MONTREAL — Veteran offensive lineman Pat Neufeld has been around the Winnipeg Blue Bombers long enough to know what makes the team tick.
After a 26-13 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday at Molson Stadium, Neufeld admitted the Bombers — a club that has been the class of the CFL for the last half-decade — needed a strong performance to shift the growing narrative that they were finally stepping out of the league’s spotlight.
The Bombers had played an inconsistent brand of football through the first half of the season, but on this night, they looked and felt like their vintage selves. That was never more apparent than in the fourth quarter, when they built on a slight lead and then leaned on running back Brady Oliveira to run out the clock.
CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Evan Holm (right) intercepts a pass Thursday against the Montreal Alouettes. The Bombers had two takeaways on the night.
“We want to be in that position. You have to cherish that pressure, that pressure to be able to be in that position,” Neufeld said. “You got to put it on our shoulders… we want that pressure. A game like that will build resilience for us, knowing we’re in a hostile environment against a good defence. That’s something we can look back on and keep in our back pocket.”
For a team that prides itself on complementary football, this was the closest we’ve seen all three phases in sync. That bodes well for the Bombers, who now prepare for their toughest stretch of the regular-season schedule, beginning with a home-and-home against the 8-1 Saskatchewan Roughriders.
But before we look too far ahead, let’s take a look back at Thursday’s game with the latest edition of 5 Takeaways.
Oliveira delivers
Both the Bombers and Brady Oliveira needed a game like this.
The reigning Most Outstanding Player had been limited in production for much of the season, a surprising development after dominating the league a year ago. But, on Thursday night, Oliveira was simply sensational and in full beast mode.
He was the engine that powered the offence, grinding down the Montreal defence with a performance that surpassed the 200-yard mark. For the first time this season, Oliveira broke 100 yards rushing, carrying the ball 16 times for 137 yards.
But what truly showcased his value and versatility was his work in the passing game. With the Bombers losing Nic Demski and Jerreth Sterns late in the first half, Oliveira provided a security blanket for quarterback Zach Collaros, catching all nine of his targets for a team-high 73 yards.
Winnipeg’s offensive line, which has taken its knocks this season, looked like the championship-level unit it’s been in years past. They opened up holes for Oliveira to run through and gave Collaros time to operate, an effort made all the more impressive coming against an Alouettes defence considered among the best in the league.
While there’s still work to be done, this was a dominant performance that showed what the Bombers offence is capable of when they are able to control the line of scrimmage.
Next-man-up mentality
Losing Demski and Sterns to injuries in the first half would have crippled a lesser team. For Winnipeg, it was an opportunity for others to step up.
Quarterback Chris Streveler, a smile visible through his helmet, strapped on gloves and lined up at receiver. The team then handed the short-yardage duties to Terry Wilson, who did an admirable job and may even be the most effective option they have.
Running back Peyton Logan, making his debut, also saw his role expand, contributing some key plays. Keric Wheatfall, whose production has been up and down all year, found his rhythm, making some crucial grabs down the field, finishing with three catches for 64 yards.
While the injuries were a blow, the early indications are that the Bombers may have dodged a major bullet with Demski, who was seen on the sidelines in his gear in the second half. The same can’t be said for Sterns, who was out of his uniform and is expected to miss time.
The good news is that Dalton Schoen is set to return to the lineup — a much-needed addition for a suddenly thin receiving core.
Defence play key role
The Bombers defence didn’t steal the show, but it was undoubtedly a key factor in the victory. This unit has been criticized for not being as dominant as in years past, but on Thursday night, it was both opportunistic and effective when it mattered most.
Playing against a rookie quarterback making his first CFL start, the Bombers capitalized on Montreal’s mistakes, generating two timely interceptions and a critical stop for a turnover on downs.
Evan Holm snagged his team-leading fourth interception, a play that led to a field goal, while Trey Vaval registered his first pick of the season on Montreal’s final offensive play. The turnover on downs in the fourth quarter was particularly notable, as it helped put the game away.
Despite not recording any sacks, the defence did its job in limiting Montreal’s offence. The Alouettes were held to just 16 first downs, converted just 37 per cent on second down and had the ball for only 24:08 of game time.
While there were a couple of explosive plays given up — including a 44-yard pass from receiver Tyler Snead that helped set up Montreal’s only touchdown — holding a team to just 13 points and only three in the second half is a great day at the office.
QB chaos in Montreal
The Alouettes are in the midst of a quarterback crisis, with their top three pivots — Davis Alexander, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Caleb Evans — all on the six-game injured list. With only James Morgan remaining from the opening day roster, the team had to turn to a player with very little experience.
Morgan showed some flashes in a relief appearance last week, but he struggled mightily under the lights at Molson Stadium. He finished the night 18 for 33 for just 198 yards, with a touchdown and two picks.
While the Alouettes defence is a strong unit that kept them in the game, trailing by just three in the fourth quarter, the offence is sputtering. With top receivers Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack also sidelined, the team has a lack of playmakers.
Unless they can find a solution under centre, it’s going to be a long season for Montreal. What seemed like a lock on second place in the East Division now seems to be slowly slipping away.
A meaningful win?
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
This victory over the Alouettes was desperately needed for the Bombers. It marks the first time since June that the team has won consecutive games.
At 6-4, the Bombers record looks and feels a lot better than 5-5 and keeps them firmly in the playoff conversation. But while the win was ultimately convincing, it’s worth putting it in context.
The Bombers were playing a team on a short week, led by a fourth-string quarterback. Had Winnipeg not won, serious questions would have been raised about its ability to even make the playoffs, let alone contend for a sixth straight Grey Cup berth.
The focus now shifts to the Labour Day Classic. The Bombers will get a true test of their mettle when they travel to Saskatchewan to face the Riders. That’s where we will find out if this team has truly turned a corner.
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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