They start playing for real Saturday night in Regina.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders (7 p.m. CJRB radio 1220) in the Blue & Gold's 2015 season opener.

"There's something about the first game,” said Winnipeg offensive lineman Chris Greaves after the football teams final practice Thursday at Investors Group Field. “Just because we're coming off not playing since November. Throw on the pads and play a really, really meaningful game for the first time in a very long time - it means something."

Greaves in the only returning offensive lineman from last years team.

Joining Greaves on the O-line are Stanley Bryant who won a Grey Cup ring with the Calgary Stampeders in 2014, Dominic Picard, Jace Daniels and Sukh Chung who was the Bombers first pick, second overall in the 2015 CFL Draft.

Quarterback protection and being able to stop the run were two huge issues in 2014.

The offensive line has been revamped and defensive lineman Greg Peach likes what he sees on their side of the football.

"I think we've got a ton of great talent,” Peach said. “We brought in some new guys. Specifically just playing with these D-linemen that I've got to play with the past four weeks has been a treat. They're all veterans - guys who have been playing for five, six years and then some young bloods who are playing with a lot of energy. So as a D-line we're really excited and then obviously the secondary and the LB's are shored up real nice, so we're pumped."





The Bombers won five on their first six games last season and then lost 10 of their next 12 and finished last in the West Division with a 7-11 record.

Paris Cotton, who started the last four games of the 2014 season and ran for 341 yards on 33 carries and three touchdowns, says the offense has to be real good on Saturday night.

"I expect execution honestly,” Cotton said, “We've got a lot of veterans on this offensive unit. Up front we're good and I think we've got play-makers all around Drew. I'm looking for execution and a win."