It wasn’t just the luck of a timely interception in the end zone by defensive back Demerio Houston, one that was in the hands of Calgary Stampeders receiver Kamar Jordan before popping out — and up — to Houston in what otherwise would have been a game-tying touchdown, that sealed a 26-19 victory over their West Division rivals two weeks ago.
In a game some figured the Winnipeg Blue Bombers could have relinquished their undefeated record, they did manage to nearly double up the Stamps on first downs (26-14) and held a healthy 14-plus minute advantage in possession.
And perhaps the most noteworthy point of all came from Winnipeg’s vaunted defence, which limited Calgary to just four second-down conversions in the game out of 16 tries, a measly 25%. By comparison, Winnipeg made good on 16 of their 26 attempts, nearly tripling what the Stamps were able to manage.
“I think we had a good game plan,” linebacker Adam Bighill told reporters on Friday. “At the end of the day, you have to win first down, but second down you’re getting off the field and giving your offence back the ball. That’s where we want to get to. We game-plan accordingly.”
It was a tough night for Stampeders operating in Winnipeg’s secondary, usually forcing Bo Levi Mitchell to have pinpoint accuracy to make a completion.
The two-time most outstanding player managed just 187 yards, with one major and that game-ending interception late in the fourth quarter.
“They dropped a few balls here and there I’m sure they want back, but at the same time, it wasn’t like we were making it easy for them either,” Bighill said.
Still, the Stamps feel they have what it takes to dethrone the Bombers, feeding them their first defeat of the season coming off the bye-week.
“We know what we did last game. We’re looking to improve on that get this win,” Stamps linebacker Jameer Thurman said.
He made no bones about the fact his team feels like they let one slip away.
“Absolutely, absolutely,” he said.
Thurman knows where Calgary needs to have the edge to put them over the top, including that second-down statistic that was so lopsided in Winnipeg’s favour.
And part of helping that cause comes on defence, where Thurman thrives.
“We stayed on the field a little bit too long,” he said. “I feel like if we make those corrections here, we will come out with a win.”
Calgary put the boots to Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros in their last meeting, sacking him four times along with several other knockdowns. At times, Collaros winced in pain but emerged the victor despite the repeated abuse.
“We just got to keep chopping, keep chopping,” Thurman said. “Eventually, somebody is going to make a mistake. You can’t be on it all of the time.”
Infirmary update
The Bombers will be without Canadian safety Malcolm Thompson for Saturday’s game due to a calf injury. Backup and special teams whiz Nick Hallett will move into Thompson’s stead.
The Stamps, meanwhile, are very healthy coming into the game after an illness scare earlier this week, with reported cases of COVID and pneumonia in the locker room.
Star running back Ka’Deem Carey, who racked up 112 yards on 10 carries, and another 13 in the passing game, was one of those worries, but is listed as the starter on Calgary’s roster.
The same is true of Thurman, who has two picks and 21 tackles this season, receiver Malik Henry, who leads the team with 441 yards receiving and three majors, along with offensive lineman and former most outstanding offensive lineman Derek Dennis and third-string pivot Tommy Stevens.
The Bombers are without receivers Greg Ellingson and Carlton Agudosi, but welcomed Nic Demski back to the fold on Friday.
Loose ends
— Hallett was fined for a high hit on Calgary punt returner Peyton Logan, additional disciplinary action by the CFL from the first Stamps game back in Week 6.
— The Bombers haven’t won five consecutive away games since the early 1960s when they won 20 straight over the course of three seasons (1960-1962).
— Calgary’s ability to contain damage off their own blunders has seen them not yield a single point off turnovers over their past three games. On the flip side, they have scored 38 points off the turnovers they’ve created for themselves.
— Brady Oliveira will be looking to build off of his 13-carry, 62-yard performance out of the backfield last week in Winnipeg’s 24-10 win over the Edmonton Elks. Oliveira rebounded nicely against the Elks after the Stamps limited the hometown running back to eight yards on nine carries.
— The Stamps are 19-2 coming off the bye week dating back to 2008.
sbilleck@postmedia.com
Twitter: @scottbilleck
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