Winnipeg fans have yet to see their team lose at home, of course that's tempered by the facts that they've only played one home game thus far and that the Blue and Gold haven't won on the road, still if you're looking for positives on a rough start, undefeated at home has a nice ring to it.
Sure, the home season opener was a close call, if Steven Jyles hadn't fumbled the ball heading into the Bombers end of the field there's probably a good chance that last weeks result would be a little bit different, but, in November the only thing the fans will remember will be the Bombers victory, the Bombers no doubt hoping to add to the positive side of the ledger tonight when they take on the Alouettes.
The Bombers woes thus far have been pretty well documented, with starter Buck Pierce seemingly on the injury list in perpetuity, the offence has been handed over to Alex Brink who would seem to still be on a bit of a CFL learning curve in the role of a starter.
Tonight's game marks the third straight start for Brink, a spot which he may hold at least until September as Buck Pierce recovers from a troubled ankle, with each start he is gaining more confidence, though as the Winnipeg Free Press explains that's not something that seems to be a problem for the Oregonian, more importantly perhaps with each game he's giving his coaches and team mates more cause for confidence as well.
The Alouettes have had their struggles as well, though for the most part they have been competitive in their losses, though there are some signs that all is not well in Montreal for 2012.
The Als troubles are perhaps not quite as bad as those of their chosen air carrier for the week (a ten hour layover at Montreal Airport had the Als wondering if they would arrive in time for Friday's game), but there are a few things that have caused fans to take notice and fear that the glory days may finally have come to an end.
Beyond the obvious injured state of Anthony Calvillo, who is clearly not playing at 100 per cent, the Als have had some struggles in the early portion of the CFL season, holding a losing record for the first time since Marc Trestman came to town back in 2008.
Yet, Calvillo, Trestman and the rest of the Als still feel confident that the remainder of the season can be a positive experience for the Red, White and Bleu, finding improvement in all phases of their game with each passing week.
No panic in Montreal, as one would expect for a team that has been one of the most dominant of squads in the CFL over the last ten years. The Als will be calling on some of that confidence and past experience to keep pace with the front runners in the East through the summer and remain within striking distance as November approaches.
Game Time 7 PM CT, 8 ET, 5 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN
Montreal 36 at Winnipeg 26 (29,533)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Bombers seek their second win of the season when Alouettes visit
National Post-- Alouettes staying positive throughout early struggles
Winnipeg Free Press-- Winnipeg's Brink to make 3rd straight start as Bombers host Montreal
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers sans Turner against Als
Montreal Gazette-- Als must win despite jet lag
Team Backgrounders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Montreal Alouettes
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Richardson's two touchdowns lead Alouettes over struggling Bombers
National Post-- Field goals make the difference in Alouettes win over Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Als beat Bombers 36-26
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers need help with basics
Montreal Gazette-- Als end two game losing streak
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