Bombers see loss as missed opportunity

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This article was published 07/07/2017 (3299 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It wasn’t vintage Bo Levi Mitchell, but it was more than enough to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field Friday night.

The star Calgary quarterback completed 22 of 34 passes for 332 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions as the Stampeders rolled to a 29-10 CFL victory.

Blue Bombers middle linebacker Sam Hurl saw the night as a lost opportunity.

“We’ve gotta look at film a little bit and see what happened,” said Hurl, who finished the game with five tackles. “But when you’re in the heat of the game, you’re just worried about your responsibilities. I think they had a good scheme on us for that second half where they were completing balls and they were running the right plays to what we were calling. I think we adjusted and we were able to limit that but ultimately, I feel like when they score 20 points on us as an offence, that’s not good enough…

“I don’t think he played exceptionally good — I just think we have to play at a higher level.”

Making mistakes against an accomplished veteran bunch like the Stampeders is never a good idea. The Bombers commited five turnovers and five of the club’s six penalties were incurred by the Winnipeg defence.

“Going into the second half, we had momentum,” said Hurl. “But there were points, we had penalties here and there, that extended drives and that’s not good. It only helps the other team.”

Missed tackles were also an issue for the Blue Bombers, who led 10-9 at the intermission but had more trouble containing Calgary receivers after the catch in the second half. Stampeders pass catchers finished with 171 yards after the catch.

“They came out aggressive,” said Winnipeg cornerback Chris Randle. “I think we tried to stick to our game plan and I think there were situations where we could’ve been better as far as making tackles on those guys. I don’t think we let them go, as far as going over the top, but we’ve gotta be in position to make plays and be where we’re supposed to be.

“I mean, we had situations where we could’ve kept them behind when we punted the ball and we didn’t. So they drove the ball and got field goals. We’ve gotta do a better job as a defence. As an offence, we’ve gotta move the ball, and special teams have to make plays.”

The Stampeders finished the game with 25 first downs and 400 net yards of offence while allowing only one sack.

“Every loss is a learning experience for us,” said Randle. “We’ve just got to grow as a team, look at our weaknesses and get better from them.

“I think we’re a (well-)conditioned team. I don’t think any defence would use that as an excuse. So, we understand what our job is and what it (entails) and we’ve just gotta do better. It’s just as simple as that.”

The Blue Bombers will have a quick turnaround as they plot a game plan for their next game on Thursday against the visiting Toronto Argonauts.

“We’re getting back to work tomorrow,” said Hurl. “I think we’re still going to have the appropriate time to prepare.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sawa14