The Corbett Report, September 10, 2022

Introduction

Greetings! Welcome to the Banjo Bowl edition of the Corbett report.  It’s been 17 years since the inaugural Banjo Bowl in 2004.  Who’d have thought that what initially started as a marketing gimmick would have the legs to last for 17 years.  It’s turned into a great counter-punch to the Labour Day Classic.  All but one of the 17 games played so far have been sold out and, just like the LDC, this game has an asterisk beside it on the Bomber schedule as a “must go to” game.  Unlike the LDC where the Riders entered with a 14-3 record, the Banjo Bowl matchups have been much closer.  The Bombers have only a 10-7 record in the LDC rematches since 2004.  Notably, the Bombers are 5-1 in the last six games of the rematch, so safe to say that history is trending in Winnipeg’s favour. In fact, the Bombers have dominated in the last two Banjo Bowls:  33-9 in 2021, and 35-10 in 2019.

Results aside, it’s great to see the friendly rivalry alive and well on the prairies.  The centre of Canada (sorry Toronto) is really the heartbeat of the CFL and it’s great to see the passion from both teams’ fanbases in full display this week and last.

Now if only Safeway could stock more watermelons.

Welcome to week 6.  Welcome to the Corbett Report.

 WEST DIVISION

RK	TEAM	GP	W	L	T	PTS	F	A	HOME	AWAY	DIV
1	Winnipeg x	12	11	1	0	22	318	229	4-1-0	7-0-0	6-0-0
2	BC	10	8	2	0	16	339	208	4-2-0	4-0-0	5-2-0
3	Calgary	11	7	4	0	14	323	259	3-2-0	4-2-0	3-4-0
4	Saskatchewan	12	6	6	0	12	285	279	3-4-0	3-2-0	3-3-0
5	Edmonton	12	3	9	0	6	234	387	0-5-0	3-4-0	0-8-0

EAST DIVISION

RK	TEAM	GP	W	L	T	PTS	F	A	HOME	AWAY	DIV
1	Toronto	11	6	5	0	12	264	258	4-3-0	2-2-0	4-2-0
2	Montreal	11	4	7	0	8	284	311	2-3-0	2-4-0	2-3-0
3	Ottawa	11	3	8	0	6	230	267	0-5-0	3-3-0	2-2-0
4	Hamilton	12	3	9	0	6	251	330	3-3-0	0-6-0	3-4-0

y – Clinched Division
x – Clinched Playoff Berth
c – Clinched Crossover

Given the futility of the Eastern division, it’s reasonable to suggest that the Riders will likely get a crossover position.  Two more losses to the Bombers in September may play into that prediction.
Bombers

The Corbett Report is starting to come up short on superlatives to use in describing the Bombers.  We could start with Zach Collaros, who now boasts a 23-3 record as the Bombers starting QB.  Or we could mention Mike O’Shea who’s levelheaded approach to game planning is second to none in the league.  How about Nic Demski, who continues to prove those who underrate him wrong, week after week.  How about the defense who continues to give up yards but not points (just 19 per game in 2022).  Let’s not forget how the kicking game is actually starting to gel. (Need I mention Liegghio’s 55-yard game-winning field goal last week?) You get the picture.  This is a pretty well-rounded, balanced team.  Talented and well-coached.

The Bombers are the first team to clinch a playoff spot in 2022, doing so in grand fashion last week with a solid 20-18 win over the Riders in the hostile atmosphere that is the LDC.  After giving up 17 points in the first half last week, the Bombers held the Riders to just 1 point in the second half with the defense coming up big with an interception on the Riders’ final drive.  It seems like nothing can go wrong with the Bombers.

The Riders

Sooooooo, in contrast, there’s the Riders.  Let’s start with discipline. The Riders lack thereof was on full display last week, and it’s not a reach to suggest penalties cost them the game.  The penalty against Duke Williams with 11:08 to go in the game was probably the best example.  It cost the Riders a first down in a 17-17 game.  The punch line? Duke Williams wasn’t even dressed for the game!  Craig Dickenson’s reaction? We won’t allow non-dressed players on the side lines anymore.  GOOD GRIEF!  Can you imagine how Mike O’Shea would have handled that situation? Well, let’s just say he wouldn’t have handled it at all because that’s not the culture that he’s nurtured in Winnipeg.  Case in point, penalty yards this year in the CFL:

            Bombers         563 (47 yards per game – fewest in the league)

            Riders             1,076 (90 yards per game – most in the league)

Beyond discipline though, the Riders are well-deserved of their 6-6 record.  They’re the only Western team to have a losing record against the East (3 losses).  It all seems to start (as football often does) with the offensive line.  The Riders’ offensive line has been, well, let’s say offensive.  They’ve allowed almost 4 sacks per game (47 on the year compared to Winnipeg’s 22) and whether that’s the O-Line or the indecisiveness of Fajardo, it’s been a major contributor to their inability to win games.

For better or worse the Riders continue to hang their hat on Fajardo at QB and quite frankly, I’m starting to think that ship has sailed (if you want to carry on with the opening song theme).

The Riders will likely still make the playoffs this year due to the weak Eastern division and the crossover, but, unless someone’s giving you 1,000:1 odds, don’t be betting on them playing in their own Grey Cup.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

Just show up would be too easy to say, and really that’s not how they prepare anyway, so let’s go with:

• Sack Fajardo early.  His confidence must already be shaken
• Keep the fans engaged
• Hang onto the ball

For the Riders to win

• A lead after the first quarter time is essential
• Get points from Defense, Offense and Special teams
• Gainer knocks out Buzz and Boomer (heck it’s on brand)

The record

Corbett report predictions so far this year:

                        CFL                                         25 – 26   (49.0%)

                        Bombers only                         9 – 3     (75.0%)

The predictions

A Friday match up to start the week will see BC struggle with the time change. Montreal will win at home.

Then there’s the triple header on Saturday.

Ottawa to upset Toronto

Edmonton to upset Calgary

But………….they’ll be no upsets in the 18^th Banjo Bowl.

Bombers 28 Riders 20

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