Defence will need to be Johnny on the spot

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This article was published 19/09/2018 (2575 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Is this the week a now-healthy Johnny Manziel, operating with a more complete understanding of Montreal’s playbook, finally unleashes his devastating skill set on a CFL defence?

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who host the Alouettes on Friday night at Investors Group Field, will soon find out what the unpredictable Johnny Football is capable of. But head coach Mike O’Shea figures he has a pretty good idea.

“You turn on any highlight clip of him, and you know exactly what he’s gonna do,” O’Shea said. “He’s going to extend plays, he’s going to be creative and he’s going to be creative downfield by extending plays. I’m sure he’s been in their system for a while, been itching to get his chance again since he had to leave a game with an injury. So, I imagine he’ll be very excited to play and he’ll certainly be more prepared than he was earlier in the season.”

Manziel, sidelined since entering concussion protocol as the result of a hit in a game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Aug. 11, is eager to kick-start his season. He made one regular-season appearance with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before being dealt to Montreal. In his second of two starts with the Als, he completed 16 of 26 passes for 168 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions.

O’Shea doesn’t view Manziel as a rookie.

“I don’t know that rookie matters in this sense because he’s got enough athletic ability and creativity — he’s a bit of a wild card,” O’Shea said. “You’re not sure. A lot of the plays that have broken down in front of him, for whatever reason, he’s turned into very positive plays over the course of his career.”

TRENDING UPWARD

The CFL draft is a notoriously uneven predictor or future success, but the Blue Bombers are convinced they did well with their top two picks in the 2018 draft.

Receivers Rashaun Simonise (12th overall) and Daniel Petermann (26th overall) are already steady contributors on special teams, while also popping up with the offence. Petermann has eight catches for 127 yards, including four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown as replacement for an injured Kenbrell Thompkins during the Banjo Bowl in Week 13.

“I prep like I’m the starter,” Petermann said. “I make sure I know everything. I just make sure I’m mentally prepared.”

Petermann is getting a good vibe from the coaching staff.

“I think they’re just happy that I’m collecting a lot of information and I’ve been able to handle it,” Petermann said. “I’m pretty much backing up three spots. I got the protection, so I think they’re happy with that.”

The rangy Simonise, who has three catches for 69 yards, is projected as more of a wideout than Petermann, but he has taken great pride in becoming as versatile as possible.

“The secret has been to be able to work as the whole unit,” Simonise said. “We can replace one or two players on the offence, all the surrounding guys will make sure we feel comfortable. Just being able to compete at that level comes from practice — just competing with each other every day. We build that chemistry, so when we do go in, we don’t miss a step.”

O’Shea gave both men a big vote of confidence.

“They’re two very likable guys,” O’Shea said. “Obviously, different personalities in the room and around out on the field. They possess a difference in their physical stature, but they’ve got very good skills. Petermann scoring that touchdown (in Week 13), and his understanding of the game and the way he moves — and Simonise, his sheer height and speed and raw athleticism. They’ve been two very good additions.”

HE’S BACK

Wide receiver/returner Charles Nelson found his way back to Winnipeg after the expansion of practice rosters came into effect earlier this week.

Nelson, a 22-year-old from Daytona Beach, Fla., appeared at training camp briefly in May before leaving the team.

“Some personal issues came up — I had to leave,” said Nelson, who filled highlight reels with some spectacular kick returns during his college career as a member of the Oregon Ducks. “They retired me for that time. I was in contact with them and I tried to come back a little earlier, but I had to wait to see how the whole roster thing works.”

He remained active in the four months he was away from football.

“Just trying to stay in shape so when I came back up here, I wasn’t left in the dark, I wasn’t out of shape and I couldn’t do anything,” Nelson said. “I’m pysched to be back.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14