The Corbett Report, September 25, 2015

Introduction

The Bombers missed a wonderful opportunity last week to gain the upper hand in the “race” for the final playoff spot in the CFL in 2015. What did they do instead? They came up with a lack luster, uninspired performance. Seriously, perhaps they were up too late enjoying the Montreal nightlife. Perhaps the noon (Winnipeg time) start time caught them napping, whatever the case there wasn’t a lot seen last week that left the loyal but frustrated fan base much cause for hope this week.

Playing against the best coached and best managed team in the CFL for the past 5 years and facing the brilliance of Bo Levi-Mitchell, the Bombers are in tough this week. This is a tale of two franchises at opposite ends of the football spectrum. How so? Since 2010 Calgary has a 74 – 28 record. The Bombers 34 – 68. Add to that, the fact that the Bombers only 4 wins this year were against teams with sub-500 records and you can probably see where this is heading.

Yes, it looks like tonight’s going to be a long night. But hey, they have to play the game don’t they? That’s why we’re driving in. There’s always hope!

Standings

			WEST
Team	Wins	Losses	Pts	For	Against	Streak
Calgary	9	3	18	322	247	1 Win
Edmonton	8	4	16	297	215	2 Wins
BC	4	7	8	245	316	2 Losses
Winnipeg	4	8	8	223	352	1 Loss
Sask	1	11	2	289	365	2 Losses
			EAST
Team	Wins	Losses	Pts	For	Against	Streak
Hamilton	8	4	16	410	246	1 Loss
Ottawa	7	4	14	254	286	3 Wins
Toronto	6	5	12	277	322	3 Losses
Montreal	5	6	10	242	210	1 Win

On first glance the Bombers are only 2 points out of a playoff spot. Looking at the schedule though their next 2 games though, there’s not a lot of reason for hope. The next 2 games? Tonight against Calgary, next Saturday against Edmonton, Sure they’re at home, but the odds of winning them? YIKES. I’m calling a Montreal East to West cross over this year.

The Bombers

Perhaps the most disappointing thing this year in Bomberville is the lack of identity that this team has (or I guess doesn’t have). Well, perhaps not entirely, they can pretty much identify with a team that gives up a special team touchdown per game. Otherwise though, there’s no swaggerville, there’s no dominant rush game, there’s no Milt Stegal magic. Week in, week out it seems like a different team shows up bringing along a fresh set of problems.

Two weeks ago Matt Nichols looked like the answer to the Bombers QB woes with Drew Willy out. Last week, with a sub 50% completion rate, no TD’s only 189 yards passing and 1 pick he looked extraordinarily ordinary. Whether that was due to the butter fingers of his receivers or the accuracy of his throws may be revealed tonight but let’s just say I think the edge at the QB position this week goes to Calgary.

There is some hope on special teams with the return of Ian Wild, but one new player won’t make the difference. Every player on both sides of the ball needs to step up and play over their heads. That’s the only way they’ll have a hope against the powerhouse Stamps.

The Stamps

The Stamps are coming off of a 35-23 win against the Lions and remain the class of the league. Jon Cornish is back from injury and against the weak Bomber run defense (allowing 116 yards per game) that could spell trouble. Still, Bo Levi-Mitchell, while ranked 3^rd among QBs in the league, hasn’t been as unflappable as last year.   His 10 interceptions are second in the league and at times he’s struggled under pressure. (Fun fact: The Bombers aren’t good at providing pressure).

The Stamps win because they are a veteran team with a veteran coaching staff. It’s a tall order for the young Bomber team to match the consistent performance of the Stamps.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

• Hope that the Stamps haven’t changed the time on their clocks and show up an hour late
• Receivers…….you’re receivers……RECEIVE, last week apparently you thought you were “Droppers”
• Special teams, special teams, special teams ….. No screw ups!

 For the Stamps to win

 Show up on time

• Cornish ain’t so corny – get him the ball
• Win the first quarter by 7 and you’ll win the game
• Don’t be overconfident, the Bombers aren’t the WORST team in the league you know

Game Prediction

As you can guess, I’m a bit leery of predicting a Bomber victory this week. It’s looking like a men against boys sort of game.   Sure the Banjo bowl victory was impressive and fun, but harvesting watermelons is a bit easier than grinding up horse burgers.

If the Bombers lose by 10 or less it’ll be a moral victory.

Calgary 45 Winnipeg 12

Last game

Corbett Report:              Bombers 25 Riders 22

Actual:                          Bombers 22 Riders 7

Season results

Bomber games      8 – 4

All CFL games      33 – 19

This week’s other games

Edmonton over BC (No QB in BC)

Ottawa over Toronto (Redblacks are for real)

Montreal over Sask (Sask are in next year mode)