Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (No. 8) passed the ball during the first half of the Banjo Bowl game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Winnipeg on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The game took place as part of the CFL season. (Photo by John Woods, The Canadian Press)
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, riding a five-game winning streak, face off against the Edmonton Elks, who have won five of their last six games. These two hottest teams in the West will clash on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, and with both sides gaining momentum, something has to give.
Elks rookie defensive back Devodric Bynum, who's been instrumental in his team's recent resurgence, confidently stated, “Somebody's got to lose, but it won’t be us." Bynum has been a key player in a defensive unit that has turned things around after a dismal start, snagging five interceptions this season, just one behind the league leader. After beginning the season 0-7, the Elks have climbed to a 5-8 record thanks in large part to a defence that has developed a knack for turnovers.
Head coach Jarious Jackson praised the secondary's transformation, emphasizing their communication and ability to make big plays. He explained that earlier in the season, opposing teams could easily pass against the Elks' defence, but now the unit has become more cohesive and opportunistic, snatching any chance to make interceptions.
The Elks, who are fighting to secure a spot in the playoffs, will meet the Blue Bombers for two consecutive games. Winnipeg leads the West with a 7-6 record, but their offensive statistics are puzzling. Despite their winning record, the Blue Bombers rank last in the league in terms of yards gained and points per game. In contrast, the Elks boast the top offence in the CFL, averaging nearly 30 points per game. This contrast makes the upcoming games even more intriguing, as both teams bring different strengths to the field.
Winnipeg’s offence, led by wide receiver Nic Demski, hasn’t been firing on all cylinders. Demski, who has accumulated 722 receiving yards this season, acknowledged that the team needs to generate more points. While they’ve been winning games, the Bombers haven’t had as many explosive plays as in past seasons, but Demski remains optimistic that there’s plenty of time left in the season to improve.
The Elks will have Canadian quarterback Tre Ford return as the starter. Ford, who is 2-0 as a starter this season, had been recovering from a rib injury, but he’s now ready to lead the offence again. Coach Jackson expressed confidence in Ford, who had replaced McLeod Bethel-Thompson earlier this season. Ford's ability to shake things up offensively will be key in these critical games against Winnipeg.
Elks coach Jackson also mentioned that A.C. Leonard, a standout defensive lineman who had 12 sacks last season, is expected to return to the lineup. Leonard, who joined the practice roster after being away from the team for the first half of the season, looks in great shape, according to Jackson.
Both teams are coming off a bye week and haven’t played since September 7, so they should be well-rested for Saturday’s showdown. Their last meeting was nearly a year ago in October 2023, when the Bombers easily defeated the Elks, 45-25. But this time around, with both teams in great form, the outcome is far from certain.The Bombers' veteran quarterback Zach Collaros, who has thrown just eight touchdown passes but 13 interceptions this season, will be a player to watch. Despite his struggles, Collaros is capable of turning things around, and his performance will be crucial to Winnipeg's success in these games.
