The Corbett Report, June 26, 2025

Introduction

At the start of the season the so called “experts” around the CFL had the Bombers in the middle of the pack.  They’d probably make the playoffs but were a team on the decline.  Well, tell that to the BC Lions.  Against the Lions the Bombers defence registered 4 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries enroute to two decisive victories.  Offensively, both Chris Streveler and Zach Collaros have started games this year and even without Brady Oliveria (injured in game 1) the Bombers have put in workman like efforts on the offensive side of the ball.  Heck, Chris Streveler even had a decent game passing in week 1.

It’s a small sample size but could it be that the Bombers 2025 edition is the team to beat this year?

Welcome to week 4. Welcome to the Corbett Report.

Bombers

Bombers over their 5-year Grey Cup run have relied heavily on the run game.  First Andrew Harris, then Brady Oliveria.  When Oliveria went down in the opening game there was much consternation in Bomberville.  Rookie Canadian Matthew Peterson has filled in adequately and now that Collaros is back from his one game suspension the Bombers still have sufficient tools on offense to get the job done.

It’s the defence though that drives this team.  They’ve allowed just 34 points in two games (an average of 17 for those of you who are math challenged).  Again, a small sample size, but consider the average points allowed in each of the past five seasons:

            2019-23

            2021-13

            2022-21

            2023-21

            2024-21

Based on this in-depth analysis it’s easy to say the Bombers D (with just 17 points per game allowed this year) is enroute to another dominating year.

Edmonton Elks

Elks are coming off a 38-28 loss to Montreal at home last week.  The score somewhat flatters Edmonton though as 22 of their 28 points came in the fourth quarter when the game was all but out of reach.  Still, Tres Ford did complete 75% of his passes as the Elks racked up over 400 yards total offence. 

On defence last week, they had another tough outing giving up over 427 yards of net offence.  The Elks are averaging 34.5 points against per game which doesn’t bode well for tonight

The Elks continue to be a work in progress.  They’ve particularly struggled on allowing an average of 35 points a game.  It could be a long night for the green and gold.

Standings

West Division

RK	TEAM	GP	W	L	T	PTS	F	A	HOME	AWAY	DIV
1	SASKATCHEWAN	3	3	0	0	6	98	81	1-0-0	2-0-0	0-0-0
2	WINNIPEG	2	2	0	0	4	61	34	1-0-0	1-0-0	2-0-0
3	CALGARY	3	2	1	0	4	79	65	1-1-0	1-0-0	0-0-0
4	BC	3	1	2	0	2	65	75	1-1-0	0-1-0	1-2-0
5	EDMONTON	2	0	2	0	0	42	69	0-1-0	0-1-0	0-1-0

East Division

RK	TEAM	GP	W	L	T	PTS	F	A	HOME	AWAY	DIV
1	MONTREAL	3	3	0	0	6	105	56	1-0-0	2-0-0	2-0-0
2	OTTAWA	3	1	2	0	2	64	82	0-1-0	1-1-0	0-1-0
3	HAMILTON	2	0	2	0	0	49	66	0-1-0	0-1-0	0-0-0
4	TORONTO	3	0	3	0	0	61	96	0-2-0	0-1-0	0-1-0

Way too much disparity for my liking.  Particularly in the East with two teams still winless.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

• With Oliveria out, step up the passing game
• Score early (the Elks are a fragile bunch)
• Win the turnover game

For the Elks to win

• Protect their QB (Elks gave up 5 sacks last week)
• Pressure the Bombers QBs
• Step up the kicking game (Vincent Blanchard is last in the league having made only 50% of his field goals)

The predictions

The Corbett report is 7-5 so far this year, 1-1 in Bomber Games.  Here’s this weeks predictions:

I’m going for a home team sweep this weekend.  So it’ll be:

• Hamilton in an upset over Montreal
• Saskatchewan over BC as the Lions promising season starts to unravel
• Ottawa (despite their QB woes) over Toronto

And in our feature game look for home field advantage to fire up the Bombers.  It should be good enough for a home team victory.

Bombers 36 Elks 20

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