Bombers Rally Behind Defense and Special Teams

OTTAWA — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers showcased an impressive defensive effort and stellar special teams play to snap their three-game losing streak, defeating the Ottawa REDBLACKS 26-18 at TD Place. The highlight came from Trey Vaval, who electrified fans by returning a missed field goal for a stunning 128-yard touchdown—setting a new franchise record for the longest play in history.

Struggling Offense Finds Its Spark

Although Winnipeg's offense struggled to gain momentum, quarterback Chris Streveler made his mark on the ground, rushing for 72 yards and a crucial touchdown. In contrast, Streveler completed a mere three of eight passes for 54 yards, alongside an interception. Running back Brady Oliveira bolstered the ground game, adding another 100 yards to his tally, marking his second consecutive game surpassing the century mark. However, Nic Demski’s impressive reception streak came to an end at 84 games.

Defense Dominates—Allen and Jefferson Shine

The Bombers' defense was nothing short of relentless. Cam Allen made headlines with his first two career interceptions, while Willie Jefferson continued to shine, recording his third sack of the season and two more pass knockdowns, bringing his league-leading total to 15. This dominant defensive display was crucial in lifting the Bombers to a 7-7 record.

Ottawa's Offense Led by Dazzling Dru Brown

On the other side, Ottawa's offense outgained Winnipeg, racking up 452 total yards, led by the returning Dru Brown. He finished with a commendable 33 completions on 45 attempts for 406 yards, tossing two touchdowns but also suffering two interceptions at the hands of Allen. Eugene Lewis was the star receiver, amassing 155 yards on nine catches, while Justin Hardy crossed the century mark for the fourth time this season.

Early Action Sets the Tone

The game kicked off with excitement as Brown found four different receivers for big gains, culminating in a nine-yard touchdown pass to Bralon Addison, putting Ottawa ahead 7-0. Winnipeg stumbled early, struggling to find their rhythm and suffering a sack. However, stellar plays from Oliveira and defensive turnovers opened the door for their comeback.

Vaval's Historic Return Sparks the Comeback

With the score tied at 8-8, Vaval's historic return of a failed field goal shifted the momentum in Winnipeg's favor. The Bombers capitalized on this energy, carrying a 17-8 lead into halftime thanks to a field goal just as the clock expired.

Fourth Quarter Control Seals the Victory

As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Bombers tightened their grip on the game. A decisive interception by Allen set the stage for another field goal, extending their lead to 23-11. Despite a late touchdown from Ottawa, the Bombers held firm, securing the 26-18 victory.

Looking Ahead: Bombers Face Tough Challenge

The Blue Bombers will look to build on this momentum with a challenging matchup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Princess Auto Stadium on September 27, while the REDBLACKS will have a bye week to regroup at 4-10.