Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira expressed confidence in his team’s resilience ahead of Friday’s CFL Week 13 matchup against the league-leading Montreal Alouettes. Despite the Bombers’ uneven 5-5 start and offensive struggles, Oliveira emphasized the strong internal support and commitment he observes in the locker room.
After a disappointing loss to the Edmonton Elks, in which Winnipeg surrendered a 16-0 lead, the Bombers have lost three of four games. The defeat marks a worrying trend, with the team’s best first-half performance of the season undone by one of its worst showings in the second half. Winnipeg currently sits fourth in the West Division, behind Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and B.C., and just ahead of Calgary, which holds a 4-6 record.
Fans and analysts have begun to doubt the Bombers’ chances as serious Grey Cup contenders this season. Oliveira acknowledged the external skepticism but urged belief within the team. “We just got to really have faith and believe in ourselves,” he said, highlighting the challenge of navigating social media critics and naysayers.
Winnipeg’s offense continues to be its most significant weakness, ranking in the bottom third of the league for points scored, total yardage, and first downs. The passing game particularly lags, averaging about 80 fewer yards per game than Montreal, which places added pressure on the team to limit mistakes.
Head coach Mike O’Shea echoed the need for improvement. “When you play a team like Montreal, you got to play better than you’re playing,” he said, stressing the importance of cleaner, tighter execution.
Montreal enters the matchup with a nine-game winning streak and a potent offense led by quarterback Davis Alexander, who is the current frontrunner for Most Outstanding Player honors. Alexander leads the league with 3,400 passing yards and a 124.5 efficiency rating in 10 starts. Complementing him is tailback Travis Theis, who has averaged 104 rushing yards over the last six games.
Alexander, 27, last faced Winnipeg in the 2025 East Division semifinal, a 42-33 victory that ended the Bombers’ streak of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances. While this is his first regular-season start against Winnipeg, Alexander lauded his team’s focus on internal objectives rather than on opponents. He holds a remarkable 20-1 regular season record, including an undefeated 14-0 against East Division teams.
The Bombers’ defense, which allows the fewest passing yards and has the lowest completion percentage in the CFL, poses a challenge for Alexander’s aerial attack. Alexander noted the unique coverage schemes employed by defensive coordinator Jordan Younger and praised the strategic complexity they present.
Montreal has the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a win over Winnipeg combined with a Hamilton loss to Calgary. The Alouettes are assured at least a third-place finish in the East Division.
Head coach Jason Maas remains undeterred by external expectations. “We have a huge expectation in our locker room,” Maas said, reiterating the team’s goal of securing the franchise’s ninth Grey Cup championship. “Saying you’re going to win every week puts a target on your back. I couldn’t care less.” The Alouettes continue to work toward their championship aspirations with determined focus.