BC Lions Escape Winnipeg with Victory Over Winless Blue Bombers

The BC Lions got revenge on West Division rival Winnipeg, winning a close one against the Blue Bombers on Friday night.

Jun 15, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; BC Lions head coach Rick Campbell celebrates a play during the second half against the Calgary Stampeders at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-USA TODAY Sports / Simon Fearn-USA TODAY Sports

The BC Lions got the job done at Princess Auto Stadium Friday night as they defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 26-24.

The Lions offense got a big boost from their playmakers, amassing 500 total yards and only punting twice. Winnipeg had 339 total yards and scored three touchdowns in the red zone.

BC starts its season with a 2-1 record after two consecutive wins. The Bombers start the season 0-3 for the first time since 2012 and lose their second home game in a season for the first time since 2018.

3 Takeaways from BC’s Win Over Winnipeg

1. Adams, Collaros Go Neck to Neck

Jun 15, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr (3) prepares to throw the ball during the second half Calgary Stampeders at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-USA TODAY Sports / Simon Fearn-USA TODAY Sports

Both quarterbacks had strong nights. Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros made big strides, throwing for 247 yards with just seven incompletions. Collaros had no turnovers but still hasn’t scored a touchdown in three games this season. His biggest miss of the night was a wide open Nic Demski late in the fourth quarter that could have extended the Bombers' drive.

Adams dominated once again for BC, throwing for a season-high 398 yards and two touchdowns. He got a lot of help from receivers Alexander Hollins and Justin McInnis, but his ability to move out of the pocket and throw the deep ball puts him in the conversation for CFL’s MOP.

2. Winnipeg’s Secondary Shredded by BC’s Alexander Hollins

Nov 11, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; BC Lions wide receiver Alexander Hollins (13) makes a catch as he is covered by Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Demerio Houston (35) during the second half of the game at IG Field. Winnipeg wins 24-13 to advance to Grey Cup. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports. / Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

The secondary has been a concern all season for Winnipeg, showing a tendency to allow big plays down the field. The Bombers once again struggled to cover the Lions' receivers with one player burning them all night.

Hollins had seven catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns. There were three big pass plays of over 25 yards from Hollins where he got behind the secondary.

3. Bombers’ Backs Against the Wall After Three Games

Jun 13, 2024; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Winnipeg Blue Bombers wide receiver Ontaria Wilson (80) is unable to hold onto the ball in the heavy rain at the end of the second half against the Ottawa REDBLACKS at TD Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports / Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Winnipeg had too many firsts on the wrong side of the franchise history. Now, as the team sits at the bottom of the standings in the West Division, they face a massive obstacle of making a comeback. BC, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders look to be the class of the division, so the Bombers have some competition this season.

Up Next

Edmonton Elks at BC Lions

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Calgary Stampeders

You can follow Anthony Miller on X @ByAnthonyMiller.

Catch up with CFL on SI.com on Facebook and X.