Bishop set to rock Boatmen

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This article was published 30/07/2009 (5919 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Technically, Michael Bishop remains on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice roster. But after taking close to 75 per cent of the snaps in Wednesday’s workout he is unofficially the team’s No. 1 quarterback.

Coach Mike Kelly wouldn’t announce Bishop is his starter Wednesday but said he’d offer a more clear definition of roles today. But there’s no doubt that Bishop will be the man when the Bombers lock up with the Argos on Saturday (noon, TSN/CJOB).

"(Bishop) is getting close. This is not an unfamiliar system to him. He went in there today and took 75 per cent of the snaps and was functioning quite well," said Kelly.

"That was all part of the thought process of bringing him in here. Do you bring someone in and have to start from scratch or do you bring someone in that at least has a grasp of the concepts and the terminology? Michael fit that bill. The proof will be in the pudding, as they say, on Saturday."

Receiver Brock Ralph likes what he’s seen so far from Bishop.

"He’s picked up on things real quickly. I’ve been impressed with how comfortable he’s been, how he’s controlled the huddle and made his reads," said Ralph. "Every quarterback brings different assets. Everybody knows about Bishop’s arm and it shows. He can do some things that nobody else in the league can do. It allows you to stretch the field and use all of it."

Bishop continues to say he’ll be prepared if the call comes on Saturday.

"Today went well. I got a lot of reps and felt comfortable doing it," said Bishop. "I completed some balls and saw some different looks from the defence. The more reps you get the more comfortable you get and I’m looking forward to getting more (Thursday). If I get the nod on Saturday, I think I’ll be ready."

Former Bombers quarterback Matt Dunigan wrote on TSN’s website that Stefan Lefors has many tools but not enough arm strength to succeed in the CFL as a starting quarterback. Kelly was asked if he agreed with Dunigan.

"Not necessarily. Matt had an exceptional arm. As good as anyone I’ve ever been around. Arm strength is a vital component. When you look out at practice now and see Michael’s arm compared to Stef’s there’s a marked difference," admitted Kelly. "But there’s been plenty of guys with similar arm strength to Stef’s that have been successful. We just haven’t been able to get it done for whatever reason to this point."

Kelly says Bishop’s arm strength opens up options to the Bombers offence.

"I saw Michael throw a couple of balls (Wednesday) that we want to get up the seams in a hurry and he was able to let it go on his backpedal. There are only three other guys I’ve ever been able to see do that and they are Matt Dunigan, Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre," said Kelly. "Mike has a big-time arm. There’s no question about that."

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca