Jason Hogan is focused on improvement and execution, not external criticism, as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hit the midway mark of the CFL season.
Hogan, the club’s offensive co-ordinator, addressed the constant criticism and external pressure that comes with being a play-caller following practice Monday, stating he actively tries to ignore it.
“Try not to listen to it. If you listen to it, you just get lost and you don’t focus on what’s ahead of you,” he said.
Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files
Bombers offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan: we need to get more production.
Hogan explained his self-critique is based on objective data, not public opinion. While he appreciates the passion of Winnipeg’s fanbase, it’s the Xs and Os that tell the real story.
“You go back and look at the stats, go back and look at what’s working versus what the defence is giving you,” he noted.
Hogan also acknowledged the recent struggles his offence is having in the second half of games, which has made up a large part of the frutsration by the team’s faithful in recent weeks. In their last two games, the Bombers have carried leads into halftime, only to see that edge slip through their fingers.
Against the Ottawa Redblacks last week, the Bombers led 20-3 at the break, only to be outscored 24-10 in the second half, resulting in a narrow three-point win. The Bombers weren’t as lucky the previous week, losing to the Calgary Stampeders, 28-27, after squandering a 23-16 lead through two quarters.
“We just need to get more production, stay on the football field long as we can,” Hogan said.
When asked why that wasn’t happening, Hogan pointed to the opposing defence making stops and the Bombers not executing as well as they should. However, he maintained that the team is doing a good job of sticking to its offensive script, adjusting only when the defence makes changes.
“If they’re not adjusting anything defensively, we’re going to go ahead and run our plays, the same plays, just mix it up, move some guys around, that sort of stuff,” he explained.
When asked to grade the offence’s performance so far this season, Hogan was less concerned with a specific grade and more focused on continuous improvement. The Bombers, through 11 weeks, rank middle of the pack in almost every offensive category, including net offence and offensive points scored.
“As long as we’re not repeating mistakes and we’re getting better, that’s all that matters,” Hogan said.
YOUNGER HAPPY TO HAVE HOUSTON BACK
Bombers defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger expressed his excitement with the return of veteran defensive back Demerio Houston, citing his experience and playmaking ability as a major asset given the team’s current injury situation.
“I’m happy to have him,” Younger said. “We’ve been going through some injury situations, and to be able to pick up a DB that has that type of experience… we’re very fortunate to have him.”
When asked about off-field concerns and public perception — Houston was signed following a domestic violence charge that was later dropped — Younger was steadfast in his response, repeatedly stating: “He’s been cleared of all the charges and we’re going to proceed that way.”
He also vouched for Houston’s character, describing him as an easy going guy who has always been polite and respectful in the locker room. Younger confirmed the timing of the signing was a direct result of the team’s immediate need for depth.
THE POWER OF A GOAL-LINE STAND
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Younger cited a recent goal-line stand against the Redblacks in the first half as a powerful example of the team’s progress and a moment that reinforces his coaching philosophy.
Following a defensive pass-interference call in the end zone, the Redblacks had three attempts to punch the ball in from Winnipeg’s one-yard line. Three times they failed, with linebacker Tony Jones stuffing short-yardage quarterback Dustin Crum on the final try for a tunrover on downs.
Younger explained these moments validate the message he consistently delivers to his players: “All you need is one more play to make a difference.”
He said the stand proved to the players if they “lock into what we’re supposed to do, we can make those type of plays.” He added that his job as a coach is to simplify things and make those plays as easy as possible through film study and preparation.
Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca
Jeff Hamilton
Multimedia producer
Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University’s journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff.
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