Bombers’ sack attack falling short this season

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This article was published 25/06/2024 (483 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are not getting after opposing quarterbacks.

Through three weeks, they have three total sacks which puts them on pace for just over a third of what their tally was last season: 53.

The only team with less is the Calgary Stampeders — who they play this Saturday at McMahon Stadium at 8 p.m. CT — with one QB takedown but they’ve only played twice as they are coming off a bye.

The struggles were evident in Friday’s 26-24 loss to the B.C. Lions as pivot Vernon Adams, Jr. enjoyed a stress-free night in the pocket and passed for nearly 400 yards.

With TyJuan Garbutt, Celestin Haba, Miles Fox, Cam Lawson all hurt, the Bombers are paper thin at D-line outside of veterans Willie Jefferson and Jake Thomas and their opposition is taking full advantage.

“You got contingency plans, but then you need to have a contingency for a contingency, and then you need to have a contingency for that and that’s where we’re at right now,” said defensive coordinator Jordan Younger. “How deep down the rabbit hole do you gotta go in order to keep the group prepared and ready for whoever may be out on the field? We’re learning on the run.”

They desperately need a new face to step up and be a playmaker and defensive end Ali Fayad might just be that guy.

The third-year pro was released after going down with an injury on the opening day of rookie camp. He stuck around to rehab before getting re-signed last week. Days later, he was making his season debut against the Lions.

The stats show he made one defensive tackle while splitting time with rookie Devin Adams, but Fayad — a Western Michigan product who was named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 — was arguably in the backfield more than anyone in Blue and Gold.

“Definitely some good out there, too bad we didn’t get the win,” said Fayad, 25.

“I left some plays out there but overall it’s something I can look at on film and get better with what I put out there. Definitely room for improvement, but not too bad for a first game. I had a quarterback wrapped up in the backfield, I wish I had got him down. That’s me coming in too high. The next game I’m definitely going to chop down some legs.”

He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2022 before joining the Toronto Argonauts late that season. He played four games with the Boatmen, recording four tackles, one special teams tackle and a sack. While he didn’t dress for their postseason run, Fayad has a Grey Cup ring as he was under contract with the Argos when they knocked off the Blue Bombers in that year’s big game.

“When (teammates) ask, ‘Hey, didn’t you play at… ?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I was there in the Grey Cup year,’” said Fayad.

“But that’s behind us now. Now I’m trying to get one here. I keep it tucked away. I need a Bombers one.”

He took his talents to the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars in 2023 but an MCL injury limited him to just four games. Now healthy and with a glaring opportunity staring him in the face, Fayad has a chance to find his footing as a pro in Winnipeg.

“(We’re) 0-3 for now. We’ve got to get some things turned around but it’s still the best squad, the best program in the CFL,” said Fayad.

“It’s cruel. It’s cutthroat. Know that hopping around leagues and that’s why I’m so grateful to be here. It’s cutthroat out here. You’re only as good as your availability. I’m just glad we got past (my injury) and I’m here now. Like I said, I’m just grateful to be here and continue to be a Bomber.”

If Fayad lives up to his word, quarterbacks might start fearing this D-line like they used to.

“I’m a rusher. I’ve got a motor and I’m not going to stop until I get there,” he said. “I’ll never stay blocked. That’s just my mentality when I’m on the field. I don’t like big guys, fat guys, grabbing on me. I’m going to get their hands off me, I’m going to try get off that ball and help my teammates.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31