Opportunistic defence drives Blue Bombers to big win

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This article was published 27/10/2018 (2511 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Blue Bombers won their fifth straight game Friday night and a surging defence forced two key fumbles that helped to change the course of the game.

In fact, Winnipeg has won the turnover battle in each of its 10 victories in 2018 and Friday’s 3-2 margin against Calgary helped to turn the tide against the powerhouse Stampeders en route to a 29-21 victory at Investors Group Field. The Bombers, who lead the CFL with 48 takes, have a 17-5 edge in turnovers during their five-game hot streak.

A first-quarter play was a prime example: with the Stamps driving in the red zone, linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox ripped the ball loose from Calgary wideout Chris Matthews. Defensive tackle Jake Thomas quickly pounced on the football to snuff out the drive and it was Winnipeg’s ball on the five-yard line.

In the third quarter, it was more disruption from the Winnipeg defence as middle linebacker Adam Bighill dislodged the ball from the grasp of Calgary running back Don Jackson — with defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat recovering the fumble.

This time, it was Winnipeg’s ball on the Stampeders’ 19-yard line and three plays later, backup quarterback Chris Streveler went over for the Blue Bombers’ third major of the quarter from two yards out to cap a 20-point outburst for the hosts in the quarter.

The two-touchdown swing didn’t go unappreciated.

“Yeah, those were huge momentum shifts in the game and securing points for our offence,” said Bighill, who finished the game with three tackles. “Those are the things you’ve gotta do to help win games and beat great teams.”

Stripping the ball has become second nature to the Blue Bombers.

“It’s something we’ve preached since Day 1 but, funny enough, sometimes opportunities present themselves more than others,” said Bighill. “I found myself in a few different positions trying to get the ball out these last few weeks and it’s great to be able to execute.

“It’s one of those things where we keep moving on and making these plays. I mean, the turnover differential is key for any team and it’s especially been holding true for us.”

Santos-Knox said Winnipeg’s recent run is the culmination of some hard work and perserverance

“We have a strong belief and trust in one another on that defence,” said Santos-Knox, who added a game-high eight tackles. “And just in general on this team. On this team, we preach you trust that guy next to you, man. Everyone bought into the game plan, you just see a bunch of guys buying into the game plan every week and learning it, inside out, so there’s no second-guessing out there — just flying around. I love it.”

Could the win over Calgary serve as a signature win?

“Nope, because it doesn’t really mean anything,” said Santos-Knox. “The only thing it does is get us in the playoffs. That’s not our goal to get in the playoffs. Our goal is to win the Grey Cup, so we know we’ve only started.”

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