The Aug. 12 cuts surgically targeted the two units gashed in the losing streak.

Winnipeg released American DB Matthew Jackson and National DL Collin Kornelson immediately after allowing 87 points in two games, including a franchise-record 377 rushing yards in the 35-19 loss to B.C. Those cuts opened depth spots on the defensive interior and secondary — the exact areas that were exploited — without touching the offensive side.