On Friday night at IG Field, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0) began their quest for a third straight Grey Cup championship in dramatic fashion against the Ottawa Redblacks (0-1).
Before the game started, the Blue Bombers celebrated by raising their newest Grey Cup championship banner at IG Field.
Blue Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros went 18/26 for 188 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, and one carry for ten yards. Collaros’ only touchdown of the game came in the first quarter when he scrambled out of the pocket and threw a dart pass to Greg Ellingson for a five-yard touchdown that put Winnipeg up 7-0 with 6:16 left in the first quarter.
Greg Ellingson led the Blue Bombers receivers with six catches for 74 yards and one touchdown. Late in the game, Collaros was taken out by CFL officials for an injury, and backup quarterback Dru Brown finished the game going 3/3 for 51 yards.
There was a new look in the backup as Brady Oliveira was now the starting running back, replacing Andrew Harris, who went to Toronto. Oliveira had ten carries for 17 yards.
The Blue Bombers’ third-string quarterback, Dakota Prukop, scored Winnipeg’s last touchdown in the fourth quarter on a quarterback sneak. However, Blue Bombers’ kicker Marc Liegghio missed the extra point, making it a two-point lead, 16-14, with 6:10 left in the game. Liegghio would make up the lost point with a game-winning 25-yard field goal for a 19-17 win.
The Blue Bombers’ defense allowed 441 yards, 49 tackles, one sack, one pass breakup, one fumble recovery, and one interception. The Blue Bombers’ secondary is an issue. They gave up several big plays for 20 yards or more. If the secondary works on preventing the opposing receivers from going deep, they can create problems for the offense and have a chance at a third Grey Cup title.
New Redblacks’ quarterback Jeremiah Masoli made his debut. He went 24/34 for 380 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two carries for ten yards. His touchdown pass happened in the first quarter when he used the pump fake to confuse the secondary before throwing it deep into the hands of Shaquille Johnson for a 20-yard touchdown that tied the game 7-7 with 4:13 left in the first quarter. Johnson had four catches for 43 yards and one touchdown.
This game was personal for Masoli as he lost to Winnipeg twice in the Grey Cup as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Redblacks this offseason had a complete makeover on both sides of the ball as they looked to get back into the playoffs.
Redblacks’ running back Devonte Williams led the rushers with nine carries for 33 yards, while wide receiver Jaelon Acklin led the receivers with five catches for 92 yards. The rest of Ottawa’s points came from special teams as Redblacks’ kicker Lewis Ward made three field goals (32 yards, 17 yards, and 39 yards), and punter Richie Leone scored a single point when his punt went into the endzone.
The Redblacks’ defense did not have a bad game. They allowed 289 yards, 43 tackles, one forced fumble, five pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
The Redblacks’ offense had the ball for over 31-minutes. Outside of their first touchdown, Ottawa could not find the endzone again. At times, they would find ways to get down the field but then stall afterward.
Ottawa let Winnipeg hang around long enough that it cost them a win. They do show promise with the new players on the team, but they cannot allow to let other teams hang around this season. If they do, they might have a hard time trying to get into the playoffs.
These two teams got a feel for each other as they will go at it again next Friday from TD Place at 7:30 pm on ESPN2. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
