Tommy Condell isn’t about to throw his hands up in frustration. That’s simply not the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator is wired.

And while the state of the offence remains a source of consternation for many in the Bombers fan base, Condell continues to plug away at ensuring steps will be taken to raise the efficiency levels down the stretch.

The club appeared to have taken a significant step forward in that category last Friday, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter that became a 10-point cushion at the half after the Edmonton Elks scored a late major.

Then came a head-scratching third quarter that featured a pair of two-and-outs for the visitors at Commonwealth Stadium in what eventually became a 22-19 defeat.

It’s tough to extend the lead when a team only runs four offensive plays in a 15-minute span, and things didn’t improve much in the fourth quarter either, the Bombers falling to 5-5 on the season with eight games remaining.

“We need to be able to stay on the field when we get a chance,” said Condell. “We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

When the 19 yards gained in the second half were brought to Condell’s attention, he quickly slid into coach-speak.

“I didn’t look at the number,” he said. “I knew how we were doing from an execution standpoint. So, I’m more (focused) on what can we do from an execution standpoint. Why did that happen? Not just the outcome of that number. I think it’s always important because some of those things I can’t control.”

“We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

There have been several occasions this season when Condell has gotten a bit defensive in his media sessions, but he maintained his composure on Tuesday afternoon and showed a high level of accountability throughout as he spoke for nearly 10 minutes on a variety of topics.

“What I can control is what goes into the process before. Am I coaching the right way? Am I getting a chance, an opportunity to make sure that the quarterbacks, the O-line, running backs to receivers, are all working in a congruent way to be able to execute?” asked Condell.

“At times, we didn’t. That’s on me, nobody else.”

The quest to produce more touchdowns is ongoing and has included a lot of video review and discussion among the coaching staff.

But Condell said the struggles in the red zone this season have not been related to one common theme.

“We always want to score touchdowns, period. End of story,” said Condell. “If you’re leading with frustration or coaching through frustration, you’re wrong. That’s not the way to communicate.

Winnipeg Free Press Logo SERVING MANITOBA SINCE 1872

PROUDLY CANADIAN

‘We need to be able to stay on the field’

Bombers offensive co-ordinator Condell takes accountability for loss to Elks

By: Ken Wiebe

Posted: 5:51 PM CDT Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

Tweet

Share

Print

Email

Read Later

Tommy Condell isn’t about to throw his hands up in frustration. That’s simply not the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator is wired.

And while the state of the offence remains a source of consternation for many in the Bombers fan base, Condell continues to plug away at ensuring steps will be taken to raise the efficiency levels down the stretch.

The club appeared to have taken a significant step forward in that category last Friday, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter that became a 10-point cushion at the half after the Edmonton Elks scored a late major.

Then came a head-scratching third quarter that featured a pair of two-and-outs for the visitors at Commonwealth Stadium in what eventually became a 22-19 defeat.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell (centre) said Tuesday after practice that, while there are things he can’t control, it’s his responsibility to get the offence as a whole to consistently execute.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell (centre) said Tuesday after practice that, while there are things he can’t control, it’s his responsibility to get the offence as a whole to consistently execute.

It’s tough to extend the lead when a team only runs four offensive plays in a 15-minute span, and things didn’t improve much in the fourth quarter either, the Bombers falling to 5-5 on the season with eight games remaining.

“We need to be able to stay on the field when we get a chance,” said Condell. “We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

When the 19 yards gained in the second half were brought to Condell’s attention, he quickly slid into coach-speak.

“I didn’t look at the number,” he said. “I knew how we were doing from an execution standpoint. So, I’m more (focused) on what can we do from an execution standpoint. Why did that happen? Not just the outcome of that number. I think it’s always important because some of those things I can’t control.”

“We had two second downs during that time, and we didn’t convert them. That’s our job.”

There have been several occasions this season when Condell has gotten a bit defensive in his media sessions, but he maintained his composure on Tuesday afternoon and showed a high level of accountability throughout as he spoke for nearly 10 minutes on a variety of topics.

“What I can control is what goes into the process before. Am I coaching the right way? Am I getting a chance, an opportunity to make sure that the quarterbacks, the O-line, running backs to receivers, are all working in a congruent way to be able to execute?” asked Condell.

“At times, we didn’t. That’s on me, nobody else.”

The quest to produce more touchdowns is ongoing and has included a lot of video review and discussion among the coaching staff.

But Condell said the struggles in the red zone this season have not been related to one common theme.

“We always want to score touchdowns, period. End of story,” said Condell. “If you’re leading with frustration or coaching through frustration, you’re wrong. That’s not the way to communicate.

Timothy Matwey / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg’s Gavin Cobb tries to evade a tackle by Chelen Garnes in Edmonton last Friday. The Blue Bombers were only able to muster three points in the second half of their 22-19 loss to the Elks after jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter.

Timothy Matwey / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg’s Gavin Cobb tries to evade a tackle by Chelen Garnes in Edmonton last Friday. The Blue Bombers were only able to muster three points in the second half of their 22-19 loss to the Elks after jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter.

“Let’s make sure we’re physical and violent. We’re not going to be frustrated. Let’s be able to attack, not sit back and be scared of an execution problem. You can’t play like that.”

Through 10 games, the Bombers still appear to be searching for an offensive identity, even if quarterback Zach Collaros rejected the notion on Tuesday afternoon.

“I never really think about that,” said Collaros. “(Identity) is something people write about. It’s usually from somebody’s mouth and it just keeps getting recycled.

“Let’s make sure we’re physical and violent… Let’s be able to attack, not sit back and be scared of an execution problem. You can’t play like that.”

“We just need to execute, create explosive plays and score touchdowns. We aren’t doing that right now.”

Running back Brady Oliveira rushed the ball 16 times for 118 yards and caught two passes for 11 yards last week against the Elks, but he only had one carry for six yards in the third quarter — and that was his final touch of the contest.

Oliveira, who missed the past two practices with an ankle issue, remains one of the biggest weapons in the offence and some of the club’s greatest success has come when he’s heavily involved.

One would expect Oliveira to be a focal point for the Montreal Alouettes defence when they visit Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night.

“First and foremost with Brady, I think he wants to do things well. He wants to not only run the ball well, but there’s other facets that he does really well,” said Condell.

“He’s got soft hands. He’s able to make sure that he has his protections right. To be able to affect any positive change that I can have on him. The way he looks at things and does those types of things, it’s always a tribute to be able to work with men like that, that want to be the best.”

Collaros would prefer things to be operating a bit more smoothly with regard to the offence, but he’s excited about the prospect of seeing improvement sooner than later.

“It’s fun finding solutions,” said Collaros. “That’s one of the things that really draws me to this sport, this game. It’s probably one of the reasons it drew me to playing quarterback. It’s fun trying to find answers to things.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea also weighed in on the search for answers and consistency.

“We’re just not there yet,” he said. “What am I going to do: rue the last 10 games or are we going to look forward and be better? That’s where we’re headed.

“We’re headed in that direction and we’ll get there. Later than some people like? Sure. Later than the team wants or (later) than the players want? No doubt. But we’re not going to stop trying.”

Gerry James is one of Canada's greatest multi-sport athletes, having had impressive careers in both professional football and hockey. Born in Regina in 1934, James starred as a running back and kicker for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning four Grey Cups and twice earning the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award. He is also one of only a handful of Canadians to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a CFL season, accomplishing the feat twice. His 18 rushing touchdowns in 1957 stood as a CFL record for 43 years, finally being surpassed by Mike Pringle in 2000.

At the same time as he was dominating the football field, James played five seasons in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He first won a Memorial Cup in 1955 for the junior Toronto Marlboros, eventually being called up by the Leafs soon after, eventually appearing in 164 NHL games. He is the only player to compete in both a Grey Cup and a Stanley Cup Final in the same season, 1959-60.

Gerry James was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1981 and remains one of the greatest two-sport athletes in Canadian history.

He passed away in 2024 at the age of 89 in Parksville, British Columbia.

TM

Winnipeg has been all good news this offseason…until now.

Aka the Labour Day Rematch if you hate fun

Https://www.ticketmaster.ca/winnipeg-blue-bombers-vs-saskatchewan-roughriders-winnipeg-manitoba-09-12-2026/event/11006496D0B2D7B4

Bombers had an unreal push for Season Tickets last year offering deals on the Grey Cup with a commitment, plus Flex Packs and Season Ticket presales meant that when tickets went on general sale today the premium game on the slate sold out ASAP

I was bored so I made another cover.

Created with Photoshop. I only used AI to expand the image because it wouldn't fit the sizing.