Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols runs against the Saskatchewan Roughriders during first half CFL football action at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor
Despite an interception that set up a touchdown on their first possession, a blocked field goal and a punt return for a touchdown, and a third quarter fumble at the enemy 31 yard line, the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers were only only one point behind Saskatchewan with less than three minutes remaining.
They lost 31-23 and blew any chance of a comeback when on their last possession, Matt Nichols was again intercepted. In both cases he overthrew his receiver. Add very questionable coaching decisions. They also squandered a magnificent performance by running back Andrew Harris who had 173 total yards. From a Roughrider point of view, it was truly a Labour Day weekend classic. For the Bombers, an all-too-familiar defeat.
Give the Roughriders credit. They took advantage of turnovers, were rock solid on special teams and came up big in the fourth quarter on both sides of the ball. Most of the 33,500 fans at Mosaic Stadium went home very happy, their team having won the Classic for the 13th time in 14 years.
The Bombers lost their third in a row, something they haven’t done in three years. Between the first two losses, 44-21 to Ottawa and 39-26 in Calgary, the defence surrendered 1,016 yards. They only gave up 342 yards in Regina. You can’t blame the defence for the defeat. You can be sure frustrated fans will pin the loss on quarterback Matt Nichols and head coach Michael O’Shea.
Fair or not, the paying customers have lost faith in their quarterback. Against the Riders Nichols completed 14 of 26 passes for 166 yards, two interceptions, one TD, not that bad a day but not enough to win a game that was theirs for the taking.
Red River folks had high hopes when the season began. Now it’s looking like the same old, same old. If they lose the Banjo Bowl Saturday there will be calls for O’Shea’s head and the benching of Nichols in favour of rookie Chris Streveler who played well when Nichols was hurt. The Blue Bombers haven’t won the Grey Cup since 1990 and the natives, to say the least, are restless.
The same is true in the nation’s capital where Redblacks quarterback Trevor Harris has felt the wrath of disgruntled fans. After losing to the suddenly surging Montreal Alouettes, the 6-4 Redblacks remain in first place but the Ti-Cats are on their tail.
The Redblacks are hardly falling apart. Before the loss to Montreal, they shot down the Bombers in convincing fashion. But their record is sprinkled with stinkers. Not only last week’s loss but on Aug. 2 they blew a 24-point lead in Toronto. The offence and defence are average, the kicking game superb. Brad Sinopoli and Greg Ellingson are top-10 receivers.
Calgary and Saskatchewan began the 2018 season with five straight games against Eastern opponents. Now it’s Ottawa’s turn to take on the other division five straight times. The Tabbies take on Toronto this week while Ottawa heads to the west coast.
After that, they stop in at Saskatchewan, greet the Eskimos and get a week off before hosting Winnipeg. The six-week ordeal ends Oct. 13 in Edmonton. Considering those opponents are fighting for their playoff lives, Rick Campbell and company face a daunting task.
So far this season, the West holds a 16-9 margin in games played against the East. Last year at this time, the record was 19-3-1 in favour of the West. At the end of the season, the mark stood at 29-10-1. However, it should be pointed out that Toronto won the Grey Cup. In 2016, the record was 28-11-1 for the Westerners but the upstart, second-year Redblacks claimed the trophy. All this proves two things: First, the West has dominated the East for years, and, it all comes down to who’s hot in November.
Quarterback Trevor Harris must be better down the stretch if his team is to host the East final. First place will likely be decided late next month when the Ti-Cats and Redblacks play each other back-to-back.
The Bombers meet the Riders for a third time next month. They play Edmonton twice and Calgary. They must win Saturday.
Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 46 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.
