Hr4 - Why the Falcons QB Battle Is a Mental Game for Penix

0:00Hey, I arrived almost here. Are you ready? Just grabbing my shoes. That's what you said 10 minutes ago. I just wrapped a video call, uploading this giant file on my tablet, looking at my watch group and Nana's with the group chat, and of course, still lining up tonight's playlist on my phone. All at once? Yep, story of my life. That's why I switched to D-Mobile. They have the fastest 5G network. Okay, multi-tasker. I see you. Honestly, I never imagined I could do all this at once. It's awesome. Say no more, I'm totally switching. My post is taking way too long to upload. That's a sign you've got to get D-Mobile. So many reasons to join D-Mobile. Find yours at T-Mobile.com Fastest based on analysis by Uclos Beat Distant Intelligence data of national speed score results in incorporating 5G download and upload speeds for the first half of 2026.

1:25Find your connection at monoraybeacquarium.org slash connects. Presented by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. We're down here live at Napa Auto Parts. Falcon fans, make some noise. Make some noise, y'all. There we go. We're down here to get their flags. This is Ray Buchanan is here, Falcon legend signing autographs guys. It's Duke Symbel. We start off every day and every hour by saying, Hey, man, it's good to have you listening. There is a lot going on today. And we're going to talk Falcons because today they were back on the practice field. Two of did speak, so did Kevin Stofansky, our head football coach. And Mike, you know, everybody's wondering what this offense is going to look like. We talk a little bit about the rookies who are starting AV. That's AB on Terrell and of course, Kendall Daniels. Two rookies that have had a really good camp, man. And hopefully they'll have some impact not just Sunday, but throughout the course of the season.

2:26But you know, this conversation is ongoing about the starting quarterback situation. And today, Kevin Stofansky said, look, we're trying to prepare to and give him the best possible situation to be successful. And that's all they can do, right? I mean, if you're going into this game and you're not setting him up for success, then you're probably not going to have a good Sunday. What does that look like? We have an idea. We have thoughts about it, but we've got to see what they think. And I want you to hear a couple of things from two of Mike here. As we get going here in the five o'clock hour, Grant's going to join us to talk some braves here in about 15-20 minutes. Also, we hope to grab Ray after he gets done signing and talk some Falcon football with him. But first things first, Tua says that he was not told by Kevin Stofansky, but this is a week to week thing. And I want Falcon fans to understand. I think a lot of you feel that way, but when you tell the guy that you're starting this week, hey, this is your week. But next week might not be your week. Yeah, your chance to shine, son. Get out there. Tua said he's going day to day as the Falcon.

3:28And we didn't say that as QB1. He said that. Tua said that. Here's what he said about what Kevin Stofansky told him. Yeah, Kevin didn't say any of that. How I'm taking it is I got to go with this day to day. And you know, that's out of my control. What I can control is how I prepare, how I go out there, how I play, how I perform. And that's that's all I can do. And look, I wouldn't expect him to say anything else. I just think it's interesting that if he was told, he probably would say, hey, coach said, by the way, next week, we may be going in a different direction, but I got to go out and play this week. He didn't say that. So we'll see where this goes because I think there are a lot of people, Mike, and we've talked about it. What's this timetable for Michael Pinnix? Is it three weeks? Is it two weeks? Does he start next week against Carolina? I don't know what this timetable is, but that's what came out of flowery today. Right. Now again, when you look at the injury report, he is, you know, technically he is cleared, but he's not going to be. He'll be inactive because coach is there for those who remember the timeline.

4:29He said he's not ready yet. You know, said he just doesn't feel he doesn't feel he's ready. And if we've discussed this at nauseam, talked about a lot of folks here today at NAPA 2, by the way. You know, a lot of folks just kind of look warm on to it because of how it ended in Miami. I know we've talked about, is he going to hit the ground running? I guess the long odds is what if two comes out there and actually handles the pressure against Pittsburgh? Handles what they're going to throw at him, makes quick decisions, processes. Doesn't look like the guy who he looked like at the end of last season. It's a fair point. And that's the point that, or the thing, I don't know if anybody really knows. We got to see him once this game gets underway on Sunday. Now, one of the guys, you know, we're really leaning into and he's going to have to have a great season. He had nine and a half sacks last year as Brandon Doerlis. He's listed as having a groin injury on the first edition of the Falcons Injury Report, which drops on a Wednesday. Yeah. So he's out there and also a hamstring for Zachariah Branch. So I don't want to, you know, sort of throw cold water on a guy that we've been talking about all camp. But I hope that doesn't hinder what he's going to be asked to do coming up on Sunday. I hope not either because I think Doerlis is a big part of what we're going to try to do defensively, especially with no James Bond.

5:30Yeah, it's very refreshing. Again, as I said, it's a blessing. That's the best word I can describe the scenario and the situation that I'm in. Do you feel like you have something? And I was just going to say, you know, I don't expect him. Mike is just not in his nature to take shots at pinnocks or anybody else. He's going to talk about the positives of the situation. I'm going to say, you know, I don't expect him. Mike is just not in his nature to take shots at pinnocks or anybody else. He's going to talk about the positives of the situation. But he knows what it's like to be benched. He knows what it's like when things are not going well for you. So for him, this is a new start. Will it be a new start that sets his journey in a different direction, meaning, you know, on his way to another team, another bag? Is he here? We don't know. Full season to be played. And there's a lot of football in front of us. What has this journey been like for him? He kind of explained a little bit. Well, I would say it's a blessing once again. It's not something that I take for granted. You know, when something gets taken away from you, you start to process everything and think of all the things that you could have changed.

6:38You know, just me sort of looking back with my time in Miami. Things I could have done better and things like that. So it's blessing. Yeah, and Mike, you know, and by the way, if you want to wear his pinnocks, he's inactive. This is your starter this week. That's why he's speaking. So this is not us playing to it. No, pinnocks is inactive. This is how this works. Okay. Right. So I just want to be clear because I think there's some people think we have bias. I don't. Oh, I don't. The only bias. This is something I was going around. Carl was laughing because he always sees it during the commercial break. But I'm typing away on the computer on social media at ATL Bell 929. And Carl's put him up seductions is the only reason I'm so frustrated with peddics I wanted to see him start this week. Of course, you know, the best thing for the Falcons is to find out whether he can or he can't do the job. One way or the other because this is now year three. Not being drafted by the guys that are calling the shots doesn't help you. You know, because they might not feel as warm and fuzzy as the previous regime does.

7:40You know, and the other side of this is, you know, they have a decision to make about his option. The fifth year option, guys, for those, the decision will be made in the spring. I think it's May, because it's the first one. The first one. Yes. And you want to see, I mean, what if Michael Pettics plays in just 10 games? So is 22 games enough of a sample size to know you got your guy? One way or the other? Or is that going to not stop you from going and drafting a quarterback next year? You know, and the other thing is I really don't want to see multiple quarterbacks. I want to see one guy grab the ring and do the job. It's, let's be honest, probably the reason I think I'm, I can't speak for you. But part of the reason I'm frustrated about it is the quarterback battle wasn't a quarterback battle. No, it wasn't. This can't, it never happened. No, it really didn't. The injury and his inability to compete in 11 on 11 is was was was was hampering that whole competition thing. Yeah, I think for me, Mike, you know, the thing that I'm disappointed in is, I said this yesterday, and I'll say it again today and day, you know, he said we got a lot of flack from folks on social media.

8:40Imagine that because this for me, and this is how I feel. And until Michael Pinnick tells us differently, this is how I feel. This is a mental, him overcoming a mental situation with his body. I said to day day, when the doctor says, hey, man, I know you blew your knee out a year ago, but you know, you had the surgery, you're healed, you can go climb that mountain if you want to. But you decide not to go climb the mountain, not because you physically can't do it. But because mentally, you know, the challenges that are ahead of you and you go, I don't know if I want to do that, man, I don't know if I'm ready. That's what I'm hearing from Michael Pinnick's. I could be completely wrong. And by the way, he can take as much time as he wants because I think also part of this is he knows we know Mike, this is dealing with a big bag at the end of the road. Whether it's here or somewhere else, but if he performs well, he's going to get a big bag from somebody. And I've asked this question, you know, I don't know if I'm the Falcon brass right now, if I'm willing to invest $200 million in 12 games, I can't.

9:41I can't. I cannot. That's where we're going to be living. I mean, you're going to have a fifth year option. Okay, that's fine. But if you can't decide by if you have enough right evidence, right, enough game video to say, okay, he's my guy. He understands the fans, he's out fans. He's processing. He's looking so much more comfortable and play action. Things that never happen again. Some of that beyond his control this year because I don't think Zach Robinson and the coach has put him in a place to succeed. You know, when you don't get the play out in time, that's not really helping your rookie quarterback, you know, but as far as now, okay, but now it's go time. Yeah, that's why when we said yesterday and we had guys going, you said he's soft. No, I never call a guy who's come through as much injuries as he is soft and still in the NFL. I think it's you said it's a mental thing. It's where's the confidence? When will he have the self confidence in his body to go out there and win the job? Yeah, because that's why we're here. And yes, I am disappointed. He's not starting this season. I want to know where we stand. I don't want this to be a gap here. I know you got mad at me when I said gap here earlier this summer. Yeah, because I just, I mean, we look at these Falcon fans out here. Look at everybody that's here that wants this team to do well and win and they're vested.

10:45They got gear on. We buy the merch. We go to the games. We watch these guys on TV. We stay up late on Monday and Thursday nights. The investment is real. I don't have time for a gap year. Right. Give me a damn product that wins. That's why I got upset because you may be right and I hate to admit it because I'm like, come on, I don't want to go through another year of that. We lost about now 30 sacks altogether out the door from the second most sacks in the league. Now we're re trying to rebuild this defense. We're trying to be better against the run because a new management team came in and said, what those second most sacks in the league get you last year? Nothing. You still didn't win the division. So that's why we're, we knew we're going to have to have a reckoning with James Pierce Jr. It's come down. Okay, we don't get him to have halfway through the season. So be it. The Jalen Walker was the real gun punch for me. You know, this, this summer. But hey, it's now, you just hope that, you know, let's be honest. Is it Darius Smith and 70s OGs still got some, some gas in the tank? To, to Mike real quick. What's up, dude? I just want to ask. So because Carl, we know how you stand. You, you didn't want the gap year.

11:45But Mike, I knew to your point, you mentioning that. Doesn't it better serve you to not rush Michael Panics Jr. back if you're in the, if you're in the mindset that this is probably going to be a gap year anyway. If that's your mindset. But it's a thing, but you know, if you are the Falcons and you didn't draft him, right? And let's say for whatever reason, he doesn't give you enough sample size or traction. Now, we don't know how the college season is going to play out. But there's a perception. There's at least 10 guys. Yep. They can go in the first round next year. Yeah. And I, I might want to be in business with one of those guys. And I need to energize my fan base because look, we've got guys, and the other thing with these fans, some of these fans aren't even Falcon fans. They're just a guy they want Michael Penex as their quarterback. I mean, because that's their image of who the quarterback should be. And they don't want me telling a guy to go to work. Yeah. They don't want to hear it from me. You can say it. I can't say it, but I mean, it's just, it is what it is. And there's a lot of dynamics at play. And unfortunately, it's kind of typical Atlanta, I had a stuff that creeps into the conversation. I don't care who the quarterback is. I just want to win. But I do know there is a reality.

12:45JJ McCarthy is already yesterday's news in Minnesota. But I've got people hanging out on Michael Penex as if he's the only guy for the job here. And he was a better quarterback than JJ McCarthy. You don't get it. Twist. No, he was. You saw, I mean, although, you know, they won the championship. They had the better team. He was the better talent coming out of the draft. Yeah. But I got to know what Michael Penex Jr. is. We got to go. Yeah. I mean, and you're telling me if I only got 10 games? You know, I just, I wanted to full sample size this year, which gets us back to the initial point. The injury, the injury history is still part of the narrative here. And the other thing real quick, we were talking about this off the air. I love his honesty, but maybe he's made them too honest. Maybe he's, you know, said too much. Maybe the Falcons have given him too much freedom there in that department carl. Because we're getting insight. We never get from a quarterback at Atlanta. Well, no, look, I don't think so. Because you told me everything I need to know about your mental state. I'd rather know that as a fan than he go out there and we didn't know that. And now we're wondering what's going on. Own it. I'm all for it. Be a man. Stand, be a man.

13:45Stand up. Tell me what to do is. I'm cool with that. This idea, y'all don't want honesty. No, I love honesty. Because now I know where I am as a fan when it comes to his mindset. 4047260929, you were talking about the gap here. What did you just ask Mike? What did you just ask him? It's good for the time. No, I said, if, for, yeah, for Michael Pinnings Jr. If that's your mindset that, you know what, I feel like this is probably going to be a gap year for us. Then why would you be in a rush for Michael Pinnings Jr. to come back? If you know he's going to come back at some point. No, I don't want it to be a gap. I'm just having the feeling it's going to be a gap year because 30 sacks walked out the door and by starting quarterback still hasn't played yet and isn't ready to go. And no disrespect to it. I'm just not as excited about it to on Sunday in Pittsburgh as I would be about Michael Pinnings Jr. But the other thing is, Elbano, we got to go get your break. The thing about this team and another thing is, okay, I want to at least even if the defense struggles. But does Pinnings establish himself as the man? You know, if he throws for, if he, in the smaller sample size, if he can be two to one touchdowns to picks,

14:48complete your percentages up and he looks like he gets to fansk his offense. Then you can, then Matt Ryan and Ian Cunningham can say, okay, we're going to pick up the fifth year option and turn the page. And then you're ready to go. But then you're also hoping he never gets hurt again. We're a long ways away from that. That's the problem. We're coming back. We're live in Marrow, guys. We're going to have a map of auto parts. Grant's going to join us, talk about some braves last night was ugly. And we're learning some things about some guys and Matt Olson. We need you. Come to life again. It's Duke Symbel. Hey, all right. It's almost here. Are you ready? Just grabbing my shoes. That's what you said 10 minutes ago. I just wrapped the video call, uploading this giant file on my tablet, looking at my watch group and Nana's with the group chat, and of course, still lining up tonight's playlist on my phone. All at once? Yep, story of my life. That's why I switched to T-Mobile. They have the fastest 5G network. Okay, multi-tasker. I see you. Honestly, I never imagined I could do all this at once.

15:48It's awesome. Say no more. I'm totally switching. My post is taking way too long to upload. That's a sign you've got to get T-Mobile. So many reasons to join T-Mobile. Find yours at T-Mobile.com. Fastest based on analysis by Uglos Speed Test Intelligence Theatof National Speed Score Results Incorporating 5G Download and Upload Speeds for the first half of 2026. The ocean moves us. Whether that's surfing a wave or taking in an inspiring view. The ocean feeds us. Sustainable seafood practices bring the ocean's bounty to our plates. The ocean teaches us. How are everyday choices? Big and small make an impact. The ocean delights us. As playful otters restore coastal kelp forests. The ocean connects us. Find your connection at monoraybeacquarium.org slash connects.

16:48Presented by T-Mobile. The official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. People say, I got you all the time. Dad say to their kids the first time they ride a bike. Friends say to other friends when they buy them lunch. It's a good thing when someone's got you. It's especially good when someone's got you with important things like your health. And that's where we share his got you. We got you with a massive nationwide network of over a million doctors. Which means you can likely keep your current doctor you know and trust. We got you with affordable prices that can save individuals of the $5,000 annually. Compare to traditional insurance and save families even more. And we've got you with over 68,000 CVS care mark pharmacies across the country. If you're tired of overpriced health insurance bills, come visit us at wesharehealth.org. Or call 1-888-WeShare. Other smart Americans are making the switch every day.

17:49In a world filled with companies that cost you. It's nice to have one that's got you. We share health. We got you. Coming up in the 6 o'clock hour guys. Our conversation with Mike DeFabo, athletic writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gave us some real insight into what we can expect on Sunday. Also, Ray Buchanan's here signing autographs. Big play, Ray Joe. Falcon Nation is out here and getting their Falcon flags. Come on down here. We're in that part of the South side. Jonesboro Road. And by the way, I know we got Grant coming up real quick. Got the best listeners. Is it what we say? It's a hot zip code for us. It's a great area where a ton of listeners and so cool hook it up. Who live and die for the Falcons? Yes, they do. They're out here, man. Come on through and get your Falcon flag. Grant, let's talk about last night. Look, we could start with the pitching. Obviously with Smith Sharver. Tell me your thoughts there. And you know, what wise said, look, he was trying to work himself out of trouble. But the forearm runs on five hits including the two-hung runs.

18:49Certainly put him behind the eight ball last night. Yeah, it did. And with the offense, not really able to do much on the other side. It just made it a difficult and longer night for him because every pitch, it just seems like there's just more and more responsibility. And that can obviously add a little bit to a pitcher's workload, if you will, or just at least mentally what you're trying to manage when you're out there. And I think the big thing for Smith Sharver is nobody's questioning the talent. The fastball, the velocity's back. It's the command and control. It's his second areas. I went through and kind of did a deep dive earlier today on his baseball sub-ont page. And his split finger has just not been as effective since he came back this year. As it was a year ago, that was his premier strikeout pitch. And he's just not getting the same chase. He's not getting the same swing to misses. There's too many walks. There's too many hits. And as we saw last night, there can be too many home runs. And that's just not a good recipe right now. But it's, I think, important to remember, even though the brazer and the midst of a stretch drive, they are trying to figure out, there's AJ Smith-Shawver, based on the arm talent and the upside. Have a role to play once they start to put together that pitching staff for October.

19:51The answer could be no. This may have been a bridge too far and in just too much too soon for a pitcher coming back after missing over a year of action and dealing with a major elbow surgery. And he health wise, he looks good. It's command, as we've talked about. That's that final box and it's a difficult one to check for guys coming back from Tommy John. And Grant, just since there was really nothing to talk about last night, offensively for the braves, would you say if it's the worst case scenario and it is a best of three and you're taking on the diamond backs, if that's the matchup, is it going to be sale and then Mally and then a bullpen start? I think it could be sale and then Mally and then Holmes, if that's kind of where it goes, it goes all three. You know, I mean, ideally you'd love to not have to burn your best guys and that three game wild card. I can't stress enough how much you'd like to have the pitching staff rested and ready to go on its own schedule rather than having to snap right into action. And then of course, when you get to the division series, if you can advance to the wild card, you don't have those guys available to you that you'd want in games one and two.

20:52It kind of puts you behind the eight ball, which is basically how Major League Baseball designed it. But being that as a may, I do think that Grant Holmes has pitched his way into consideration to make a postseason start for the braves because if you start to break down the other candidates, the brights, all of those off the board with a knee surgery, I think that, you know, very ambitious to say he could be back in three to four weeks. That all plays out. Ronaldo Lopez coming off of injury, AJ Smith-Schauver has been ineffective. And Martin Perez, I guess, is the other guy that you could look at. But, you know, he's more of a soft tossing finesse pitcher. And those are not typically the guys who are getting the postseason start. So you like that swing and miss, but they could stack this a number of different ways to cover those innings to your point about the bullpen start and just having more guys cover what you would expect out of a starter in a normal regular season game. More on the Falcons coming up guys as they were on the field today getting ready for the Steelers on Sunday. As we broadcast live from Napa Auto Parts, Alfred Jones, Burl Road. Grant, what about this offense, man? One run in the last 18 innings. How concerned are you? Are you, or is just a little stretch here?

21:52Yeah, it's been an extension of a trend that has been kind of troubling the braves for a while now. I would say it definitely tracks back to early August especially. I mean, I know we had the June swoon where the home runs disappeared and the braves really weren't scoring. I don't know that it's reached quite that point, although we recently would tell us that it hasn't been very much fun over these last few games. But I do think there's just so much more talent there. And I asked Walt White before the game today about, you know, this is a team that gets a lot of its damage done early in counts. But where's the balance between trying to work counts and really take some pitches and get yourself maybe into a different arrangement with a pitcher than just being so ultra aggressive. And he said, look, the guys they are, who they are. And ideally you'd love to see some of that and maybe situational awareness is kind of the big key there. But ultimately, it's easy to say, hey, just walk more. But you can also start working yourself back in a direction where, all right, well, you missed all the best pitches you could have swung at in this at bat.

22:52And even if you do walk, which is ultimately, I guess, a good thing, but not the desired outcome from your big sluggers. You know, have you kind of worked yourself out of the opportunity to be who you are and have the maximum effect on the game. And that's a long answer to say, I don't really know other than to tell you, I'm seeing the same things that you are. I'm just not sure what the way is out of it other than for guys to just kind of get their swing back on time and on playing the same way we saw Ronald Akunye Jr. I noticed some good things from medals in here lately. I think the Drake Baldwin has been striking the ball pretty well lately too. So you just got to get a few guys going. And if you do that, this is a braze offense that will look a lot more like an optimal version of itself rather than the one that's really, really fighting to score runs right now. Talk with our man, Grant McCauley about the braves and the, by the way, Grant said he has to a news flash. Tampa Bay is really good. And they've got guys that can break. They got home run power. They got even they get pitching the whole shabang. The other thing about the braves and you just touched on the where they are with the hitting. It's what it is. Are you going to see Aussie Albies here next year?

23:53I know we still got the postseason to get through, but I mean, this is a year where it's a contract year for Aussie. And he was so strong, but he's been so just no other way to put it. Grant just cold with the plate the last two months. Yeah, you're not wrong. And this is a decision clearly that the braves are going to have to make, you know, heading into the winter. It's one of many. I think that they're going to have to figure out the pitching staff obviously is going to be a whole nother work in progress as he tried to rebuild that behind Chris sale. So I would say second base is going to be a very interesting discussion. You know, Aussie is universally loved here. There's no question about that. He said moments with this club and he has been, you know, everything you can ask him to be as a teammate and as a person and in the community and all the different. If you just see checks all those boxes, it is a performance driven league, though. So seeing Aussie get back involved in the middle of everything that's going right for the braves offensively would certainly make that an easier decision. And I'm fascinated to see like what kind of deal is out there for him because it's been a solid, maybe not spectacular year for him. But he does have a track record of being a second baseman who can hit and there those are in short supplies.

24:56So they'll be interested there. How exactly does conversations go and when they pick up intensity. I'm fascinated to see how it plays out, especially given that everybody's going to have to stop and watch what goes on with the labor situation for major league baseball. Yeah, it's going to be interesting tonight. Let's talk about tonight, Grant. And what you expect again, it starts with pitching, but look, if we don't hit, it doesn't matter. Right? I mean, we've got to get some runs. Yeah, I mean, you want to keep the game closed and give yourself that chance when you're at home, the braves have shown they can come up with some runs late and have a rally. And I don't think that the Tampa bullpen is nearly as good as the braves is. Their closer is pretty solid baker, but you know, outside of that, I think that they've been kind of searching to find the right pieces to get that group put together. So if it becomes a battle of the bullpen, I think that things kind of shift towards the braves, but being able to score some runs early with, with certainly take the pressure off and Ronaldo Lopez coming off of what three minor league rehab starts and looking to get back in this rotation and to the conversation we just had earlier about pitching plans for the post season.

25:59He's got to make an impression so he can figure out where exactly he could factor into that. So it's kind of a big start for Ronaldo Lopez. In addition to the braves wanting to get back in the series, never chance to win two out of three. I think it may be a little bit more than just the average start for Ronaldo at this point in the year. Good stuff, Grant. Appreciate you as always, man. We'll see what happens tonight. We will chat tomorrow. Grant McCauley, follow him guys on all the brave stuff and of course MLB. Thanks again. We're down here on the Southside Jonesboro Road guys, Napa Auto parts Falcon fans getting their Falcon flags. Rage you can't inside an autographs mic. Freddie the Falcon is here and the Falcon trillion is as well. Yeah, man. So come on by now. It's funny. Freddie always stops by our broadcast position. And it's like Freddie here. What'd be funny? Freddie goes, so what do you think guys? We're going to go 10% 10% and 7%. So when a mascot stops by the radio, broadcast position is really nowhere you can really go. It's true. He's always a fan here. It's the head signals. Hey, man. Do you want to talk to the Falcon fans out there too? Of course we can, man. As we get ready for this Wednesday, I told you earlier in the show. And I'm going to tell you the story when we come back.

27:03And you got to hear a sound bite from B. John Robinson. It kind explains what I'm going to tell you next. It's Duke's and Bill. Hey, all right. Almost here. Are you ready? Just grabbing my shoes. That's what you said 10 minutes ago. I just wrapped the video call, uploading this giant file on my tablet, looking at my watch group and Nana's with the group chat, and of course still lining up tonight's playlist on my phone. All at once? Yep, story of my life. That's why I switched to D-Mobile. They have the fastest 5G network. Okay, multi-tasker. I see you. Honestly, I never imagined I could do all this at once. It's awesome. Say no more. I'm totally switching. My post is taking way too long to upload. That's a sign you've got to get T-Mobile. So many reasons to join T-Mobile. Find yours at T-Mobile.com. Fastest based on analysis by Uglos Speed Test Intelligence, the data of national speed score results in

28:06cooperating 5G download and upload speeds for the first half of 2026. The ocean moves us. Whether that's surfing a wave or taking in an inspiring view. The ocean feeds us. Sustainable seafood practices bring the oceans bounty to our plates. The ocean teaches us. How are everyday choices? Big and small make an impact. The ocean delights us. As playful otters restore coastal kelp forests. The ocean connects us. Find your connection at monoraybeacquarium.org slash connects. Presented by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. People say I got you all the time. Dad say to their kids the first time they ride a bike. Friends say to other friends when they buy them lunch. It's a good thing when someone's got you. It's especially good when someone's got you with important things like your health.

29:07And that's where we share his got you. We got you with a massive nationwide network of over a million doctors, which means you can likely keep your current doctor you know and trust. We got you with affordable prices that can save individuals of the $5,000 annually compared to traditional insurance and save families even more. And we've got you with over 68,000 CVS care mark pharmacies across the country. If you're tired of overpriced health insurance bills, come visit us at WeShareHealth.org. Or call 1-888-WeShare. Other smart Americans are making the switch every day. In a world filled with companies that cost you, it's nice to have one that's got you. WeShareHealth, we got you. Diamond Dynasty has all new red diamond cards and World Baseball Classic content in MLB the show 26. Collect your favorites and compete against the best. MLB the show 26 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, XS and Nintendo Switch.

30:15Reading e for everyone officially licensed by MLB players in. Thank you sir. Thank you. I'm talking to one of our listeners literally as we come back on live. What's your name? Rudy, thank you Rudy Rudy's here hanging out with us. He's a brave fan from the old days Carl. He was a little booble when they were still in Milwaukee before they made him do Atlanta. Yeah. Well, thank you Rudy. Thanks for coming out man. Appreciate you. Good to see you. Gotta give a shout out to my man from Jamaica, Carla. He met us last time we were out here on the streets. What is he at? Don't you just said to me? He goes, what is he? He goes, your wife must not be a jealous woman. I said, no, you really don't know my wife. All the things you say in the radio. No, I said, yes, it's true. No, she does get very upset. No idea. Sir, he comes in. She's got a knife. Yes. I'm on double secret probation as always with her. Hey man, Shelton's here. We got another dude who's here earlier. He doubled back to get his Napa flag. We're live. He Jones. Jones, Burrow Road. Ray Buchanan is going to have Carpal tunnel. He's starting somebody autographs over there, but he's hanging a big play. Ray Joe. There he is. He's hanging out and we've got the flags for again, a great line of folks hanging out here. We just become an annual event. Our dukes and bell Falcons. Napa flag give away.

31:25It's fun, man. It really is. And you know, if you're wondering, honestly, like, good support, it's real. The support is here. Right. Fans care. We want our team to win. Yeah, our team has some issues, but we in it, right? And that's the beauty of this. And by the way, when I said gap year and then day day brought that up the other day, I hope it's not a gap year. No, look, I'm happy to say it. I bet it was a thought that you had. Literally, I think our podcast, right? And I was like, I lost it on the podcast that day. And then we came in and I said, you got to share this because it's something that I think a lot of people have thought about. Like, what is this year really going to be? And someday, you know, we'll find out more. And nobody's hoping that we're not hoping this last thing in the world. It's this would be nine seasons guys without the playoffs. And look, we one thing for certain, no, whatever this season is going to be, whether we win 10 games and win the division or win seven. And don't be nice. That'd be nice. You know, we got to figure out is Michael Penex Jr. are franchise quarterback. That's got to happen this year. Yeah. All right. I want to write day day. Yeah. Thank you.

32:25Sounded confident. I want to play something for you. And by the way, I got to give a big shout out JT acres Mike, brought us gifts, man. Dude, fantasy. Thank you. He knows I'm a Corvette guy. Got me a Corvette. I mean, we got the best list news. Some other guys. I got Corbett Lids and I don't even have one yet. You know, join the club, man. I have my, I might have to. I told him I said, what's the grand sport guy? He said I hadn't seen one yet. So it's a guy. No problem. Come on now. We always appreciate meeting some of the best listeners in town. I want you to hear B. John. He went on with with K Adams. Is that right? All right. So this is B. John guy. By the way, Falcons practice today. Family practice was good. Injury report. Real quick. Mike while we're talking about Zachariah branch guys. So I really want to see an action up against Pittsburgh. He's listening with a hamstring. No, we don't know how serious it is. And this is the first day, but it is the day that you know, we finally find out what's going on. Yeah, he's got a hammy, but the one this little more concerning is Brandon Dorolis. How do you say groin in Texas? Growing. That's two syllables. But anyway, Brandon Dorolis is listed with a groin injury. And he's our best past Russia. Okay. I don't want to hear that. Because he's arguably our best front seven guy right now, other than maybe divine Diablo. And we're going to see what kind of Daniels can do. Yeah, did you say to find Diablo? Let's hope so. So that's the injury report. But again, it's Wednesday. They're required to do this NFL. So it's out there. I don't know how concerning it might be. But anytime somebody's on there, we do talk about it.

33:42Now I would say for fantasy owners, if you picked up rock Bowers in the first round. And not exactly the start. You were looking for rock Bowers. Apparently is going to miss this first week. Maybe two. All right, earlier in the show, you were looting to what was and what is. And I said, five o'clock out. I'm going to tell you a story. You said, I can't wait. I'm going to sit back and kick back and hear the story. So I'm going to tell you the story. But to set the story up, I want you to hear B. John Robinson talking to K Adams. Now, B. John has nothing to do with this story. But this story speaks to where we were. Not where we're at. But B was asked about what the atmosphere is here now under Kevin's defense. You listen to what he said. What does Kevin bring? What has Kevin changed culturally that makes this one feel built to last? Yeah, I think really really his experience is being a head coach. Like I saw from day one. And just him in his intentionality and just his high attentional level of detail that he brings is pretty special.

34:45Just as a coach, but even as a guy that you look up to, you know, it's cool to see that. And everybody else, you know, brings that same energy. The whole coach is bringing that same energy. The players now do it as well. But you know, he's very big and being prepared for every situation. Every situation on the field, whether it's two minute first, now, second, down third, it doesn't matter what it is. Like, you know, he wants a plan for it. He has a plan for it. And he wants to execute it at a very high level. Even what Tommy reads me in the OC. Like, you know, he's very creative. He's very intentional to his details. And I know all he wants to do is just call players to score attention. I was in that's all we want to do is put them all in his own. So, you know, having those guys here is definitely been special for all of us. So that's good to hear intentionality, attention to detail. We talk about these things. This is what makes good coaches great. And he's talking about he saw it from day one high level of detail. So that's his description of what they're getting from head coach, Kevin, to Fansky.

35:46Mike, the story is we didn't get that from our last coach. Now, I think for many of you, you'll be like, oh, that's pretty obvious because he's not here anymore. But you've been asking for months now, what happened to Ray Ray McCloud? Yeah, what happened to Ray Ray McCloud? It's a good question. So Ray Ray was upset that the ball and the play calling wasn't what he thought it should be. And when he took that to people, specifically Zach Robinson, there was a problem. The problem became that as a player, you become expendable and as assistant head coach or assistant or the offensive coordinator, you're not. And especially when you help somebody get a job. So when you talk about who goes and who stays, the player had to go. And if you're asking, well, how did that play out? I don't know the specific details. What I do know that is when we talk about Zach Robinson and what he was and what he wasn't as an offensive coordinator, we weren't the only ones talking about it.

36:50There were players in the building who were questioning what was going on. And when that was brought forth, there was some fallout. And that fallout led to Ray Ray not being on this team. So when you say, hey, what's the deal and why was Zach seemingly doing whatever the hell he wanted last year? Well, Mike, that's part of it. And that led to the dysfunction and the lack of detail, which deep deep, right. And the intentionality that he's talking about with Kevin's defense, and I look, Kevin has won a game as a Falcon head coach, but I will tell you guys players know Ray Ray, but not Ray Ray, but sitting next to us here, big play, right. You can ask him when he comes over here and he'll tell you players know who's full of it and who's not. And there are some great head coaches in this league and there are great assistants. And sometimes guys are great assistants. And when you're not the head coach, Mike, sometimes you can do things that the head coach, you know, that assistants get away with and head coaches wouldn't.

37:51And I'm only saying that all of this and I hope you're following me because I don't want to get into too much detail. But the fact of the matter is when things got questioned by people in the organization. Somebody's head had to roll and that led to Ray Ray being released. I'm telling you, that's part of this deal last year and it led back to Zach Robinson. And Mike, we know Zack's in Tampa now. We don't know what he's going to do with Baker Mayfield. They signed him yesterday, but you been asking for months and part of that is how you deal with the team and players and what goes all behind the scene. Everybody we talked to veteran players, you know, we talked to some of the guys on the offensive line. We talked to Beige on your heard the sound bites. They said detail oriented. That came up in every conversation. More detail oriented, more focus. Like it is what it was. Just talking to a correct. It's old. Yeah, I was talking to a guy here earlier today. Bobby was saying, you know, I like because he loved hearing you and me trying to get stuff out of Raul last year. You know, he said it's hard. You guys are trying to work every angle. It's hard. And he's he thought, I thought Rob is going to punch you when you said, I told him I said if I was the owner, he would be on the team. He'd be fired. The thing would raw. He had a second chance to be a head coach in the NFL. Not everybody gets that opportunity. And everybody was lobbying for a member. Tony Dungee and guys like Mike Tom and all these guys are saying, like this guy deserves another chance. So here's how you just like a chance. And you hired the worst assistance possible.

39:08You hired Jimmy Lake who you had to fire after one year. You did. And you're going in Zach Robinson who had never been an offensive coordinator. And then when it came time to work with a young quarterback was in over his head. Remember that whole debacle of, oh, I'm up in the press box. Oh, no, I'm on the sideline. Well, you have the entire off season to figure that one out. It just was a comedy of errors. And it's a shame. Now the good news is that won't happen with this. You're not going to get this seems not going to beat itself from a coaching screw. I don't believe so. The big picture not being organized. The only question is do we have enough talent specifically on the defensive side this year. To compete and who's going to be the manic quarterback. Big questions. Big question. But at least we will be prepared for these games regardless of those issues. I just found it interesting that. Bejon is talking about Kevin Stofansky in the way that he did. He's not disparaging the old guy. He's not going to tell you what the old one is different. He's telling you what's different. And it matters. 4047260929. But that dysfunction inside the building started to decay of how the season played out last year. And many of you are going to, I really didn't have any effect. Yes, it did inside the building. It did.

40:11It had a big effect on how Zach was looked at and what was going on there. Y'all offensive side of the football. I don't think we're going to have those issues with this particular group. But that's kind of how this went down. And then you had other issues throughout the course of the season that played out outside of the losing guys. Sometimes it's more than just losing on the field. And when you're behind the scenes, which is why Matt Ryan is there now. Can't have that kind of stuff. No, I mean, look, it's disappointing to not have the guy that I wanted to see. I'm not the only guy that a lot of folks out through dating. We don't want to see Michael Pettics Jr. out there. The question is when does he get out there? And how does Tua play? Is Tua going to be as bad as some of you guys already imagine he will be? And as you said, that's not fair to Tua because there was a time the tool was good. Then the injury thing became an issue. Then last year, I mean, the last really great game he played unfortunately happened against us. That's true. You know, we were in front of the economic day. Four touchdowns about 200 yards and changed. You know how mad I was that week. I was so mad. He was terrible coming in here. And then you look like he looked like like Joe Montana coming in here. He just, whoops, just threw the ball around. Everybody's at the stadium. Like what is going on here?

41:16Anyway, sorry, but that's, you know, that's the thing. I mean, I just was hoping we get the full sample says then the question is, OK, are we going to be talking next week? Winter loose against Pittsburgh. What if Mike's ready to go? What if Mike says I'm Michael Pettics Jr. comes to fanski and says I'm in the right head space. I feel confident with my knee. I'm ready to go. Can I ask you something? And then what is this fanski say? OK, we'll table that idea because you know, Tua did it decent. If we win, if Tua goes out there, looks like crap. It's not that hard. It's not that hard a decision. No, if Michael Pettics is ready to go to the next week. No, but, but I want to ask you this question though. He may be ready. Would like this week. He's not getting the reps guys. You're trying to get to a ready to play the Steelers. I'm sorry. It's what it is. That's not a knock again. That's, that's the NFL. Right. How do you say I'm ready, Mike? And yet you're giving the other guy the reps to get ready. How do you do that? Right. And the fanski has said if you're, we played the sound bites earlier. Unless you already know that that's the direction you're going to go. You know, I know. Tua is pretty forthcoming. Does that like see some guys feeling it? I've seen a social media. Well, you know, Tua knows he's only got this job for two weeks.

42:22Are you in the meeting? How the hell do you know that? They don't. I mean, it's like, you know, I just really, by the way, he'd really have to wet the bed. I mean, it would have to be. No, again, we need to get Aaron Rogers on the ground. I'm worried about the past rush where that he's going to come from. It's a road game. Guys, we're on the roads one of the hardest things. We know that the NFL is, but this is going to be a tough game. And, and two of the last time, you know, he played the steal. He wasn't good. And I know that we've got a defense that everyone's kind of looking at like to the, you know, they are, they are, they're big and big and bad. Their offense isn't all that great. They're going to lean into the run game a little bit. This is Mike McCarthy, guys. Yeah, this is Aaron Rogers. And this is Aaron Rogers from MVP, Calvacese. This is Aaron Rogers. Who's about as mobile as a sleeper, so far right now, man? He can't move. No, but with no pressure, dude, he'll still pick you apart. But you got to get that, but you got to get him. Like we will be talking on Monday about I can't believe Aaron through for three 75 and three touchdown. Because you didn't get him on the ground. Are you going to blitz? And what and when does all brick decide he's not getting there with his guys? He's going to have to really start getting aggressive. So here's the deal. You got a six, three deer out on that side named DK Medcalf.

43:28I love AJ Torell. But now when you start doing those things, Mike, you're leaving him out there one on one. No safety help. Right. And a guy that can throw it as well as anybody down the field. Like you got to pick your spots. I'm not saying you don't, but those are things that we're going to figure out on Sunday. But like this idea that Aaron is washed up. I'm not buying that. I think Aaron Rogers could easily go for 300 yards in this game. If you give him six to eight seconds every day, I'm passing play. I guess I'm prisoner of the moment because the last time we saw the Steelers Houston, we're just killing him. Yes, they were one of the best defense in the NFL. We don't have that. That's not what we have. We don't have that Houston is still the best defense. And Ryan's is that dog and he's got those guys on that team. Yeah, that's a different defense man. You saw they went to Buffalo. I mean that that team. They're not in the Super Bowl last year because CJ Stroud. Right. CJ, every time that game, Pittsburgh returned it over, they get the ball right back in the CJ Stroud would give it right back. Yeah. All right, man, we're live in that ball. Parts. We're going to take a quick break. We're going to come back. Ray steel sign on our graphs. You want to come down and get they still have Falcon flags by the way. Napal auto parts Jonesboro road. You can stop in. Get your Falcon flag. We're going to hear what Pittsburgh is thinking about us.

44:31And what are their deficiencies? We got a chance to talk to their beat guy for the athletic. And he was very interesting, man. I thought he did an interesting breakdown of what they're trying to see up there. And guys, again, there's no perfect teams right now in the NFL. It's a week one. Nobody's perfect. Everybody has something that everybody's trying to expose. And for us, they kind of know like if they take B. John out of this mic, do we have a quarterback that can take the game off? Hey, and one last nugget. I know we're just talking about this. Just popped up on my computer. Daniel Flick from the AJC Carl talking to Kendall Daniels. The linebacker. We were really excited about this camp. He says he doesn't know whether he and Harold Perkins. Remember this is the LSU pick later in the draft. Yeah. We'll rotate this week like they did in the preseason finale, but he feels are a good compliment. So I think there's there could be a lot of guys rotated in the young guys we talked about earlier. And we love Perkins game. He would have been a first round pick without having that knee injury LSU. Totally agree. Totally agree. I do think remember how I worried I was going into the as we got to the offseason. I said, what's going on with this linebacker room? And they filled it with a bunch of long speedy guys, right? And I hope they've got it figured out. All right, Mike Defa, Defabo's conversation, Steelers beat rider for the athletics on the way.

45:39We're live here at NAPO Auto Park to sports radio 92 9th game. Hey, all right. Almost here. Are you ready? Just grabbing my shoes. That's what you said 10 minutes ago. I just wrapped the video call uploading this giant file on my tablet, looking at my watch group and Nana's with the group chat. And of course still lining up tonight's playlist on my phone. All at once? Yep. Story of my life. That's why I switched to D-Mobile. They have the fastest 5G network. Okay, multi-tasker. I see you. Honestly, I never imagined I could do all this at once. It's awesome. I'm more I'm totally switching. My post is taking way too long to upload. That's a sign you've got to get T-Mobile. So many reasons to join T-Mobile. Find yours at T-Mobile.com. Fastest based on analysis by Uglos Beat Distant Intelligence, the data of national speed score results incorporating 5G download and upload speeds for the first half of 2026.

46:43The ocean delights us. Some marvel at the colorful world below the surface. The ocean feeds us. Others find nourishment in its bounty. The ocean teaches us. How are everyday choices impact even the deepest places. The ocean moves us. Whether we're riding a wave or soaking in its breathtaking beauty. The ocean connects us. Find your connection at monoraybeacquarium.org slash connects. Presented by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. People say I got you all the time. Dad say to their kids the first time they ride a bike. Friends say to other friends when they buy them lunch. It's a good thing when someone's got you. It's especially good when someone's got you with important things like your health. And that's where we share this. We got you with a massive nationwide network of over a million doctors. Which means you can likely keep your current doctor you know and trust.

47:48We got you with affordable prices that can save individuals of the $5,000 annually compared to traditional insurance. And save families even more. And we've got you with over 68,000 CVS care mark pharmacies across the country. If you're tired of overpriced health insurance bills, come visit us at WeShareHealth.org. Or call 1-888-WeShare. Other smart Americans are making the switch every day. In a world filled with companies that cost you. It's nice to have one that's got you. WeShareHealth. We got you. Did you know that there are over 200 legends like Andrew Jones, Albert Poole's, Felix Hernandez and King Gryffy Jr. in MLB the show 26? Collect them all and current all stars to build your perfect liner. MLB the show 26 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XS and Nintendo Switch.

48:48Rated E for everyone, officially licensed by MLB Players Inc.