Archive for August 20th, 2009
Week Eight: Gleaming the Cube
I’ve decided to simplify my weekly Winnipeg Blue Bomber game preview posts. They were getting too complicated and people were having a hard time grasping the concept. But it’s not the readers, it’s the words on the page. My words. It’s funny, I’ve seen these words and sentences work a thousand time. But we’ll work together and keep at it, though. The posts are such delicate mechanisms, that even the slightest of variation in off-time will throw the whole thing out of whack. Plus, to be perfectly honest with you guys, not many readers understand it. I may have to consider sitting a few of you down for a post or two. Or maybe I’ll have to bring in a journeyman reader — you know, one with a cannon for sarcasm — to direct this thing. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. And no! I will not be asking for help with future posts! Get that out of your head right now!
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-5) at B.C. Lions (3-4)
TSN, 680 CJOB
Friday, 9:30 p.m.
1. Who’s in and who’s out?
Receiver Terrence Edwards (turf toe) is in. DL Dorian Smith (shoulder) is out. Same with safety Ian Logan (groin). After missing a handful of games with a sore foot, the Bombers best defensive player, Siddeeq Shabazz, is expected back on the field. He won’t line-up in his usual linebacker spot, though. He’ll replace Logan.
2. Is it now or never for Damon Allen Michael Bishop?
Yes, yes, and yes. Bringing in a guy who was already jettisoned by two teams was an act of pure desperation by head coach Mike Kelly. We’re now three games into the life preserver and things are still not approaching the surface. Kelly can no longer wait. Some improvement needs to be shown by either Bishop or Stefan LeFors — period. Forget about the scheme; things for the Bombers (and Kelly) don’t get any more simpler than that.
3. What happens during the bye-week?
Win or lose, the Bombers are looking at an extra week off before the Labour Day Classic in Regina. Kelly will head home to Philadelphia, where there isn’t any pressure to win apparently, while players will enjoy some time away from the field and the media. Will there be some roster movement during that time? Probably. NFL camps are just starting to thin their ranks, meaning a few players should be heading up to Canada soon. GM John Murphy has been hiding since the Hamilton scout incident scouring the NFL countryside for talent. Should be a few new bodies in Winnipeg by this time next week.
