Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira looked at video this week of his team’s 16-14 overtime loss to the Toronto Argonauts on July 27 and couldn’t believe it.
“It looks like totally different guys out there,” Oliveira said. “That wasn’t Bomber football being played in that game, not at all.”
Oliveira and Winnipeg will try to play their brand of football Friday night in a rematch with Toronto in Manitoba that could clinch the West title and a bye into the conference finals next month.
That defeat on a summer night in Toronto was the last time the Blue Bombers (10-6) lost. They’ve won eight straight since then, rising from the West cellar into their accustomed digs atop the standings. They kept the roll going last week with a 31-10 win on Oct. 4 in Hamilton.
The difference has been turnovers. Winnipeg committed a league-worst 19 in the first eight games and only has eight during its winning streak. Its turnover ratio in that span is plus 13.
“We’re peaking at the right time and we’re playing our style of football, which is obviously pleasing to see,” Oliveira said.
While the Blue Bombers shoot for a ninth straight win, the Argonauts (8-7) are attempting to overtake slumping Ottawa for second place in the East. They are coming off a 37-31 win on Sept. 28 over defending Grey Cup champion Montreal.
The key to Toronto this year has been a strong running game. The Argos are second in the league in rushing and are coming off a 234-yard performance against the Alouettes.
“If you can keep the defense honest and have them continuously change their calls while you keep doing what you’re doing, that’s an advantage,” offensive guard Ryan Hunter said. “If we can do that every week, I think we’ll be in pretty good shape.
“If you’re healthy and playing good football towards the end of October, you’re putting yourself into a good place to make a run.”
–Field Level Media
