Rachel: The league says no football until September, but we’ve got a roster that might be worth the wait. This is Beatline, and today we’re answering YOUR questions.
Dave: And let me tell you, the mailbag is loaded. We’re talking Vince Young, Terrell Owens, and a defense that could carry this team.
Rachel: Welcome back to Beatline, the only daily podcast that bleeds green. I’m Rachel, and as always, the sharpest mind in CFL analysis, Dave, is right here.
Dave: Let’s get into it. First up, the work stoppage. Second, the quarterback battle. Third, the defense that has us fired up.
Rachel: We’ve got a ton of fan questions, so let’s not waste a second. Starting with the biggest story in the league.
Dave: We’re the fourth team to cancel training camp practices. That’s a big deal.
Rachel: And the league says the season won’t start until September at the earliest. Fans are worried. Sarah from Regina asks: ‘How does this affect our 12-6 prediction?’
Dave: Honestly, it could help us. We have a new quarterback learning the system, so extra time is a bonus.
Rachel: But fans are also asking about the Grey Cup hosting rule change. If the season resumes, the Grey Cup goes to the team with the best record among the finalists.
Dave: That’s a game-changer. If we finish with the best record, we could host a Grey Cup. That’s huge for us.
Rachel: Marcus in Denver wants to know: ‘Does the work stoppage make you less confident in the West title?’
Dave: No. We’re still the class of the West. The defense is elite, and that travels.
Rachel: And we’ve got a new weapon in the building. Vince Young.
Dave: He hasn’t played in an NFL regular-season game since 2011, but he’s been learning the playbook and impressing in minicamp.
Rachel: Could he be the answer at quarterback? That’s the next question from the mailbag.
Dave: Let’s take a quick break, but stick with us. We’ve got more.
Rachel: Welcome back. Let’s dive into the roster battles. @RiderFan4Life asks: ‘What are the chances Vince Young makes the team?’
Dave: We predicted he would, and I’m sticking with it. He’s got the arm and the mobility. He just needs reps.
Rachel: But what about Terrell Owens? He worked out for us the day after his Hall of Fame induction.
Dave: That was a headline grabber. He’s 47, so it’s a long shot, but if he’s in shape, why not bring him to camp?
Rachel: Jen from Moose Jaw asks: ‘Who wins the defensive back competition?’
Dave: That’s a tough one. We saw Crezdon Butler run into the goalpost on that Burnham touchdown last season. He’s got to clean that up.
Rachel: But the defense as a whole is a strength. We ranked them third in the West, and they could be the reason we win the West.
Dave: Exactly. If the defense plays like we know they can, we’re in every game.
Rachel: Another question from @GreenGang: ‘Will the work stoppage hurt our chemistry?’
Dave: It can, but we’ve got veterans who know how to lead. I’m not worried.
Rachel: Let’s take one more break, but when we come back, we’ve got a fun hypothetical and a lightning round.
Rachel: Alright, time for the fun stuff. Mike from Saskatoon asks: ‘If you could pick one former Rider to add to this roster, who would it be?’
Dave: I’m taking a prime Weston Dressler. He’d feast in this offense.
Rachel: Oh, that’s a good one. I’d go with a young Darian Durant. He was clutch.
Dave: Now for the lightning round. First: Over/under 12 wins this season?
Rachel: Over. I’m calling 12-6, and that’s enough for the West.
Dave: Second: Does Vince Young start a game this year?
Rachel: I’ll say yes, at some point. And he’ll win it.
Dave: Third: Who leads the team in sacks?
Rachel: I’m going with a defensive end we haven’t even seen yet. That’s how deep this defense is.
Dave: I like that confidence. We’ve got the pieces, and the work stoppage just gives us more time to gel.
Rachel: That’s all the time we have. Thanks for the questions, and keep them coming.
Dave: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with every Rider fan you know.
Rachel: We’ll be back tomorrow with more coverage. Until then, go Riders!