Third Down Gamble

Nathan Rourke is back... was he rushed too quickly to play? Jeremiah Masoli starts and plays a full-game for the first time in years. Edmonton Elks have a new owner and enjoy a three-game winning streak. Brett Lauther owns his struggles versus Montreal. Oh... before we forget, Chad Kelly is reinstated by the CFL. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded August 20, 2024).

Nathan Rourke is back in the CFL, back with BC! What is to become of Vernon Adams Jr.? Edmonton Elks to unviel their new owner Thursday, August 15. The CFL Command Centre's overtime calls in Ottawa Thursday, did the booth get them correct? Bo Levi Mitchell, is his future in Hamilton in doubt? Elks defeat top two teams in the West, what can they do against the bottom team in the East? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded August 13, 2024).

Why did the booth not get the fumble call correct in Hamilton? Does the term "immediate recovery" need to be redefined? Edmonton Elks run very fast for their first win in 2024. Lion's quarterback Vernon Adams is injured, what will that mean for BC? Suspensions: big days ahead for Alouettes' Shawn Lemon and Argonauts' Chad Kelly. Can the Elks go on a roll with Tre Ford guiding the offence? Special Guest host is Andrew Hoskins (the Turf District Podcast). (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast (#250) recorded August 5 and August 6, 2024).

Edmonton Elks remain winless, is it Tre Ford's turn to start at quarterback? Close calls in Toronto, did the booth get them correct upon review? Blue Bombers gamble with a minute left and in field goal range, was Mike O'Shea overthinking the situation? BC travels to Winnipeg in a massive game for both teams, can Calgary bounce back versus Toronto. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded July 30, 2024).

Did Adam Bighill cross the line with his hit on Shea Patterson? McLeod Bethel-Thompson delivers more criticism of scheduling. Wally Buono would like to see a return of expansion by the CFL into the United States. Why is hair-pulling legal? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded July 23, 2024).

Special Guest Andrew Hoskins (the Turf District Podcast) joins to discuss the firing of Edmonton Elks General Manager (GM) and Head Coach (HC) Chris Jones, the timing of this change, the implications on the teams' Operatons Cap, how this move may influence potential ownerships suitors, and what it means for interim GM Geroy Simon and interim HC Jarious Jackson and the team's prospects for the remainder of this 2024 season (podcast recorded July 17, 2024).

For the first time in his CFL career, Chris Jones is fired, Jarious Jackson becomes interim Head Coach of the Elks. Could Nathan Rourke return to the CFL this season? Do fines do enough for player safety? Toronto upsets unbeaten Montreal, Calgary scores 37 and loses, Ottawa shocks Edmonton in an unbelievable series of plays starting with just :08 seconds on the clock; Edmonton, for the first time for any team in CFL history, loses three straight on a last play field goal. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded July 16, 2024.)

Did Winnipeg linebacker Redha Kramdi's hit on Dru Brown warrant a bigger penalty? MBT gets fined by the CFL. Stampeders scare the Alouettes in a thriller in Montreal. Will the Elks finally win? Will Montreal or Saskatchewan finally lose? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded July 9, 2024)

Designated National, this rule may have been put to the test Sunday night. Three teams entered Week 4 winless, those three teams emerged that way. Which of Edmonton, Hamilton, or Winnipeg will win first? Why is tackling by the hair legal? Should half the distance be stricken? Three games were won on the final play via a field goal in Week 4, how close is close? Roughriders' Trevor Harris and Shawn Bane out versus Toronto, Winnipeg's Dalton Schoen out for the season, Zach Collaros questionable vesus Ottawa. (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded July 2, 2024).

Three teams remain undefeated, three teams sit winless with three losses, who is in the most trouble? The chip debate: four kickers were fined, were they deserving or not. Ottawa is pummelled, BC shocks Winnipeg, a wild/exciting game in Toronto, Hamilton's Tim White... zero catches on six targets Sunday. This week Montreal heads to Toronto to settle first place early, Winnipeg and Edmonton are on the road trying to win their first of 2024 (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded June 25, 2024).

Winnipeg is last in the West, Montreal first in the East, Ottawa and Saskatchewan are undefeated. No lid and illegal participation, what does that mean? What will it take for Winnipeg to bounce back? Can Hamilton's Tim White get back into form? The Elks are on a six-game losing skid, is Chris Jones in trouble? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission, podcast recorded June 18, 2024)

The 2024 CFL season is finally underway. Did Winnipeg rest their veterans too much? Do kickers have a 'chip' on their shoulders? Montreal shows they are for real, Bo is ready to go. Saskatchewan must be more disciplined, Hamilton receivers must hang on to the football, Edmonton has to avoid a one-quarter collapse, and a safety on a field goal attempt? (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission, episode recorded June 11, 2024).

It's opening weekend in the CFL. A new theme for the podcast courtesy the CFL on CBC. Roughriders release three veterans in final cuts, Stampeders release two, other teams not so much. Derek Taylor (voice of the Blue Bombers 680 CJOB) helps disect the West and dicusses who, if anyone, could unseat the Blue Bombers. CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission (recorded May 23, June 5, 2024).

CFL 2024 pre-season is coming down to its final Friday. Johnny Manziel speaks out againt the Commissioner. Player movement changes fortunes. Derek Taylor (680 CJOB, voice of the Blue Bombers) joins to discuss the East Division, strengths, weakenesses, can Montreal repeat? (recorded May 23 and May 29, 2024).

2024 CFL Pre-season is underway and TSN and CFL+ are ways to watch pre-season games. New rules in the CFL for 2024 are out. Special Guest Jeff Krever (Senior Director, CFL Player and Game Statistics) joins to discuss what's new for 2024, the work over the winter with Genius Sports to build more functionality into stats reporting, and new online contests from the CFL (recorded May 17 and May 22, 2024).

CFL Training Camps are underway. Suspended players Chad Kelly and Shawn Lemon both seen at training camp. Safety: Guardian Caps, mouth guards, GPS, are part of safety initiatives by the CFL. Some players carry injuries into camp, Winniepg has Adam Bighill placed on the six-game list. Special Guest Mark Stephen (770 CHQR, @markonfootball) talks about his career as the voice of the Calgary Stampeders, the outlook for the 2024 team, and then looks at the other eight teams and how the season may go (recorded May 13 and May 15, 2024).

Toronto Argonauts' quarterback Chad Kelly is suspended by the CFL. Who will lead the Argonauts at quarterback to start 2024? Special guest Luc Mullinder (Saskatchewan Roughriders CKRM radio colour commentator (Harvard Media)) joins to talk about Milt Stegall at Winnipeg Rookie Camp, Nathan Rourke and his chances of being back in the CFL, Corey Mace taking over as Head Coach in Saskatchewan, and so much more. (recorded May 6 and May 7, 2024).

The CFL Draft marks the beginning of the 2024 season. Three teams go over the CFL's Salary Expenditure Cap in 2023. Shawn Lemon is indefinitely suspended by the Alouettes and CFL (recorded May 1, 2024).

Hall of Fame receiver Darren Flutie discusses the BC Lions and his decision to sign with Edmonton, his relationship with quarterback Danny McManus, joining with McManus and Head Coach Ron lancaster to sign with Hamilton in 1998, the 1998 and 1999 Grey Cups, then ending his playing career in Steeltown, joining the CFL on CBC, and his life after football (part two of two) (recorded March 15, 2024). (game audio recordings courtesy CFL on CBC)

Hall of Fame receiver Darren Flutie discusses his life before coming to play football at Boston College, his years in the NFL, his arrival in BC to play for the Lions, and the 1994 playoffs and Grey Cup versus Baltimore (part one of two) (recorded May 15, 2024). (game audio recordings courtesy CFL on CBC)

Special Guest Upton Bell (former New England Patriots General Manager -NFL, former Charlotte Hornets Owner -WFL) discusses the hurdles the fledgling National Football League overcame to become a massive success, the problems the upstart World Football League eventually did not overcome to survive, and much more (recorded March 12, 2024).

Touchdown Pacific sells out in minutes. Edmonton Elks have plenty of ownership suitors. Ottawa RedBlacks celebrate 10 years, Edmonton Elks 75 years in the CFL. Kickoffs are under fire, what will the NFL and CFL do about this part of the game? Hip-drop tackles, expanded booth reviews, it's the off-season and rule-tweaking abounds (recorded April 2, 2024).

Special Guest Reid Johnson (The Markcast) joins to dicuss the new United Football League starting play on March 30, 2024, the UFL's origins through the merger agreement, its rules, and its future (recorded March 18, 2024).

Mark Speck (writer and historian) discusses the wild 1974 World Football League playoffs, the innvoations the league brought (Action Point), and those who started in the WFL and made a career elsewhere in part two; recorded February 29, 2029.

Writer and historian Mark Speck provides insight into the World Football League, from its origins, to its owners, its bid to bring in Joe Namath, the attempt to play in Canada, and much more in part one; recorded February 29, 2024.

News comes out of Toronto. As well, the NFL toys with a longer schedule, more kickoff returns, and eliminating chain measurements. Andrew Hoskins (Turf District Podcast) discusses a very public bid, led by former CFL player Garrick Jones, petitioning fans to support their plan to purchase the Elks (recorded March 6, 2024).

Jamie Reidel (producer of CFL on TSN) decribes his journey to this position, the collaborative effort that goes into the show with the CFL on TSN Panel with host Kate Beirness, the creativity that goes into developing new CFL programming, coverage of the Grey Cup, and much more (recorded February 21, 2024).

Derek Taylor (play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on 680 CJOB) joins the show to provide his excellent, well-researched, insight into 2024 CFL free agency. Some surprises, wins, and losses as teams vied for the talent on the market (recorded February 20, 2024).

Two CFL and Blue Bombers' legends... Ken Ploen and Gerry James pass away. CFL 2024 Free Agency leaves as many questions as it does answers. Tim White reamins a free agent, where will he land? (recorded February 14, 2024)

CFL Discussion Window Week is in full force; surprises abound with player movement and those sticking with their old team. Players still available: Mathieu Betts, Jake Dolegala, Kadeem Carey, Shawn Oakman, Larry Dean, Tunde Adeleke, and many more (recorded February 7, 2024).

Special Guest Ken Crippen, founder Football Learning Academy, (football-learning-academy.com), and host of The Official Football Learning Podcast provides historical insight into the beginnings of the National Football League and the rival All-America Football Conference, explains why many resources are difficult to find and where to find those that still exist, how players, coaches and journalists help form the academy, and the value of history and its application to the game of football today (recorded July 11, 2023).

Special Guest Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) returns to discuss Winnipeg's Brady Oliviera and Dru Brown free agency options, the signing of the law firm (McLeod Bethel-Thompson) in Edmonton and where does that leave Tre Ford(?), the big trade with Toronto, the mood in Edmonton, and more (recorded January 16, 2024).

Possible rule changes may include fewer kickoffs. Second Down: Edmonton signs the law firm. Where do all the free agent quarterbacks go? Where does Brady Oliveira land? Third Down: Jordan Younger is the new DC in Winnipeg, Dominique Rhymes is released by BC (recorded January 18, 2024).

Special Guest Jeff Krever (Senior Director - CFL Player and Game Data) talks about the work-in-progress that was the launch/change to the GenuisSports' "LiveStats" software in 2023, how the system improved, the outlook for what that software will provide going forward, the huge effort of game-day statisticians (recorded December 29, 2023).

Special Guest Sean Campbell (TSN690 and play-by-play voice of the Montreal Alouettes) relates his story of how he joined TSN radio, getting the job to call the Alouettes, the 2023 Alouettes' season from start to finish, the Grey Cup victory, his thoughts on the stellar Montreal defence, and shares insight on 2024 for the team (recorded December 14, 2023).

Derek Taylor (voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber on 680 CJOB) joins to discuss the Blue Bombers' season, their loss in the 2023 Grey Cup game and how close the game was. Derek discusses the team as it heads into off-season, possible Free Agency, Roughriders' hiring of Corey Mace, as well as Buck Pierce's, Zach Colloras' and Dru Brown's futures (recorded December 5, 2023).

Our annual Christmas podcast with special guest Steve Daniel (CFL Senior Director, Football and Team Analytics). Steve discusses the 2023 season, including the transition to GeniusSports' statistical-programming architecture, why the Alouettes were full marks for their Grey Cup win, how statistics and analytics inform CFL teams ( including coaches and coordinators), and how each result can inform the product review of the CFL game (recorded December 19, 2023).

Quarterbacking in Hamilton and Ottawa, who will emerge as the starter in 2024? Already Coaches/Coordinators state they like what they saw in Taylor Powell and Dustin Crum. Second Down: does the Vanier Cup need to join the Grey Cup in the same city on the same weekend? Logistics aside, is it a good idea? Third Down: can the Blue Bombers stay intact, will BC keep the core together, what moves do Calgary. Saskatchewan and Edmonton make? (recorded December 13, 2023).

Roughriders' new Head Coach Corey Mace brings enthusiasm. Hamilton shuffles their management, then hire a new Head Coach. Ottawa hires a former Hamilton offensive coordinator. Second Down: USFL and XFL merge, now what? Third Down: CFL Eastern Conference free agency, plenty of quality players are on expiriing contracts (recorded December 6, 2023).

It's CFL post-season, but we will keep going weekly to get you through this off-season. First Down: Elks establish committee look into new ideas for ownership. Elks and Stampeders need massive renovations or new stadiums. Saskatchewan hire Toronto Defensive Coordinator Corey Mace as the Roughriders' new Head Coach. Second Down: Blue Bombers sign Gneral Manager Kyle Walters to an extension, Winnipeg Head Coach Mike O'Shea still hurting from Grey Cup loses, and criticizes Operations Cap. Third Down: CFL Free Agency starts February 13, we discuss prospects for free-agent quarterbacks hitting the open market. (recorded November 29, 2023).

Grey Cup 110: Montreal 28 Winnipeg 24. A game for the ages... this game showcased the greatness of CFL football. Montreal defies the odds with a never-back-down attitude, Cover '0', a right or wrong call by Winnipeg's Defensive Coordinator Richie Hall on Tyson Philpots game-winning touchdown in the waning seconds. Second Down: Montreal QB Cody Fajardo's big second half, Austin Mack's unbelievable catch. Third Down: Where do the Blue Bombers go from here?

Are the Blue Bombers a dynasty? Are the Elks for sale? Second Down: Alouettes pull off major upset in the East Final while Blue Bombers' defense dominates in the West Final. We learn that Toronto QB Chad Kelly was concussed maybe as early as the first quarter versus Montreal. Third Down: Grey Cup 110 in Hamilton, the Blue Bombers are favoured by more than a touchdown, can the Alouettes defense score and Montreal upset Winnipeg? (recorded November 15, 2023).

Is Bo Levi Mitchell done in Hamilton? Is Chris Edwards done in Hamilton? Khari Jones is done in Ottawa. Second Down: Alouettes and Lions prevail, 2022 repeats. Third Down: Is an upset possible in either Divisional Final? (recorded November 8, 2023)

MOP finalists announced. Alouettes do it again. Second Down: Alouettes - Tiger-Cats prep for thier rematch, Argos make it to 16 wins. Third Down: It's CFL Playoff time! Semi-Final Saturday: Montreal vs Hamilton, BC vs Calgary (recorded November 1, 2023)

Roughriders do not renew contract of Head Coach Craig Dickenson but do extend contract of General Manager Jeremy O'Day. A one-division CFL? Second Down: Stampeders lockup a playoff spot with an impressive win in BC along with a nailbiting loss to Toronto by the Roughriders. Third Down: hard to gauge the final weekend with all playoff races over (recorded October 24, 2023).

Are Craig Dickenson's days in Saskatchewan over? Flag Football is in the Olympics in 2028, what does this mean? Second Down: Is the booth interfering with game-play by reviewing penalty calls without a Coach's Challenge? When offside is not offside (the waggle interpretation). Third Down: Calgary visits BC in a must-win for both teams, can Toronto continue their dominance when they play in Regina? (recorded October 17, 2023).

What happened to the Lions versus Winnipeg? Is the Waggle going too far? Total plays-per-game are down by 10 from 2016, time for a hard return to play 32 or 34 second clock? Second Down: Roughriders lose... again. Elks and RedBlacks are eliminated from the playoffs. Third Down: massive game in Calgary (recorded October 10, 2023).

A CFL legend passes away, George Reed #34 (1966 Grey Cup game-audio courtesy CBC). Montreal's Jeshrun Antwi makes a brilliant play against Ottawa. The crossover can only go West, Ottawa has a faint hope. Second Down: Argonauts scare the Blue Bombers, Roughriders stumble, Stampeders can't score a touhdown. Third Down: the showdown... Lions vs. Blue Bombers fight for first Friday night (recorded October 3, 2023).

CFL playoff races heat up, a 10 second runoff(???) and when is a quarterback not a quartback. Second Down: Ottawa almost gives up another massive fourth-quarter lead, Montreal's defense looks great. Third Down: Winniepg versus Toronto, too late for this matchup? (recorded September 26, 2023).

When do you go for a field goal when down two scores? Should tackles/blocks knees and below be banned? Second Down: all four CFL Week 15 games came down to the final minutes. Third Down: is Ottawa overdue? Is Montreal overrated? (recorded September 19, 2023).