Breaking down the keys to get back in the win column
It’s been 21 days since the Stampeders have won or lost a football game. Their last victory was against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, this week’s opponent. Since beating up on the Bombers 36-22, the Stamps have settled for a 26-26 tie against the Ottawa Redb
WR GREG WILSON VS. CB CHRIS RANDLE
Stepping in for injured veteran Joe West, Wilson has a big opportunity to not only help the Stampeders win a game this week, but lay claim to a permanent roster spot. With West placed on the six-game injured list Wednesday with an ankle injury, Wilson might be hard to take off the field if he has a big game against Randle, a former Stampeders defensive back. Wilson’s ability to stretch the field with his speed will be something to watch.
DT MICAH JOHNSON VS. RG SUKH CHUNGH
The last time Johnson faced the Bombers, the 28-year-old monster in the middle spent the first half trying to calm his spinning stomach, and then spent the second half in the locker-room spilling his guts. While that same flu bug popped up again this week and forced Johnson to miss a day of practice, the Pepto-Bismol will be on hand Thursday. Chungh has struggled in his second CFL season after being drafted second overall by the Bombers out of the University of Calgary in 2015, and will be tested in a big way by Johnson. Pressure up the middle is not what Bombers QB Drew Willy wants to see.
IGF FANS VS. QB DREW WILLY
Usually, the home fans on are the quarterback’s side. Not in this case. Thanks to a 1-3 start to what was supposed to be a bounce back season, the Winnipeg faithful have been voicing their displeasure with the 29-year-old QB and calling for backup Matt Nichols. That’s likely music to the Stampeders defence’s ears. If defensive co-ordinator DeVone Claybrooks’ unit can keep Willy out of rhythm early or maybe even force a turnover, the fans at Investors Group Field will turn on the home side quickly.
LB ALEX SINGLETON VS. RB ANDREW HARRIS
Thanks to a unique backstory and a full season of NFL experience last year, Singleton isn’t your normal rookie Canadian linebacker. But expect the Bombers to test the 6-foot-2, 235-pounder early and try to exploit his inexperience in his first CFL start. The Bombers will provide a heavy dose of Harris in both the ground game and the passing game, and Singleton will have to be wary of, and quickly diagnose, how they’re trying to attack him.
SB MARQUAY MCDANIEL VS. LB MAURICE LEGGETT
McDaniel has been a thorn in the Bombers’ side for the past few seasons, producing a handful of huge games against the Winnipeg defence. In the Stampeders’ Week 2 win, McDaniel torched Leggett time and time again, finishing with seven catches for 116 yards and an end zone trip. If Bombers defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall knows what’s good for him, he’ll focus on taking away McDaniel, Bo Levi Mitchell’s safety blanket.