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The latest video session is in the rear-view mirror and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are fully embracing the next challenge.

That next challenge is a big one, as the Blue Bombers welcome the Calgary Stampeders to IG Field on Thursday.

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While the Blue Bombers are looking to snap a two-game losing skid, the Stampeders are clicking and moved into a tie for top spot in the West Division, with both teams sitting at 5-2.

“They’re playing great football right now,” said Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris. “Obviously they have a great defence and they’re doing things well on offence. They’re a very well rounded team and we’re just looking forward to getting back at home and playing in front of our fans. This is for first place right now so it’s exciting to have a game like this with this much meaning early on in the season.”

Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols is also excited about the opportunity to try and rebound against an opponent that is routinely viewed as the gold standard in the CFL.

“They’ve been the best team in the league for a long time, as long as I’ve been up here,” said Nichols. “Anytime you play them you better bring your best effort because you just continue to see that team doesn’t make mistakes. They’re in every game. They’re winning a bunch of games. It’s going to be a tough challenge and I always look forward to the challenge.

“It seems like they consistently don’t commit penalties during bad times or they’re opportunistic where if you make a mistake, they usually make you pay for it. It’s kind of been their MO for a long time. They make a bunch of plays and they wait until you make mistakes. You have to play really clean football to beat that team.”

Having said that, this isn’t being looked at as an opportunity to send a statement to the Stampeders or the rest of the CFL.

“It’s done and flushed. Moving forward, I mean, we’re sitting in a great position right now. All we’re looking at is the week in front of us. We honestly don’t approach any week differently than any other,” said Nichols. “We understand that we need to play better than we did in the last two weeks. It’s really all it comes down to. We know we have a good football team and it just comes down to everyone getting back on board, putting in the work and making sure we come out and play better this week.”

Harris had a chuckle when the mood swings of the local fan base was brought up.