High-flying Bombers grapple with Tiger-Cats and potential letdown

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers got back to work on Tuesday with two opponents on their minds: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and human nature….

---

 

After a dazzling offensive performance against the Edmonton Elks, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are gearing up for a crucial showdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a team they’ve struggled against in recent years. Coming off a staggering 55-point outing—complete with six touchdown passes from quarterback Zach Collaros—Winnipeg is determined not to let their success lead to complacency.

“Human nature after a game like the one we just had, a letdown isn’t out of the ordinary,” Collaros noted after practice, emphasizing the need to remain focused. The Bombers, having clinched a playoff spot and with no more West Division rivals to face, could be tempted to relax. However, they are all too aware of their lackluster history in Hamilton, where they haven’t won a regular-season game in seven years.

“It’s no secret the last two seasons in Hamilton we haven’t played very well,” Collaros said. “That’s something we spoke about right after we won that game. It’s a new week and a very good football team that we’re up against.”

O-lineman Stanley Bryant echoed this sentiment, dismissing any notions of a letdown. “We know we’ve got to go out there and put our best foot forward,” he said, stressing the importance of starting strong and winning individual matchups.

The Bombers’ impressive offensive display against Edmonton has turned around their season narrative, with Collaros improving his touchdown-interception ratio significantly and silencing critics who questioned his performance. “I’m proud of the work we’ve put in as the season’s progressed,” he said. “But we still have a long way to go.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea remains focused on the upcoming challenge, acknowledging the Ticats’ four-game winning streak. “We’ve got enough veteran presence in the locker-room to keep it about today,” he said. “There’s still so much to play for.”

With memories of past struggles in Hamilton fresh in their minds, the Bombers are determined to maintain their momentum and avoid any potential pitfalls. As Collaros aptly put it, “What matters is what we do on the practice field.”