Third Down Gamble

TSN's Luke Willson takes shots at the CFL product, was his take 'hot garbage'? Chop blocks, why are they still in the game? Quarterback injuries mount, again. Roughrirders escape from Toronto with a 'Mario Miracle'... a moment for the ages. Argonauts' Coach Ryan Dinwiddie fumes over third straight lost to start the 2025 CFL season. (Mario Alford touchdown audio courtesy of 620 CKRM Cooperators Rider Broadcast Network; CFL on CBC theme music is used with express written permission; podcast recorded June 25, 2025).

Two weeks into the season and injuries to key players are impacting teams. Is it panic-time in Ontario with no wins in six games? Montreal's defence looks like its on a mission. If your defence scores... you win! (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded June 17. 2025).

Hamilton General Manager Ted Goveia reveals he has cancer. CFL.ca may get an overhaul. Ottawa makes a lot of mistakes in their loss to Saskatchewan; Bo Levi Mitchell still can not lead the Tiger-Cats to a win in Calgary; the battle of Canadian quarterbacks goes to Nathan Rourke. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded June 10, 2025).

The 2025 CFL season is set to unfold. Some surprising roster moves by the Argoanuts and Alouettes left veterans off the team. Is the East too impossible to predict, is the West really a two-tier division? (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded June 3, 2025).

Special Guests Dave Thomas (voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders) and Derek Taylor (voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers) join in to discuss the upcoming CFL 2025 season and conjuecture as to what may happen in both the East and west Division and which teams may find themselves in the playoff hunt or not. (CFL on CBC theme used express written permission; podcast recorded May 26, 2025).

Jeff Krever is our special guest. Jess discusses player achievements in the 2024 CFL season and those players that may reach milestones in 2025. Jeff explains how the off-season is used by the stats department to build toward the new season. He also discusses the statististical systems used by all the crews in-stadium and their auditors to create accurate, real-time, statistics; and how the game does not wait for the stats department to code everything that just happened on a play. Jeff talks about new CFL.ca promotions, how the CFL is on an upward trend at the gate and with television ratings. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded May 29, 2025).

Special guest Steve Daniel joins to discuss more of the theory of analytics, how analytics informs CFL teams, prospective partners, and sponsors; how the Statistics departments prepare for a new season, and how new 'major foul' rule applications will impact statistics reporting, and much more. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded May 20, 2025).

Special Guest (maybe soon to be co-host) Andrew Hoskins joins the podcast to discuss driving to a football game in another city, the new CFL rules applications with emphasis on getting tougher on rough play calls, and Andrew discusses the growth of flag-football, its adoption into the LA Olympics, and what the furture impact is for tackle football as a result. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded May 22, 2025).

Sean Millington joins to discuss his namdic early life, his move to running back in high school, his career at Simon Fraser, being chosen first-overall in the 1990 CFL Draft. Sean also discusses his moves in his CFL career among three teams, his Grey Cup experiences, his time on the CFL on CBC, Sean's acting career, and setting up his 'Diesel Fitness' helping people sustainably achieve fitness goals. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded May 16, 2025).

Zach Collaros' suspension prompts questions about communication, how can it be made better? Six rule changes for the 2025, all are great improvements. The single point (rouge) may be saving the CFL from more overtime games. CFL+ is a great way to watch pre-season games in Canada. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded May 20, 2025).

Stampeders' Wall-of-Fame member Tom Forzani discusses his journey from his start as a youth in Calgary, going to Utah State, signing with the Stampeders and spending his entire football career with the hometown club. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded April 21, 2025).

Andew Hoskins joins to discuss CFL training camps, whether Zach Collaros should have had a certain phone number in his contact list, the elks new staff making an impression in Edmonton, and the depth of quarterbacks in th CFL for 2025. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded May 12, 2025).

Special Guest J.C. Abbott (3DownNation podcast) joins to discuss the 10th Anniversary of 3DownNation.com, the 2025 CFL Draft, and he talks about presenting a live podcast during the draft, the winners/losers, surprises coming out of the 2025 CFL Global Draft, his reaction to the CFLPA pushing the league on exemptive status for previous draftees, and ehich quarterback picked may start the soonest in the CFL. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded May 5, 2025).

The CFL 2025 Draft is over, two quarterbacks are drafted, two receivers in the top three picks overall. Trevor Harris muses about working on game-day broadcasts, Bo Levi Mitchell wants to make his dream a reality for the Tiger-Cats (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded April 29, 2025).

Special Guest Ben Grant (TSN 1050 and the X's And Argos' podcast) discusses the Argonausts success since 2107, the 2024 Grey Cup and the efforts of Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie, the depletion of the defensive line by western teams in free agency and whether the depth chart can fill these holes, the huge re-signing of linebacker Wynton McManis, and a quick look ahead to the 2025 CFL Draft. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded April 15, 2025).

Special guest David Naylor discusses his career in journalism through print, radio, and television; the uniqueness of the CFL, and provies insights to anyone hoping to get into professional media. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded March 17, 2025)

Stewart Johnston is named the CFL's 15th Commisioner, what is his biggest priority? Is it too early to assess Randy Ambrosie's legacy? BC quarterback Nathan Rourke admits the Lions' quarterback controversy was tough on the locker room. (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded April 8, 2025).

Adam Rita (six-time Grey Cup Champion) joins to dicusss his life growing up in Hawaii, his move to Boise State, his first chance to guest coach in the CFL, losing the 1983 and 1988 Grey Cuops, and winning (as a rookie Head Coach) the 1991 Grey Cup; and also he remembers a 1997 game versus Winnipeg. Adam talks about his philosophy of coaching, the demands of the job, and good friend Coach Don Matthews. (CFL on CBC audio and theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded March 7, 2025).

2025 CFL Combine is over, but no live coverage, why? Edmonton General Manager Ed Hervey outrages the CFLPA over his 'superstars' comments. Blue Bombers unviel their 2025 Grey Cup plans, but still have not talked to quarterback Zach Collaros about his tenure beyond 2025. Stampeders tap the Calgary Flames to help provide better nutrition to their foootball players. (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded March 25, 2025).

What hurdles are there to be the next CFL Commisioner? WLU's Taylor Elgersma impresses at his pro day, will it be enough to be drafted by the NFL? BC Lions must pay Lionel Hollins off-season bonus, what happens next? (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded March 18, 2025).

One U-Sports Regina Rams player is granted a conditional release. If the BC Lions are $100,000 over the cap, what happens next? Kurtis Rourke, does any CFL team take a chance at drafting him? (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded March 11, 2025).

BMO Field in Toronto get some upgrades in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, how does this impact the Argonauts schedule? Jason Hogan , new offensive coordinator in Winnipeg, has earned his way into that position, how much change in philosophy will there be? Stampeders were quiet on the FA front, but trades may have made up for that. Dakota Prukop is hired as Calgary's quarterbacks coach. What is a backup quarterback worth? McCleod Bethel-Thompson likely knows... (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded March 4, 2025).

Two Regina Rams face charges after a Regina Police Service seizure of fentanyl. Jim Mullin is tasked by the IFAF to lead a ask force with getting tackle football on a more optimitic growth pattern. Early Amsoil CFL team power rankings get the discussions started, which teams lost or gained the most in free agency? (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded February 25, 2025).

Why is Winnipeg upset about the announcement timing of the revised Salary Cap? 'Last Chance U' has a lawsuit filed against it. Eugene Lewis fires back at Ed Hervey over how Lewis left Edmonton. Ted Goveia reluctantly goes hard in free agency, still brings Blue Bombers with him. Andrew Hoskins discusses the changes in Edmonton, from bringing back players to moving on from others. Andrew also talks about Ed Hervey's priorities and the new Elks coaching staff. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded February 17, 2025).

CFL free agency is upon us; after looking at how the Communication Window and some terms apply, Derek Taylor joins the podcast to take a deep dive into the signings confirmed so far and how these changes will impact teams across the CFL. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded February 11, 2025).

The CFL Free Agent Communication Window is open. Is Edmonton going to sign every available free agent? The CFL player salary cap is higher than anticipated for 2025, what is driving the change? (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded February 4, 2025).

Drew Wolitarsky posts a heartful message about being released by Winnipeg. Special guest Dave Thomas (620 CKRM, The Sportscage) joins to discuss free gency, team needs, wants, and who may land the biggest names that might be available when Free Agency starts. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded January 28, 2025).

Alouettes' GM Danny Maciocia would like Shawn Lemon (gambling suspension) reinstated. Montreal and Edmonton exchange quarterbacks. Elks' GM Ed Hervey stands firm on contract offers. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded January 18, 2025).

CFL Referee Tim Kroeker joins the podcast to discuss his early years in Saskatoon, playing competitive baseball, becoming an official, and talks what the expectations and demands are like being a Referee in the CFL. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 18, 2024).

George Hopkins joins to discuss his career with the Calgary Stampeders, from starting as a teenager in the 1970's to being inducted in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. George also discusses the changes in helmets, jerseys, and players over his years in the CFL. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 19, 2024)

Special Guest Dave Thomas (620 CKRM, voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders) joins to discuss his time growing up in Saskatchewan, his development as a broadcaster, how he came to be the radio voice of the Roughriders, reflections on the 2024 season, and intriguing moves by some CFL teams changing up their quarterback room. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; recorded December 17, 2024).

Our annual Christmas show with Hall of Famer Steve Daniel, (CFL VP in charge of Analytics). Steve explains the Game Quaility Index and how it creates the Product Review that is used by the CFL Executives, Rules Committee, and Coaches; and this Product Review is also presented to sponsors and fans to easily understand how well the CFL game is performing. Numbers are there to tell a story. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 17, 2024).

Ben Grant (TSN 1050, Argonauts in-game radio colour commentator) talks about his journey to the booth, the Argonauts' season and their 2024 Grey Cup championship, as well as free agent 'musts' in the off-season for Toronto. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 2, 2024).

Up to three teams may be over the player salary cap in 2024, does that raise a concern or is it part of competing in the CFL? Edmonton Elks introduce Mark Kilam and then sign Canadian quarterback Tre Ford to a three-year deal, what does that mean to the team, how does the change the free-agency landscape? Special guest from the Turf District Podcast Andrews Hoskins joins the show. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded Demember 10, 2024)

Mark Kilam (Edmonton) and Buck Pierce (B.C.) are named first-time CFL Head Coaches; what will each bring to their repsective new clubs? Ted Goveia becomes the new General Manager in Hamilton. Brent Monson takes over as Defensive Coordinator in Toronto, where does this leave Kevin Eiben and Howard Fields? The race is still on to fill more coordinator coaching roles (offensive and/or defensive) in B.C., Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. The NFL's swift and decisive suspension to Houston linebacker Azeez Al Shaair serves as a good model for the CFL to consider. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 4, 2024).

Vernon Adams Jr. is traded from BC to Calgary. Edmonton and BC may be vying for the same coaching candidates. Montreal is all in on quarterback Davis Alexander, what is the future for Cody Fajardo? Will Bo Levi Mitchell get a bigger, more secure, contract in Hamilton? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded November 27, 2024)

Toronto Argonauts win Grey Cup 111, have yet to lose a Grey Cup with Michael Clemons working for the franchise. Nick Arbuckle was the game's MOP, but what about Wynton McManis or Willie Jefferson? Blue Bombers' quarterback Zach Collaros' pointer-finger injury seems to have turned the tide in the Argos' favour, why did Winnipeg not have a capable backup? Lions shake-up their front office, promoting Ryan Rigmaiden Elks bring back Ed Hervey as their General Manager, Head Coach Rick Campbell is let go, meanwhile the Elks bring back Ed Hervey as their General Manager, what does that mean for each coaching staff? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded November 20, 2024)

Toronto quarterback Chad Kelly fractures his tibia in Montreal, but the Argonauts prevail in an amazing game. Winnipeg easily defeats the Roughriders, what lessons are there for Saskatchewan Head Coach Corey Mace? Barron Miles is out as Defensive Coordinator in Ottawa, who might replace him? Winnipeg, facing legacy questions, is heavily-favoured in the Grey Cup. Can Toronto's quarterback Nick Arbuckle create a different story? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; recorded November 13, 2024)

BC Lions quarterbacking situation, where will Adams Jr. and Rourke be in 2025? Will Rick Campbell be Lions' Head Coach in 2025? Elks may interview up to nine candiates for General Manager. Toronto's offence flexed against Ottawa; can the Argos do it in Montreal? Is Winnipeg susceptible to an upset on Saturday? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded November 6. 2024).

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie announces he is stepping down, what will be his legacy? Edmonton Elks hire Chris Morris (U Sport's Alberta Golden Bears Head Coach, former Edmonton offensive lineman) as their new President and CEO. Dave Dickenson keeps his jobs in Calgary; three other coaches do not. Did the weather put Winnipeg into first place in the West? Two CFL Playoffs Semi-finals on Saturday, can the home teams sweep? Special Guest Andrew Hoskins of the Thurf District Podcast joins the show. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; episode recorded October 30, 2024).

Hamilton quarteback Bo Levi Mitchell makes another case for MOP consideration. Has the quarterbacking situation in BC eased with the play of Vernon Admas Jr. versus Montreal? Ottawa almost, oh almost, pulls off the biggest comeback in CFL history. Will Montreal put up a fight against Winnipeg on Saturday? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; recorded October 22, 2024).

Two races for home playoff spots remain as CFL Week 20 approaches. What is happening to the BC Lions, and is their trouble at quarterback? Can Ottawa cut down on their penalties and find a way to finish second? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; recorded October 15, 2022)

No team from Alberta will be in the 2024 CFL playoffs, first time in the modern era. McLeod Bethel-Thompson is upset about how far the Command Centre went to get the correct call in Edmonton's game versus Saskatchewan. Hamilton still has a chance to make the playoffs in the East, but they'll need help. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; recorded October 8, 2024).

Roughriders' Deontai Williams hit on Kalil Pimpleton, what will the CFL do as a follow up to Williams ejection? Elks, Stampeders have long roads ahead trying to make the playoffs. Tiger-Cats are in the mix in both Eastern and Western Conferences, but their run may have come too late. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; recorded October 1, 2024).

Rogers wants to take control of MLSE. The Tiger-Cats are making noise that they want to be in the playoffs. First Nations artists have their work displayed as all remaining teams will wear their helmet-decal creations this season. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded September 24, 2024).

Did BC's Head Coach Rick Campbell create a problem by switching quarterbacks when he did versus Toronto? Saskatchewan's Miles Brown gets hit with another fine, is the CFL ready to suspend upon further offence? What does a tie create so much discourse... they do have them in the NFL. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded September 17, 2024)

Toronto's Chad Kelly throws more interceptions, two more are returned for touchdowns. Saskatchewan's Miles Brown gets flagged again for roughing the passer, Chris Streveler is injured. Roughriders go winless for seven consecutive times, again! NFL's Dynamic kickoff, is it? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded September 10, 2024).

Saskatchewan's Miles Brown knocks out another CFL quarterback from a game, Blue Bombers' President Wade Miller is irate. Is Chris Streveler a dependable backup in Winnipeg? Has Hamilton's Bo Levi Mitchell found his game, again? Massive games in Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton kickoff the CFL's race to the playoffs (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded September 3-4).

Special Guest Derek Taylor (680 CJOB, voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers) discusses the rouge, the surprising Alouettes, Chad Kelly and his impact on the Argos, the very close Western Conference Standings and whether any team may emerge from the pack (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded August 29, 2024).

Roughriders mismanage the clock in the final minute in Toronto, Argonauts win the game on its final play. Hamilton's Chris Jones defence stymies Winnipeg until the final minute. Nathan Rourke versus Vernon Adams Jr., is there a possible controversy brewing? Three times ambulances enter the filed to carry players away, is this an aberration or a trend? TouchDown Pacific and Labour Day Sunday in Regina both sold out; September could sort out a very close Western Conference (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded August 27, 2024).