Kickin’ butt, takin’ names

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/10/2009 (5802 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

They were supposed to be a weak spot, spare parts no one wanted and held together with tape and baling wire like a broken-down piece of machinery.

So much for preconceived notions. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive line has kicked butt and taken names all season and an argument can be made that they’re the best in the league.

They lead the league in sacks allowed with just 25 through 16 games and the offence is second in rushing yards with 2006, just 17 back of the league-leading Calgary Stampeders.

Far from a trouble spot, Winnipeg’s offensive line has been a strength.

"When we put that group together, we felt we were on the right track. We didn’t think we were going to be in quite the conundrum as was being viewed on the outside. I’ve always had great faith in Charlie Carpenter, I think he’s just outstanding as offensive line coach. He was able to put those guys together and they came together probably quicker than any other unit on the team," said Bombers head coach Mike Kelly.

"I think they’re pretty darn good. I would take our two tackles (Steve Morley and Glenn January) over any two tackles in the East. I think Brendon LaBatte is as good as any guard in the loop. We lead the league in fewest sacks and we’re No. 2 in the league in rushing. Normally those are the measuring sticks for an offensive line."

Veteran centre Obby Khan says he and his linemates quickly learned to believe in one another.

"We’ve proved the naysayers wrong. People questioned whether we could play together and whether certain guys could come back. I was off for two years, Morley didn’t play much over the last two years and neither did January. We knew that we could get it done," said Khan, who battled colitis and lost close to 100 pounds before getting the disease under control and returning to action.

"The biggest thing is how well we get along and communicate. We’ve proven we’re pretty good players."

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Carpenter builds

Here’s what offensive line coach Charlie Carpenter has to say about his men:

Brendon LaBatte, G

"Brendon is as solid as they come. He’s physical, he’s got good feet, good hands and works really hard on technique. Without a doubt he’s one of the best in the league.

Ryan Donnelly, G

"Ryan is as tough as they come. He’s worked through injury. He can play multiple positions and that makes him real valuable."

Obby Khan, C

"Obby’s really working hard. He was off almost two years and he started a little rusty but he’s worked hard and he’s getting better and better."

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Steve Morley, T

"Everybody was down on Steve. Everything I heard about him was negative. But he came to camp in shape and we flopped him around in a few places during camp and then I said, ‘Steve, I want you at left tackle.’ He’s doing a great job. It’s the toughest position because with a right-handed quarterback he’s always got to protect his back side."

Glenn January, T

"Everybody said he couldn’t play and that he just went through the motions. But Glenn’s a very smart guy and he’s a hard worker and he’s one of our best linemen."