Third Down Gamble

Quick Kicks: Dave Thomas (620 CKRM).

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, 2024).

Quick Kicks: Steve Daniel (CFL VP in charge of Analytics).

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 on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 17, 2024).

Quick Kicks: Ben Grant (TSN 1050).

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).

Willing to spend.

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 theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded Demember 10, 2024)

Explosive mix.

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) in B.C., Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.  The NFL's swift and decisive suspension to Houston linebacker Azeez Al Shaair serves as a good model for the CFL to consider.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded December 4, 2024).