New look for Bombers defence

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/07/2023 (844 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defence sported a different look Wednesday.

Instead of their traditional practice uniforms, defenders took the field for walk-through in button-up work shirts typically worn by individuals in the automotive industry.

Players’ names were printed in a circle on the right chest, while a logo that read B2W (which stood for back to work) was on the left.

Defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall came up with the idea.

“Every year Richie has a theme that we kind of rock with. Like last year, it was toolbox. So, everyone had a toolbox, some tools, and stuff like that,” said linebacker Adam Bighill.

“It’s just something to unite everybody in a common thought. The idea is when we step in this building and step on this field, it’s all about work. It’s just always reminding ourselves, ‘This is what we do, why we do it, and who we do it for.’”

The defence will also have a different look for Thursday’s tilt with the visiting Edmonton Elks as linebacker Les Maruo and dimeback Redha Kramdi have been inserted into the starting lineup.

Malik Clements was felled by an injury in last week’s overtime loss in Ottawa, so in steps Maruo, a third-year player who was selected fourth overall in the 2021 CFL Global Draft.

This will be Maruo’s first career start.

The 27-year-old was born in Japan before moving to Wichita, Kan., at a young age. In the CFL off-season, he returns to Japan to play in their professional football circuit — the X-League.

“It’s a big blessing, and just to represent Japan, and Global players also, because there’s only one roster spot for Global players and there’s so many guys trying to get to the CFL. So, just being able to represent the Global side of things is a huge blessing,” said Maruo.

“Finally getting to start, it means a lot to me.”

After taking over for Clements last week, Maruo — who played at the University of Texas-San Antonio before starting out at Hutchinson Community College — took down Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum for a sack in the fourth quarter.

“Les is an explosive guy. He’s got a ton of skill and he’s got a ton of weapons, but he really just hasn’t had a ton of opportunities to show it,” said Bighill. “He gets in for a few reps and plays his part, but you see him make plays. He’s consistently and continually learning, but playing really well. His physical attributes are very, very, very good.”

Kramdi, a 26-year-old from Montreal who was selected in the second round of the 2021 CFL Draft, had the starting gig at his fingertips a few weeks ago when veteran Alden Darby, Jr. was benched in Week 3’s embarrassing 30-6 loss at IG Field against the B.C. Lions. Kramdi finished the game, but picked up an injury that knocked him out for the next three weeks.

Now that he’s healthy, the Bombers are trusting Kramdi with the job. He got his first start last season in October in a game against the Elks.

“(Darby) is like a big cousin. He’s always making sure I’m good on the field, off the field. If I make a play on the field, throughout the whole camp and even last year, he’s the first one to be excited or point it out in a meeting or try to give me tips so we have a great relationship,” said Kramdi.

”I don’t really see it as me starting over a veteran American guy. I just see it as me having a good camp and them taking a chance on me.”

+++

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Mike McIntyre | On Sports

Thursdays

Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter.

Sign up for Mike McIntyre | On Sports

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

The Bombers offensive line hasn’t looked itself this season, and Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Ottawa was another tough outing for the group.

Despite getting sacked at a higher rate than usual, quarterback Zach Collaros doesn’t agree with the criticism being thrown at his blockers.

“Those guys are unbelievable. Those are my guys. They’re the best group I’ve ever played behind. Things happen in games. Sometimes the average viewer can’t account for what’s happening,” said Collaros.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31

Taylor Allen
Reporter

Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.

Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.