Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Buck Pierce is 7-0.

7-0 at what you ask? The number of starts this season for Pierce.

Backtrack to last season and you’ll kindly remember that Pierce only managed to start five games all season, with three of those being consecutive.

So what has changed so drastically in one year to which Pierce has been able to stay healthy through the first seven games of the season?

Was it Pierce’s determination to get back up and lead his team? Was it the off-season workout that he put in to return from his elbow injury and be the number one guy at the start of the season, amidst all the injury-prone talk?

One thing is for sure, whatever it is, it is paying dividends. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are off to their best start since 1984 at 6-1 and a four game winning streak, and Buck Pierce is playing some of his best football in his career.

Saturday (Aug. 13) night saw his return to B.C., the team that released him this past off-season and regardless of what was said to the media, you know Pierce had a chip on his shoulder and something to prove to his former team.

And that he did.

Pierce completed 18 of 24 passes, throwing for 237 yards and one interception, a late one. Completing 75 percent of his passes put him over his season and career average.

Pierce hit six different receivers and leading with four was TJ Harris, who finished the night with 57 yards, including a 22-yard scamper.

Second in the league in rushing at 496, running back Fred Reid was limited to just 26 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries.

Kicker Justin Palardy was only good for one of three attempts a week ago against the Edmonton Eskimos, but bounced back Saturday night making all three attempts and helping lead his team to a win.

Defensively, the team never missed a beat, covering all receivers making quarterback Travis Lulay’s night a pain. Lulay connected with nine receivers, but was only able to hit one receiver for a touchdown late in the game.

Clint Kent led all Bombers with six tackles while Kenny Mainor had another two-sack night, increasing his total to six. Odell Willis was held to zero sacks and tackles, but the pair has combined for 14 sacks on the season.

Jason Vega made his return following a knee injury and didn’t miss a beat, recording a tackle and a sack in his return. Don Oramasionwu also had a sack and two tackles.

In the end, the Bombers outplayed, outworked and outsmarted the B.C. Lions on their way to a 30-17 final decision.

Buck Pierce was able to show his former team that they made a mistake by releasing him at the end of last season.

The Bombers enter their bye week at 6-1, and will return to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on August 26 at home.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will hit a sad point tonight, as they honour their fallen solider, Richard Harris, who just last year was made assistant head coach and has been defensive line coach for the last six years.

Tonight, they will try to do him wonders by honouring him with a win at home and below I will highlight three keys I feel will help bring them victory.

3.) Balance the Game through the Air and On the Ground

If you take a look at the stats so far this season, you will notice that the B.C. Lions have done a poor job containing the running game and have absolutely no answer for the pass. Through the first four games, the Lions have allowed 135 yards on the ground, while giving up another 316 through the air. This is last in both statistical categories.

Winnipeg has a great back in Fred Reid, who if given the opportunities, can run wild on any team. Just take note of August 2009 when Reid rushed for 260 yards, averaging 10 a carry for 26 carries the whole game and two touchdowns.

At the same time, quarterback Buck Pierce has an arsenal of receivers at his disposal, all of which are capable of making any and all catches that Pierce slings their way. Terence Jeffers-Harris currently leads all Bomber receivers with 231 yards, quickly flanked by both Terrence Edwards and Cory Watson.

2.) Keeping Your Emotions in Check

With the sudden passing of Richard Harris hitting the club like a ton of bricks, there’s no question that the players are going to be riled up and emotional and that is okay. The team will need to muster whatever confidence they can and go onto the field, do the man good and get the win.

It won’t be easy, there will be mistakes, but I believe this club is in good hands and that head coach Paul LaPolice will keep his troops grounded and focused. If they can do that and maintain drives, it won’t matter what opposition team they’re facing. Instant win.

1.) Have an Answer for Travis Lulay

One thing that Travis Lulay has done well this season is get out of the pocket and hit receivers. There is no denying that Lulay is a good quarterback and that one day will be among some of the best this league has produced, however, if Winnipeg wants to win, their defense will need to be top notch.

Through four games, Lulay has thrown for over 1,200 yards, second best in the league, however currently holds six touchdowns to five interceptions, several of which were game-changing. The Winnipeg defense to date has amassed seven interceptions and 15 sacks. Contain Lulay, rush his passes and make him think on his feet and they will get to the quarterback.

Right now there is a lot of buzz going around in Winnipeg, and rightfully so.

The team has sold over 21,000 season tickets; they will have a new stadium next season; and they are playing some of the best football seen in a while.

Following the first two weeks of CFL play, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have done something that they have not accomplished since the 2003 season, and that is start 2-0.

Not since the days of Khari Jones was the team able to put up two straight wins to start the season. Now, led by quarterback Buck Pierce, Winnipeg will look to go 3-0.

To date, the team has put up wins against two division rivals, first taking out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 25-16 in Week 1 before winning its final home opener in the current stadium against the Toronto Argonauts 22-16.

Both wins were grueling testaments of how the Blue Bombers defense would shape the 2011 season, as so far their offense has been unable to get any rhythm going.

Buck Pierce is averaging 158 yards, one touchdown, and one interception per game. Winnipeg's main go-to receiver, Terrence Edwards, was nicked up following Week 1 and saw limited action in Week 2, and sophomore receiver Greg Carr is also injured.

This has meant that other receivers—such as Aaron Hargreaves, Cory Watson and newcomer Clarence Denmark—must step up. At the same time, rookie receiver Jade Etienne—the fourth overall selection in this year’s draft—is just inches away from making his pro debut, should any more receivers drop in the coming weeks.

As for the defense, there is much to be elated about.

In two games under new defensive coordinator Tim Burke, the team has started strong and hot, making five interceptions—taking one to the house—and leading the league with nine sacks.

The front seven have been pressuring opposing quarterbacks thus far, allowing the defense to create turnovers; however, the offense has yet to take advantage of these opportunities, something that will need to be worked on in the coming weeks.

Following the battle down low with the Argonauts in Week 2, the Bombers have a few players on the sideline. However, unlike years past, their depth has been better and most players haven’t missed a step.

The team expects the majority of the injured players to be suited up against the Calgary Stampeders come Thursday night.

Looking at the special teams, Winnipeg has given up zero returns for touchdowns on punts or kick-offs, which is refreshing considering the first time the Bombers kicked-off in 2010, it resulted in seven points.

The return game, with Jovon Johnson currently taking most of the returns during, has been consistent and generally provides decent field position for the offense.

The team brought in Tim Brown, who was coveted as a returning specialist, but he has since retired.

Perry Floyd is another name that was thrown in the return conversation; however a few drops have led some to question whether he belongs there.

One thing for sure, however, is that is the team needs a player designated in the return game to prevent Johnson from any further possible injuries.

Meanwhile, Justin Palardy is playing some of his best football as a Blue Bomber, Mike Renaud is getting more zip on his ball, and overall there has been less worry when the special teams units heads to the field.

But as it stands, the team is relying too heavily on their defense to win out games, something that the Toronto Argonauts were known for last season.

The key difference between the two is the depth at receiver for Winnipeg.

Over the next few weeks, the Blue Bombers face a hungry Stampeder team, will head into a hostile environment at Toronto, and face a team that wants to prove themselves in B.C.and, depending on the next few weeks, a potentially hot team in Edmonton.

With injuries piling up as they are, Winnipeg will need to play smart football moving forward.

If there is to be any celebration right now, it should be over the fact that no touchdowns have been returned on the Big Blue so far, something that both Toronto and Hamilton did last season.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers make their much-anticipated return to the football field Friday night, taking on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

The team is currently coming off a 4-14 record, but if you asked around, many players and fans would tell you that a lot of success came last year.

The team had the CFL's No. 1 rusher in Fred Reid, who just signed a contract extension. They had the No. 1 sack leader in Phillip Hunt, who signed with the NFL in the offseason.

Veteran receiver Terrence Edwards was second overall in receiving yards, playing with four quarterbacks, and looks to add another solid year under his belt. And with Buck Pierce back at full health, the possibilities are endless.

Fourth pick overall, receiver Jade Etienne, will make his regular season debut with the Blue and Gold, along with supplemental draft pick Kito Poblah. Sophomore receivers Cory Watson and Greg Carr will both look to make impacts this year with a full season ahead of them.

As for 2010 Rookie of the Year candidate Terence-Jeffers Harris, he will look to use his new build to make him a stronger receiver and become a visible threat downfield. Meanwhile, Fred Reid looks to continue where he left off last season, at the top of the rushing list and looking to find new holes.

Defensively, the Bombers added first overall draft pick Henoc Muamba to their roster, retained the services of Jonathan Hefney and Jovon Johnson,and added new faces such as Jason Vega and Leslie Majors.

And while the team did not make a lot of changes or release many veterans, each player returning will add yet another year to his name, and the club is hoping to build off their experience from last season.

Against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Bombers have not won at Ivor Wynne Stadium since Week 15 of the 2009 season, and were 1-3 against the Cats last year. They only hold one win in Week 1, last year against Hamilton. You’d have to go back to 2003 to find their next Week 1 victory.

On the Hamilton side of the ball, the Cats have not won a Week 1 game since 2004, when they beat the B.C. Lions, and former Bomber quarterback Kevin Glenn has had his own share of troubles with Week 1 games.

The club will be looking forward to ending the long streak and will need to execute at a high level if they want to accomplish this task. Expect the ground game to be executed early, while the ball gets spread out evenly throughout the night.

Jason Vega for the Bombers will have his work cut out for him, replacing Phillip Hunt’s spot at defensive end as he attempts to distract Kevin Glenn. The club feels he is ready and will take the position head-on and keep Glenn on his toes all night.

Kickoff is slated for 5PM CST and will start the road to the grey cup.

Following today’s roster cut down, the anxiety concludes and the 46 lucky players who made the roster look forward to proving their worth each and every game day.

For several of the players, they have all been here before, several jobs already a lock. For others, it is a time to prove themselves and make their second chance worthwhile, ensuring that the bosses made the right moves. For the rookies, it’s a door wide open for them to take in all that is the CFL and learn all they can.

For two players in particular, first-round draft picks, defensive linebacker, Henoc Muamba and wide receiver, Jade Etienne, the work the two players have put in for years finally pays off with a shot at the big leagues—an opportunity to showcase their talents to the nation.

The roster list features several players who make their return to the team for a second straight year, continuing to put their efforts forward and retain their starting position.

On that list is receiver Cory Watson, drafted in 2010 by the Bomber brass, who last year caught 17 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown. Entering this season, Watson is looking to further his role in the offense, with Buck Pierce at the helm.

At the same time, hoping to play for a full season after suffering an ankle injury last season, Terence Jeffers-Harris makes his return to the team once again. Hailed as a possible Rookie of the Year pick before his injury, Harris made a name for himself early on, playing in his second professional game ever, recording 152 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the team has a vacant position at defensive end, as the void left by the departure of Phillip Hunt to the NFL was needed to be filled. The team feels strongly enough that rookie newcomer, Jason Vega, can be that man.

Another player who broke out during training camp, Johnny Sears, however, has found himself a spot on the nine-game injured list. Sears returns to the Blue and Gold once again, looking for a larger role to play either defensively or help the team out on special teams, as he has done this year.

Looking to help Sears and the special teams is newcomer Leslie Majors. Through two preseason games, and a solid training camp, Majors recorded seven tackles and one interception. Should anything happen to Jonathan Hefney, the club feels strong that Majors can help fill the void during the regular season.

For all the returning seasoned veterans, they are looking most forward to playing yet another season under the Blue and Gold and continue their long stride at bringing the city another Grey Cup, a city that has been without the cup since 1990.

For some players tonight, this will be their final game as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber football club. Either by a lack of impression or for other reasons bestowed upon them, their duties were not sought any further.

For others, it will be the start of a new chapter in their professional football career, the rookies, looking to make a name for themselves, given an opportunity tonight to showcase their talents and impress the bosses, hoping for enough to land themselves a spot on the roster.

As for the veterans, they are looking to produce enough to keep their starting job, as many rookies look to battle for key positions on the team. All together, they produce the Blue Bomber football team, looking to improve on their 4-14 record one year ago.

Sophomore head coach, Paul LaPolice has spent the last seven months rebuilding and retooling this team with the hopes of making the playoffs and going forward, building off the positives from last season’s less than impressive record.

For one pivot, it will be a sort of second chance, as Buck Pierce will make his return to Winnipeg for a second season, following offseason surgery and rehab after dislocating his elbow during the September 5 game in Regina.

Then you look towards a certain draft pick, one who went fourth overall, Jade Etienne. A rookie in the Canadian Football League, looking for any shot at cracking the Bombers 46-player roster, Etienne will be out under the lights playing one of his biggest games of his young career.

With 71 players currently on the roster, the coaching staff will have their hands full evaluating players tonight and tomorrow, ahead of Saturday’s roster cut down deadline. They will finish up, hoping they made the right choices heading into the regular season.

The receiving core will be immediately upgraded with the return of veterans, Terrence Edwards and Cory Watson, as well as the addition of supplemental draftee, Kito Poblah, who had an astounding training camp, after missing all of rookie camp.

Rushing leader, Fred Reid, will make his fifth appearance for the Blue and Gold, but is being heavily flanked by running backs, Chris Garrett and Alex Henderson. Both players had sparks in their first preseason tilt last week and look to land a spot, backing up Reid.

Defensively, the team has high hopes for one returning linebacker, Odell Willis, who will look for his leadership to help bridge the defensive unit. The emergence of Johnny Sears and Leslie Majors in training camp will have them fighting to keep at least a backup spot to Jonathan Hefney and Clint Kent.

With Joe Lobendahn just shy of locking up the starting position, first overall draft pick Henoc Muamba will be a spectator from the sidelines, hoping to educate himself even further as he looks to crack the roster in some shape or form this season.

For several seasons, one Jovon Johnson would take in the majority of the returning duties; however, with the additions of Perry Floyd and Alex Watson, it is possible that Johnson could find himself a one-dimensional player this season, allowing him to rest during the game.

Overall, tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Argonauts will be a crucial game for some, a scrimmage for others, but a fun spectator event for all the fans.

They have spent the last 10 days of training camp, three days of rookie camp, and three days of mini-camp for the opportunity to showcase their talents to the world.

Each is auditioning to be one of 46 lucky players selected for a spot on the roster of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The players' strengths and weaknesses have been put to the test through a variety of drills and simulated play, and Thursday, training camp culminates when the team travels to Montreal to take on the Alouettes in their first pre-season game of 2011.

One of Winnipeg's main issues over the past few years has been its dire need for a quality starting quarterback. The team had Buck Pierce for the start of last season, but due to several injuries, all four quarterbacks ended up seeing playing time.

This off-season, Pierce spent his time in Winnipeg, rehabbing and building for 2011. He has come out looking sharper and stronger than he has ever before. A man on a mission who is looking to prove his doubters wrong, Pierce will enter 2011 with the mindset to play all 18 games, enter the post-season and ultimately earn the city a Grey Cup.

This season, Pierce and company will have a throng of top-quality receivers to throw the ball to, such as veterans Terrence Edwards and Cory Watson, and returning players Greg Carr and Terrence-Jeffers Harris.

To help bolster their receiving core, the Bombers selected Jade Etienne fourth overall in the 2011 CFL Draft and selected Kito Poblah first in the supplemental draft. These two players are expected to bring depth to the lineup right away.

On the running game, rushing title winner Fred Reid returns for his fifth season and looks to maintain his game, while newcomers Chris Garrett and Alex Henderson flank behind, hoping for a shot at his job.

Defensively, the Bombers could do no wrong. With 27 sacks combined from two players last season, the team is looking to bring back their power from 2009.

Losing Phillip Hunt to the NFL does leave a gaping hole in the defense; however, with the emergence of Odell Willis and help from the rest of the players, their performance should not falter. The team has a young core ready to contribute.

In fact, a number of names stand out on defense: Clinton Kent, Ian Logan, Pierre-Luc Labbe, and Doug Brown, plus new faces Rico McCoy, Johnny Sears, and Leslie Majors. This team is ready to compete.

With Jonathan Hefney and Jovon Johnson working together for a full season, quarterbacks will think twice about going deep. Meanwhile, Deon Beasley and Alex Suber look to continue to hold down the secondary.

In this year’s draft, the team selected Henoc Muamba first overall, with the thought that he could contribute immediately to special teams, which can and most likely will happen.

But even further, Muamba has such a unique skill set that he could be used in all sorts of scenarios, all of which will help the Bombers.

All in all, the team has spent the past off-season rebuilding and retooling for the 2011 season. Although the team ended last season with a 4-14 record, they have so much more going for them this season. And with a new stadium coming next year, look for the Blue Bombers to close out this stadium's chapter on a high note.

It's been three long days, many new faces, some familiar but all reaching for the same thing—and that is a spot on the Bombers 2011 roster.

Today marked the end of rookie camp for the CFL franchise and at this time, so far only one casualty, wide receiver Bobby Guillory.

There were ups, downs, highlights and forgettable moments throughout camp as they prepare for the official training camp which opens this Sunday at 9:30 for walk-throughs and 10:30 for start of practice.

The most noticeable issues at camp were the dropped passes, lack of route running and the overall jitters of rookies looking to find their spot on the team.

New in camp this year were three highly touted draft picks, including the first overall pick, Henoc Muamba, a 6'0" 230-pound machine at linebacker from St. Francis.

There was a snag just before camp opened, however both sides were able to agree to a deal which allowed fourth overall pick Jade Etienne to make the trip to camp.

Unfortunately for Kito Poblah, the first pick in the supplemental draft, he was unable to take in the last three days as the two sides worked vigorously to get a deal done. All signs point to Poblah making it to training camp Sunday.

There is no question that the club is looking to go young, fresh and mean, while keeping experienced players on the line to assist the rookies.

And then there's the No. 1 question heading into camp of star quarterback Buck Pierce, who injured his elbow at last year's Labour Day Classic after a fluke fall. Folks, Pierce is back and looking stronger than ever.

All four quarterbacks competed at camp. Aside from Pierce, Alex Brink looked the sharpest with many of his throws and reads. Whether the team releases one of the QBs is unknown, but depth-wise should fall to Pierce, Brink, Elliot and then Goltz.

Some highlights from camp would be newcomers Damian Sherman and Josh Bishop. Both players have yet to hit the field in a game, however looked sharp through rookie camp.

Sherman had the luxury of attending the mini-camp held by the club early in April and it has paid dividends for the 6'0" 213-pound receiver. His time spent allowed him to be able to open up his playbook and feels all that's left for him is to get one-on-one with the quarterbacks and create a relationship.

You could also make a case for newcomer Liam Mahoney, who was selected 41st overall in the 2011 CFL draft. Mahoney comes from Concordia and during his collegiate career as a quarterback, he earned 2007 CIS Rookie of the Year honours. Two years ago he made the switch to receiver with quite a splash, pulling in 94 receptions totaling 1,208 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Defensively, Henoc Muamba will look to make a statement this year whether he is placed on special teams or finds himself on the defensive side of things. Tim Burke, the new defensive coordinator for the Bombers, will work to ensure Muamba is poised and ready to go come season time.

Whether or not Tim Brown will be ready for camp Sunday or the regular season will remain to be seen, as he injured his foot during mini-camp, but he was not in a boot during rookie camp.

There is plenty of competition this year at camp as well, such as rookie Rico McCoy pursuing the spot of Joe Lobendahn. Two more rookies looking for spots are CJ James and Leslie Majors.

With a quality stock of rookies, returning players like highlight-reel Greg Carr and TJ Harris and veterans like Terrence Edwards and Doug Brown, the team can feel confident heading into the regular season.

The Bombers will play their last season at Canad Inns, and general manager Joe Mack and head coach Paul LaPolice will look to please the fans this season. Look out folks, the era of the Bombers is about to begin.

It was 207 days ago that the 2010 season ended for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, finishing the season on a 4-11 record and entering the offseason with more questions than answers.

Today marks the opening day of rookie camp, before everyone gathers at training camp on Sunday.

One positive to take from finishing last in the league, it allowed the Bombers to acquire their first No. 1 overall draft pick since 1975 and with that, selected linebacker Henoc Muamba.

The Bombers were not done there, as they would use their fourth pick in the first round, acquired after trading coveted quarterback Steven Jyles to the Toronto Argonauts, to select University of Saskatchewan receiver Jade Etienne.

Finishing up, they would drop their 2012 first-round pick in order to select non-import receiver Kito Poblah in the 2011 supplemental draft.

You could say the Bombers had a very successful offseason in terms of revamping their team with hopes of turning that 4-11 into a 11-4 or better record this season.

Buck Pierce has all but locked up the starting position at quarterback, claiming that he has never felt better in his life than right now. Hoping to show the fans that his hard work in the offseason was for them and look to further improve on the 2010 season.

Earlier in the year, the Bombers held their mini-camp segments, with a few gems showing some of what they have to offer, in what many hope will pay off in the regular season.

Wide receiver Damian Sherman of Southern Illinois was one of those gems, featuring explosiveness from the line, an ability to catch a wide range of passes and seemed to possess the ability to run routes.

The Bombers spent this offseason looking to improve their receiving core and help give Pierce and Company more targets to hit, and it then came as no surprise to many when the team announced the release of Brock Ralph.

Looking to improve off a solid rookie season, wide receiver Greg Carr looks to further implement himself in the offense this year. Carr registered 31 catches for 568 yards and four touchdowns including a beautiful 74-yard reception.

On the offensive line, Obby Khan returns for another season, still looking to improve every year. Ryan Donnelly announced his retirement after a solid nine-year career.

Defensively, the Bombers have added former Alouette defensive coordinator Tim Burke to the coaching staff. The rumoured 3-4 defense system may be implemented this season and what better than to have a quality player in Muamba to help out.

If there's one thing the Bombers would like to accomplish, they would give Doug Brown a Grey Cup ring as he retires at the end of the 2011 season.

There is still a lot of work to be done in training camp as the team gets ready for the regular season, and the No. 1 issue that needs correcting is the ability to close out games.

No question, there are definitely spots open to fill throughout the board, and the rookies will do all they can in order to catch a spot while the veterans look to lend a helping hand.

Overall, expect a very talented, hard-working rookie and training camp as the Bombers prepare for the 2011 season. There have been some changes, many additions and a lot of talent to look over the next month and both general manager Joe Mack and head coach Paul LaPolice look to make a solid squad.

With every passing day, it becomes more and more likely that the NHL will be returning to Winnipeg. With all the excitement kicked up by the return of the city’s beloved Jets, there are still several questions that remain unanswered.

One of these questions is the effect that a competing professional sports franchise will have on the city’s current pro sports team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

A recent report by The Globe and Mail on the viability of an NHL team in Winnipeg named the presence of the Bombers as the biggest factor in the Jets’ success. According to the author, to support a NHL team, a Canadian city would need a population of roughly 800,000, compared to only 250,000 for a CFL team.

Immediately this raises red flags, as the population of Winnipeg is approximately 750,000 people. The article goes on to state that it is likely that the sports fans of the cities will have to decide between the two teams; those who pay for one team’s season tickets will not be able to afford the others, and vice versa.

This represents a potential loss of revenue that, while potentially dangerous to the Jets, could be fatal to the Bombers. Both leagues are heavily driven by attendance and ticket sales, but this is even more true in the case of the CFL, which lacks substantial television revenue and—for the seven teams not named the Roughriders—merchandise sales.

It is of note to mention that the Blue Bombers only sell out last year was the Banjo Bowl against the Roughriders, and in some games they played to as little as 22,000 people. Now, obviously, the changes in attendance can be attributed to several things; the weather at the end of the season, a lack of interest due to a poor season, etc., but these figures should represent a scare for a franchise that usually spends every year walking a thin line between profit and loss.

These attendance issues could potentially become worse if the Jets return next year. Hockey reigns supreme in Canada and despite Canadian football’s popularity in the region no one will suggest that the Bombers will be able to compete with the Jets for Winnipegger’s interest.

The Blue Bombers will be facing an uphill battle for revenue and interest and could potentially be relegated to also-rans in the city’s sports community.

That’s not to say the team will be in any danger of leaving Winnipeg. Construction for the team’s new stadium has already begun and, despite the fact the team does not sell out, they currently have one of the more stable ownerships in the league.

The chances of the team having to move or fold are as likely at this point as an owner stepping in and keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta. However, all fans need to be aware that, with the arrival of the Jets will come new difficulties and hardships for a team that is barely profitable in the years when they make the Grey Cup.

And these difficulties could bring about bad times for the Bombers and the CFL.