Blue Bombers Seek Redemption Against REDBLACKS
It’s Week 16 in the CFL, and all eyes are on Ottawa as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on the REDBLACKS in a game that feels heavier than the schedule might suggest. Normally by mid-September, Bomber fans are used to seeing their team cruising with playoff spots already secured. From 2021 through 2024, that was the pattern—dominant regular seasons, top finishes in the West, and weeks left to rest starters. But 2025 has flipped that script.
Right now, Winnipeg sits at 6–7 and is staring down a three-game losing streak. With the B.C. Lions winning big on Friday night, the Bombers actually slipped to fourth place in the West. So, this matchup against Ottawa isn’t just another midseason contest—it’s a chance to stop the slide and reclaim some momentum before it’s too late.
Receiver Nic Demski put it plainly: the team has to “get back to our brand of football.” He talked about the need to execute in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—while stressing the importance of playing together and staying focused. His words carried the tone of a team that knows the clock is ticking.
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At quarterback, Chris Streveler gets the nod again with Zach Collaros sidelined on the one-game injured list. Streveler’s been 2–1 this season when stepping in, but his touchdown-to-interception ratio of 6-to-10 has fueled debate. Some fans have even called for backup Terry Wilson to get a shot. Still, head coach Mike O’Shea is sticking with Streveler, praising his leadership and willingness to put his body on the line every play. According to O’Shea, that grit counts for something when the margins are this tight.
On defense, changes are being made too. Jamal Parker Jr. is back from injury and expected to bolster the secondary, which has been shuffled due to Michael Griffin II hitting the injured list. Parker’s versatility and work ethic have been praised by coaches, and his return is seen as a spark for a unit that has been inconsistent in recent weeks.
Veteran linebacker Tony Jones also spoke about execution, stressing that penalties, turnovers, and missed assignments have cost the team in crucial moments. He reminded everyone that small mistakes add up quickly in a league where games are often decided by a handful of plays. His message was clear: it’s time to lock in.
Meanwhile, Ottawa comes in with confidence. Quarterback Dustin Crum has been impressive lately, leading the team in rushing and throwing for over 300 yards in back-to-back games. He’s already 1–0 against Winnipeg in his career, and the REDBLACKS see this as a golden opportunity to take advantage of a vulnerable Bombers squad.
So, as kickoff approaches, the storyline is simple: can Winnipeg rediscover its identity, or will Ottawa add another chapter to the Bombers’ struggles? With playoff races tightening, this Week 16 showdown feels more like a must-win than just another September game.
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