History suggests there’s a chance

By: Paul Wiecek Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012

IT might not take divine intervention, but it will take one heck of a stretch run -- and some help -- if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to overcome a 4-11 start and still qualify for the CFL post-season.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/10/2012 (4743 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IT might not take divine intervention, but it will take one heck of a stretch run — and some help — if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to overcome a 4-11 start and still qualify for the CFL post-season.

But while it remains a long shot prospect, there is some franchise history to suggest that what this year’s edition of the Bombers is attempting to accomplish is at least possible.

Consider:

— In 2008, the Bombers opened the regular season 2-8 but then went on a 6-2 run to the finish line to qualify for the East semifinal.

— In 2000, the Bombers started the season 2-7-1 but finished 5-3 to qualify for the East semifinal.

— And in 1995, the Bombers started the season 4-10 but went 3-1 down the stretch to qualify for the semifinal.

Winnipeg lost the semifinal games in 2008 and 1995, but won in 2000 to advance to the East final, where they then lost to Montreal.

The worst in-season records the Bombers have ever had and still gone on to the Grey Cup game came in 1953, when they started 6-8; in 1988, when they opened at 5-6; and in 1992, when they started at 6-7.

Those 1988 Bombers, of course, finished the regular season 9-9 and then went on to win the Grey Cup 22-21 over the B.C. Lions in a game that will forever be remembered for adding Gray to Blue and Gold as Winnipeg’s favourite colors.

— Paul Wiecek