Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols (15) hands off to running back Andrew Harris (33) during first half CFL football game action against the Hamilton TigeriCats in Hamilton, Ont. on Friday, July 26, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
5 Quick Takes on the Bombers’ first loss of the season Friday night in Hamilton:
1. The Bombers five-game win streak to open the 2019 campaign came to a screeching halt at Tim Hortons Field in an ugly, mistake-filled effort that is going to leave some scars.
Billed as a heavyweight fight between the top two teams in the West and East Division, the Bombers were rocked early by the Ticats, repeatedly left their guard down and were then caught by some nasty punches because of their mistakes.
Winnipeg turned the ball over five times – three interceptions and two fumbles on kick returns – that led to 14 Ticats points, and as a result, the team falls to 5-1. The Ticats, meanwhile, improved to 5-1 with the victory.
2. The game’s complexion appeared to change dramatically in the first quarter when Ticats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli went down in a heap while dropping back to pass. Masoli appeared to injured his knee and did not return after Hamilton had built a 14-0 lead. Masoli exited after completing six of seven for 59 yards, while being picked off on a two-point conversion attempt.
But with the Bombers spitting the ball up on special teams and offence, Masoli’s replacement, Dane Evans, was able to capitalize on the Winnipeg mistakes with Ticats field goals while the Hamilton defence was superb in the win.
3. The game was every bit as physical as expected . In addition to the Masoli injury, the Bombers also lost three starters when wide receiver Darvin Adams (lower body) and defensive back Anthony Gaitor (upper body) went down in the first half and receiver Drew Wolitarsky in the fourth quarter. Chris Humes replaced Gaitor in the defence, while Kenny Walker and Daniel Petermann came in for Adams and Wolitarsky on offence.
4. Matt Nichols had his streak of 19 consecutive pass completions halted on the game’s first possession, had two passes sail on him that were intercepted, and struggled to get comfortable in the pocket behind some fierce Ticats pressure. He finished the night 29 of 48 for 261 yards, a TD strike to Adams and three interceptions.
5. The Bombers now have one more game left in a five-week run against East Division opponents. Winnipeg is camping out in Guelph over the next week before facing the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday, August 1. Winnipeg then returns home to IG Field on Thursday, August 8th to face the Calgary Stampeders.
