In 2019, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stormed their way to the CFL’s prestigious Grey Cup. Even though this was the eleventh time in the club’s history that they managed to get their hands on the trophy, it was the first time since 1990 they had stood atop the mountain.
Now it looks like they don’t want to come down any time soon. After the coronavirus pandemic caused the 2020 CFL season to be canceled, the league finally got back up and running this August. If any Blue Bombers fans were worried about any rustiness creeping in, their fears were dispelled immediately.
In the season’s opening game, they put in a commanding performance to win 19-6 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the team they beat in the 2019 Grey Cup final. Now heading into the twelfth game of the season, the Blue Bombers boast an excellent 10-1 record – their only slip-up coming in-game week three against the Toronto Argonauts (23-30).
With this type of form, can any team stop the Blue Bombers from successfully defending the Grey Cup?
Winnipeg winners
After they dominated the BC Lions 45-0 this past weekend, the Blue Bombers secured the West Division’s top spot with three games to spare. This result means they’ll host the Western Final for the first time since 1972.
Combine their formidable form with being two wins away from the Grey Cup, and it’s easy to see why the Blue Bombers are strong favorites to repeat their 2019 success. Their roster is a great blend of experience and youthful exuberance, including top players like Willie Jerfferson, Andrew Harris, and Stanley Bryant. Even when one of their stars hits the injury list, they have the depth to fill the gap – as seen with Brady Oliveira stepping in for Harris.
The contenders
It’s easy to believe the Blue Bombers will storm their way to the 2021 Grey Cup without any issue, but sport is always ready to throw a curveball when least expected.
There are three contenders who can spring an upset on the Blue Bombers: Betway odds has the three closest as the Montreal Alouette, the Toronto Argonauts, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
At the time of writing, the Alouettes currently sit at the top of the East Division with a 6-4 record. The Argonauts are right next to them with the same win-loss record, which puts both teams in a strong position to qualify for the Eastern Final. For the Argonauts, if they were to reach the Grey Cup match, they are currently the only team with the experience of beating the Blue Bombers this season.
As for the Roughriders, who are second in the West Division, they know their path will be a more treacherous one. If they qualify for the Western Semi-Final, which seems odds on right now, the Roughriders have to go to the Blue Bombers’ home patch. Even if they did the improbable and downed the Blue Bombers in the Western Final, they still have a Grey Cup final to win.
While none of the contenders can be dismissed, the Blue Bombers have put themselves in a commanding position to win the 2021 Grey Cup. All signs suggest they’ll be champions again.