Mocha
08-18-2023, 06:42 PM
From PFF:
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS VS. CALGARY STAMPEDERS
It was quite a comeback last week for the Blue Bombers, who found themselves down 22-0 and without their star QB Zach Collaros for the rest of the game. But backup QB Dru Brown came in and brought them all the way back, putting up an 89.4 overall grade with three big-time throws and zero turnover-worthy plays. They’ll be facing off this week against a struggling Calgary team that finds themselves already with as many losses as they had all of last season. QB Jake Maier has not taken the next step that they’d hoped he would, as his 65.3 overall grade is the fourth lowest among qualified quarterbacks. It’s unknown whether Collaros will play for Winnipeg in this game, but even if he doesn’t, Brown proved that he can handle the job. That just might be enough to send Calgary to yet another loss.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: LT STANLEY BRYANT, WINNIPEG VS. EDGE JULIAN HOWSARE, CALGARY
Howsare has quietly been one of the CFL's premier pass-rushers this season. His 82.8 pass rush grade ranks fourth in the league, and his 35 total pressures are fifth-most. He’ll have his work cut out for him lining up across from Bryant, though. It hasn’t been the dominant season of the past for Bryant, as his pass-blocking grade ranks eighth among tackles, but he’s still capable of big performances. The last time these two teams met, Howsare and Bryant matched up 12 times. Of those 12 reps, Bryant won every single one of them. If he can do that again and keep Howsare from generating any kind of pressure off the edge, it’ll be a much easier time for this Winnipeg offense.
PLAYER TO WATCH: RB BRADY OLIVEIRA, WINNIPEG
With Collaros' status up in the air, even if he plays in this game, you can expect a lot of Oliveira to lessen the passing load. Oliveira is one of the best running backs in the league, as evidenced by his 87.8 rushing grade. One of Oliveira’s best traits is his absolute refusal to not gain yards. He’s totaled 126 carries this year and has only been brought down for a loss or no gain eight times. That’s the best stuff rate percentage in the league. His ability to always put the Bombers offense in favorable positions is essential, and Calgary needs to figure out a way to slow him down if it wants to compete in this game.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS VS. CALGARY STAMPEDERS
It was quite a comeback last week for the Blue Bombers, who found themselves down 22-0 and without their star QB Zach Collaros for the rest of the game. But backup QB Dru Brown came in and brought them all the way back, putting up an 89.4 overall grade with three big-time throws and zero turnover-worthy plays. They’ll be facing off this week against a struggling Calgary team that finds themselves already with as many losses as they had all of last season. QB Jake Maier has not taken the next step that they’d hoped he would, as his 65.3 overall grade is the fourth lowest among qualified quarterbacks. It’s unknown whether Collaros will play for Winnipeg in this game, but even if he doesn’t, Brown proved that he can handle the job. That just might be enough to send Calgary to yet another loss.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: LT STANLEY BRYANT, WINNIPEG VS. EDGE JULIAN HOWSARE, CALGARY
Howsare has quietly been one of the CFL's premier pass-rushers this season. His 82.8 pass rush grade ranks fourth in the league, and his 35 total pressures are fifth-most. He’ll have his work cut out for him lining up across from Bryant, though. It hasn’t been the dominant season of the past for Bryant, as his pass-blocking grade ranks eighth among tackles, but he’s still capable of big performances. The last time these two teams met, Howsare and Bryant matched up 12 times. Of those 12 reps, Bryant won every single one of them. If he can do that again and keep Howsare from generating any kind of pressure off the edge, it’ll be a much easier time for this Winnipeg offense.
PLAYER TO WATCH: RB BRADY OLIVEIRA, WINNIPEG
With Collaros' status up in the air, even if he plays in this game, you can expect a lot of Oliveira to lessen the passing load. Oliveira is one of the best running backs in the league, as evidenced by his 87.8 rushing grade. One of Oliveira’s best traits is his absolute refusal to not gain yards. He’s totaled 126 carries this year and has only been brought down for a loss or no gain eight times. That’s the best stuff rate percentage in the league. His ability to always put the Bombers offense in favorable positions is essential, and Calgary needs to figure out a way to slow him down if it wants to compete in this game.