Coach O’Shea sees things more clearly a couple of days after loss to Roughriders

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This article was published 09/08/2014 (4073 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With a couple of days now between the Blue Bombers and their 23-17 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, head coach Mike O’Shea sees things clearer.

For instance, the offensive line needs some work when it comes to run blocking, O’Shea agreed. (Tailback Nic Grigsby only mustered seven yards on 10 carries on Thursday, and actually had negative yardage after eight.)

Coach also thought the special teams are coming along, though they remain a work in progress.

“When you go through it with fine-tooth comb, you recognize opportunities we had that we let slip through our fingers,” O’Shea said on Saturday, after a film and workout session at Investors Group Field.

Well, the Bombers don’t have to wait long before getting another shot. The team is set to head to Toronto to play the Argonauts on Tuesday, a rare five-day turnaround. That means the Bombers will only practice once this week, on Sunday.

Originally, O’Shea had planned to squeeze two practices into this narrow time frame. That was “probably a pipe dream,” he said, admitting he was probably overzealous as a new coach to cram work in.

Still, the coach isn’t too concerned. “I’m fired up to have our guys get back on the field and in a game situation as quick as possible,” he said. “It’s our job as coaches to make sure they’re given enough, in terms of the playbook, to allow us to win the game, and also pare it back enough so they’re able to physically execute their assignments at a high level. I think the players really enjoy short weeks, it means they get to get on the field more quickly.”

INFIRMARY REPORT

Although receiver Clarence Denmark took some punishment in Thursday night’s game, he’s a-OK, O’Shea said. Teague Sherman also took a beating, but “he seems to battle through everything.” Offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld, who was out with injury last week, is hopeful to return. Johnny Sears, Dan Knapp and Donovan Alexander are a week away, and punter Mike Renaud will need at least that time. It’s not clear yet if receiver Nick Moore will play on Tuesday.

Melissa Martin
Reporter-at-large

Melissa Martin reports and opines for the Winnipeg Free Press.

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