FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1 RETURN OF MATT NICHOLS
After missing the first three games of the season with a right knee injury, Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols was taken off the six-game injured list and he’s ready for his season debut. Nichols declared himself 100 % and emphasized he’s not going to need time to shake off any rust. His experience should open up a few things in the Blue Bombers passing game.
2 DEFENCE CAN’T REST
The Blue Bombers defence continues to give up explosion plays in the early part of the season, which was one of the focal points coming into the campaign. Blue Bombers defensive co-ordinator Richie
Hall believes it’s a matter of fundamental mistakes that can be corrected, but the secondary will need to be sharper this week facing a receiving corps that is led by former NFLer Emmanuel Arceneaux.
3 STRETCHING THE FIELD
Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings is off to a relatively slow start, completing 33 of 48 passes (68.8 %) for 338 yards through the air with only one touchdown and two interceptions. He’s a guy that can be dangerous when he scrambles and historically, he’s been at his best when he can air the ball out and stretch the field.
4 BEWARE OF JOHNSON
He might not be the flashiest running back in the CFL, but Jeremiah Johnson is an important part of the Lions offence. He’s carried the ball 21 times for 116 yards in two games and has a touchdown and he’s also a threat in the receiving game out of the backfield. Containing the running game will be a top priority.
5 HELLO, OLD FRIENDS
Facing the Lions has become just a normal game for Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris. But for the likes of Adam Bighill, Chandler Fenner and Craig Roh, this will be the first time the three former Lions face their former club. Bighill spent six seasons with the Lions before graduating to the NFL with the New Orleans Saints in 2017. This will be a special game for him.