Struggling Winnipeg Blue Bombers seek to clarify issues plaguing their once-dominant pass defence
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, despite retaining their veteran-laden secondary from last year, have been grappling with pass defense issues in the 2025 season. Their pass defense ranks sixth worst in the league, allowing 285.3 passing yards per game[1][3].
The defense has been plagued by execution and communication problems, with defensive backs like Michael Griffin II pointing out that the unit is not playing well together[1]. This has resulted in missed plays and breakdowns.
Another issue is the defense's vulnerability to allowing long completions and big passes. Compared to the previous successful season, they have been giving up more deep completions (2.2 completions per game over 30 yards)[1][3].
Last year's success was not reliant on a strong pass rush, with the team being last in sacks with 26. While players like Willie Jefferson are still putting pressure on quarterbacks, the defense overall has struggled to replicate that success consistently[1][2].
Some roster adjustments and challenges maintaining the same level of cohesion and performance as the previous season have also played a part. Dexter Lawson Jr., who was released at the conclusion of training camp, has been brought back to address depth[3][4].
In their recent game against the Toronto Argonauts, the Blue Bombers suffered a 31-17 defeat. Nick Arbuckle threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns, highlighting the team's struggles to stop the pass[5].
The Blue Bombers will look to bounce back when they host the Toronto Argonauts at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, August 1. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on TSN 1050 in Toronto and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg for the game is 29 degrees and sunny. Evan Holm, a former All-West Division selection, mentioned that the team missed a lot of tackles in the recent game[6]. Deatrick Nichols, a two-time All-CFL boundary halfback, expressed that the team needs to do better and figure out their problems[2].
[1] - CFL.ca [2] - Winnipeg Free Press [3] - TSN [4] - CBC Sports [5] - CBC Sports [6] - Winnipeg Sun
In the current 2025 season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' pass defense, struggling with execution and communication problems, is ranked sixth worst in the league, allowing an average of 285.3 passing yards per game. Even in the face of a struggling pass defense, quarterbacks like Nick Arbuckle are still managing to throw for touchdowns, as evidenced by his performance in the recent game against the Toronto Argonauts where he threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns. [free agency, quarterback, touchdown, sports, football]
