We now know that the Bombers will not be dressing Zach Collaros for Saturday’s game vs. Ottawa. And while that was only confirmed on Friday, it seemed evident earlier in the week that Collaros would not be playing.
Mike O’Shea came to Bombers’ quarterback, Chris Streveler’s, defense when asked about him this week. I do not really care about what Mike O’Shea said…so long as he himself does not believe it.
O’Shea stepped in front of a media availability and was asked about Streveler. That is a fair line of questioning, especially after Streveler laid an egg last game. It is apparent that the Bombers do not believe that Streveler can throw the ball with any degree of consistency or effectiveness. That was evident from their run heavy game plan against Hamilton. So what is Mike O’Shea supposed to say? “Yah, we were hoping Streveler could get the job done; but he has shown that he can’t. And since Zach doesn’t look like he is coming back soon, and we have zero confidence in Wilson, I guess we have to ride with Streveler.”
That type of candidness from a coach might actually be refreshing…but it is not likely to happen. So, Mike O’Shea can only say what he says.
And then in an interview O’Shea said, “I think a lot of people are forgetting what he (Streveler) did for us in 2019.
Guess what? Nobody cares! It was great what Streveler did in 2019, and he will forever be remembered for his heart, and willingness that helped the Bombers break a 29 year Grey Cup drought. But the year is now 2025, and what Streveler did in 2019 should have no bearing on who is playing quarterback in a year the Bombers are hosting the Grey Cup.
Here’s What Streveler Says
“I want to be smart with the ball in my hands,” said Streveler earlier this week, “and we all want to take care of the football. That’s going to continue to be a point of emphasis even more so as we move deeper into the season.
“I’ve played a lot of football, and I understand how important it is to take care of the football. Ultimately, I’m the quarterback and when we turn the ball over or an interception happens, I’ve got to take care of the football and I’m going to own that every time.
“It’s on me. It starts with me, and I’ve got to keep doing a better job.” – source
For me, the problem is that I am not convinced he can do a better job. I think we have seen what Streveler is as a professional football quarterback…and it is not good enough. At this stage of his career, if he cannot get it done, that should speak for itself.
But that did not stop Bombers’ offensive coordinator, Jason Hogan from falling on his own sword.
One thing is clear though, the messaging coming from the Bombers is becoming more and more defensive. The other problem for the Bombers is that Ottawa is going to be starting Dru Brown.
If we were to compare the depth charts, I do not see any argument that Winnipeg is even near Ottawa at the quarterback position for this game.
Guaranteed, if the Bombers lose many fans will be outraged that the Bombers did not keep Brown. But being honest here, it is not like Brown has been healthy this year either. I would like to think that if Streveler struggles – as I think he will – that the Bombers would put in Wilson. It is time for the argument that Wilson did not get first team reps so he is not ready, to be put to bed. Because, if the Bombers were not sure, they should be now that Streveler will not get the job done…but apparently they still need more proof!
So Now What?
That question could be answered a couple of way. The response could be with regards to what the Bombers should do against Ottawa on Saturday, or it could be answered with what we expect the Bombers to do on Saturday.
Quite honestly, and I hope I am wrong, I do not see the Bombes doing much different on Saturday. They can prove me right or wrong, but right now the Bombers coaching staff are stubborn to a fault!
Keys To A Bombers Victory
I will be honest, I do not think there is much chance that the Bombers pull this one off. However, and it is a big however, if the Bombers are going to find a way to win there are a few things that must all happen.
1) Streveler must be perfect or throw a ball nobody can catch!
If Streveler throws any interceptions, the Bombers are done for. If he is going to miss on a throw, it needs to be in a place that nobody can catch it. He simply is not good enough to throw into coverage with the pass being off even a little bit.
2) The Bombers must run the ball with or without success!
I hope they run the ball with success. But even if it is not proving fruitful, the moment the Bombers get away from the run, the game is over. Brady Oliveira had 116 yards rushing last game…and over 100 of those came in the first half. Yet down 20-10 at the half the Bombers stopped running the ball. Streveler is not good enough to get the Bombers back in the game by throwing the ball. The Bombers need to continue to run the ball, and look towards my point number 3.
3) Hope for some CFL magic!
The Bombers are not winning this game on their own…and I hope that is not a shocker to anyone. If the Bombers have a chance at winning they are going to need some Crazy Football League magic to kick in. A sudden wind gust like last year in Montreal; fortuitous bounces where Ottawa loses the ball multiple times; multiple kick returns for touchdowns, even a plague of biblical proportions could help the Bombers. Dru Brown gets river blindness for 3 hours, Crum cramps us, and Shiltz forgot his equipment in BC…yah, it might take that much.
If only a few of these things happen…forget about it. Ottawa will win the game. And there will be a lot more questions from Bomber fans in a year that Winnipeg hosts the Grey Cup, and General Manager Kyle Walters admitted he was not sure about Winnipeg’s roster before the season.
What did you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.
