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Bombers prepare for showdown with Brown – Winnipeg Free Press

The Madras Tribune
The Madras Tribune
Bombers prepare for showdown with Brown – Winnipeg Free Press


It was the night when everyone knew Dru Brown’s days as a Winnipeg Blue Bomber were numbered.

Down 22-0 to the Edmonton Elks on the road, the backup pivot stepped in for an injured Zach Collaros in the second quarter and marched the Blue and Gold to an impressive 38-29 victory on Aug. 10, 2023.

“That was not a fun predicament to come into. For him to come in, be poised, and dial up throws, it was pretty phenomenal,” said Bombers receiver Drew Wolitarsky.


Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS Everyone knew Dru Brown’s days as a backup QB were numbered after his success with the Bombers last season.

Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Everyone knew Dru Brown’s days as a backup QB were numbered after his success with the Bombers last season.

“I know (head coach Mike O’Shea) was really happy about it, and we were all so proud of him, especially with what he went through (Brown’s father died a few weeks earlier). It was like ‘Alright, this guy’s ready to go. He can do this. We have a stacked quarterback room, he’s probably gonna go somewhere else after the season.’ That was the vibe.”

The vibe was spot on as the Ottawa Redblacks traded for the pending free agent in the offseason. Brown’s first game as a full-time starter will be this Thursday — Ottawa had a Week 1 bye — when the Bombers (0-1) visit the nation’s capital.

“Obviously, we’d love it if he was here, but that’s just me being selfish. I was very happy for him,” said Wolitarsky, Brown’s former roommate.

“He’s really come a long way as a leader, man, and as a football player. Watching him starting from the bottom to now debut in Ottawa, I think it’s really impressive.”

Brown spent three seasons in Winnipeg learning behind Collaros. He made it obvious last year that he’s too talented to be a No. 2 as he tossed nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in eight appearances. The 27-year-old also went 2-0 in games he started.

“I’m really happy for his opportunity. I know how hard he works, how he cares about the game. Teammates with him for three years and friends since the pandemic started — he’ll be a lifelong friend of mine,” said Collaros.

“I love the kid like a brother. I normally don’t (talk to former teammates before the game) but if I see him it’s going to be hard for me not to give him a hug.”

Collaros said last year Brown, in the right situation, could develop into the best quarterback in the CFL.

“Obviously, when the lights come on is when you really are able to see if a guy can play and so far, he’s done a really good job of that. I guess it remains to be seen (but) as the years and seasons go on, I wouldn’t bet against him,” said Collaros.

Bombers defensive-co-ordinator Jordan Younger thinks his unit will have their hands full this week trying to slow down their old pal.

“Genuine arm talent. Some people play the quarterback position in a way where you can tell that they love throwing the ball. Dru Brown is an arm talent who is incredibly accurate and can throw the ball from many different angles and release points, can buy time to throw, very intelligent and is familiar with all the veterans so he understands their body language and those kind of things,” said Younger.

“It’s hard to explain, but when you see a quarterback down the field, sometimes you see that a shorter throw is available or there’s maybe room for them to scramble or take off and you’ll see them deliberately keep their eyes up field looking for the possibility of a big play. The most-dangerous quarterbacks tend to play that way.”