Just browsing some of the threads, and it seems like everyone is on the Bombers (and the four points!) on Friday. Breaking this game down, I'm having a hard time figuring out why. Personally, Argos plus the four looks like one of the better spots this week.
On the offensive side of the ball the Blue Bombers are far and away the worst passing team in the league. It's not even close, as in three games they have already been lapped by Montreal in total passing yards. They can't hit the long balls, and as much as they tried against Hamilton, they can't pull off the quick hitters either. Conversely, it may come as a surprise to some, but Toronto has been fairly effective passing the ball this year. Losing Arland Bruce hurts, but it also takes a distraction out of the locker room. Winnipeg does boast the WR advantage, but who cares when they don't ever see the ball.
Running the ball, Winnipeg boast arguably the best running game in the league, but Toronto is not far behind. Furthermore, while Fred Reid looks to be the focal point of the Winnipeg offence, the Boatmen have a more balanced attack. You have to figure that the Toronto defence will be looking run all the time, and I don't think LeFors has the ability to take advantage of this.
On the defensive side of the ball, both teams have problems in the secondary, with Winnipeg giving up more yards than the TO secondary. In fact, the Winnipeg secondary has been arguably the most ineffective at stopping the opposition. Toronto isn't much better, but they could look like all-stars againt LeFors. Joseph should be able to move the ball against the Winnipeg secondary.
Lastly, both teams have looked fairly decent in their run defence, with a slight edge to Winnipeg. This looks to be the only real shot for the Bombers, as they will need to completely shut down the Argos' running game to have a good chance at victory. Toronto will have their hands full with Reid, but if they can play their defence much like Hamilton did, they should be in okay shape. They will likely give up 100+ on the ground to Reid, but if that ends up being half of the offence, they will have done their job.
The Blue Bombers are 1-2, and have looked terrible. Even more surprising is that they are a +7 in giveaway-takeaway. That's unheard of for a 1-2 team. IMO, three things must happen for the Bombers to win. Reid must go crazy for 150+ on the ground, the run defence must hold its own, and they must create turnovers. I think it's too much to ask for Reid to carry the entire offence, and relying on takeaways this much is a bit worrysome.
I gotta like the Argos at +4.
Would appreciate any comments or reasons as to why this is not such a great play!
On the offensive side of the ball the Blue Bombers are far and away the worst passing team in the league. It's not even close, as in three games they have already been lapped by Montreal in total passing yards. They can't hit the long balls, and as much as they tried against Hamilton, they can't pull off the quick hitters either. Conversely, it may come as a surprise to some, but Toronto has been fairly effective passing the ball this year. Losing Arland Bruce hurts, but it also takes a distraction out of the locker room. Winnipeg does boast the WR advantage, but who cares when they don't ever see the ball.
Running the ball, Winnipeg boast arguably the best running game in the league, but Toronto is not far behind. Furthermore, while Fred Reid looks to be the focal point of the Winnipeg offence, the Boatmen have a more balanced attack. You have to figure that the Toronto defence will be looking run all the time, and I don't think LeFors has the ability to take advantage of this.
On the defensive side of the ball, both teams have problems in the secondary, with Winnipeg giving up more yards than the TO secondary. In fact, the Winnipeg secondary has been arguably the most ineffective at stopping the opposition. Toronto isn't much better, but they could look like all-stars againt LeFors. Joseph should be able to move the ball against the Winnipeg secondary.
Lastly, both teams have looked fairly decent in their run defence, with a slight edge to Winnipeg. This looks to be the only real shot for the Bombers, as they will need to completely shut down the Argos' running game to have a good chance at victory. Toronto will have their hands full with Reid, but if they can play their defence much like Hamilton did, they should be in okay shape. They will likely give up 100+ on the ground to Reid, but if that ends up being half of the offence, they will have done their job.
The Blue Bombers are 1-2, and have looked terrible. Even more surprising is that they are a +7 in giveaway-takeaway. That's unheard of for a 1-2 team. IMO, three things must happen for the Bombers to win. Reid must go crazy for 150+ on the ground, the run defence must hold its own, and they must create turnovers. I think it's too much to ask for Reid to carry the entire offence, and relying on takeaways this much is a bit worrysome.
I gotta like the Argos at +4.
Would appreciate any comments or reasons as to why this is not such a great play!