depending on what type of zone structure they want to play, their players really understand what they’re trying to do. They’re multiple in a way that can mess with the quarterback’s eyes and try to get you to throw ‘hot’ when you’re not ‘hot’ and vice-versa.
“A really good bunch. It’s going to be a great challenge.”
Further to the above, the Blue Bombers are coming off a win over Calgary in which the team generated 257 yards net offence – the second-lowest total of the season next to the 235 put up in the 30-6 loss to B.C. in June. The 171 yards passing was also the lowest of the season.
“As an offence we want to do a better job of staying on the field and finishing drives, after last week especially,” said receiver Nic Demski. “It’s always good to end some drives with field goals, but our ultimate goal is to put more points on the board. We’ve got to do a better job of executing and staying on the field and helping our defence out in that way.
“We’ve had a good week of preparation, now it’s about going out there and finishing.”
HELLO FROM THE ‘OTHER SIDE’
Winston Rose has been back manning his side of the secondary for three games now and has quietly been effective with eight tackles. At the same time, opposition QBs continue to target the side of Demerio Houston and all he’s done is pick off seven passes – including last week’s critical score in the win over Calgary.
Asked if he felt the action hasn’t been consistently coming his way, Rose grinned and added:
“You could say that. But I mean if they’re not coming after me, they’re coming after Demerio. I’ll be getting some targets coming my way later on because Demerio is leading the league in interceptions. I’m expecting it.”
Admittedly his own worst critic, Rose offered this when he was asked to grade his play through three games.
“Right now, if we had a report card, I’d give myself a ‘B,’” he said. “I’m still leaving plays out there, but I’m also not giving up plays. It’s been one game at a time and I’m just trying to keep building. I’ve had a good week of practice and do my part to help the unit and ultimately help the team win. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, keep sticking to the script.”
WELCOME BACK, SHAYNE
The Blue Bombers get a key player back with the return of linebacker Shayne Gauthier, not just for what he can bring as part of a defensive rotation, but especially on special teams.
“For me (special teams) is my main job. That’s what I’m here for – to perform on special teams,” Gauthier said Wednesday. “When they asked me to do stuff on defence, I can do it and I’m happy to do it, but my first and main job is to be on special teams and make sure all those guys on field know what we’re doing and know the situation. I really have fun doing it. I’ve been doing it for a lot of years and want to keep doing it until my career is over.
“I know my role. I know what I need to do, and I appreciate what I do, too.”
Gauthier suited up for the first four games but has missed the last six. And he admitted watching from the sidelines – especially road games – can be a nightmare.
“It’s been quite stressful, especially the Edmonton game and the last game away,” he said. “I feel that when you watch it on TV it’s way worse than when you watch it on the sideline… when you’re on the sideline you have a feeling of the game and feel the vibe, too. When you’re in front of your TV you see all the things unfold and it’s “Oh my God!’ and you’re a nervous wreck. The guys got the ‘W’ and it makes it easier.”
KEY MATCHUP
Alouette offensive tackles Nick Callender and Landon Rice vs. Blue Bombers defensive ends Willie Jefferson and Jackson Jeffcoat.
The Alouettes have surrendered 35 sacks this year, second most to Saskatchewan (41), while the Blue Bombers are tied for second with 29 sacks, three back of Calgary. Willie Jefferson leads the team with eight sacks, third most in the CFL behind B.C.’s Mathieu Betts (11) and A.C. Leonard of Edmonton (9).
“The last game we played (a 17-3 win on Canada Day), I got to the backfield a good amount of time and was able to get to Cody (Fajardo) a good amount of time,” said Jefferson. “So, we’re going to try to do that again. Having Jackson back and the defence playing the way we’re playing – especially in the fourth quarter, especially in the second half – is going to be a good game for us and hopefully a bad game for Cody.”
FYI:
Safety Brandon Alexander was listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report on Tuesday but will suit up. “He should be fine,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “He’s just under the weather.”… The Blue Bombers and Alouettes both enter the game with four-game win streaks, the longest streak matchup since Winnipeg (5-0) met the Stampeders (4-0) early last season… Take note: two CT-155 Hawk training aircraft from 15 Wing in Moose Jaw, Sk will do two flybys just before kickoff Thursday night.
