An aberration, or was rout the real deal?

Blue Bombers bounce back in a big way in romp over Lions, writes Paul Friesen.

The evidence continues to trickle in, and it’s as confounding as any whodunit. One day you think the Winnipeg Blue Bomber defences looks guilty of repeating its crimes from the last two seasons, the next it looks like a changed unit.

On a hot and steamy Saturday night in Winnipeg, with the liquor and the sweat flowing freely around it, the Bombers’ dirty dozen stood steadfast in a 41-19 manhandling of the B.C. Lions. A statement game, perhaps? “You tell me,” linebacker Adam Bighill, the star of the show, replied. “What’s in the headline?”

It was murder on Lions quarterback Jonathan Jennings, who was sacked four times, picked off three times and held to less than 200 yards passing. The thing is, the up-and-down nature of the Bombers defence through four games raises the possibility of a stinker next weekend.

“They executed a good plan,” coach Mike O’Shea said. “… But statement games. I’m not sure what that even means.”

It means you’ve figured it out and can count on a high level of play, week to week, the serious problems behind you.

The jury is still out on that.

WILDCAT HOWLS

Having Streveler off the bench for short-yardage situations — he scored two touchdowns and moved the chains a couple other times — gives the Bombers offence more dimension. A more threatening Wildcat, if you will.

“Honestly, Chris is kind of built for stuff like that,” Nichols said.

WAITING FOR ADARIUS

Long after the fans had cleared out, receiver Adarius Bowman was with his wife and baby girl at one of the exits, taking pictures in front of a poster of Bowman.

Cradling that baby girl, Bowman looked as happy as if he’d just scored a Grey Cup-winning touchdown. On the field, though, Bowman, who celebrates his 33rd birthday on Tuesday, has yet to make an impact.