The Winnipeg Blue Bombers came out like gangbusters in their game against Edmonton (but would eventually lose as the 2nd quarter looked like a completely different game).
In fact, it was quite surprising to see that the Bombers could do whatever they wanted offensively and defensively in the first half...and then nothing in the second half.
A Swing In Emptions
As I sat there and watched the game, I wonder to myself, 'Has this Bombers’ team turned a corner?' But then I reminded myself that the only thing that they have been consistent on in 2026 is being inconsistent. So my hope was quickly tempered. And so as Winnipeg moved the ball up and down the field and stopped the Elks, I was still cautiously optimistic.
However, that all changed. Somehow the Bombers still could not score touchdowns and could only get field goals. When I saw that happening, I knew it was gonna be problematic as Cody Fajardo kept taking deep shots down the field, and was eventually going to connect.
But then Winnipeg created turnovers, and my optimism level rose a little bit.
However, I knew Winnipeg was in trouble before halftime. People always talk about making halftime adjustments and yes teams do that but Edmonton was making adjustments on the fly, and at half time. The Bombers were not able to run the ball late in the second half nor were they able to put together first downs.
Couple with that that Edmonton scored a late first half touchdown, even though they missed their two point convert, and I knew the second half was gonna look differently.
A Switcheroo
What I did not know was how completely different the second half of the game would look. It was as if both teams switched roles. Winnipeg could not stop Edmonton and Edmonton could do whatever they wanted to.
To put this really into perspective, in the first half Winnipeg put up 300 yards of offence which could be a whole game's worth. The problem was not the yardage it was that Winnipeg only got 16 points out of all those yards.
That has been a fatal flaw of Winnipeg this year, not being able to capitalize on the opportunities when they come.
What completely spiralled the game out of control was that in the second half Winnipeg got a total of 19 yards. Sure I don’t expect Winnipeg to keep up the pace that they did in the first half but only 19 yards in the second half. Are you kidding me?
It Was Zach
Let us be clear that past that Wilson didn’t catch it wasn’t because he turned the wrong way. That was a bad throne ball by Zach Collaros.
Even in the first half when Collaros was completing passes, his throws were anything but tight spirals.
Same Issues
So as I reflect on the game, the problems that these Winnipeg Blue Bombers had early on in the season are the same problems that they have now: sloppy tackling inconsistent, play, and unable to finish drives with touchdowns.
It was like I had watched two separate distinct games. And honestly, it would’ve been better if I had because then at least the Bombers would’ve ended yesterday with a wind and a loss but instead they ended just with a loss.
The Uncomfortable Question
We are getting to the spot where we are gonna have to ask. The question is Zach Callaros part of the issue? He threw a bad ball to Wilson and a bad interception that’s Terez Reid came up with - in the fourth quarter, down 19-16, with 4 minutes remaining.
Final Thoughts
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers very likely make the playoffs. But making the playoffs and doing something in the playoffs is something completely different.
There is not much that I have seen from the Bombers to make me think that they will make some noise in the playoffs.
The CFL is a funny animal. Many times the best regular season team does not emerge the Grey Cup champions. Yet, I do not see the Bombers following that theme. Maybe I will surprised. But I do not think so. I think the Bombers will win more games this year, and some fans will hold out hope. But honestly, i see this season being a roller coaster. The Bombers will win some games, lose some games...and eventually exit the playoffs early.
Watch the highlights/lowlights and see if you agree.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.