The Corbett Report, July 27, 2018

Introduction

 Here’s a fun fact from last week’s Argos game.  Andrew Harris had more yards offense than the entire Argo team (179 to 171). Talk about a dominating game!  As dominating as Harris was, however, last week was definitely a bounce back game for the entire Bomber team.  After that horrendous 2^ndhalf in BC the week before, the Bombers needed a solid outing and they got that in all phases of the game.  The defense gave up only 4 points, Nichols was solid completing 70% of his passes with no picks and 2 TDs, Medlock hit on all three of his field goal attempts.

The score, at 38-20, actually flattered the Argos.  Two fumble recoveries for turnovers kept the score closer than it should have been.  And that’s perhaps the one “not-so-good” takeaway from last week.  The Bombers every so often have a habit of shooting themselves in the foot.  It happened in the second half of the BC game and cost them the game.  It happened at the end of the second quarter in Toronto and they got away with it.  For this team to be considered a legitimate Grey Cup contender they need to overcome those occasional bouts of sloppiness and play a consistent, high-calibre game.

With Andrew Harris leading the way, that goal is definitely within reach!

Welcome to week seven, welcome to the Corbett Report.

The Bombers

The on again and off again play of the Bombers has proven to be a definite concern for the Bomber faithful.  It seems they either blow teams away or find ways to give games away (Edmonton, Hamilton, BC).  Now would be a good time to show some consistency.

The defense made a statement last week, and over the last 3 games they’ve held their opponents to 20 or less points.  You’re going to win a lot of games in the CFL when you give up only 20 points.  They’re not quite at Calgary’s level (averaging 9.2 points against over the first 5 games this year), but with a season average of 22 points against per game they’re second overall in the league.

Offensively, the Bombers lead the league with 33 points per game on average. Andrew Harris of course leads the league and comes into Friday’s game on a 3 game 100+ yard rushing streak.  Much of the credit for that, and the low sacks surrendered stat, goes to the offensive line.  They’ve done a great job of opening up holes for Andrew and keeping Matt off his butt.

You’d think the Bombers would have a record better than 3-3.

The Argos

Playing in front of a crowd comprised mainly of family and friends last week the Argos looked like a team in disarray.  James Franklin doesn’t look like the heir apparent to Ricky Ray that he was touted to be when he was brought in last week.  It’s hard to reconcile this team’s performance with the fact that they’re the defending Grey Cup champs and are lead by Marc Trestman and Jim Popp.

At 1-4 the Argos are quickly slipping from any playoff contention.  I’d almost feel sorry for them, well, except not this week.

Keys to the game

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

For the Bombers to win

• Keep doing what you’re doing with Mr. Harris.
• Hang onto the ball (they got away with it last week but you’re not going to survive 2 fumble return TD’s very often)
• Keep the pressure on Franklin

 For the Argos to win 

• Win the line of scrimmage when the Bombers have the ball
• Win the turnover battle
• Hold Harris to less than 100 yards rushing

 The predictions

Finally starting to see some divisional matchups

• Edmonton over Montreal (Manziel may see some playing time, it won’t make a difference)
• Hamilton over Ottawa (the closest matchup of the week)
• Calgary over Saskatchewan (Riders are not as good as their record suggests)

And of course in our feature game:

The Bombers keep on keeping on.

Winnipeg 36  Toronto 10