It’s Time to Get Realistic
by Tony “Tee” Martin
After basking in the glow of a three game winning streak and watching Michael Bishop at his best, reality came crashing back to Maroons Road. Riding a 14-0 lead and defending against a third string QB, the Bombers still managed to give away a win to B.C. and deflate the momenteum they had finally generated.
In front of a relatively quiet crowd on a beautiful day for football, the team seemed flat, despite jumping out to an early lead. There was no swagger or aggressiveness that had characterized their play during the last three games.
Bishop seem to be having trouble hitting his receivers (13-31), often misthrowing them by 8 or 10 feet.
Serna struggled punting and it looks like veteran kicker/musician/radio host/dancer/race car driver/family reunification counselor/boxer/sports writer Troy Westwood will be handling those duties for the rest of the season.
But let’s be realistic. The Bombers beat some crappy mediocre teams to dig themselves out of a hole and give Coach K. some breathing room. It doesn’t mean David Asper and Lyle Bauer are having steaks together at 529 or the the team are instantly a Grey Cup contender.
The Bombers have two games against the best team in the league and a game against Hamilton left. It is too early to know if Montreal will sit Calvillo (who was injured during their last game), but the Bombers are probably going to have to win one of those two games against the Alouettes to have a fighting chance.
In order for the Bombers to have any impact against Montreal, they are going to have to do they following:
1. Focus on the basics. Too often the Bombers get sloppy and let a 5 or 6 yard gain turn into a huge play because of a missed tackle. This has been a problem all season long.
2. Open up the field. In order for Fred Reid to be sucessful, the Bombers have to be able to put together a decent passing offence. If Bishop can’t it the broad side of a barn, Montreal is just going to stack the box in certain situations and shut down Reid.
3. Work the screen more. Not sure why they seem scared to use it, but the Bombers need to call more screen passes. Not only will it help move the yard sticks, it will give Bishop another option.
4. Shut down Montreal’s passing game. The Bombers can’t trade touchdowns with Montreal, so if they are going to win either of the games they are going to have to make some big stops. The defense have been ball hawks all season, and they are going to have to make some interceptions if the Bombers are going to come out ahead.
5. Play SMASH MOUTH football. Everybody on the field needs to be aggressive and finish their hits. The defence have to get to Montreal’s QB. The secondary needs to be in their face. The O-line needs to create some holes for Reid and the receivers need to get the ball, no matter what the cost. The Bombers are at their best when they play like they have a huge chip on their shoulder.
Like it has most of the season, the Bombers fate lies in Bishop hands. Which QB will show up? The Bishop who makes good reads, manages the ball well and makes some brilliant plays or the guy who dishes up a bunch of turnovers, makes dumb passes and overthrows his receivers at every opportunity?
Time will tell.
Go Blue!!!
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For you sports bettors investors out there, here are some trends from Covers.com
Montreal
Alouettes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Alouettes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. East.
Alouettes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Alouettes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall
Winnipeg
Bluebombers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Bluebombers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a S.U. loss.
Bluebombers are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
