'We still have a legitimate shot'

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Mike Kelly has had plenty to grimace about in the opening third of the season, but he believes the Bombers will be a contender come November. (CNS WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

WINNIPEG - The CFL season is exactly one-third old and if you know who the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are, well, email us and we'll put you in touch with Lyle Bauer because the CEO would sure like to hear what you have to say.

At 2-4, there's one thing for sure, and that's Winnipeg's spot in the standings, tied for dead last in the East. Only the West's Dumpster-diving B.C. Lions and the lost-at-sea Toronto Argonauts in the East have been as inept as the Big Blue to date this season.

This being the CFL, however, one of those teams will make the playoffs, so it's far too early to write this season off. But who the Bombers are and what to expect from them going forward? Good luck finding those answers.

These Bombers have had more ups and downs than a toilet seat at a mixed party. Insert Jekyll and Hyde joke here. The Internet forums are a case study in chemical imbalance. One minute the pollsters are flying high and the next they're ready to pull a Thelma and Louise, with coach Mike Kelly along for the ride.

Speaking of the top dog, we stalked the Bombers offices on Monday in hopes of a five-minute audience with the Pope of Prairie Pigskin and got it.

On our mind was the state of the club's three separate departments, offence, defence and special teams, at the one-third pole. Here's our take, Kelly's take, and the raw numbers.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

The Big Picture

The numbers: 2-4 and last in the East

Kelly's comments: "There are a lot of teams that are pretty close. Two and four, we'd be a game out of first in the West. Montreal came out of the gates last year 7-0 and then went 4-7 down the stretch. Our whole thing is keep getting better.

"With the way our schedule plays out (five of Bombers' last seven are at home) I think we still have a legitimate shot at being in the conversation when November rolls around. Because we run the ball well, the weather changes in Winnipeg, I think we have a chance."

Our take: Fair enough. But this club made the post-season, including one Grey Cup appearance, the previous three seasons under Doug Berry and he was punted in favour of change and the promise of progess. We need a little more for our money than a ticket to the playoffs.

Offence

The Numbers: 113 points scored, an average of 18.8 per game (both ranked 7th in the CFL); Net rushing: 795 (1st); Net passing: 943 (last); First downs: 96 (last); Total offence: 1670 (last)

Kelly’s comments: "I think we’re making progress. I’m pleased with the way Yvenson Bernard has come in and provided us with a spark. Fred Reid is a special talent and I think our offensive line, all in all, has played well. We’re second in the league in giving up sacks and we lead the league in rushing. Those are usually pretty good stats that you would think would turn into a higher winning percentage than we have.

"Those things in mind, we obviously need more production throwing the football. And that lies in a number of areas. It lies on the quarterback to read some things properly, it lies on the receiving corps to start making some more plays and it relies on me to put them in better position to catch the ball."

Our take: Things have stabilized with QB Michael Bishop, but we think the receivers are the real culprits. Other than Terrence Edwards, this group has done little, except maybe cost Stefan LeFors his starting gig. It’s time to make some plays or look for new blood.

Defence

The Numbers: 136 points allowed for an average of 22.6 per game (both third); Average rushing yards against: 99.5 (third); Average passing against: 280.3 (seventh); First downs against: 127 (sixth); Average yards offence against: 358 (fifth); Plays from scrimmage against: 508 (last); Giveaway-takeaway: The Bombers are second in the league with a G/T ratio of plus-8. The team leads the league with 14 interceptions.

Kelly’s comments: "I don’t think you could ask for anything more from this group. I don’t know if there’s another team that has a group that can form the front seven that we have. We have nine or 10 guys that can play in our front seven and we don’t experience a drop-off when we make changes. Our secondary have been playmakers. Ballhawks. They’ve gone after people. We lead the league in interceptions with 14, whereas Edmonton doesn’t have one yet."

Our take: This is the best unit on this club but they’re getting worn down from too much work. The offence has to keep the defence off the field or there will be injuries and a drop in defensive production.

Special teams

The Numbers: Alexis Serna is 10 of 12 on field goal attempts. Both numbers are fifth. Mike Renaud’s net punting average of 34.6 is seventh. The Bombers average 18.7 yards per kickoff return (sixth) and 5.3 yards per punt return (last).

Kelly’s comments: "Our kickers have done very well. I’m pleased with Alexis Serna and where his head is at and how well he’s been stroking the ball. And I think Mike Renaud has been a great find and you’re only going to see him get better. I’m going to argue with the kick return. James Johnson has improved quite a bit and is getting a feel for what we’re trying to do. If you look at it, he’s fourth in the league in kickoff returns. And among guys with more than 10 returns, he’s second.

"He does something that nobody wants to give credit for and that’s catch the ball. I can remember putting Alan Boyko and Matt Pearce back there just to catch the ball. People think it’s an easy thing to do and it’s not... Everyone wants the dynamic Gizmo. They’re just not out there. You have to develop them."

Our take: We’ll give you the stability argument. But nothing gets a crowd on its feet like an electrifying punt or kick return.
 

Gary Lawless, Winnipeg Free Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 11, 2009 B6