The Winnipeg Blue Bombers dominated their division last season with a stellar 14-4 record, leading in points scored, fewest points allowed, most yards gained, and fewest yards given up. Despite these achievements, head coach Mike O’Shea believes that the team is poised for even greater success in the upcoming season.
Describing their future prospects, O’Shea confidently stated on Tuesday that they will improve as a team. He clarified that his remarks were not about setting extravagant goals like winning 17 or 18 games or scoring 100 touchdowns while aiming for multiple shutouts.
O’Shea emphasized that he is not focused on individual statistics, such as whether Brady Oliveira surpasses his CFL-best 1,534 rushing yards from last season or if Dalton Schoen leads the league in touchdowns once more. For O’Shea, winning is paramount over individual accomplishments.
Dismissing the fixation on numbers, O’Shea reiterated that their primary aim is attaining victories. While uncertain about the team’s future record, O’Shea is confident that the team will perform at a high level in the upcoming season.
O’Shea’s confidence heading into the season opener against Montreal on Thursday stems from two key factors.
Firstly, he is reassured by the talent they have acquired or developed to replace key players who have moved on.
Secondly, O’Shea is buoyed by the returning core of experienced veterans who not only possess a wealth of experience and achievements but also exhibit a drive to continually improve, rather than resting on their past successes.
Describing the team’s offseason dedication, O’Shea highlighted the high character and strong commitment of the players, emphasizing their collective effort to elevate their performance. He believes that this commitment will contribute to the team’s improvement, regardless of the final win-loss record.
Acknowledging the importance of making the playoffs and securing a top spot in the West, O’Shea remains unfazed by the specifics of past achievements, highlighting that success can be attained through various pathways and records.
Despite the team’s impressive track record with four consecutive Grey Cup appearances, O’Shea is aware of the cyclical nature of sports teams but maintains a focus on the present rather than worrying about potential future outcomes.
When discussing the possibility of reaching five consecutive Grey Cups, O’Shea remains grounded, noting that several teams have achieved this feat in the past. He prefers to concentrate on the immediate challenges ahead, such as facing the Alouettes and meeting the expectations of their loyal fan base.
The identity of the Hogs remains centered around physicality and aggression, characterized by a relentless focus on power and impact on the field
Every year brings new challenges, yet the essence of the Hogs remains consistent.
Even with two new starters – Eric Lofton stepping in for Jermarcus Hardrick and Liam Dobson replacing Geoff Gray – one seasoned veteran remains confident that the team’s fundamental approach won’t waver.
“We have players like Eric and Liam, who bring a wealth of experience to the field,” stated Pat Neufeld, a nine-year Bomber and 12-year CFL offensive lineman. “Our team is prepared to maintain our aggressive style of play, delivering strong hits and embracing our unique brand of football. Our depth of experience is a valuable asset we can rely on.”
The team’s style can be liken to a rugged bar-room brawl on certain occasions. Building camaraderie and familiarity with the new additions is crucial, both on and off the field.
“We have seen many new faces added to our roster compared to last season,” Neufeld highlighted. “If there are any changes to occur, it will come through our collective growth. This cohesion takes time, whether it’s on the field, in team meetings, or during social bonding outside of the game. Nevertheless, we are committed to adhering to our core principles – playing with physicality, striving to dictate the pace of the game.”
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