Third Down Gamble

Quick Kicks: here’s what I see.

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.

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.

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.

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.  Third Down: CFL Free Agency starts February 13, we discuss prospects for free-agent quarterbacks hitting the open market.  (recorded November 29, 2023).

The biggest game of the year.

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?