Thursday marks the beginning of another season for the Blue and Gold who will look to end their Grey Cup drought which is now 19 agonizing years long. Last year the Bombers were expected to repeat as Grey Cup finalists having come just short in 07. If last season was full of expectation this season is full of question marks and unpredictability. The Bombers went through a full makeover this off-season and Mike Kelly's team will have alot of questions to answer as they begin the 2009 campaign. Here is a closer look at the 2009 edition of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Last Season- 8-10, 2nd place in East, lost in East Semi-Final
Head Coach- Mike Kelly, first season
New additions- QB Stefan Lefors, DE Fred Perry, LB Siddeeq Shabazz, LB Shawn Gallant, DT Tyronne Williams, DE Riall Johnson, WR Brock Ralph, OL Glenn January, OL Luke Fritz, OL Steve Morley, CB James Johnson, RB Lavarus Giles, RB Yvenson Bernard, WR Adrius Bowman, LB Jonathan Hefny
Key losses- SB Milt Stegall, QB Kevin Glenn, RB Joe Smith, Ol Dan Goodspeed, OL Alexandre Gauthier, OL Dominic Picard, CB Kelly Malveaux, DB Anthony Malbrough, DE Kai Ellis, DE Tom Canada, DB Stanford Samuels, Dl Jerome Haywood, SB Jamie Stoddard, Lb Zeke Moreno, LB Cam Hall, OL Matt Sheridan
Players to watch- The Key to success for the Blue Bombers will depend on how well Stefan Lefors responds to prime time. Having very little game time as a backup with the Eskimos does the former Carolina Panthers draft pick have what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the CFL? With a virtually brand new offensive line Lefors could see alot of pressure his way and will have to be sharp if the Bombers want to erase last year's disappointing season from their memories. Fred Reid in the backfield will be a featured part in the offence after having made his mark last season when the team traded Charles Roberts to BC. With Joe Smith's release he is unquestionably the featured back and will be counted upon to put up all-star type numbers like he did last year in a half a season's work.
Team strengths: The Bombers can count on a solid and dependable receiving corps despite the retirement of legend Milt Stegall. Terrence Edwards, Derrick Armstrong, and Romby Bryant bring explosiveness and consistency to the aerial attack that boasted 3 thousand yard receivers last season. Canadians Arjei Franklin and Brock Ralph are solid and dependable and should help give Lefors plenty of support when throwing the football. On the other side of the ball the Defensive line should be solid as usual anchored by Doug Brown who has shown no signs of slowing up as he approaches 35 years of age. Tyronne Williams and Fred Perry are dependable d lineman who will only bolster veterans Doug Brown and Gavin Walls on the Defensive line.
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