Numbers Don’t Lie: 3 trends that could loom large in Western Semi
CFL.ca
TORONTO — Indeed the playoffs do signal the beginning of a new season, but something has to be said for some of the reoccurring trends noticed throughout the 81 regular season contests thus far. With that in mind, CFL.ca extracts three statistical trends that could alter the course of Sunday’s matchup with a trip to the Division Finals on the line.
Ball security is job security
The Numbers That Stands Out: Blue Bombers league-high turnover ratio of +28
The Bombers lead the CFL with a plus-28 turnover ratio and 56 takeaways – including 29 interceptions. No team takes the football away better than Winnipeg and that could spell trouble for a young Jonathon Jennings, who threw five interceptions in two games against the Bombers this season.
It’s been proven that Winnipeg has to win the turnover battle to win football games – that means Matt Nichols has to protect the football while the Bomber defence needs to make some plays.
Playing keep-away
The Numbers That Stands Out: Lions ranked 2nd in the league in Time of Possession
Balance, more than anything, has been the key to success for the BC Lions this year. As electric as Jonathon Jennings has been, they need to continue dominating on the ground and playing ball control football against a dangerous Bombers secondary.
The Lions rank second in the league in time of possession while the Bombers are the second-worst and if that trend continues, Wally Buono’s club will be able to avoid playing into the hands of the Bombers’ playmaking secondary.
RELATED: Listen to the latest episode of ‘The Waggle’ podcast where we debate all things post-season with Sunday nearing.
Winning the special teams battle
The Numbers That Stands Out: BC returner Chris Rainey’s 2,760 combined yards
There have been numerous occasions when Chris Rainey has single-handedly turned a football game in the Lions’ favour. That’ll be something to watch for on Sunday, especially if the Bombers are without their standout return man in Kevin Fogg.
Look for Rainey, who leads the league with 2,760 combined yards, to be the difference-maker in a close football game.
