The Corbett Report, July 21, 2016

Introduction

 What losing streak you ask? After all the Bombers are 1-1 in their last 2 games. Well try this on for size. Since IGF opened the Stamps are 4-0 against the Blue. In their last 15 games against the Bombers, the Stamps record is 14 – 1. Say what you want, but that’s pretty streaky material. Heck, that’s downright domination! Apparently when the Stamps come to play the Bombers they ain’t just horsin’ around.   Last year at IGF, the Stamps embarrassed the Bombers 26-8 and squeaked out a 25-23 victory. Suffice to say tonight’s game has a definite favourite. The Bombers are the free space on Calgary’s bingo card.

Still they do have to play the game, and that’s why we keep going back.

Welcome to week 5. Welcome to the Corbett Report.

The standings

 

				WEST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
BC	3	1	0	6	102	73
Edmonton	2	1	0	4	96	97
Calgary	1	1	1	3	80	68
Winnipeg	1	3	0	2	80	102
Sask	0	3	0	0	80	109
				EAST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Ottawa	3	0	1	7	129	96
Hamilton	2	2	0	4	100	83
Toronto	1	1	0	4	95	103
Montreal	1	2	0	2	42	73

WHATTT???? WE’VE SCORED AS MANY POINTS AS CALGARY? Oh wait, we’ve played one fewer game.

The Bombers

The 20-16 score last week really flattered the Bombers. Edmonton put up 501 yards of offence and moved the ball at will. Were it not for the play of the “bend don’t break” Bomber defense the score could have been embarrassing. Coach O’Shea decision to leave Drew Willy in for the whole game riled up more than a few fans and it’ll be interesting to see if that “stand by your man” theme plays out the same this week.

A season that showed such promise in the offseason risks becoming another lost year with a loss tonight. Whether they say it or not, Bomber coaches, player and management have to realize the losing must stop.  The Bombers are 7-23 at home since they moved to IGF.  That’s not sending the faithful home happy.

The Stampeders

With John Hufnagel now up in the manager’s office, it’s up to Dave Dickenson to put his stamp on the Stamps. So far, with a 500 record, one could say the results are mixed. Undoubtedly they’re hoping some feasting on an away meal of Blue and Gold will get the chuckwagons heading in the right direction.

Bo-Levi Mitchell is the difference maker on this team and with Jerome Messam capable of a big play and playing against a big-play prone defense it could be another long night for the Bombers on the defensive side of the ball.

Head to head

Comparative team stats (through Week 4)

OFFENCE	CGY.	RANK	WPG.	RANK
Points per game	26.7	3rd	20.0	8th
First downs per game	22.7	5th	22.8	4th
Total yards per game	383.7	3rd	356.0	6th
Pass yards per game	303.3	5th	310.5	4th
Rush yards per game	98.3	3rd	67.8	6th
Sacks allowed	4	1st	13	8th
Giveaways	4	1st	9	6th
DEFENCE	CGY.	RANK	WPG.	RANK
Points allowed per game	22.7	3rd	25.5	6th
Total yards per game	394.3	5th	451.8	9th
Pass yards per game	335.0	7th	368.3	8th
Rush yards per game	84.7	5th	104.3	8th
Sacks	8	5th	7	6th
Takeaways	6	6th	12	2nd

 A couple of key stats there. Bombers have given up 13 sacks this year and are averaging 452 yards against! But hey, stats are for losers!

Keys to the game

So with all of that said, here are the keys to the game:

For the Bombers to win (much similar to last week)

• Hold onto the ball – ALWAYS, hold onto the ball
• Extend the offense. Don’t be so predicable
• Don’t let Mitchell pick you apart
• Defense to feed off of the crowd’s fever!
• Utilize Andrew Harris

For the Stamps to win

• Get to the QB. Willy can be rattled if under pressure
• Silence the crowd with a 1^st quarter lead
• Hand off to Messam!
• Defend against the deep ball (if the Bombers ever throw one)
• Stifle the Bombers ground game

 

Ring of Honour

 Like Kenny Ploen this week’s inductee into the Ring of Honour helped the Bombers to their 4 Grey Cup wins in the glory years of 1958 * 1962. Unlike Kenny Ploen you may not have heard of him. Gerry James, a Winnipeg native, joined the Bombers in 1952. An all-star tailback he had 5,554 career yards and is fourth in the all time Bomber TD list with 63. In the offseason, James played hockey. IN fact in 1955 he made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is the only player to ever suit up for both a Grey Cup and Stanley Cup final in the same year. Take that MILT!

 The predictions

They say as you get older you get smarter with your money and this week’s smart money is on the Stamps.

Calgary 35     Winnipeg 16

Elsewhere

Pick Ottawa over Sask (no Durant no chance)

Edmonton over Hamilton (Really Reilly Really)

Toronto over Montreal (not that anyone will show up to watch on a Monday)