Third Down Gamble

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).

The crew discuss the alignment of the two CFL Drafts, the 'seven is a crowd' QB tryouts in Edmonton, the CFL - CFLPA negotiations, and the revamped USFL season opener (recorded April 12, 2022).

The crew discuss the CFL's decision to stick with three downs over four downs; Arash Madani and the Commish, and an excellent CFL combine (recorded April 5, 2022).

Our special investigative reporter digs up some incredible news (recorded April 1, 2022).

Special Guest Morley Scott (630 CHED, voice of the Edmonton Elks) discusses the changes in Edmonton over the winter, the direction of the team as it moves forward, and much more (recorded March 21, 2022).

Special Guest Mike Smith-Knutsen from the Turf District Podcast discusses his efforts to archive Edmonton's professional football teams histories: from photographs to jerseys, programs to helmets, Mike has a wealth of information (recorded March 16, 2022).

Special Guest Scott Adamson (co-host: From the 55 Yard Line Podcast) discusses his affinity for the CFL and the many pro-football ventures in Birmingham Alabama including the year the Barracudas played (recorded March 9, 2022).

Very Special guest Upton Bell (former GM of the New England Patriots, radio and television host) joins Don Charabin to discuss his amazing life in and out of the NFL (recorded August 4, 2021).

The CFLPA wants to negotiate; the CFL unveils a new corporate entity and equity partner (recorded March 2, 2022).

The crew discuss Derek Taylor moving to Winnipeg, the USFL/XFL and their courting of the NFL; is the CFL being too quiet? (recorded February 23, 2022).

BC Lions embrace change; the crew also discuss the recent CFL FA signings that teams hope will be the answers to a successful 2022 season (recorded February 16, 2022).

Over 50 players will wear a new jersey this season. The crew review some of the big signings, surprises, and stunners that marked the opening days of free agency 2022 in the CFL (recorded February 9, 2022).

The crew look at the intrigue that is negotiation week in the CFL. While teams attempt sign their potential Free Agents while other teams hope to lure players with their offers; it's a GM's nightmare and delight all in one (recorded February 2, 2022).

The crew discuss the wild NFL weekend, bid a fond farewell to Michael Reilly, and propose some rule changes for the CFL (recorded January 26, 2022).

Special Guest Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) joins the crew to discuss free agency, the CBA, and life with Mr. Jones in Edmonton (recorded January 19, 2022).

The crew discuss CFL teams moving to re-sign key players. Bo Levi Mitchell takes a pay cut; is Michael Reilly next? (recorded January 12, 2021).

The crew discuss coach signings, players signings, Chris Jones speaking his mind, and the Alberta teams' quarterback situations (recorded January 5, 2022)

Special Guest Rob Vanstone (Regina Leader-Post) joins Don and Heath to discuss Chris Jones return to Edmonton, the huge list of pending free agents in the CFL, and much more (recorded December 22, 2021).

Special Guest (CFL Head Statistician) Steve Daniel joins Don Charabin and discusses Steve's role in the CFL, his joy of storytelling through statistics, and how Steve helps CFL member teams.