Chris Streveler and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Montreal Alouettes by a score of 56-10 on Friday night. Streveler, along with a plethora of new Bombers, had breakout nights for Winnipeg which is encouraging for those doubting the blue and gold without Matt Nichols.
Chris Streveler’s Night
Streveler was poised throughout the game, finishing 22 of 28 for 246 yards. The rookie quarterback also took care of the football by tossing three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Streveler’s biggest impact on Friday night came via one of his strongest traits – athleticism. The official box score has Streveler listed for a game-high 98 yards on 10 carries, but that does not tell the whole story. Streveler used his feet to his advantage; whether it was rolling out to find open receivers or escaping a collapsing pocket and taking off with the ball himself.
Offensive coordinator Paul LaPolice orchestrated a simple game plan for his young quarterback, aside from the Darvin Adams to Andrew Harris trick-play touchdown pass. Short, high-rate passes were a big part of the Bombers’ offensive game plan which allowed the starting offence to get into an early rhythm, starting off with a 14-play 95-yard drive that ended in a Justin Medlock.
Not to be forgotten, the Bombers’ offensive line – which has been as consistent as it gets the last two seasons – made Streveler’s life easier by giving him plenty of time to delvier throws as well as holes to run through. The offensive line, mainly Jermarcus Hardrick, also appeared to be having a blast.
The #Bombers keep piling it on, hopefully you took Chris Streveler in #CFLFantasy ?#CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/QouEIMb3pm
— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 23, 2018
Big nights for new Bombers
As mentioned before, 23-year-old Chris Streveler played lights out for Winnipeg. But he wasn’t the only new Blue Bomber to have himself a great game. 23-year-old receiver Drew Wolitarsky – Streveler’s roommate and teammate at the University of Minnesota – added to his league-leading three touchdowns with a two-touchdown performance on four catches for 46 yards.
Hometown boys Nic Demski and Kienan LaFrance both recorded their first touchdowns as Bombers. Rookie receiver Rashaun Simonise added a 53-yard catch late in the fourth quarter from quarterback Bryan Bennett that saw Simonise roast former CFL All-star Tommie Campbell.
Former BC Lions Anthony Gaitor and Adam Bighill were at the top of the Bombers’ tackling statistics, the former adding a quarterback sack and an interception. Chandler Fenner, another former BC Lion, added three tackles and did not allow a completed pass to his man on three attempts.
The Numbers
- Winnipeg put up a whopping 588 total yards in comparison to Montreal’s 195.
- The Bombers held the ball for 38:16, controlling the pace of the game.
- Rushing yards were 245 to 66 in favour of Winnipeg.
- Winnipeg only punted the ball 2 times.
- Three Winnipeggers added major scores: Andrew Harris, Kienan LaFrance, and Nic Demski.
- Winnipeg only turned the ball over once – a LaFrance fumble.
- Quarterback Chris Streveler ran for 98 yards, 40 more than the next highest-rusher.
- Andrew Harris rushed for 58 yards and added 68 through the air.
- Darvin Adams threw his first CFL touchdown – a 26-yard strike to Harris.
- Justin Medlock was perfect on field goals, finishing 4/4.
- Defensive back Kevin Fogg was not thrown at all game.
Defensive Passing Statistics
The Last Word
The Bombers dominated for a full 60 minutes, but they were playing the Alouettes who are considered the weakest team in the league. This was a much-needed win and a sigh of relief for not only Chris Streveler but everyone invested in this football club. Winnipeg’s secondary, and defense overall, had a strong outing which should boost their confidence. Now at 1-1, Winnipeg travels to Hamilton next week to face off against the Tiger-Cats on Friday night.
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