Bombers comeback but fall in OT to Stamps

The Blue Bombers, already dealing with numerous injuries throughout their roster, suffered a 22-19 overtime defeat to the Calgary Stampeders in front of 22,386 at McMahon Stadium, dropping their season record to 0-4.

Adding to their woes, Zach Collaros left the game at halftime after a brutal hit to the chest and did not return. Despite a depleted lineup that included key players like Dalton Schoen, Kenny Lawler, Keric Wheatfall, Miles Fox, Celestin Haba, Cam Lawson, and Jamal Parker on the injured list, the Blue Bombers displayed a courageous but error-ridden performance that fell just short of staging a remarkable comeback, ending in another disheartening loss.

After overcoming an 18-9 fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game with a Chris Streveler-to-Drew Wolitarsky touchdown pass with 57 seconds remaining, the Blue Bombers’ hopes were dashed in overtime when Streveler was intercepted while targeting Nic Demski in the end zone, leading to a game-winning 52-yard field goal by Rene Paredes after the turnover by Demerio Houston.

Streveler acknowledged the team’s mistakes and emphasized the need to improve, expressing frustration but also determination to bounce back.

This defeat marked the first time the Blue Bombers have begun a season 0-4 since 2012.

COLLAROS UPDATE:

To be honest, head coach Mike O’Shea expressed uncertainty about Zach Collaros’ condition after the game, stating, “I don’t really know. I think he’ll be fine. (The decision to keep him out was) precautionary.”

Collaros sustained a hard hit from Stampeders defensive tackle Josiah Coatney during a pass attempt to Nic Demski, feeling the impact of Coatney’s 348-pound frame as the helmet collided with his chest with 3:53 remaining in the first half. At the time of the injury, Collaros had completed 8 of 12 passes for only 55 yards and one interception. Despite the injury, Sergio Castillo managed to kick a field goal, putting the visiting team ahead 6-4.

As for Chris Streveler, he began the game 3-of-7 but finished 14-of-24 for 170 yards with a touchdown pass to Wolitarsky and a late interception.

Streveler acknowledged the team’s progress in the fourth quarter and the challenge of building rhythm with young receivers, emphasizing the need to improve and take responsibility for the offensive performance. He highlighted the importance of sustaining drives to alleviate pressure on the defense.

INJURIES, AND SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS:

The Blue Bombers incurred eight penalties for 60 yards, with six of them related to procedural errors or offside infractions on offense. The offense only managed 78 rushing yards and a net offense of 297 yards, showcasing inconsistency that overshadowed a strong defensive performance, which held Calgary to 307 yards and forced two turnovers.

Coach O’Shea commented, “We made too many mistakes to win such a close game. We put ourselves in difficult situations multiple times. Defensively, we managed to limit the big plays, but we missed opportunities to take the ball away more frequently. Nonetheless, I believe our defense contained them quite effectively, especially when facing the wind.”

He added, “Offensively, we scored when necessary, but throughout the tight game and given our current position, a handful of mistakes proved to be one too many.”

FYI:

Kicker Sergio Castillo made a 60-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, establishing a new record for the longest in the club’s history and aiming to secure the second-longest spot in CFL history, following Paul McCallum’s 63-yard kick for Saskatchewan in 2001. The previous club record was initially set by Bernie Ruoff in 1975 and later equaled by Justin Medlock in 2016.

Castillo expressed, “I attribute this success to the confidence instilled in me by Osh and Coach Mike Miller, as well as the exceptional operation I have with long-snapper Mike Benson and holder Jamieson Sheahan.”

He added, “Although it’s a significant achievement, it doesn’t hold much meaning at the moment because we didn’t get the win. I really wish we could have secured the victory.”

GROUND GAME HALTED:

Winnipeg struggled to gain yardage on the ground, as the Stamps’ front seven limited Brady Oliveira to just 26 yards on 10 rushing attempts. Surprisingly, Streveler emerged as the club’s leading rusher with 27 yards on six carries.

Oliveira acknowledged the formidable nature of the opposition, stating, “They have an impressive front seven – their defensive line performed exceptionally well, and their linebackers were extremely active. I’m a competitor, and I relish the opportunity to compete against top-notch opponents. It was a real test for us today, but we did have some positive moments. We were right in the mix.”

He also highlighted the team’s mindset, saying, “Earlier in the week, we discussed the need to confront adversity directly and overcome it. There are so many talented individuals in this locker room, and we’re all in this together. We’ll regroup, address our shortcomings, and continue to put in the work.”

KEY MOMENT

The Blue Bombers staged a comeback with a late touchdown by Wolitarsky, sending the game into overtime. Winnipeg started the extra period with possession and advanced the ball to Calgary’s 16-yard line following a 19-yard catch by Pokey Wilson from Streveler. However, on second and 10, the Stamps executed a blitz, leading to Streveler being hit as he attempted to connect with Demski. As a result, the pass was intercepted by Demerio Houston.

KEY STAT: 9

The Blue Bombers have suffered defeats in their past three games by a total of nine points – 23-19 against Ottawa, 26-24 against B.C., and now 22-19 against Calgary.

UP NEXT: The Blue Bombers will return home next week to face the Ottawa RedBlacks at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, July 5th, with the game starting at 7:30 p.m.