The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are keeping their starting quarterback plans under wraps ahead of Saturday’s East Division final against the host Montreal Alouettes.
The Blue Bombers took a similar approach last week with their starting quarterback’s identity before recording a 25-22 victory over the Toronto Argonauts.
Dru Brown threw for 206 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in place of Zach Collaros, who sustained a rib injury in the season finale against the BC Lions. Collaros, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player, was listed as a game-time decision Friday to face the Alouettes after missing practice Thursday.
“Once again, I don’t see any point in talking about the roster before we have to,” Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea said.
Although they are being tight-lipped about their quarterback situation, the Blue Bombers can make a loud statement with a win on Saturday. Should that be the case, they’ll become the first crossover team in CFL history to reach the Grey Cup.
“We just want another opportunity to play football,” said Nic Demski, who reeled in a 23-yard touchdown with 44 seconds remaining last week. “That’s going to be our pressure. If we leave it all out on the line, we’ll be OK.”
Demski and the Blue Bombers will be attempting to prevent the Alouettes from reaching the Grey Cup for the third time in four seasons.
Davis Alexander, who was named the CFL Most Outstanding Player on Thursday, threw for 440 yards and one touchdown in Montreal’s 37-10 romp over Winnipeg on Oct. 3. He also had his way with the Blue Bombers when the teams met in the East semifinal last year, throwing for 384 yards in a 42-33 victory.
Tyson Philpot was tabbed as the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian on Thursday, and for good reason. He set Canadian records in receptions (124) and receiving yards (1,809), while his 13 touchdown receptions weren’t too shabby either.
“Super cool we were able to do this,” Philpot said of being honored with Alexander. “Me and him had goals coming into the season, so it’s two out of three down.”
The teams have split their two contests this season, with each winning at home. Then again, all the Alouettes have done is win at home, going 9-0 this season.
–Field Level Media
