Dominant defence

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers face the B.C. Lions in the 2011 Grey Cup today at BC Place. Here's a scouting report on the 10-8 East Division champions (using a scale of 1 to 10):

OFFENCE

Tailback Chris Garrett offers a true feel-good story here. Released earlier this season by Winnipeg, he re-signed with the club and was promoted to the starting lineup after incumbent Fred Reid and backup Carl Volny suffered season-ending injuries. Garrett averaged over six yards a carry in the regular season, then ran for 190 yards and a TD in leading Winnipeg past Hamilton in the East Division Final. Garrett's fine play gave an already solid run game a big-time boost this year, which only enhances the impact of veteran quarterback Buck Pierce, who can effectively use play-action to freeze linebackers because he, too, is a threat to run. Pierce battled injuries this year and had more interceptions (18) than touchdowns, but backup Alex Brink showed well during his chances to play this year. Whoever is under centre has solid receivers in veteran Terrence Edwards (66 catches, 1,124 yards, eight TDs) and impressive rookie Clarence Denmark (65 catches, 818 yards, five TDs). But the offensive line surrendered 46 sacks, tied with Edmonton for most in the CFL and the unit's 42 giveaways -- including a CFL-leading 22 interceptions -- was third-most in the league.

GRADE: 7.5

DEFENCE

This unit was the biggest reason for Winnipeg's resurgence after posting a league-low 4-14 record last season. It finished first in 12 of the CFL's 25 defensive categories, including sacks (55), fewest yards (301.1 per game), fewest passing yards (223.1 per game) and interceptions (25). The Bombers also forced a league-high 54 turnovers. Odell Willis finished tied for the CFL lead in sacks with 13 but Kenny Mainor (eight sacks) and Jason Vega (seven sacks) were also problems for opposing quarterbacks. The loss of linebacker Joe Lobendahn was a big one, but Marcellus Bowman has certainly lessened that impact. Cornerback Jovon Johnson anchors the secondary, registering a league-high eight interceptions and returning two for TDs to be named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

GRADE: 9.5

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sophomore Justin Palardy hit on 40 of 52 field goals this season, a solid accomplishment given half of his games were played at Canad Inns Stadium, which is infamous for its swirling winds. Punter Jamie Boreham rejoined the Bombers in a trade with Saskatchewan during the season and is a savvy eight-year CFL veteran. Johnson gives Winnipeg's return game a boost whenever he gets the chance to haul in punts.

GRADE: 7.5

COACHING

Paul LaPolice did a terrific job this season as Winnipeg posted a six-win improvement over last year despite limited roster turnover. The 41-year-old LaPolice was criticized a lot during his rookie campaign for some questionable on-field decisions but this year seemed to push all the right buttons in keeping his team on an even keel, especially late in the season when victories were harder to come by. And Winnipeg registered many of its early-season wins with late rallies, a solid sign of successful in-game adjustments by LaPolice and his coaching staff. LaPolice will make his third Grey Cup appearance as a coach, taking part in two previously as an assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

GRADE: 8.5

TOTAL: 33.0

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 27, 2011 B2