Here we go! On Thursday night in Winnipeg, the guys will be putting on their shoulder pads and aiming for a strong performance before their well-deserved bye-week. We know it’s going to be very hot (the middle of summer in the Prairies, what else would you expect?) and their fans are going to be pumped-up. Aside from that, we anticipate a fiercely contested battle from two teams that are both looking to notch their third W of the year and close-out the first third of the season in style.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store Thursday night. And, bonus, kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. – – not bad for an away game against a West Division opponent!
START WITH A BANG
We saw it in Ottawa: When the chemistry kicks in, our offence works wonders. If the team can start Thursday night’s game the way it performed in the second half of last week’s game against the REDBLACKS, we’re going to be in business. According to Darian Durant, ”We need to feel the urgency right from the start and be more productive in the first quarter. If we do that, we have a good chance of winning.” Winnipeg has been outscored in every first quarter this season, so it’s a perfect opportunity for our guys to get into rhythm right from the opening kickoff.
PEDAL TO THE METAL FROM KICKOFF TO FINAL WHISTLE
One of the strengths of this year’s edition of the Alouettes is knowing it needs to fight until the final second. As for the Bombers, they ended up losing a game they were leading 42-27 against the BC Lions by collapsing in the fourth quarter. They’ve no doubt learned from their mistakes and want to forget last week’s tough defeat… by playing a full sixty minutes. We’re also sure the Investors Group Field crowd will be jacked, especially if it’s a close game. But don’t worry, our guys have prepared themselves accordingly. What that means is they’re ready to make some big plays, especially in critical moments in a hostile environment. Discipline and tenacity must be in evidence on the field from start to finish.
PRODUCTIVITY COMBINED WITH EFFICIENCY
The offensive production by Durant and his group of receivers was what people were talking about last Wednesday: 452 passing yards for the QB, 101 receiving yards each for B.J. Cunningham and Ernest Jackson… someone checking the stats without having seen the game could have easily concluded that our Alouettes came out on top. The receivers’ steady progress leads us to believe that the offence is ready to continue racking-up yardage Thursday night. This time around, we’ll be looking for efficiency or, in other words, the offence’s ability to finish-off its’ plays with confidence and, above all else, points on the board. The Blue Bombers have given up 139 points to their opponents since the start of the season, which is the highest total among West Division teams…
MILESTONE
A key person responsible for the offence’s progress since training camp is Nik Lewis, who is a leader both on the field and in the locker room. The 35-year-old slotback takes his role as a leader very seriously. Whether at practice, at meetings or during the game itself, Nik is reliable, prepared and very intelligent. According to his teammates, he can read any defence. And we don’t doubt it, because that’s what the statistics indicate as well. He has caught 87% of balls that have been thrown towards him this year as he continues his meteoric ascent among the CFL’s greats.
We’re eager to see what comes next: On Thursday, he could reach another impressive milestone. After recording his 1,000th career reception last week and becoming one of only a very select group of players to reach that plateau, Nik could overtake Terry Vaughn for third all-time in league history – – he needs four catches to do so. Let’s all count those receptions together on Thursday night!
DON’T MESS WITH THE DEFENCE
We talk a lot about the offence, but what more can you say about Montreal’s rock solid defence and its outstanding performance so far this season? On Thursday, our linebacking trio of Hébert, Tovell and Dozier will continue their quest to lead the league in tackles while defensive back Jonathon Mincy has a good shot to add one (or more!) interceptions to his total. Something to think about: in four games, Winnipeg has given up a rather generous 30 points as a result of turnovers. And this game should also be a great opportunity for the sack master, John Bowman, to break through the Bombers’ offensive line and stop Matt Nichols in his tracks. Last week, Winnipeg’s O-line gave up three sacks against the Lions. To put that into context, three sacks, well, that’s all Luc Brodeur-Jourdain and his teammates have surrendered since THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON! ‘Nuff said.
On Thursday night, enjoy some nachos and chicken wings! Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. on TSN television and TSN 690 radio! GO ALS GO!
