Recap: Bombers Bombed By Boatmen

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

TORONTO—With the East Division in a log-jam at 2-1, the Argos marched into Winnipeg to remind everyone why they are the defending Grey Cup Champions.

The Bombers got on the board first thanks to a 34-yard field goal by K Justin Palardy after QB Buck Pierece was able to march the team down the field with two long first down passing plays to receivers Rory Kohlert and Clarence Denmark.

On the Argos first drive, first downs throws to Jason Barnes and then Chad Kackert put the Argos on the Bombers 15-yard line quickly. Ricky Ray then went to his playmaker, Chad Owens, on a high fading corner route in the corner of the endzone. Owens got under it, and hauled it in for his first touchdown of 2013; Ray went a perfect 6 for 6 on the opening drive, and the Botamen were up 7-3.

Winnipeg got the ball back, and went straight back to the aerial attack. Buck Pierce found receiver Clarence Denmark 39-yards downfield to immediately put Winnipeg into the score zone. The Argos defence held the Bombers out of the endzone and on the first play of the second quarter, Palardy came in and this time converted from 31-yards to shave the Argos lead to 7-6.

The two teams would exchange unsuccessful drives until newcomer Jamie Robinson earned the Argos their second interception of 2013.

It only took one play for Ray and the offence to take advantage.

After a lengthy return by Robinson on the interception, the Argos offence began it’s drive at the Bombers 30-yard line; Ray stepped up through the pocket and found Spencer Watt on, you guessed it, a corner route in the endzone to catapult the Argos to a 14-6 lead.

The Boatmen would force the Bombers into yet another two-and-out, and Ray and co. would get the ball at midfield trying to extend the lead. The first play of the drive resulted in a 36-yard completion to Andre Durie, and then on the next play Ray found rookie receiver John Chiles for his first career CFL reception to put the Argos at the Bombers 20. A 9-yard completion to Chad Owens brought the Argos to the one-yard line and Zach Collaros came in and wrapped up the drive with a TD plunge.

After the score, the Argos extended their lead to 21-6 and Ricky Ray would stand one completion away from moving ahead of CFL legend Danny McManus for third all-time in the CFL record books in passes completed.

The Argos started the second half at their own 30-yard line but quickly made their way onto the Bombers side of the field following a Chad Kackert catch and run and a Winnipeg unnecessary roughness penalty; on the play, Ricky Ray passed Danny McManus for third all-time in total completions in CFL history.

A first down pass to Chad Owens set up the Argos at the Bombers 20-yard line, and Ricky Ray decided he was tired of throwing for at least one play. Ray went through his reads, tucked the ball, made one defender miss and dove head first into the end zone for the touchdown. The scamper marked Ray’s second rushing touchdown of the season, and gave the Argos a commanding 28-6 lead.

Bombers QB Justin Goltz replaced Buck Pierce behind centre to begin the second half, but could not add to the Bombers point total on his first offensive drive.

With the Argos marching down the field yet again, an unwelcomed moment of déjà vu crept up on # 15 in double blue. After completing a long pass to Andre Durie, Ray was tackled by a Bombers defensive lineman and fell awkwardly on his left knee.  Ray would leave the game and not return.

Zach Collaros would get the nod behind centre, and Noel Prefontaine hit from 30-yards away to extend the Argos lead to 31-6.

Two unsuccessful drives by both offences lead to the Argos preparing to punt at their own 20-yard line, but Bombers rookie defensive back Teague Sherman blasted through the line of scrimmage untouched and blocked the punt off the foot of Prefontaine, immediately setting the Bombers offence up in the red zone.

Two consecutive stellar defensive plays by defensive end Jonathan Williams and defensive back Jamie Robinson forced the Bombers to kick a field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter, shaving the Argos lead to 31-9.

Trevor Harris would take the reigns of the offence on the Argos next offensive drive and immediately show his arm strength, finding the speedster John Chiles for a 55-yard bomb downfield to put the Boatmen at the Bombers 20-yard line.  Prefontaine missed the eventual field goal and the Argos came away with the single.  However, the drive was not all smiles as RB Chad Kackert left the game with an injury and did not retun.

Continuing to dominate, Marcus Ball came away with his first fumble recovery of 2013 setting up the Argos in Bomber territory.  Prefontaine’s field goal fell short and the Bomber took over deep in their own territory.

Both teams exchanged field goals in the fourth quarter with the Argos pushing their lead to 35-11.

Nearing the end of the game, the Argos injuries continued to mount as Jalil Carter was banged up on a play and remained down for some time.

Chad Simpson tacked on a late touchdown for the Bombers but it was too little far too late as the Argos pulled out the 35-19 win.

Ricky Ray finished 19/20 setting a CFL record for completion percentage in a game with 95%.  He broke his own record of 92% set back in 2008 in his time with Edmonton.

The Argos travel home to face the BC Lions on July 30th at the Rogers Centre.