WINNIPEG — It’s been three days since ‘the kick’. Three different nights Mike O’Shea has had to sleep on his decision.
If given a second chance, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach says he would still go for a 61-yard field late in Sunday’s Western Semifinal loss to the B.C. Lions.
“I’ve thought multiple times about it,” said O’Shea. “The outcome was terrible. Hopefully you’re comfortable with the decision, which I am. Does that leave me to arrive to the same decision again? Absolutely.”
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This past weekend’s game was the closest the Bombers got to a Grey Cup since 2011.
It wasn’t close enough.
“Everybody believed they were destined for more than a semifinal loss,” said O’Shea.
Winnipeg stocked up on stars last off-season – a move that gave players hope.
“I felt like we had a championship team here,” said Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols. “We just didn’t quite finish off a tough opponent.”
So what stands between the team and a title?
“If you knew it, we would already be there,” said Bombers wide receiver Weston Dressler. “You just have to continue to improve and build off of what we established this season.”
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The players believe the pieces to get it done are already there. That is if O’Shea sticks around. The coach’s contract expires this winter. When asked if he would like to remain with the Bombers, O’Shea said yes without actually saying it.
“I like what we started,” said O’Shea. “Winnipeg is home. I’ve moved my entire family here.”
Placing them inside a passionate fan base.
“The players and organization recognize how valuable and great they are,” said O’Shea. “We just want to give them more.”
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