CFL 2023 Playoffs Western Final Review: Winnipeg Win the West For Fourth Straight Time

  

Grey Cup/Coupe Grey

British Columbia Lions (13-6) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (14-4)

The Liosn were actually able to get on the scoreboard first with a field goal.

However, the Blue Bombers responded later in the first quarter with a touchdown. 

Indeed, Winnipeg came out for this game firing on all cylinders, and showed it with a dominant first half performance. They continually flustered and frustrated  BC quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who was ultimately sacked nine times on this day.

In the second quarter and already up 8-3, Winnipeg managed to block a punt, and then the special teams took that ball and scored a touchdown. Midway through the second quarter, the Blue Bombers owned a 15-3 lead at home in IG Field, where they have proven to be very tough to beat.

Later in the quarter, Adams had a ball tipped, and which was ultimately intercepted. The Blue Bombers were unable to capitalize with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, but they did get a field goal to expand their lead to 18-3. 

However, Adams was able to make a couple of big completions very late in the second quarter, including a Hail Mary which was tipped and ultimately caught by wide receiver Justin McInnis for a touchdown. It was exactly what the Lions needed, as they closed to within 18-10 by halftime. 

Neither team was able to score a touchdown in the second half. However, the BC Lions got the first field goal, to close the margin and get to within 18-13.

But the Blue Bombers were not to be denied. They got two field goals, including one with just over three minutes left, to effectively put the game out of reach. Winnipeg's tough, physical defense did the rest. 

One more turnover by the BC Lions fittingly ended what little suspense remained in the game. The Blue Bombers defense, led by some stand outs, like Jackson Jeffcoat, just proved too much ultimately for the BC Lions, who lose the West Final in Winnipeg for a second year in a row.

Now, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are in their fourth straight Grey Cup Final, where they will take on the Alouettes. The two teams have never met before in the Grey Cup.

It should be interesting. 

CFL 2023 Recap: BC @ Winnipeg -  Western Final