REDBLACKS look to make stand on home turf against Bombers

Ottawa REDBLACKS

After a much-needed 10-day break, the Ottawa REDBLACKS return to the raucous home atmosphere of TD Place this week for a Friday-night date with the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The REDBLACKS (1-4-1) will look to begin the middle third of their season with authority against a Bombers (3-2) team making its first trip east in 2017.

“We do need to win,” said Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell. “We’re going to concentrate on competing and being at our best, then letting things sort themselves out.”

The REDBLACKS made a splash earlier in the week with the signing of former Winnipeg return man Quincy McDuffie; the Central Florida product made 13 appearances with the Bombers last season.

“Whenever the opportunity is there to add a player, we’ll do it,” explained Campbell. “I’m all for guys that can run — we’ll make sure that he’s good to go, and there’s a strong possibility he’ll play.”

Storylines

No Longer Early Days — The first third of the season is over, and teams across the CFL can no longer point to ‘early days’ as an excuse for drops, miscommunication and mental errors: We’re entering the heart of the season, and teams will have to be at their sharpest now to pick up wins.
Trench Battle — Both Winnipeg and Ottawa have given up their fair share of sacks, but the REDBLACKS have improved in recent weeks with their quarterback pressure. Whichever team does a better job of consistently getting after the opposing QB will likely pick up a W on Friday. Note: Bombers D-end Jamaal Westerman leads both teams with five sacks, including two last week against Montreal.
Home Sweet Home — All three of Ottawa’s points this season have been earned at TD Place, where the REDBLACKS own a 1-1-1 record; if they can come out fast in front of another loud hometown crowd, they may be able to get the jump on their visitors.

Scouting the Opposition

One thing is for sure about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers: They like high-octane shootouts.

In their first five contests of the season, Mike O’Shea’s Bombers have broken the 40-point mark three times, allowed 40-plus points three times, and had a trio of games decided in the final minute — twice on walk-off finishes.

Last week, they reversed a historic 12-point deficit inside the final minute of play to beat Montreal 41-40.

Quarterback Matt Nichols has battled through inconsistency to a respectable 78.8 QUAR rating, with his favoured trio of receivers featuring Weston Dressler (team-high 342 rec. yds.), Darvin Adams (team-high 3 TDs) and dual-threat running back Andrew Harris.

Defensively, the Bombers will get veteran Moe Leggett back from injury; defensive back T.J. Heath has hauled in a league-high four interceptions thus far in 2017.

What They’re Saying

“Everybody needed a little time off to rest and reflect — I actually got engaged — but we’re rested up and ready to go. They’re a talented group up front, they like to get after the quarterback. They give some interesting looks on defence, so we have to communicate and make sure we’re all on the same page.” — O-lineman Nolan MacMillan

“We’re feeling great, it’s nice to have a full week of practice. We’re all recharged and ready to go. I feel like I’m getting the hang of it on the defensive line, just trying to make as many plays as I can. They’re good up front, have big physical guys, and we have to match that physicality, and put our team in a good position to win.” — D-lineman Jake Ceresna

GAME INFO

Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Week 7 — August 4, 2017

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

TD Place (Ottawa, Ont.)

BROADCAST INFO

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