The Corbett Report, July 24, 2026

Introduction

Today’s opening song is all about defence.  I know what you’re thinking, WTF???  How can he be lauding the virtues of the Bomber D?  Aren’t they atrocious? Well, not so quick.  It’s actually been the defence that have held this team together.  Consider the stat line: 2^nd fewest points allowed; 3^rd fewest passing TD’s allowed; fewest average yards allowed on 1^st down, etc. What’s more impressive though, is how the defence has closed out games for the Bombers. Consider what the defence has done in some of the Bomber victories this year:

Week 1, held the Stamps to 1 TD in the second half enroute to a 30-28 victory;

Week 5, held the Ti-Cats scoreless in the second half;

Week 6, held the Redblacks to 1 TD in the second half while the Offence found its footing and staged a massive comeback win in OT.

So, while much can be said about how weak the Bomber Secondary is, how they can’t stop the run etc. etc. the facts speak for themselves, the defence has held the Bombers in games while the offence found its footing and managed to squeak out victories.

They may need to do the same tonight as they face one of the CFL’s most prolific passers in Vernon Adams.

Welcome to week 8, welcome to the Corbett Report.

Standings

Team	GP	W	L	T	Pts	Pts for	Pts Against
West
Edmonton	6	5	1	0	10	167	138
Saskatchewan	5	4	1	0	8	170	133
Winnipeg	6	4	2	0	8	155	156
Calgary	6	2	4	0	4	226	214
BC	5	1	4	0	2	140	156
East
Montreal	6	5	1	0	10	208	186
Hamilton	6	3	3	0	6	149	159
Toronto	6	2	4	0	4	194	207
Ottawa	6	0	6	0	0	153	213

Sigh, then there’s Ottawa

Bombers

The Bombers come into this game with a 4-2 record but in some ways, it flatters the team.  The 14-13 victory over the Ti-Cats and the 36-34 OT victory in Ottawa are two games that come to mind that the Bombers probably shouldn’t have won.  Still, not withstanding the intro comments, stats are for losers and the 4-2 record positions the Bombers well for setting up a challenge for the Western Division title.

The biggest question for this team tonight is “how will the Dru Brown-lead offence perform?”  Last week it seemed that it took a while for the offence to get going.  In fact, it took until the 4^th quarter and then overtime before they threatened Ottawa at all.  They’ll need a faster start tonight. 

I’d look for the Bombers to try and get Oliveira more involved in the offence this week.  Last week he only rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries.  Brown’s propensity to target Ontaria Wilson first (team high 15 targets last week) is becoming a bit too predictable and a heavy dose of Oliveira may serve the Bombers well.

On defence, it’ll be tough test for the secondary as they’ll be facing the veteran Vernon Adams.

Stamps

If it can be said that the Bombers aren’t deserved of their 4-2 record so too can it be said that the Stampeders aren’t deserved of their 2-4 start. The Stamps lead the league in scoring with 226 points and it’s only some bad bounces that have lead to the poor start.  Consider games they should have/could have won:

• Week One: McAtamney misses a 45 yard field goal attempt with 3 minutes to go.  Bombers march down the field to kick a walk-off field goal and secure a 30-28 victory

• Week Three: Saskatchewan manages a TD in OT to get a 40-37 victory

• Week Seven: Adams throws an incomplete pass on the Montreal 5 yard line with 25 seconds to go and the Alouettes hold on for a 37-30 victory

Like I say, bad bounces and suddenly, the Stamps are in danger of missing the playoffs.

They’re a way better team than their record indicates, a fact I’m sure the Bombers are aware of.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

• Dru Brown needs to keep his high TD-Interception record intact.  Don’t throw any picks
• Slow down Vernon Adams’s passing attack
• Vaval gets a punt return TD

For the Stamps to win

• Vernon Adams hits the big plays
• Stop the Bombers run game
• Win the turnover battle

The predictions

Record so far this year: 13-13 (Bomber games 3 – 3).  Really rockin’ the mediocre here.

This week look for:

• Edmonton to upset Saskatchewan in the battle for first in the West
• Toronto to get a victory over the “Rourkeless” Lions
• Montreal to get yet another victory over the Ti-Cats

And

As mentioned above, the Stamps are a better team than their 2-4 record indicates.  Look to VA to solve the Bomber defence and win a close one:

Stamps 35 Bombers 29

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