Today’s Bomber Report

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/11/2008 (6377 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SICK-BAY UPDATE

Safety Ian Logan and linebacker Ike Charlton were back on the field Thursday and are expected to play. Only three players are currently out for Saturday: QB Ryan Dinwiddie (high-ankle sprain), CB Willie Amos (hamstring) and OL Ryan Donnelly, who will have season-ending surgery on his knee this week. Wide receivers Milt Stegall, Terrence Edwards and Derick Armstrong did not work out, but all will play.

JUST FYI

Bombers defensive tackle Doug Brown understands his team can be remembered as a failure or can get a little understanding for their troubles with a win on Saturday.

“You have to buy into the one-game-season philosophy. Football is all about repetition and opportunity and second chances and redeeming yourself. But redemption comes to a screeching halt if you’re not successful on Saturday.

GARY LAWLESS THINKS YOU SHOULD KNOW…

Bringing the heat

The weather at practice on Thursday was absolutely miserable, with rain and sub-zero temperatures. The club had a pair of heaters on the sideline, and at one point, 17 players crowded around the blowers. Former Bombers coach Bud Grant never allowed heaters on the field, but current coach Doug Berry sees no problem with them. “They’re part of the game and I like them. Besides, my hands get cold too.”

The kicking game will be paramount on Saturday and the Eskimos have veteran Noel Prefontaine while the Bombers counter with rookie Alexis Serna. Prefontaine has won a Grey Cup and finished with a 76.1 per cent success ratio compared with Serna’s 66.7 per cent. Serna has one edge, in that he’s kicked in the swirling wind of Canad Inns Stadium all season and has been able to pick up some knowledge of the beast that will blow through the stadium on Saturday. Serna hit a number of goalposts during practice and was just OK in the snow/rain/wind weather combination.

Crowd? What crowd?

“I don’t care how many people are in the stands, because they can’t play. Obviously, I would love to be at home because it’s an energy you never forget as a player, but on the road, I don’t find fans to be much of a distraction. Make as much noise as you want, but it doesn’t stop us from doing our jobs.” — Esks O-lineman Dan Comiskey on Milt Stegall pleading with Winnipeg fans for a sellout.

Run or pass?

The weather will play a key role on Saturday and most of the press-box experts were breaking the game down in terms of the conditions come game time. If it’s cold but dry and with a minimum of wind, expect the Eskimos to be able to pass and quarterback Ricky Ray will have a definite advantage. Should things be wet and windy, however, the Bombers’ running attack of Joe Smith and Fred Reid get the nod. Neither club is a stranger to the cold associated with football at this end of the season, but expect gloves, footwear and game plans suited to the conditions to be in play.

Cabbie in the house

Most days, the Blue Bombers treat the media like week-old leftovers upon their arrival in the locker-room, but a visit from The Score’s Cabral “Cabbie on the Street” Richards had the players all in a tizzy. Veteran Milt Stegall gave up some heavy chops for Cabbie, and tackle Doug Brown was blushing like a schoolgirl as Cabbie danced around his locker and lobbed sweet softballs at the big man. For the record, we love Cabbie and his approach. It’s fresh, funny and never takes itself too seriously.