The Banjo Bowl. Some think of it as just another game, others consider it a rematch after the annual Labour Day game. This year it cements Winnipeg in a must-win scenario.
The Blue Bombers are at 6-4 and in the thick of the Western division playoff race. They are worlds apart from the team they were in 2012 and 2013. The blue and gold faithful have gotten excited again, as the team that finished in the basement last year has already doubled their win total from that whole season.
But that excitement has now turned to worry. After starting the campaign 3-0 they are 3-4 in their last seven games. And those wins included a victory squeezed out against the Alouettes, and a win from a game-clinching touchdown drive against Hamilton with no time left on the clock. They have beaten the likes of Lions fairly easily. Their biggest problem is that they are out of the Eastern division thanks to the arrival of the expansion Redblacks.
Critical matchup
Yes, this Banjo Bowl will be exciting. It’s a big rivalry and it’s only getting bigger with the Riders and Bombers having played three times in a little over a month. More importantly, Winnipeg lost their first two games against their bitter Saskatchewan rivals; having lost the season series already this makes Sunday’s matchup critical to Winnipeg.
If the Blue Bombers want to secure a playoff spot in 2014, their run must start at the Banjo Bowl. Another loss at the hands of the Riders could crush their once-promising season. With the B.C. Lions in Ottawa this week, it would be a monumental upset for Ottawa to come up with a win; the more likely result is the Lions moving to a 6-4 record. Combine that with a Winnipeg loss and the Bombers would be in panic mode, especially because every team in the West has a game in hand on Winnipeg.
Time to get back on track
It is time for Winnipeg to get back on track. They showed signs of life on Labour Day, down 21-7 and storming back to tie the annual classic up and take the Riders down to the last play of the game. Their downfall, as it has been all season long, was their rush defence. The blue and gold surrendered 160 yards rushing to the Riders’ three-headed monster in the backfield. Combine that with Darian Durant’s athletic ability and it spells trouble again this week for Winnipeg.
It is also important to note that Winnipeg has the CFL’s highest scoring total this year, at 260 points for; however, they are also ranked eighth in the league in points allowed, surrendering 252 over the course of the schedule. They’re only ahead of Toronto and miles behind everyone else in the West in total points against.
The Bombers should be coming up with schemes that can stop the Riders’ number one running attack. Their defence will need to force quick two-and-outs early for Drew Willy to come on to the field and establish a rhythm with his offence. Failing this will let the Riders to control the clock, rack up yardage, and keep their defence fresh. The green and white defensive front played very well last week; despite the scoreline, they scored two safeties while also chipping in with four sacks.
A must-win
This is the Banjo Bowl, this is a must win for Winnipeg, this is finally getting over the hump and beating the defending champs while hoping to revive their once promising season. The rematch is historically much more competitive than Labour Day: in the last ten years, both squads are 5-5. For Winnipeg it’s time to shine, find out what they are made of and get the monkey off their back, all the while trying to slingshot themselves back in the hunt in the Western division.
If they come up short once again, they may very likely be tied with the Lions at the end of the week, and that will be a very different picture – one that Winnipeg will need to avoid at all costs this Sunday.
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and@LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for? GO!
Main Photo:
