Bombers predicted to be back in Grey Cup

Of the 24 Winnipeg Blue Bombers who started the 2022 Grey Cup, all but two are back for this year’s training camp. Centre Michael Couture signed with B.C. He will be replaced by his understudy veteran Kris Kolankowski. Defensive tackle Casey Sayles defected to Hamilton and will likely be replaced by third -year man Cameron Lawson. The returnees include six All-Canadians and two league award winners. The fact that this dynastic team is still intact is a tribute to GM Kyle Walters because keeping a championship group together requires skillful book-balancing in the salary cap era. Toronto, last year’s champs, fielded several former Stampeder stalwarts that Calgary could not afford to keep after winning the Cup in 2018.

Walters also deserves credit for the fact his team had an operating profit of $4.9 million. They made a profit of $2.1 for the pandemic-shortened

2021 season. For the first time in team history, the Bombers led the CFL in attendance, averaging 28,641 per game. They had over 30,000 five times. Walters and fellow executive Wade Miller hired Michael O’Shea who won his second Annis Stukus Coach of the Year Award last season.

Given that none of their Western rivals can match their talent, what can prevent them from appearing in their fourth straight Grey Cup? Failure to address a weakness, age or injuries.

The Bombers lost the big game to Toronto 24-23. Marc Liegghe missed a convert and a last play field-goal. He missed two of three converts in the division final. He had the worst field-goal percentage in the West. Coach Mike O’Shea loyal to a fault, failed to address the problem, costing his team a Grey Cup. He has finally seen enough. There is competition at the 2023 training camp

Chandler Staton, an All-American from Appalachian State was signed last March.

On May 4th, in a surprise move, Edmonton released veteran kicker Sergio Castillo who was 5/5 in field-goals for Winnipeg in the 2021 Grey Cup. (Just about every move in Edmonton is a surprise) Castillo, an American, can’t punt. That job will go to a Canadian or Global player.

What about age?

Over half the starters on both sides of the ball are 30 or older. Four others are 29. Award winners quarterback Zach Collaros and offensive tackle Stanley Bryant are 34 and 37 respectfully. Most of the older starters are in their prime but their age indicates the window of opportunity to win championships is beginning to close.

Offensive linemen get better with age because they’ve learned every trick in the book. They need quick feet but they don’t need speed. Running backs can lose a step or two. In fact, the NFL keeps track of how many hits a back has absorbed from high school to the pros.

Even if the player has won a rushing title, if the number is high they get rid of him. None of the CFL’s top rushers are over 30, except the incredible Andrew Harris. (36) With the exception of the 26 year old Bomber Dalton Schoen, the leagues 2022 leading receiver , the rest of the top pass catchers are around 30. Craig Ellingson of Montreal is 35 but I’m not sure he still qualifies as a leading receiver.

All the CFL’s starting quarterbacks are over 30 except Argo Chad Kelly(29). Injuries usually end a pivot’s career, not age, although the older you get the slower you heal. Injured QB’s are the hardest to replace with Canadian offensive lineman a close second. Zach’s backup is the competent Dru Brown. He’s 26.

Three of four Winnipeg D-linemen are over 34 along with two linebackers and Dbs. But if one them should show signs that Father Time is catching up, the Bombers have superior depth to any team in the league.

Defensively, last season they allowed the fewest points, touchdowns and passing yards.

Last year’s Bomber squadron were a surprising fifth in total offence but they were second in red zone touchdowns and first at second down conversions. They scored the most points and surrendered the fewest. They were the least penalized and gave up the second fewest sacks.

The 2023 edition is a great team. They should cruise to the Grey Cup and win it. I said the same last year but they fell a field-goal short.