3 Keys Ticats vs. Bombers

Now that the bye week is over, and the players have a few days of practice under their belts, it’s time to start looking ahead to Friday’s game. It’s a battle of first place teams as the 5-0 Winnipeg Blue Bombers make the trip east to Tim Hortons Field to take on the 4-1 Ticats.
This is about as big as it gets, this early in the season. These are the 3 keys for the Bombers vs Ticats.
 
Best vs Best
 
There has been a ton of hype surrounding this game, and rightfully so. The Blue Bombers are off to their best start since 1960 and the Ticats are off to their best start since 1998. Still, both teams are maintaining that they are taking things one day at a time. Head Coaches Mike O’Shea and Orlondo Steinauer both scoffed at the notion of this being a potential Grey Cup preview, saying that it’s far too early for that.
“Definitely we’re aware of the records and we know nobody’s beaten them, but it doesn’t motivate us anymore. We prepare the same every week, it doesn’t matter who is on the schedule.” Said Coach Steinauer.
Regardless, this will be a good test for the league’s top two teams. Hamilton, of course, is coming off of a bye while Winnipeg is coming off of a 30 point win over the RedBlacks. It’s safe to say that most of the league will have their eyes on this one Friday night.

Linebacker room
 
The Ticats are going to have to play this game without some of their key linebackers. Simoni Lawrence had his two-game suspension upheld by the CFL and therefor he will be unavailable for this game as well as next week’s game in Saskatchewan. Hamilton was dealt another blow last week when first year linebacker Chris Frey Jr. went down with an apparent knee injury. Frey has shown potential this year, and likely would have seen some reps with Simoni out, but it seems unlikely that he will be healthy for either of the next two games.
Next man up, as is the football mentality. Based on the depth charts so far this season, Nick Shortill will likely be that next man up. With the return of Chris Van Zeyl, this would give the Ticats nine potential Canadian starters adding even more ratio flexibility for Hamilton.
While Shortill might see the bulk of the reps, Coach Steinauer says he expects the Ticats to “stay multiple” and show a variety of different looks at the linebacker position and on defence in general.
 
O’Sh vs Steiny
 
Another one of the main narratives in this one is going to be the meeting of the Head Coaches and former teammates Mike O’Shea and Orlondo Steinauer.
The pair were teammates from 2001 to 2008 and were even traded for each other in 2000. They were nothing but complimentary  throughout the week.
“I’m seeing a Winnipeg team that’s taking on his identity and mindset. It took some time but with some better talent and some buy-in and some more experience, I think that’s the reflection of what you’re seeing in Winnipeg.” Said Coach Steinauer of his former teammate.
“As a teammate, couldn’t ask for a better guy to watch film at one in the morning or six in the morning with, because you knew you were going to get something accomplished and you were going to grow as a person. Most people that have been in the locker room with him have grown as a person, and, which if you’re going to say anything at the end of your career; if you’re ever going to be remembered for anything, Steiny is going to remember all his teammates is helping them becoming better people, which is I think a phenomenal thing.” Said O’Shea of Coach Steinauer.
Come kick-off, all of these pleasantries will likely be forgotten but as of now the friendship remains strong.