Back to where it all started.

Chris Matthews, the 2012 Rookie of the Year with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, will be returning to his old stomping grounds – but now as a member of the opposition.

Matthews has fond memories from his time in the ‘Peg and is hoping for a friendly greeting.

“I got my first touchdown there,” he reminisced. “I remember when [Investors Group Field] first got built, having my name on the wall.

“I hope they give me a nice warm welcome. I might not be deserving of it, but I still have love for them.”

After a pair of seasons (2012/13) in the Blue and Gold, Matthews departed to pursue his NFL dreams. After some success south of the border with the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens, Matthews decided it was his time to return to the CFL.

The 6-foot-5, 230-lb. receiver joined the Stamps on Oct. 2 and has been working hard since to get up to speed.

“I’ve definitely been progressing, as far as playbook-wise,” Matthews said. “I’m just making sure I’m doing the right thing and making sure I’m accountable. Making sure I’m in the spot that I need to be at for Bo. I just want to be the best that I can be for this team.

“At the end of the day, I don’t want the blame to be on me, saying ‘Oh, he didn’t do his job.’ I feel like if we all take that into consideration and we all put forth that effort of doing what we’re supposed to do individually, it makes us a more cohesive team.

“I feel like the outcomes haven’t shown the progression, but each game we’ve gelled more together. Bo [Levi Mitchell] is trying to find ways to keep us gelling together, and stay together.”

Through two games in Red and White, the talented wide-out has come down with four receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Having been in Calgary for just over three weeks, Matthews feels that he’s still in ‘training camp’ mode, and hasn’t come close to reaching his peak. Each practice and game rep he receives is extremely valuable as the team looks to find their stride heading into the playoffs.

“That reference to training camp is definitely what it is for me,” admitted Matthews. “I feel like every week I come out here, there’s something new that I need to learn – I think that’s a good thing. It’s challenging for me and it keeps me on my toes, so I can’t get complacent or slack off at all. I’m glad that something new keeps on popping up, and I’m staying on top of it and making sure I’m working to be the best that I can be.”

Matthews’ next chance to get on the field will come at IGF on Friday, Oct. 26 at 6:30.

For the receiver group, he believes that they will need to stay aggressive against a talented Winnipeg secondary that is playing extremely well and has a penchant for turnovers.

“We’re definitely going to go out there and attack them head on,” he said. “You can’t be afraid of anybody, and we’re not afraid of anybody. Whoever they line up out there, we’re going to go out there and give it to them. Just like last game, we were going after the DBs and I want that to continue, especially on my end. Just attack, attack, attack until they give up. If we do that, we’ll be able to come out with a win.”