They may have reached the Grey Cup the last four years, but that and $3.50 will get the Winnipeg Blue Bombers a cup of coffee at the local Sal’s. In other words, it means next to nothing in their drive for five.
In fact, from where I sit, I can easily point out three reasons the Bombers are going to lose to Saskatchewan in Saturday’s West Division final. Now before you go jabbing a hole in the mugshot accompanying this column (for online readers, the equivalent reaction would be hitting the back arrow immediately), hear me out. Actually, read me out.
Because after making the argument for a Riders win, I’m going to provide you three good reasons the Bombers will win. Yeah, I know. Fence-sitting isn’t encouraged in this industry.
So sue me. It’s just that, this year more than ever, I’m seeing this tilt from both sides. Can see it going either way just as easily.
One thing I would bet on: it’ll be brutally physical and come down to the wire. Here are the two ways I see this going. A SASKATCHE-WIN The No.
1 reason I see the Bombers’ rein atop the West coming to an end: the long odds of a team staying on top for this long. “At the top you have a target on your back,” Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. It’s harder to stay there than get there.
“Everyone wants to knock you off, every single week,” running back Brady Oliveira said. “Everybody’s probably sick and tired of seeing us hosting this West final, but here we are again.” Nobody is sic.