‘We just need to look in the mirror’: Bombers ready to turn things around
Jason Halstead/CFL.ca
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers suffered a tough 32-27 loss in Saturday’s Banjo Bowl against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, committing a total five interceptions as they dropped their fourth straight game. The Bombers have now fallen further behind in the West division with a 5-7 record, but the team says they far from being finished.
“We are a good football team,” running back Andrew Harris said after the game. “This is frustrating because we are good, and I know that. As much as the media or the league or whoever wants to say we’re not, we are good. It’s just details that we need to sharpen on and be able to finish.”
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The Riders’ strong defensive unit held Harris and the rest of Winnipeg’s playmakers in check for the majority of the game, only surrendering 60 rushing yards.
“Talking about it and doing it are two different things,” Harris said. “We have to take a look in the mirror this bye week and rest up, get stronger as far as getting our bodies right. This season is still wide open, I mean the West is wide open still so we just need to look in the mirror and come back with a vengeance.”
The biggest story from Saskatchewan’s first Banjo Bowl victory since 2014 was the incredible five interceptions the Riders’ defence recorded. Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols was replaced by Chris Streveler to start the second half after being picked off three times.
“I felt like I let this team down,” Nichols said. “This team deserves better than that today, and I just gotta find a way to be better.”
The 31-year-old veteran was adamant that he will get things turned around and that Saturday’s loss would not affect him moving forward.
“It sucks to let your team down, but I don’t think that affects the way I’m going to play,” Nichols said. “I’ve played a lot of good football in my life. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and try and correct the mistakes.”
Streveler was able to make some key plays for the Bombers down the stretch, including a touchdown pass, but the young quarterback also found himself frustrated by a Riders defence that seemed to have all the answers.
“We put some points on the board, but I think we left some points on the field as well offensively,” Streveler said. “I wish we could’ve put a couple more drives together there, especially at the end of the game with a couple drive-to-win situations. We just gotta learn from it and keep getting better.”
As far as Winnipeg’s quarterback situation goes, it still remains to be seen whether it will be Nichols or Streveler under centre when the Bombers return to action in Week 15.
“I don’t expect anything ever,” Streveler said. “My job is to come in here and work as hard as I can every day no matter what that opportunity is and be ready for it. Being the short yardage guy, I usually play every game so I’m going to be ready to play no matter the situation. I don’t think about that.”
The Bombers will have a chance to reflect and rest up during their bye week before hosting the Montreal Alouettes in Week 15.
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