Third Down Gamble

CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston comes through on a promise and lands a six-year broadcasting deal sarting in 2027.  Jake Maier is given the role of starting quarterback in Ottawa.  Can the B.C. Lions be stopped in 2026, or will injuries (specifically to starting veteran-quarterbacks) play a key role in determining who wins each division?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded June 2, 2026).

Special Guest Steve Daniel discusses the importance of analytics in terms of assessing game quailty, the importance of understanding the mean and the median, the value of knowing how impactful turnovers, two-and-outs, and third down stalls are to a team's chances at winning, and he relates how working for the CFL has helped maintain his life-long love of analytics.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded Monday, June 1, 2026).

Special Guest Luc Mullinder (colour analyst for Saskatchewan Roughriders radio game-broadcasts) discusses the 2026 Roughriders training camp in Saskatoon, how new quarterback Brayden Schager turned heads, what is required of the defensive line given all its changes, and who is expected to step up to replace departed (to Ottawa) A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis.  Luc also illustrates the importance of leadership in training camp and recounts his first training camp as a rookie with the Roughriders, and life after football.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded May 28. 2026).

Special guest Jeff Krever (CFL Senior Director, Player & Game Statistics) joins to discuss which players are the ones to watch nearing records or milestones.  Jeff also discusses the definition of tackling used by stats crews to be recorded in the game statistics; the efforts in the off-season to help prepare stats crews for the new season; his day in Saskatoon preparing for the Roughriders vs Blue Bombers, and his excitement now that a new 2026 CFL season is upon us. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded May 22, 2026).

CFL training camps see some players get injured, others released, and other signing with another team.  Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo believes the Elks can be in the 2026 Grey Cup.  Calgary vs Saskatchewan on CFL+ May 18 (2026) gave the first taste of some of the new rules coming to the CFL, the 35 second clock was a hit!  Ironically, next season in 2027, not pre-season but regular-season play starts on Victoria Day Weekend.  While many starting quartback jobs are secure, who amng the backups will step-up?  (CFl on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded May 18, 2026).