The Corbett Report, September 22, 2017

There’s certainly a different vibe at IGF this year. In season four at the new digs the Bombers finally seem to understand that home field advantage can be a real thing. Look no further than the Banjo Bowl and you’ll see the importance of a crazed fan base. It seemed that the fans were simply willing the Bombers to victory. The result, a decisive 48-28 victory, should have the Bombers finally winning over the cynics. And believe me, after 3 losing home seasons at IGF, there are lots of those out there to be won over.

Tonight’s a challenge of a different sort. Playing the (cough, cough) first place team in the East who limps into town with their 3^rd string QB starting the game. On paper this one should be an easy victory. It would also improve the Bombers home record to 4-1 at IGF this year. That’s a heady streak not seen in Bomberville since the 1980s. Hey, it’s about time that the Bombers made their faithful smile.

Welcome to week six. Welcome to the Corbett Report.

Standings

WEST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Calgary	10	1	1	21	389	222
Winnipeg	8	3	0	16	380	344
Edmonton	7	5	0	14	327	354
Sask	6	5	0	12	344	294
BC	6	6	0	12	323	319
EAST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Ottawa	5	7	1	11	365	312
Toronto	5	7	0	10	286	304
Montreal	3	9	0	6	232	333
Hamilton	2	9	0	4	217	381

 

The Bombers

The Bombers have been amazingly fortunate this year to avoid the injury bug. That all changed this week with Jarmaal Westerman being ruled out for the season. The all-star defensive end leads the team in sacks this year with 7 and his loss could very well weaken an already sketchy defensive unit.

The Bombers have been winning games on the strength of the offense (it’s nice to say that for a change), and they’ll have to be sure to control the ball this game and not let Ottawa test the defense.

Given that they lead the game in average points per game (34.5) I’m thinking they’re up to the challenge.

REDBLACKS

Ottawa is down to their 3^rd string QB with Drew Tate and Trevor Harris both out with injury. Enter Ryan Lindley! History will tell you this could go either way. As in 2&outs all night or a rookie with nothing to prove lighting up the score board. Odds are it’s going to be the first but I remind you of July 26, 2013 when Calgary came to town with their 3^rd stringer starting (some guy named Bo-Levi as I recall) who completed a modest 29 of 33 passes and lead the Stamps to victory.

While it would be quick to dismiss the REDBLACKS as just another E space on the CFL bingo card (E as in East), it’s important to note the points for-and-against on their stat line. They’re a +53. On closer inspection, it’s noted that all 7 of the REDBLACKS losses have been decided by four points or less (including the 41-40 loss to Winnipeg earlier this year). So Bombers are advised not to take this team lightly.

Bombers keys to success

•  Defense needs to pressure Lindley early and throw him off his game
• Keep that O rolling
• Score early and get the crowd into it.

REDBLACKS keys to success

• Take advantage of the suspect Bomber secondary
• Early success for Lindley to gain some confidence
• Establish a run game

Cal Murphy statue unavailing

The unveiling of the statue of Cal Murphy took place at gate 3 at IGF on Thursday. It’s a fitting tribute to the man who was the face of the Bombers through much of the 80s and 90s. He’s the second winningest coach in Bomber history and lead the team to the 1984 Grey Cup victory before moving into the GM’s chair where he helped put together the team that won the Cup in 1988 and 1990 (the last time the Bombers won – but you probably already knew that).

The predictions

Around the league this week:

• BC over Hamilton at home
• Toronto over Montreal at home
• Calgary over the Riders on the road

As for our feature game, I don’t think this one will be as one sided as some may think. Look for a hard fought game but in the end it’ll be:

Winnipeg 36         REDBLACKS 24