Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Andrew Harris, left, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Lucky Whitehead during first half CFL football action against the Edmonton Eskimos in Edmonton, Friday, Aug. 23, 2019.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
5 Quick Takes on the Bombers Friday night in Edmonton:
1. Quick memo to the rest of the Canadian Football League: Don’t go penning the obituary on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2019 season just yet.
Given up for dead by many pundits and fans following the injury to quarterback Matt Nichols last week, the Bombers waltzed into a rain-soaked Commonwealth Stadium and cranked out an impressive 34-28 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos and the result led to a few significant accomplishments beyond staying atop the West Division with an 8-2 record.
The victory not only creates some separation between the Bombers and the Esks, who fall to 6-4, but gives Winnipeg the season series after winning 28-21 back in their home opener on June 27th.
2. The result means the Bombers are 8-2 for the first time since 2001 and remain unbeaten against the West Division at 5-0.
3. The big storyline going into the game was the quarterback change with Chris Streveler replacing Matt Nichols — more on that in a moment — but this game was dominated by the Bombers defence and, in particular, Willie Jefferson. The Esks were able to crank out 489 yards offence, but Jefferson & Co. were in the Edmonton backfield all night swatting down passes and making Trevor Harris dance around the pocket.
Winnipeg got a pick six from rookie Marcus Rios, and Jefferson had three sacks, two forced fumbles and four tackles in what was easily his best performance as a Bomber — and he’s had a lot of them.
4. Streveler finished the night just 7-of-17 passing for 89 yards, but also rushed 14 times for 95 yards and a TD, while Andrew Harris had 13 carries for 89 yards and a score.
5. Friday’s game was the third leg of a five-game run against West Division rivals. The Bombers have now picked up wins against Calgary, B.C. and Edmonton and will now be on the road again next weekend to Regina for the Labour Day Classic. They’ll be home the week after with a rematch against Saskatchewan in the Banjo Bowl. The club will then enjoy the second of its three bye weeks this season.
