The Corbett Report, June 12, 2025

Introduction

Tempting to do “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” yet again, but really, which is the most wonderful time of the year?  Is it the Grey Cup? Banjo Bowl? Or the season opener?  Hell, whenever the Bombers play it’s a wonderful time of the year.  Unlike other games though, the season opener has that spirit of optimism.  An 0-0 start.  A fresh slate.  Describe it as you may, there’s nothing like a warm June night and the start of another Bomber season.  Hope springs eternal as they say.  Will we have another Grey Cup appearance by the Bombers (the sixth in a row if it happens) or has father time caught up to the core of this team?  Can O’Shea continue to find ways to bring victory after victory to the home side, or is it time for another team to grab the CFL spotlight?  So many questions and so few answers.  That’s what makes sports so entertaining (and heart breaking). So here we go.  The 2025 season is upon us (as is my 42^nd as a Bomber season ticket member).  Let’s get the party started.

Welcome to week 1. Welcome to the Corbett Report.

Bombers

There’s lots of questions in Bomberville as we head into week one.  Among them:

• How do the Bombers receiving corps fill the void left by the departure of Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky?

• Is Dalton Schoen 100%?

• Can Chris Streveler throw a complete pass?

• Is Willy Jefferson getting too old?

• Will the Bombers ever get a kick returner?

• Will the Bomber defence continue to be the backbone of this team?

• Is Buck Pearce’s departure to BC actually a good thing for the Bombers?

• Does the Rum Hut ever run out of Rum?

So many questions.  Good thing we have 18 games to answer them.

The curve ball thrown to the Bombers this week is the suspension of Zach Collaros which means Chris Streveler gets the start. 

BC Lions

I may have said this before, but I’m sick of hearing about Nathon Rourke and how he’s boy wonder.  Seriously, the TSN crew gushing over Rourke has driven me to skip watching the week 3 game from BC and instead actually going there in person, so I don’t have to listen to the TV commentary.  Yes, he’s got talent, but fun fact, he’s NEVER beaten the Bombers.  As in NEVER. 

Last week, the Lions did put up respectable numbers against the Elks, but I dare say that they’ll face a stiffer defense in the Bombers this week.  Last week, Nathon Rourke threw for 324 yards and completed 75% of his passes with 3 TDs and 0 interceptions.  Can he duplicate that performance against a Bomber defense that “on paper” at least is stingier than the Elks? 

Also of interest this week will be Buck Pearce’s return to Princess Auto stadium, but now as head coach of the Lions.  It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.

Standings

BC, Calgary, Sask and Montreal all opened their season last week with victories to go 1-0 while Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton and Hamilton were on the losing end of their opening week games.  It was a 4-0 start for the home teams.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

• Streveler needs to complete some passes (and not just run)
• Defense needs to contain Rourke
• The occasional good punt return would help

For the Lions to win

• Rourke needs to overcome “Bomberphobia”
• Secondary needs to knock down a few Streveler passes
• Lions need to contain Brady Oliveria

The predictions

Last week the Corbett Report went 2-2.  This week it’ll be:

• Montreal (on the road) over Ottawa
• Calgary (on the road) over Toronto
• Hamilton (at home) over Saskatchewan

And in our feature game look for home field advantage to fire up the Bombers.  It might not be enough though.  I can see the time of possession being in BC’s favour as the Bombers go 2 & out too many times with Streveler at the helm.  It’d be a different outcome if Zach was starting but tonight it’ll be:

Lions 36 Bombers 20

Let’s hope the Corbett Report is wrong

PS: Whatever happened to Irene Cara?

Be sure to check out jcorbettreport.com