The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were right there in 2017 but they came up just short in the postseason. They were heading into the season with optimism before a big injuries crippled their quarterback situation. It’s not long term, though, so if they can heal up and if they can improve just a little bit on defense, they could be in the mix for the Grey Cup.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2018 regular season win total
Over 10.5
Under 10.5
Odds are courtesy of BetDSI.
What Happened Last Year
The Blue Bombers started the 2017 campaign by winning eight of their first 11 games. They were inconsistent down the stretch, but they finished with a 12-6 record. Winnipeg finished just three points behind Calgary in the West Division, but they got to host the West Semi-Final. There, the Blue Bombers lost to Edmonton to wrap up their season. The Blue Bombers led the CFL in points scored behind quarterback Matt Nichols, who threw for 4,472 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Running back Andrew Harris led the CFL with 1,035 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Harris also added another 857 yards through the air with a score. However, the defense finished fifth in the league in points allowed, although they were first with 25 interceptions. Their high-powered offense carried them through most games, but they defense let the Blue Bombers down.
What Will Change This Year
The Blue Bombers picked up receiver Adarius Bowman, adding to a very deep group at that position. Defensive back T.J. Heath returned to Toronto, and the Blue Bombers are going to try and replace him by committee. Defensive end Jamaal Westerman signed with Montreal, taking away one of Winnipeg’s best pass rushers.
Outlook & Prediction
The offense could be even better in 2018…but we’ll have to wait and see. The Blue Bombers suffered what is arguably the worst injury so far this preseason, losing Nichols for four-to-six weeks.
Nichols was excellent last season and hopefully he can continue that ascent when he returns. Mixed with the versatility of Harris, that opens up a lot. Bowman doesn’t have to be as good as he used to be, but he can still take pressure off Darvin Adams. Nic Demski and Weston Dressler can also step up to help out Adams, who had 76 catches for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns. However, the Blue Bombers’ biggest problems come on the other side of the ball. They’re going to be fine at the back with cornerback Chris Randle and safety Taylor Loffler leading the way. The Blue Bombers need to generate a pass rush to take some of the pressure off their defensive back. Westerman took his seven sacks to Montreal. That tied Westerman for the team led with Jackson Jeffcoat, so the Blue Bombers have to replace those. Without a pass rush, the opposition has too much time to sit back against Winnipeg and let plays develop. That is partly why the Blue Bombers give up so many big plays. The offense is going to do their part, and that should be enough to power the Blue Bombers to 11 wins. But the Grey Cup will stay just outside of their reach unless they can get more pressure on the opposing quarterback. You can only win so many shootouts, and the Blue Bombers will fall short in the playoffs once again.
