‘We’re inconsistently consistent’

It didn’t take Jaylen Smith long to earn the respect of his teammates.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have an annual tradition where they name a player the “Pro’s Pro” of the year. The title goes to a special teamer who shows up, takes pride in their craft, and never complains about his role.

Last season, it went to Smith — a rookie linebacker from Hamilton, Ont., who finished second on the team with 22 special teams tackles.

“I personally don’t think I deserved it. I thought Michael Ayers (now a third-year linebacker) deserved it. Everything he did, I just followed. He was the pro’s pro the year before, so I just followed him,” said Smith after Monday’s practice at Fort Garry Lions Field.

“But I guess they thought I did a good job. I’m glad they gave it to me, but it is what it is.”

With dime back Michael Griffin II in a walking boot and expected to miss some time, chances are Smith will be the next man up. He already plays his fair share of snaps on defence, but with a promotion, he could further cement that he’s more than just a special teams demon.

The Bombers (4-4) host the Ottawa Redblacks (0-8) on Friday.

“Honestly, I’m just a defensive player. That’s how I view myself,” said Smith.

“I don’t view myself as having a true position. I’m just a guy on the field, an extra piece, that can help the core guys we have on our team.”

Chosen in the second round, 15th overall, in the 2025 CFL Draft, Smith has far and away been the team’s most impactful player from last year’s class.

He had three defensive tackles last season, and that number is already 14 in just seven appearances in 2026.

“I got a lot of reps on defence the past few weeks. (Starting) doesn’t really change anything,” said Smith.

“They tell me if I make a mistake, just do it at 100 per cent and that’s still the same mindset that I’m gonna go with.”

Smith had schools from across the country knocking on his door, but he was determined to play NCAA football. After spending some time at IMG Academy in Florida — where he was teammates with wide receiver Carnell Tate, who was recently drafted fourth overall by the NFL’s Tennessee Titans — he walked-on at the University of North Texas.

He started out on special teams but was eventually used all over the defence at defensive back, linebacker, and safety.

The 5-10, 228-pounder could be on a similar trajectory in the CFL.

“We really liked him in the draft, and we really liked him last year,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.

“He just keeps on earning more time.”

Keeping composure

Defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger had some explaining to do on Monday.

It was his first time chatting with reporters since his defence surrendered 377 rushing yards — a franchise record — against the B.C. Lions in a 35-19 loss before the bye.

The Bombers are now the No. 7-ranked defence in the three-down loop.

“We’ve got to be able to keep our composure. You’ve got to understand in the CFL, anything is possible. You can’t let that one mistake compound and that’s what can happen in that situation. It can go from 20-19, to (35-19) in three minutes time,” Younger said.

“You just got to keep playing football. The scoreboard shouldn’t matter in that situation. And ultimately, the result, you get to look at it and see how things came off the rails. I think for a lot of people, that is a learning experience, but it is a painful experience,” he continued.

“But, pain teaches.”

Collaros no cure-all

It’s not like things are much — if any — better on offence.

After failing to reach 20 points against B.C., the Bombers are tied with Ottawa for fewest offensive touchdowns scored (16) and rank seventh in points per game (25.5).

“It hurts me to my core that we weren’t able to win that game… It was a good bye week, but a bye week where I wish we were able to smile a little more,” said offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell. “Right now, I feel like we’re inconsistently consistent.”

Condell’s offence, led by quarterback Dru Brown, took very few chances — especially through the air.

“I’m trying to win that game. If we run the ball too much, or if we don’t run the ball enough: it’s like my kids going to a steakhouse — someone wants chicken nuggets, someone wants that,” said Condell.

“I believe we have to do the best thing for the team and that’s what we tried to do.”

The game got out of hand after Brown left in the fourth with a back injury. The Bombers were leading 16-13 with just under 10 minutes to go when he got hurt on a scramble.

“Yeah, I had some pretty bad back spasms. I couldn’t really rotate very well. I figured I’d be kinda useless if I couldn’t do that,” said Brown, who stayed in Winnipeg over the bye to rehab.

Brown was a full participant on Monday after taking it easy on Sunday.

The Bombers went 2-2 with him under centre while starter Zach Collaros worked his way back from a neck injury.

While getting Collaros back should provide a nice boost, Condell is fully aware that it won’t fix everything.

“No one’s a saviour,” he said. “It always takes everyone.”

The Bombers are off on Tuesday and will return to work on Wednesday.

winnipegfreepress.com/taylorallen