The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are mired in their worst start since losing their first four games of the 2012 season.
Winnipeg (0-3) will attempt to break out of its rut on Saturday night when it visits the Calgary Stampeders.
The Blue Bombers can’t afford a fourth straight loss while the Stampeders (1-1) are striving to move above .500.
Winnipeg’s struggles are stunning considering the franchise has played in four consecutive Grey Cups — winning in 2019 and 2021 and losing the past two years. There was no CFL season in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player Zach Collaros is off to a poor start. The quarterback has been intercepted three times without throwing a touchdown pass and also has guided the Blue Bombers to just six touchdowns in 39 drives (15.4 percent).
“It’s hard to wrap your head around it,” Collaros said of the 0-3 start. “So it is what it is. We haven’t played good enough to win games.”
Winnipeg ranks last in the CFL in scoring (18.3 points per game) and total offense (310.7 yards per game).
Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira returned from a knee injury to produce 64 yards on nine carries last Friday, but Winnipeg fell 26-24 to the visiting BC Lions.
“I have a lot of faith and belief in this group,” Oliveira said. “… We’ve just got to find a way. We’re going to get it together. We’re right there. Super close.”
Calgary also lost to BC in its last game, losing 26-17 on the road on June 15. The Stampeders had a bye last week.
Stampeders coach Dave Dickenson said the open week was a time for improvement.
“As a total group, we’re just trying to get better,” Dickenson said. “… Guys are working hard. My advice to them is you can’t manufacture a play. So just play the game, do your job, have good energy, have good physicality and the plays will come.”
Calgary ranks seventh in scoring offense (24.5) and fourth in total offense (370.0). Quarterback Jake Maier had passed for 591 yards and four touchdowns against one interception.
The defense has had issues. The Stampeders rank last in total defense (410.5) and rushing defense (120.5).
Dickenson is hopeful of a strong showing against the Blue Bombers.
“We did lose our last game and I feel we want to get back on the winning track as soon as possible,” Dickenson said.
Calgary defensive lineman Kwadwo Boahen (back) will sit out Saturday’s game.
Winnipeg receivers Dalton Schoen and Keric Wheatfall have both been ruled out with knee injuries.
–Field Level Media
