Three phases

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2015 (3841 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OFFENCE

No one was overly dynamic, but Als QB Jonathan Crompton, in his return to action after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 1, earned the win and threw for a pair of TDs. Crompton was 14 of 27 and heaved two interceptions, which makes for a fairly pedestrian stats line. However, he put together six scoring drives and took advantage of opportunities given to him by his defence and special teams units.

DEFENCE

Winston Venable had six tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery for the Alouettes. Montreal’s defensive unit was on the field for 36-plus minutes, but they didn’t wilt. They gave up first downs and lots of yardage, but minimal points. Most importantly, they were strong early when the game was in doubt, holding Winnipeg to just three points in the first half. The Bombers were able to put together more offence in the second half, but only after the game was out of reach.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Stefan Logan changed the game with his punt-return TD late in the first half and then his 95-yard scamper to open the second half. He was the most influential player in the game. If his two game-breakers are taken away, the Bombers find themselves is a much more competitive situation in the second half.

CRITICAL NUMBERS:

4-8 — The Bombers’ record with six games to go. They’re in a major hole.

1-4 — Winnipeg’s record since losing QB Drew Willy to injury.

6 — Bombers turnovers. They lost the turnover battle again and are now 1-5 this season when doing so.

QB QUOTES:

Here’s what Bombers starting quarterback Matt Nichols had to say on a number of subjects following the game.

Was this a tough loss?

“It’s never easy to lose, and this is a disappointing one for us. It was just tough, especially when you get in a situation where you’re trying to score points in a hurry. You’re trying to push the ball downfield and just weren’t able to make the big plays that we needed.”

Why couldn’t you make the big plays?

“That’s one of the best defences I’ve ever played against. The two games that I’ve been the most beat up this year are both against Montreal. All the credit in the world to those guys. It’s a veteran group that’s very well-coached, and they did a good job.”

Did Montreal take away passing plays downfield?

“When you do try and put the ball downfield, they’ve got five and six guys coming with pressure, and guys who can get off blocks and put pressure on you. Not only are they good on the back end, but their front makes you try and get rid of the ball sooner than you’d like to. It’s a very good defence.”

You face the Calgary Stampeders next week and they’re one of the CFL’s best teams. How can you beat them?

“Every week’s a new week, and every team is different. The matchups are different. Calgary’s a good team. They’ve been one of the better teams in the league the last few years. I’ve played multiple games against them, so I know what to expect from them. It’s kind of a similar thing (as Montreal). They have a good front, veteran guys on the back end. I know coach (Rich) Stubler, and he’s a bend but don’t break kind of guy, so we’re gonna have to march the field on them.”

Did poor special teams plays hurt the rest of the team?

“It’s tough. You take 14 points away from them with those two returns and it’s a tighter game. We don’t have to go into hurry-up mode and try and force the ball downfield and you’re able to run your normal stuff. It’s tough, but a credit to them. They made a couple big plays that they needed, and we didn’t.”

— Gary Lawless