BlueBombers.com
CFL.ca Staff
With files from BlueBombers.com
WINNIPEG — As the dust settles and the hype of free agency clears, one might argue that the off-season’s biggest winner was Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Drew Willy.
Willy was the CFL’s most-sacked quarterback in 2014, his team allowing a franchise-worst 71 sacks last season on the way to another year without playoffs in the Manitoba capital.
Blue and black, not gold, may have been Willy’s most decorated colours, as the team lost 11 of 12 games including eight straight, while the franchise quarterback was rattled behind an O-line that was often outmanned.
This year, however, expect things to be different. The Bombers’ offensive line has changed – a lot – and high-profile free agent acquisition Stanley Bryant seems alright with being the poster boy for the movement up front.
“This is going to be different,” Bryant, widely considered one of the top free agents available this off-season, told reporters at a Monday morning press conference in Winnipeg.
After spending last season as the starting left tackle for the Calgary Stampeders, the 28-year-old has become an expert both on winning and protecting the quarterback.
“This is my first time coming into a situation where they’re not used to winning,” said Bryant. “I’m up for this.”
“At this time in my career, it’s time for a change and I feel like this is the place to be.”
Some raised questions over why the 2014 All-Star, the only one on the free agent market that wound up with a CFL team, is going from last year’s Championship-winning team to the second-worst team in the league.
On top of it being a business decision, Bryant added that he relishes the challenge of joining a team and helping it take the next step – something he’d find difficult on a the perennially-contending Stamps.
“You have to think of the business side,” said Bryant. “That’s a factor in making the decision.”
“Also knowing that you’re going into a place where you can help the team become better and it’s something you’re willing to do – you’re willing to accept the change and leave your comfort zone, which played a part in the decision.”
“It’s always tough,” he added on leaving the Stamps. “I just won a Grey Cup. All my teammates – I built a bond with those guys, the camaraderie. It was a tough decision on my part, but I feel like I made the right decision.”
As he gets to know second-year head coach Mike O’Shea while taking in the team’s top-notch facilities, the North Carolina native likes what he sees.
“I love it so far. I feel good about it,” said Bryant. “It’s a new facility. Coach O’Shea’s a great guy to speak with and have a conversation with. I like it so far.”
“What we’re talking about is getting the team better and being tougher, and getting us down the right path. I feel very confident.”
Bryant joins Marc Dile and national Dominic Picard as the Bombers’ high-profile free agent additions to the offensive line this off-season – moves that could shift the team’s 2015 outlook entirely.
A 5-1 start last season gave the Bombers plenty of promise, while Willy showed throughout his first campaign in Winnipeg that he is a capable CFL signal caller. But as the run game tailed off and Willy faced consistent pressure, the Bombers’ 2014 season derailed.
With Bryant set to anchor what should be a much-improved line, Willy will have an easier time and so should a Bomber run game that ranked second worst in the CFL last year.
“Picard is a great veteran guy that came from Saskatchewan – he’s used to winning,” said Bryant. “He’s a tough, nasty guy. Marc Dile from Hamilton, had has some great years there and he was productive when he’s on the field.”
“I can just come in and compete in camp and act like I’m here to win a job – show my leadership through example, and show guys that the winning attitude and winning pedigree in trying to win a Grey Cup.”
The Stampeders allowed a league-low 26 sacks last season – barely over one third of what the Bombers allowed. O’Shea and General Manager Kyle Walters clearly identified the O-line as an area in need of improvement, and all indications are they’ve scored a big win for the organization, especially Willy.
