Dukes & Bell

The full 9-17-26 Dukes and Bell

In the first hour of today's show, Dukes and Bell analyze the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Michael Penix Jr.'s health and the passionate defense of the rookie quarterback by some fans. They transition into interviews with head coach Kevin Stefanski regarding quarterback reps and defensive tackle Maason Smith on his transition to the team. The conversation also touches on past criticisms of Matt Ryan and the upcoming divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers.(00:01:50) Michael Penix Jr. Status(00:04:50) Defending The Rookie Quarterback(00:10:14) Matt Ryan Criticism Comparison(00:17:34) Kevin Stefanski Interview Part 1(00:23:22) Maason Smith Joins Show(00:28:58) Scouting The Carolina Panthers(00:35:11) Addressing Team Offensive Balance

In the 2nd hour of today's show, Mike Griffith joins Dukes and Bell to discuss why Kirby Smart's intensity spikes on game days and how NIL is forcing a more aggressive approach at Georgia. They also debate Michael Penix Jr.'s role in Atlanta, analyze Deshaun Watson's media frustrations, and lock in their weekly betting picks.(00:01:55) Falcons Division Outlook(00:04:00) Michael Penix Jr. Expectations(00:06:27) Backup Quarterback Comparisons(00:09:10) Lions vs Bills Preview(00:12:20) Deshaun Watson Media Frustrations(00:14:15) Mike Griffith Interview(00:20:15) Kirby Smart Coaching Intensity(00:23:45) SEC and ACC Matchups(00:26:40) Bill Belichick's Legacy(00:30:50) Weekly Football Betting Picks

In the 3rd hour of today's show, Barbara Dooley joins Dukes and Bell to share a classic story about the shoestring play from the 1976 Cotton Bowl and discuss Georgia's upcoming matchup against Arkansas. John Talty from CBS Sports provides insights on Lane Kiffin's coaching style and the current state of NIL legislation. They also examine the Falcons' quarterback situation involving Michael Penix Jr. and critique NFL broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.(00:01:50) Barbara Dooley on Georgia(00:07:16) Evolution of Scouting Technology(00:08:48) Relationship with Lou Holtz(00:15:43) Falcons Quarterback Update(00:17:13) John Talty on Lane Kiffin(00:24:54) Georgia National Title Outlook(00:30:15) Joe Buck Broadcasting Persona(00:32:26) Troy Aikman Cliche Critique(00:41:15) Wild CFL Groin Injury

In the 4th hour of today's show, Dukes & Bell evaluate the persistent uncertainty surrounding Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback position. Defensive tackle Maason Smith joins to discuss his transition to the league and building chemistry with veterans like Za'Darius Smith. They also address the 'damaged goods' label and LeBron James' latest business venture.(00:02:01) Falcons Quarterback Mystery(00:06:20) Michael Penix Injury Debate(00:12:33) Callers Vent on Falcons(00:19:10) Maason Smith Interview(00:27:58) Evaluating QB Performance(00:38:50) NFL Betting and LeBron

Carl and Mike close out the show with final thoughts on the reactions from Falcons fans in regards to Michael Penix Jr. as he continues to work his way back to becoming the team's starting QB. As they discuss, they debate whether or not the third-year QB has proven he is capable of being a successful quarterback for the Falcons once he is on the field.

Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they share thoughts on how they are handling their quarterback situation as Carl believes it is "interesting" however also believes the team wants to be smart about how they eventually bring Michael Penix Jr. back into the fold as their starting QB.

Carl and Mike are joined by John Talty as they discuss the latest college football headlines and preview some of the matchups this weekend.

Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski talks about not having an update to the starting QB situation just yet, if not having a QB named makes game-planning more difficult, Michael Penix continuing to progress each week, the difference between players returning from injury being cleared and actually being ready to play, how different Cooper Rush's prep has been this week compared to last week, how to get more on offense than just Bijan Robinson, what led to such an unbalanced offense in Week 1, how pleased he was with the defensive effort and focus against the Steelers, the performance of Za'Darius Smith, the in-division game against the Panthers in Week 2, and when he'd like to make a call on starting QB for Sunday.

Carl and Mike are joined by Mike Griffith as they preview Georgia's SEC opener at Arkansas.

Carl and Mike get back into football talk as they share thoughts on if they believe the Falcons can at least be an eight win team this season and can reach the playoffs with an 8-9 record assuming they can at least win the NFC South. They then share more thoughts on why they believe Michael Penix Jr. is getting a lot of benefit of the doubt from Falcons' fans, especially due to the small sample size of his NFL career.

Carl and Mike are joined by Maason Smith as they discuss the Falcons Week 2 matchup with the Panthers

Carl and Mike open the show with Falcons talk as they continue to share more thoughts on the quarterback situation as their is still no starter named for their home opener on Sunday and agree that regardless of who eventually is named QB1, the needs to be focused on winning. They then pivot to a conversation in regards to why Michael Penix Jr. is being defended by many Falcons' fans despite is lack of consistent production.

The full 9-16-26 Dukes and Bell

In the opening hour of today's show, Dukes and Bell voice their intense frustration regarding the lack of a clear starting quarterback for the Falcons' upcoming divisional game. They analyze the vague press conference responses from leadership and discuss how the uncertainty affects key playmakers like Drake London and Bijan Robinson. (00:01:50) Vague Falcons QB Update(00:05:52) Dangers Of Team Indecision(00:09:57) Stefanski On Penix Progress(00:15:20) QB Depth Chart Confusion(00:18:55) Reliable Backup QB Options(00:22:10) Historical Franchise Struggles(00:25:50) Jack Plummer Potential(00:31:56) QB Decision Pragmatism(00:36:55) NFL Draft Class Comparisons(00:40:12) Braves And SEC Football

In the 2nd hour of today's show, Carl and Mike analyze the 'coach speak' surrounding the Falcons' quarterback situation and the frustration of being a passionate fan in Atlanta. They weigh in on Michael Penix Jr.'s cryptic media availability and how it impacts preparation for the upcoming game against Carolina.(00:01:20) Stefanski and Coach Speak(00:05:35) Quarterback Importance and History(00:09:45) NFL Players of the Week(00:14:25) Penix vs Rush Preparation(00:18:00) Developing Backup Quarterbacks(00:21:15) Kirby Smart and Georgia(00:27:00) Tailgate Party and Logistics(00:30:05) Eligibility and Spider Incidents(00:33:25) Penix vs Tua Frustration(00:36:30) Penix Post-Practice Quotes

In the 3rd hour of today's show, the guys discuss the Michael Penix Jr. assertation that he has the final word on when he will return to the field, leading to ongoing questions about the starting quarterback situation. Wes Durham and Sheena Quick provide insight into the upcoming matchup against the Panthers and the current state of both teams. Discussions also include college football's NIL landscape and the Braves' postseason hunt.(00:01:50) Penix Injury Update(00:04:55) Wes Durham Interview(00:09:24) Falcons Defense Analysis(00:13:05) College Football Outlook(00:18:22) Sheena Quick Interview(00:22:25) Panthers Quarterback Status(00:28:36) Falcons Quarterback Frustration(00:34:13) Braves And Guy Talk

In the final hour of today's show, Dukes and Bell break down Michael Penix Jr.'s recent comments about his physical recovery and the ongoing uncertainty regarding the Falcons' starting quarterback for the upcoming game. They also speak with Grant McAuley about the Atlanta Braves' playoff push and the pitching rotation adjustments needed to clinch the division.(00:01:50) Penix Starting Status(00:05:14) Mental Versus Physical(00:08:38) Knee Surgery History(00:13:04) Quarterback Search Frustration(00:18:10) Braves Clinch Hunt(00:22:17) Braves Pitching Rotation(00:29:19) Recovery Decision Debate(00:35:37) Falcons Injury Update

Carl and Mike close out the show with final thoughts on the Falcons not naming a starting quarterback for Sunday and share thoughts on why they believe the Michael Penix Jr. evaluation is more about him deciding when he will be ready to play.

Carl and Mike are joined by Grant McAuley as they discuss the latest on the Braves

Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they react to what Michael Penix Jr. said during his press conference after today's practice and addressed his status in regards to eventually being named the team's starting quarterback.

Carl and Mike are joined by Sheena Quick as they preview the Falcons and Panthers matchup on Sunday.

Carl and Mike are joined by Wes Durham as they discuss the latest on the Falcons including their quarterback situation as the team has not named a starter for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Carl and Mike continue with their Falcons talk as they continue to share thoughts on the team not announcing who their starting quarterback will be on Sunday and discuss why they believe Michael Penix Jr. should be the one to be under center as they agree this is a key season for the third year quarterback as the team could be making a decision on his fifth year option in the offseason.

Carl and Mike continue with football talk as they react to some of the NFL headlines including the Falcons officially placing Da'Shawn Hand on the reserve/injured list and signing multiple players to their practice squad. They then share more thoughts on the quarterback situation as the Falcons have yet to name their starter for Sunday and agree that Kevin Stefanski should not feel "boxed in" by being more forthcoming in regards to Michael Penix Jr. and the plan surrounding his return.

Carl and Mike continue their Falcons conversation as they continue to react to the team heading into Wednesday's practice without naming a starting quarterback as Carl poses the question if things would be better among the Falcons' fanbase if Kevin Stefanski at least came out and said that Michael Penix Jr. would be evaluated before they make a decision.

Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they continue to react to Kevin Stafanski stating that the team is still working through who their starting quarterback will be on Sunday when they host the Panthers in their home opener. As they discuss, they also take calls from listeners to allow them to share thoughts on the matter.

Carl and Mike open the show with Falcons talk as they explain why they have frustration due to there not being any clarification in regards to the quarterback room as Kevin Stefanski would not commit to who would be starting on Sunday. As they discuss, Carl explains why he believes it feels like nothing has changed with how the new front office and coaching staff appears to handling things in comparison to how the previous regime handled things.

The full 9-15-26 Dukes and Bell

In the 1st hour of today's show, Patrick Mahomes' gritty return from injury is contrasted with the ongoing absence of Michael Penix Jr., leading to questions about the rookie's mentality. Tony Gwynn Jr. joins the conversation to analyze the Braves' postseason hurdles and the Dodgers' dominance. Callers debate if the coaching staff is coddling the quarterback room while exploring alternative options like Jack Strand.(00:01:23) Mahomes Inspires With Gritty Return(00:04:55) Debating Michael Penix Jr.'s Mentality(00:10:03) Caller Compares Penix To Child Actor(00:14:25) Tony Gwynn Jr. On Braves Hurdles(00:19:15) Evaluating MLB Postseason Arms(00:24:25) Jack Strand As Quarterback Option(00:30:40) Previewing Falcons Versus Panthers(00:36:00) Managing The Penix Injury Timeline(00:38:21) Protecting Penix's Trade Value Theory

In the 2nd hour of today's show, Connor Riley analyzes Georgia's mindset ahead of their first SEC road game and how Kirby Smart uses external criticism as motivation. They also evaluate the Falcons' ongoing quarterback uncertainty and react to Michael Alford's firing at Florida State.(00:01:50) Tua Tagovailoa's Fragility(00:03:53) Connor Riley on Georgia Bulldogs(00:10:15) LSU vs Ole Miss Preview(00:15:11) Arch Manning Public Apology(00:19:30) Chiefs Beat Broncos Recap(00:20:48) Falcons Quarterback Mystery(00:28:31) Cooper Rush Injury Update(00:33:24) Florida State Fires AD(00:35:24) Dan Lanning Defends Dante Moore(00:40:48) NBA Las Vegas Expansion

In the 3rd hour of today's show, Carl and Mike analyze the Falcons' quarterback dilemma following a frustrating loss to the Steelers and debate when Michael Penix Jr. should take over for Cooper Rush. They also cover Tony Dungy's preseason critiques, a potential sale of the Braves by Liberty Media, and the recent invasion of Joro spiders in Georgia.(00:01:50) Mahomes Mentality vs Penix(00:05:30) Backup Quarterback Roster Issues(00:08:45) Preseason Sloppiness and Defensive Recap(00:12:20) Projecting Penix Return Date(00:17:55) Ian Rapoport Injury Update(00:22:45) Upcoming Schedule Gauntlet Toughness(00:29:40) Potential Braves Franchise Sale(00:33:05) Pete Rose Movie Buzz(00:37:25) Emmy Award Highlights and Spiders

In the final hour of today's show, Dukes and Bell analyze the confusing Falcons depth chart as the team prepares to face the Panthers without a clear starting quarterback. They debate the decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. given his injury history and discuss the pressure on the coaching staff. Grant McAuley joins to provide updates on the Braves' pitching injuries and their pursuit of a top seed in the National League.(00:01:50) Falcons Depth Chart Confusion(00:05:05) Debating Michael Penix Jr.(00:08:42) Quarterback Coaching and Development(00:11:48) Fan Reactions to QB Drama(00:18:06) Grant McAuley Braves Interview(00:21:59) Braves Playoff Race Outlook(00:29:48) Predicting Falcons Success(00:34:11) Arch Manning AI Controversy(00:40:29) College Football Betting Lines

Carl and Mike close out the show with final thoughts on when they believe Michael Penix Jr. will return to playing for the Falcons.

Carl and Mike are joined by Grant McAuley as they discuss the latest on the Braves as they are in the midst of a series with the Cubs

Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they react to the latest depth chart which list Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback and agree that despite the recent release, "it doesn't feel like the Falcons QB will play on Sunday as he sat out last week with an oblique issue. As they discuss, they share more thoughts on why seeing Patrick Mahomes return to action after missing nine months due an ACL injury and believe Michael Penix Jr. has to have a "will and a want" to play for the Falcons sooner than later.

Carl and Mike continue to share thoughts on Michael Penix Jr.'s timeline to return as they react to comments by Ian Rapaport who shared some insight on what he believes may be the scenario for the Falcons QB room as they get set for their Week 2 matchup against the Panthers.

Carl and Mike continue with their conversation on Patrick Mahomes playing in the Chiefs' win on MNF as he returned to action following a season ending ACL injury last season and agree that seeing Mahomes in action gives them more reason to call for Michael Penix Jr. play for the Falcons on Sunday.

Carl and Mike get into some football talk as they share thoughts on reports Arch Manning issued an apology in regards to laughing as a meme which depicted Steve Sarkisian slapping Holly Rowe and agree he handle the situation the correct way.  They then get into NFL headlines including the Chiefs win over the Broncos and agree the mentality Patrick Mahomes had  in regards to playing following his ACL injury is what they have been wanting to see.

Carl and Mike are joined by Connor Riley as they discuss the latest on the Georgia Bulldogs as they get ready for their SEC opener against Arkansas

Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they share thoughts on what they believe will be the eventually announcement tomorrow in regards to who will be the Week 2 starter. As they discuss, they agree that calls for Jack nStrand should not be "taken off the table" due to the fact the Falcons kept him on the roster and believe his college experience should not reason enough to not play him.

Carl and Mike are joined by Tony Gwynn Jr. as they discuss the latest MLB headlines and what concerns there may be for the Braves as they head into the postseason