Very long weekends are intended to be calming, but Blue Bombers rookie Tyrell Ford put in Canada Day at home anxiously cheering on his brother, Tre.
Tre Ford led the Edmonton Elks to their very first gain of the time Friday, going 15 of 26 for 159 passing yards, a single landing and an interception. It was a night time of firsts for Ford, who turned the only Black-Canadian to get started for the crew and its to start with Canadian starter because 1968.
Ford also grew to become the 1st quarterback out of U Athletics to start and earn a Canadian Football League (CFL) frequent time sport since Greg Vavra in 1985.
“I felt like I performed the match, I was really nervous,” stated Tyrell. “At some points, it was variety of frustrating mainly because I know he skipped some throws that he generally would make. But I signify, general, they bought the gain and which is what matters.”
The Bombers defensive back again claimed he watched the video game at household and his total loved ones was in the stands for Tre’s very first occupation start out. He couldn’t have his smile when talking about the phone phone calls he shared with his dad and brother following Friday’s match.
Tyrell, who has targets of currently being a starting off cornerback, reported he and his brother are in a location the place their roles are observed as American positions, but both equally are battling by that to set up themselves.
“For me, truthfully it’s not as well massive of a surprise, I understood once… he had a shot he’d be productive,” claimed Tyrell. “He’s just a truly great competitor. I believe from here it’s only up, he’s gonna get a small bit more relaxed in the technique and clearly get a very little bit more match expertise.”
“So, I believe it is his time,” he added.
Canadian quarterbacks are the chat of the CFL these times thanks to B.C. Lions starter Nathan Rourke main the crew to a 3- get started and Ford’s functionality Friday. It is been a prolonged time coming for a league that prior to July 1, hadn’t viewed two Canadian quarterbacks start off in the exact same 7 days due to the fact 1982.
Nevertheless, what would make the play of Ford and Rourke so noteworthy isn’t just that they’re commencing, but also profitable football game titles.
“I consider Rourke and Tre Ford are extremely constructive for the younger football players in Canada,” mentioned Blue Bombers head mentor Mike O’Shea.


Tre Ford threw for 159 yards and a touchdown in his CFL setting up debut Friday night. (Peter Electric power / The Canadian Press information)
Blue seeking for get in Toronto
The Blue Bombers haven’t gained in Toronto due to the fact a 38-20 victory towards the Argonauts in Week 6 of the 2018 season.
The team’s struggles on the street from the Argos is one thing they are embracing in advance of a vacation to BMO Industry this 7 days.
“We unquestionably do pay back focus to that,” explained receiver Rasheed Bailey. “That’s one thing that me as one particular of the leaders on the crew and in the receiver area, that was 1 of the most significant things that I introduced up at the commencing of the 7 days.”
Bailey had two touchdowns and 86 yards in two video games against Toronto past year. Having said that, he’s continue to seeking for his very first landing of the period and Monday’s game in Toronto could be just what he demands.
The 28-year-outdated reported the very best is nonetheless to arrive for a Winnipeg offence that is improving each individual week.
“I sense like we’re obtaining tighter and getting shut and massive plays are gonna be starting up to get created,” he reported. “We’re just getting snug. Last match, we’re just a pair inches absent and I come to feel like each individual 7 days we just getting improved.”
No relaxation for the wicked
It’s a quick turnaround for Winnipeg who performs Toronto Monday and the undefeated B.C. Lions Saturday.
Blue Bombers defensive lineman Willie Jefferson reported the team worked difficult this week and tried using not to put far too much pressure on their bodies so they could execute nicely in Toronto and do it all more than yet again in Vancouver.
Whilst a shot at shutting down a Lions team that has scored 134 factors in 3 online games could make any defensive player salivate, Jefferson produced it apparent there is small business to handle in Toronto initial.
“We want to emphasis on Toronto, focus on this 7 days and focus on obtaining the gain on the street, in a spot that we have not won in in a pair of many years,” stated Jefferson.
Gavin.Axelrod@freepress.mb.ca
Twitter: Gavin77axe
