WINNIPEG 鈥� What a difference a year makes for the Blue Bombers.
At this time last season, the CFL team was on its way to opening with a four-game losing streak and didn鈥檛 pick up its second victory until the sixth game.
On the eve of hosting the winless Edmonton Elks on Thursday, Winnipeg is 2-0 out of the gate and all three phases are contributing.
Head coach Mike O鈥橲hea was asked what the difference has been.
鈥淲e鈥檙e just not making as many mistakes, probably,鈥� he said after Wednesday鈥檚 walk-through practice.
鈥淥ur training camp was a little different last year, participation-wise (injured players). I think we lost sight of some fundamental concepts that led to mistakes on the field that cost us dearly early on.
鈥淏ut I think the group has made a real concerted effort to be better this year."
The Blue Bombers' first two wins this season have come despite missing key pieces.
Quarterback Zach Collaros sat out the first game serving a suspension, while running back Brady Oliveira injured a shoulder during the first three minutes of the team鈥檚 season-opening victory against the B.C. Lions.
Oliveira, the league鈥檚 reigning most outstanding player and back-to-back top Canadian, will miss a second straight game.
His shoes have been admirably filled by a pair of rookies.
Canadian Matthew Peterson racked up 130 yards rushing with a touchdown when he went in for Oliveira during the 34-20 victory with backup quarterback Chris Streveler under centre.
In last week鈥檚 27-14 win in B.C., Peterson and Quinton Cooley provided a steady rushing duo that combined for 85 yards on the ground.
鈥淟osing a player like Brady is obviously very tough,鈥� Bombers veteran offensive lineman Pat Neufeld said.
鈥淲ith Quinton and Matt back there, we have full confidence in them. They had a full training camp with us and they were great in camp. They鈥檝e been great the last two weeks for us."
After Winnipeg got its second win last season, it dropped two more games and then rolled up an eight-game win streak to help it finish first in the West Division (11-7).
It beat Saskatchewan in the division final to earn a fifth consecutive trip to the Grey, but lost to Toronto to mark a third straight championship defeat.
Neufeld said he feels the Bombers have started the current campaign playing fast and physical like they did during their strong regular-season finish last year.
"Not saying we haven鈥檛 made mistakes and there鈥檚 things we can improve on,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e talk about our standard a lot and that鈥檚 what we鈥檙e hoping to do, is elevate our standard and play the game the way we want to play it."
Collaros isn鈥檛 taking the two early wins for granted.
"Actually, it seems like a blur, that whole beginning of the season," Collaros said of last year.
"It鈥檚 obviously easier to come to work after a win and it鈥檚 easier to watch the film with a critical eye. It鈥檚 more enjoyable. But that being said, you can鈥檛 sweep things under the rug just cause you win a football game.
"I think (new offensive co-ordinator) Jason (Hogan) and the offensive staff have done a good job of reining the crew in and saying, 鈥楬ey, yes we鈥檝e won these games, we鈥檝e done a pretty good job in some aspects, but here鈥檚 where we need to improve.鈥欌��
Last week鈥檚 win showcased contributions from offence, defence and special teams.
Collaros threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns, while defensive backs Jamal Parker and Evan Holm each had an interception. Parker also recorded a fumble recovery for a 57-yard TD.
Kicker Sergio Castillo was good on two field goals, including one from 55 yards, and rookie kick returner Trey Vaval continued fighting to earn yards when he touches the ball.
Edmonton lost its first two games, but showed some flashes last week.
The Elks were down 24-6 at halftime against Montreal, but scored 22 points in the fourth quarter before losing 38-28.
Collaros said he鈥檒l keep an eye on Edmonton cornerback Tyrell Ford, a 鈥渟avvy鈥� player who signed with the Elks after two seasons with Winnipeg.
Parker will focus on Ford鈥檚 brother Tre, Edmonton鈥檚 quarterback.
鈥淗e鈥檚 a great athlete and he鈥檚 good with broken plays, so we have to do a great job of fundamentals and containing him,鈥� Parker said.
Bombers veteran receiver Nic Demski is a game-time decision after injuring an ankle last week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.
Judy Owen, The Canadian Press
