Turnover trouble hampering Bombers

As Chris Streveler stood and faced the music from a scrum of reporters after Tuesday’s practice, his infant daughter — who was in the arms of his partner just a few feet away — began to wail.

“Sick of talking about turnovers over there, huh?” quipped Streveler, who had been asked several times about giveaways, while looking in her direction.

It’s a topic, however, that cannot be ignored. The issue has consistently plagued the Bombers all season regardless of whether it’s been Streveler or Zach Collaros — who was was dressed on Tuesday but didn’t participate in any team drills as he’s still working his way back from a head injury — under centre.

After falling 32-21 in Hamilton on Friday, the Bombers are now 6-7 overall and 0-6 when losing the turnover battle. Streveler threw a pair of backbreaking interceptions in the first half and Winnipeg never recovered.

“I think maybe us players could be put in some better situations to succeed as well so that it always doesn’t fall on the player,” said running back Brady Oliveira.

“Obviously, I’ll always have Strev’s back. He did make some really good decisions in that game. He’s the ultimate competitor, he has such great energy in that huddle, commands the offence. When there’s highs and lows in the game, he just brings everyone together and stays levelheaded. Again, maybe he can be put in better situations to succeed. That’s my guy, man. I’m gonna have his back. And for people commenting on his game, you go in there and try and do it. One hundred per cent you couldn’t do it.”

Streveler has tossed 10 picks and Collaros has 13 to his name. The only CFL pivot with more is Toronto’s Nick Arbuckle (14) after he threw four on the weekend in a 31-30 win over Edmonton.

Head coach Mike O’Shea didn’t provide an update on Collaros but did say he’s not ruled out for Saturday’s game in Ottawa (2 p.m. CT).

The Bombers have committed a league-high 36 turnovers in total.

“Obviously, we keep digging for those answers because it’s hard to win football games like that,” said O’Shea.

“I’ve said this at least 100 times: you can’t pin it all on the quarterbacks. You look at a stat that gets tagged to the quarterback that doesn’t tell the whole story on all those plays. You have to look at all those plays individually and assess where we can be better.”

There’s no doubt Streveler needs to be better, especially if Collaros can’t suit up against the Redblacks. Since Week 2, the 30-year-old has thrown three touchdowns and nine interceptions. His two crucial errors against the Tiger-Cats both led to touchdowns.

“You don’t want to be turning the ball over, you don’t want to be throwing picks, it’s not ideal,” said Streveler.

“We obviously wish it wasn’t that way, but it is that way. So, what can we do? We can focus on making it more of a point of emphasis and just try to hyperfocus on taking care of the football and that’s what we can do moving forward.”

O’Shea was quick to point out that Streveler is 2-1 as a starter this season — even though one of those victories was a 40-31 win over Toronto on Aug. 1 where Streveler threw three interceptions but was saved by 21 points coming from the special teams and defence.

“He was still part of it,” said O’Shea. “When he’s out there on the field, he brings an energy that’s pretty special.”

Streveler is ranked 22nd in the league in quarterback efficiency rating at 72.1. Even though Collaros hasn’t been in MOP form this year, it goes without saying that he’s a major upgrade at 96.6.

Despite many fans and media members — most notably Bombers legend Milt Stegall — calling for Collaros to retire due to his history of head injuries, his return appears to be imminent. If he doesn’t get the OK in time for Ottawa, he’ll likely be ready for next week’s tilt at home against Hamilton.

“I think we’re so in the moment. We understand our shelf life is short as professional athletes. Whenever we have an opportunity to compete on the field, you want to go compete,” said Oliveira.

“I’d want to play. I’m stubborn, too. Maybe people are trying to look out for your best interests. Whatever the case is… I want to play.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca