Need to know basis for Alouettes

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to keep the Montreal Alouettes guessing for as long as possible.

The Blue and Gold aren’t offering any clues about who will be under centre in Saturday’s East Division final at Percival Molson Stadium (3 p.m. kickoff).

The Bombers practised in an official capacity on Wednesday — their first since a stunning 25-22 win over Toronto in the East Division semifinal on the weekend.

They typically start the week with an open session, but the practice was closed to the general public and media.

Whether head coach Mike O’Shea wants to admit it or not, the reason for the secrecy is hardly a mystery.

The Bombers will hold an open practice Thursday, giving the outside world its first and only glimpse of who is taking the first-team reps at quarterback: Zach Collaros or Dru Brown.

“I’m not in (Montreal’s) room, so I don’t know if they’re guessing or they’re planning like they probably are for whatever quarterbacks we have,” said O’Shea.

“You usually plan for co-ordinators. So less about the players.”

So, if that’s the case, why not reveal who QB1 is now?

“Why would I do that? Why would I share the roster? It’s the time of year I’m not going to share anything,” said O’Shea.

The Bombers’ preparation has looked a little different this week. They typically take two days off from on-field activities following a game but opted for three this time around.

“We’ve done it before. The most important thing is making sure the guys are fresh. Fresh is best,” said O’Shea. “It’s going to be a physical game, so they’ve got to be able to deliver. I’ve said this 100 times: you can put all the planning you want together, but if they can’t compete physically then what’s the use?”

Collaros (ribs) was a limited participant last Thursday but did not suit up against the Argos. The injury report was released late Wednesday afternoon, and the veteran quarterback, who was hurt in the regular-season finale against the B.C. Lions, was again listed as limited.

If the 38-year-old can’t suit up Saturday, it would mark his eighth missed game of the season.

Outside of the opening and closing drives in Toronto, Brown had an underwhelming performance, completing 18 of 30 passes for 206 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while also losing a fumble.

“Look, Dru’s come in and I thought given us a spark,” said running back Brady Oliveira. “We look back at that B.C. game (scoring 31 consecutive points in relief of Collaros to clinch a playoff spot), and then obviously, when it mattered most down the stretch in the Toronto game, he came in and did exactly what he needed to do to help us win that game. The fact that Dru’s here is obviously really important for our team.”

With Collaros missing nearly a third of the season, it’s fair to wonder if bouncing back and forth between two passers has played a significant role in the offence’s inability to find a consistent rhythm.

“I don’t think there’s much of a change, to be honest. I think it’s been pretty seamless,” said right guard Patrick Neufeld. “I think both of those guys play quite the same way, in my opinion.”

Whoever gets the nod will need to bring their A-game.

With Collaros under centre, the Bombers thumped the Als 44-28 in Winnipeg in August. Brown got the start when the teams met again in Montreal in October, and the Alouettes dominated 37-10.

The Bombers (9-9) didn’t look like a championship-calibre team for much of the season. Montreal, meanwhile, cruised to a 14-4 record behind superstar quarterback Davis Alexander and receiver Tyson Philpot.

And yet, both teams are one win away from playing in the Grey Cup.

“Whatever’s happened up until this point has happened,” said Neufeld. “We’re not looking back.”

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