The Fan Talking Straight - Philadelphia Sports

On this Philly Sports podcast episode, Mike is dissatisfied with a recent Citizens Bank Park experience (2:08). He previews the 2025 Penn State Football season, examining the betting odds, roster, schedule and provides his keys for success (7:35). With College Football kicking off, the show closes with an examination of the top programs across America and Mike gives his three favorite contenders f...

On this Philly Sports podcast episode, Mike reflects on what feels like an all too familiar MLB trade deadline for the Philadelphia Phillies and explains why Dave Dembrowski's management path should raise the eyebrows of Philly fans. Mike looks forward to the football season as the Eagles are focused at training camp while their rivals battle distractions. Be heard on the next episode - leave a vo...

Mike provides highlights from a spring podcast hiatus including a strong start to the golf season and an application to 97.5 The Fanatic. He provides a state of affairs on the Sixers, Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and Penn State football. Finally, an update on the future of TFTS. Be heard on the next episode - leave a voicemail: 215 385 5164 FOLLOW @TFTSPOD https://instagram.com/tftspod https://twitter...

On this Philly Sports podcast episode, Mike explains how the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament demonstrate the potential transition to power conferences in college sports and how this March Madness feels a bit chalky (1:35). He previews the Philadelphia Phillies 2025 campaign ahead of MLB opening day - highlighting changes to the roster and suggesting that there's not a lot the Phils can...

Mike is back to put a bow on The Players Championship after Rory McIlroy defeated a heckler and J.J. Spaun in a Monday morning playoff at TPC Sawgrass (3:31). A Philly sports fan public service announcement comes from this episode's bone to pick of the week after a scene outside of a recent Flyers game (8:30). Mike addresses the Eagles offseason thus far and puts to bed any reason for worry in...

Mike assesses the state of the Philadelphia Flyers as the hockey club approaches the NHL Trade deadline. While a shift from evaluation to building inches near, Mike explains why the orange and black still have a way to go in their rebuild. He analyzes the current roster and projects who fits on a future contender in Philly. Sixers center Joel Embiid was announced out for the season over the weeken...

In this Philly Sports podcast episode, Mike reacts to the Eagles parade and some of the great mic'd up moments from the Birds Super Bowl victory. Jason Kelce rooted for his brother Travis, drawing ire from some Philadelphia fans - an analysis of the Kelce fandom arc (16:25). Mike reviews the Eagles' biggest free agents for the NFL offseason (21:30). The NHL's 4 Nations Tournament stole...

Mike looks back on the Philadelphia Eagles victory in Super Bowl 59 over the Kansas City Chiefs. He recaps the key plays and revels in the sweetness of his Birds knocking off Reid, Mahomes, and company as kings of the NFL. Mike apologizes to Nick Sirianni and isn't interested in ranking MVP Jalen Hurts on any quarterback lists. Be heard on the next episode - leave a voicemail: 215 385 5164 FOL...

Mike is fired up to preview Super Bowl 59 between the Eagles and Chiefs. He evaluates the coaching, personnel groupings and breaks down the matchups of the Philadelphia offense versus the Kansas City defense, and the KC offense versus the Philly Defense. Mike gives the keys that will determine the game's outcome and reflects on the differences between this 2024 Birds team and the team that fel...

Mike celebrates and reacts to the Eagles NFC Championship game victory over the Washington Commanders on this Philly Sports podcast episode. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley led a historic offensive performance for Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni deserves credit for leading the Birds to their second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons. Dan Quinn's aggressiveness and trickery proved no match in the on...

In this Philly Sports podcast episode, Mike returns to react to the Philadelphia Eagles win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. He endorses the play of Birds quarterback Jalen Hurts with perspective on the performances of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and the other playoff signal callers. Familiarity and Vic Fangio should breed confidence amongst the fanbase h...

In this Philly Sports podcast episode, Mike picks every game of a historic, MEGA postseason football weekend. He breaks down the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame and at the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas. Mike previews every game of NFL Wildcard Weekend and focuses on the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Green Bay Packers as Jalen Hu...

In this Philly sports podcast episode, Mike begins with an instant reaction to Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia. He breaks down Penn State's winning performance against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and looks ahead to the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl between the two popular programs in Philadelphia. Another dominant performance for Ohio State sends them to the...

A state of affairs look at the Philadelphia 76ers after a win over the Celtics, Joel Embiid's encounter with an official, a slow start for the prize of the NBA offseason, and the Center City arena approval (6:00). Josh Harris' Washington Commanders defeated the Eagles in Week 16 of the NFL. Mike recaps the wild game and questionable day for the broadcast crew. Kenny Pickett was not to totally blam...

Mike wishes Flyers rookie star winger Matvei Michkov a happy birthday as he enters his twenties already with a serious NHL record (1:44). The Philadelphia Eagles struggled against the Carolina Panthers - putting the panicked fan and local media sentiment in perspective. Jalen Hurts continues to be criticized. Is Kellen Moore at all responsible for not getting the most out of the Birds passing atta...

Mike is joined by Oregon superfan Ryan Otis to get the inside scoop on Penn State's opponent ahead of the Big Ten Championship game on Saturday Night. Are the undefeated Ducks the outlier in a College Football season full of upsets and multiple losses for traditional powers? Dan Lanning boasts a physical veteran group that is out to prove superior despite being a conference newcomer - strengths, w...

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the TFTS family. Mike shares a holiday tip after going overboard at a Friendsgiving (1:59). The Philadelphia Eagles dismantled the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football on a record setting night for Saquon Barkley. Jalen Carter led a monstrous game for the Birds defensive line. Nick Sirianni's team is showcasing championship DNA (3:33). Penn State es...

Despite another slow start, the Philadelphia Eagles outclassed the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. Vic Fangio's defense is playing free and came together to shut down rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Quinyon Mitchell is on an absolute heater against opposing wide receiver ones. Saquon Barkley was the closer, but the Birds offense may be pushed harder with upcoming games against t...

The Philadelphia Eagles blew out the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday after a clunky first half performance. Despite taking sacks and returning to the turnover column, Jalen Hurts led the Birds offensively on a quiet afternoon for Saquon Barkley. Kellen Moore needs to continue to get the quarterback under center. Cooper Rush and company provided little challenge for Vic Fangio's surging defense (1:48). Ro...

A brief look back at the Eagles win over the Cincinnati Bengals - the best win since...Birds fans chimed in with their opinions (1:56). Despite acrobatic hurdles and all time catches from the likes of Saquon Barkley, Jahan Dotson, and Devonta Smith, Nick Sirianni is the focal point of the Eagles win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Failed fourth down and two-point attempts left a lot of points on th...

Mike breaks down the Eagles 28-3 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Saquon Barkley led the way against his former team, but an uneventful day for Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts may bode well for the Birds moving forward. Vic Fangio's defense looks to have made strides but will be put to the test come Sunday against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Philadelphia 76ers open another NBA...

Mike is joined by Ray Moffo to dissect the underwhelming second half of the MLB season that led to an early exit from the NLDS for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phils battled the New York Mets in London in June - this was a critical juncture of the season as the handling of JT Realmuto's knee injury might have sent the wrong message to the clubhouse. Despite a blazing start and cruising to an NL...

It was a tale of two games at Citizens Bank Park over the weekend - Mike reacts to Games 1 and 2 of the National League Division Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. A leadoff Schwarbomb and a Zack Wheeler gem were wasted by a shadow of an MLB lineup and a shaky performance from all stars in the Phils bullpen. Rob Thomson is making some unconventional moves with his starting...

Mike returns to break down the abysmal Philadelphia Eagles after another blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being down AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, and Lane Johnson, the Birds came out unprepared, uninspired and delivered another underwhelming performance at Raymond James Stadium. Vic Fangio seemed to clean up the defense against the Saints but defaulted back to a four-man front and zon...

Mike and some fan callers are HOT after the Philadelphia Eagles handed a Monday Night Football victory to the Atlanta Falcons. The stench of the 2023 season returned after just two games and head coach Nick Sirianni has to be the main culprit. Vic Fangio's defense is not free from blame as Kirk Cousins remained clean from an invisible pass rush. It appears last night's debacle is a microco...