The Atlanta Sports Special

Kinney & Kraemer

Atlanta Sports Special: powered by hope, fueled by pain. Weekly updates on the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and More! News, coverage and insights all in one ATL- lemon pepper flavored package.

  1. Sep 17

    The Atlanta Sports Special Ep 44: Cooper Rush is Incapable of playing football (Week 1 Recap) Feat. Logan Marshall

    Michael is joined by lifelong Falcons fan Logan Marshall to discuss Atlanta’s disappointing Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the broader struggles facing the franchise.The episode opens with a conversation about their shared Atlanta sports fandom, growing up in Marietta, and their favorite and most painful Falcons memories—including Atlanta’s dominant NFC Championship win over Green Bay and the heartbreaking Super Bowl loss that followed.The main discussion focuses on the Falcons’ 20–13 loss to Pittsburgh. Michael and Logan criticize the offense’s lack of creativity, excessive reliance on Bijan Robinson, poor quarterback play from Cooper Rush, missed opportunities to involve Kyle Pitts and Drake London, and the team’s nine penalties for 100 yards. They argue that Atlanta’s offensive problems were made worse by predictable play-calling, weak offensive-line performance, and the failure to adjust when the Steelers defense began anticipating the Falcons’ short passes.The hosts also praise Atlanta’s defense, particularly Za’Darius Smith and Divine Deablo, while expressing concern about the team’s decision to let important linebackers such as Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss move on. They debate whether rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. should receive an opportunity, especially after Cooper Rush threw two interceptions, was sacked four times, and struggled to push the ball downfield.The conversation then turns to the upcoming divisional matchup with the Carolina Panthers. They view the game as an important early test and a potential “get-right” opportunity for Atlanta. Both hosts believe the Falcons must establish a more balanced rushing attack, use Brian Robinson Jr. to protect Bijan Robinson’s long-term health, and take advantage of Carolina’s defensive weaknesses.Finally, Michael and Logan discuss head coach Kevin Stefanski. Logan remains optimistic because of Stefanski’s past success with a competent quarterback, while Michael remains undecided after seeing little evidence of offensive creativity in the opener. The episode closes with cautious optimism, realistic negativity, and a promise to continue tracking the Falcons’ season—especially when Logan returns for the team’s matchup at Lambeau Field.

  2. Sep 3

    The Atlanta Sports Special Ep 42: Too Many Cooks in The Kitchen (Falcons Preseason Review) Feat: Prime Time Peyton

    The conversation begins with the Braves and their effort to maintain the division lead over the Phillies. The hosts discuss the team’s inconsistency and highlight recent performances from Chris Sale, Drake Baldwin, Michael Harris, Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies. They also share concerns about the bullpen and the team’s postseason outlook. Although there is some optimism, the group generally feels that Atlanta could make a playoff run without ultimately winning a championship.The episode then celebrates the return of football, with the hosts reviewing the first week of college football and sharing their excitement for the upcoming NFL season. They discuss their favorite Week Zero games and describe their ideal football Sunday spreads, featuring wings, Buffalo chicken dip, cold drinks, and time with friends and family.The main portion of the episode focuses on the Falcons’ preseason. The team receives heavy criticism for its poor performance against Denver, particularly because of the struggles from Tua, Cooper Rush, the offensive line, and the overall lack of coordination. In contrast, the Falcons show improvement against Indianapolis and Miami, with notable performances from Jack Strand, Tyler Goodson, Cash Jones, Kyle Pitts, and the special teams unit.The central debate revolves around the Falcons’ quarterback situation. The hosts question whether Tua and Cooper Rush should remain with the team, express cautious confidence in Michael Penix Jr., and become excited about Jack Strand’s potential after his impressive preseason performance. Everyone agrees that the franchise needs to make a clear decision about its future at quarterback.The episode concludes with season predictions and concerns that the Falcons could win just enough games to avoid a rebuild without becoming serious playoff contenders. The hosts also worry that the team could waste the talent of Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London if it fails to solve its quarterback problem. The episode ends with several bold predictions, including a possible Pro Bowl season for Divine Deablo and the idea that only one quarterback on the roster will remain active next season.

  3. Aug 12

    The Atlanta Sports Special Ep 39: BIG Month for the Braves

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION - The Braves have turned into a juggernaut, but the real question is whether the rest of Atlanta sports can keep up. From Greg Maddux nostalgia to a brutally honest breakdown of the bullpen, this episode is packed with the kind of sharp, fan-first takes Atlanta listeners crave.Kinney and Kraemer open by building an all-time Atlanta sports Mount Rushmore, and the debate gets personal fast as the guys argue legacy, dominance, and who actually defined an era. Then the focus shifts to the Braves, where the mood is equal parts celebration and panic. The offense is exploding, Ronald Acuna Jr. is back producing, Austin Riley is heating up at the right time, and the division lead has ballooned. But the bullpen remains a major concern, Alex Anthopoulos takes heat for his deadline moves, and the episode asks the question every Braves fan is thinking: is this roster built to survive October?You'll also hear the latest on the Falcons, including the injury to Jalen Walker, the bizarre rise of Jack Strand, and why preseason football suddenly feels like must-watch TV. The conversation gets into quarterback uncertainty, camp hype, and which young players could force their way into the roster picture before the season starts.We break down the Hawks' ongoing reset, the disaster that is Atlanta United's season, and the Atlanta Dream's push toward the playoffs. It is a full-state-of-the-franchise conversation, but with the energy, sarcasm, and hometown bias that make it feel like you are sitting in the room with two diehard fans who have seen it all.Perfect for anyone who follows Atlanta sports, loves spirited debate, or just wants the honest version of what is going right, what is going wrong, and why this city always keeps you emotionally invested. We're gonna be fine.

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Atlanta Sports Special: powered by hope, fueled by pain. Weekly updates on the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and More! News, coverage and insights all in one ATL- lemon pepper flavored package.