Bomber Report

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C. Lions’ Keon Hatcher (4) and Zander Horvath (34) celebrate Horvath’s touchdown in front of Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Deatrick Nichols Thursday night at Princess Auto Stadium.

Bombers defence still holds hope season can be turned around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

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One solitary, one-syllable word was all Mike O’Shea needed to try and describe what he had just seen.

The head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers had watched his defence get shredded for almost 400 yards in the rushing game alone in what was a 35-19 loss to the B.C. Lions on Thursday night before a stunned crowd of more than 31,000 at Princess Auto Stadium.

“Oof,” said O’Shea, before he explained things a bit further on the tactical side and provided some of the reasons things went sideways in such an important facet of the game.

It wasn’t that the description the head coach of the Bombers gave on that front wasn’t important, but the preamble to the soliloquy on how a series of errors and missed tackles wasn’t really necessary for anyone who had just witnessed this debacle.

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Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were still leading when quarterback Dru Brown (4) went down with 10 minutes left in the fourth. Play-calling decisions on the Blue and Gold’s first two drives could have made the difference.

Fatigue no excuse for Bombers’ dismal play

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Fatigue no excuse for Bombers’ dismal play

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Visiting teams used to fear playing at Princess Auto Stadium.

At one time, it wasn’t a question of whether the Winnipeg Blue Bombers would win at home — it was a question of by how much.

From 2017 to 2025, the Blue and Gold posted a dominant 54-14 record in front of the team’s diehard fans.

Those days, however, are firmly in the rearview mirror.

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Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Bomber Report

FREE PRESS FILES The Wanderers filled out the Winnipeg Football Club’s roster that won the first Grey Cup for the city in 1935 and was the first team from Western Canada to win the Cup.

Wanderers centennial transcends the pitch

Ben Little 11 minute read Preview

Wanderers centennial transcends the pitch

Ben Little 11 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

A local rugby club’s influence on Winnipeg’s sports scene impacts thousands of Winnipeggers every day. Their story is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Winnipeg Wanderers Rugby Football Club. The Kildonan-based Wanderers' storied history reflects the core values of a global community, rooted in camaraderie and fuelled by a burning love for the sport.

The Wanderers’ influence on both rugby and football has built stadiums, shaped families, and pioneered the way for Winnipeg’s beloved professional gridiron football team.

Last month, Manitoba’s oldest rugby club celebrated the milestone with the communities it helped build. The club hosted a weekend of festivities at Maple Grove Rugby Park and was honoured on two separate occasions at Princess Auto Stadium.

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Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Tim White (12) attempts to make it to the end zone against the B.C. Lions during the first half Thursday at Princess Auto Stadium.

Brown goes down, so do Blue

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Brown goes down, so do Blue

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers suffered one of their most embarrassing and inexcusable losses in recent memory on Thursday night.

A one-win B.C. Lions team — featuring a rookie quarterback making his first career start, a rookie running back making his first career start and two backup offensive lineman in action — somehow, someway dealt the Blue and Gold a 35-19 defeat in front of 31,509 disgruntled fans at Princess Auto Stadium.

The Bombers, now 1-4 on home turf this season, have dropped back-to-back games to fall to 4-4. The Lions improved to 2-5.

“Shit wasn’t good enough. Offence, defence, special teams. Wasn’t good enough,” said defensive end Willie Jefferson.

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Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Willie Jefferson (far left) sacks Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. last week with the help of teammates Jake Ceresna (left) and Michael Fletcher (right). The B.C Lions have allowed 18 sacks so far this season, while Winnipeg leads in sacks with 15.

Clean game a must for Bombers to pull out win at home

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Clean game a must for Bombers to pull out win at home

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Thursday, Jul. 30, 2026

It’s no secret the Winnipeg Blue Bombers haven’t been playing up to snuff lately.

The club suffered an embarrassing 52-30 loss against Calgary last week, but luckily for the Blue and Gold (4-3), there’s a prime opportunity to return to form on Thursday night when the team hosts the floundering B.C. Lions (1-5).

“Yeah, I mean, we’re above .500 and that might be cool in some other team’s eyes, but in our eyes, we want to be great,” said receiver Nic Demski.

“Where we’re at in the standings right now, that’s not enough for us.”

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Thursday, Jul. 30, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira took the ball to the house on a career-long 45-yard touchdown against the Calgary Stampeders last week.

Bombers Oliveira preaches collective unit to turn team’s offence around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Bombers Oliveira preaches collective unit to turn team’s offence around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2026

Brady Oliveira chose his words carefully — and you can be sure that was by design.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back was speaking to members of the media for the first time since his words on the CJOB post-game show about the search for the identity of the offence created a bit of a stir and unintentionally became a frequent topic of conversation going into Thursday’s game against the B.C. Lions.

Because Oliveira (knee) was held out of workouts on Monday and Tuesday, there was no time for further context on the subject until after Wednesday’s walkthrough and it sure sounded like the star tailback was asked to tone things down.

“We’ve got a lot of good guys on this offence – all across the board and we just want this thing to go around,” said Oliveira. “We want this thing to be successful. We want to go out there and make plays. Whatever it takes, understanding that it’s a collective unit that has to go out there and be on the same page and get it done. That’s kind of where I’ll stand with that.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2026

Bomber Report

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool slides into the left tackle position, replacing an injured Stanley Bryant.

Former teacher would suit up with Bombers in just ninth game of three-down loop career

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Former teacher would suit up with Bombers in just ninth game of three-down loop career

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

In a way, Micah Vanterpool’s brief stint as a Grade 3 teacher in his hometown of Tulsa, Okla., prepared him for life in the CFL.

The third-year offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers only has eight career games on his resumé as he has bounced around between the practice roster, starting lineup and injury report.

But thanks to his time in the classroom, he’s developed the patience that’s required by a young American trying to make a name for oneself in the three-down loop.

Vanterpool got into teaching after failing to make the New England Patriots in 2023. He said goodbye to the education profession the following year and took his talents up north to Winnipeg.

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Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Ontaria Wilson (left) intercepts the lateral pass from Calgary Stampeders’ Ben Labrosse (29) intended for Marquel Lee (8) on Friday.

Bombers receiver’s lateral recovery still talk of the town

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Bombers receiver’s lateral recovery still talk of the town

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

Ontaria Wilson has made a habit of ending up on highlight reels for his brilliant play-making ability.

But the Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver added an exclamation point to all of that jaw-dropping footage last Friday, quickly changing gears into the role of a defender after a Dru Brown interception ended up in the hands of Calgary Stampeders defensive back Ben Labrosse.

Wilson has been seen flying through the air with the greatest of ease to haul in passes during his time with the Bombers, but this was a thing of beauty, turning a potential turnover into a new set of downs when he snatched the ball that was heading for the hands of Marquel Lee.

“I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” said Bombers offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld, a 15-year CFL veteran. “It’s one of those crazy CFL action plays. Thank God (Wilson) had the wherewithal to do that. He’s made some unbelievable plays for us and that’s going up there on the top for sure.”

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Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell (centre) said after Monday’s practice that he is seeking input from the players on his play-calling.

Bombers search for an offensive identity after Week 8 tailspin

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Bombers search for an offensive identity after Week 8 tailspin

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Monday, Jul. 27, 2026

Tommy Condell has been around long enough to know that criticism is part of the job, so you can understand why there were moments when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator sounded a tad defensive when speaking to the media on Monday afternoon.

The Bombers were coming off a disappointing 52-30 loss to the Calgary Stampeders that dropped them to 4-3 on the season.

In many instances, a 30-point outburst would have been cause for celebration. But when you look under the hood of Friday’s outing — which included four interceptions for Bombers pivot Dru Brown — the picture wasn’t quite as rosy.

Compounding matters, star tailback Brady Oliveira went from making the longest touchdown run of his CFL career — a 45-yard scamper late in the third quarter — to being a mostly forgotten player in the fourth as the club mostly abandoned the run in an effort to rally from nine and eventually 12-point deficits.

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Monday, Jul. 27, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Quarterback Dru Brown gets sacked by Stampeders’ Clarence Hicks during the second half of CFL football action at Princess Auto Stadium.

Bombers’ offence, defence, and special teams fail to show up against Stampeders

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers’ offence, defence, and special teams fail to show up against Stampeders

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Saturday, Jul. 25, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers constantly preach the importance of playing three-phase football.

On Friday night, they went 0-for-3.

Their offence, defence, and special teams all played a significant role in losing 52-30 to the visiting Calgary Stampeders.

The team that erased a 17-point deficit to beat Ottawa last Sunday was nowhere to be found.

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Saturday, Jul. 25, 2026

Bomber Report

THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Trey Vaval returns a punt against the Calgary Stampeders during the first half in Winnipeg on Friday.

Brown bombs as Bombers blasted

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Brown bombs as Bombers blasted

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Saturday, Jul. 25, 2026

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Dru Brown took Friday night's ‘Christmas in July’ theme a little too seriously.

He wasn't carrying around a red sack, but he did gift-wrap four interceptions to the Calgary Stampeders in what ended up being a 52-30 loss for the Blue and Gold in front of a sold-out crowd.

The result dropped the Bombers, now 1-3 at home this season, to 4-3. Calgary improved to 3-4 and now have a chance to win the tiebreaker when the two sides meet for a final time on Oct. 10 at Princess Auto Stadium.

“Yeah, not nearly good enough...You certainly don't want to go get into a track meet against a good offence like that,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea.

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Saturday, Jul. 25, 2026

Bomber Report

Justin Tang / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Dru Brown will have to be on his toes to escape the Stampeders impressive defensive line group.

Signs point toward shootout as Stampeders gallop into town

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Signs point toward shootout as Stampeders gallop into town

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Jul. 23, 2026

One strong quarter isn’t going to cut it this week.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-2) — fresh off a 36-34 overtime victory in Ottawa — host the Calgary Stampeders (2-4) Friday night (7:30 p.m.).

It’s a rematch from Week 1 where the Blue and Gold outlasted the Stamps 30-28 at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary arrives in Winnipeg on a two-game losing streak after dropping back-to-back one-score games against the high-powered Montreal Alouettes.

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Thursday, Jul. 23, 2026

Bomber Report

Nick Iwanyshyn / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers slotback Tim White came to the team in part because of its receiver depth, not in spite of it.

Blue Bombers receivers share the spotlight in balanced aerial attack

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers receivers share the spotlight in balanced aerial attack

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2026

Tim White knew exactly what he was getting into.

So when the former Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver inked a one-year deal in the off-season to catch passes for a Winnipeg Blue Bombers team that already has a perennial 1,000-yard producer in Nic Demski, a one-time NFL-hopeful in Ontaria (Pokey) Wilson, and later, a highly respected safety blanket in Tommy Nield, there were no concerns about where White would fit and whether he would see enough volume in the passing attack.

Oddly enough, the club’s depth made it even more compelling for him to sign on the dotted line, and he hasn’t regretted it for a second.

“That was the major reason why I came here. And I felt like this was the best offer for me because of the pieces that were already in the room,” said White. “The leadership that was in the room, and then me being able to step in and just kind of add to it. For who I am, I felt like that would be a great fit.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2026

Bomber Report

Bombers fortunate to escape with win

Bombers fortunate to escape with win

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Bombers fortunate to escape with win

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Monday, Jul. 20, 2026

OTTAWA – Can the Winnipeg Blue Bombers get away with a performance like that against a legitimate Grey Cup contender?

Heck no.

Thankfully for them, they weren’t playing one Sunday night in Ottawa.

The Bombers struggled mightily in the first three quarters against a winless Redblacks side which put them in a 26-9 hole heading into the fourth.

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Monday, Jul. 20, 2026

Bomber Report

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Nic Demski (10) is tackled by the Ottawa Redblacks defence, during first half CFL football action in Ottawa, Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Bombers battle back to beat Redblacks in OT

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers battle back to beat Redblacks in OT

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Monday, Jul. 20, 2026

OTTAWA — For three and a half quarters, it looked like it was going to be a night Dru Brown would want to forget.

And in some ways, he still might want to erase Sunday from his memory because it wasn’t overly pretty.

But in the end, Brown got his revenge and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers recovered from a sloppy start to escape the nation’s capital with a 36-34 overtime victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

The game literally went down to the wire as it remained tied after two overtime mini-games and had to be decided by alternating two-point conversion attempts from the 3-yard line — a first in CFL history as the new overtime format was introduced this season.

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Monday, Jul. 20, 2026

Bomber Report

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Bombers quarterback Dru Brown during practice at the Princess Auto Stadium last week. This week he's set to face his former team the Ottawa Redblacks.

‘It wasn’t a fit’: Redblacks coach on sending QB Dru Brown back to Winnipeg

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

‘It wasn’t a fit’: Redblacks coach on sending QB Dru Brown back to Winnipeg

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Saturday, Jul. 18, 2026

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks may be 0-5, but Ryan Dinwiddie has no regrets about how the Dru Brown situation unfolded.

The head coach and general manager also stands by his decision to name Jake Maier — who has struggled mightily this season — the team’s starting quarterback over Brown.

“When you make a decision, and you feel this guy is your best quarterback, what am I going to do, cater to Dru and say ‘Hey, you don’t want to be the backup? OK, we’re gonna name you the starter.’ That’s not how things work,” Dinwiddie told the Free Press in a one-on-one chat.

“It worked out that way, it wasn’t a fit, and now we’re trying to move forward and trying to find some answers here in our building.”

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Saturday, Jul. 18, 2026

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