Dukes & Bell

The full 9-30-26 Dukes and Bell

In the first hour of today's show, John Fricke joins Mike Bell to fill in for Carl Dukes as they analyze the Braves' playoff clash with the Phillies and the current state of the bullpen. They evaluate Michael Penix Jr.'s potential and discuss if the Falcons have emerged as the team to beat in the NFC South.(00:01:55) John Fricke Joins Mike(00:05:13) Phillies Playoff Rivalry Discussion(00:09:02) Braves Bullpen Strength Evaluation(00:13:05) No Pressure Playoff Vibe(00:22:27) Michael Penix Jr. Impact(00:27:19) Falcons NFC South Favorites(00:30:31) Falcons vs. Saints Preview(00:36:30) Hate Week and Injuries(00:40:34) Expanding the Falcons Offense

In the 2nd hour of today's show, Mike and Fricke evaluate the offensive growth of Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons following their recent road performances. Wes Durham joins Dukes and Bell to discuss the team's increased physicality and locker room leadership ahead of the rivalry game against the New Orleans Saints. They also analyze the Atlanta Braves' wild card lineup and various college football coaching storylines.(00:01:50) Philadelphia Favorites And Local Ties(00:04:40) John Fricke Evaluates Falcons Roster(00:10:08) Coaching Rumors And College Transitions(00:13:15) Braves Wild Card Lineup Analysis(00:19:05) Day Day's Inside The Noggin(00:23:55) Falcons Offensive Identity Under Reese(00:32:00) Wes Durham Previews Saints Rivalry(00:37:20) Falcons Physicality And Veteran Leadership(00:42:45) Breaking Down The Saints Matchup

In the 3rd hour of today's show, Mike and Fricke analyze a costly Braves base-running decision before being joined by Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. They discuss the team's defensive potential and off-season improvements while in training camp. The conversation shifts to college football rankings and the frustrations of modern sports streaming services.(00:01:50) Braves Tactical Mistakes(00:05:55) College Football Rankings(00:10:10) SEC Expansion Outlook(00:15:45) Dyson Daniels Interview(00:21:00) Hawks Defensive Identity(00:27:10) Streaming Media Issues(00:32:30) MLB Broadcast Quality(00:39:50) WNBA Interaction Debate

In the final hour of today's show, Mike and Fricke break down the Braves' Game 2 loss to the Phillies, highlighting concerns over bullpen management and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s postseason performance. They also explore the Falcons' standing in the NFC South, discussing the defensive line's growth and the team's mental toughness.(00:01:55) Braves and Falcons Analysis(00:10:24) Coaching Vibe and Mindset(00:14:54) Braves Game 2 Postgame(00:18:33) Fan Frustration with Acuña(00:27:51) Managing the Bullpen Matchups(00:35:05) Tyler Mahle Injury Update(00:39:31) Offensive Output and Consistency

Mike and John close out the show with final thoughts on the Braves loss to the Phillies and take calls from listeners to allow them to share thoughts on the game.

Mike and John get back into Braves talk as they react to the Braves to losing to the Phillies forcing a decisive Game 3 and as they discuss, John explains why he is disaapointed in Ronald Acuna Jr., stating he is not playing like the "superstar he is supposed to be".

Mike and John get into some brief Braves talk as they give an update on the game in which the Braves fell behind 4-3 after taking a 3-1 lead. They then get into Falcons talk as John Fricke explains why he believes Atlanta is the best team in the NFC South, especially with Michael Penix Jr. back as the starting quarterback.

Mike and John are by Dyson Daniels as they discuss the latest on the Hawks and preview the 2026-27 season

Mike and John get into some brief braves talk as they give a quick update on Game 2 of the Wild Card Series against the Phillies and share thoughts on the Braves not sending Ozzie Albies at third on an Austin Riley single to shallow left and agree on believing the Braves should have made the Phillies try to make the perfect play by sending Albies home.

Mike and John are joined by Wes Durham as they discuss the latest on the Falcons as they prepare for the Saints.

Mike and John get into some NFL talk as they react to some of the latest headlines including the Panthers placing their cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Jr. on injured reserve and as they discuss, John notes why he believes the Falcons may be on their way to being the best team in the NFC South if they can beat the Saints on Monday and the Panthers dealing with significant injuries and the Bucs struggling early.

Mike and John give a quick Braves update as they share thoughts on Matt Olson coming up with an RBI single and agree it is good to see Olson come through in a big spot to get the Braves on the board a day after Austin Riley came up with a big 3-run homerun to help the Braves take Game 1. They then get back into Falcons talk as they share thoughts on how well the pass rush has been, noting as they prepare for the Saints, Tyler Shough is tied for 10th in taking the most sacks.

Mike and John get back into Braves talk as they discuss why they believe the Braves are going to nave to have some big run games in order to give themselves a chance at winning a World Series this year. They then get into Falcons talk as they share thoughts on why they never had doubt in Michael Penix Jr. being able to run the Falcons offense successfully, however they do question his durability.

Mike and John open the show with some Braves talk as they share thoughts on their Game 2 matchup with the Phillies and discuss what they believe MLB is missing the mark by having the 2:00pm start throughout the series. They then get into discussing why they believe the Braves' clubhouse has the make up of the 2021 championship winning team.

The full 9-29-26 Dukes and Bell

In the first hour of today's show, Carl and Mike analyze the Chicago Bears' surprising victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and the standout performance of veteran Case Keenum. They are joined by Tony Gwynn Jr. to discuss the MLB Wild Card matchups, Aaron Judge's injury status, and the Braves' postseason strategy against the Phillies. The conversation also covers the Falcons' preparation for the Saints and new developments in college NIL legislation.(00:03:30) Braves Postseason Push(00:07:20) Bears Upset the Eagles(00:11:59) Falcons vs Saints Preview(00:16:45) Tony Gwynn Jr Interview(00:28:19) Ben Johnson Coaching Clinic(00:33:31) Odell Beckham Jr Released(00:37:22) Kirby Smart on Vandy(00:42:00) Braves vs Phillies Updates

In the 2nd hour of today's show, The Waterboyz join Dukes and Bell to discuss Michael Penix Jr.'s potential and the legendary Falcons-Saints rivalry intensity. They evaluate Jeff Ulbrich's defensive coaching and John Abraham's Ring of Honor legacy while also addressing Tua Tagovailoa's transition into a veteran backup role. The conversation spans from the Georgia Bulldogs' depth to a critique of USC's broadcast team and a nostalgic look at gas station etiquette.(00:01:50) Michael Penix Talent(00:05:55) Saints Rivalry Intensity(00:09:20) Jeff Ulbrich Defense(00:12:30) John Abraham Legacy(00:17:40) Tua Tagovailoa Role(00:24:20) Georgia Bulldogs Depth(00:30:40) USC Radio Controversy(00:34:20) Auburn Theft Scandal(00:39:05) Gas Station Nostalgia

In the 3rd hour of today's show, Dukes and Bell analyze Georgia's dominant season and debate their standing against Texas in the national rankings with Dawg Nation's Connor Riley. They explore the impact of NIL on high school recruiting and the development of backup quarterback Gunner Stockton. The conversation also shifts to the Falcons' defensive improvements and a critical Braves victory over the Phillies.(00:01:50) Georgia Football Analysis(00:08:05) SEC Coaching Discussion(00:11:30) Recruiting NIL Impact(00:15:54) Falcons Defense Performance(00:27:20) Braves Postgame Review(00:29:14) Mets GM Critique

In the final hour of today's show, Carl and Mike celebrate a massive Game 1 victory for the Atlanta Braves, focusing on Austin Riley's pivotal three-run home run that silenced the Philadelphia crowd. They debate the management of the pitching staff, including Chris Sale's early exit, and hear from Grant McAuley regarding clubhouse reactions and the Game 2 start for Tyler Mahle.(00:01:50) Austin Riley's Clutch Homer(00:05:15) Evaluating Postseason Managerial Strategy(00:08:50) Legacies and Clubhouse Energy(00:14:25) Acuña's Costly Defensive Error(00:22:00) Intense Philadelphia Phillies Rivalry(00:40:55) Grant McAuley Stadium Report(00:48:55) Tyler Mahle and Game 2

Carl and Mike are joined by Grant McAuley as they discuss the Braves win over the Phillies to take a 1-0 Wild Card series lead.

Carl and Mike continue to take calls from listeners to allow them to share thoughts on the Braves win over the Phillies to take a 1-0 Wild Card series lead.

Carl and Mike get into Braves talk as they react to the Braves 5-3 win over the Phillies to take a 1-0 Wild Card series lead. As they discuss, they credit Austin Riley for being able to come up clutch when needed, however question Walt Weiss' decision to pull Chris Sale after 6.1 innings pitched.

Carl and Mike get back into some football talk as they share thoughts on their conversation with Connor Riley in regards to how good Georgia is and agree that "we are starting to learn some of these SEC teams are fraud" and not as good as they may have been hyped to be. They then get into Falcons talk and share thoughts on how good the defense has been this season, despite the team getting off to a 1-2 start.

Carl and Mike are joined by Connor Riley as they discuss the latest on the Georgia Bulldogs and why there may not be a team playing as impressive as Georgia has been so far this season.

Carl and Mike get into some brief Braves talk as they share thoughts on how the team is doing in Game 1 of their Wild Card series with the Phillies. They then get back to NFL talk as they discuss some of the comments of Tua Tagovailoa as he spoke with the media and addressed his role as the backup quarterback.

Carl and Mike get into some of the latest sports headlines as they react to the Bears defeating the Eagles without Caleb Williams as Case Keenum led them to the 27-7 win to which they agree Ben Johnson may be displaying just how good he is as a head coach and waited for the right opportunity. They then share thoughts on the Senate passing the Protect College Sports Act and moves on to the House and believe it will be good to have a foundation to build on in regards to guardrails in college sports if the bill eventually becomes legilation.

Carl and Mike are joined by Tony Gwynn Jr. as they discuss the latest MLB headlines and preview the playoffs

Carl and Mike open the show with some Braves talk as they preview their Wild Card series against the Phillies getting underway and agree in believing the Braves have the pitching advantage in Game 1 and should be able to take the series lead. They then get into Falcons talk as they share thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa as the back up and while they hope the Falcons do  not find themselves having to turn to Tua because of an injury related to Michael Penix Jr., they agree the Falcons are in a good space to have Tua as a back up.

The full 9-28-26 Dukes and Bell

In the opening hour of today's show, Carl details a morning car mishap before joining Mike to break down the wide-open NFC South. They evaluate Michael Penix Jr.'s recent performance and preview the Braves' postseason clash against the Phillies with analyst Grant McAuley.(00:01:42) Carl's Morning Tire Trouble(00:05:49) Georgia Football Dominance(00:10:41) Michael Penix Jr. Performance(00:15:23) Braves Playoff Swagger Concerns(00:21:03) NFL Mini Bye Week Analysis(00:29:33) Grant McAuley Braves Preview(00:38:50) Braves Postseason Tactical Outlook

In the 2nd hour of today's show, Mike and Carl evaluate Michael Penix Jr.'s poised performance and the Falcons' improved pass rush following a critical victory. They also discuss the Georgia Bulldogs' defensive dominance, voice frustrations regarding MLB's playoff scheduling for the Braves, and condemn the controversial late hit in the USC-Oregon game.(00:01:50) Neyland Stadium Atmosphere(00:07:56) NFL Week Recap(00:15:04) Braves Phillies Preview(00:18:30) Michael Penix Analysis(00:23:30) Bijan Robinson Impact(00:30:02) Bulldogs Defense Update(00:39:09) USC Oregon Controversy

In the 3rd hour of today's show, Carl and Mike analyze Georgia's commanding performance against Oklahoma and discuss why Gunner Stockton looks elite. They transition to the Atlanta Falcons' victory and Michael Penix Jr.'s impact on team chemistry. The conversation also covers the Braves' upcoming postseason matchup with the Phillies and Giannis Antetokounmpo's hilarious fear of iguanas.(00:01:50) SEC Football Recap(00:05:57) Kirby Smart and Chris Cole(00:12:09) Georgia Tech Coaching Discussion(00:18:53) Michael Penix Jr. Analysis(00:26:24) NFL and Braves Updates(00:34:40) Jaguars Ball Boy Incident(00:36:22) Giannis and the Iguanas(00:42:22) College Football Discipline Issues

In the final hour of today's show, Carl and Mike analyze the upcoming Braves postseason matchup against the Phillies and the frustrations surrounding early start times. They evaluate the Falcons' defensive performance and Michael Penix Jr.'s progression as a rookie quarterback. The discussion also covers NBA trade rumors involving the Hawks and Jalen Duren alongside reactions to NFL officiating.(00:01:50) Braves Phillies Playoff Preview(00:05:35) Falcons Defensive Pressure Stats(00:09:45) NFL Week 3 Recap(00:15:45) Braves Wildcard Schedule Grievances(00:20:55) Brian Snitker Postseason Outlook(00:28:00) Jalen Duren Trade Rumors(00:34:05) NFL Quarterback Carousel Discussion(00:41:11) Georgia Bulldogs Victory Analysis

Carl and Mike close out the show with some thoughts on reports the Hawks have inquired about Jalen Duran in a sign and trade with the Pistons, to which Carl believes, if there is any validity to the reports, the Hawks "should do it now" due to his belief Duran is the type of player who could help the Hawks take the next steps. 

Carl and Mike get back into braves talk as they share more thoughts on their Wild Card series with the Phillies, to which Carl explains why he believes the Braves are the "better team" however states Atlanta has to show up with the "swagger" and play like they are the better team.

Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they continue to share thoughts on why Jeff Ulbrich and his staff deserve a lot of credit for how well they have played without James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, and getting things done by committee with a lot of players who are on one-year deals.

Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they share more thoughts on how well the team looked on Thursday in their win over the Packers, especially on offense once Michael Penix Jr. settled in, in a game which was his first since suffering a season ending ACL tear last year, while defensively, Carl explains why he believes the defense had been the biggest surprise, due to the fact they have been without Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.

Carl and Mike get back into college football talk as they share thoughts on some of the games from the weekend and agree so far, some of the SEC matchups have lived up to their build up, however, admits he has been bored with Georgia's wins because of how dominate they have been so far, however believes they the Bulldogs are the best team in college football.

Carl and Mike get into some brief Braves talk as they continue to preview the Wild Card series with the Phillies and share thoughts on the reports of pitchers who may be able to return to help in the postseason. They then get into Falcons talk as they share thoughts on why the return of Michael Penix Jr. is reason for not being as concerned about the season, especially after the rest of the NFC South lost on Sunday, while the Falcons won on Thursday.

Carl and Mike get into more football talk as they share thoughts on some of the college and NFL games from over the weekend, including Tennessee and Texas, which Carl says was an "incredible" atmosphere and as they discuss, they agree there is some great parody in college football this season.

Carl and Mike are joined by Grant McAuley as they preview the Braves Wild Card series with the Phillies, which Grant believes this is an "all hands on deck" situation as they look to make a World Series run.