Before we get to the four Division Final matchups that I believe will have the biggest impact on who punches their ticket to the 112th Grey Cup, let me give a big thank you to the 2025 Grey Cup Playoffs.
I was at that game and saying that the Montreal defence nearly let the game slip away is overstated. The Winnipeg comeback in the third quarter was mostly due to an interception and then a fumble, both of which were committed by the Montreal offence. Two touchdowns resulted after those plays. Sure the defence had a role to play, but this was hardly just on them. Still, to see Montreal come back after all that was actually the most impressive part of the game!
Another sports site said this of Buck Pierce’s 2024 Bombers campaign: “…many fans in Winnipeg who felt the offence had grown stale over the course of Buck Pierce’s tenure, ranking seventh in scoring, sixth in net yards, and tied for fifth in yards per play in 2024.” Pierce doesn’t have the imagination to take advantage of the skills displayed by Rourke, Hatcher, McInnis etc. He loves running up the middle on first down even if it keeps failing. He starts off most games with Butler up the middle for no or little gain. He is predictable and Mace is smarter - he will take advantage of Pierce’s conservative play calling. Not sure why Ringmaiden hired a stodgy play caller with the arsenal on offence he has.
IMO you have to give credit where it’s due. I don’t think Montreal nearly let the game slip away. It’s more that Winnipeg came out desperate and focused and won the third quarter by forcing turnovers and scoring points off those turnovers. They’re a good veteran team and you knew they weren’t going to roll over and die after the first half.
I agree that Montreal’s response was great. No panic, just execution.