Dukes & Bell
Dukes & Bell, Atlanta's No. 1 sports talk radio show, brings you daily insight and analysis into sports local and beyond you can only get from the captivating combo of Carl Dukes and Mike Bell. Listen from 2-6p as they debate Atlanta's top sports stories, with an eye on what else is happening elsewhere, in a way that will keep you entertained and informed.
8-26-26 Full Show
The full 8-26-26 Dukes and Bell
Hr1 - Penix will not see action in preseason finale vs Miami
In the opening hour of today's show, Carl and Mike react to the news that Michael Penix Jr. will not suit up for the final preseason game. They explore whether undrafted free agent Jack Strand deserves more opportunities after impressive training camp performances. The discussion also touches on the challenge of facing the Steelers' defense in week one and the current state of the Braves' rotation. 01:43 - Penix Sidelined For Friday 06:51 - Training Camp Observations 11:03 - Jack Strand Hype Grows 17:03 - Naming The Week One Starter 21:20 - Quarterback Depth Performance 29:11 - Braves Pitching Success 33:20 - Facing Steelers Front Seven 37:04...
Hr2 - The Athens Arena Football team has a name
In the 2nd hour of today's show, Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis joins to discuss the launch of the Athens Crush arena football team and his outlook for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also evaluate the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation regarding Michael Penix Jr. and break down the Braves' victory against the Dodgers. 01:50 - Michael Penix Jr. Debate 07:03 - Jack Strand Hype 15:42 - Jerome Bettis Interview 26:34 - Braves Edge Dodgers 33:27 - Sports News Roundup 40:50 - College Football Betting
Hr3 - Michael Penix Jr. to Sit Preseason Finale & SEC Rules Overhaul
In the 3rd hour of today's show, Carl and Mike weigh in on the decision to sit Michael Penix Jr. for the preseason finale and the growing buzz surrounding backup John Paddock. They also speak with Brendan Tobin about the Dolphins' outlook and analyze the SEC's move to grant Commissioner Greg Sankey unlimited authority. 02:08 - Penix Sitting Out 09:47 - SEC Authority Rules 18:30 - Brendan Tobin Interview 33:50 - Tour Championship Controversy 38:41 - Dolly Parton Tribute 43:50 - Fat Boy Quarterback
Hr4 - Dukes & Bell: Why Michael Penix Jr. is Sitting Out
In the final hour of today's show, Dukes and Bell react to the news that Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. will not play in the upcoming preseason game. They catch up with Grant McAuley to break down a Braves win over the Dodgers. 01:50 - Pro Bowl Format Changes 03:06 - Michael Penix Jr. News 09:29 - Evaluating Depth Quarterbacks 13:11 - Z'Darius Smith's Return 14:21 - Braves Beat The Dodgers 19:35 - AJ Smith-Shawver's Start 24:18 - Pitching Staff Comparisons 29:22 - Penix Preseason Expectations 35:14 - New NFL Tackling Rules
'Hopefully Michael Penix Jr. shows out' enough in camp to win QB1 job
Carl and Mike close out the show with more thoughts on Michael Penix Jr. not playing in the Falcons final preseason game and reiterate the feeling of disappointment in not being able to see Penix Jr. face a live opponent before the regular season begins, should the plan be to still name the third-year quarterback as the Week 1 starter.
Braves 'got what they needed' from Bryce Elder in win over Dodgers
Carl and Mike are joined by Grant McAuley as they discuss the latest on thwe Braves including their win over the Dodgers in which he believes Bryce Elder was able to provide them with what they needed.
Kevin Stefanski not going as far to say Tua Tagovailoa is Falcons QB1
Carl and Mike are joined by Joe Patrick as they discuss the latest on the Falcons, including Michael Penix Jr. not playing in Friday's preseason finale
Dolphins will play close attention to how well Tua Tagovailoa will play
Carl and Mike are joined by Brendan Tobin as they preview the Falcons and Dolphins preseason game on Friday.
Can Falcons trust naming Michael Penix Jr, QB1 with no preseason work
Carl and Mike get into more Falcons talk as they share a few more thoughts on Michael Penix Jr. not playing on Friday in the finale preseason game and discuss why they believe they will have reservations should he be named the Week 1 starter due to the fact he has not seen any live action and was just cleared to be a full participant in training camp over the weekend.
Bryce Elder making case to be Braves third starter in postseason
Carl and Mike get into some brief Braves talk as they react to the win over the Dodgers to open up the series and agree it was good to see Atlanta grind out the win over a team like the Braves as Carl believes Bryce Elder's performance of late, including in last night's game, may be a signal he could be the Braves third starter in the preseason. They then get into What's On DA-DA's Mind
More football in Athens with 'Crush' arena team
Carl and Mike are joined by Jerome Bettis as they discuss the new name of the new Athens arena team and some of the latest on the NFL.
Michael Penix Jr. 'is supposed to be the guy' for Falcons
Carl and Mike get into more football talk as they continue to share thoughts on Kevin Stefanski announcing Michael Penix Jr. will not play on Friday in the preseason finale, which they agree is "deflating" because they believe he is supposed to be the guy for the Falcons moving forward and not being able to see him in live action before the regular season begins.
Michael Penix Jr. being cleared was never a guarantee he'd be Falcons starter
Carl and Mike continue with their Falcons talk as they share more thoughts on the quarterback situation and share thoughts on why they believe the Falcons cannot name Michael Penix Jr. the Week 1 starter with him not seeing any live action against another team following Kevin Stefanski announcing he will not play on Friday.
Michael Penix Jr. can't be Falcons Week 1 starter with 'no live action'
Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they continue to react to Michael Penix Jr. not playing on Friday in the preseason finale and take note of the fact that Kevin Stefanski has yet to name a starter for Week 1 and discuss why they believe that while Penix Jr. believes he will be ready to go for the regular season opener if named the starter, they are concerned with the fact he has not seen any live action.
'Disappointing' Michael Penix Jr. not playing in Falcons preseason finale
Carl and Mike open the show with Falcons talk as they react to Kevin Stefanski announcing Michael Penix Jr. will not play on Friday and share thoughts on why they believe that with Penix Jr. not playing on Friday, they find it hard to believe the third year quarterback will be a Week 1 starter.
8-25-26 Full Show
The full 8-25-26 Dukes and Bell
Hr1 - Braves looking to get back right vs Dodgers in big home series
Carl and Mike analyze the ongoing quarterback competition for the Falcons, weighing veteran experience against the potential of Michael Penix Jr. They welcome MLB insider Tony Gwynn Jr. to discuss the upcoming Braves-Dodgers series and major changes in Padres ownership. Additionally, they cover controversial new eligibility rules in college football and the upcoming Tour Championship at East Lake. 01:54 - Falcons QB1 Debate 06:17 - Preseason Preparation Discussion 15:05 - Tony Gwynn Jr. Interview 27:40 - Falcons Practice Updates 35:35 - NCAA Eligibility Controversy 40:21 - Tour Championship Preview
Hr2 - Jack Strand’s Viral Hype & Evaluating the Braves Ahead of Dodgers
In the 2nd hour of today's show, Carl and Mike discuss the viral sensation of D2 quarterback Jack Strand and his rising national profile after a standout preseason performance. The conversation also covers the Falcons' defensive injury concerns and an evaluation of the Braves' key starters as they prepare for a high-stakes series against the Dodgers. Additionally, they debate Ronald Acuña Jr.'s long-term value and the potential for a trade in the offseason given his injury history. 01:50 - Ja'marr Chase Injury & Jed York Scandal 07:45 - Jack Strand's Viral National Momentum 11:40 - Falcons Edge Rusher & Defensive Depth 15:48 - Assessing B...
Hr3 - Tua vs. Michael Penix Jr. in 11s Highlights Falcons Practice
In the 3rd hour of today's show, Connor Riley joins the discussion to analyze the Georgia Bulldogs' scrimmage and the complexities of NIL roster management in the SEC. They evaluate the practice performances of Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. while also paying tribute to the legacy of the late Dolly Parton. 02:13 - Connor Riley Georgia Analysis 05:59 - SEC Transfer Rule Disputes 10:03 - NIL Roster Management Insights 13:30 - Alabama QB Keelon Russell 18:04 - Tua vs Penix Practice 24:58 - Dolphins Practice and Roster 31:18 - Remembering Icon Dolly Parton 35:08 - Penn State Cocaine Scandal 39:56 - Controversial Callaway Golf Ad
Hr4 - Will we see Penix Friday night vs the Dolphins?
In the final hour of today's show, Carl and Mike analyze the intense Falcons training camp practices as Michael Penix Jr. transitions to 11-on-11 drills ahead of the preseason game against the Dolphins. They are joined by Grant McAuley to preview the crucial Braves series against the Dodgers and discuss Matt Olson's unique home run pace. The discussion also touches on the Jack Strand phenomenon and the controversy surrounding NFL players returning to the college ranks. 01:50 - Braves vs. Dodgers Preview 05:45 - Michael Penix Jr. Progress 10:15 - College Transfer Eligibility Debate 16:40 - Grant McAuley Braves Interview 22:15 - Braves Rotation And...
Falcons QB conversation should only focus on Michael Penix Jr.
Carl and Mike close out the show with more Falcons talk as they react to a listener saying "everybody is on Jack Strand" and while they agree the Falcons UDFA QB has been impressive, the conversation needs to be about Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Braves 'top two spots aren't producing' at the plate
Carl and Mike.are joined by Grant McAuley as they discuss the latest on the Atlanta Braves as they welcome the Dodgers for a three-game series.
Michael Penix Jr. must be where Falcons 'need him to be'
Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they continue to react to reports out of today's practice which include Tua Tagovailoa appearing to have had the better day than Michael Penix Jr. As they discuss, they share thoughts on why preparation with 11 on 11 reps for Penix Jr. are going to be important moving forward as he looks to win the starting QB role.
'Accuracy' must be the determining factor in Falcons QB battle
Carl and Mike get into Falcons talk as they react to reports out of today's practice, which was described as "intense" and the defense was bringing real pressure and Tua Tagovailoa appeared to have had the better day than Michael Penix Jr. As they discuss, they share thoughts on what they believe will be the differentiating factor, which believes needs to be accuracy.
Georgia needs the wide receiver room to 'play better this season'
Carl and Mike are joined by Connor Riley as they discuss the latest on the Georgia Bulldogs and how things went in their second scrimmage over the weekend.
Braves 'are a completely different team if guys are doing their job'
Carl and Mike get back into Braves talk as they share thoughts on which players they believe have not been doing their job as the team looks to make a run in the playoffs and get to a World Series.
Bijan Robinson will be 'tops of MVP conversations' in 2026
Carl and Mike get into more football talk and share some thoughts on why they believe Bijan Robinson will have a good enough season to be in the "top of MVP conversations" this season. They then share thoughts on the hype around Jack Strand and agree that while they like the potential of the UDFA Falcons' QB, however believe people need to slow down in regards to calling for the Falcons to consider him as a starter for this season.
Falcons 'are Michael Penix Jr.'s team' but he'll have to prove it
Carl and Mike get back into Falcons talk as they share thoughts on reports in regards to there being excitement about Michael Penix Jr. finally being able to participate in 11 on 11 activities and agree that no one should be surprised because the Falcons "are Penix Jr.'s team, however they expect him to be evaluated over the next few weeks just like any other player on the team.
Braves facing Dodgers at 'perfect time' to help them get sharper
Carl and Mike are joined by Tony Gwynn Jr. as they discuss the latest MLB headlines including the Braves' offensive struggles.
'If Michael Penix Jr. is ready to do it as Falcons QB1, let's go'
Carl and Mike open the show with Falcons talk as they agree that all eyes are on the starting QB role as the team has yet to make a decision in regards to who will be the Week 1 starter as Michael Penix Jr., who was just cleared for 11v11, and Tua Tagovailoa battle to win the job. As they discuss, they explain why they believe that with Penix Jr. being cleared, if he shows the staff "he can do it" then the team needs to roll with him as their Week 1 starter.
8-24-26 Full Show
The full 8-24-26 Dukes and Bell
Hr1 - "United We Strand": Falcons Fans Buzz Over Backup QB Jack Strand
In the opening hour of today's show, Carl and Mike break down the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation after Michael Penix Jr. was cleared for team drills and Jack Strand's impressive preseason showing. They also discuss the Atlanta Braves' recent victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and analyze the rotation's stability heading into the final stretch of the season. 01:50 - Falcons Quarterback Competition Update 05:09 - Michael Penix Jr. Cleared 08:41 - The Jack Strand Phenomenon 15:48 - Braves Victory Over Brewers 19:55 - Postseason Pitching Staff Concerns 24:10 - Fans Call for Strand 30:35 - Preseason QB Performance Review 37:53 - Team Chambliss and Roster Moves
Hr2 - Jack Strand Mania and Michael Penix Jr.'s Return to Practice
In the 2nd hour of today's show, the conversation focuses on the emergence of Jack Strand and Michael Penix Jr.'s return to full practice participation for the Falcons. Carl and Mike also discuss Deshaun Watson's performance issues in Cleveland, eligibility concerns at LSU, and the reports surrounding Jed York. Additionally, updates are provided on the Atlanta Dream and Atlanta United. 01:50 - Jack Strand Mania 07:06 - Watson's Cleveland Drama 17:18 - Falcons Practice Update 22:43 - Jed York Legal Rumors 25:52 - Backup QB Competition 37:44 - Local Sports Update 41:06 - Roster Bubble Decisions
Hr3 - Brent Key Previews Georgia Tech Opener and Addresses QB Selection
In the 3rd hour of today's show, Brent Key discusses the character of his Georgia Tech roster and the team's preparation for their season opener against Colorado. Carl and Mike also cover Michael Penix Jr.'s performance during joint practices and the legal complications of former professional players returning to college. 01:50 - Falcons Training Camp Report 05:55 - College Football Scrimmage Updates 08:45 - NCAA Eligibility Rules Debate 15:15 - Penix Outperforms Tua Tagovailoa 19:51 - Wyndham Clark Cheating Allegations 23:11 - Jed York Sting Operation 30:25 - Brent Key Interview 40:05 - GT Starting Quarterback Discussion 43:50 - ACC Football Season Outlook
Hr4 - Michael Penix Jr. Returns to Practice; possible return Friday vs Miami?
In the final hour of today's show, Carl and Mike discuss the sudden fan obsession with Jack Strand and how it impacts the perception of Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons' depth chart. They analyze the Atlanta Braves' inability to provide run support for Chris Sale during their August slump. The discussion also covers Deshaun Watson's apology to Cleveland fans and a tribute to the late boxing judge Harold Lederman. 01:20 - Jack Strand Hype vs Penix 05:08 - Michael Penix Jr. Practice Update 08:05 - Roster Strategy and Depth Chart 12:48 - Braves Struggles and Chris Sale 17:20 - August Slump and Lineup Issues 25:50...
Michael Penix Jr.'s first day of full participation a 'a mixed bag' of reviews
Carl and Mike close out the show with final thoughts on the reports which came out of Falcons practice as Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for 11 on 11 participation and agree that based on what they have seen, it appears to be a mixed bag of views in regards to Penix Jr.'s performance. As they discuss, they share thoughts on whether or not the Falcons may have already had plans for the third-year quarterback to be the starter Week 1 all along if he was cleared by this point of the preseason.
Braves finding themselves 'in trouble' as offense continues to struggle
Carl and Mike get into some Braves talk and share thoughts on why they believe the team is trending the wrong way and may find themselves "in trouble" as their offense continues to struggle to produce hits and their NL East Division lead has shrunk to three games.
Time still on Michael Penix Jr.'s side to win Falcons QB battle
Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk as they continue to react to fans calling for Jack Strand to be the team's starting quarterback and as they discuss, they agree the UDFA QB looked impressive on Saturday, however believe fans need to slow down and come to the realization that Michael Penix Jr. still has plenty of time to prove he should be the team's starting quarterback.
Brent Key: Georgia Tech must 'commit to each other' for successful 2026 season
Carl and Mike are joined by Coach Brent Key as they discuss the latest on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as they prepare for their season opener next week when they host Colorado.