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Johnny Sears

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THERE'S no magic potion involved but cornerback Johnny Sears said the Bombers defence has to find a way to recreate last game's chemistry in Saturday's game against the Stampeders.

The Bombers' last outing against Calgary, a 44-3 loss on Sept. 14, was a polar opposite to the performance last Monday by the Big Blue when they beat Montreal and their vaunted Anthony Calvillo-led passing attack 27-22.

"None of that 'good Bombers, bad Bombers,' we've got to have good Bombers for the rest (of the games). You can't have Jekyll and Hyde. You've got to have the good one and keep with it," said Sears, who had a key second-quarter interception in the end zone in Montreal of a Cavillo pass intended for Brandon London. "We're going in knowing we showed we can play the way we want to and the way we should play. We have to continue it and repeat it and keep upgrading."

Sears said winning the battle of the turnovers 5-2 against the Alouettes is a confidence-builder coming into Saturday's game.

"It felt great because that was a very high emphasis last week, and this season, is our turnovers. We kind of fell off our stats from last year and we've been making a very key point of take the ball away because that's our job," said Sears, tied for the team lead in interceptions (two) with Brandon Stewart. "We felt like we can give our offence some help if we give them ball in great situations and it paid off."

Licking their wounds

THE Bombers could be without four key players for Saturday's game but head coach Tim Burke said he'll know more after today's full practice.

Burke said defensive end Alex Hall (knee) and defensive tackle Bryant Turner (ankle) and receivers Kito Poblah and Cory Watson (leg) could be spectators.

Burke said all four are "doubtful" but would not elaborate on the nature of the injuries.

Slotback Terrence Edwards, who caught his third touchdown pass of the season in Montreal, is expected to be able to play.

"Terrence has got a very sore foot but I think he'll be able to play with it. I don't think it's anything severe. They're going to do some more testing on it to see if it's more than what they think it is but right now, they think he's fine," Burke said.

-- The Bombers added import defensive back Vincent Agnew, 24, to the practice roster. Agnew, who spent last season on the Miami Dolphins practice roster, was among Miami's final cuts this season.

-- Ashley Prest

The Bombers have two players leading the Canadian Football League in key defensive statistics with Henoc Muamba tied for most forced fumbles with five and Alex Hall tied for most sacks with nine.

z Don't worry, be happy part two? Bombers head coach Tim Burke said he wants his players to continue last week's less-pressure approach to game day but within reason. "Have fun but you've got to prepare properly."

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 11, 2012 C3