Third Down Gamble

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).

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.