Third Down Gamble

Ejection: when a punch does and/or does not merit one. What's up with the Banjo Bowl? Can Ottawa stop their slide? Second Down: Toronto and Winnipeg walk, Tiger-Cats and Elks win games. Third Down: can Winnipeg cover in Hamilton? Huge game in Regina (recorded September 12, 2023).

The CFL moves quickly to suspend Roughriders' Pete Robertson. Second Down: Lions right themselves, Roughriders win in overtime, Stampeders mount huge comeback. Third Down: Ottawa and Edmonton are in trouble to stay in the playoff hunt if they do not win. What will be the atmosphere in Winnipeg Saturday? (recorded September 5, 2023).

QB Nathan Rourke is released by the NFL Jaguars. When is Booth involvement in game-play too much? Second Down: Argos-Stampeders play a spectular game, Tiger-Cats upset Lions, Elks win at home. Third Down: Road teams favoured in three of four Labour Day Weekend games (recorded August 29, 2023).

Edmonton Elks name Rick Lelacheur President and CEO. Tiger-Cats facing huge uphill climb to get on-track. Second Down: Elks win, Roughriders win changes West playoff landscape, Stampeders come close. Third Down: Three home teams heavily favoured, RedBlacks and Elks meet in huge pick-em game Sunday.

Elks' President Victor Cui is out in Edmonton. Second Down: Is it time to trade Zach Collaros? All 24 helps the booth, Toronto wins at home, Elks don't. Third Down: Where will the Elks streak end, could it be in Hamilton? Do the Ottawa hosts Montreal in a huge game (recorded August 15, 2023).

Another Offensive Coordinator is out (first Stephen McAdoo in Edmonton, now Tommy Condell in Hamilton). Only four quarterbacks have started every week for their team, that number may drop to two in CFL Week 9. Can more be done to protect quarterbacks? Second Down: Winnipeg mauls the Lions, RedBlacks almost pull-off another comeback win in Regina. Third Down: Will both Cody Fajardo and Chad Kelly play or rest to recover from injury this week? Can the Elks win over the Blue Bombers with Tre Ford?

Elks name a new offensive coordinator, is that enough to change course? Hamilton's Bo Levi Mitchell injured late versus Ottawa, what happened? Second Down: Lions win with second shutout of the year (first defence to do so since 1970); Edmonton sets record with 21-straight home-losses. Third Down: can BC win in Winnipeg... again; can Calgary win at home; four three-win teams to battle each other on the weekend (recorded August 1, 2023).

Stats please... the new system rolling out statistics still has its bugs. First Nations quarterbacks meet in BC. Second Down: Argos roll, RedBlacks-Stampeders play an overtime classic. Third Down: Can the Elks bookend their streak with a win over BC (recorded July 25, 2023).

Sadly two more quarterbacks go down to injury, raising to 16 the number of different QB's starting a CFL game in 2023. Second Down: some wild finishes highlight CFL Week 6, all one win teams are victorious, the East has won five of nine games versus the West. Third Down: CFl Wekk 7 sees huge points spreads favouring Winnipeg and BC, can these be trusted? (recorded July 19, 2023).

Jeremiah Masoli's unfortunate injury leaves Ottawa reeling. Proof the 20 second clock is not what think, Winnipeg shows us how. C.J. Sims' single... who is to blame? Second Down: The West is starting to separate itself, Eastern teams holding their own. Tiger-Cats finally win. Third Down: will the Elks finally win? Will Calgary QB Jake Maier finally break through in 2023? (recorded July 12, 2023).

Jeremiah Masoli named as RedBlacks' starting QB versus Hamilton. Number of plays per CFL game is down again, is it time to introduce a hard 'return to play' clock. Second Down: Winnipeg and Toronto win big, Ottawa wins but loses Tyree Adams. Third Down: can home teams cover?

Road teams sweep for the first time since 2017. Chris Edwards, was his fine enough? Kai Locksley is out in Edmonton. Which coach is in trouble? Second Down: BC makes an early statement. Third Down: Argos verus Lions on holiday Monday, undefeated showdown (recorded June 28, 2023).

The reason to challenge in Regina, but then did the booth go too far in Vancouver? When does a team need kick a field goal, when to go for a touchdown. Bo Levi Mitchell is out, can Mathew Shiltz lead the Tiger-Cats to wins? Winnipeg is scoring at a wild pace, is their defence in trouble? Winnipeg versus BC, the undefeateds clash (recorded June 21, 2023).

CFL Week 1 is in... are there any quarterbacks that are in trouble heading into Week 2? Is there a chance McMahon Stadium can be renovated? Serious news from BC practice. Second Down: Hamilton nearly takes advantage of three Winnipeg turnovers to almost rally out of a 29-4 halftime deficit. Third Down: Can Ottawa break their home losing streak? Our picks for Week 2 are in (recorded June 14, 2023).

The 2023 CFL season is here!! Which coaches and which quarterbacks need to succeed early and why. Designated Nationalized Americans and Designated Nationals: not as difficult to understand once you see the nuances. Who will win the East and the West? Our Week One point spread picks and more (recorded June 7, 2023).

CFL pre-season is wrapping up, the starters will be on the field. Jerrmiah Masolia, will he be ready soon? Bo vs Cody, who is handling the switch to a new team better? (recorded May 31, 2023).

CFL pre-season starts on its earliest date ever. Elks rceiver Dillon Mitchell makes a bold goal. Do starting quarterbacks need more game-time in pre-season games? Argos, Stamps, Lions unviel new jersey looks (recorded May 24, 2023).

CFL training camps are in full swing, some veterans are surprisingly released. Joe Kapp passes, a legend in both CFL and NFL, and was Coach of the Cal Golden Bears in "The Play' versus Stanford Cardinal in the 'Big Game'. Nathan Rourke, no more CFL coaches in Jacksonsville, how does that impact his tryout? (recorded May 16, 2023).

Steve Daniel (CFL Statistics) discusses Genius Sports and its application for CFL Statistics. Steve also talks about the new rules for 2023, offseason projects, and charting/learning from other leagues' practices (recorded May 10, 2023).

The crew look back at Tuesday's CFL 2023 Drafts, both National and Global; discuss salary cap enforcement, and argue whether the Bruins (NHL) what... hockey??)) deserved a first-round bye (recorded May 2, 2023).

Jim Mullin (President, Football Canada) discuss the growth of flag football and whether it may find its way into the Olympics. He also gives his insight into the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Red Leafs football program: from its dissolution to the court case (recorded April 29, 2023).

James Duthie (TSN, The Rubber Boots Podcast) joins to discuss his diehard CFL loyalty, the Ottawa Rough Riders, his time at TSN, and Grey Cup memories (recorded April 17, 2023).

Special guest Rob Vanstone (Senior Journalist and Riders Historian) joins to discuss his new career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, how the position came about, expectations and goals, and the importance of preserving history (recorded April 11, 2023).

Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) joins the crew to discuss ruels and other proposals for the CFL. Does 'half-the-distance' need to be shelved, a hard 34 second clock needed for 'return-to-play", and more (recorded April 1, 2023).

Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) joins to convey his experiences at the 2023 CFL Combine in Edmonton. From conversations with Michael Clemons to thoguhts about the drills, and putting forth ideas for future 'live' coveage (recorded April 1, 2023).

The CFL still wants to land a team in Atlantic Canada. Is there a better way to retain players? With several deferrals to the 2024 CFL Draft, what will be the 2023 CFL Draft? (recorded March 29, 2023).

The crew discuss the XFL's struggles versus 'March Madness', three quarterback contracts that impact their team's differently, and the new Canadian football Hall of Fame class (recorded March 22, 2023).

One of the giants in football, Bud Grant, passes away, leaving an enourmous legacy. Alouettes' have a new owner, CFL still eyes Atlantic Canada. Alouettes' legend Glen Weir passes away (recorded March 15, 2022).

Playoffs? Playoffs? Who is talking about playoffs?... (we are) The NFL reviews hip-drop tackles. Is there new ownership for the Alouettes? (recorded March 8, 2023).

Special guest Mike Hogan (Toronto Argonauts Manager - Communications, TSN 1050 radio Argos play-by-play) joins to talk about his career, the Toronto sports market, and his Argos' favourites from players to Grey Cups (recorded February 24, 2023).

JC Abbott (3DownNation.com) joins to discuss how 3DownNation kept the updates going during a hectic CFL Free Agency, the outcomes of some CFL free agent signings, the Alouettes' ownership situation, MBT and more (recorded February 21, 2023).

Special guest Andrew Hoskins (Turf District Podcast) joins to discuss the opening hours of free agency 2023 in the CFL. Who won? Who lost? Not until the games are played will we really find out (recorded February 15, 2023).

CFL Free Agency: some big names are available; where will they land? Will the Roughriders raid the Montreal free agent list? Who will the Alouettes sign as their starting quarterback? Hamilton's defence... so many left unsigned (recorded February 8, 2023).

The crew discuss impending CFL Free Agency... the RedBlacks are out in front, will the Argonauts stay quiet, do the Roughriders really have a plan for quarterback? Alouettes' Eugene Lewis and Trevor Harris may leave a huge void in Montreal. (recorded February 1, 2023)

The crew discuss NFL Rule 12 (Player Conduct) and the interpretation of a defenseless player. Bo Levi Mitchell trades in his hooves for claws, signs deal with Hamilton. Where does Dane Evans go from here? Can the Elks make some noise in 2023? (recorded January 25, 2023).

QB Nathan Rourke leaves one cat for another. Sizeable Free Agent eligible lists on some CFL teams create huge questions. The NFL adopts CFL 'quick-booth-replay' protocols and baffles some with the NFL's playoff alterations (recorded January 18, 2023).

The crew discuss: Damar Hamlin's remarkable imporovement, Nathan Rourke continues on his NFL tour, scoring is up in the CFL but down in the NFL, and no major CFL rule changes (recorded January 11, 2023).

Special Guest Jeff Krever (Senior Director, CFL Player and Game Statistics) discusses his work with the CFL, from game-day audits to team requests, you will learn that much goes on behind the scenes (recorded December 13, 2022).

Special Guest Steve Daniel (CFL Senior Director of Team and Football Analytics) discusses the intricacies of statistics, the role analytics plays in helping coaches and league officials, and the effort to track and audit each play (recorded December 19, 2022).

Special Guest Rob Vanstone (Regina Leader-Post) discusses the recent coaching hires in the CFL, the likelihood of Nathan Rourke landing in the NFL, the troubles with the Roughriders, and possible quarterback scenarios for each team and much more (recorded December 21, 2022).

The crew discuss coaching in the CFL, Stampeders promote Dave Dickenson, Lions extend Rick Campbell, who will be the Alouettes new Head Coach? is there harmony in Winnipeg? The new 2023 schedule is out, Sunday games are back (recorded December 14, 2022).

The crew discuss the retirement of BC Lions receiver Bryan Burnham. Ottawa fills in their coaching vacancies, BC keeps the coaching staff together while the Roughriders stumble trying to get an offensive coordinator.

The crew discuss the recent signings in the CFL, and if Winnipeg seems to be standing firm with its roster; as well a podcast close-to-the-family signing. The CFL season in 2022 provided some great memories as well (recorded November 30, 2022).

The crew discuss a thrilling Grey Cup 109. Where did the Blue Bombers go wrong? Was it Leigghio's fault? Can the Grey Cup game be played earlier in the year? Second Down: Argonauts' QB Chad Kelly creates a legacy and Robbie Smith has a game no one could script. Two blocked field goals on consecutive drives in the final minutes, is that even possible? Third Down: Grey Cup Festival was great, lot of moving peices - coaches and players - likely in the off-season (recorded November 23, 2022).

The crew discuss Hamilton's bid for Bo, booth review in the CFL versus the NFL. Second Down: East Final and West Final were both entairtaining, emotional. Third Down: Grey Cup 109... a sea of blue in Regina, which blue shall prevail? (recorded November 16, 2022).

The crew discuss Dave Dickenson's gambles, Hamilton's sudden exit, does Bo go and if so... where? Second Down: Home teams sweep the East and West Semi-Finals. Third Down: CFL Conference Finals... Will McCleod Bethel-Thompson make his mark? Will Nathan Rourke's foot benefit from the prairie cold? (recorded November 8, 2022).

The crew discuss the offence’s shake-up in Regina, the CFL divisional MOP finalists. Second Down: Montreal delivers message to Argonauts, Nathan Rourke steps onto the field, after seven games. Third Down: CFL Semi-Final playoff games are both toss-ups: is Nathan Rourke ready? can Trevor Harris put on a show? (recorded November 1, 2022).

The crew discuss the collapse in Regina and why the rouge is still worth the point. Second Down: Small sends Tiger-Cats playoff bound, Lions feast on Elks, Roughriders stomped by Stampeders (recorded October 25, 2022).

The crew discuss Zach Collaros' extension, Taylor Cornelius' injury, and the future of Bob Dyce in Ottawa. Second Down: Two Friday night thrillers, and a stunner for the Elks, again. Third Down: all playoff races could be decided by Saturday night (recorded October 18, 2022).

Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) co-hosts as the crew discuss dribbled ball, horsecaller, and whether the booth needs guests. Second Down: Hills churns up the Roughriders, the Elks disappear, and is Ottawa Arndt what they used to be? Third Down: will the Stampeders lose to a team not named Winnipeg or BC? (recorded October 11, 2022)