WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

LAST YEAR: 4-14 - 4TH IN EAST DIVISION - MISSED THE PLAYOFFS

Winnipeg entered 2010 with a new head coach in Paul LaPolice. The Blue Bombers never really got going and finished at the bottom of the East Division – and entire CFL – with a 4-14 record. Injuries to Buck Pierce at the quarterback position prevented the Bombers from making any real headway in the East but bright spots included running back Fred Reid, who led the league in rushing, and Phillip Hunt (now departed), who led the league in quarterback sacks.

KEY ADDITIONS

Henoc Muamba, LB: The Bombers had the first pick in the Canadian Draft and used it to select Muamba from St. FX. Muamba was CIS’s top defensive player last season and cemented his status atop the Bombers’ draft board with a solid showing at the CFL Evaluation Camp. With his minor contract dispute settled in late May, Muamba will be expected to contribute right away in Winnipeg.

Kito Poblah, WR: Weeks after adding Muamba, the Bombers acquired another high-end prospect in Poblah via the supplemental draft. Like Muamba, Poblah will be expected to contribute for Winnipeg this season and, along with Jade Etienne – who was picked fourth overall in the Canadian Draft, will strengthen the Bombers’ non-import corps at receiver.

Other Notable Acquisitions: Shawn Mayne, LB

KEY DEPARTURES

Phillip Hunt, DE: One of the few bright spots for the Bombers last season, Hunt becomes yet another CFL star to try his luck down south in the NFL. After leading the league with 16 sacks and being named a CFL All-Star, the 25-year-old Hunt parlayed that success into a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving a big hole on the Bombers defensive line.

Steven Jyles, QB: While Jyles didn’t enter the 2010 season as the starter, he was still an integral part of the team as a safety blanket behind the oft-injured Buck Pierce. Jyles played in 14 games for Winnipeg last season, many times filling in for the injured starter. While Pierce remains an injury risk, the Bombers will hope last year’s No. 3, Joey Elliott, is up to the task as spot-starter.

Other Notable Departures: Yvenson Bernard, RB; Daryl Stephenson, RB; Markus Howell, WR; Taylor Inglis, LS; Ryan Donnelly, OL; Shawn Gallant, DB; LaVar Glover, DB

THE EXPERTS WEIGH IN

Chris Shultz's Team Overview: Sometimes you have to crawl before you walk, walk before you run, and run before you sprint. I make this statement in reference to Winnipeg Blue Bombers football because I see a progression leading to success. And if QB Buck Pierce can stay healthy, it will go a long way to winning a lot more games. More...

Matt Dunigan's Quarterback Analysis: When you phone the Blue Bombers' front office, you will hear the familiar voice of Buck Pierce. That's because the Blue and Gold have made Pierce the centrepiece of their organization. He's the real deal when he's healthy and the team will go as far as Pierce goes. More...

Duane Forde's Canadian Content: Defensive tackle Doug Brown remains amongst the CFL’s top defenders and guard Brendon LaBatte has been as consistent as they come since being chosen in the first round in ‘08. With the release of veteran Brock Ralph, second year wide receiver Cory Watson will be counted on as a full-time starter this season. More...

DRAFT OVERVIEW

In what some considered a mild surprise, the Bombers selected linebacker Henoc Muamba over offensive lineman Scott Mitchell, widely considered to be the consensus top draft pick. Winnipeg grabbed two other top prospects who should contribute right away in receivers Jade Etienne (fourth overall) and Kito Poblah (supplemental draft.) With seven picks in total, the Bombers used the Canadian Draft to restock their Canadian talent pool.

Draft Results

2010 Team Statistics