Streveler impressive inBombers’ rout
Blue Bombers coachMike O’Shea says his rookie quarterback isn’t playing like a rookie at all. QB Chris Streveler picked apart the Alouettes defence in the air and on the ground asWinnipegwalked all over Montreal 56-10 on Friday night. Streveler scored three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The 23-year-oldwent 22 for 28 for 246 yards and ran for a teamhigh 98 yards.
“He’s shown that he has the ability to learn on a daily basis, and on a series-byseries basis,” said O’Shea of Streveler. “If he keeps that up, he’ll be a lot of fun to watch. He knows he has some work to do, but boy, he’s executing at a really high level.”
Streveler, replacing starterMattNichols (knee injury), shone in just his second Canadian Football League game.
WithWinnipeg (1-1) leading 10-7 in the second quarter, Streveler took control of the match. He put together a 95-yard drive capped off by a 10-yard pass toNicDemski for his first touchdown of the season at 7:34.
Five minutes later, Streveler connected withDrewWolitarsky along the sideline and the receiver jogged into the end zone untouched as the Bombers took a 24-7 lead. That drive got started with a 30-yard punt return by Kevin Fogg.
“Just somany guysweremaking plays tonight,” said Streveler. “(Andrew) Harris was running the ball hard. Everyone was catchingwell in the offensive line. I don’t think I got sacked tonight. Just so much credit to everyone. We really spread the ball around and a lot of guys showed up and had a great game tonight.”
After another two-and-out for the Alouettes (0-2), Rashaun Simonise blocked Boris Bede’s punt deep inMontreal’s half. Winnipeg recovered the ball at the twoyard line as a chorus of boos rained down from the 19,498 fans in attendance at PercivalMolson Stadium.
That set up an easy QB sneak for Streveler, his first rushing touchdown in the CFL, as the visitorswent up 31-7 in the second quarter.
“Passing is obviously the first and foremost deal,” said Streveler. “If things break down and it’s necessary to move the chains by running, that’s something I’m willing to do. I want to take pride inmy throwing and ability tomove the ball through the air. The running stuff is just an added element.”
After field goals on both sides— three for JustinMedlock and one for Bede— Streveler put the game out of reach with 11:20 remaining in the contest as he found Wolitarsky again in the end zone for the 47-10 lead.
“(Streveler) knows howto run a huddle,” saidWolitarsky. “He gets hit hard and gets right back up. He was amped up tonight. He’s just a funguy toplaywith. Hehas that energy.”
With an insurmountable lead for the Bombers, backup quarterback Bryan Bennett replaced Streveler in the fourth. He went 3 for 4 for 71 yards.
Kienan Lafrance added a rushing touchdown late in the game.
Wide receiverDarvin Adams also threw aTDpass toHarris on a trickplay inthe first quarter to set the tone for the encounter. Alouettes quarterbackDrew Willy, playing against his former team for the first time since being traded away two years ago, went 16-25 for 111 yards and a touchdown.