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 Montreal’s newly-found trade capital, Kenny Lawler’s breakout season, Ottawa’s potential asking price for Lewis Ward, and Winnipeg’s dominance along the line of scrimmage.
Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next Wednesday for another edition of Insider Talk.
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Trevor Harris and Vernon Adams Jr. are the only proven starters in the East Division who are under contract for 2022. If Harris plays well down the stretch that’ll give Montreal some nice trade capital regardless of who they choose to keep.
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I’m not surprised that Kenny Lawler has played so well this season. He didn’t see the ball a lot in 2019 because of scheme but he really looked great on film. He was bound to produce at a higher level.
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If I were the Redblacks my asking price for Lewis Ward would be a first-round pick.
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Winnipeg is still head and shoulders above everyone else. Nobody will beat them straight-up. If they lose again it’ll be because they beat themselves. Zach Collaros is playing great and they’ve got the best offensive and defensive lines in the league by a large margin — a really large margin.
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I think what cost Eli Harold his job in Toronto is just his lack of versatility. He’s really just a 4-3 end and (defensive coordinator) Chris Jones wants guys who can play all over the place.
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Hamilton’s problem is they’ve clung onto some of the veterans for too long. They needed to go younger quicker at some key positions. They’ve got some really good young players, they’re just not using them all.
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When (Mike) O’Shea says (Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ kicker Ali) Mourtada hits the same ball every time he’s not wrong: it’s always outside the posts.
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(Toronto Argonauts’ receiver) Kurleigh Gittens Jr. is rising. I think he’s going to be a star down the road. I wasn’t sure how well his game would translate to the pro level but the results speak for themselves.
