New-look ‘D’ should free up pass rushers

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/06/2011 (5556 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ONE of the biggest question marks heading into the 2011 season is the unconventional defence new Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive co-ordinator Tim Burke intends to implement this season.

The scheme will feature all kinds of different looks in the front seven, from 4-3 to 3-4 to what sounds like a strange hybrid between the two that will allow defensive end Odell Willis to roam more freely.

Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice was asked Friday to explain what fans can expect.

“You will see us at times playing the exact same fronts as last year,” he said.

“And you will see us at times playing some different fronts.

“It’s just a way to give an opportunity for your best rushers to come from different angles. Plus we want to show some different fronts.”

LaPolice said his own offence has struggled at times this week to figure out the defences Burke was throwing at them — something the coach hopes continues in the regular season.

“Anytime you can confuse an offence, that’s good.”

Banging heads in Brandon

THE Bombers will practise today at Vincent Massey High School in Brandon, the first time they have moved training camp to Brandon in at least 10 years.

The one-day move to Brandon is part of a broader commitment by the Bombers during the off-season to reach out to rural communities in the province in hopes of making the club more of a provincial team than just Winnipeg’s club.

The effort in the rural areas is credited at least in part with helping the club break the franchise record this year for season tickets.

Bombers president Jim Bell announced Friday that the club has now sold 19,500 season tickets — including 1,200 in just the past week alone. “It’s a real testament to our fans,” said Bell. “The level of support is actually providing energy throughout our building. It’s a real momentum run as we go through training camp and get ready for the regular season.”

LaPolice said he’s used the season ticket mark as a rallying point in the locker-room.

“I told the players the other night where the season-ticket numbers are at,” LaPolice said.

“You know, it means something to coach in this community, it means something to play in this community and that was one of the messages we gave the other night.”

Bell said the club is hopeful of reaching the 20,000 mark by the time the Bombers play their first pre-season home game on June 23.

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Edwards, Hefney sit out

SLOTBACK Terrence Edwards sat out practice on Friday after coming down with back spasms on Thursday. LaPolice described the situation as minor.

DB Jonathan Hefney (ankle) and C Obby Khan (groin) also watched practice yet again from the sidelines. LaPolice continued his refrain that Hefney remains ‘day-to-day’ — a description he has used regarding Hefney through four days of missed practices. LaPolice described Khan’s condition as something closer to “four or five days.”

paul.wiecek@freepress.mb.ca