The Corbett Report, October 29, 2016

Introduction

The last year that the Bombers had a winning record was 2011, the year of Swaggerville. The Bombers started with a 7 – 1 record before Labour day but then limped to the end of the season and ended up 10 – 8. They made the Grey Cup that year only to lose to BC. Since then?

2012  6-12

2013   3-15

2014  7-11

2015   5-13

Suffice to say it’s a rather unusual experience preparing for a Bomber game when there’s a frost warning out! In 2011 the Bombers were in the East (no Ottawa team) and 10–8 was good enough for first. It would be good enough this year as well but now that the Bombers are back in the West they could finish 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th in a very tough division. Regardless, a playoff game is guaranteed and a home playoff game is within their gasp. With two weeks left in the season the intensity is set to rise and every play is crucial; it’s been 4 painful years since we’ve been able to say that in Bomberville.

Welcome to week 18, welcome to the Corbett report.

The standings

				WEST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Calgary	15	1	1	31	578	352
Winnipeg	10	6	0	20	454	411
BC	10	6	0	20	480	430
Edmonton	8	8	0	16	479	453
Sask	5	11	0	10	326	465
				EAST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Ottawa	7	8	1	15	443	455
Hamilton	7	9	0	14	456	441
Montreal	5	11	0	10	334	382
Toronto	5	12	0	10	366	527

 

I know I’ve been promoting 4^th in the West as the place to finish for an easy route to the Grey Cup (via the Eastern crossover), but I’m now retracting that position. To finish fourth the Bombers would need to lose the back-to-back Ottawa games and Edmonton would need to win both of their games. I’m pretty sure no team wants to go into the playoffs on a two game losing streak, especially when the two games are against a team with a losing record.

 The Bombers

Bombers are coming off of a bye week and should be well rested. In fact, two key players, Moe Leggett and Darvin Adams return from the injury list. Both players improve the talent but Leggett’s return in particular is a big boost. He’s tied in the league for most interceptions (7). Who’s he tied with? Well, how about teammate TJ Heath who also has 7! (Most of those , incidently, when he was with Toronto).

That last tidbit points to the strength of this team. Its ball hawk defense continues to create turnover after turnover. The Bombers lead the league in forced fumbles (22) and interceptions (28). Compare that to allowing just 23 turnovers and you start to get the picture how the Bombers are winning. Combine their defense with an offense, which while not spectacular, takes care of the ball.

All of this has lead to a confident, closeknit team that is slowly (very slowly, it seems sometimes) gaining the respect of the league.

The Redblacks

So we’re playing the first place Ottawa team today. Sounds intimidating, right? Not when you drill down though and see a team with a 7-8-1 record, that has given up more points than it has scored, is 2-4 since labour day and can’t seem to decide who its quarter back is.

On that last point, it’s back to Henry Burris at the QB position. Next to Kevin Glenn he’s probably the Rodney Dangerfield of the league. Just can’t get no respect in spite of starting in 228 games and at the age of 40 leading the league in passing last year (5,335 yards) and leading the Redblacks to the Grey Cup.

The results just haven’t been consistent for the Redblacks this year though. Their chances of finishing first are probably 50/50 and they’ll be looking to sweep the Bombers to accomplish that.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

•  Burris has the propensity to throw the occasional bad pass. Did I mention Moe Leggett yet?
• A punt return touchdown by Fogg would be a nice reward for someone who’s had more than one return called back for penalties
• Automatic Medlock hits 5 field goals! (WHAT?? He hit 7 last game)

 

For the Redblacks to win

• Take the lead early and silence the crowd
• Burn the Bomber secondary with a few deep balls
• Pressure Nichols (easier said than done, Bombers have allowed the third fewest sacks in the league)

Ring of Honour

 This week’s inductee to the Ring of Honour is Doug Brown. A Canadian who attended football at Simon Fraser, he started off in the NFL (1997-2000). In 2000 the Bombers acquired Brown from Calgary. Brown went on to have an 11-year career playing defensive tackle. He was the most outstanding Canadian in 2001, is a 7 time CFL all star and is in both the Canadian and Winnipeg football Halls of Fame.

 The predictions

Games like this make me nervous. On paper it seems like it should be no contest but of course the game is being played on turf (at least I hope the ice has been removed from last week’s Jet games), and there’s truth to the old adage “that’s why they play the game”. I’m thinking that it might be closer than it should be. So go with:

Winnipeg 33    Ottawa 30

 

Elsewhere:

BC over Sask

Edmonton over Hamilton

Calgary over Montreal

Corbett Report Predictions Record for the Season

 

League predictions                   42 – 31

         Bomber game predictions         10 – 6

Have a great weekend everyone. GO BOMBERS