RIDERS MUST SERVE NOTICE THEY’RE READY TO DOMINATE
If Matt Nichols had indeed attempted to throw his receivers under the bus, he would have been intercepted.
Such was the plight of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last Saturday, when they suffered a 39-26 CFL loss to the host Calgary Stampeders.
After the game, Nichols — the Bombers’ starting quarterback — was interviewed by Winnipeg radio station CJOB and, most notably, observed that the receivers weren’t getting open.
Cue the overheated “under the bus” accusations.
The previous week, Nichols had expressed displeasure over boos that were heard at Investors Group Field during Winnipeg ’s 44-21 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks.
He later claimed the issue was “blown out of proportion” — as were the Bombers against Ottawa, come to think of it.
So now, following two consecutive losses that have been a catalyst for controversial comments, Nichols and his associates are preparing to face the host Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday in the 54th Labour Day Classic.
The Roughriders are trending in a different direction, having won twice in a row on the strength of robust play by a championship-calibre defence.
Saskatchewan’s offence is at the other end of the spectrum, but a breakthrough could be imminent against a Winnipeg defence that, lately, has more leaks than the White House.
The teams’ records — Saskatchewan is 5-4 while Winnipeg is 5-5 — are comparable, but there is a considerable disparity based on their last two games.
Saskatchewan has outscored their foes 64-48 over that span, whereas Winnipeg is at the wrong end of an 83-47 tally.
With that in mind, there is every reason to expect the Roughriders to dispose of the Blue Bombers on Sunday — if, that is, the Green and White is legit.
Over the past 21/2 seasons, Roughriders head coach and general manager Chris Jones has been painstakingly building a team that, by now, should be able to capitalize on opportunities like this.
The Roughriders, after encountering some struggles, are playing their best football of the season. And the Bombers, based on recent performances, are reeling.
So bury them.
That’s the least the Rider Nation should expect in Year 3 under Jones.
The second half of the season starts Sunday. If the Roughriders can’t assert their dominance this weekend, will it ever happen under this regime?
The defence we know about. The Roughriders have a veteran quarterback (Zach Collaros), an improving offensive line, and young and talented receivers.
Special teams will always be an asset. The coverage teams are sound, Brett Lauther is Robokicker, and Christion Jones is an explosive returner.
If this team is ever going to make a push for the CFL’s upper echelon under Jones, now is the time.
Accordingly, they should administer the first blow on Sunday, and apply the knockout punch six days henceforth in the rematch — thereby sustaining the success.