We should have more themed games in the CFL. Why not? Who says the Bombers are the only ones that can host a “bowl” game? Nobody! So Calgary has stepped up to the plate and initiated the Stampede Bowl, a CFL game played in Calgary during the Calgary Stampede week.

With Calgary sitting at 2-1 and the Bombers sitting at 3-0, this should shape up to be a great game. In fact according to the CFL writers the Bombers are an underdog! How? I have no clue.

Calgary’s Depth Chart

Calgary is coming off a loss and a bye week, so they will be hungry to get a win. There will be an added motivation for Calgary as they will not want to lose the inaugural Stampede Bowl. As much as it is a great idea to introduce these theme games, you sure do not want to lose the first one you introduce.

What Calgary Needs To Do
On offence, Calgary is going to need to convert drives. The Bombers are known for giving up yards and then shutting it down leaving teams to a field goal try. While Paredes is a very good kicker, if you want to beat the Bombers you need to be putting up majors.

Directly related to that, Adams will need to protect the ball – and that may be a challenge. So far on the season Adams has thrown 0 TDs and 3 INTs. Feast or famine shots down field may be tempting, but I think Adams would be better off putting together long, methodical drives that keeps the Bombers’ defense on the field. The weather on game day will be significantly cooler than the heat warning day on Wednesday. However, defences can still get tired out if they remain on the field for significant periods of time.

Lastly, I believe that Calgary is going to need to create some turnovers. Whether that is on kick return coverage – the Bombers have been dropping balls on their kick returns this year – or finding some INTs Calgary will need to help themselves out. Adrian Greene may be a candidate for Calgary as he leads the team with 2 interceptions on the season.

Winnipeg’s Depth Chart

What Winnipeg Needs To Do
With Oliveira back this week, it will be paramount for Winnipeg to get the ball to him early and often. While Peterson is a reliable second option, there is nothing quite like watching ‘bully ball’ in the fourth quarter where Oliveira stacks run upon run, and then gets up and slaps his helmet. Those drives are simply demoralizing for the opponent.

Get after Adams. While Adams has more passing yards than Collaros, when you look at the top receivers in the CFL the first time you see a Calgary player is in the 16th spot. That could indicated that Adams likes to spread it around, but it could also indicate that he does not have a favorite target that he believes is consistent and reliable. If the Bombers can get after Adams they might be able to force him into making errors.

The Bombers are also going to need to plug the holes and keep an eye on Calgary’s rusher, Dedrick Mills. Mills leads the league in rushing touchdowns with 4 of them. If he can find some space he could prove to be a difficult task for the Bombers.

Finally, like almost every week, the Bombers need to protect the football. The Bombers are better at creating and recovering fumbles than Calgary is, so far this season. But that does not matter. What only matters in this game is what happens in this game.

Final Thoughts
I could actually see this game being a high-scoring affair. In fact, I would be surprised if both teams do not put up more than 20 points. I would also be surprised if one team blew the other one out of the water. I am not saying that I expect this game to come down to the final drive; though it may. What I am expecting is that there will be many chances or both teams to grab ahold of a win, or to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

What did you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this.

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