BOMBERS VS. ALOUETTES
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, arguably, are the Canadian Football League’s hottest team. With a 4-4 record, the visitors are on a three-game winning streak and have won three consecutive road games. But the Als dismantled Ottawa last Friday, producing six TD
MATT NICHOLS
The Bombers’ fortunes changed when Nichols replaced Drew Willy at quarterback. This might be the ultimate team sport, but football begins and ends with the quarterback, and Nichols has turned Winnipeg around. He has been intercepted only once in three games, is accurate and can deliver a deep ball. He plays quickly and his confidence is growing.
CLARENCE DENMARK
The Bombers released the talented receiver last winter, mainly for financial reasons. But he has returned to Winnipeg, following injuries to Ryan Smith and Weston Dressler. Denmark has caught seven passes in both of his games since being repatriated, along with three touchdowns. He produced a 195-yard effort against Toronto, on Aug. 12, and is the only veteran receiver in the lineup. It took Denmark two games to match last season’s touchdown total, and he seems to have developed some chemistry with Matt Nichols.
JOHNNY ADAMS
This game marks the return of the talented cornerback, sidelined for reasons the team refuses to disclose — although speculation was he suffered a concussion. Adams was a West Division all-star in 2015 and led the Canadian Football League in interceptions, with six. He’s an aggressive defender who will see a lot of the Als’ Duron Carter. Adams wants to try the NFL next season so will be looking to impress.
NIK LEWIS
Here’s a little-known fact: The Als’ veteran and reliable slotback had five second-down conversions against Ottawa last week, increasing his season total to 18. Quietly, Lewis is becoming Kevin Glenn’s go-to receiver — much like Anthony Calvillo used to rely on Ben Cahoon. There will never be anything flashy about Lewis’s game, but he caught eight passes for 102 yards against the Redblacks. It was his second 100-yard game this season.
DURON CARTER
There might have been some quiet whispers when Als’ general manager Jim Popp re-signed Carter after a year of his sitting on the bench in Indianapolis — and making him the CFL’s highest-paid receiver. But Carter has been worth every penny. He produced a season-high 126 yards against the Redblacks, scoring two touchdowns. Carter began the year slowly but now has four efforts of more than 100 yards in his past five games.