Bombers still expecting Stampeders’ best tonight
Winnipeg won’t be underestimating struggling Calgary
WINNIPEG — The Calgary Stampeders might appear to be ripe for the picking, but don’t tell the Blue Bombers that.
The Stampeders (12-4) visit Winnipeg tonight having lost their last two games, while the Bombers (9-7) are riding a seasonhigh four-game winning streak.
Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols isn’t underestimating Calgary, which lost to Saskatchewan and B.C., both games by five points.
“That would not be a smart thing to do,” Nichols said after Thursday’s walk-through.
The outcome has playoff implications for both clubs. A victory or tie for Calgary gives it first place in the CFL West Division for a third straight season. If the Bombers win or tie, they secure a playoff spot and eliminate Edmonton (8-9) from post-season contention.
“There’s a lot on the line for them, as is for us,” Nichols said. “It’s kind of been playoff football for us the last four or five weeks and this week is no different.”
Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has had to deal with throwing passes to an everchanging receiving corps.
Four receivers are on the six-game injured list, and newly signed Bakari Grant remains off the roster for now.
Two starting defensive backs and a pair of regulars on the defensive line are also on the injured list for Calgary.
“I don’t look at them as wounded,” Bombers running back Andrew Harris said. “They’re a team I respect a lot no matter who is in there. The next man up is always just as good as the guy who got (hurt).”
Mitchell is 6-0 playing in Winnipeg, but he’s taking nothing for granted after his team’s two losses.
“I definitely have the confidence in this building, but it’s always different each year,” Mitchell said. “You know, how you’re playing right now at the moment, how the other team is playing. So just looking forward, honestly, to a rebound game.”
Stampeders coach Dave Dickenson said his team’s effort isn’t lacking, but now might be the time to shift into another gear.
“You have to play with urgency, that we need this game, we need to make this play,” Dickenson said. “I think that can make your team play better.
“Certainly it’s getting more urgent for us. Hopefully, we use that and play well.”
Winnipeg has outscored its opponents 132-49 during its four-game winning streak, including a 31-0 victory over Saskatchewan before the Bombers’ recent bye week. The defence leads the league with 45 takeaways and the 141 points it has scored off of its turnovers. And it looks like Winnipeg will be getting back rush end Jackson Jeffcoat.