This is the preview for the Bombers second preseason game of the 2010 season. This time they took on Hamilton. It featured on The Bombers official site and on CFL.ca
Most eyes were firmly fixed on the play of the Bombers pair of new quarterbacks in last week’s preseason opener against Montreal. With their solid performance against the defending Grey Cup Champions, the focus now shifts to the Winnipeg defense, where a number of battles are being waged for spots at key positions ahead of Sunday’s game in Hamilton.
The competition for places is particularly fierce in the secondary. The area was one of the strengths for the club last season but key starters Lenny Walls and Jonathan Hefney have departed for Edmonton and the Detroit Lions respectively. The pair combined for 11 interceptions last year and leave some new faces scrapping to fill the void.
Guys like Brandon Stewart, LaVar Glover and Donald Brown Jr. may not be household names but have impressed with their hard work and play throughout camp. For Stewart, the most important thing is not losing sight of the task at hand as he tries to crack the roster.
“I have to keep playing my game and continue to do my job and make some plays. After that, it’s out of my hands,” said the former Stampeder.
Kavis Reed came to the Bombers from Saskatchewan with Paul LaPolice to act as Defensive Coordinator. He said this game is the last big chance for the defensive backs to show what they can do before cuts need to be made.
“We knew we were going to get a battle in the secondary and that’s exactly what we’ve got. We’re looking for one or two guys to stand out this week and make us think, hey, I belong back here,” he said.
The Bomber defense as a whole will likely come up against former Bomber pivot Kevin Glenn, who is expected to lead the Tabbie’s attack this year. The secondary will be tested by an improving Hamilton receiving corps lead by import Drisan James along with Canadians Dave Stala and Chris Bauman. Former Bomber Arland Bruce III did not play in Hamilton’s preseason opener against Toronto but may also get a taste of action as well.
The Tiger Cats won two of the three meetings between the two squads last year but Bomber Head Coach Paul LaPolice was pleased with what he saw last week and hopes for more of the same on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re happy with the way we played last week, but there are always things you can do to improve your game – especially in preseason. I think we’ve addressed a lot of those things this past week and we’re looking to build off what we were able to do well against Montreal,” he said.
Kickoff is at noon Winnipeg time on Sunday at Ivor Wynne Stadium. The game will be shown live on Shaw TV and can also be heard on CJOB 680.
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