Bombers lose Streveler in regular season finale

Playoff football is finally here.

Unfortunately, we still need to recap Saturday’s mostly forgettable regular season finale.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers took down the visiting Montreal Alouettes 19-10 in what felt like a pre-season game in October.

Both the Bombers, the No. 4 seed in the West, and the Als, No. 2 in the East, end the year at 10-8.

There was nothing on the line, but the stakes will be sky high the next time they duel as the Bombers will cross over and play the East semifinal in Montreal on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT.

We’ll have all week to dive into that, but before we do, let’s get into another edition of 5 Takeaways.

Down goes Streveler

Football isn’t fair.

Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler tore three out of four ligaments in his left knee in last year’s Banjo Bowl. Five minutes into Saturday’s contest, he reinjured the same leg on a non-contact play and needed to be helped off the field by two trainers.

After the game, he was sitting in his locker with crutches next to starting pivot Zach Collaros and looked in disbelief.

Streveler posted the following on Instagram on Sunday:

“I’m not sure what the future looks like, but I’m confident there’s better things waiting for me on the other side of this recovery. I hope that my journey and mindset can inspire others to persevere through adversity just like I have done and will continue to do. Thank you, as always, for all the support and everyone that reached out, it means more than you know.”

He might not boast hall of fame numbers, but no one can question Streveler’s character and desire to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Since arriving in the Manitoba capital in 2018 as a rookie — through his years bouncing around the NFL, and now in his second stint in the three-down league — Streveler has made it loud and clear how much he loves playing in Winnipeg and representing the Bombers.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Drew Wolitarsky, who spent the last seven seasons with the Bombers and is one of Streveler’s best friends, commented on the post with “Football will end but the passion will never leave. It’s time to put it somewhere else where it’s needed!”

Hopefully that isn’t the last time Streveler takes a snap, but if it is, you’ve got to pull on your fur coat (shirtless, of course) and tip your cowboy hat to what was an incredibly fun and memorable run.

Terry takes centre stage

Bomberland has been itching to see what Terry Wilson can do for quite some time.

Unfortunately, it had to come under these circumstances.

Wilson showed some promise but also demonstrated why he’s third on the depth chart.

His stat line was modest — going 11-for-21 with 79 passing yards and a pick, plus 30 rushing yards on eight attempts — but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Wilson has an incredible arm and can make some throws that even Collaros can’t. He’s also an excellent athlete who can evade pressure and generate positive yardage on the ground. However, the second-year Bomber still clearly needs to improve at reading the defence and decision making. He’ll make a beautiful pass one play and on the next he leaves you scratching your head.

If Als defenders Marc-Antoine Dequoy and Kabion Ento had better hands, the 27-year-old would’ve had three picks and the score would’ve looked a whole lot different.

Overall, Wilson demonstrated enough ability to warrant being brought back and can be a solid player in the CFL with a bit more seasoning.

Als abort mission

You can’t believe everything you hear.

Earlier in the week, Als head coach Jason Maas stressed that star quarterback Davis Alexander will play against the Bombers as he needs to get more playing time under his belt heading into the playoffs.

So much for that.

Maas left his undefeated pivot on the bench and trotted out 37-year-old McLeod Bethel-Thompson for all four quarters and it was a disaster.

Bethel-Thompson has 105 career CFL games to his name and this was one of his worst as the Bombers, who rested several key starters on defence, held him to 17-of-24 passing for 182 yards and a pick.

The Als had nothing to gain or lose in the standings since Hamilton had already clinched the East Division on Friday, and it showed. Regardless of that, no one can deny that this Bombers’ defence is on a roll heading into the most important time of year. They haven’t allowed an opposing QB to throw for more than 200 yards in their last three games, and they’ve limited teams to just 14.4 points per game in their previous five outings.

It’ll be nearly impossible to keep Alexander, who is a perfect 7-0 this year, to an average that low, but this defence can steal a game.

Take a break

The Bombers gave Collaros, running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Ontaria Wilson, left tackle Stanley Bryant, defensive ends Willie Jefferson, James Vaughters, and Jay Person, dime back Redha Kramdi, and returner Trey Vaval all the night off.

It opened the door for players like Canadian fullback Michael Chris-Ike to get opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t, and the second-year pro made the most of it by making the play of the game with a 63-yard carry in the fourth quarter to help close things out. Chris-Ike, who earns his money by blocking for Oliveira, had one carry for two yards in his first 26 appearances.

Unsung hero

You don’t sell out every game without people like Carol Barrott.

Wade Miller referred to the Bombers’ manager of ticketing and fan services as the “the heart of what makes our organization special” and fans adore how the longtime employee goes above and beyond to treat people.

Just ask Zach Schnitzer, a proud season ticket holder since 1996.

“She knows every season ticket member by name, she knows your family and asks how they’re doing. She’s phenomenal,” said Schnitzer.

Prior to kickoff, Barrott was announced as the CFL’s Jane Mawby Tribute Award winner which goes to a long-standing employee who’s dedicated and committed to helping their club.

Barrott, who first got involved with the Bombers in 2005, is a slam-dunk of a choice, and it was the highlight of the afternoon to see her applauded by the 32,343 diehards in the stands.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca