Collaros Back, Bombers 4-4: Oliveira Leads CFL Rushing, But Run Defence Still a Wreck
At 4-4 and coming out of a second bye, the Blue Bombers are exactly where the standings suggest: a .500 team with a two-game losing streak and a thin margin for error in the West. Zach Collaros returning under centre after missing four games stabilizes the offence, but the numbers say this team’s pr
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Oliveira's 100-yard rushing games have lost their magic — the Bombers are now under .500 in those contests.
From 2021-24, Winnipeg went 16-1 in games where Brady Oliveira cracked 100 yards. Over the last two seasons, that mark has flipped to 3-4, including two losses this year; Oliveira leads the CFL in carries and yards but his receiving pace (45) is down from a career-best 61, signalling defences are loading the box and forcing the pass.
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Bombers' Return of Collaros Won't Hide This Run-Defense Disaster
I was in the Winnipeg locker room after that B.C. blowout — the 35-19 loss where the Lions bulldozed for 377 yards rushing — and the vibe wasn't "we'll get them next time." It was fear. Brady Oliveira and Nic Demski both muttered "a blur" because they didn't want to throw the defensive staff under the bus. But Willie Jefferson and Jake Ceresna? Stone cold silent. They're tied for the CFL sack lead with six each, yet their run defense is the league's punchline. That's not a coincidence — that's a coordinator who's allergic to adjusting. Now Zach Collaros is back behind center, and that's the distraction they want you to watch. The real drama: this staff has quietly gone all-in on feeding Oliveira (33 carries, 235 yards the last two games), but his 100-yard games don't mean wins no more — i