Third Down Gamble

Quick Kicks: Darren Flutie (part two).

April 25, 2024 18:04 - 30 minutes - 55.8 MB

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)

Quick Kicks: Darren Flutie (part one).

April 18, 2024 18:03 - 32 minutes - 59.6 MB

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)

Quick Kicks: a good idea in search of money.

April 11, 2024 18:02 - 49 minutes - 90.8 MB

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).

Quicks Kicks: on the side of caution.

April 04, 2024 18:01 - 32 minutes - 60.1 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: our talent is good.

March 28, 2024 18:30 - 35 minutes - 64.8 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: should not be forgotten (part two).

March 21, 2024 18:29 - 36 minutes - 66.4 MB

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.

Quick Kicks: coulda, woulda, shoulda (part one).

March 14, 2024 18:28 - 40 minutes - 74.5 MB

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.

Quick Kicks: social media.

March 07, 2024 18:27 - 45 minutes - 83 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: a strong platform.

February 29, 2024 18:26 - 44 minutes - 81.1 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: price to be paid.

February 22, 2024 18:25 - 53 minutes - 98.2 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: hard to gauge.

February 15, 2024 18:24 - 35 minutes - 64.2 MB

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)

Quick Kicks: changemaker.

February 08, 2024 18:23 - 28 minutes - 52.8 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: a lot to unpack.

February 01, 2024 18:22 - 42 minutes - 63.5 MB

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 to...

Quick Kicks: crossroads.

January 25, 2024 18:21 - 38 minutes - 69.6 MB

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).

Continuity breeds success.

January 18, 2024 18:20 - 41 minutes - 76.6 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: transformational change.

January 11, 2024 18:19 - 41 minutes - 76.2 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: still riled up.

January 04, 2024 18:18 - 36 minutes - 68.6 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: iron is hot.

December 28, 2023 18:17 - 48 minutes - 89.3 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: here’s what I see.

December 21, 2023 18:16 - 43 minutes - 78.8 MB

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).

You need both.

December 14, 2023 18:15 - 43 minutes - 79.4 MB

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).

Moving forward.

December 07, 2023 18:14 - 45 minutes - 82.5 MB

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).

That level of excitement.

November 30, 2023 07:13 - 57 minutes - 105 MB

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. ...

The biggest game of the year.

November 23, 2023 19:12 - 40 minutes - 73.5 MB

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?

On paper.

November 16, 2023 19:13 - 51 minutes - 94.4 MB

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).

Lay claim to that.

November 09, 2023 18:10 - 34 minutes - 63.8 MB

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)

Make the catches when it matters.

November 02, 2023 19:09 - 49 minutes - 90.2 MB

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)

There for a reason.

October 26, 2023 20:08 - 43 minutes - 80.1 MB

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).

Waggle that has gone too far.

October 19, 2023 21:07 - 46 minutes - 86 MB

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).

Vexed.

October 11, 2023 20:06 - 51 minutes - 94.1 MB

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).

Know your history.

October 04, 2023 20:05 - 47 minutes - 86.7 MB

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).

Won’t be there.

September 27, 2023 20:04 - 48 minutes - 88.5 MB

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).

Crazy weekend.

September 20, 2023 22:03 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

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).

That kind of capable.

September 13, 2023 22:02 - 45 minutes - 83.3 MB

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).

Glaringly obvious.

September 06, 2023 22:01 - 52 minutes - 96.6 MB

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).

Comes to pass.

August 30, 2023 22:00 - 42 minutes - 78.1 MB

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).

Stepping over.

August 24, 2023 00:39 - 44 minutes - 81.9 MB

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.

Something to behold.

August 16, 2023 22:38 - 45 minutes - 83.5 MB

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).

Starting quarterbacks.

August 10, 2023 01:37 - 40 minutes - 74.2 MB

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...

Quarterback turmoil.

August 03, 2023 12:36 - 43 minutes - 80.4 MB

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).

Gaining confidence.

July 27, 2023 12:35 - 44 minutes - 81.9 MB

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).

Liking that magic.

July 20, 2023 12:34 - 53 minutes - 98.5 MB

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).

Worst-case scenario.

July 13, 2023 12:33 - 44 minutes - 81.9 MB

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).

Worst Case Scenario.

July 13, 2023 12:33 - 44 minutes - 81.9 MB

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).

Wasn’t a fluke.

July 06, 2023 13:53 - 48 minutes - 88.3 MB

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?

Home cookin’ doesn’t do it.

June 29, 2023 13:31 - 47 minutes - 87.2 MB

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).

One in, one out.

June 22, 2023 13:30 - 45 minutes - 83.4 MB

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).

Scary one second.

June 15, 2023 13:29 - 41 minutes - 75.9 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: Christmas comes in June!

June 08, 2023 13:28 - 43 minutes - 80.2 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: going to part ways.

May 31, 2023 17:27 - 43 minutes - 80.1 MB

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).

Quick Kicks: fashion week.

May 25, 2023 18:26 - 41 minutes - 76.7 MB

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).

Episodes