State of the Franchise: Winnipeg

In the first of the CFL’s “State of the Franchise” media teleconferences, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations Brendan Taman sounded a bit like he was giving a math lecture, his theme being addition, addition, addition.

Coming off a 5-13 campaign in 2005, the Blue Bombers have undergone a complete makeover this off-season in preparation for 2006.  While the hiring of new head coach Doug Berry signaled a possible change in offensive philosophy, the team first went after defensive personnel.

 “We went into free agency and defence is where we wanted to look at, and I think without any stretch of the imagination we got the guy we wanted in Barrin Simpson to shore up our defence at the middle linebacking spot,” said Taman.  The team also acquired linebacker Kyries Hebert off waivers and defensive back Kelly Malveaux in a trade with Montreal to round out the group.

On the offensive side of the ball, Winnipeg used the Ottawa dispersal draft to improve the quality of its offensive line, collecting all-stars Ibrahim Khan and Val St. Germain.  Taman also signed former NFLer Mike Quinn to add depth at pivot behind incumbent Kevin Glenn.

The most drastic change for Winnipeg this year, however, is their move from the West to the East.  Luckily, Berry and many of the team’s new additions are quite familiar with the competition, having come over from Montreal and Ottawa, so there’s no fear factor involved.

“Obviously I know the East, but when you’re in the CFL, you get to know the East and the West about equally,” said Berry. “Instead of us looking at we having to play Montreal six times, I’m looking at it Montreal has to play us six times.”

On paper, at least, the Blue Bombers should be much more competitive with all of the new blood.  For Winnipeg to play in its own Grey Cup come November, however, Berry, Taman, and the rest of the Bombers are hoping all these additions add up to victories.