The Blue Bombers snapped a two-game losing streak and in the process handed the Eskimos their fourth straight loss to start the season as Winnipeg downed Edmonton 47-21.

Blue Bombers quarterback Steven Jyles, who was making just his second CFL start, completed 14 of 22 passes for 267 yards, he had one touchdown pass and threw two interceptions. Jyles also had a two-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter and another from one yard out with 3:41 left.  

Winnipeg scored 16 first quarter points. Defensive tackle Moton Hopkins returned a Ricky Ray interception 36 yards for a touchdown and Fred Reid added a four-yard touchdown run. The Bombers extended their lead to 23-0 when Jyles and Terrence Jeffers-Harris hooked up on a 46-yard catch and run for a major.

The Eskimos got on the board with four second left in the first half thanks to a huge play from their special team. Lawrence Gordon blocked Alexis Serna’s 39-yard field goal attempt and Ricky Ray then completed four straight passes including a 15-yarder to Jason Barnes for a touchdown. The Edmonton defence then got into the act as linebacker Javier Glatt intercepted a Jyles pass 55 seconds into the third quarter and eight plays later Ray threw his second touchdown pass of the game, a seven-yarder to running back Arkee Whitlock. The Eskimos added a late touchdown as Whitlock ran in from five yards out with 51 seconds remaining.

The Winnipeg defence was outstanding especially in the first half. Joe Lodendahn, Philip Hunt, Odell Willis and Moton Hopkins recorded quarterback sacks. Hopkins and LaVar Glover had interceptions while Brady Browne had a fumble recovery. The Bombers special team also contributed to the win as Jovon Johnson returned a Noel Prefontaine punt 83 yards for a touchdown with 2:41 remaining.

Winnipeg improved to 2-2 and will play four of their next five games on the road. The Blue Bombers will face the Stampeders in Calgary on Saturday, July 31st.

 

Winnipeg head coach Paul LaPolice addressed the media after last nights victory over Edmonton

 

 

Winnipeg receiver Brock Ralph with a third quarter reception

 

Edmonton's Lawrence Gordon blocks Alexis Serna's field goal attempt late in the first half