‘We did some good things, but it wasn’t enough’

It feels silly to criticize the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defence on their latest showing.

To go on the road, force three turnovers, and hold the No. 1-ranked team in the West Division to 22 points is an impressive feat that should be heaped with praise.

But in the final minute of the game, the unit needed to tackle better.

With the score tied 19-19, the Edmonton Elks faced a second and three from their own 46-yard line when running back Justin Rankin squeezed through three defenders for a 16-yard gain.

Then with less than 30 seconds to go, the Elks were in a second and 10 situation when receiver T.J. Luther was wrapped up by Bombers corner Jonathan Moxey well short of the first down marker, only to escape and advance for 11 yards.

Luther’s second effort set up kicker Vincent Blanchard for a 40-yard walk-off field goal to give Edmonton the 22-19 victory.

“In that moment, of course you want to make the tackle. I think it would have been a 50-yard field goal instead of a 40-yard field goal,” said Moxey after Monday’s practice.

“I think he’s good from about 60, so I’m not going to lose no sleep. I’m not going to say he was going to make it anyway, but I’ve got to be better. I’ve got to make the tackle.”

The Bombers, who dropped to 5-5, had possession of the football for just eight of the final 30 minutes.

“Fatigue is never an excuse. We’re professional athletes,” said Moxey. “Our job is to be out there to compete, and part of it is stamina.”

For Moxey, their late-game errors boil down to technique.

“You’ve got to take your eyes to the hip of the ball carrier. Look at the waistline, don’t look at the upper body. You don’t want to shake with the helmet. There’s little details that we’ve got to work on,” he said.

“And then they get paid, too. Come on, you got guys like Rank, come on now. We’re not crazy. We’re not just watching. They’re going to make plays, too. But it’s our job to slow them down and be professionals and be assertive on defence.”

The Bombers signed the 31-year-old corner, who previously played for Hamilton and Calgary, to a two-year deal in free agency. He picked off Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo in the second quarter — his first interception as a Bomber.

Winnipeg has intercepted a league-low four passes this season.

They’ll need to add to that total if they’re going to stand a chance on Friday when they welcome the Montreal Alouettes (9-1) to town.

“Man, it was awesome in the moment. Of course, in retrospect it’s bittersweet. Wish we would have got that W,” said Moxey.

“We did some good things, but it wasn’t enough. There was some stuff that we left out there… We probably could have taken another six points, another 10 points off the board by doing those little things. So that’s what we have to work on. Those 24 hours are up, so right now we’re worried about Montreal.”

Injury update

Running back Brady Oliveira, halfback Deatrick Nichols and left tackle Stanley Bryant did not participate at practice on Monday owing to ankle injuries.

Starting safety Redha Kramdi, who missed the last four games with a hand injury, was a full participant.

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