THE CANADIAN PRESS
As the blue bombers get set to close out another disappointing season, the debate among fans and the media in Winnipeg is about the quarterback position. Not whether Drew Willy is still the number one guy — of that there is no doubt. The discussion centres around whether Willy should have been pulled in last week’s loss to BC and whether or not he should play this week in Calgary.
Some argue, among them esteemed former Bomber defensive tackle Doug Brown through his column in the Winnipeg Free Press and his commentary on 680-CJOB, that Willy had become ineffective and was left in the game too long as the Bombers had their playoff hopes officially snuffed out in the 28-23 loss to the Lions Saturday at Investors Group Field.
The Lions had 10 sacks and Willy looked lost during much of the fourth quarter. Brown and many fans wanted to see more of Robert Marve, who had created some excitement with his scrambling when he relieved injured Brian Brohm the week before against Calgary.
Others, myself included, feel that Marve, while an intriguing talent, is still an unproven work in progress. And Willy, despite some very uneven play in the second half of the season, remains the clear choice as the Bombers’ best chance to win. And with the playoffs still a possibility, however slim, the Bombers had to stick with their top gun.
| Willy under pressure |
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Drew Willy’s bid to become the Bombers’ franchise quarterback has faced more pressure from defensive linemen than anyone off the field. The Bombers have surrendered a league-worst 70 sacks this season, topping the team record of 67 with a game left to play. |
Head coach Mike O’Shea is very much in that camp, although he admitted Willy held the ball too long, was indecisive, and was responsible for at least a few of the sacks that the Lions piled up.
So, what to do at the quarterback position in the season finale in Calgary on Saturday? Give Marve a full-blown shot to show what he can do, or stay with your starter? No doubt in Oshea’s mind.
“Drew is our starter. He needs to get back on the horse again and ride for a little bit,” said O’Shea. “We’ll see how long it lasts — whether it’s for a full game or not, but we’re going in there to beat the Stampeders. Although the game has no bearing on the standings, I believe a win in Calgary would be helpful in establishing a foundation for 2015.”
There is no question that the record 70 quarterback sacks allowed by the Bombers has affected Willy. The word “shell-shocked” has been used more than once in explaining Willy’s inconsistent second half, which has seen him throw four touchdown passes against eight interceptions. He was not sharp against the Lions, providing ammunition for those who argue he is a beaten man and could be permanently scarred by taking a further pounding in Calgary on Saturday.
O’Shea doesn’t buy that argument. He believes Willy, who has started only 20 games in his CFL career, is still going through a learning curve. And Saturday’s game against the Stamps will be an important part of his continued education and maturation.
Willy was the talk of the Bombers when they got off to that remarkable 5-1 start. And as they head into their 18th and final game of a season that will now end at either 6-12 or 7-11, Willy is still the most talked about player in Blue and Gold.
