Crapigna, O’Shea not concerned about kicking game

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This article was published 25/08/2021 (1510 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tyler Crapigna missed both of his field goal attempts in Week 3 but the Winnipeg kicker wasn’t prepared to dwell too long on those miscues.

On a 37-yard attempt during the Blue Bombers 30-23 loss in Toronto, his plant foot slipped and the kick was partially blocked. On the other, from 47 yards out, the ball was deep enough but went wide.

A five-year veteran who possesses a 84.2 per cent career success rate, Crapigna is determined to forge ahead.

“I’ve been in these situations before,” said Crapigna following Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve been in games in Sask, where… I’ve had bad games — I especially remember one on Labour Day and come back and hit the next 18 field goals in a row. Same thing kind of happened in Toronto where you go on a little bit of a streak as well. (All) I’m thinking right now is just making the next one. That’s all it really matters.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea wasn’t interested in the gloom and doom.

“Right now you’re asking about a very small sample size,” said O’Shea. “So what do I believe about Tyler? I believe that through an 18-game season with… a larger sample size, he’s going to be in the mid 80s (percentage). That’s what I believe.”

SPECIAL TEAMS ACE: Mike Miller’s recent milestone is getting its due from Winnipeg’s coaching staff and players.

Miller became the CFL’s the all-time leader in special teams tackles when a third-quarter stop in Toronto Saturday put him at 191 for his career, eclipsing former B.C. Lion Jason Arakgi, who retired in 2019 having accumulated 190.

On Wednesday, Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros and head coach Mike O’Shea were among those wearing commemorative T-shirts with Miller’s No. 24 superimposed over the a silhouette of a goat. Collaros paid tribute to Miller, now the Greatest of All Time.

“Mike’s somebody I’ve always admired in the league from my time in Hamilton, when he was in Edmonton and, obviously… when he was here,” said Collaros. “He’s an unbelievable football player, obviously everybody’s so happy for him but it’s just an honour to be his teammate and to watch him go to work every day.”

O’Shea thought it was nice to feature the accomplishments of a player who normally toils in anonymity.

“It’s kind of fun, especially when they absolutely hate it, you know, and it makes for makes for good fun around the (dressing) room,” said O’Shea.

GOLD STAR: Winnipeg defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat was duly impressed with rookie Calgary QB Jake Maier, who led the Stampeders to their first win last week, a 28-22 decision over the Montreal Alouettes, by going 16 of 29 for 304 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

“He’s played in a similar system before so kind of jumping into it, he looks good back there,” said Jeffcoat. “He can throw the ball, he’s confident with its his throws, his reads. I think he’s a good quarterback. I think as a young guy we’re gonna have to rattle him, not let him sit back there and be comfortable.”

ROSTER MOVES: Winnipeg added a pair of Americans Wednesday: defensive back Mike Hampton and offensive lineman Jalen Burks. Both players have been put on the club’s suspended list while they make good on travel requirements.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14