The Corbett Report, September 10, 2016

Introduction

 The season within a season began last week with the 53^rd Labour Day Classic and for once the game lived up to the hype with the Bombers hitting a no-time-left field goal to win 28-25. With that victory the Bombers broke an 11 game losing streak in the LDC and exorcised yet another demon of recent years. Not to mention that the 5-1 road record now ensures that the Bombers will have a winning road record for the first time since they began traveling in planes instead of chuck wagons.

No matter how good the Bomber record coming into the LDC, or how well they played to start the LDC, for each of the past 11 years the Bombers found ways to lose the LDC. This year, when Kendial Lawrence scored on a punt return with 69 seconds left, Bomber fans undoubtedly thought, “Here we go again”, but this 2016 team just seems to be able find a way to win.

All heady stuff!

Welcome to the Banjo Bowl. Welcome to the Corbett Report.

 

The standings

 

				WEST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Calgary	8	1	1	17	323	209
BC	7	3	0	14	280	246
Winnipeg	6	4	0	12	259	229
Edmonton	5	5	0	10	296	292
Sask	1	9	0	2	195	347
				EAST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Ottawa	5	4	1	11	262	255
Hamilton	5	5	0	10	312	269
Toronto	4	6	0	8	237	285
Montreal	3	7	0	6	205	237

So a quick glance at the standings shows the Bombers solidly in a playoff position in the west. Good of course, but how about that cross over possibility. The road to the Grey Cup may be easier for a western team to finish forth and then head east. A Calgary vs. Winnipeg Grey Cup anyone?

The Bombers

The Bombers fortunes seemed to turn around when Matt Nichols replaced Drew Willy at QB. Maybe that did change the mindset of the team but it’s certainly not that change alone that has led to the change. It’s a total team effort, such as:

• Justin Medlock hitting 13 of last 14 field goals in 2 games
• Matt Nichols 7 TDs 1 Interception
• Andrew Harris 655 yards rushing (1^st in the league)
• Maurice Legget, 5 Interceptions (1^st in the league)
• Bombers Defense +20 in turnover ratio (PLUS TWENTY)

What’s particularly encouraging about the recent turn around is that unlike 2011 when a 7-1 start lead to talk of Swaggerville (and quickly quieted with a 3-7 finish and the loss in the Grey Cup), this team seems to have a certainly humility. Perhaps they really do believe that “we haven’t won anything yet”.

The Riders

Sooooooooo Mr. Jones, is that collar getting just a little tight? Yes, Mr. Jones it IS your circus and these ARE your monkeys. At 1 – 9 even the frenzied green nation has to be losing their faith. Riders aren’t as bad as their record though. A spirited effort two weeks ago in Edmonton showed them some promise, and of course they’ll say they were robbed last week by the officials. Still 195 points scored vs. 347 allowed in ten games can’t be sugar coated. Chris Jones’ stamp is all over this team, and the stamp simply says Grade  F.

Keys to the game

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

For the Bombers to win

• Don’t be over confident, stick to the game plan
• Pressure Durant early
• Defense to feed off of the crowds fever!
• Utilize Andrew Harris

For the Riders to win

• Silence the crowd with a 1^st quarter lead
• Find the rhythm on offense you had in the second half last week
• Win the turnover battle
• Stifle the Bombers ground game

Ring of Honour

 This week’s Ring of Honour Inductee is Dieter Brock. Dieter was the QB of record in my first year as season ticket holder. Playing with the Bombers from 1974-1983 he became the all time Bomber passing leader with 29,623 yards and the all time touchdown-passing leader with 177, records that still stand today.

Although never winning a Grey Cup, his bullet-like throws thrilled Bomber fans for almost a decade.

The predictions

Winning two games in a row in any sport or league is tough. In football, back to back wins, particularly in this rivalry, have proven a struggle. So while it may be the Riders’ turn, I’m thinking, NOT.

Winnipeg 31  Riders 25

 Elsewhere:

• BC over Montreal at home
• Calgary remains the class of the league and drops Edmonton again
• Argos lose to Hamilton for a another home loss

 

Corbett Report Predictions Record for the Season

League                 24 – 21

         Bomber games      6 – 4

At least I’ve climbed over 50%!