2010 CFL Eastern Preview - Winnipeg Blue Bombers

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06/21/2010 - Winnipeg, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - East. 2009 Record: 7-11. Playoff Result: Didn't Make Playoffs. Stadium - Canad Inns Stadium. Capacity - 29,533. Colors: Blue and gold.

The 2009 season was certainly a disappointment for the Blue Bombers, who finished 7-11 and missed the playoffs. Losses to Montreal and Hamilton in the final two regular season games by a combined 57 points illustrated just how far away the franchise is from returning to elite status. The Bombers have 10 Grey Cup championships in their history, but earning an 11th title seems like a longshot heading into the 2010 campaign.

Winnipeg must concern itself with improving significantly on both sides of the ball, as it scored fewer points than all but one team in the league while also surrendering the most points in the CFL. The fact that they did not make a selection in the first round of the recent CFL Draft certainly didn't help matters, and while second-round pick Cory Watson, a talented receiver, should help immediately, it is unreasonable to place high expectations on a rookie.

Winnipeg will have a new quarterback under center this season, as the team brought a whole new group of signal-callers into the organization. While the competition for the starting spot is still underway, many believe that veteran Buck Pierce will get the nod for the opener. Pierce played five season with BC before signing with Winnipeg as a free agent in April. He has thrown for 8,734 yards and 48 touchdowns against 31 interceptions in his career. Known as a traditional pocket passer, Pierce is capable of making plays with his legs when needed.

The workhorse offensively for the Blue Bombers figures to be Fred Reid, a talented RB who racked up 1,371 rushing yards on 238 carries with seven touchdowns a year ago. The team lacked a 1,000-yard receiver in 2009, so the newly acquired Chris Davis and Watson have the opportunity to emerge as go-to guys. Adarius Bowman is the most productive holdover at the receiver position.

Barrin Simpson led Winnipeg in tackles last season, but he is now a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Fortunately, Dorian Smith returns after posting eight sacks a year ago.

Leading the Blue Bombers in 2010 will be first-year coach Paul LaPolice, who became the franchise's 28th head coach in February. LaPolice served as an offensive assistant coach for Winnipeg in 2002 and 2003, and most recently served as an assistant for Saskatchewan.

While LaPolice brings a new energy to the program, the fact is that he possesses sub-par talent on the offensive side, and a defense that is underwhelming at best. The offseason featured many signings but few of any significant consequence.

Winnipeg may find a way to make the playoffs, which seems like a bit of a stretch, but even a postseason appearance would end quickly.

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<< 2010 CFL Eastern Preview - Toronto Argonauts
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - East. 2009 Record: 3-15. Playoff Result: Didn't make playoffs. Stadium - Rogers Centre. Capacity - 53,000. Colors: Oxford blue, Cambridge blue, White. There is both an optimistic

<< 2010 CFL Western Preview - Saskatchewan Roughriders
Regina, SK (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - West. 2009 record - 10-7-1. Playoff result: Lost, 28-27, to Montreal in the Grey Cup Championship. Stadium - Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field. Capacity - 30,945. Colors - Green, white,

<< 2010 CFL Eastern Preview - Montreal Alouettes
Montreal, QC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - East. 2009 Record: 15-3. Playoff Result: First in Eastern Division, won 28-27 in Grey Cup Championship. Stadium - Percival Molson Stadium. Capacity - (20,202). Colors: Red, blue, s

<< 2010 CFL Eastern Preview - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - East. 2009 Record: 9-9. Playoff Result: Finished first in East Division, lost in first round of Playoffs. Stadium - Ivor Wynne Stadium. Capacity - 29,600. Colors: Black & Gold.

<< 2010 CFL Western Preview - Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - West. 2009 record - 9-9. Playoff result: Lost, 24-21, to Calgary in division semifinal. Stadium - Commonwealth Stadium. Capacity - 60,081. Colors - Green, gold, black and white.

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