The fact that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have had quite the issue with the placekicking position in recent history is no big news to anyone right now. We’ve been covering this fact quite extensively, and following it rather closely for you, dear readers.
Ali Mourtada did step up in the most recent game against the Edmonton Elks, but it would seem that the Bombers want a little bit more insurance in that regard it would seem.
Overall, Ali Mourtada, Marc Liegghio and Tyler Crapigna have been trying to hold down the fort, so to speak, in the placekicking position, but as mentioned, it has not gone exceptionally well. Combined, the three kickers have made only 16 out of the 28 field goal attempts so far this season.
On these issues, head coach for the Bombers, Mike O’Shea had this to say recently on his Monday Night on 680 CJOB weekly show:
“Some of the penalties were troublesome. We score a touchdown and then we kick the ball out of bounds…We’re going to pin them deep, and we punt the ball out of bounds.”
via Global News
In a deal with the BC Lions, who the Bombers are set to face this upcoming weekend, they procured an old friend of the team’s and placekicker himself, Sergio Castillo, a definite veteran.
Castillo played 38 CFL games with the Blue Bombers, the BC Lions, the Tiger-Cats, and even the Ottawa Redblacks previously—that was between 2015 and 2019. Then, in 2020, things changed drastically for Castillo.
The Bombers released this statement, stating:
“Castillo opted out of his two-year Canadian Football League contract in August of 2020 after the cancellation of the season to pursue opportunities in the National Football League.”
via chvnradio.com
The aforementioned contract was apparently with the BC Lions, according to an article at wellandtribune.ca. Also according to the piece, the Lions maintained the CFL rights regarding Castillo, thus the reason for the brokering of the deal the way it was done, with the Bombers going through BC to reacquire Castillo.
Those opportunities came in the form of a spot with the illustrious New York Jets. A definitive step in the right direction for Castillo for sure. With the Jets, he properly landed 8 of the 13 attempted field goals during his time there.
“I really believe if you put in the hard work, you reap what you sow…And God takes care of the rest…He is the one kicking for me.”
via chvnradio.com
Castillo was at the Tennessee Titans training camp this year. The Bombers go head to head with the BC Lions this Saturday October 23rd at 7 PM EST. They previously defeated the Mighty Lions on the 1st of October, 30 to 9.
NEXT: Bombers in the Playoffs—the Team Looks Forward, the Grey Cup in their Sights
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