Tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, we finally get to face the team many are calling the force to be reckoned with in 2019: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. So far, our Alouettes have delivered great battles against each and every single squad they’ve met and this game should be no exception. Here are three things you should know about the matchup before you step foot at McGill Stadium.
1-Andrew Harris Is Angry
Bombers Head Coach Mike O’Shea happily described his star RB’s mood Tuesday after he returned to work following a two-game suspension for using a banned substance: “He’s pissed off. He’s not in any mood to chat and he’s just not going to exchange pleasantries. He’s angry. I’m sure that will turn into something productive for him.”
Then, John Bowman was quoted by our pal Didier Orméjuste at RDS saying: “Hopefully he cycled off, he’s clean and we can tackle him. Any cheater deserves to get what they get. If it was up to me, he would get suspended longer.”
Shots fired.
Harris was basically born with a chip on his shoulder and, considering the recent events, it probably just grew exponentially. In addition to Harris being the league’s rushing leader, Bombers QB Chris Streveler is known for his runner’s legs. Linebackers Henoc Muamba, Patrick Levels and Tevin Floyd will play a key role in stopping Winnipeg’s run game. Floyd, who’s filling in for injured Chris Ackie, said he was looking forward to the challenge. “We run the ball more in the South of the United States, it’ll remind me of my college years.”
2-William Stanback Is the Best Running Back in the League
So, word on the street is that our QB Vernon Adams Jr crowned his teammate “Best running back in the league”. Can you feel the love (and the burn)? While Vernon said he would pick his boy Will over Harris any day, he explicitly acknowledged his opponent’s accomplishments and talent.
“Andrew Harris is a Hall of Fame guy, he’s been doing it for a long time as a receiver and a running back, but as of right now, I’m picking Stanback over Harris. No disrespect to Andrew Harris, don’t try to mix me up.”
Seriously, considering the Bombers have top-notch weapons on defence, we’re talking Willie Jefferson (currently CFL leader for sacks) and Winston Rose (currently CFL leader for interceptions), Will’s versatility will certainly be an asset, as he is just as efficient hurdling linebackers to move the chains than protecting Vernon Adams Jr to open up the passing game.
3-Protection leads to yardage
If the offence was able to rack up more than 400 total yards last week against the Riders, it’s partly thanks to the big men upfront. Tomorrow, the oline’s ability to keep Vernon safe from Willie Jefferson’s sacks will have a huge impact on how much field the offence is able to travel over. Fullback Spencer Moore could also be used as supporting cast to the line on some plays, in addition to Will Stanback having to use his size to open up the way for Vernon to link with his receivers. The past few weeks have seen Geno Lewis and DeVier Posey come out on top for receiving yards, but the arrival of Chris Matthews and success of Jake Wieneke should help our QB mix things up a little more.
Last thing: we’ll be giving out John Bowman bobbleheads to the first 5,000 fans to enter the gates. Make sure to get to the stadium early to get your hands on the collectible! See you tomorrow!
