3 KEYS TO VICTORY

By: Adam Wazny Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Friday, Jul. 16, 2010

Free Press football writer ADAM WAZNY outlines how the Bombers could win tonight:

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Free Press football writer ADAM WAZNY outlines how the Bombers could win tonight:

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/07/2010 (5902 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Free Press football writer ADAM WAZNY outlines how the Bombers could win tonight:

1. KEEP THE CAR RUNNING OR THROW AWAY THE KEYS?

We agree with the premise that the Bombers are playing with fire by having quarterback Buck Pierce running around with the big boys on defence out there. No matter how many times he takes off, Winnipeg fans probably won’t be able to shake the images of smelling salts and golf carts. But the reality for the football team, in terms of wins and losses, is that Pierce’s legs are an effective tool against CFL defences. Credit the offensive system the Bombers have built around the pivot. With the receivers and backs all pulling defenders in different directions and vertically stretching the field in the process, Pierce (fifth amongst CFL rushers with 192 yards heading into Week 3 action) has plenty of room to take flight. Plus the run sets up the passing attack. Football 101. But should fans be worried about their starting QB starting up-field? Until Pierce gets hurt it won’t matter. What may be of greater concern is the production coming from Fred Reid (125 yards on 20 carries). The running back hasn’t had a 100-yard game since that record-setting 260-yard performance against B.C. in 2009. That’s 12 games and counting. With teams locking in on Pierce (look for a more attentive spy on the Hamilton side), Reid needs to get his game back on track.

2. HAS ALL THIS SPECIAL ATTENTION HELPED?

Not to keep setting the needle on this broken record here, but the question has to be asked: Have the Bombers finally figured out their special teams — specifically, the coverage units — to the point where the coaches can feel comfortable lining up for a field goal? The new regime has backed kicker Alexis Serna since the opening bell here, so there’s no reason to think his job is in jeopardy (not yet, anyway). LB Derrick Doggett is back in Blue and Gold, and if he can even approach his dynamite play from 2009, the coverage team will be noticeably better. Having said that, there’s a big challenge coming against the CFL’s latest return sensation (Marcus Thigpen) tonight. Head coach Paul LaPolice said the plan against Thigpen (four special teams TDs in two games) is simple: Stay in your lanes, keep things on the inside shoulder while maintaining good separation between you and your teammate, and make the tackle when the chance comes. Winnipeg bounced back after allowing Thigpen to return the opening kick-off for a TD in Week 1. If the same mistakes are made and Hamilton’s instant offence gets another score early in this one, coupled with the scrutiny the Bombers’ special teams unit has faced since the season opener, it could put the Bomb Squad right out of commission this time.

3. DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH

The numbers suggest a dominant unit, so why are some not buying into the Winnipeg defence after two weeks of the season? The Toronto loss (36-34) raised a few eyebrows in River City, specifically in the way the Argos were able to run the ball in stretches. News flash: The Bombers should expect Hamilton to attempt the same thing. Forget about the fancy schemes; Hamilton will try to smash it and wear the Bombers out on the hot surface of Ivor Wynne. Two factors at play here: One, the Bombers are down a pair of starters (DE Dorian Smith and S Ian Logan). Second, Ticats RB DeAndra Cobb has just 59 yards on the ground. It’s annoying to have to answer questions about a slow start, so look for him to be a little more determined between the tackles. Limit Cobb, put the game on QB Kevin Glenn’s shoulders again, and the chips should fall into place. The Bombers defence can assert itself as one of the best in the land with a strong showing here.