Bombers v Lions – You’re my boy blue, you’re my boy…

Yes this is a website dedicated to all things Winnipeg Jets, but the Nation is famous for breaking all the rulz. (see how I tried for street cred with the spelling…that’s for you Wanye!) So on that note we are going to post a GDB in honour of good old our team the mighty Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs the Godless puppy haters from BC.

When the Jets officially landed on May 31, it didn’t take long for people to start questioning the position of the Bombers in the city and how they would be able to fight for any and all available monies that weren’t going to the hockey team. They would no longer own the sports page, pushed to side like a red headed stepchild. (or Travis Lulay) Factor in they were coming off a very tough season and made little to no personal changes with the exception of losing their best pass rusher to the NFL.

 

But the Bombers did not panic, and certainly did not falter as they road the best defense in the league and created a phenomenon known as Swaggerville. They were also enjoying the last season ever in their old barn before they move into their swanky new stadium next year and become the envy of the CFL. (well maybe not but it sounds great…BC does have a nice facility as does Edmonton but screw them, it’s about us today)

 

No one could have predicted a worst to first scenario in Winnipeg for the Blue but here we are on November 27^th and they are playing for the Grey Cup. The Lions are favored due to the fact that they are playing at home and happen to be the best team in the league since the last time these two teams played. Since then Lulay became the MVP of the league and a resurgent Arland Bruce became the perfect compliment for Geroy Simon as he continues his quest for all the CFL receiving records. To add insult to injury, they discover a kid from Winnipeg named Andrew Harris and he has been money catching balls out of the backfield and has been an effective running back.

 

Winnipeg has the better defense and has all year. They say that D wins championships so we’ll see if that plays out today. BC has the better offense and probably better special teams. The one factor that Winnipeg does have in their favour is the intangibles. Doug Brown’s last game, the memories of Coach Richard Harris, and Buck Pierce hoping to shove it up the backside of the team that cut him. Those are real things and do mean something in a one game, winner take all scenario.

 

The X factor for me is running back Chris Garrett. He has been sensational since being added to the roster and could be the difference. If Winnipeg can control the clock with long drives and an effective run game they will take the crowd out of it. If they start to turn on the Lions that could be all she wrote. There is an immense amount of pressure on the home team to win the Grey Cup, which is why most teams don’t get there in the first place, and if they do it isn’t a guarantee that they will win.

 

IF the corner backs can shut down the big two receivers…

IF the pass rush can get Lulay moving…

IF Jovon Johnson gets a pick and 80-100 return yards…

IF Buck Pierce is upright all game and doesn’t throw picks

IF Chris Garrett gets 100+ total yards

IF Terrence Edwards gets 100 yards

And finally IF they win the turnover battle…

 

THEY CAN WIN!

 

It’s a lot of IF’s but I’ve seen this show before in 1990 and it was fantastic. (Probably one of the greatest games I’ve ever witnessed as a fan)

 

 

GO BLUE!