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 regarding Bo Levi Mitchell’s contract, Brandon Banks regressing, Ottawa’s defence improving, Winnipeg’s kicking situation, and the best running back in the CFL.
Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next Wednesday for another edition of Insider Talk.
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Calgary’s problem is that Bo (Levi Mitchell) doesn’t have a No. 1 target. It used to be Eric Rogers. He’d catch everything on second down and in the red zone. Now Bo is taking hits he’s never taken before. He’s a pretty small quarterback, all things considered. He’s not used to this kind of punishment.
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Andrew Harris is still the best running back in the league because William Stanback can’t catch.
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(Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ receiver) Brandon Banks is just not the same player that he used to be. Those little guys just seem to hit a wall late in their careers. The same thing happened to (Weston) Dressler. If you’re that small, you’re useless as soon as you lose that top-end speed and quickness.
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Ottawa has weaknesses along the offensive line and with their Canadian talent, but overall they’re no slouch. I thought they’d be the free space on the bingo card. Mike Benevides is coaching that defence really well.
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If I was John Hufnagel, I wouldn’t pay Bo Levi Mitchell what he’s currently supposed to make in 2022. He’s got $200,000 in off-season roster bonuses and his salary is close to $300,000. Calgary should restructure that deal to include far fewer guaranteed dollars and way more playtime.
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It’s ridiculous that Winnipeg is keeping (placekicker Ali) Mourtada around. He’s kicking 40 percent. I don’t think their punter (Marc Liegghio) is very good either. I hope that doesn’t come back to hurt them.
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That new running back in Ottawa (De’Lance Turner) looks pretty good. They should have gone to him sooner. He looks more dynamic than (Timothy) Flanders.
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(Toronto Argonauts’ defensive lineman) Kony Ealy is elite against the run.
