INSIDE THE Xs AND Os

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/09/2010 (5527 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VEGAS LINE:

Montreal by 5.5

BOMBERS VS. ALS:

Since 1961, the Bombers are 32-40-2 against the Montreal franchise. Winnipeg has just two wins in their last eight meetings with the Alouettes.

THE FORECAST:

Environment Canada calls for a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 15 C. By game time, that temperature should dip to single digits, so leave the body paint at home.

CROWD COUNT:

Around 24,000 sold. According to the club, the game will be blacked out. TSN-HD subscribers will be OK. The game is also on the NFL Network, if you’re inclined to go that route.

ROSTER UPDATE:

The biggest change could come with the benching of WR Adarius Bowman — but that seems to be a 50/50 proposition at best. Here’s how it shakes down: Rookie WR Greg Carr will line up in Bowman’s spot. If SB Chris Davis (personal) isn’t able to play, then Bowman draws in. If Davis can go, then Bowman becomes the odd man out. WR Cory Watson is also back on the 46-man roster. FB Daryl Stephenson and LB Bernard Hicks are off the active roster.

SHORT WEEK:

The Bombers are coming off a crushing loss to Toronto — one that effectively ended their post-season hopes in the East division. Given that disappointment, plus the fact the players want to get that bad Argos taste out of their mouths, was the short week of preparation (Monday-Thursday) a positive? “Sometimes, what’s good about a short week is that you don’t put too many new things in,” said head coach Paul LaPolice.

MORE LAPO:

“I hope there is still a lot of hope left, ’cause there’s still one playoff spot (through the crossover in the West division),” the coach said, responding to a question about how the team can continue to provide a light at the end of the tunnel for its fanbase. Could be the smallest home crowd of the season.

CAHOON WATCH:

Alouettes SB Ben Cahoon needs just five grabs to reach the 1,000-catch plateau and just 11 to tie Terry Vaughn as the CFL’s all-time receptions leader. Not only would he be just the second player to hit a grand in the CFL, Cahoon would be just the ninth player in pro football to reach the mark. Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Tony Gonzalez, Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison, Issac Bruce and Chris Carter are the only NFL pass catchers to accomplish the feat.

SLOWING NO. 13:

Break down the game film all you want, the key to beating the defending Grey Cup champs starts and ends with holding QB Anthony Calvillo in check. Bombers DE Phillip Hunt says it’s tough to get to Calvillo, as he releases the ball out of the pocket quicker than most. “We know there’s a possibility that we might not be able to get to him every play, so the next best thing is to bat the ball down,” Hunt said. “Constant, active hands in the passing lanes …. we look to do that.”

BUMP AND RUN:

Calvillo is the most accurate passer in the league (68.5 per cent completion rate), so the secondary can’t rely on good positioning to prevent balls from reaching their intended targets. “We have to limit them in the open field; tackle them right away,” CB Deon Beasley said. “They’re all good with the ball. They are a quick offence, based on timing. We also need to disrupt their routes at the line and force them into spots they don’t want to be in.”

— Adam Wazny