WINNIPEG – In an effort to wake up its offence, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will start Matt Nichols at quarterback when they visit the Edmonton Eskimos on Thursday.
“I’m excited,” said Nichols. “I’m trying to get these guys excited at practice. Hopefully we can go out, make plays and win football games.”
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Nichols takes over for starter Drew Willy who, despite having passed for 1,473 yards, has only led the Bombers to a single win in five games. Winnipeg has posted a West Division worst 98 points so far this season. The team has also been held to 20 points or less three times this year.
“There were a couple games where he was trying to force the ball in,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. “I’ve always talked about the quarterback being in charge of winning so that’s overall what came down to making the decision for me.”
This week will mark the first time Willy sits on the sidelines healthy as a member of the Bombers.
“I think anytime something like that happens it’s hard to swallow,” said Willy. ” I think it’s a challenge but it’s all how you take it. Just keep working hard and do the right things.”
The Bombers acquired Nichols last September in a trade with the Eskimos after Willy suffered a season-ending knee injury. Nichols finished the year with 3,245 passing yards along with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. This week’s game against the defending Grey Cup champions will mark the 29-year-old American’s 20th career start.
WALKING WOUNDED: Quarterback won’t be the only change the Bombers make ahead of Thursday’s tilt. The team has to replace offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld who is out six weeks with a lower-body injury. Defensive back Chris Randle will miss three weeks due to a suspected hurt ankle. Julian Posey and Macho Harris will also be out for a few weeks with undisclosed injures.
INCOMING INTERNATIONAL: The Bombers have added American defensive back Chris Greenwood to their practice roster. The 27-year-old was selected by his hometown Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He collected six tackles in three games with the Lions in 2013. Greenwood has also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.
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