Defence delivers opening statement

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This article was published 09/08/2021 (1494 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At first blush Thursday night, it looked as though it was going to be a long night for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defence. Only for the group to rally quickly, find their groove and put forth an impressive effort that would appease even the harshest of critics.

The clinical touchdown drive, orchestrated by Tiger-Cats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, on Hamilton’s first series turned out to be a minor footnote in the game. The visitors wouldn’t score another point in the final 55 minutes and 41 seconds — an incredible feat in the CFL, where the rules often favour the offence.

“It happens,” Bombers safety Brandon Alexander told reporters Monday, commenting on Hamilton’s early success. “We had to clean up some things on our side and, at the end of the day, it’s just about us, on the defensive side and as a team. It’s about what we do, and how we approach the game. We let one loose and it’s OK. So, rally around each other and go back and play again. And that’s all that matters.”

The Bombers did play, and play well, scoring two touchdowns and a field goal, while also forcing a safety against the Tiger-Cats to earn a 19-6 victory. The Bombers are now 1-0 on the season and will play a second straight game at home this Friday, against the Toronto Argonauts.

Heading into the new season, many wondered how much of that dominance from the Bombers 2019 Grey Cup run would spill over into 2021. When Winnipeg forced an incredible 16 turnovers and surrendered just 39 points in three games en route to winning their first title in 29 years.

On Thursday, they forced three turnovers and gave up the lone touchdown, while also defending Hamilton’s attempt at a two-point conversion. That came after an extended off-season owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and without a few key contributors from 2019, particularly in the secondary.

And while Willie Jefferson (one interception) and Adam Bighill (team-high seven tackles) were their usual selves, the Bombers got key contributions from some of the newer faces as well.

Defensive lineman Casey Sayles had a key quarterback sack late in the third quarter that pushed Hamilton back eight yards. On the next play, Mike Jones forced a fumble that was recovered by Jonathan Kongbo. Linebacker Jontrell Rocquemore, who was in for an injured Kyrie Wilson, intercepted Masoli late in the fourth quarter to ice the game.

“You’ve heard some other guys talk about the veteran leadership and the routine and the regimen the vets ensure that the young guys are going through to be prepared, because, in the end, they all want to win. Whether they’re playing or not, everybody wants to win,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said. “We’re going to make sure we’re focused on us, in what we do and making sure we’re better from one week to the next. But it’s a good way to start the season.”

O’Shea said after the game, and again Monday, that the Ticats were banged up on offence, absent some key players. The fact they were without all-star offensive tackle Chris Van Zeyl, running back Don Jackson and two quality receivers in Bralon Addison and DeVier Posey, had O’Shea saying he’s made sure the group isn’t feeling overconfident.

The Bombers were also banged up. Wilson (hip) was out, as well as coverage linebacker Mercy Maston, who suffered what will likely be a season-ending Achilles injury in training camp. Not to mention Winnipeg had two CFL rookies in Deatrick Nichols and DeAundre Alford patrolling the heavily contested boundary area of the secondary.

And there might be more injuries to come. Defensive back Josh Johnson, who was playing in Maston’s spot, was absent from Monday’s practice, as well as defensive lineman Steven Richardson. O’Shea wasn’t sure when they’d be back, but he was predictably optimistic about a possible return to practice sometime this week.

That doesn’t seem to be a major issue for the Bombers. Their depth is as strong as any in the CFL and, judging by how the group handled things Thursday, should be able to put up a good fight against the Argonauts.

“Our coaches always get guys prepared. They do a very good job of making sure that if you’re dressed for a game, you’re getting in and playing, you’re taking meaningful snaps, for the most part,” O’Shea said. “With regards to depth, we liked the guys we had in training camp, we felt we had a lot of players that can help us win football games. I do like that our coaching staff firmly believes in the fact that all these guys are starters. And when they get their opportunity, they’ll prove that out right.”

It helps that the Bombers have a formidable defensive line, something Alexander said makes everyone else’s job on defence a bit easier. They know Toronto will be another tough test after earning a victory against the Calgary Stampeders in Week 1.

They got guys that can make plays, from receivers to running backs to everybody there,” Alexander said. “They play pretty good together and so we’re gonna have to go out there and just be us and be able to do what we do on the field. And as long as we do what we do, then the sky’s the limit.”

 

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.catwitter: @jeffkhamilton