5 storylines

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/08/2013 (4484 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

1. Meet Max Hall

The Bombers will start their third quarterback of the season in the never-ending search for consistent and effective play at the most important position on the field. Veteran Buck Pierce put up poor numbers before suffering an abdominal injury. Pierce then gave way to Justin Goltz, who was also sub-par in two losing efforts. Hall was then elevated this week after the firing of GM Joe Mack amid lots of rumbling that Goltz was the old boss’s choice. Coach Tim Burke went to his offensive coaches after Mack’s dismissal and asked them who they wanted to play. They chose Hall. The book on the former NFLer is he’s not very mobile and has an average arm but has a quick release and a fast eye on the field. Hall can process what’s in front of him and make a quick decision and get the ball out of his hand. Doing it in a game will be the proof in the pudding.

2. Regarding Henry

Stopping the Tiger-Cats all begins and ends with quarterback Henry Burris. Burris leads the CFL with 1,803 yards passing while throwing for 10 TDs and just four interceptions. He’ll have Canadian receiver Andy Fantuz back in the lineup after a stint on the injured list. Burris is one of the league’s best but he’s on the back nine of his career and like most older guys doesn’t like to get knocked around. Pressure is the key to suppressing Burris.

3. Demands of the D

The defence was good enough to win last game. If there is any strength to this team it is their front-seven. The defensive line of Alex Hall, Kenny Mainor, Zach Anderson and Bryant Turner have combined for 19 sacks. That’s the best in the league and they can have an impact on any game when they’re operating at such a high level. The defensive backfield was better than they have been in a loss to the Lions last time out. They need to continue that improvement. It will be a lot to ask of Max Hall or any combination of Blue Bombers quarterbacks to get in a “last team with the ball wins” style of game against Burris. It’s up to the D to keep the Blue in this game.

4. Coach ’em up

Burke has had his hands tied to a certain degree under former GM Mack, who liked to have his say on the depth chart and not just the roster. Goltz, for instance, was a Mack decision. This week, Burke took the step of giving his coaching staff autonomy and ownership. On the offensive side they chose Hall, on special teams they chose new kicker Sandro DeAngelis. The coaching staff has had its struggles, particularly on offence and with some in-game decisions. Consultant Marcel Bellefeuille has great experience as an offensive co-ordinator and a head coach. He can help the offensive coaches and Burke. They need to use him and take advantage of his knowledge. The coaching staff needs to do its part and make the right decisions to put the players in a position to succeed. It’s step up time for Burke and his staff.

5. Fan-o-meter

Another crowd of 31,000 or more is guaranteed and a sellout wasn’t an impossibility at press time. For a 1-5 time that has had more bad press than a serial killer, this is an impressive number. It speaks to the loyalty of the fan base. But even Bombers fans can be pushed too far. It’s time to give them something to cheer about. Selling Friday night football on warm summer nights is one thing. Selling tickets in October and November is another. Those dates will require hope among fans and some improvement in the play on the field now is the first step. Sooner or later folks will turn off unless they’re given something to cheer about.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @garylawless