BLUE BOMBERS DOMINATE THE 2022 CFL AWARDS
2022-11-18 · 4 min read · CFL/Football
Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers dominated the CFL Awards for a second consecutive season, taking home four trophies in 2022.
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Only one of the awards handed out on Thursday went to a player from the East Division, while the reigning two-time Grey Cup champions cleaned up once against as they prepare to face the Toronto Argonauts in Regina on Sunday.
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Here is a look at all the winners and what they did in the regular season.
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Most Outstanding Player- Zach Collaros
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The Bombers pivot has been grabbing the headlines with his play all year, and he was the centre of attention on Thursday, becoming the first player to win the Most Outstanding Player Award in back-to-back seasons since Anthony Calvillo won it in 2008 and 2009 with the Montreal Alouettes.
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In 2022 Collaros threw a CFL-best 37 touchdown passes, completing 70% of his throws for a quarterback rating of 116.2, while throwing for 4,183 yards, the second most in the league.
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He started 17 of their 18 regular season encounters, as Winnipeg finished first in the west.
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He threw for 178 yards against BC last weekend, helping his team advance to a third straight Grey Cup game.
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Most Outstanding Canadian- Nathan Rourke
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Like Collaros, this award seemed like a foregone conclusion, as the Lions QB had a stellar campaign despite his serious injury.
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Following his understudy role behind Mike Reilly in 2021, the Victoria native showed he could perform in the CFL spotlight.
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He threw the second-most touchdown passes in the league in 2022 (25), ranking sixth in passing yards (3.292), helping the Lions to the postseason for the first time since 2018.
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Rourke was named top performer of the week several times this season, becoming the first quarterback to win this award since Gerry Dattilio in 1980.
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His outstanding play has earned him a workout with numerous NFL clubs.
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Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman- Stanley Bryant
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Like Meryl Streep at the Oscars, Stanley Bryant’s name always seem to be on the ballot for this award.
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Bryant has been named the best offensive lineman in the CFL for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
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The 36-year-old anchored an O-line that allowed the second-fewest sacks in the regular season (28), while Winnipeg finished first regarding offensive touchdowns and second in rushing yards per game (110.5).
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He is the first four-time winner of the Outstanding Lineman Award since it was introduced in 1974.
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Most Outstanding Special Teamer- Mario Alford
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In a season full of disappointment in Rider Nation, Mario Alford was one of the shining lights with the Green and White.
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Alford ran back four kicks for a touchdown in 2022 to lead the CFL, accumulating 1,689 yards combined in the return game.
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The 30-year-old had a kickoff return average of 25.8 yards this year, good for first in the CFL, tying the league record with two kickoff return touchdowns.
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Most Outstanding Defensive Player- Lorenzo Mauldin
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Mauldin featured in 18 games for the Ottawa Redblacks this season, recording 43 tackles, while leading the CFL with 17 sacks, becoming the first player in the nation’s capital to finish first in the league in that category since Angelo Snipes had 20 with the Rough Riders in 1992.
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He is the first Ottawa player to capture this award since Greg Marshall in 1983.
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Most Outstanding Rookie- Dalton Schoen
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Realistically no CFL rookie in 2022 could keep pace with the Blue Bombers wideout, who quickly made Bomber fans forget about losing the likes of Darvin Adams and Kenny Lawler.
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A 26-year-old product out of Kansas, Schoen finished first in receiving yards in the regular season (1,441 yards), averaging 20.6 yards per catch and leading the CFL in TD grabs with 16.
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He is just the fourth Bomber to receive this award, following in the footsteps of Chris Matthews (2013), Albert Johnson III (2000) and Joe Poplawski (1978).
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Coach of the Year- Mike O’Shea
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Mike O’Shea earned another coaching award for the second time in as many seasons.
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The bearded North Bay, Ontario man guided Winnipeg to the best record in the CFL (15-3),while he made the West Final for a fourth consecutive time, representing that division in the Grey Cup for a third straight season.
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Before O’Shea arrived, the Bombers were a franchise filled with heartache, going 29 years without hoisting the cup, but the former linebacker has turned them into a team on the brink of a dynasty.
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O’Shea has a career record of 82-58.
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Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Trophy- Dan Clark
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In 2022 Clark gave back to veterans’ countless times, honouring the perseverance and courage of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
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His countless time and energy helped many people in need.
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Tom Pate Memorial Award- Emmanuel Arceneaux
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Arceneaux is the first Edmonton player to claim this award, as the veteran was a leader both on and off the field.
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He suited up in 12 contests, all starts, ranking second in the league regarding yards after the catch (228) and climbing into 24th in all-time receptions (627).
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The product of Alcorn State was a guest coach for minor football teams in the region, including the Edmonton Mustangs.
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He also ran numerous football camps and was a part of the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta.
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By: Joel Lefevre
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