Streveler a dual threat in Bombers’ drubbing of Roughriders

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This article was published 07/09/2019 (2194 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Chris Streveler does not play like a prototypical CFL quarterback.

Judging by his poised performance in Winnipeg’s 35-10 drubbing of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saturday’s Banjo Bowl, he just needs to be himself. It’s that simple.

The second-year Blue Bombers quarterback completed 15 of 21 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Those are modest numbers to be sure, but he orchestrated a stellar first half in which he guided the hosts to a 17-4 edge in first downs, a 179-67 advantage in net offence and domination in time of possession — 21:01-8:59. His effort combined nicely with a ruthlessly efficient performance by Winnipeg’s defence and special teams.

Oh, and Streveler also carried the ball 11 times for 70 yards and two touchdowns — numbers that have become the norm for the 24-year-old from Crystal Lake, Ill., who was making his third consecutive start in place of an injured Matt Nichols. 

“Streveler, he’s a dual threat,” left tackle Stanley Bryant said with a laugh. “I think he can do things with his legs, and today he did a good job with his arm. He missed (receiver Drew Wolitarsky) a couple of times, which coulda been big touchdown plays. But each week he’s getting better.”

Streveler tossed two glaringly bad interceptions in Winnipeg’s 19-17 loss to Saskatchewan in the Labour Day weekend clash, but rebounded in the Banjo Bowl, keeping a clean sheet while throwing for his highest yardage total of the season.

Asked during the post-game if it was time for Nichols to loan him one of the “Game manager” hats — a humorous reference to Nichols’ reputation as a conservative game-caller — Streveler admitted he embraces the role.

“I’ve got a ‘Game manager’ hat,” Streveler said. “Everyone on the crew has a ‘Game manager’ hat. Managing the game is part of the quarterback position, you know. You don’t want to turn the ball over and we did that today. So we’re extremely happy with that. The ‘Game manager’ thing is kind of a joke, but we take it seriously, as well.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea was thrilled with his quarterback’s performance, particularly the error-free part of it.

“He didn’t really throw any errant passes that you’re cringing offensively — I thought he did a great job in that regard,” O’Shea said. “I thought he slowed it down a little bit for himself, too. And once again, I think the coaching staff does a good job making sure he’s got stuff in (the game plan) that he likes.”

Streveler remained cool despite some key lineup changes, with injuries to slotbacks Lucky Whitehead and Nic Demski. On Saturday, Rasheed Bailey came off the practice roster to supply 46 combined yards on six touches, while backup Daniel Petermann added three receptions for 33 yards.

Bryant has come to realize Streveler’s often-reckless running style is just part of who he is.

“The first game I told him, ‘You’re No. 1 now, you’ve gotta learn to slide,’ and he hasn’t listened so far,” Bryant said. “Today he didn’t, but those plays ignite us. He’s a big quarterback and he loves to truck guys, and I think that just gives him more energy.

“Today he did a great job with his game management, good reads and things like that, and each week he’s getting better. It’s good for the club.”

Streveler said a lively sold-out crowd at IG Field was a big help.

“Just knowing the energy they were going to bring — and it was awesome,” he said. “Being able to communicate in the huddle and not have to scream and lose my voice and being able to mix up cadence was big today. It’s best for offensive linemen when they can hear the snap counts and all around, it’s great.”

GETTING A BREAK: The Bombers, now 9-3, are welcoming a bye week after 11 consecutive weeks of action. They are a battered bunch, with nine players currently on the six-game injured list.

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“The guys need it, absolutely,” O’Shea said. “They need it. I can’t be more proud of our guys for going this stretch and playing as hard as they have.”

Linebacker Adam Bighill, sporting a bloodied ear after the game, said the break will be a welcome relief.

“We’ve used every body on our roster, I would assume, at this point. And man, there’s a lot of guys that need it and it’s been a long grind.” 

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14