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Dunigan was honoured on the field at Louisiana Tech last weekend. (provided photo)
On this week’s edition of 3rd-and-Dun, we cover a trio of hot-button topic quarterbacks in the league and dive into a tasty chicken wing recipe. Matty BBQ was off last weekend to head south for the honouring of the Top 50 players to ever play at Joe Aillet Stadium — home of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs — and we caught up with him as he was en route to the Dallas airport.
If you’re just here for the awesome chicken wing recipe, scroll to the bottom.
Carlos Verde, CFL.ca: First off, let’s talk about the man of the hour in Montreal: Antonio Pipkin. Here’s a second-year pro, a guy the team cut in camp, and he’s won two of his three starts — not to mention unseated the guy they traded ‘half an organization’ for.
Matt Dunigan, CFL on TSN: I really believe that for the most part this kid gets it. He says all the right things, and he’s making the most of his second lease on a CFL career. He has the right mindset, win or lose, (and) I like his demeanour. The team has responded for him, the fans have responded.
Dunigan believes Antonio Pipkin is going about things the right way as Montreal’s starter. (The Canadian Press photo)
Look — this is a franchise that’s been searching for a QB since AC left in 2013, (and) he’s shown hope and promise and people have latched onto that. It’s mind-boggling that they actually let him go after training camp, and that this is the same QB coming back into the mix.
CV: Much has been made of Matt Nichols in Winnipeg. The Bombers have lost four straight, tumbling down the West Division standings in the process, and fans made it pretty clear they want to see Chris Streveler moving forward. What’s gone wrong for Matt Nichols, and how does a quarterback in that situation rebound?
MD: Things add up. People don’t forget. After the booing he took from the Winnipeg fans — which, by the way, they have every right to voice their opinion — it’s how he handles situations, when it comes to the adversity he’s facing.
I do know what you have to do is dig down deep, focus on the details — which he’s going to do — (and) when they give him the opportunity, go out and play like its his last game.
He’s been, I think, in disarray. And pressing, and you can’t do that. Look, his struggles preceded his comment. He hasn’t played like the guy that they started to love there in Winnipeg the last couple years. It had an impact, the situations and comments add up…that stoked the fire. Expectations are high for Winnipeg, justifiably so. Chris Streveler seems to say all the right things, much like Antonio Pipkin. Whatever it is, (with fans) it’s what you latch onto, what you want to follow.
Despite the tough times in Winnipeg, Dunigan believes the Bombers should stick with struggling starter Matt Nichols. (The Canadian Press photo)
At this point, the fan base is for the most part showing displeasure in the way things have played out with Matt Nichols, and have moved on to Chris Streveler. The fact is, Mike O’Shea — who’s been doing this for a while now — has ponied up with Matt Nichols. I think he should ride Matt, and give him an opportunity to work things out. That’s the right move (now). For the future? What that kid (Streveler) has, it’s bright for the Blue Bombers.
CV: Lastly, let’s talk about Trevor Harris and Ottawa’s offence. This is a REDBLACKS team that in years past has been known for the explosive play, but this year it just hasn’t been there for them. Great numbers, but mediocre results. Why?
MD: Look, I absolutely love their talent. I think (OC) Jaime Elizondo calls a really outstanding game, (it’s) just a matter I think (of) having the arm strength and the willingness to put the football down the field. You need to have the ability to make all the throws on the football field — and I’m not saying Trevor doesn’t — but I’ve noticed a real difference in his arm strength and willingness to push the football down the field this season. I’ve noticed a change in his release this year.
Within that offence, the high-percentage throws are there for the taking. There’s some guys within that receiving core that have struggled this year. They’re trying to find their identity, and find guys that fill these voids.
Trevor Harris and the REDBLACKS offence are suffering through an identity crisis, according to Dunigan. (The Canadian Press photo)
There’s a number of things, but the biggest is keeping (RB) William Powell in the mix. When they’re having success, it starts with the run. They’ve had some problems up front this year and some changes, some rotation going on. There are inconsistencies there that are depicted in the win-loss record.
CV: So, we’re past Labour Day and storylines have been fleshed out. What’s been your highlight of the season, in terms of players or teams exceeding expectations?
MD: I think Duke Williams in Edmonton, and watching him assert himself. Last year, he had a good start but the long season played on him. Duke realized that he had a few things to work on, worked on those things in the offseason and talked about putting in the miles and the work, and you can see it paying off for him. Duke has got a lot left to improve on, and yet he continues to shine week-in, week-out whether it’s through adversity or not. He’s a young receiver that I’ve loved watching grow.
CV: And then on the flip side, one storyline that’s been disappointing or sad for you to cover.
MD: It’s been tough watching Toronto, the defending Grey Cup champions, struggle in the absence of Ricky Ray. Trying to find their footing, as a football team period. This year they’ve struggled consistently. I didn’t see them playing well, even when Ricky was in there. Their play has been disappointing.
Like anybody, Dunigan loves a good redemption story — and will be watching Duron Carter‘s opportunity with the Argos carefully. (The Canadian Press photo)
CV: And lastly, what’s one thing you want to see on the ‘back nine’ of the season?
MD: I’m hopeful for Zach Collaros’s health, it seems like he’s practicing this week. I’m hoping he can round out into form and find his game. We got to see a glimpse of Jonathon Jennings bouncing back last week…some of these unsung heroes, guys trying to recreate their careers. Marquay McDaniel, Chad Owens being signed…second and third life in the league… Duron Carter‘s second kick at the can. Guys making the most of it. All those things are positives, (and) you can really get behind those guys as an analyst and fan.
LEMON DROP APPLE WOOD SMOKED WINGS
Ingredients (Wings)
- 20 whole chicken wings (drumette and wingette attached) rinsed and patted dry
- 2 Tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients (Maple Lemon Sauce)
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 3 Tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint chopped fine
- Salt and pepper pouch
Ingredients (Apple wood)
- 6 cups Apple wood chips
- Water for soaking
- Splash of bourbon
Directions
Wings
- Rinse chicken and pat dry. Sprinkle chicken liberally with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
- Place wings over the drip pan set over indirect heat.
- Close the barbeque lid and slow smoke for 1.5 hours changing the smoke pouch when the smoke dissipates.
- During the last ½ hour of cooking, baste chicken with maple lemon sauce.
- Remove chicken from grill and toss with the left over maple lemon sauce. Serve with sour cream.
Maple Lemon Sauce
- To prepare the maple lemon sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk. Reserve sauce.
Smoke Pouch
- Allow 4 cups (1 litre) of wood chips to soak in cool water for 1 hour. Set aside remaining dry wood chips for later.
- Strain the wood chips. Place 2 cups (500mL) of wet wood chips on a large sheet of aluminum foil and mix in 1 cup (250mL) of dry chips, splash with bourbon (about 2 tablespoons – 30mL). Mix wet and dry woodchips and bourbon until evenly distributed.
- Close the foil up loosely and make a sealed pouch. Pierce the pouch with a fork in several spots top and bottom to allow smoke to escape. Repeat to make another pouch (2 pouches in total).
- Preheat one side of the barbeque to low heat for indirect cooking and smoking 220°F (104°C). Leave the other side turned off and slip a drip pan under the grates of side with heat off. Brush grill with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the smoke pouch on the side of the barbeque with direct heat. Wait for smoke.
