Week 5 seems a little early to call a game a 'must win,' especially when you already have had a bye week.
But make no mistake about it, this game vs Hamilton is an absolute must win game.
Some people do not like talking about must win games until losing means that a team's season is done. But from where I sit, if the Bombers do not win this game on Sunday then their season is done. Not because it is impossible for a team to come back from a 1-3 start to go deep in the playoffs. Rather, because a 1-3 start for the Bombers means that the sun has set on this group. It may be the worst kept secret in the CFL that the Bombers are making one last push for a Grey Cup win with the nucleus of this team. Collaros has also hinted at the fact that this may be his least season. If the Bombers are not ultra-competitive in this year's playoffs, I suggest that 2026 will be Collaros' last year.
Before we dive more into Sunday's game, here are the current CFL standings - as of Saturday afternoon.
CFL Standings
With only one team missing the playoffs...or should I say play-ins, the Bombers are still in a decent spot to get in. But here is what we should be keenly aware of; when the Bombers have not had a good season...they exit the playoffs early. These are not the 2019 road warriors where the Bombers can hit the road int he playoffs and win multiple games. These are not the Toronto Argos that can have lack luster seasons and get hot in the playoffs. This current edition of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers host a home playoff game or are done.
Comments After Losing To Hamilton
After Hamilton beat Winnipeg the first time this season, I said, "I get it, it is only game 2 and to say that the sky is falling is a bit premature. However, there are a few trends that simply cannot continue.
First, the Bombers' defence has to be way better. It is the CFL and teams will continue to throw deep balls. However, an offence simply cannot be able to continually identify pre-snap where the one-on-one coverage is. It is very hard to get pressure on the quarterback that way and you will get burnt down field.
Second, the Bombers need to run the ball more! Quite frankly, after last year I do not have any time for excuses or explanations when the Bombers do not run the ball at least 15 times.
Third, if the Bombers offence continues to put up a ton of yards, but also turn the ball over that is problematic. I would rather have an efficient Bombers' offence that puts up less yards...but protects the football.
Should two of these three areas of concern continue, then I believe the Bombers are in a world of hurt."
Last Time They Met
The Bombers did very well offensively against Hamilton 2 weeks ago. They put up 421 passing yards. Yes, they did have 1 interception. And, no I do not think they ran the ball enough (you can read all about that here). Yet, this depth chart surprises me.
Bo Levi Mitchell was having his way with the Bombers' defence. It was as if he knew the coverage based on who the Bombers' defence lined up. And then he threw right at man coverage every time. I thought for sure that the Bombers would make some changes in their defence during the bye week.
Only 1 Key To The Game
Before I get to my 1 Key...yes there is only one, let's look at the depth charts.
Are you surprised that Dru Brown is on the reserve roster? Quite honestly, I do not think that matters. If we are talking about Dru Brown this game then the Bombers are losing. Quarterbacking is not my 1 Key To Victory.
Some will want to argue that protecting the football will be a key to a Bombers' victory. I disagree. I do not even believe that turnovers cost the Bombers the last game. Do you think I am off my rocker? Read about it right here: Reflections - Bombers Lose To Edmonton: What's Going On? (It Was Not The Turnovers!)
My 1 Key
Here is what I said before they matched up last time, "I am going to go out and say that Hamilton comes up short against the Bombers. That is not to say that I expect Collaros to have a walk in the park. Nor do I expect him to be able to stand back their, make a proverbial sandwich and eat it. I simply cannot discount Hamilton that much. What I can say is that I think Winnipeg will do a much better job getting after Mitchell than Hamilton will do against Collaros.
Why? Jake Ceresna, that is why! Surely some will say, 'What about Willie Jefferson?' My comment to that is this; Ceresna allows Jefferson to play to his own strengths. I think it would be foolish to say, 'Ceresna makes Jefferson better.' That is a massive slight to Jefferson. However, with Ceresna and Jefferson in the lineup one of them will get double teamed and open spots for the other one. Ceresna is already on a personal record pace for sacks."
While I was correct about what is was going to take for the Bombers to win, I was wrong about their execution.
For that reason, that is my one key...get after Mitchell. If the Bombers can make Mitchell's night a nightmare, they have a chance. If Bo dissects them with the same precision he did in the first game...forget about it. The Bombers might as well fire up the bus at half time and head home.
Bonus
It would also be nice if Neild could start making a major impact for the Bombers.
Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.