Bombers face playoff crunch against Stampeders
The playoffs are still a few weeks away, but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are already feeling the post-season pinch.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers face a crucial Week 19 matchup against the Calgary Stampeders at Princess Auto Stadium, with post-season implications hanging in the balance. The Bombers, currently sitting at 7-8, welcome the Stampeders, who are also 8-8, for a game that could determine their playoff fate. Bombers veteran guard Patrick Neufeld anticipates a fast, physical contest with a lot of emotion and big plays.
For the Stampeders, a win would secure a playoff spot, while a loss for either team would severely jeopardize their postseason hopes. Winnipeg's offence, led by quarterback Zach Collaros, has struggled recently, scoring only 33 offensive touchdowns. Collaros' return should provide a much-needed boost, but he is without a contract for next season.
Calgary's offence, led by Vernon Adams Jr., is one of the league's most prolific, averaging 33 points and 57 touchdowns per game. This will be the third meeting between the clubs, with the series currently tied 1-1. Calgary's recent three-game winning streak, including a victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has them firmly back in the playoff picture.
The Bombers have made the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, but their run is currently in jeopardy, and they know it. "Whatever it’s going to take, by any means, to go out there and find a way to win the game," Bombers running back Brady Oliveira said. "Right now, the urgency is coming out here, and you just find a way to win."
Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
