Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Penix Jr

Carl and Mike continue to discuss Matt Ryan's role as president of football and whether or not there should be trust in the former Falcons' quarterback to make the right decisions. They also react to Ryan's comments in regards to Michael Penix Jr. as he answered questions about his role in decision making on the soon to be third-year quarterback.

4 O'clock Hour :00 – Carl and Mike continue with their thoughts on Matt Ryan and some of his answers from his press conference. :20 – Carl and Mike continue to discuss Matt Ryan's role as president of football and whether or not there should be trust in the former Falcons' quarterback to make the right decisions. They also react to Ryan's comments in regards to Michael Penix Jr. as he answered questions about his role in decision making on the soon to be third-year quarterback. :40 – Carl and Mike get into Guy Talk as they discuss Ravens' Steve Bisciotti saying Harbaugh would have been head coach for at least one more week had their kicker made the field goal against the Steelers in the season finale,

The Atlanta Falcons are entering a brand-new era — and Buck Belue breaks it all down on this episode of Buck’s Beat. With Matt Ryan officially hired as the Falcons’ President of Football, the organizational structure in Atlanta has changed dramatically. The general manager and head coach will now report directly to Ryan, creating a three-person leadership model alongside owner Arthur Blank and the consulting firm assisting the search. In this episode, Buck explains: Why Matt Ryan is the right choice to lead the football operation How the Falcons’ GM search is likely unfolding behind the scenes Which executive candidates make the most sense for the general manager role Why former Ravens coach John Harbaugh is not a fit for Atlanta And why Seahawks offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak is the best head coaching fit for the Falcons Buck details why Kubiak’s offensive philosophy, background in the Shanahan coaching tree, and experience with outside-zone and play-action concepts make him an ideal match for Atlanta’s current roster — including Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr. He also explains why Kubiak’s rookie-head-coach status could be a positive, not a negative, for the Falcons at this stage of the rebuild. The episode also explores: The competition for top head coaching candidates around the league Why Atlanta may be a more appealing destination than Baltimore, Las Vegas, Phoenix, or New York The importance of pairing the next head coach with a veteran, cap-savvy general manager And how this new structure gives the Falcons a real chance to reset and build toward long-term success It’s a full breakdown of where the Falcons are now, where they’re headed next, and what this new Matt Ryan-led era could look like moving forward. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Falcons hire Matt Ryan 01:55 – New leadership structure explained 02:45 – GM candidates and interview process 04:00 – Why John Harbaugh is not a fit 06:45 – Why Clint Kubiak is the best fit 08:30 – Offensive scheme fit (Bijan & Penix) 10:30 – Kubiak vs other job openings 12:00 – Why Atlanta is appealing for Kubiak 14:00 – Building the new Falcons leadership trio 15:10 – Final thoughts #Falcons #AtlantaFalcons #MattRyan #KlintKubiak #BuckBelue #BucksBeat #NFL #NFLNews #NFLCoachingSearch #FalconsHC #FalconsGM #ArthurBlank #MichaelPenixJr #BijanRobinson #DrakeLondon #DirtyBirds #RiseUp #ShanahanTree #WestCoastOffense #NFLFrontOffice #NFLPodcast #AtlantaSports #SportsTalk #680TheFan #FalconsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 9th Publish Date:  January 9th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, January 9th and Happy Birthday to Jimmy Page I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season Flu season hits Georgia harder this year — What you should be watching for Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 4 STORY 1: Georgia schedules election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene  Georgia’s 14th Congressional District is gearing up for a special election on March 10, following Marjorie Taylor Greene’s abrupt resignation. Greene, once a staunch Trump ally, stepped down after a public fallout with the president over her push to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Trump called her a “traitor” and vowed to back her challenger if she ran again. Ouch. The race? Already crowded. Nearly two dozen candidates are eyeing the seat, including two Democrats, an independent, and 20 Republicans. Big names like State Sen. Colton Moore and Dalton Councilman Nicky Lama are in the mix. Qualifying runs Jan. 12–14, with a $5,220 fee. STORY 2: Marietta Theatre Company announces 2026 season Marietta Theatre Company just dropped its 2026 season lineup, and honestly? It’s a good one. Tickets are already on sale—season passes start at $65, and they’re flexible, so no stressing over dates. “Live theater sticks with you—it’s magic that lingers,” said Katrina Stroup, the company’s president. “This season? Laughter, music, joy. We’ve got it all.” Here’s what’s coming: Little Shop of Horrors (Jan. 22-31): A cult classic with humor, heart, and a man-eating plant. 9 to 5: The Musical (May 28-June 6): Dolly Parton. Friendship. Revenge. Enough said. All Shook Up (Aug. 13-22): Elvis meets Twelfth Night. Chaos ensues. Details at mariettatheatre.tix.com. STORY 3: Flu season hits Georgia harder this year — What you should be watching for  Flu season’s here, and Georgia’s getting hit hard—again. Over 300 people have been hospitalized since Dec. 21, and it’s not just the flu. RSV and colds are making the rounds too. Feeling run down? Fever, chills, body aches, sore throat? Yeah, it might be the flu. Dr. Earl Stewart Jr. from Wellstar says Influenza A (H3N2) is the big culprit this year, hitting kids, seniors, and folks with chronic conditions the hardest. Symptoms usually last 5–7 days, but that cough? It might stick around for weeks. When to worry? If you’re struggling to breathe, have chest pain, or your kid’s lethargic and not drinking fluids—get to the ER. Prevention? The usual suspects: flu shots, handwashing, rest, and staying hydrated. And if you do catch it, antivirals like Tamiflu can help—especially if you act fast. Stay safe, everyone. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 4 STORY 4: Cobb Prom Swap  Got an old prom dress or suit gathering dust in your closet? Give it a second life at the Cobb Prom Swap! The Cobb County Public Library is collecting gently used dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and even new, unused cosmetics through Feb. 7. Drop-off locations include: East Cobb Library, Marietta North Cobb Library, Kennesaw Powder Springs Library, Powder Springs Vinings Library, Atlanta West Cobb Library, Kennesaw Then, teens can shop for free at the Prom Swap events—first-come, first-served—on Feb. 21 (South Cobb Library, Mableton) and Feb. 28 (Switzer Library, Marietta). Perfect outfits, no price tags. STORY 5: Wheeler overcomes rocky start to beat Cherokee Cherokee came out swinging, but Wheeler landed the knockout punch, pulling away for a 78-64 win Tuesday night at Cherokee High. The Wildcats (12-3, 4-0 Region 5AAAAAA) have been living out of suitcases for weeks, and while this wasn’t their cleanest game, they handed the Warriors (11-5, 3-1) their first region loss—without starters Kevin Savage and Lamarrion Lewis. UConn commit Colben Landrew was unstoppable, dropping 26 points. Jaron Saulsberry added 17, and Amare James chipped in 16, including a half-court buzzer-beater that sparked Wheeler’s comeback. Cherokee started hot—Sean Hamilton’s seven-point run helped build a 20-6 lead. But Wheeler clawed back, outscoring the Warriors 26-12 in the second quarter and never looking back. FALCONS: Kirk Cousins and the Falcons just shook up his contract—again. According to reports, they’ve reworked the final two years of his four-year, $180 million deal, giving Atlanta some breathing room with the salary cap. But here’s the kicker: by March 13, 2026, they’ll have to decide if Cousins sticks around. Why? A $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 kicks in that day. And let’s be real—at 38, with a no-trade clause, Cousins isn’t exactly a hot commodity. The new deal slashes his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million, shifting that cash to 2027. Still, he’s got a $10 million roster bonus locked in for next year. Atlanta signed Cousins in 2024 with $100 million guaranteed, then drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8. But when Penix tore his ACL, Cousins stepped in, starting seven games. His numbers? Solid-ish: 1,721 yards, 10 TDs, five picks. Not bad for a guy nearing 40. I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 4 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top Stories for January 8th Publish Date: January 8th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, January 8th and Happy birthday to Elvis Presley I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Suwanee breathing new life into popular pocket park Gwinnett's 2026 budget will be even smaller than previously thought Ex-legislator accused of lying to get pandemic unemployment money Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 1: Suwanee breathing new life into popular pocket park Main Street Park, a Suwanee staple since 1998, is getting a much-needed glow-up. Nearly $846,000 worth of renovations are kicking off this week, and honestly? It’s about time. The basketball court—loved, worn, and always in use—is staying, but it’s getting a fresh surface, new hoops, and extra seating. Assistant City Manager Denise Brinson put it simply: “It’s well-loved, so we couldn’t take it away.” The old pavilion? Gone. In its place, a modern design with tables and seating—more hangout, less performance space. They’re also adding greenspace, walking paths, and a few parking spots. “It’s like PlayTown Suwanee,” Brinson said. “Sometimes, you just have to start over.” STORY 2: Gwinnett's 2026 budget will be even smaller than previously thought Gwinnett County’s 2026 budget just got even smaller than expected—$84 million smaller, to be exact. On Tuesday, commissioners approved a $2.58 billion budget, trimming more than the $66 million reduction they floated back in November. And yet, they still managed to squeeze in a 4% pay bump for county employees. How? “Efficiencies,” they say. “This budget reflects our commitment to delivering top-notch services while staying fiscally responsible,” Financial Services Director Russell Royal explained. The budget funds big-ticket projects like a new police HQ, fire station relocations, and $44 million for road repaving. But officials warn: some savings were one-time deals. Next year? Could be trickier. STORY 3: Ex-legislator accused of lying to get pandemic unemployment money Former state Rep. Karen Bennett, who resigned last week, is now facing federal charges for allegedly lying to collect nearly $14,000 in unemployment benefits during the pandemic. Prosecutors claim she falsely said she couldn’t work for her therapy business, Metro Therapy Providers, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The catch? They say she only had an administrative role, working from her home office the entire time. Bennett, from Stone Mountain, allegedly received $13,940 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds, despite also earning $905 a week from a church—something she reportedly didn’t disclose. She’s pleaded not guilty, calling her resignation a “retirement.” We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Kia Mall of Georgia - GCPL Passport STORY 4: Several Gwinnettians make influential, notable Georgians lists The new year always brings fresh lists, and Georgia Trend’s 2026 lineup of “Most Influential” and “Notable Georgians” is out—and, as usual, Gwinnett’s well-represented. On the “100 Most Influential Georgians” list? Big names like Gwinnett County Commission Chair Nicole Love Hendrickson, Gwinnett Chamber CEO Nick Masino, and Latin American Association CEO Santiago Marquez. But the “Notable Georgians” list? That’s where Gwinnett really shines. Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason made the cut, along with Michael “Sully” Sullivan, David Hult, Clyde Tuggle, and Mason Ailstock, who’s leading the massive Rowen project. Even beyond Gwinnett, leaders like GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger—both with ties to the area—made waves. STORY 5: Buford Grad Ashton Daniels Commits to Florida State Buford’s own Ashton Daniels is on the move again. After a season at Auburn, the 6'2", 219-pound quarterback announced Tuesday he’s heading to Florida State. Big news for the Seminoles. Daniels started three of Auburn’s last four games in 2025, putting up solid numbers: 797 passing yards, three touchdowns, plus 280 rushing yards and two scores. His best? A monster game against Vandy—353 yards, two TDs. Oh, and he balled out against Bama, too: 259 passing yards, 108 rushing. Before Auburn, he spent three seasons at Stanford, racking up nearly 6,200 total yards. And let’s not forget—he led Buford to three state titles in high school. FALCONS: Kirk Cousins and the Falcons just shook up his contract—again. According to reports, they’ve reworked the final two years of his four-year, $180 million deal, giving Atlanta some breathing room with the salary cap. But here’s the kicker: by March 13, 2026, they’ll have to decide if Cousins sticks around. Why? A $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 kicks in that day. And let’s be real—at 38, with a no-trade clause, Cousins isn’t exactly a hot commodity. The new deal slashes his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million, shifting that cash to 2027. Still, he’s got a $10 million roster bonus locked in for next year. Atlanta signed Cousins in 2024 with $100 million guaranteed, then drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8. But when Penix tore his ACL, Cousins stepped in, starting seven games. His numbers? Solid-ish: 1,721 yards, 10 TDs, five picks. Not bad for a guy nearing 40. We’ll be right back. Break 3: EAGLE THEATRE And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill Team GCPS News Podcast, Current Events, Top Headlines, Breaking News, Podcast News, Trending, Local News, Daily, News, Podcast, Interviews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let you hear Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank talk about how the team was too good not to make the playoffs this year, how he believes Michael Penix Jr. is the Falcons' franchise quarterback, and that the doctors feel great about his recovery. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to what Mr. Blank had to say, and explain why they think Mr. Blank saying he believes in Michael Penix Jr. isn't the same as saying he will be the Falcons starting quarterback next season.

HR3 - Arthur Blank's press conference yesterday was step in right direction for Falcons In hour three Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac spend some time with the Owner of Football Gameplan, host on CBS Sports HQ, and college football and NFL analyst Emory Hunt! Ali, Mike, Beau, and Emory discuss how Emory views Carson Beck as an NFL quarterback and draft prospect, if Emory thinks Trinidad Chambliss will be the best returning quarterback in college football next season, if Emory thinks Oregon can match the physicality that Indiana plays with on both sides of the ball, if Emory thinks Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has the skill of a first round quarterback, how Emory feels about Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway and his progression and development, not liking seeing all NFL teams try to get an offensive minded head coach who calls plays, and If Emory thinks defensive holding or defensive pass interference should've been called on the final play of the Ole Miss vs. Miami game. Then, The Morning Shift crew lets you hear Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank talk about how the team was too good not to make the playoffs this year, how he believes Michael Penix Jr. is the Falcons' franchise quarterback, and that the doctors feel great about his recovery. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to what Mr. Blank had to say, explain why they think Mr. Blank saying he believes in Michael Penix Jr. isn't the same as saying Michael Penix Jr. will be the Falcons starting quarterback next season. The Morning Shift crew closes out hour three by spending some time with Atlanta Falcons beat writer for The Athletic Josh Kendall! Ali, Mike, Beau, and Josh discuss what letter grade Josh would give Arthur Blank's press conference yesterday, where Josh thinks Sportsology's health check report saying the franchise had a lack of clarity came from and stemmed from, if Josh thinks Arthur Blank saying the team is hiring a President of Football and not a President of Football Operations makes former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan a better candidate and more qualified for the job, how Josh feels about Arthur Blank saying he hopes the Falcons new Head Coach will consider keeping Jeff Ulbrich as the team's Defensive Coordinator, who Josh thinks the Falcons should hire to be their next head coach, if Josh thinks the Falcons next General Manager is already in the Falcons building, if Josh thinks the Falcons next General Manager could be the Falcons current Assistant General Manager Kyle Smith, how much Josh thinks Matt Ryan will be involved in decision making if he is hired to be the President of Football and if Matt's vision will be the linear vision the Falcons try to build out.

:00 – Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they continue to share more thoughts on Arthur Blank's press conference in which he addressed the firing of Raheem Morris being a full season evaluation and consulting firm saying there was lack of countability and poor communication within the organization. They also discuss Blank stating he believes in Michael Penix Jr. still being their franchise QB. :20 – Carl and Mike get back to Hawks talk and reflect on whether or not Trae Young was able to change the franchise while he was in Atlanta. As they discuss, they believe the Hawks never had the right pieces placed around him to truly lead the team in the direction in which they were expected to head. :40 – Carl and Mike close out the show with thoughts on the Ole Miss and Miami CFP semifinal matchup and discuss what they believe the outcome will be and why they believe the national championship game would be intriguing should both Ole Miss and Indiana reach the final.

Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they continue to share more thoughts on Arthur Blank's press conference in which he addressed the firing of Raheem Morris being a full season evaluation and consulting firm saying there was lack of countability and poor communication within the organization. They also discuss Blank stating he believes in Michael Penix Jr. still being their franchise QB.

Carl and Mike come back with some more football talk as they react to Ty Simpson announcing he is declaring for the NFL draft and share their thoughts on why they believe the Alabama QB should return for another season to increase his stock. They then get back to Falcons talk and discuss why they believe the Falcons are in a critical situation in regards to who they hire for the head coach due to the fact they will have to figure out the QB situations to start 2026 assuming Michael Penix Jr. is not ready to start Week 1.

:00 - Carl and Mike open up the show with Falcons talk as they share thoughts on the coaching candidates for the team's head coach vacancy and discuss if it is better for the team to have what fans want versus what the team may need for head coach. As their conversation continued, they agreed John Harbaugh would be their lead candidate for the Falcons job due to the fact he has proven he knows how to build culture and is a leader of men. :20 – Carl and Mike come back with some more football talk as they react to Ty Simpson announcing he is declaring for the NFL draft and share their thoughts on why they believe the Alabama QB should return for another season to increase his stock. They then get back to Falcons talk and discuss why they believe the Falcons are in a critical situation in regards to who they hire for the head coach due to the fact they will have to figure out the QB situations to start 2026 assuming Michael Penix Jr. is not ready to start Week 1. :40 – Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk and revisit when some fans wanted the Falcons to hire Bill Belichick and discuss why they believe the former NFL coach's current situation at UNC may prove why what some want will not always work out for the best. They then share thoughts on why the recently released Falcons' 2026 opponents schedule puts more emphasis on the team getting their coaching hire right.

Happy New Year and welcome back to a brand new 2026 edition of Buck’s Beat! The Atlanta Falcons have officially fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot — and Buck Belue says it’s not only justified, it’s overdue. Eight straight losing seasons have pushed Falcons fans to their breaking point, and now the question becomes: Will Arthur Blank finally reset this organization the right way, or is this just another cycle of disappointment? In this episode, Buck lays out a clear, three-step blueprint for fixing the Falcons — starting at the very top. Step 1: Hire Matt Ryan as President of Football Operations. Buck explains why Matt Ryan is the perfect choice to lead the football side of the organization, despite critics pointing to his lack of front office experience. From knowing the right coaching fits, to understanding the roster, to loving the organization and prioritizing winning — Buck makes the case that Ryan gives the Falcons their first true chance at cultural and competitive change. Step 2: Hire a strong, proven general manager. Buck discusses Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham as a top candidate, highlighting his background with winning organizations like the Eagles, Ravens, and Bears — and why pairing him with Ryan could balance football leadership with analytics and roster management. Step 3: Hire the right head coach. Buck breaks down why Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is a strong fit for Atlanta, how his West Coast system with zone runs and play-action fits Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr., and why the Falcons need to act fast before other teams scoop him up. Buck also dives deep into the quarterback debate — defending Michael Penix Jr. as the future of the franchise, pushing back against common criticisms about his accuracy, mobility, and experience, and explaining why the current system has actually limited his performance. Along the way, Buck addresses: The Falcons’ long-standing “dysfunctional” reputation Why proven candidates have avoided Atlanta in the past How a Matt Ryan hire could change league perception instantly The real holes still on the roster and what needs fixing Why this is a true “now or never” moment for the franchise This is Buck’s most direct, passionate, and detailed blueprint yet for how the Falcons can finally stop the cycle of failure and build a winner Atlanta can believe in again.

Phil Simms isn't ready to give up on Michael Penix Jr yet and would love to work with him and get him back on track! There is no clear cut Super Bowl favorite See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

:00 - Carl and Mike open up the show with Falcons talk as they react to reports of the team and Kirk Cousins agreeing to modify the final two years of his contract to which the guys agree it is a win, win situation for bothy eh Falcons and Cousins and ultimately should Cousins return to the Falcons, they believe with the uncertainty of Michael Penix Jr.'s return, the veteran QB would be the best option for the team in 2026. :20 – Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they share more thoughts Kirk Cousins agreeing to modify his contract and agree this is going to be a good situation for the Falcons due to the flexibility it affords the team in regards to if they decide to cut him or bring him back. :40 – Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they agree should the team must have a plan in place for QB! to start the 2026 season They then get into some Hawks talk as they share thoughts on reports of the team and Trae Young agreeing to work together to potentially trade the All-Star guard, which Carl believes is the right thing at this time, however believes the team cannot give up any assets in regards to picks or young emerging talent to make a trade happen.

:00 – Carl and Mike are joined by Connor Riley as they discuss the latest on the Georgia Bulldogs and why Kirby Smart is the most responsible for Georgia's Sugar Bowl loss. :20 – Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they address some of questions from listeners in regards to the Falcons 'not having a quarterback' for next season, to which they explain they have concerns with there being no timeline for Michael Penix Jr.'s return and the uncertainty of a Kirk Cousins returning, the franchise essentially may be starting 2026 without a starting quarterback if they do not bring someone in to be a backup if Cousins is gone. :40 – Carl and Mike get into Guy Talk

Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they address some of questions from listeners in regards to the Falcons 'not having a quarterback' for next season, to which they explain they have concerns with there being no timeline for Michael Penix Jr.'s return and the uncertainty of a Kirk Cousins returning, the franchise essentially may be starting 2026 without a starting quarterback if they do not bring someone in to be a backup if Cousins is gone.

Carl and Mike open up the show with Falcons talk as they react to reports of the team and Kirk Cousins agreeing to modify the final two years of his contract to which the guys agree it is a win, win situation for both the Falcons and Cousins and ultimately should Cousins return to the Falcons, they believe with the uncertainty of Michael Penix Jr.'s return, the veteran QB would be the best option for the team in 2026.

Richard Sherman reacts to a chaotic NFL Black Monday as teams across the league make significant coaching changes, including the Las Vegas Raiders firing Pete Carroll after just one season and the Cleveland Browns parting ways with Kevin Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year. Sherm analyzes the Raiders’ ongoing dysfunction and the Browns' reset once again and explains why the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans face very different levels of opportunity for new head coaches. He also examines the Arizona Cardinals moving on from Jonathan Gannon, the Falcons firing Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot, and perplexing roster decisions by front offices — from Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta to Kyler Murray’s uncertain future in Arizona. Sherman and Mitch discuss Max Crosby’s frustration in Las Vegas, the Browns’ quarterback situation with Shedeur Sanders, and which top coordinators (Brian Flores, Jeff Hafley, Mike LaFleur, Clint Kubiak, and others) are ready for interviews. A comprehensive breakdown of every firing, every opening, and the real story behind the NFL’s Black Monday coaching chaos. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our friend Coach Dungy was stuck at the Atlanta airport on his way home from Sunday night's crazy Ravens-Steelers game and has much to say about the Falcons situation after Arthur Blank cleaned house. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino talk everything Atlanta Sports, the National Sports picture and the current (and WAY back when) in pop culture! Get the latest and your fill of Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks daily from two "Southern" Yankees daily Mon-Fri from 10a-2p! The 12 o'clock hour is brought to you by SCANA Energy, the Official Natural Gas Partner of Georgia Tech. Matt Ryan news you probably won't like Albert Breer, SI.com, with the skinny on the Falcons On Campus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac continue to react to the Atlanta Falcons dismissing Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot from their roles following a meeting last night in Atlanta with Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, let listeners call in and give their take on the Falcons moving on from Raheem and Terry, talk about possible head coaching candidates they would like to see the Falcons bring in, and explain why they think the Falcons new head coach and general manager may not be tied to Michael Penix Jr.

HR2 - Matt Ryan could help Falcons get QB position right & give team one linear vision In hour two Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac continue to react to the Atlanta Falcons dismissing Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot from their roles following a meeting last night in Atlanta with Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, let listeners call in and give their take on the Falcons moving on from Raheem and Terry, explain why they think the Falcons need to bring in former NFL MVP, Pro-Bowl quarterback, and former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to oversee operations at Flowery Branch. Mike, Beau, and Ali also discuss if they think Terry Fontenot deserved to be fired along with Raheem Morris, explain why they think the Falcons need a President of Football Operations to end the Rich McKay narrative., talk about possible head coaching candidates they would like to see the Falcons bring in, and explain why they think the Falcons new head coach and general manager may not be tied to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Rams are in town for Monday Night Football at the Benz and Nick & Chris catch up with one of the real football savants, Dan Orlovsky. Dan is part of ESPN's ‘MNF Playbook with Next Gen Stats’. It’s ESPN’s newest data-driven alternate telecast (debuted last week) which features live probabilities, advanced metrics, and AI-driven insights. The MNF alternate presentation will be available on ESPN2 and the ESPN App at 8pm with Dan, Field Yates and Luke Kuechly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino talk everything Atlanta Sports, the National Sports picture and the current (and WAY back when) in pop culture! Get the latest and your fill of Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks daily from two "Southern" Yankees daily Mon-Fri from 10a-2p! The 12 o'clock hour is brought to you by SCANA Energy, the Official Natural Gas Partner of Georgia Tech. MNF Falcons-Rams...ESPN's Dan Orlovsky joins the show Matt Ryan returning to the Falcons? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Fricke gets in to the slew of young quarterbacks finding success in the NFL right now, and thinks that there is a pretty big glaring difference between them and Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. - Coaching

Carl and Mike are joined by Raheem Morris as they discuss Sunday's win and their preparation for the MNF showdown with the Rams and Michael Penix Jr.

In the first hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Hugh Millen visit with Huskies legendary QB Michael Penix Jr, talking about his time at UW, latest injury, and much more, then visit with Carolina Sideline Reporter Sharon Thorsland, previewing Seahawks vs Panthers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they share some thoughts on the uncertainty of Michael Penix Jr. 's return and his ability to be at full enough strength to produce at the level in which he was expected. As their discussion continues, they note why they believe the Falcons must still have the need to go and get a quarterback this offseason due to the fact that in order to ensure their season gets off to a good start.

Carl and Mike open up the show with some Falcons talk as they react to news of Bijan Robinson and Chris Lindstrom being selected to the Pro Bowl and agree the talent level on the team is good enough for their to have been a couple more players selected had the season not gone the way it has from players dealing with injuries to questionable coaching. Carl and Mike get into some brief Hawks talk as they share some thoughts on the impact the absence of Kristaps Porzingis is having on the team and if Trae Young's return can eventually produce the results expected. Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they share some thoughts on the uncertainty of Michael Penix Jr. 's return and his ability to be at full enough strength to produce at the level in which he was expected.

Huskies legend and current Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr joins Dave Softy Mahler and Hugh Millen to talk about his time on Montlake and good memories, his latest injury in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins as a veteran leader, the changes from college to NFL level ball, feelings about Kalen DeBoer now with Alabama, and Indiana vs Bama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let listeners call in and give their take on the Atlanta Falcons 26-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Arizona in the Wake Up Call, and explain why they think the Falcons should utilize the quarterback sneak more with quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. when he is healthy and playing again.

HR3 - Zac Robinson, Kirk Cousins & Kyle Pitts have shown growth in Falcons offense In hour three Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let listeners call in and give their take on the Atlanta Falcons 26-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Arizona in the Wake Up Call, and explain why they think the Falcons should utilize the quarterback sneak more with quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. when he is healthy and playing again. Then, Mike, Beau, and Ali spend some time with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, and now analyst for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Dave Archer! Ali, Mike, Beau, and Dave discuss Kirk Cousins' Christmas suit overshadowing the Falcons 26-19 win over the Cardinals yesterday, Bijan Robinson being a special player, Jeff Ulbrich devising a good gameplan to slow down Trey McBride, Jacoby Brissett, and the Cardinals offense overall, what Dave thinks has caused Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts to have some nice performances over the last few games, how Dave thinks Falcons Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson did when it comes to trying to get big games out of both wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, what Dave thinks has helped Zac Robinson evolve as an Offensive Coordinator and a playcaller in the second half of this season, and if Dave has got all of his Christmas shopping done. The Morning Shift crew also gives their final thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons 26-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Arizona, and explain why they think Falcons fans should enjoy wins when they come and worry about the offseason later. Then, Mike, Beau, and Ali close out hour three by diving into the life of Beau “Squidbilly” Morgan in The Life of Squid!

Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino talk everything Atlanta Sports, the National Sports picture and the current (and WAY back when) in pop culture! Get the latest and your fill of Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks daily from two "Southern" Yankees daily Mon-Fri from 10a-2p! The boys are live on The Flats at GT's bowl practice Brent Key sat down with Nick & Chris X Question of the Day on the Harrah's Cherokee X Feed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty and Mark Zinno get in to the Falcons quarterback situation, and what the last year may have looked like had the Falcons not made a serious commitment to Michael Penix Jr.

Andy and Randy get in to the Falcons roster headed in to next season, and while Michael Penix should be ready to go for week 1, is he guaranteed a job?

Carl and Mike share thoughts on their conversation with Kirk Cousins and discuss how he addressed whether or not he was concerned about Michael Penix Jr. being his back up was a reason to why he did not tell the team he was not able to go, to which the veteran QB told them he believed that due to how much his contract was worth he felt obligated to try to play through his ailments.

Carl and Mike get into some football talk as they share some brief thoughts on the Miami Dolphins announcing the benching of Tua Tagovailoa, to which they agree in believing the Dolphins should have made that move heading into the Dolphins matchup with the Falcons. They then pivot back to Falcons talk and discuss how the team handled their quarterback situation when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins.

The Atlanta Falcons head to Arizona to take on the reeling Cardinals on Sunday. With a win, Kirk Cousins would move to 3-2 as a starter for the Falcons since taking over full-time for Michael Penix Jr. What would a win mean for 2026? For More Atlanta Falcons News: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Falcons Podcast Live Stream⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Schedule: Monday: 8:35 a.m. EST with Scott and Nick Wednesday: 8:35 a.m. EST with Scott and Nick Thursday: Tuesday: 6:00 p.m. EST with Garrett #Falcons #atlantafalcons #RiseUp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HR2 - Falcons beating Bucs despite their 19 penalties proves team is still playing hard In hour two Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let you hear Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris talk about the Falcons center Ryan Neuzil recovering Darnell Mooney's fumble, a play that ended up being a huge part of the Falcons beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday, react to what Coach Morris had to say, let you hear Coach Morris talk about the team finishing the season strong, react to what Coach Morris had to say, talk about how Ryan Neuzil's fumble recovery versus the Bucs proves the team hasn't quit on the season, react to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle, react to the Washington Commanders shutting down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the rest of the season, talk about how they think Michael Penix Jr. being more of a pocket quarterback will ultimately be better for his career, and then close out hour two by diving into the life of Mike Johnson and getting Mike'd Up!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the Washington Commanders shutting down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the rest of the season, and talk about how they think Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being more of a pocket quarterback will ultimately be better for his career.

Mike and Chris are joined by Bryant McFadden as they discuss the latest NFL headlines and how the Falcons must move forward in order for the team to become a winning franchise.

Why Arthur Blank needs to 'change his circle of trust' for Falcons' future. Falcons need 'better structure' surrounding Michael Penix Jr. Jason Longshore: On FIFA World Cup draw 'U.S. can absolutely win this group

Garret Price and Andrew Mott break down the most disappointing dynasty fantasy football players of 2025, covering one player at each position who failed to meet expectations. With the fantasy playoffs just one week away, the hosts analyze which assets let managers down and whether any of these fallers represent buy low opportunities heading into the offseason. Listen to This Episode:

Scott Mason talks with Miles Garrett of Fox 5 Atlanta about the Jets' week 13 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons! Miles shares his thoughts on the wild QB situation involving Michael Penix Jr and Kirk Cousins, the Falcons' strengths and weaknesses offensively and defensively, expectations for the game in week 13, key matchups, random tidbits, predictions...........and much more! Check out the Play Like A Jet store and get your "Play Like A Jet" logo shirt RIGHT NOW! Hoodies, hats, mugs, etc.....also available! https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/19770068-play-like-a-jet-logo-shirt?store_id=717242 To advertise on Play Like A Jet, please contact: Justin@Brokencontrollermedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Jones and Drew Franklin start their Week 12 preview with a newly found fandom for the Bills. Matt notes the Eagles and Cowboys wins before moving to the news of the week. Ja'Marr Chase will sit out a game after spitting on Jalen Ramsey. How can Aaron Rodgers handle playing with a fractured wrist? Shedeur Sanders will get the start on Sunday when the Browns visit the Raiders. Will it be a good or a bad outing? Kirk Cousins will start for the Falcons, who lost Michael Penix Jr. for the season. Does the coin flip decide if the Panthers win or lose? Cam Skattebo goes to a WWE event and Matt wonders if was a good idea. Josh Allen will obliterate the record for rushing TDs for a QB. How long will Allen continue to run like he does? The Chiefs are currently out of the playoffs and Matt wonders if they'll make it to the postseason. Over in the NFC, can the Bears win the NFC North? The Saints will expand the NFL's International footprint with a game in Paris. Matt and Drew give their picks for Week 12 before giving their Survivor and TD parlays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Shedeur Sanders time in Cleveland! Yahoo Sports' Andrew Siciliano and Charles Robinson break down the Cleveland Browns' plans to start Shedeur Sanders against the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. Later in the show, the guys break down whether the Chiefs could be looking at a rebuild after going 5-5 so far this season with a tough schedule ahead. The duo also takes a look at the messy situation in Atlanta with Michael Penix's season-ending ACL injury and the Falcons' 2026 draft possibilities. Finally, the crew analyzes Ben Johnson backing up Mike Tomlin's defense of Jalen Ramsey's retaliatory punch at Ja'Marr Chase and give their one more thing to pay attention to this week.(4:09) - Shedeur Sanders to start Sunday(21:20) - Are the Chiefs at a crossroads?(36:44) - Michael Penix Jr. to have season-ending ACL surgery(43:56) - Ben Johnson backs up Mike Tomlin(54:52) - One More Thing

Sheil and Nate Tice from the Football 301 podcast take a hard look around the NFL landscape after a wild Week 11 to determine whether their biggest suspicions about some of the teams and players around the league have been confirmed. (00:00) Unanswered questions around the NFL(1:54) Who should be the AFC favorite?(10:32) Can the Bears win the NFC North?(16:36) How should Vikings fans feel about J.J. McCarthy?(27:35) The Hurry Up: Falcons put Michael Penix Jr. on IR This episode is sponsored by State Farm®️. Don't settle for just any insurance when there's State Farm. https://www.statefarm.com/lp/trainer The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Sheil KapadiaGuest: Nate TiceProducer: Chris SuttonSocial: Kiera Givens and Brian WatersProduction Supervision: Conor Nevins and Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catch up on all of the Week 11 Fantasy Football action! Seth Woolcock and Scott Bogman break down key injuries, top storylines, go through the panic meter, and answer your fantasy football questions to recap a hectic Week 11 and get you all set for Week 12! Timestamps (May be off due to ads) Intro - 0:00:00 Notable Injuries - 0:01:57 Josh Jacobs - 0:02:03 Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London - 0:03:30 Calvin Ridley - 0:05:08 Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren - 0:08:41 Dillon Gabriel - 0:11:42 Signed Justin Jefferson Jersey Giveaway - 0:13:14 Top Storylines - 0:13:56 Sean Tucker - 0:14:02 Bryce Young - 0:18:45 The Chargers - 0:23:06 Christian Watson - 0:27:10 Josh Allen - 0:29:45 Hard Rock Bet - 0:31:40 Panic Meter - 0:33:07 FantasyPros Discord - 0:40:47 Rapid Fire Q&A - 0:41:28 Outro - 0:45:59 Helpful Links:Hard Rock Bet - All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Hard Rock Bet and make a $5 bet and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if you win. Head over to Hard Rock Bet, sign up and make your first deposit today. Payable in bonus bet(s). Not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-888-ADMIT-IT. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, NJ, OH, TN, VA). My Playbook - Sync your league instantly to My Playbook to get custom advice on how to manage your team throughout the season. See your league’s top available players, power rankings, and more for free! Check the “Are They Playing” tool each week to get the latest game-day availability odds for all injured players. If you’re premium – you unlock all kinds of helpful waiver, trade, lineup and league analysis tools. You can even auto-start your team’s optimal lineup each week with Auto-Pilot. Sync your league and dominate every week of the season with My Playbook at fantasypros.com/myplaybook or on the FantasyPros App Follow us on Twitch - The team here at FantasyPros is taking questions all week, every week on Twitch. Follow us on Twitch at twitch.tv/fantasypros and never miss a stream! Discord – Join our FantasyPros Discord Community! Chat with other fans and get access to exclusive AMAs that wind up on our podcast feed. Come get your questions answered and BE ON THE SHOW at fantasypros.com/chat Leave a Review – If you enjoy our show and find our insight to be valuable, we’d love to hear from you! Your reviews fuel our passion and help us tailor content specifically for YOU. Head to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts and leave an honest review. Let’s make this show the ultimate destination for fantasy football enthusiasts like us. Thank you for watching and for showing your support – https://fantasypros.com/review/ BettingPros Podcast – For advice on the best picks and props across both the NFL and college football each and every week, check out the BettingPros Podcast at bettingpros.com/podcast, our BettingPros YouTube channel at youtube.com/bettingpros, or wherever you listen to podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar & TJ are joined by Cuffs the Legend to talk Michael Penix Jr's misconstrued comments, the latest around the NBA, another edition of Up on Game / Down on Game, and more! #2pros #fsrweekendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of “Fearless,” Jason Whitlock discusses some recent incidents in the football world that show the black coaching crisis, namely: the suspension of 27 players after a brawl broke out at halftime of the Grambling State vs. Bethune-Cookman game; Michael Penix Jr. saying he has no other quarterbacks to talk to and no mentor; and Deion Sanders pointing the finger and playing the blame game in excusing the University of Colorado's dismal season under his leadership. Guests Steve Kim, T.J. Moe, and Paul Burkhardt join the show to weigh in on the black coaching crisis and A.J. Brown voicing his frustration with the Philadelphia Eagles. Lastly, Whitlock closes out the show with his take on Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown apologizing for offending people with his celebratory “Trump dance.” Another compelling show today — don't miss it! ​​Today's Sponsors: Relief Factor If you're living with daily aches and pain, Relief Factor might be the real deal for you too. Try the 3-week QuickStart today! Visit https://ReliefFactor.com or call 800-4-RELIEF. Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing This is THE definitive guide to Christian higher education—and it's completely FREE. So if you or someone you know is considering college, go to https://ChristianCollegeGuide.com to create a free user profile and get started today. Kindred Harvest Stop trusting China with your family's health. Choose American quality. Choose Kindred Harvest. Cultivating Goodness Daily. Go to https://KindredHarvest.co and use code FEARLESS for 20% off. SHOW OUTLINE 00:00 Intro Want more Fearless content? Subscribe to Jason Whitlock Harmony for a biblical perspective on everyday issues at https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockHarmony?sub_confirmation=1 Jeffery Steele and Jason Whitlock welcome musical guests for unique interviews and performances that you won't want to miss! Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockBYOG?sub_confirmation=1  We want to hear from the Fearless Army!! Join the conversation in the show chat, leave a comment or email Jason at FearlessBlazeShow@gmail.com Get 10% off Blaze swag by using code Fearless10 at https://shop.blazemedia.com/fearless Make yourself an official member of the “Fearless Army!” Support Conservative Voices! Subscribe to BlazeTV at https://www.fearlessmission.com and get $20 off your yearly subscription. Visit https://TheBlaze.com. Explore the all-new ad-free experience and see for yourself how we're standing up against suppression and prioritizing independent journalism. CLICK HERE to Subscribe to Jason Whitlock's YouTube: https://bit.ly/3jFL36G CLICK HERE to Listen to Jason Whitlock's podcast: https://apple.co/3zHaeLTCLICK HERE to Follow Jason Whitlock on X: https://bit.ly/3hvSjiJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices