Winnipeg Free Press

You know it's bad when... coach pulls out calculator

Sign No. 3,489 the Winnipeg Blue Bomber season hangs in the balance... Updated 7:38 AM

1. Hail to Canada’s rudest rivalry

   THIS one's different. Looks differ­ent, smells different, feels different. Updated 12:21 PM

2. Game Day

   Game 10 Today 3 p.m. Canad Inn stadium TV: TSN Radio: CJBO

   3 KEYS TO VICTORY

   Updated 12:19 PM

3. Scouting the Riders

   Updated 1:03 PM

4. MENSA members struck dumb

   Covering the Winnipeg Blue Bombers these days is like playing for them: You can't win for tryin'. Updated 8:42 AM 09/06/08

5. Golfer Fujikawa's father nailed for dealing dope

   HONOLULU -- The father of 17-year-old pro golfer Tadd Fujikawa was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and awaits trial next month. Updated 8:38 AM 09/06/08

6. Bombers' biggest problem is Glenn

   There are all kinds of theories. There are the 'head-coach-must-go' chants and the 'GM-is-an-idiot' cries. There are questions about chemistry and character, about the talent, about the coach either running a country club or being a sadistic so-and-so intent on mentally torturing the troops.
   
   VIDEO: Bomber Close Up with Ed Tait Updated 10:26 AM 09/06/08

7. Today's Bomber Report

   Game 10: Host Saskatchewan, Sunday, 3 p.m.

   THE FRED AND JOE SHOW:

   RB Fred Reid took a good chunk of the work out of the Bombers backfield at Friday's last full practice before Sunday's rematch with the Riders, although new tailback Joe Smith is getting busier. Smith, interestingly, also returned a kickoff at the workout as he digests more and more of the offensive game plan. Updated 1:03 PM 09/06/08

8. Pressure? What pressure?

   Here's new running back Joe Smith on replacing Charles Roberts and joining a 2-7 squad: "There's no pressure. It's all about coming out and having fun. As long as we're having fun and having success, it's all good. That's what fun is, having success on the field. We'll have a lot of fun out there."

   Kicker watch

   Updated 4:03 PM 09/06/08

9. Today's Bomber Report

   Game 10: Hosts Saskatchewan, Sunday, 2 p.m.

   EARL LUNSFORD PASSES AWAY:

   Former Bombers GM Earl Lundsford died on Wednesday at the age of 74 at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. Lunsford, a member of both the Bombers and CFL Hall of Fame, was the club GM for 15 years from 1968 to 1982. Lunsford played six seasons with the Calgary Stampeders rushing for 6,994 yards and 55 touchdowns. Updated 11:57 AM 09/05/08

10. See free fights at The Forks

    WANT to try boxing but don't know where to start? Try The Forks under the canopy on Saturday at noon. Updated 11:52 AM 09/05/08

11. Fred gets the rock

    Fred Reid can't wait to get his hands on the rock and all indications are the second-year running back will get his fill of action Sunday. Updated 11:53 AM 09/05/08

12. YOU BE THE JUDGE

    YOU BE Updated 11:42 AM 09/04/08

13. He's no ordinary Joe

    He's eccentric, but in a good way, his pals with the B.C. Lions reveal. And he's that perfect combination of a willing, but terrible, card player. And cheap? Talk about cheap. Try this:
    
    VIDEO: Bombers introduce Joe Smith Updated 1:41 PM 09/04/08

14. Taman covers butt, but can he save neck?

    Headline: GM trades perhaps the most popular football player in Winnipeg Blue Bombers' history. Says it was all the head coach's idea.
    
    VIDEO: Bombers introduce Joe Smith Updated 8:47 AM 09/04/08

15. Roberts happy to be away from strife in Winnipeg

    SURREY, B.C -- Traded tailback Charles Roberts says he's not the only one to blame for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' poor start after last season's Grey Cup appearance. Updated 10:11 AM 09/04/08

16. Today's Bomber Report

    Game 10: Hosts Saskatchewan, Sunday, 3 p.m.

    Updated 2:52 PM 09/05/08

17. Blue ship Roberts to Lions for Smith

    The dramatic shake-up of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has started with a marquee name -- running back Charles Roberts, a seven-time all-star and one of the most popular players in franchise history. Updated 11:17 AM 09/02/08

18. 10 QUESTIONS REVISITED

    On the eve of training camp back in June, Free Press football writer Ed Tait tossed out 10 questions/issues the Bombers had to resolve in order to take the next step from runner-up to Grey Cup champion. Here he provides a mid-term progress report: Updated 12:40 AM 09/02/08

19. Blue's Haywood: We’re playing like s--t

    REGINA — Faith and loyalty be damned — it’s time for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to make some hard decisions about a team that, after one brief blip, has returned to its previously scheduled programming.
    
    Bombers set sights on Chang for new quarterback Updated 9:11 AM 09/01/08

20. Glenn no play-calling genius

    Picture a deranged scientist rubbing his hands together at the seeming brilliance of his strategies for domination and laughing madly at the havoc they will create when revealed to the world. Updated 12:57 PM 08/30/08

21. Bedlam in the boonies

    No one need tell Willie Amos about zany fans. About phone calls in the middle of the night. About nutjobs painted from head to toe in their team's colours, living and dying with every single play. Updated 1:52 PM 08/30/08

22. Today's Bomber Report

    Classic or clunker?

    Only eight times in 41 Labour Day Classics have both the Riders and Bombers sported winning records, the last being last season when the Bombers were 5-2-1 and Riders were 6-2. The other years both Winnipeg and Saskatchewan were on the right side of .500 were 2003, 1993, 1985, 1982, 1977, 1975 and 1939. Updated 2:30 PM 08/30/08

23. Today's Bomber Report

    Ouch update

    SB Terrence Edwards, who missed the last two games, will be added at the expense of DB Stanford Samuels. Out is WR Jamie Stoddard (hamstring) and his exit means Arjei Franklin will handle the holding chores on placekicks. Either DB Marc Beswick or FB Brian Guebert will be added in Stoddard's place.

    Milestone watch

    Updated 9:35 AM 08/29/08

24. Safety shuffle continues

    Perhaps the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can look at it as a blessing that they have a number of qualified players who can step in to play safety. Updated 2:00 AM 08/28/08

25. Dressing for success

    While the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have gone back in time the University of Manitoba Bisons have a new look for the future. Updated 2:00 AM 08/27/08

26. Another Blue kicking hopeful blows into town

    If you're going to be a placekicker in Winnipeg, you might as well get comfortable with the wind right from Day 1. Updated 7:24 AM 08/27/08

27. Bishop isn’t Lancaster, but new QB’s a good fit in Riderville

    Five story lines that jumped out while observing the last week of Canadian Football League action: Updated 8:59 AM 08/27/08

28. In the huddle

    HUDDLE RANKINGS

    Here's how we rank the eight CFL teams after Week 9 of the season: Updated 9:04 AM 08/27/08

29. Today's Bomber Report

    Next: Game 9 -- Labour Day Classic, @ Regina, Sunday, Aug. 31.

    Updated 10:11 AM 08/25/08

30. Taman on the road again, looking for quality kicker

    There is less tension in Brendan Taman's voice, but only slightly so. It seems one win may have bought the Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM some time and has him easing off the panic button. Updated 12:40 AM 08/21/08

31. First & Goal

    Five storylines that jumped out while observing the past week of Canadian Football League action: Updated 8:18 AM 08/20/08

32. Tell the truth, coach, even if some guys can't handle it

    Ask Milt Stegall about whether he would want to coach a football team at any level once he retires as the CFL's greatest receiver of all time and I can almost guarantee you he would answer with his standardized rebuff: Updated 7:25 AM 08/19/08

33. Stay of execution

    Go ahead and say it all you cynics and doomsayers out there eager to pen the obituary on 2008 -- the Winnipeg Blue Bombers win Thursday night should come with a big, fat asterisk.
    
    There's light at end of the tunnel
    Bomber recap
    VIDEOS: Post-game interviews with Tom Canada, Doug Berry & Kevin Glenn Updated 7:27 AM 08/15/08

34. Blink worked to bone on his really big night

    Offensive play-calling doesn't have to be as complicated as nuclear physics, especially when a football club has Charles Roberts lining up in its backfield. Updated 10:11 AM 08/15/08

35. There's light at end of the tunnel

    Maybe they grew tired of being slapped by every media member in town, maybe they'd had enough of getting an earful from fans every time they went out for a loaf of bread or perhaps it was just a team loaded with potential finally putting it together. Whatever it was, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers still have a pulse. Updated 12:35 AM 08/15/08

36. Bomber Recap

    BOMBERS 37 TICATS 24

    Updated 7:44 AM 08/15/08

37. Ugly year bringing out ugly in fans

    It's game day and, if you must know the truth, Winnipeg Blue Bomber defensive tackle Doug Brown likely won't be seen much in public until he runs through the giant helmet during the pre-game introductions. Updated 12:30 AM 08/14/08

38. Game Day

    Game 8 - Tonight 7 p.m. Canad Inns Stadium; TV: TSN (local blackout may be in effect); Radio: CJOB

    3 keys to victory

    Updated 9:30 AM 08/14/08

39. Glory days

    We feel your pain, Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans. We understand it sucks right now to be a loyal follower of the Blue and Gold, given their tumble down the standings in a season that began with so much promise. Updated 9:33 AM 08/14/08

40. Scouting the Ticats

    
    Record: 2-5, third in the East.
    On the road: 1-2
    Vs. the East: 2-2
    Offensive rankings: Overall scoring: sixth (24.0 points per game); passing: 8th (246.6 yards per game); rushing: 1st (173.1 yards per game). Defensive rankings: Overall scoring: 5th (28.1 points per game); passing: 6th (312.7 yards per game); rushing: 6th (116.7 yards per game).
    Turnover ratio: minus-4 (sixth overall) Updated 9:47 AM 08/14/08

41. In the Huddle

    First & goal
    Five storylines that jumped out while observing last week's Canadian Football League action: Updated 9:32 AM 08/13/08

42. 'Angry Frenchman' returns

    Football League season begins on Thursday for Dominic Picard, a third-year Bomber who teammates have affectionately dubbed 'the angry Frenchman.' He'll be bringing his intensity and fighting spirit to the centre of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive line. Updated 12:25 AM 08/12/08

43. Bye-week offers Bombers chance to refocus

    The "bye-week" and the game before the "bye-week" present a host of different challenges and problems to all the teams that encounter it. For the record, the Western division is on sabbatical this week and the entire Eastern division will be on hiatus after our games this weekend. Updated 12:25 AM 08/12/08

44. Today's Bomber Report

    While kickers Alexis Serna and newcomer Warren Kean battled for a second day, Bombers head coach Doug Berry didn't give accolades to either. But Berry did say he expects no change this week. "It was a windy day today, not much to comment on there, nothing was really developing. Serna will most likely be the kicker this week." Updated 12:25 AM 08/12/08

45. Hoping for good news

    The Winnipeg Blue Bombers had to wait until today to find out what the situation at receiver will be after only one of the walking wounded was able to practise on Monday. Updated 12:25 AM 08/12/08

46. Today's Bomber Report

    Receivers Milt Stegall (knee), Terrence Edwards (ribs) and Kerry Johnson (ankle) are all expected to practise today after taking Sunday off. Ditto for DBs Kelly Malveaux and Anthony Malbrough. The team will also get centre Dominic Picard back Updated 12:00 AM 08/11/08

47. Kean kicks off with Blue

    He's Canadian who can kick and he was unemployed. And those two factors made Warren Kean very appealing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Updated 12:00 AM 08/11/08

48. Berry to stay with status quo

    Head coach Doug Berry says he's going to stay with the status quo and let offensive co-ordinator Kit Cartwright make the play calls for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' anemic offence in Friday night's game against the Montreal Alouettes. Updated 4:22 PM 08/05/08

49. Stegall says he's ready

    The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are about to get another boost this week — hall-of-fame receiver Milt Stegall is finally ready to make his 2008 debut. Updated 5:35 PM 07/28/08

50. Don't Kopp out on us Ryan

    The cynics, skeptics and natural-born party poopers -- we know you're out there -- will be tossing out two words to the diehards in Bomberland who are positively giddy today with Ryan Dinwiddie-mania. Updated 12:15 AM 07/26/08

51. Ed Tait thinks you should know

    Not to be glossed over in Thursday's win are the Bombers' continuing struggles to jump-start their running game. Charles Roberts carried 14 times for a measly 36 yards -- a 2.6-yard average -- with his longest run covering just five yards. Asked if he was considering doing to his running game what he did to the quarterback position -- sit Roberts in favour of Fred Reid -- head coach Doug Berry said:

    Updated 5:40 PM 07/28/08

52. The suffering is over

    He is part gunslingin' cowboy and part cool, California surfer dude. And, most of all, Ryan Dinwiddie is absolute pure energy at a time when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers desperately need a jolt of life.
    
    VIDEOS: Post-game interviews with Ryan Dinwiddie & Doug Berry
    SLIDESHOW: Bombers vs. Stampeders - July 24, 2008
    MORE COVERAGE: Dinwiddie silences howling jackals; A one-win high; Bomber Recap; and QB earns rave reviews Updated 7:26 AM 07/25/08

53. Dinwiddie silences howling jackals

    Boy, that Kevin Glenn was sure a nice guy, wasn't he? Updated 12:50 AM 07/25/08

54. Don't get giddy, Dinwiddie

    If we could get inside his cranium during the REM-part of his nap time, Ryan Dinwiddie's dream would probably go something like this:
    
    VIDEO: Bomber Close-up with Ed Tait Updated 3:46 PM 07/24/08

55. Ritual sacrifice not part of Bauer's plan

    Attention all frothing Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans demanding president and CEO Lyle Bauer make some dramatic changes -- like whacking GM Brendan Taman or head coach Doug Berry -- for the club's 0-4 start. Updated 12:35 AM 07/24/08

56. Oh-oh and 4 for Blue

    VANCOUVER -- They get full marks for bouncing up off the mat and still trading punches with one of the CFL's best, but the bottom line for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is still gruesome.
    
    Bomber recap Updated 11:40 AM 07/19/08

57. Bomber recap

    LIONS 27 BOMBERS 18

    
    WINNIPEG 7-4-7-0--18
    B.C. 1-10-0-16--27 Updated 11:38 AM 07/19/08

58. Bombers keeping chins up, QB says

    VANCOUVER -- If it's true that losing brings out the ugly in people, then we'll say this about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the CFL's only winless team:
    
    VIDEO: Bomber Road Report Updated 10:44 AM 07/18/08

59. Nugent hit on receiver labelled 'dangerous'

    There weren't many memorable plays for Bomber fans from Friday's 42-24 loss to the B.C. Lions, but one tackle by Jason Nugent caught the attention of the CFL's head office.
    VIDEO: Doug Berry comments on Nugent hit Updated 9:04 AM 07/16/08

60. Cup win in doubt

    Forget this quaint notion of a a team in need of something as simple as a wake-up call. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are way beyond that now.
    
    Berry's wrath could mean overhaul
    Time for Blue to see red
    VIDEOS: Post game interviews: Doug Berry & Terrence Edwards Updated 8:03 AM 07/12/08

61. Time for Blue to see red

    It's not just that the Bombers are losing, of course, it's the eerie symptoms and self-inflicted damage this team is doing to itself along the way. Updated 7:52 AM 07/12/08

62. Berry's wrath could mean overhaul

    Winnipeg Blue Bomber head coach Doug Berry has always been a boss who had his players' collective backs. Updated 7:54 AM 07/12/08

63. Game Day

    B.C. LIONS (0-2) at WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (0-2)

    Updated 8:33 AM 07/11/08

64. Calling All Bomber Fans!

    Gather round the newspaper because we've got a deal for you... Updated 8:50 AM 07/11/08

65. Inside the Xs and Os

    OUCH REPORT:

    Updated 8:37 AM 07/11/08

66. 'D' keen to turn it around

    It is the unofficial slogan of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber defence in '08 and, perhaps, the opposition has been misinterpreting the thing and taking it a little too literally. Updated 2:00 AM 07/10/08

67. Self-doubt is not an option in Bomberville

    If a quarterback is the official spokesman for a football team, then listen up Winnipeg Blue Bomber faithful: Kevin Glenn asks everyone to pull back from the panic button, to step away from yanking down on the fire alarm and -- puh-leeeeze -- don't throw this team under the bus just yet. Updated 9:23 AM 07/10/08

68. Today's Bomber Report

    Hosts B.C. Lions, Friday, 7 p.m.

    HURTS LIST Updated 9:26 AM 07/10/08

69. CFL Week 3

    CALGARY STAMPEDERS (1-1) at MONTREAL ALOUETTES (2-0)

    Updated 9:31 AM 07/10/08

70. Roberts not panicking, his touches will come

    BLINK isn't bitter about not getting the ball enough for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Updated 12:50 AM 07/09/08

71. Don't look back, players say

    SO the Lions have been lame and the Bombers have bombed. Updated 12:55 AM 07/08/08

72. Nowhere to go but up

    MONTREAL -- They were dead and almost buried. And then -- in something straight from a horror movie -- up shot a hand out of the grave and the zombies that were the Winnipeg Blue Bombers had life.
    
    Bomber recap
    Calvillo finds his rhythm Updated 9:23 AM 07/05/08

73. Bomber recap

    ALOUETTES 38 BOMBERS 24

    Updated 9:18 AM 07/05/08

74. Winnipeg storms back... sort of

    MONTREAL -- Anthony Calvillo threw four touchdown passes, including a club record toss to Ben Cahoon, in the first half and the Montreal Alouettes held on for a 38-24 CFL victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night. Updated 10:57 PM 07/04/08

75. Last place looms for Bombers

    MONTREAL — It’s July, it’s early in the season but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are faced with this very real possibility if they don’t take care of business tonight against the Montreal Alouettes: dropping into last place in the CFL’s East Division. Updated 1:59 PM 07/04/08

76. Who says Als-Blue tilt is crucial?

    MONTREAL -- It has been brought to my attention recently -- and many, many times over the years, to be honest -- that there are a lot of readers out there who are convinced yours truly is an idiot.
    
    VIDEO: Blue Bombers Road Report Updated 9:59 AM 07/04/08

77. Game Day

    3 Keys to Victory

    Updated 10:21 AM 07/04/08

78. Home Economics

    HOME; (noun)

    Definition: 1 a: one's place of residence; domicile b: house; 2: the social unit formed by a family living together. Updated 9:33 AM 06/27/08

79. Inside the Xs and Os

    OUCH REPORT:

    The Bombers will be without SB Milt Stegall (knee); OL Obby Khan (intestinal); OL Matt Sheridan (groin); P Duncan O'Mahony (toe) but, for the most part, are pretty dang healthy. The Argos are missing RB Tyler Ebell (Achilles); RB Andre Durie (thumb) and WR Chad Rempel (hamstring). Stegall was spotted running the field and stairs this week and should be good to practise soon. Updated 9:17 AM 06/27/08

80. Scouting the Argonauts

    Record: 11-7, first place in the East. Updated 9:23 AM 06/27/08

81. Who, what, where: A look at the starters for each team

    WHEN BOMBERS HAVE THE BALL Updated 9:15 AM 06/27/08

82. Mighty Mouse has tall order in home opener

    Alexis Serna has himself a nickname already -- his well-intentioned Bombers teammates are calling him Mighty Mouse. Updated 7:18 AM 06/27/08

83. CFL Division Previews with Ed Tait

    West Division

    Updated 8:24 AM 06/26/08

84. Shut up about Bills and Toronto

    A favour to ask, if we may be so bold... Updated 7:31 AM 06/26/08

85. Bet you won't believe this -- Blue are 9-2 to win Cup

    We interrupt the giddy excitement leading up to another Winnipeg Blue Bomber season with a harsh slap in the chops -- courtesy of the bookmakers in Las Vegas.
    
    CFL Division Previews with Ed Tait
    Shut up about Bills and Toronto
    VIDEO: Bomber Close-up with Ed Tait Updated 4:22 PM 06/26/08

86. CFL WEEK 1

    MONTREAL ALOUETTES (8-10) at HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (3-15)

    Updated 9:55 AM 06/26/08

87. O' man...toilet trip sidlines punter

    MAYBE, just maybe, punter Duncan O'Mahony and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers don't mix. Updated 12:35 AM 06/25/08

88. Today's Bomber report

    Offensive guard Matt Sheridan, who's been out with a leg injury, will definitely not play in Friday's season-opener versus the Argonauts. DT Jon Oosterhuis, though, is good to go after recovering from a partially torn calf muscle. Updated 12:35 AM 06/25/08

89. Injured kicker will not play Friday

    Punter Duncan O'Mahony will not play in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' season-opener against the Toronto Argonauts Friday night because of a broken toe. He will be replaced by rookie placekicker Alexis Serna.

    Updated 5:23 PM 06/24/08

90. Bombers reduce roster

    The axe came down hard on a number of Winnipeg Blue Bombers Saturday afternoon as the Canadian Football League club made its final cuts.

    Updated 8:27 PM 06/21/08

91. No QB controversy here

    It was Khari Jones, lingering outside the Winnipeg Blue Bombers locker-room with his family on a night when he was honoured by the football club, who delivered the first post-game wisecrack: Updated 11:03 AM 06/21/08

92. Being cut not just another slice of life

    Welcome to Doug Berry's worst nightmare: trying to slice down what is arguably the most talented collection of prospects in these parts in years into the unit that will suit up for the 2008 regular-season opener in six days. Updated 9:35 AM 06/21/08

93. D-Day is here

    All CFL teams must declare their final rosters by 2 p.m. this afternoon. Updated 11:07 AM 06/21/08

94. Today's Bomber Report

    The Milt watch

    Chances are veteran Milt Stegall won't be ready to go for the season-opener at home next Friday, but head coach Doug Berry hasn't ruled him out yet, either. "I can't say that (Stegall is out) today," said Berry. "Probably, but I don't know. He's running, but it's still a few days before he can start practice." Updated 11:09 AM 06/21/08

95. Blue have work to do

    As final dress rehearsals go, it served up just enough entertainment to have the masses salivating for more.
    
    Perfect Sern boosts chances
    Doug Berry post-game interview Updated 8:31 AM 06/20/08

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