Backup QB happy as a clam in ’Peg

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This article was published 31/10/2015 (3624 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Despite the Blue Bombers’ 5-12 record in another season bereft of playoff football in Winnipeg, quarterback Matt Nichols is exactly where he wants to be.

“I feel like I’ve been here for years,” Nichols said to a group of reporters after practice Saturday. “I’ve already grown to love this city, this team. I’m excited to be here and happy to be here with these guys, even through the tough times. I know that things are going to turn around here.”

Whether he’ll be part of that turnaround is another thing. Nichols is currently without a contract for next season, so there’s no guarantee he’ll return to the Blue and Gold once the season wraps up next week. Judging from what the 28-year-old native of Redding, Calif., had to say about the status of talks between his camp and Bombers brass, an answer may still be a ways away.

“We’ll see how that all plays out,” he said. “That’s something that for me, it’s a distraction until the season is over. Once the season is over we’ll figure that out.”

Nichols certainly made the most of his time in Edmonton this year. When No. 1 pivot Mike Reilly went down with a knee injury in the first game of the season, Nichols was able to lead the Eskimos to a 5-2 record.

But it wouldn’t be long before he started to lose playing time to third-stringer, James Franklin, a young up-and-comer with fewer miles, and Nichols was gifted to the Bombers Sept. 2.

That good fortune hasn’t exactly spilled over to his time in Winnipeg. Since filling in for regular starter Drew Willy, who fell victim to a season-ending knee injury three weeks before Nichols’ arrival, he’s posted just two wins in seven starts. It’s important to note, however, four of Nichols’ five losses with the Bombers were within a touchdown and three were decided by a field goal or less. Either way, as it stands, Nichols remains the best option for filling the No.2 quarterback hole, and if the 2015 CFL season has shown anything, it’s you need two reliable quarterbacks to win.

“I think the core group of guys here, there’s a lot of talent,” said Nichols. “Guys worked hard, even when it got tough, guys weren’t turning on each other. I think that’s a good sign, that guys believe in each other and you have good people here.

“When you’re losing games, multiple games by three points or less, that tells you that you’re close. Obviously, it’s just going to take a little bit to get over that hump and I think that it’s a good group of guys here that can definitely win football games.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea has yet to commit to a starting quarterback when the Bombers take the field in their season finale against the Argonauts in Toronto Friday night. Nichols, as has been the case for his entire six-year career in the CFL, will be ready if and when his number gets called.

“I’ve been here for a number years now, I know how long this off-season is,” said Nichols. “You’re still playing for your teammates, you’re still playing for your jobs and the fans, trying to give them the last win before going in to the off-season. That’s the plan right now.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton