u/Strevolution

Tommy Condell isn’t about to throw his hands up in frustration. That’s simply not the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator is wired.

And while the state of the offence remains a source of consternation for many in the Bombers fan base, Condell continues to plug away at ensuring steps will be taken to raise the efficiency levels down the stretch.

The club appeared to have taken a significant step forward in that category last Friday, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter that became a 10-point cushion at the half after the Edmonton Elks scored a late major.

Then came a head-scratching third quarter that featured a pair of two-and-outs for the visitors at Commonwealth Stadium in what eventually became a 22-19 defeat.

It’s tough to extend the lead when a team only runs four offensive plays in a 15-minute span, and things didn’t improve much in the fourth quarter either, the Bombers falling to 5-5 on the season with eight games remaining.

“We need to be able to stay on the field when we get a chance,” said Condell. “We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

When the 19 yards gained in the second half were brought to Condell’s attention, he quickly slid into coach-speak.

“I didn’t look at the number,” he said. “I knew how we were doing from an execution standpoint. So, I’m more (focused) on what can we do from an execution standpoint. Why did that happen? Not just the outcome of that number. I think it’s always important because some of those things I can’t control.”

“We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

There have been several occasions this season when Condell has gotten a bit defensive in his media sessions, but he maintained his composure on Tuesday afternoon and showed a high level of accountability throughout as he spoke for nearly 10 minutes on a variety of topics.

“What I can control is what goes into the process before. Am I coaching the right way? Am I getting a chance, an opportunity to make sure that the quarterbacks, the O-line, running backs to receivers, are all working in a congruent way to be able to execute?” asked Condell.

“At times, we didn’t. That’s on me, nobody else.”

The quest to produce more touchdowns is ongoing and has included a lot of video review and discussion among the coaching staff.

But Condell said the struggles in the red zone this season have not been related to one common theme.

“We always want to score touchdowns, period. End of story,” said Condell. “If you’re leading with frustration or coaching through frustration, you’re wrong. That’s not the way to communicate.

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‘We need to be able to stay on the field’

Bombers offensive co-ordinator Condell takes accountability for loss to Elks

By: Ken Wiebe

Posted: 5:51 PM CDT Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

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Tommy Condell isn’t about to throw his hands up in frustration. That’s simply not the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator is wired.

And while the state of the offence remains a source of consternation for many in the Bombers fan base, Condell continues to plug away at ensuring steps will be taken to raise the efficiency levels down the stretch.

The club appeared to have taken a significant step forward in that category last Friday, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter that became a 10-point cushion at the half after the Edmonton Elks scored a late major.

Then came a head-scratching third quarter that featured a pair of two-and-outs for the visitors at Commonwealth Stadium in what eventually became a 22-19 defeat.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell (centre) said Tuesday after practice that, while there are things he can’t control, it’s his responsibility to get the offence as a whole to consistently execute.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell (centre) said Tuesday after practice that, while there are things he can’t control, it’s his responsibility to get the offence as a whole to consistently execute.

It’s tough to extend the lead when a team only runs four offensive plays in a 15-minute span, and things didn’t improve much in the fourth quarter either, the Bombers falling to 5-5 on the season with eight games remaining.

“We need to be able to stay on the field when we get a chance,” said Condell. “We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

When the 19 yards gained in the second half were brought to Condell’s attention, he quickly slid into coach-speak.

“I didn’t look at the number,” he said. “I knew how we were doing from an execution standpoint. So, I’m more (focused) on what can we do from an execution standpoint. Why did that happen? Not just the outcome of that number. I think it’s always important because some of those things I can’t control.”

“We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

There have been several occasions this season when Condell has gotten a bit defensive in his media sessions, but he maintained his composure on Tuesday afternoon and showed a high level of accountability throughout as he spoke for nearly 10 minutes on a variety of topics.

“What I can control is what goes into the process before. Am I coaching the right way? Am I getting a chance, an opportunity to make sure that the quarterbacks, the O-line, running backs to receivers, are all working in a congruent way to be able to execute?” asked Condell.

“At times, we didn’t. That’s on me, nobody else.”

The quest to produce more touchdowns is ongoing and has included a lot of video review and discussion among the coaching staff.

But Condell said the struggles in the red zone this season have not been related to one common theme.

“We always want to score touchdowns, period. End of story,” said Condell. “If you’re leading with frustration or coaching through frustration, you’re wrong. That’s not the way to communicate.

Timothy Matwey / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg’s Gavin Cobb tries to evade a tackle by Chelen Garnes in Edmonton last Friday. The Blue Bombers were only able to muster three points in the second half of their 22-19 loss to the Elks after jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter.

Timothy Matwey / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg’s Gavin Cobb tries to evade a tackle by Chelen Garnes in Edmonton last Friday. The Blue Bombers were only able to muster three points in the second half of their 22-19 loss to the Elks after jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter.

“Let’s make sure we’re physical and violent. We’re not going to be frustrated. Let’s be able to attack, not sit back and be scared of an execution problem. You can’t play like that.”

Through 10 games, the Bombers still appear to be searching for an offensive identity, even if quarterback Zach Collaros rejected the notion on Tuesday afternoon.

“I never really think about that,” said Collaros. “(Identity) is something people write about. It’s usually from somebody’s mouth and it just keeps getting recycled.

“Let’s make sure we’re physical and violent… Let’s be able to attack, not sit back and be scared of an execution problem. You can’t play like that.”

“We just need to execute, create explosive plays and score touchdowns. We aren’t doing that right now.”

Running back Brady Oliveira rushed the ball 16 times for 118 yards and caught two passes for 11 yards last week against the Elks, but he only had one carry for six yards in the third quarter — and that was his final touch of the contest.

Oliveira, who missed the past two practices with an ankle issue, remains one of the biggest weapons in the offence and some of the club’s greatest success has come when he’s heavily involved.

One would expect Oliveira to be a focal point for the Montreal Alouettes defence when they visit Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night.

“First and foremost with Brady, I think he wants to do things well. He wants to not only run the ball well, but there’s other facets that he does really well,” said Condell.

“He’s got soft hands. He’s able to make sure that he has his protections right. To be able to affect any positive change that I can have on him. The way he looks at things and does those types of things, it’s always a tribute to be able to work with men like that, that want to be the best.”

Collaros would prefer things to be operating a bit more smoothly with regard to the offence, but he’s excited about the prospect of seeing improvement sooner than later.

“It’s fun finding solutions,” said Collaros. “That’s one of the things that really draws me to this sport, this game. It’s probably one of the reasons it drew me to playing quarterback. It’s fun trying to find answers to things.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea also weighed in on the search for answers and consistency.

“We’re just not there yet,” he said. “What am I going to do: rue the last 10 games or are we going to look forward and be better? That’s where we’re headed.

“We’re headed in that direction and we’ll get there. Later than some people like? Sure. Later than the team wants or (later) than the players want? No doubt. But we’re not going to stop trying.”

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are being criticized by some fans online for booking the University of North Dakota’s marching band for Friday’s game against Montreal.

With the current state of Canada-U.S. relations, and Friday being designated as Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night, many view the club’s decision to invite a band from a pro-Trump state as a puzzling one.

But I don’t think politics enter into this entertainment realm when you’re dealing with university kids that are coming up here to put on a show.”

There has been discussion about booing the visitors from North Dakota or simply ignoring them altogether during their halftime performance.

O’Shea isn’t in favour of either approach.

“I’ll tell you what I think. I think like the 2021 West Final, we should be out of our seats, singing along, cheering and rocking the stadium. I mean, these are young men and women that are longing to be a part of something and entertain a crowd and they get a thrill out of entertaining and being a part of a team — and they are part of a team,” said O’Shea.

“And some of them might not even be old enough to vote. But I know as a parent, I understand how tough society can be on young men and women these days and I think we should damn well support them. They’re kids, they’re here to entertain us, and I think we should get out of our seats and if we know the song, we should all sing along with them.”

Bombers halfback Evan Holm hails from Edina, Minn., and played university football at North Dakota.

“I’m a very proud Canadian,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea after Tuesday’s practice.

I’ve lived in Minnesota, North Dakota and Winnipeg now. To me, it’s all the same. It’s pretty similar topography and stuff, too, so it’s all the same. I don’t know, we’re all human. (There’s) not that much of a difference as we’d like to think,” said Holm.

I think Dru has a huge game and we win by 2 scores

HAMILTON — You would think Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift would’ve looked at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ schedule before locking in a date for their wedding.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the global music icon tied the knot Friday at New York’s Madison Square Garden in front of a star-studded guest list.

Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros — who was teammates with Kelce during their time at the University of Cincinnati — was invited but had to miss the occasion to prepare for Sunday’s road clash against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6 p.m. CT).

Travis Kelce, left, and Taylor Swift pose after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, January 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.

“I told him that! I talked to him the other day,” said Collaros shortly after arriving in Hamilton on Saturday. “They were taking a walk together and I’m like ‘You guys could’ve taken a look at the damn schedule.’ But yeah, it is what it is.”

It’s well documented that Collaros has remained close friends with both Travis and Jason Kelce since their days at Cincinnati, where they also happened to be roommates.

Travis, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is entering his 14th season with the Chiefs. Jason, who played centre for the Philadelphia Eagles and served as the best man at the wedding, retired in 2024 after a 13-year career that included a Super Bowl victory in 2018.

“I was bummed (to miss the wedding) because Trav came to all my stuff. We had engagement parties, we had bachelor parties obviously, and our wedding up here,” said Collaros, who met his wife, Nicole, in 2015 while playing for the Ticats.

“So, that makes it tough. But you can speak to any pro football player, part of this deal is you miss events like that. It just kind of is what it is."

Where's your favourite place to eat before going to a game? Preferably near the stadium

"Kelly refused to answer 3DownNation‘s questions regarding the incident, remaining silent and staring ahead blankly during the subsequent follow-up. He also chose not to respond to a later question from a different 3DownNation reporter regarding his performance on the field, instead removing his headphones, thanking the media, and exiting the virtual press conference."

Welcome to week 2! This week I've decided to go with a bit of an unorthodox strategy. I have found that my highest point players are often runningbacks, so I'm opting to save some money with some budget receivers and and short yardage QB, in hopes that two top-tier RBs will be worth it.

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QB: Bryce Perkins ($6k) - Perkins was fantastic on short yardage last week, even converting on a QB sneak on 2nd and 3. With how cheap he is, if he even gets 2 rushing TDs, he will be worth the price tag. Heck, even 1 TD would be fine for such a low price.

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RB: Brady Oliveira ($14k) - I have no idea how Oliveira's price decreased after last week's performance, he looks as good as ever.

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RB: James Butler ($14.5k) - He had a great season last year, and I see no reason for this to not continue.

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WR: Tyler Snead ($13k) - He had an amazing game  last week with 31.3 fantasy points, so I'm hoping that this wasn't a fluke. I'm honestly surprised he isn't $15k.

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WR: Stanley Berryhill III ($5.5k) - With 713 yards and 6 TDs last season, Berryhill is an absolute steal at $5.5k. I think any starting WR in Rourke's offense is a solid pick, but I can't pass up a price this good.

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Flex: Alexander Hollins ($7k) - Hollins had an injury plagued 2025, but his 2023 and 2024 seasons were fantastic. I feel that Hollins has a pretty high ceiling for just $7k.

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Defence: Winnipeg Blue Bombers ($9.8k) - 4 sacks and a fumble recovery is great, however allowing 28 points limited Winnipeg's fantasy points to just 5. I'm betting that Ceresna and Willie will do to BLM what they did to VAJ, and crossing my fingers that the defense as a whole can do a better job of limiting the overall score.

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Let me know what you think, tell me what I'm doing wrong, and please feel free to drop your team in the comments!