Third Down Gamble

Special Guest Ben Grant (TSN 1050 and the X's And Argos' podcast) discusses the Argonausts success since 2107, the 2024 Grey Cup and the efforts of Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie, the depletion of the defensive line by western teams in free agency and whether the depth chart can fill these holes, the huge re-signing of linebacker Wynton McManis, and a quick look ahead to the 2025 CFL Draft.    (CFL on...

Special guest David Naylor discusses his career in journalism through print, radio, and television; the uniqueness of the CFL, and provies insights to anyone hoping to get into professional media.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded March 17, 2025)

 Stewart Johnston is named the CFL's 15th Commisioner, what is his biggest priority?  Is it too early to assess Randy Ambrosie's legacy?  BC quarterback Nathan Rourke admits the Lions' quarterback controversy was tough on the locker room. (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded April 8, 2025).

Adam Rita (six-time Grey Cup Champion) joins to dicusss his life growing up in Hawaii, his move to Boise State, his first chance to guest coach in the CFL, losing the 1983 and 1988 Grey Cuops, and winning (as a rookie Head Coach) the 1991 Grey Cup; and also he remembers a 1997 game versus Winnipeg.  Adam talks about his philosophy of coaching, the demands of the job, and good friend Coach Don Matt...

2025 CFL Combine is over, but no live coverage, why?  Edmonton General Manager Ed Hervey outrages the CFLPA over his 'superstars' comments.  Blue Bombers unviel their 2025 Grey Cup plans, but still have not talked to quarterback Zach Collaros about his tenure beyond 2025.  Stampeders tap the Calgary Flames to help provide better nutrition to their foootball players.  (CFL on CBC theme music is use...

What hurdles are there to be the next CFL Commisioner?  WLU's Taylor Elgersma impresses at his pro day, will it be enough to be drafted by the NFL?  BC Lions must pay Lionel Hollins off-season bonus, what happens next?  (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded March 18, 2025).

One U-Sports Regina Rams player is granted a conditional release.  If the BC Lions are $100,000 over the cap, what happens next?  Kurtis Rourke, does any CFL team take a chance at drafting him?  (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded March 11, 2025).

BMO Field in Toronto get some upgrades in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, how does this impact the Argonauts schedule?  Jason Hogan , new offensive coordinator in Winnipeg, has earned his way into that position, how much change in philosophy will there be? Stampeders were quiet on the FA front, but trades may have made up for that.  Dakota Prukop is hired as Calgary's quarterbacks coach.  What i...

Two Regina Rams face charges after a Regina Police Service seizure of fentanyl.  Jim Mullin is tasked by the IFAF to lead a ask force with getting tackle football on a more optimitic growth pattern.  Early Amsoil CFL team power rankings get the discussions started, which teams lost or gained the most in free agency?  (CFL on CBC theme music is used with written permission; podcast recorded Februar...

Why is Winnipeg upset about the announcement timing of the revised Salary Cap?  'Last Chance U' has a lawsuit filed against it.  Eugene Lewis fires back at Ed Hervey over how Lewis left Edmonton.  Ted Goveia reluctantly goes hard in free agency, still brings Blue Bombers with him.  Andrew Hoskins discusses the changes in Edmonton, from bringing back players to moving on from others. Andrew also ta...

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...

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 o...

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 th...

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) i...

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, promot...

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...

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....