Third Down Gamble

Starting quarterbacks.

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 Ford?

Quarterback turmoil.

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.

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.

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.

1. 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).