Winnipeg Blue Bombers offence stalls in season opening loss to Alouettes – Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers chose to rest many of their starters in the pre-season, and the impact was evident as they started the regular season.

The Bombers experienced three turnovers in a 27-12 season-opening defeat against the Montreal Alouettes in a Grey Cup rematch at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday.

This loss marks the first time since 2018 that the Bombers began the season with a loss, and only their fourth loss on home field since 2018.

The Bombers’ net offense was only 284 yards, with over 80 of those yards coming in the final drive of the game when the outcome was already determined.

Head coach Mike O’Shea took responsibility for not adequately preparing his team for the season opener.

“I don’t think I had them prepared well enough for this one,” O’Shea admitted. “I could have done a better job of getting them ready. Those last practices in training camp could have been different.”

“I’m more upset with myself for not doing enough to prevent this,” O’Shea added.

Despite the outcome, O’Shea stands by his decision to rest many starters during the pre-season.

“I don’t think the veteran group really needed to play,” he explained. “I wouldn’t change that approach.”

Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot scored two touchdowns with 141 yards receiving, while Als quarterback Cody Fajardo threw for 254 yards, 2 TDs, and one interception.

Quarterback Zach Collaros had a subpar performance, completing 20 of 33 passes for 209 yards, with one interception and two sacks.

“I wish I had played better,” Collaros acknowledged. “I need to do better for us. And we will improve.”

Collaros did not play in the pre-season, making this his first game since the 110th Grey Cup game in November.

“You don’t want to overreact after one game,” Collaros emphasized. “We need to commit to each other to get better.”

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Running back Brady Oliveira was limited to 38 yards rushing. Dalton Schoen led the Bombers in receiving with five catches for 62 yards. Johnny Augustine scored the team’s only touchdown in the fourth quarter to slightly improve the score.

The Bombers’ offense and special teams appeared rusty, with new returner Myron Mitchell fumbling on a punt return, leading to an Alouettes touchdown on the following play. Veteran kicker Sergio Castillo missed two field goals and a convert during the game.

“It’s only week one,” reassured defensive end Willie Jefferson. “We have a long season ahead. We don’t lose many games at home, so stick with us.”

Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler exited the game in the first half due to an upper-body injury.

Since 2018, Winnipeg now holds a 37-4 record on home field.

The Bombers will aim to secure their first win in a week two matchup against the Ottawa RedBlacks next Thursday.

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