There’s an expectation that looms over the head of any Grey Cup-winning team – that they’ll continue their success into the next season. But for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, this might not be so easy, and they could even see a fall from glory akin to that of the 2019 Redblacks following their Grey Cup appearance. So far this offseason, the Bombers have seen some big changes that spells danger for their 2020 season, with more troubles on the horizon. So why won’t they be able to defend their title next season?
The first big reason is the loss of Offensive Coordinator Paul LaPolice to Ottawa, whose offensive formula was key to the Bombers’ success, especially after the addition of Zach Collaros to the roster where LaPolice made a 2 quarterback system work. LaPolice leaves big shoes to fill in Winnipeg, and the Bombers need to find a replacement soon. However, even the best might not be enough – without LaPolice on coaching staff, the best offense in the CFL might be no more. Additionally, LaPolice will be able to use similar strategies in his new role as Redblacks Head Coach, which could see Ottawa back in contention for 2020, making the league all the more competitive and harder to be dominated by a single team.
Several crucial players have been lost from Winnipeg so far, with more to come. The release of DBs Winston Rose and Marcus Sayles leaves huge holes in a Bombers defence that was able to stifle opposition in 2020. The roles of Sayles and Rose are two that needing urgent replacement if Winnipeg wants to keep a hold on the defence that was so crucial in stifling the Ticats in last year’s Grey Cup. With the existence of high-powered offences in Hamilton, Edmonton and Montreal, an average defence isn’t enough for a team to be contenders. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers need the best on field, and the departures of Rose and Sayles makes this a lot tougher to achieve.
Then there’s the quarterback question. In 2019, Matt Nichols started off the season strong, with Chris Streveler putting up great numbers to hold up the fort after Nichols went out with injury in Week 10, and addition of Zach Collaros in Week 19 gave the Bombers the momentum they needed to push through the playoffs. However, it’s questionable how many of these QBs will be around in 2020. Both Collaros and Streveler are Free Agents – the Bombers are unlikely to sign both of them, with Streveler being the most obvious pick as his ability to create rushing plays complements Nichols’ strong passing skill. The probable loss of Collaros means two things for the Bombers – firstly, they’ll no longer have the dynamic playmaking skills that Collaros brings to any team he graces, but secondly, wherever Collaros goes will make that team an almost immediate contender, adding further competition to the Bombers’ title.
All in all, the Bombers will be a good team in 2020, but they’ll struggle to live up to the standards they set in their incredible season last year. Ultimately, several factors combined won’t ruin the Bombers, but will hurt them enough to stop them from a Grey Cup repeat.
The End Zone 
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