Insider Talk is a weekly feature on 3DownNation that features anonymous quotes from people around the CFL — players, coaches, personnel people, executives, and agents — regarding the latest news around the league. It’s a combination of insight, analysis, rumours, and friendly gossip.
This week’s Insider Talk is full of discussion on NFL cuts, Edmonton’s COVID-19 outbreak, league vaccination rates, and the turf at Percival Molson Stadium.
Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next Wednesday for another edition of Insider Talk.
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Here’s the reality: hundreds players are getting cut by teams in the NFL, most of whom are vaccinated. Unless someone’s a really elite player, it’s going to be easy for CFL teams to replace anyone who’s not vaccinated.
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There are multiple CFL teams who will not consider signing players who aren’t vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated, you’re not even on their board. They can’t afford to fall below that 85 percent threshold.
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Shame on the Elks for having this outbreak. Over a dozen guys with COVID? That’s embarrassing. Every other team has done their part to ensure this season progresses smoothly.
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I’m not a huge fan of the CFL front office, but I’m not sure what else they could really do to improve these COVID protocols. They basically copied the NFL’s plan. My only criticism would be they should have enforced this 85 percent vaccine level sooner.
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(Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive tackle) Micah Johnson is not overrated. His numbers have been down, sure, but that’s not all on him. The tape doesn’t lie. He’s still one of our league’s best defensive linemen.
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Here’s the bottom line: if you’re not vaccinated, you’re a bad teammate.
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(Calgary Stampeders’) Brent Monson is a really underrated defensive coordinator. He’s excellent at scheming the opposition.
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The turf at Percival Molson Stadium is the worst I’ve ever played on.