Bombers eager to dust off cleats, take on Alouettes in 1st game of preseason

The Blue and Gold hit Investors Group Field Wednesday against the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg's first exhibition game of the 2016 season.

Despite the team's abysmal record in 2015,Bombers' head coachMikeO'Sheasaid he's confidentquarterback Drew Willy's "leadershipintangibles ... grit and toughness"will show through this season and help the team rebound.

"He hasn't played as many games as we'd alllike, but the ones he's played he's played very well," he said, adding Willy will start at QB Wednesday."He doesn't have anything to prove to me."

RAW: Bombers' head coach Mike O'Shea talks expectations for preseason game against Montreal

8 years ago

Duration 1:33

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea says the club will be watching who can execute plays during the team's preseason game.

Willydoesn't totally agree with O'Sheaon that front.

"I always have something to prove to myself," he said. "There's pressure in the position, pressure in the job and that's what you have to enjoy as the quarterback."

Willysaid that regardless ofhow long he plays Wednesday, ifhe gets pulled off the field his plan is to provide guidance and helpthe younger quarterbacks gettheir bearings.

"I remember being one of those guys and a lot of times it comes down to those two preseason games [in terms of] making a team or being active," he said.

RAW: 'I've always got something to prove,' Bombers QB Drew Willy says

8 years ago

Duration 1:28

Drew Willy will start as quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Wednesday in the team's first preseason game of the year.

Itching to 'fully tackle somebody'

The rest of the squad is eager to prove themselves to O'Sheaand club management in the preseasonand theanticipation has been giving 6-foot-2Winnipeg linebackerKhalil Bass itchy feet.

"It's been over seven months since we've played an actual game, and I actually got to fully tackle somebody," he said.

Bass said most of the team has been together for at least a year now, and they're excited to work with some of the young blood acquired in the off season.

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"We had a couple younger guys in. We welcomed them in, taken them under our wings, so we're a good group," he said. "I'm bringing my same attitude, my same emotion, my same swagger and just taking more of a leadership role."

The Bombers addedAdrian Hubbardto the roster in the off-season, and the6-foot-6 defensive endsaid despite having to play two preseason gamesin sixdays, he plans to leave it all on the field.

"I wouldn't tell any athlete to hold anything back," he said.

Getting off to good start

Wide receiverDarvinAdams said he plans to put his best foot forward in the opening game and seehow his off-seasonwork with his new trainer will pay off on the field.

"We just really got to do what we do, and prepare well, and come out every game and just play,"he said. "We're just going to work harder and try not to make it [happen] the same as last year."

RAW: Bombers eager to take on Alouettes in 1st preseason game of season

8 years ago

Duration 1:24

The Bombers play the Montreal Alouettes at Investors Group Field Wednesday in the first preseason action of the 2016 CFL season.

The game Wednesday will also be about trying out different combinations of players to see "who can get the job done" and get the team off to a good start this season,O'Shea said.

"It's very important to the fans that we start off fast and keep going," he said."It's about focusing in and making sure that the execution is there tomorrow. I mean, you'll be able to tell by the energy level on the sideline how much fun the guys are having playing football."

Kick off at IGF is at 7 p.m. CT.