Bombers, Lions Exchange Running Backs

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions have pulled off a major deal, swapping Charles Roberts in exchange for Joe Smith (both veteran running backs) in a shocker on Tuesday afternoon.

Charles "Blink" Roberts has been having problems this season behind the Bombers' struggling offensive line. Roberts, who is usually first in yards gained, is now fifth with just 517 yards. He is also not getting as many carries as someone of his talent should be getting, as he ranks only fourth in attempts this year with 111.

These are very surprising numbers for Roberts as the CFL leader in yards gained 1,510 yards just a year ago. Since joining the league back in 2001 he has accumulated 9,987 career rushing yards, having spent his entire time in Winnipeg.

Joe Smith has also had problems this year, playing in only four games this season with a total of 236 rushing yards and three TDs on 55 attempts for the Lions in 2008. Back in 2007, Smith had broken the Lions' all-time season record with 1,510 yards on 281 carries.

With both running backs struggling behind their respective offences this year, it was looking like they needed a change of scenery. This deal just may work out for both teams as Winnipeg and B.C. will get the types of running backs they need in their back fields.

For Winnipeg fans, it is really going to be tough to deal with the loss of the all-time Bomber rushing leader, and one of the greatest ever running backs. However, this may be the right move for the team as Winnipeg needs the bigger and stronger running back to gain yards with a poor offensive line.

I guess we're just going to have to wait and find out.

As for B.C. fans, I believe they have more to be excited about, as Roberts is only 13 yards away from reaching 10,000 career rushing yards. He is arguably the best running back ever to play in the CFL.

I think that Roberts will fit in really well with the Lions. Look for him to start playing at his best behind a better team for the second half of the season.