Game day: five storylines

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/10/2011 (5162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg (9-5) is in Edmonton (8-6) tonight. Here are five things to consider heading into the game:

1. Keep things rolling

Can the Bombers keep the momentum going? That’s been the issue through this second-half swoon, finding consistent efforts one week and disappointing outcomes the next.

The win in Hamilton was Winnipeg’s most complete game in the last three seasons. All facets of the club — offence, defence and special teams — rolled over the Tiger-Cats and brought a return to dominance that fans saw during the summer.

Remember when the Bombers stomped out of Montreal a couple of weeks ago with a win in their back pocket, only to drop a gimme the next week in Toronto? Like it or not, but that’s the worry heading into Edmonton. It won’t be easy at Commonwealth Stadium, as the Eskimos are in their own first place battle, but Winnipeg needs to keep its foot on the gas to re-establish itself as the team to beat.

2. Young guns

In just his third start of his career, Winnipeg running back Chris Garrett, 24, is coming off an 18-carry, 131-yard performance in Hamilton. Rookie receiver Clarence Denmark, 26, had six catches for 110-yards in that contest, and has 183 yards receiving in his last two games.

No one expected these two to be so important to the Winnipeg offence at this juncture, but that’s exactly how the season has unfolded. Starting today, though, the games will mean a lot more, with the intensity ratcheted up to near-playoff levels.

Are the fresh faces up for the tougher challenges moving forward?

3. Where’s Watson?

Has anyone seen Cory Watson lately?

The talented Canadian sophomore was well on his way to seeing his first 1,000-yard season a month ago, but he’s cooled off considerably. Five catches for 20 yards in the last two games suggests two things: 1. Defences are starting to pay more attention to his whereabouts; or 2. He’s dealing with an injury. Whatever the case, the Concordia product needs to be more involved.

4. Reed all about It

The last time these clubs played, a 28-16 Bombers’ decision at Canad Inns Stadium in August, the Eskimos weren’t able to do the things that saw them pull out to a 5-0 start. Jerome Messam couldn’t run the ball; Fred Stamps was knocked out of the game early; and the defence couldn’t put any pressure on Winnipeg quarterback Buck Pierce.

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Look for Edmonton head coach Kavis Reed, the Bombers defensive co-ordinator in 2010, to have a better game plan for his old mates the second time around.

5. Five and out

Can the Bombers hold serve in the East? Who would you rather have as your quarterback: Buck Pierce or Ricky Ray? Does receiver Adarius Bowman have an axe to grind against his former team? Has punter Mike Renaud found his groove? How many times will TSN show that last-second Milt Stegall touchdown versus Edmonton during the broadcast?

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @wazoowazny