WINNIPEG - Doug Brown wants to live in the present, not dwell on the past.

So even though the Blue Bombers’ loss to Saskatchewan in last year’s Grey Cup gives Winnipeg the longest CFL championship drought, the defensive tackle isn’t letting it weigh him down.

“That’s a historical fact, but I don’t think it makes things any more pressing than they already are here,” said Brown, who was 16 years old when the Bombers last sipped from the Cup in 1990.

“If we’re fortunate enough to be healthy and talented enough to be in a position to do something about that, then so be it.”

The veteran-laden squad includes the majority of last year’s players who went 10-7-1, but the kicking game remains a big question mark as Winnipeg opens the regular season at home Friday against Toronto (8 p.m. ET).

Troy Westwood was released during training camp after 17 years and in his place is rookie American Alexis Serna.

The 23-year-old’s home debut was promising. He connected on four field goals, the final a 17-yarder with one second remaining in Winnipeg’s 19-16 pre-season win over Montreal.

Having a rookie kicker doesn’t mean the offence will feel added pressure to get the ball into the end zone or as close as possible, Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry said.

“I think that Alexis Serna is very capable of kicking 50-yard field goals with accuracy,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s any different than I’ve approached it in the past in terms of where I’d like our kicker to kick from.”

The Bombers also signed punter Duncan O’Mahony on June 16 and will find out if he can resurrect a career that included seven seasons with Calgary and B.C.

He didn’t come into camp in good shape and fumbled a punt in the Montreal game, but Berry is cutting him some slack.

“He certainly is a veteran guy that has demonstrated abilities to punt in this league,” Berry said. “We’re just waiting for him to get there.”

There’s also good news on the health front.

Starting quarterback Kevin Glenn is ready to go after breaking his non-throwing left arm in last year’s East Division final against Toronto.

The eight-year vet played all 18 regular-season games last year and led the league with a career-high 5,114 passing yards. He lost out to former Saskatchewan QB Kerry Joseph for the CFL most outstanding player award.

Glenn could put up similar numbers this year with a receiving corps that includes last year’s 1,000-yard trio of Terrence Edwards, Derick Armstrong and Milt Stegall.

Stegall is still recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee May 2, but is expected to start practising soon.

When the CFL’s all-time touchdown leader (144) does hit the field for a 14th season, he’ll need 197 yards to break Allen Pitts’ CFL career yardage record of 14,891.

Back-up QB Ryan Dinwiddie, whose first career start was the Grey Cup loss, has also looked more confident in the pre-season.

Then there’s eight-year running back Charles Roberts, who chalked up 1,379 yards rushing despite missing the last two regular-season games with an injury.

“I haven’t really put too much thought into it,” Roberts said of recapturing the title.

“I’ve won it before. I more than likely can do it again if I stay healthy. I plan on rushing for the same amount of yards as I do all the time, and that’s around 1,400, 1,500.”

Adding to his confidence is the offensive line, which gave up a league-low 27 QB sacks last season. The only change there is sophomore Kyle Koch replacing released veteran Andrew Greene.

“We feel we can do it,” Roberts said of winning the Cup. “We were there.

“It’s fresh in our minds, which is a good thing.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Winnipeg’s front seven remains the same, but the secondary is a work in progress. It posted a league-low 10 interceptions last year.

Gone is playmaking, but expensive, defensive back Juran Bolden and safety Kyries Hebert (NFL).

Canadian Jason Nugent gets the nod at safety and second-year cornerback Jovon Johnson was picking off passes throughout training camp.

Just like Brown, Berry isn’t concerned about Winnipeg’s dubious Grey Cup streak.

“I pay no attention to that,” Berry said. “What happened in the past has no bearing on what’s going to happen in the future.

“As of right now, all we want to do is try to get back (to the Grey Cup) again this year. And if we’re in the game, we’ll have a chance to win it.”