The Corbett Report, October 26, 2018

Introduction

 Don’t get me wrong.  I believe that Winnipeg can win this game.  The opening song might suggest a hint a lack of confidence that the Blue can pull off a win, but that’s just realism creeping in. Consider this:

• The Bombers haven’t beaten Calgary at home since July 2009
• Calgary is 6-0 at IGF since it opened
• Matt Nichols hasn’t beaten the Stamps as a starter
• Bo Mitchell hasn’t lost to the Bombers as a starter
• The Bombers have won only 3 games against the Stamps in the past 15 years, and those were all when Calgary had clinched a playoff spot and were playing backups

So suffice to say, that the older, wiser author of the Corbett Report is let’s say, cautiously optimistic but realistically apprehensive.

As the song says, for so many years I’d have thought the Bomber could beat the Stamps.  But so many nights they’ve come up short.

The reality is just like in the 80’s against Edmonton, and the 90’s against BC, the Bombers (when they have had a good team) seem to always be that great 2^ndtier team that just can’t make it over that hurdle and win the big game.  This decade the team to beat is the Stamps, and tonight the Bombers need to do that to exorcise the demons of the past 27 years and prove that they truly are a contender for the Grey Cup.

Tonight’s game is more than just trying to get into the playoffs. It’s about a confirmation that the team has moved in the right direction with its current management, coaching staff and player selection.  A loss tonight, while it won’t eliminate the Bombers from the playoffs will simply confirm that Bombers just aren’t capable of being a Grey Cup contender.  Tonight’s game is about more than just securing a playoff spot, it’s about defining the Bombers as an elite team in the CFL.  A spot they haven’t occupied since ….2001 perhaps.

I’m more hyped about this game than any other regular season game I can remember.  The stakes are high.  The outcome is crucial to not just the season but also the credibility of the franchise. So if I seem to be distracted…You’ve got that wrong

Welcome to the final home game of the season, welcome to the Corbett Report.

The Standings

WEST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Calgary	12	4	0	24	475	325
Sask	11	6	0	22	415	428
Winnipeg	9	7	0	18	497	365
BC	9	7	0	18	398	412
Edmonton	8	9	0	16	449	447
EAST
Team	Wins	Losses	Tie	Pts	For	Against
Ottawa	9	7	0	18	410	398
Hamilton	8	8	0	16	472	396
Toronto	4	12	0	8	350	496
Montreal	3	13	0	6	275	474

Fun fact: All the neigh sayers about the Bombers offense should note that the Bombers lead the league in points for and all of those calling for Richie Hall’s firing should note that Bombers are second in the league in points against.

The Bombers (9-7)

The Bombers are right where they wanted to be at the end of the season.  Defensively they’re coming off of a shutout against Sask.  They lead the league in points scored and have lead the league in defense in the past 4 weeks.  Their ball-hawk defense has gelled in the last 4 weeks and their offence has done a good job protecting the ball.  Everything that went wrong during their 4 game losing streak has gone right in their last 4 game winning streak.

The Stampeders (12-4)

Stamps can simply not be overlooked.  Although they are coming off of a streak of 3 games of mediocre play (2 loses and a anemic win against Montreal), they still have Bo-Levi at the helm.  They’ll be hungry for a win since a they have yet to clinch their 1^stplace finish which was sort of a forgone conclusion a couple of weeks ago.

Keys to the game

 

For the Bombers to win

 

• DO NOT give up more than one big passing play against the Stamps
• WIN the turnover game – 2 pics against BO would be enough
• GET ONE TD on special teams

 

For the Stampeders to win

 

• Sack Matt Nichols early
• Stop Andrew Harris
• Hit the big play at least twice

The predictions

 

Corbett report record this year

All CFL games               45-28 (62%)

Bomber games only           12-4  (75%)

Other games:

Hamilton over Ottawa

BC over Sask

Montreal over Toronto

And in the feature matchup.

OHHHHHH

 

I so want this to happen.  Seriously, I SOOOOO want this to happen.

Winnipeg 30   Calgary 22

 

 

Bombers become Grey Cup Favourites