Can mighty Blue Bombers make it two straight titles?
Demski understands historical implication of showdown with Tiger-Cats
Nic Demski’s attention is squarely on preparing for the Grey Cup game Sunday, but the Winnipeg native understands the potential historical implications surrounding the contest.
With a win, Winnipeg would become the Canadian Football League’s first back-to-back champion since the Montreal Alouettes (2009-10).
The Bombers have won consecutive titles twice before but not since 1961-62.
“It would mean a lot,” said Demski, a Bombers receiver. “I’d be lying to you if it wasn’t in the back of my mind, but we’ve got to focus going 1-0 this week and getting that Grey Cup.
“Obviously that would be a crazy accomplishment, but I don’t want to get too (far) ahead of myself yet,” he added.
It’s difficult not to, given how dominant Winnipeg (league-best 11-3 record) has been this year.
The Bombers led the CFL in offensive points scored (23.0 per game), offensive TDs (35), fewest sacks allowed (16), rushing TDs (14) while standing second in net offensive yards (353.4 per game), time of possession (31 minutes and 25 seconds) and rushing yards (119.7). Quarterback Zach Collaros was the
West Division’s outstanding player after throwing a league-high 20 TD passes while finishing second in passing yards (3,185) with just six interceptions.
Winnipeg’s defence kept pace, leading the CFL in fewest offensive points allowed (12.9 per game), offensive touchdowns (15), net yards (281.3) and passing yards (216.4). Linebacker Adam Bighill (70 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries) was named the West Division’s outstanding defensive player.
Winnipeg stubbed its toe in the West Division final with six turnovers but still managed a 21-17 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Bombers should head into the game as solid favourites as Hamilton (8-6) finished third in the East Division before securing playoff wins over Montreal and Toronto.
The Grey Cup game is a rematch of the 2019 contest, which Winnipeg won 33-12.
Hamilton entered that contest the favourite after posting a CFL-best 15-3 record, while the Bombers (11-7) had to record two road playoff wins to advance to the title game.
Hamilton has history on its side, as the last three teams to host a Grey Cup game have won. And the Ticats’ defence was stellar in anchoring the two post-season wins (23-12 versus Montreal, 27-19 versus Toronto).
Hamilton’s defence was the CFL’s stingiest against the run this season (79.6 yards per game) and second in fewest points allowed (16.1). The unit had six sacks and five turnovers against Montreal and held league rushing leader William Stanback to 29 yards on 12 carries.
And, in the East final, all of Toronto’s points came from kicker Boris Bede (six field goals and a single).
Hamilton will certainly have home-field advantage Sunday, playing before a sold-out Tim Hortons Field gathering. And, while the Ticats were a solid 5-2 on home soil (outscoring opponents 180-107), they weren’t invincible, as Montreal and Toronto both rallied for road wins there.
Winnipeg and Hamilton only met once this year, with the Bombers taking a 19-6 home victory to kick off the CFL’s return to play.
However, Winnipeg has not only been the CFL’s best team but also its most consistent. And last week’s victory showed that, even when the Bombers aren’t at their best, they’re still more than good enough to win.
Pick: Winnipeg.
Last week: 2-0.
Overall: 38-29
The Bombers have won consecutive titles twice before but not since 1961-62