Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach defends decisions in Grey Cup loss

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Head Coach Reflects on Grey Cup Loss

After suffering a tough loss in the Grey Cup, Winnipeg Blue Bombers Head Coach Mike O’Shea took a closer look at the game and reflected on the changes he would make in various areas such as timeouts, challenges, and player communication.

Despite the defeat, O’Shea refused to blame the game plan or any specific decisions made during the match. He acknowledged that questions linger for the Bombers, who experienced their third consecutive Grey Cup loss.

The game against the Toronto Argonauts remained close until the fourth quarter when the Argos pulled away to secure a 41-24 victory. O’Shea commended his team for handling the pressures well and executing an excellent game plan.

Addressing the criticism surrounding the team’s performance, O’Shea emphasized that the Bombers had shown resilience throughout the season, bouncing back from a challenging start to achieve success. He expressed confidence in the group’s ability to learn from the defeat and improve moving forward.

Decision to Reinsert Zach Collaros

O’Shea discussed the crucial decision to allow quarterback Zach Collaros to reenter the game after sustaining a finger laceration that required medical attention. Despite initial concerns, O’Shea trusted Collaros’s leadership and experience, ultimately opting to put him back on the field.

Reflecting on Collaros’s contributions to the team over the years, O’Shea justified the decision to reintroduce him, highlighting the quarterback’s track record of success and resilience in challenging situations.

Additionally, O’Shea addressed the limited involvement of running back Brady Oliveira in the game, attributing the adjustments in play calls to Toronto’s defensive strategies. He emphasized the importance of making real-time decisions based on the opponent’s formations and adapting to the evolving dynamics of the game.

Looking ahead, O’Shea remained optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned throughout the season. He believed that the setbacks faced in the Grey Cup would serve as motivation for growth and improvement in the upcoming season.