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Bomber Report

Patrick Doyle / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Bailey Feltmate (36) tackles Ottawa Redblacks’ DeVonte Dedmon (17) during first half CFL action in Ottawa on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Blue Bombers fall to 0-2 after sloppy start to season

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:43 PM CDT

OTTAWA — Winnipeg, we’ve got a problem.

After a second consecutive sloppy performance by the Blue Bombers to start the 2024 CFL season, the reality is kicking in that their days of dominating the three-down loop is starting to lose its grip.

The Bombers dropped to 0-2, falling in back-to-back games to start the year for the first time since 2016, with a 23-19 defeat at the hands of the Ottawa Redblacks at TD Place Thursday night.

“This is a different year, and we obviously feel that now, especially starting 0-2, something we haven’t done in a long time,” said veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky. “At the same time, I’m not going to sit here and feel like a bum. I know we’re a good team and I know we have a lot of young talent that we just need to teach and coach. I needed the reminder tonight that it’s going to take more than I think.”

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Brown leads Redblacks past Blue and Gold

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

Brown leads Redblacks past Blue and Gold

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 14, 2024

OTTAWA – When it rains, it pours for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Quite literally, in this case.

In what will go down as one of the more unusual endings in CFL history, the Bombers were forced to wait out an hour-long delay before returning to the field for one last chance at victory with just minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

But after two failed attempts at the end zone from deep inside enemy territory, the game was all but sealed with a quarterback sack on Zach Collaros, confirming a 23-19 victory for the Ottawa Redblacks in front of 16,310 at TD Place Thursday night.

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Friday, Jun. 14, 2024

Patrick Doyle / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Bombers’ Nick Hallett dives at the feet of the Redblacks’ DeVonte Dedmon in the first half of Thursday’s game in Ottawa.
Patrick Doyle / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers’ Nick Hallett dives at the feet of the Redblacks’ DeVonte Dedmon in the first half of Thursday’s game in Ottawa.

Late father remains an inspiration to Redblacks’ QB Brown

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Preview

Late father remains an inspiration to Redblacks’ QB Brown

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2024

OTTAWA — When Dru Brown walks onto the turf at TD Place Thursday night for what will be his first start as the No. 1 quarterback for the Ottawa Redblacks, he will be experiencing a multitude of emotions.

There won’t be time in the moment to truly reflect, Brown said, but once his heartbeat is back to a normal rate and the adrenaline has moved through his system, he’s sure it will be a memorable point in his football journey.

What he is certain of, though, is his biggest fan, his late father Dave, will be there supporting him. Even if it’s not exactly the way he envisioned it.

“He’s watching over me,” Brown told the Free Press following the Redblacks walkthrough at TD Place Wednesday. “He’s got the best seat in the house.”

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Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2024

Peter Power / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

Ottawa Redblacks QB Dru Brown
Peter Power / THE CANADIAN PRESS files Ottawa Redblacks QB Dru Brown

Bombers have something to prove

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Preview

Bombers have something to prove

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2024

OTTAWA – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers find themselves in uncharted waters as they get ready for a Week 2 road game against the Ottawa Redblacks at TD Place Thursday night.

The Bombers have been a dominant force in recent years, with a combined 37-9 regular-season record since winning the Grey Cup in 2019.

Over that stretch, they resisted falling below .500, even for a week; in fact, the last time the Bombers had more losses than wins dates back to Week 13 in 2018, before a victory over the Edmonton Elks evened their mark at 7-7, with Winnipeg ending the season 10-8.

That is, until the recent demoralizing defeat to the Alouettes, who picked up right where they left off after downing the Bombers in last year’s championship game. Winnipeg looks to get back on track against a Redblacks club that also has plenty to prove and are champing at the bit following a Week 1 bye.

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Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2024

Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

Johnny Augustine gets the start at running back with Brady Oliveira sidelined with a knee injury.
Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS files Johnny Augustine gets the start at running back with Brady Oliveira sidelined with a knee injury.

Kickers give microchips the boot

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Preview

Kickers give microchips the boot

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2024

OTTAWA — There’s nothing more CFL than a controversy brewing after just one game.

This has nothing to do with Montreal Alouettes D-lineman Shawn Lemon — who is free to play while his appeal for gambling on CFL games goes through the appropriate channels — registering the first sack of the 2024 season.

It has to do with microchips being inserted inside footballs, something that has kickers around the league kicking up a fuss over what they say messes with their accuracy.

The CFL started testing chipped balls last season to bring viewers enhanced stats such as the speed of a pass or runner, as part of the league’s relationship with Genius Sports.

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Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2024

Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

Roughriders placekicker and CFLPA V-P Brett Lauther says the CFL said kickers wouldn’t have to use chipped balls and then changed its mind before reverting to its original stance.
Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS files Roughriders placekicker and CFLPA V-P Brett Lauther says the CFL said kickers wouldn’t have to use chipped balls and then changed its mind before reverting to its original stance.

Rose lands with Redblacks

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Rose lands with Redblacks

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 11, 2024

Dru Brown isn’t the only familiar face the Blue Bombers will be seeing in Ottawa this week.

The Redblacks signed former Bombers corner back Winston Rose on Tuesday. The two teams meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT.

“I’m just happy that he gets to play football again,” said Bombers safety Brandon Alexander after Tuesday’s closed practice.

“He’s a heck of a football player. He did a lot of great things for us.”

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Tuesday, Jun. 11, 2024

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

Winston Rose will be patrolling the Ottawa Redblacks defensive backfield when the Blue Bombers visit the nation’s capital Thursday.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS files Winston Rose will be patrolling the Ottawa Redblacks defensive backfield when the Blue Bombers visit the nation’s capital Thursday.

Bombers prepare for showdown with Brown

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Bombers prepare for showdown with Brown

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 10, 2024

It was the night when everyone knew Dru Brown’s days as a Winnipeg Blue Bomber were numbered.

Down 22-0 to the Edmonton Elks on the road, the backup pivot stepped in for an injured Zach Collaros in the second quarter and marched the Blue and Gold to an impressive 38-29 victory on Aug. 10, 2023.

“That was not a fun predicament to come into. For him to come in, be poised, and dial up throws, it was pretty phenomenal,” said Bombers receiver Drew Wolitarsky.

“I know (head coach Mike O’Shea) was really happy about it, and we were all so proud of him, especially with what he went through (Brown’s father died a few weeks earlier). It was like ‘Alright, this guy’s ready to go. He can do this. We have a stacked quarterback room, he’s probably gonna go somewhere else after the season.’ That was the vibe.”

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Monday, Jun. 10, 2024

Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Everyone knew Dru Brown’s days as a backup QB were numbered after his success with the Bombers last season.

Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS Everyone knew Dru Brown’s days as a backup QB were numbered after his success with the Bombers last season.

Well-travelled receiver next man up as Lawler sidelined with injury

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Well-travelled receiver next man up as Lawler sidelined with injury

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 10, 2024

If Keric Wheatfall is half as good as he says he is, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be just fine.

“I feel like I’m a LeBron on the field,” Wheatfall said after Monday’s practice.

“I can block, I can run downfield, I can make the cuts, catch the ball, get up-field, do whatever I need.”

Star receiver Kenny Lawler fractured his arm in Week 1’s 27-12 loss at home against Montreal and all signs point to Wheatfall being the chosen one to take his place this Thursday in Ottawa.

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Monday, Jun. 10, 2024

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Keric Wheatfall is expected to make his Blue Bombers debut Thursday against the Redblacks in Ottawa.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Keric Wheatfall is expected to make his Blue Bombers debut Thursday against the Redblacks in Ottawa.

Bombers back to work after opening loss

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers back to work after opening loss

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Sunday, Jun. 9, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be without one of their biggest weapons for the foreseeable future.

Wide receiver Kenny Lawler left Thursday’s 27-12 season-opening loss to the visiting Montreal Alouettes in the second quarter with what’s being reported as a fractured arm.

He’ll likely be placed on the six-game injured list, but depending on the type of fracture, it could take months to heal.

It’s a scenario the Bombers have experience with as Lawler — the CFL’s leading receiver in 2021 — missed the first six games of 2023 after pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge.

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Sunday, Jun. 9, 2024

Drew Wolitarsky (left) and Nic Demski chat during team practice. (John Woods / Free Press)
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Drew Wolitarsky (82) and Nic Demski (10) chat during team practice Sunday, June 9, 2024. Reporter: taylor

Bombers can put Game 1 debacle in past and concentrate on rest of season

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Bombers can put Game 1 debacle in past and concentrate on rest of season

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

What the heck was that?

It was hyped up as a Grey Cup rematch, but only one team looked like a true contender.

It wasn’t the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Montreal Alouettes — who upset the Blue and Gold 28-24 in last November’s championship game in Regina — walked all over the Bombers en route to a commanding 27-12 victory in Thursday’s season opener.

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Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros and top running back Brady Oliveira were held in check Thursday by Montreal’s defence.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros and top running back Brady Oliveira were held in check Thursday by Montreal’s defence.

Bombers’ kicker takes issue with CFL’s chipped footballs

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Preview

Bombers’ kicker takes issue with CFL’s chipped footballs

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

Sergio Castillo couldn’t wait to get something off his chest following a disappointing performance in the 27-12 season-opening loss to the Montreal Alouettes Thursday night.

Not one to complain or make excuses, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker had plenty of both after missing a pair of field goals and a one-point convert in the defeat. It was an uncharacteristic performance for Castillo, who over his seven years in the CFL, has a conversion rate of 86 per cent, with a 90 per cent success rate just last season.

His beef centered around an issue Castillo said has been percolating among CFL kickers for weeks. It has to do with the new footballs the CFL is using this year, balls that have computer chips inserted inside to gather statistical data for TV broadcasts as part of the CFL’s relationship with Genius Sports.

“I’m trying to not get fined here,” started Castillo. “It’s very frustrating when you put in the work — and I have a little one, I have a wife back home that I have to provide for — and we’re not given the proper equipment to do well. We have these chips in the footballs. Over camp, if I went 60 per  cent that was a great day. And when we went with normal balls, 90-plus percent. The whole camp.”

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Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo.

Nothing goes right for Big Blue in season-opening Grey Cup rematch

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Nothing goes right for Big Blue in season-opening Grey Cup rematch

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

It was supposed to be a night where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers got their revenge.

Instead, it was a night where nothing went right.

In a rematch of last year’s Grey Cup, the Bombers kicked off the 2024 CFL campaign with a 27-12 loss to the visiting Montreal Alouettes on Thursday in front of 30,140 fans.

The Als — the reigning champs after prevailing 28-24 in November’s big game — once again found a way to ground the Blue and Gold’s high-powered offence.

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Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Montreal Alouettes’ Mustafa Johnson (94), Shawn Lemon (hidden) and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund (91) celebrate a sack of Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros during the first half.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Montreal Alouettes’ Mustafa Johnson (94), Shawn Lemon (hidden) and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund (91) celebrate a sack of Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros during the first half.

Will Bombers continue to dominate CFL?

Jeff Hamilton 9 minute read Preview

Will Bombers continue to dominate CFL?

Jeff Hamilton 9 minute read Thursday, Jun. 6, 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for lovers of the three-down game.

The 2024 CFL season gets underway Thursday night with a Grey Cup rematch between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Alouettes. It was the Alouettes who stunned the Bombers, 28-24, with a late touchdown with 15 seconds remaining in the game, so you know that tilt is going to pack an extra punch.

The beauty of every season is although memories from last year linger, it’s a completely new slate for all nine clubs. The Alouettes are also a perfect example of it’s not always where you start that matters but how you finish, with Montreal knocking off the 16-2 Toronto Argonauts in the East final before downing the Bombers in the championship game.

As is the case every season, there’s plenty of roster turnover, with fan favourites leaving and joining new teams. Some clubs spent the offseason trying to retain as many players as possible, while others tore things down to the studs in hopes of future success.

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Thursday, Jun. 6, 2024

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

The Zach Collaros-led offence will remain prolific.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES The Zach Collaros-led offence will remain prolific.

Bonds adds CFL to football resume

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Bonds adds CFL to football resume

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2024

Terrell Bonds made his NFL debut against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

With that experience under his belt, the first-year Blue Bombers cornerback isn’t sweating his first CFL start against the visiting Montreal Alouettes on Thursday night.

“Imagine me, a young guy going up against the Super Bowl champs,” said Bonds, who played four games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020.

“(Tyreek Hill) was one of the punt returners and I was the gunner and I had to try to get down there to chase him. It’s crazy that someone can be that fast on a football field.”

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Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2024

Mike Sudoma/Free Press

Bombers defensive back Terrell Bonds played four games with the Baltimore Ravens and is a childhood friend of teammate Deatrick Nichols.
Mike Sudoma/Free Press Bombers defensive back Terrell Bonds played four games with the Baltimore Ravens and is a childhood friend of teammate Deatrick Nichols.

Bombers on road to redemption

Taylor Allen and Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

Bombers on road to redemption

Taylor Allen and Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2024

As the Winnipeg Blue Bombers embark on a brand new CFL season, their first opponent of the year provides a not-so-subtle reminder of what could have been.

The Bombers welcome the Montreal Alouettes to town Thursday night in what’s the official start to the 2024 campaign and a rematch of last year’s Grey Cup — a 28-24 heartbreaking loss for the Blue and Gold.

The slate has since been wiped clean and after three gruelling weeks of training camp, including a pair of preseason losses, the Bombers are eager to begin their road to redemption.

“It feels like we’ve never left,” Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros said following walk-through on Wednesday. “The day-before nerves are starting to settle in and you don’t get that feeling anywhere else. We’re excited.”

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Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2024

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files

Tyrell Ford (right) replaces Demerio Houston on the Bombers’ defence.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files Tyrell Ford (right) replaces Demerio Houston on the Bombers’ defence.

Alouettes, Bombers set to kick off ’24 CFL season with Grey Cup rematch

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Alouettes, Bombers set to kick off ’24 CFL season with Grey Cup rematch

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2024

TORONTO - The start of the regular season couldn't come at a better time for the CFL.

The 2024 campaign kicks off Thursday night in Winnipeg with the Blue Bombers hosting the Montreal Alouettes in a Grey Cup rematch.

Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo's 19-yard TD strike to Tyson Philpot, it's top Canadian, with 15 seconds remaining rallied the Als to a thrilling 28-24 championship victory at Tim Hortons Field.

But it's been a rough couple of months for the league.

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Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2024

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) is sacked by Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson (5) during the first half of football action at the 110th CFL Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) is sacked by Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson (5) during the first half of football action at the 110th CFL Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

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