If you would have told me that Collaros would not play ((Streveler would) and that Oliveira would get injured in the first series…and yet the Bombers would beat BC I would have said, “No way. There is no way!” However, in front of a sold out crowd at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg last Thursday that is exactly what happened.

There were a few questions I had heading into this game, and the Bombers answered all of them. Did Streveler play a perfect game? No. There were times that I would have liked to see him lead the receiver, which could have amassed for more yards after the catch. But I can live with that. He still threw 3 touchdowns to his 1 interception and showed that he is not a one dimensional quarterback.

Next, the special teams for the Bombers actually looked special, and not in a bad way. In fact, in terms of returns, something that has been difficult for the Bombers, they actually did better than the Lions. In punt returns, BC averaged 7.5 yards per return to Winnipeg’s 12.1 yard average. And when it came to kickoff returns Winnipeg and BC both used two different returns, and both of Winnipeg’s returners were better than both of BC’s returners.

BC’s Carter averaged 15.7 yards on kickoff returns while his teammate Berryhill averaged 17 yards per kickoff return. Compare that to Winnipeg where Vaval averaged 30.5 yards and Peterson 22 yards, and we will see that Winnipeg was better in kickoff returns as well as kickoff return coverage. Hopefully that trend continues for 2025.

I also said that the Bombers were going to have to stop Rourke and Butler; not one of them, but both of them. And boy, did the Bombers ever stop Butler! He had 10 carries and averaged a measly 2.7 yards per carry. For Butler that is unheard of. But the Bomber’s defence did not stop there. Rourke, whom the Bombers have stymied before, was not great.

The one thing that I will give Rourke, and if you were watching the game live it was impossible to miss, was his speed. He is quick, and he does not need much time to accelerate. While the Bombers did a good job containing him, I do not remember Rourke being that fast. When they meet each other again this week the Bombers will have to make sure he does not take off for chunk plays. But outside of that, Rourke was just ok.

The other thing that should be mentioned is that when the Lions did move the ball down the field and put up points, the Bombers were right there to respond with points of their own. It never felt like the Bombers were going to get an “L” once the game started.

The Bombers only got one quarterback sack, but they were after Rourke all night making life difficult for him. Another thing that stood out for me was how hard Rourke was to take down. Look, I have met the guy. I stood beside him at the Grey Cup Awards after party a couple of years ago. He is not that big. He is listed at 6’1″ and 209 pounds. I myself, am 5’10” and about 185 pounds. Standing next to him he did not seem much bigger than me. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying that to slight him. I am only saying that to highlight that for a guy who is not massive, he has great strength and balance.

All in all, I would say that the Bombers played a fairly well-rounded game. The question this week will be around what adjustments the BC Lions make knowing Oliveira will likely miss the game, and with the Bombers starting Zach Collaros. These player changes for the Bombers may actually be helpful for them as BC did not this team last week, unless other significant players are not able to play.

Let me know what you think in the comments section wherever you are reading this.
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