Blue can take off disguises

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/08/2009 (6204 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winning is the cure-all in pro sports and so the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who had dumped two in a row prior to their West Coast trip, will scatter over the continent in the next few days with peace of mind.

The Bombers hung a convincing 37-10 beating on the B.C. Lions to up their record to 3-5 — in the process relieving the pressure that has been mounting concerning their dreadful play early this season.

"We needed a win in the worst way. It gives us some confidence that we can live with during the bye week and then use to try and build some momentum when we get back to work," said Blue linebacker Barrin Simpson. "We’ve got two big games coming up with the (Saskatchewan) Roughriders and we’ve got lots of work to do. But winning like this, it helps a lot. A whole lot."

The Bombers owned the Lions in any number of categories, from time of possession, turnovers, and particularly on the ground as the club rushed for 393 yards, the third best total in team history.

None of this was missed by the Bombers, who after being forced to walk around Winnipeg in disguises the last few weeks to avoid the scorn of their fans, were letting it all hang out following the win.

The Bombers dressing room, which has more often than not felt like a funeral parlour following games this season, was in full roar when the doors were opened.

Defensive back Jovon Johnson stood on a chair rapping about his 73-yard interception return for a touchdown. Players shouted at director of football operations Ross Hodgkinson as he stepped over equipment and all sorts of post-game refuse to hand out game cheques.

Hodgkinson, who can play the curmudgeon to great effect, took jabs at players as he gave them their battle money, holding some off for a few moments with a raspy, "What are you going to do, cash it and spend it all tonight? Just hold on."

The offensive line leaned back in their stalls and took turns baiting a reporter, safe in the knowledge that a rushing record would look good for them on the game film.

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"I’ve been saying this all along, when we play solid in all three aspects of the game, offence, defence and special teams, we’re a dangerous football team," said Simpson. "At this point we’re 3-5 and still in the hunt."

The club will now take a bye week break. They next play in Saskatchewan on Labour Day against the Riders.

"We have a ways to go before we can get all bubbly, but the thing I like about this group is how resilient we are. If we can came improving, I think we have a chance," said Kelly.

"This is an important week for the guys to heal up. Whenever you run the ball this much, guys get beat up. I don’t think I have to say anything about the importance of playing the Riders back-to-back. That will just be, let’s go do this thing."

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca