ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
It has been a busy week for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers following a unsettling loss at the hands of the Montreal Alouettes last Sunday. Wide receiver Romby Bryant had barely taken his equipment off after the contest when he, along with Canadian SB Arjei Franklin and a draft pick, were sent to the Calgary Stampeders in exchange for receivers Jabari Arthur and Titus Ryan, plus defensive lineman Odell Willis.
IMP LB Joe Lobendahn who has made a real case for himself this season, especially in recent weeks. In the last three weeks, the Washington product has recorded 18 defensive tackles and 2 special teams tackles.
A year ago, this would have seemed like a lopsided deal swinging heavily in favour of the Calgary Stampeders, however, the Stamps get depth at the receiver position along with a proven receiver in Bryant that will look to turn around a frustrating season in Calgary after a stellar 2008 campaign.
More importantly for the Bombers, they get a speedy receiver in Ryan and he, along with Arthur, could be a nice change of pace in an offence that has failed to produce and been riddled with turnovers in recent weeks. The club also adds Willis, a rookie d-linemen out of West Georgia who could be a legitimate rush end opposite Gavin Walls, rotating in with DE Dorian Smith.
With new personnel in place, the Bombers enter this Saturday’s contest with the Argonauts in one of the most important matches of 2009 in terms of the standings. While both teams are in a dog-fight for a playoff spot, the Bombers desperately have to prove that they can put together a “W” on home turf after a demoralizing loss to the rival Saskatchewan Roughriders in the ‘Banjo Bowl’ two weeks ago.
Despite their struggles, the Double Blue need not take the Blue and Gold lightly after squeaking out a win at Canad Inns earlier in the season and then falling to Mike Kelly and his squad 13-12 a week later at Rogers Centre.
Although turnovers and overthrows have been his nemesis in the last few weeks, Bombers QB Michael Bishop undoubtedly has the capability to move the pocket in order to get first downs and his mobility and arm strength does indeed pose a threat to an Argos secondary that will be looking to capitalize on the Bombers’ willingness to force the ball down the field.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Argos should be keeping an eye on import LB Joe Lobendahn who has made a real case for himself this season, especially in recent weeks. In the last three weeks, the Washington product has recorded 18 defensive tackles and 2 special teams tackles.
Heading in to the game, however, Lobendahn will require assistance from his fellow defenders, especially with veteran LB Barrin Simpson all but out of the club’s picture and with the game essentially being a season-decider for both them and the Argos.
» QB Michael Bishop
» RB Fred Reid
» LB Joe Lobendahn
» DT Doug Brown
» DE Gavin Walls
» DL Odell Willis
» WR Adarius Bowman
» QB Casey Bramlet
» Can the Bombers limit the turnovers that have cost them in recent games?
» Will we see Casey Bramlet or will Michael Bishop finish the game?