Three keys for Bombers facing undefeated Eskimos

Resident Bombers expert John Hodge, known on Twitter as @BlueBomberTalk shared some takes on the West Division tilt between Edmonton and Winnipeg on Thursday night.

1. Mike Reilly will test the field-side of the #Bombers' secondary all night tonight. If they pass the test, they're for real.

— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) August 17, 2017

The Bombers field tandem of corner Roc Carmichael and halfback Brian Walker – both CFL rookies – have been thrown at a lot. Yes, they’re rookies so it makes sense to test them, but Chris Randle and T.J. Heath have been near lockdown on the boundary side, which has increased the number of balls targeted at the first-year cover men.

3. #Bombers now have a better record than the #Lions, yet still get little respect. If WPG bests EDM, that better change. #Esks #CFL

— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) August 17, 2017

CFL all-star defensive tackle Almondo Sewell is out with an upper body injury and end Marcus Howard, lower body, has been placed on the six-game injured list. Golden chance for Winnipeg to capitalize with the best interior lineman in the league on the shelf.

If the Bombers have aspirations of becoming a legitimate Grey Cup contender in 2017, Mike O’Shea and his group need to win games of this magnitude at home. Last time an elite squad came to The Peg, Calgary made it look easy with a 29-10 Week 3 victory.