The Corbett Report, Saturday, September 27, 2014

Introduction

So I know that it might seem a little premature to suggest that time is running out for the Bombers playoff hopes in 2014 but take a look at the standings. At 6-6 the Bombers are currently out of a playoff spot.   Oh sure, if they were still in the East they’d be in first but woulda coulda shoulda, THEY’RE NOT, so they have to play with the hand that they’re dealt. That hand!   Well, that’s the problem.   Already 2 points out of a playoff spot the Bombers face Calgary twice in their next 6 games and Edmonton once.   Guranteed losses? Well, let’s not be pessimistic but really, if they’re going to make the playoffs, they’re going to need at least 3 if not 4 more wins with one of those wins being in the final home game of the season against the Lions. The other two wins? Well, at least on paper, this weeks Ti-Cats match up and next weeks Redblacks game in Ottawa would certainly make the road to the playoffs a little less arduous. So for sure, losing tonight’s game won’t cause the Bombers to miss the playoffs, but it would cause the Bomber boat to start listing more than bit. No time left? Time is now? Will the real Bombers show their face. Welcome to 14, welcome to the Corbett report. Standings                         WEST Team Wins Losses Pts For Against Streak Calgary 10 2 20 347 232 1 Loss Sask 9 3 18 296 265 1 Win Edm. 8 4 16 317 252 1 Loss BC 7 5 14 268 236 1 Loss Wpg 6 6 12 293 308 3 Loss EAST Team Wins Losses Pts For Against Streak Hamilton 4 7 8 246 261 2 Wins Toronto 4 8 8 308 325 1 Win Montreal 4 8 8 230 306 1 Win Ottawa 1 10 2 173 293 8 Loss
Hmmmmm……..next to Ottawa, who has the longest losing streak? What’s more, the Bombers, who flew out of the gate at 5-2 are now 1-4 in their last five games.

 

The Bombers

The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Bombers. After the debacle in BC it was a good time to cool their heels and take a break. Of course, there’s also that minor issue of healing Drew Willy’s sprained shoulder. That injury could be the deciding factor in this game. If Drew plays, Bombers have a chance. If not, well…….it could be a long night.

Here are the five key’s to Bomber success this week

PROTECT THE QB no matter who he is (Cat’s are on a QB Sack rampage!)

Start Drew – he could make all the difference

Rattle rookie Zach

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers!

No stupid penalties!

(Aren’t I just the most insightful prognosticator, I mean really, aren’t those the keys to ANY football game)

The Ti-Cats

 

Coming into the season the Cat’s, with the acquisition of Zach Collaros were seen as instant contenders to repeat as Grey Cup combants. To no one’s surprise they struggled when Collaros went down with injury. Since he’s returned??? The Cat’s are 3-1 and it’s not just offense that’s getting the job done. The Cat’s had 5 sacks last week and have given up just 26 points in their last two games. So don’t let that 4-7 record fool you. The Cats should be the favourites going into this one.

To win this one? Just play a clean game (Cat’s are at times penalty prone) and shut down the Bombers offense. The rest will take care of itself.

The prediction

 

Season prediction standings for the Corbett report.

Bomber games      7 – 5

All CFL games      34 -19

So much about this week will depend on the starting QB for the Bombers. Or willy it? Bombers have been close in most games this year but just don’t seem to be able to come up with a W in those close games. At least not as of late. The Cat’s are on a roll and have all the momentum. Let’s hope I’m wrong but I’m calling:

Ti-Cats 26           Bombers 18

Elsewhere?

Ottawa is due for a win after that heartbreaker in Ridernation last week.

Ottawa over Montreal

Sask is limping into Edmonton without Darian Durant. It won’t go well.

Edmonton over Saskatchewan

Calgary, even without Bo-Levi Mitchell can still get the job done with Drew Tate in relief.   Look for the Stamps to do the Bombers a favour.

Calgary over BC