Brown shows ‘true leadership’

Early signs indicate Dru Brown will get another chance this week to show why he deserves to be a starting CFL quarterback.

As expected, Winnipeg Blue Bombers star pivot Zach Collaros did not participate in Monday’s practice at IG Field. The reigning, two-time Most Outstanding Player award winner watched from afar as Brown, a 26-year-old from California, led the offence in preparation for the upcoming trip to Calgary to take on the Stampeders (3-6) on Friday.

Collaros left Thursday’s 38-29 road victory over the Edmonton Elks early in the second quarter with a neck injury after tossing a pick-six. Brown entered the contest with the Bombers trailing 22-0 and went on to save the day by completing 17-of-24 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in a comeback win that pushed the club to 7-2 on the year.

<p>RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS</p>
<p>Blue Bombers backup quarterback Dru Brown (right) talks things over with star QB Zach Collaros, who was not taking part in Monday’s practice at IG Field due to injury . — RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Blue Bombers backup quarterback Dru Brown (right) talks things over with star QB Zach Collaros, who was not taking part in Monday’s practice at IG Field due to injury .

Collaros was not made available to speak to the media, and head coach Mike O’Shea would not provide an update on his status for this week and beyond.

“Zach has been a really important person in my life since I met him. He’s taught me a lot of things, given me a lot of shortcuts, and made me feel welcome since the first day I got here. His family has always welcomed me and my wife in their home and we just enjoyed spending a lot of time together,” Brown said on Monday.

“So, obviously, the first thing that goes into your mind is, ‘Is he going to be OK?’ It’s always kind of a double-edged sword situation. If you’ve ever gotten a chance to play, it’s either someone’s gotten benched, or someone’s gotten hurt. It’s the bad part of getting your opportunity.”

Brown, a third-year player who finished his college career at Oklahoma State, hasn’t had a ton of opportunities since coming up north, but he’s already won the trust of his teammates.

“With Dru, there’s a lot that impressed me. His poise, his leadership, his confidence, his tenacity. All of that, man. He just showed true leadership to come in and step in right where Zach left off,” said receiver Kenny Lawler.

“It’s 22-0, to come in and lead a comeback, he’s an exceptional quarterback, and to be honest, I wasn’t surprised because I know how that man prepares week in and week out. And when he came in, I just knew he was going to be able to get it done. There was no doubt on the sideline from nobody whatsoever.”

<p>RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS</p>
<p>Dru Brown speaks with the media after practice Monday.</p> — RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dru Brown speaks with the media after practice Monday.

He made just one start in 2022 and had an admirable showing by throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns, as well as two interceptions returned for scores, in a 40-32 road loss to the B.C. Lions last October. He has, however, been the hero before as he led the Bombers to a fourth-quarter comeback against the Ottawa Redblacks last season in Week 1 after Collaros was removed from play with two minutes left by the concussion spotter. Brown went three-for-five for 51 yards to march the blue and gold down the field for the game-winning field goal.

“I think (Collaros) saw me come in and I wasn’t afraid to ask questions to him. It’s really hit or miss with someone like that. You don’t know if they’re gonna be like ‘Piss off’ or if they’re going to enjoy being a teacher,” said Brown.

”Zach is still playing and he’s one of the best teachers I’ve been around. Not just by the way he speaks and communicates to me, but what he does in his actions. He’s made me feel as an equal, where a lot of times in that situation, you feel like you’re below.”

Brown is making more than $80,000 this year but is in line for a massive pay increase this offseason when he hits free agency. His dollar amount will only get higher if Collaros misses time and Brown continues to shine. Collaros is signed on for another two years in Winnipeg, and with several teams in the CFL struggling at the position, it’s unlikely that Brown will be back in Bomberland in 2024.

“We’re so busy on what we’re supposed to be doing. We’re always very present texting or meeting about what we’re gonna do. It’s hard to think down the road, but I’m human and I have before,” said Brown.

“But I always just brush it to the side because it’s not important right now. What happens after this year is not important to me right now. I’m just going to handle what’s in front of me.”