Third Down Gamble

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)

The crew discuss the firing of Paul LaPolice in Ottawa, injuries as an excuse, and some playoff scenarios. Second Down: Alouettes upset Elks, Stampeders pummell Argonauts. Third Down: massive games Friday night and Monday morning (recorded October 4, 2022).

The crew applauds CFL and member-team efforts to embrace 'Truth and Reconciliation'. Has Paul LaPolice ended his tenure in Ottawa? Playoffs calculations, too many to recite. Third Down: Four games this weekend, Alberta hosts two huge matchups (recorded September 27, 2022).

The crew discuss Cam Judge getting suspended, Cody Fajardo against the world. Second Down: Tiger-Cats maul Blue Bombers, Stampeders play in another thriller. Third Down: showdowns in Montreal and Vancouver (recorded September 20, 2022).

The crew discuss the beatings the green teams took over the weekend, the Norovirus that struck Saskatchewan. Did TSN miss an opportunity? Second Down: Alouettes stun Lions, Roughriders and Elks both give up 50+. Third Down: the battle for second in the West is on. Which green team will rebound first (Elks or Roughriders)? (recorded September 13, 2022).

The crew discuss continuing road dominance, quarterback play, and mental mistakes that prove costly. Second Down: Road teams take three of four OK Tire Labour Day Weekend games. Third Down: If Ottawa wins this weekend, watch out! Can the Stampeders sweep the Elks, do the Roughriders have a chance in Winnipeg? (recorded September 6, 2022).

Special Guest JC Abbott of 3DownNation.com joins the show to discuss the Alouettes' situation; the VA trade, stadiums, how the East and West standings may change, and JC is finally joined by Heath Graham to make picks for possible year-end CFL awards (recorded August 31, 2022).

The crew discuss the sudden departure of Gary Stern from his activities with the Alouettes, cut down day in the NFL, home is not what it is thought to be, and who could be coming back. Second Down: Blue Bombers outlast Stampeders, Tiger-Cats again blow a lead. Has Nick Arbuckle found a home? Third Down: OK Tire Labour Day Weekend is huge for all eight clubs in action (recorded August 30, 2022).

The crew discuss coaching hotspots, struggling quarterbacks, the loss of Nathan Rourke, and the many eyes on Marino. Second Down: Montreal wins a thriller, Calgary comes back to win... again. Third Down: are the Tiger-Cats and Elks in a playoff chase? (recorded August 23, 2022).

The crew discuss pyramiding, roughing the passer, and Marc Legghio's right foot. Second Down: The Blue Bombers undefeated dream is over; Calgary and BC play a gem. Third Down: Road teams have won more games than home teams (20-19) (recorded August 16, 2022).

The crew discuss singles, a rule change, and a brewing spat between MLSE and the Lions? Second Down: Winnipeg owns the fourth quarter, Hamilton collapses (again), BC is overwhelming. Third Down: too close to call? (recorded August 9, 2022).

The crew discuss coaching high and lows, the removal of Trevor Harris by the booth, and playing on Sundays. Second Down: Nathan Rourke scorches the Roughriders, Winnipeg and Calgary settle the season series, Ottawa finally wins. Third Down: the battle of the 401, who in the East will take charge? (recorded August 2, 2022).

The crew discuss how much is too much when the booth gets involved? Second Down: Week 7... close games abound. Third Down: a game a day! (recorded July 26, 2022).

The crew discuss discipline, or a lack thereof, by the Alouettes, Argonauts, and Roughriders. Second Down: all four Week 6 games were won with scores late in the contest. Third Down: can Ottawa win, Elks upset, Lions dominate, or Roughriders play? (recorded July 19, 2022).

The crew discuss Roughriders' Garrett Marino's suspension and going forward. Second Down: Stamps stomp Elks, Blue Bombers blitz Lions. Third Down: a gambler's dream/nightmare: two undefeated teams meet in Winnipeg, two winless teams meet in Hamilton(recorded July 12, 2022).

Alouettes change coaches. Oh those quarterbacks... Nathan Rourke and Tre Ford do well, Dane Evans not so much. Could Vernon Adams Jr. or Nick Arbuckle be heading to Hamilton? Second Down: (Banks vs Houston) was it a TD, interception, o? The debate lingers over the Banks-Houston booth review. Third Down: the three undefeated teams (Calgary (at Edmonton)), B.C. vs Winnipeg) play. Pat draws on throwback QB's and US teams to help make his Week 5 game picks (recorded July 5, 2022).

The crew discuss Nathan Rourke, record-setter, where is his ceiling? Injuries bite hard, Elks continue to shed players. Second Down: A kickoff and week three had its first result. Stampeders use another big second half to win, Lions feast (again). Third Down: a tough week to pick as more of the West heads East (recorded June 29, 2022).

The crew discusses the rise in misconducts. Second Down: why was Adams Jr. pulled? Oh those Stampeders, and what does Dan Clark's injury mean to the Roughriders? Third Down: a look ahead to week three (recorded June 22, 2022).

The crew discuss quarterback injuries. Second Down: CFL opens with two great games going down to the final minute. Third Down: Can Ottawa upset, will Edmonton bounce-back in Week 2? (recorded June 15, 2022).

Steve Daniel (CFL Senior Director of Team Football Analytics) joins to discuss his new amended league role, how statistics informs decisions, and Steve explains how each CFL game is 'statistically recorded and audited' (recorded May 20, 2022)

The crew discuss the impact of some rule changes, teams cutting down to game-day rosters, Week One of CFL play, and make some bold (albeit tenuous) predictions for the season (recorded June 8, 2022).

Bob Irving ('former' radio voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers) joins to discuss his career, the CBA, his love of the CFL, and much more (recorded May 28, 2022).

Derek Taylor (680 CJOB Winnipeg) joins to discuss his career, his "Details", and the opportunity to be the new play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (recorded May 18, 2022).

The crew discuss how the May 26 Collective Bargaining Agreement could significantly alter the CFL, and its relationship with the CFLPA, going forward (recorded May 28, 2022).

Natey Adjei (TSN 1050, Toronto Argonauts broadcast analyst) joins to discuss his path through football, from his love of all sports to a strong friendship that helped him along his journey. Natey talks of his college and CFL playing career and then his transition to the broadcast booth joining Mike Hogan on Argonauts radio telecasts (recorded May 23, 2022)

Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District podcast) joins to discuss the issues facing the CFL and the CFLPA as the CFL-imposed deadline looms for the two sides to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) (recorded May 25, 2022).

The crew discuss the CBA, from salary cap to revenue sharing and the ratio, it's a big deal (recorded May 21, 2022).

Special guest Ryan Koop (Canadian Football Countdown podcast) joins to discuss CBA negotiations: the offers and intricacies of trying to reach a new CBA agreement (recorded May 17, 2022).

Don and Heath discuss the CFL-CFLPA contract negotiations, possible new streams for revenue sharing, quarterbacks, and the bind flying to camp puts players in if without a deal signed (recorded May 11, 2022).

Special guest Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District podcast) joins to discuss the new CFL rules that were approved, Andrew's night on the CFL Draft with the Elks, and how many QB's are too many QB's? (recorded: May 5, 2022).

Very special guest (Edmonton Elks President) Victor Cui discusses his early life, his business acumen, the immediate future of the Elks and the CFL, and his excitement for the 2022 season (recorded April 26, 2022).

The crew discussed the CFL ratio that seems to be up for negotiation, again. From whether there are enough national players available, how they affect salaries, and whether a Canadian league needs its own national players (recorded April 19, 2022).

Special guest JC Abbott (of 3DownNation) discusses his passion for CFL, his work for 3DownNation, ongoing CFL-CFLPA negotiations, and an early look at each division (recorded April 14, 2022).