It was a little over a year ago that the Toronto Argonauts decided to rest Kelly and play Dukes vs. Winnipeg. At that point, in the 2023 season, Toronto had already clinched first place…but this year is different. Toronto is still in a fight to make the playoffs.

As for Winnipeg, do not expect them to be resting any players either. While they have locked up a home playoff game, they are still trying to secure first in the West in order to host the Western Final.

Injury Front
On October 9th the Bombers came out with this injury report – after a full week of practice.

Any time a player misses part/whole practice, they are listed as “Questionable.” So what I generally look to is if they participated in the last practice. (All of this may become a moot point, as the Depth Chart was not yet released on October 9).

There are a few injuries here that concern me, even if they can play on Friday night.
*Nic Demski: this guy adds so much to the offence, even when he is not the target
*Gabe Wallace: the Bombers need continuity in the O-Line (and with the Bombers signing an O-Line player to the practice roster you have to wonder about Wallace)
*Michael Ayers: he has been a standout player the last couple of games, and did not practice this week at all
*Brandon Alexander: he brings a degree of nasty to the Bomber’s defense and makes them that much better
*Ontaria Wilson: when Shoen went down for the season, Wilson stepped up! He is a deep threat that the Bombers would miss

If there is any bright side, is that after Friday the Bomber will not play again until October 26 – as they have a bye-week.

For the Bombers to win here is what they will have to do:

• Limit the Toronto run! In the last 5 games Toronto has averaged 144 yards per game. Stop Ka’Deem Carey!
• Cover well down field – The Bombes have allowed some wide open long shots this season.
• Keep Toronto frustrated in the red zone – Toronto is at a 56.5% touchdown rate in that part of the field and that is 7th in the league
• Protect Zach – Early in the season the O-Line was suspect and we do not know who will be the backup, regardless of the depth chart.
• Win the turnover battle.
• Stay away from dummy penalties – Winnipeg simply cannot help Toronto out that way.
• Keep the Bomber D rolling – Both in coverage, pressures, and blitzes. Do more of what you did last game!
• Convert turnovers to points.
• Feed Oliveira and get him the ball early and often!
• Keep the crowd in it – It looks like the weather is going to be fantastic and that the Bombers will play in front of another sellout crowd!

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

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