LaPolice approaching boiling point

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This article was published 22/09/2010 (5529 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

He’s been patient. He’s been forgiving of mistakes while admitting his own.

And he’s tried to be loyal in a business that is all about change.

But now Winnipeg Blue Bomber head coach Paul LaPolice appears ready to boil over in frustration after watching his squad make a pile of mental and physical mistakes that were critical in Sunday’s 17-13 loss to the Toronto Argonauts.

“I talked to them about a couple of things,” began LaPolice Tuesday when asked what he said in his address to the troops. “That, at times, I was disappointed we didn’t execute the simplest things possible, whether that is getting lined up on a punt block, or catching a football or just keeping your hands inside on a protection. And when you don’t do those simple things it’s hard to win football games.

“I also told them I’m behind them, that I’ll do anything for them and that they’re my guys and I’m their guy and whatever they need I’ll help them with. But I also will make change if I need to make change.

“I’m not real happy. I’m sure a lot of people aren’t happy and me being on the (coach’s show on CJOB) Monday night I can hear it. I understand it, but these players need to understand that, too, and I think they got my message at every meeting I sat in on today.”

And that hint about change isn’t just something LaPolice has spit out to rattle cages. Rumours continue to swirl that the Bombers are actively shopping receiver Adarius Bowman. The veteran target is currently 11th in the CFL in receiving yardage with 659 on 47 catches, but also put two passes on the ground in Sunday’s loss.

“I just talked to him briefly this morning and just said ‘Keep competing. Keep playing,'” said LaPolice.

But even with Chris Davis missing practice Monday — his girlfriend gave birth to a girl — Bowman was splitting reps with Greg Carr, the 6-foot-6 Florida State product added on Sept. 1. The Bombers also need production from their other wide receiver spot as Canadian Aaron Hargreaves has now gone two games without a reception and has just three for 26 yards over his last four starts.

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All that said, Bowman and the receivers are hardly the only Bombers under the microscope. There were two critical breakdowns on special teams against the Argos and missed blocks and assignments on offence. The only outfit that is escaping scathing criticism right now is the defence.

“I’m disappointed. I’m frustrated. We had a very good opportunity. But we have to respond,” LaPolice said. “This team was knocked down. They need to get back up… they’d better because this is a great football team we’re facing in Montreal.

“I feel for (the fans), too. I understand their frustration. Nobody does as much as the general manager and myself. I feel their pain and I hear it. It’s our job to get them ready and get two points this week.”

BLUE NOTES: Receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris, who has been out since July with a high-ankle sprain, resumed some hard sprinting on Tuesday. He’s scheduled to return to practice next week and could be activated for the Thanksgiving matchup agaist B.C.

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca