The Winnipeg Blue Bombers had an opportunity to beat the Elks on Saturday night and secure a playoff spot. But with lackluster quarterback play, the Bombers failed to win and still are on the outside looking in.
Despite throwing 2 interceptions the Bombers were right there at the end of the game. However, on their real last series the Bombers would turn the ball over on downs as Collaros did not make the easier pass for a first down. That is the thing with Zach Collaros, he is going to go for the big play. As a result, the Bombers always have a chance to get back into the game. But that also leaves them susceptible to throwing interceptions.
Arguably, Collaros should have tallied 3 interceptions, it if were not for the (I am calling it early) catch of the year.
The quarterback play by the Bombers leaves me asking once again, what are the Bombers going to do if they make the playoffs and Collaros struggles? Should the Bombers sign another quarterback in case Collaros gets injured or simply is not getting the job done in a playoff game?
However, another concern for the Bombers has to be the injuries to Demski and Vaval that occurred in that loss against Edmonton. With Schoen on the shelf, the Bombers do not have a good enough receiving group to win if Demski is also out. And with it being a hamstring injury…I do not expect Demski back before the playoffs. If you do not believe me about the receiving core, look at their depth chart from last game.
Wilson, Clercius, Sterns, Corcoran, Mitchell, are not enough to get the job done! Winnipeg is getting very thin at receiver. Wheatfall was on the 1 game injured list, so we will see if he comes back this week. Kody Case is on the 6 game injured list…though that alone is not a huge loss. Schoen is also on the 6 game injured list. And then Gavin Cobb, and Cam Echols are on the practice roster. Without Demski, and/or Schoen…this team just does not have the experience at receiver to help the Bombers win. And without Vaval the team lacks the x-factor to help put up special team’s points.
Why Call That Play?
With one last play to try and find a miraculous way to win, the Bombers do what? They run the ball with Oliveira. Now, even I who has been on the Bombers all year for not running enough thinks that is a terrible play call. What you do in that situation is you toss up a long bomb and hope for a pass interference penalty. If that occurs, you get one more play at the spot of the foul, because the game cannot end on a penalty. Sure, the odds of that working are slim…but they are better than a run play. We might have to start calling these plays, ‘Hogan head scratchers.’
A Bit Of Everything
This game had a bit of everything in it. The Bombers held Fajardo to zero touchdowns. There was a crazy fumbled kick return by Edmonton, who recovered it and returned it for a touchdown. But when it came to my keys to win the game, the Bombers simply did not do what they needed to do. If there was anything good to take away from this game, it is that Winnipeg did not lose by 13+ points. Therefor, Winnipeg still has the season series over Edmonton, should they end up in a tie.
Do You Want 3rd Or 4th?
Guaranteed, the Bombers will play to win. And there is the slightest of possibilities that Winnipeg could get second place in the West…but it is highly unlikely. So, with 2 weeks left to go…which spot do you think is best for the Bombers to try and get back to the Grey Cup? As you think about it, here are the remaining games for the teams in the hunt in the West.
Remaining Games
Winnipeg’s remaining schedule
1) Saskatchewan at Winnipeg
2) Montreal at Winnipeg
Calgary’s remaining schedule
1) Toronto at Calgary
2) Calgary at Edmonton
BC’s remaining schedule
1) Edmonton at BC
2) BC at Saskatchewan
Final Thoughts
I do not see a situation where Saskatchewan starts resting key players this week, and certainly not their starting quarterback, Trevor Harris. There is just too much time between now and the Western Final to rest Harris. For me that means that Winnipeg will get 3rd in the West, or 4th in the West and cross-over.
I do not actually care what path they take. The argument can be made that the East is weaker…but look at the last 3 Grey Cups. Either way, for the Bombers to get to the Grey Cup they are going to have to play more like they did against Hamilton, than like they did against Edmonton.
The real problem is that the Bombers are too inconsistent. The Bombers could go on the road in the playoffs and win the necessary two games to get back to the Grey Cup. However, based on their last game, and not knowing which Bombers’ team is going to show up week to week, I would say it is highly unlikely.
Maybe you disagree wit me. Watch all the highlights again.
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