Even though they got to the Grey cup, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers weren’t happy with the performance of their offence in 2011.
Becoming more consistent and productive on that side of the ball is a top priority as the Bombers prepare for the upcoming 2012 season.
Vice President and General Manager of Football Operations Joe Mack told a CFL pre-season media teleconference that they have to start by reducing their turnovers.
“There is a direct correlation between winning and losing, and the turnover ratio. Hopefully we can eliminate many of the turnovers that were bothersome in the second half of last season” said Mack.
“We also have to cut down on the number of penalties we take. Those two factors should enhance the overall production of our offence,” he added.
Mack also pointed to the need for continued strong production from running back Chris Garrett, who was outstanding after replacing injured Fred Reid last season.
The GM also said it’s essential that quarterback Buck Pierce improves on his touchdown to interception ratio. Pierce had only 14 touchdown passes with 18 interceptions in 2011.
On the question of “leadership” both Mack and head coach Paul LaPolice acknowledged that losing veteran players like Doug Brown, Obby Khan and Brendon Labatte creates a void in that area.
Losing Brown’s “prescence” creates a real challenge according to Mack.
“Trying to find a way to continue the high level of play of our defence while losing a player of Doug’s caliber is probably going to be one of our biggest challenges,” Mack said.
Lapolice said that Brown, Khan and LaBatte were tremendous leaders, but he is confident there are players who will step up and take their place.
“The young guys will never get to lead until the older leaders are out of the room. So when there is change, there is opportunity for new leaders to step up. We think we have the character guys here that can do the job. They have tough guys to replace, guys who have played here a long time, but that’s part of the business, it’s a change business,” said LaPolice, entering his third season as Winnipeg’s sideline boss.
The Bombers plan to play an import in Brown’s defensive tackle position, while starting a Canadian at middle-linebacker. 
On the offensive line, replacements for Khan and LaBatte will come from a combination of young Canadians in Chris Greaves, Chris Kowalczuk, Paul Swiston, Justin Sorenson and this year’s first round draft pick Tyson Pencer.
Regarding the need to improve their offensive attack, LaPolice said it centers on one primary area.
“We have to do a better job of making sure we are getting seven or eight yards on first down, putting yourself in a second and short instead of a second and long. When (Chris) Garrett joined the lineup, we were much more productive on first down, and we have to be able to do that this year, stay out of second and long, for our offence to be more effective,” he explained.
Lapolice said he’s excited about the Bombers quarterback depth with Alex Brink and Joey Elliott behind Pierce.
He believes the Bombers have signed some talented young receivers as they seek to replace Greg Carr, who signed with Edmonton as a free agent.
Despite the challenges that lay ahead on the field, there is still an issue as to which field they’ll be playing on.
“We try not to worry about things we can’t control. The completion of the stadium is completely out of our control. We have been asked to play our first four regular season games on the road, so that’s what we will do. It’s a challenge, but it’s one we’ve been presented with, so let’s take it on.”
The Bombers were hoping to play their regular season home opener on July 26th at their new Investors Group Field. As it stands now, barring any further construction delays, the Bombers plan to play their first game in their fabulous new home on Sept. 19 against Hamilton, with a “chance” that the stadium could be ready for their Banjo Bowl game with the Saskatchewan Roughriders Sept. 9.
