Grey Cup Preview: Receiving, Running, & Defence

Oliveria should get the ball often as Collaros threw 3 INTs last matchup.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Alouettes both have great receivers, but the Bombers are better. They have Schoen who is a game-time decision, they also have Lawler, Demski, Wolitarski, and Rasheed Bailey. Montreal has many good players like Austin Mack and Tyson Philpot but just not as many. Receiving will be a big part of both team’s games, but the Bombers can also run the ball very well.

A big part of Winnipeg’s offence is running, Brady Olivera was the West M.O.P. nominee, and the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian. He is the best running back in the whole league and will be a huge part of this game. Montreal does not run the ball that much. Their leading rusher last Saturday was Cody Fajardo with 38 yards.

These two teams also have the two best defences in the CFL, Montreal’s defence led the way last week with 9 turnovers, all nine on Chad Kelly. Montreal had 3 interceptions in week 12 even though they lost 47-17. In the west final, the Bombers had 10 sacks, led by Willie Jefferson with two sacks and a fumble recovered. They also had 3 interceptions on VA. This will be many of the players first Grey Cups, but this will also be Demerio Houston’s first because of injuries the last few years. Both teams were led by the defence last week, but that was like a historically good game for Montreal.

My final prediction of the 2023 CFL season is Winnipeg 38 to Montreal 17. I think both defences will be solid, but Winnipeg is just the better team, and the Als already had one stunning upset in these Grey Cup Playoffs.