Matt Nichols and Chris Streveler each threw a touchdown pass as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Edmonton Eskimos 33-13 Friday night at Investors Group Field.

The visitors jumped out to an early 7-0 lead as Jordan Robinson took a Justin Medlock punt 98 yards for a touchdown less than two minutes into the first quarter.

That was the only time the Eskimos found the Winnipeg end zone.

“At times we played a good physical style of game,” said Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. “We rebounded nicely from a punt return that we gave up - come back out on defense and take the ball away and put our offense in a good position. There’s lots of things to build on. It’s pretty exciting to be back and get the guys out on the field again and have them play. Have guys running around making plays, hits and blocking, it’s good stuff.”

Nichols, who tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Adarius Bowman, completed seven-of-13 passes for 107 yards.

“We started a little slow but I think we picked up pretty good halfway through the first quarter and our first drive in the second quarter,” said Nichols. “I thought we did some good things. I saw the game well and made some good throws. I had one sail on me a little bit but those things happen but other than that I thought we moved the ball well.”

“I was happy that we were able to capitalize,” added the Bombers starting quarterback. “I think it was off a turnover that we went down and scored a touchdown which is something we want to improve on with the amount of takeaways our defense has.”

Streveler, who is competing for the back-up job with Alex Ross and Zack Mahoney, completed all 10 of his pass attempts including an 80-yard bomb to Myles White late in the third quarter.

Johnny Augustine had an 18-yard touchdown run and finished the night with 81 yards on eight carries after replacing Andrew Harris in the Winnipeg backfield.

“It was an amazing opportunity,” said Augustine. “That’s what I talk about – seizing the moment. I work hard for those moments. I couldn’t do it without the offensive line. This offense is amazing. It’s surreal and I’m just thankful to be here.”

Justin Medlock and Felix Menard-Briere both kicked two field goals.

The auditions continue next Friday as the Blue Bombers play their final preseason game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver.

Winnipeg’s 2018 season opener is Thursday, June 14th at home against Edmonton.


photo courtesy Winnipeg Football Club