Felger and Mazz - Creating False Naratives one day at a time

amRadio

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The show gets considerably more listenable whenever someone is subbing in for Mazz. Felger and Ted Johnson was good, Felger and Hook is sometimes good. Not only does Mazz not watch the sports and just pushes out the most negative dump of a take he can each break, he essentially admits on air he stopped trying when he took the radio gig. Puke.
 

Vinho Tinto

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The show gets considerably more listenable whenever someone is subbing in for Mazz. Felger and Ted Johnson was good, Felger and Hook is sometimes good. Not only does Mazz not watch the sports and just pushes out the most negative dump of a take he can each break, he essentially admits on air he stopped trying when he took the radio gig. Puke.
I agree. This reinforces two ideas:

1) Felger is one of the best sports radio personalities in the country. He could host a successful show with a bag of rocks.

2) Mazz should send Lou Merloni a generous Christmas gift every year. Lou was CBS’s first show to host with Felger. He turned it down for a chance to do Red Sox radio.
 

John Marzano Olympic Hero

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2) Mazz should send Lou Merloni a generous Christmas gift every year. Lou was CBS’s first show to host with Felger. He turned it down for a chance to do Red Sox radio.
Would the Felger and Merloni show be better or worse than Felger and Merloni? I'm honestly not sure. When Merloni gets a bee in his bonnet, he can be more of a baby than Tony is. Tony's plays the part of the misanthrope asshole, Merloni is a bit more whiny and tends to bring up the whole, "Did you play in the Majors, bro?" when things don't go his way. And BTW, I don't mind Merloni that much. I just think that too much Lou would not be optimal.
 

Vinho Tinto

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I just think that too much Lou would not be optimal.
I do think he and Felger would have better individual shows because he’d be more consistent with pressing Felger on his ideas; but I also wonder if he is more likely to get flustered and shut it down on days where Felger is annoying the shit out of him.

Obviously, I think Mazz would be just as mediocre long term without Felger; but the weasel in him allows him to easily change his approach to the show with Felger’s subs. He has different opinions based on if he working with Gasper vs Adam Jones. So I suspect that solo Mazz would host shows with better flows than what Lou has had with Salk/Big O/Fauria.

I’ve mentioned this many times, but Felger’s best on-air partner was Gerry Callahan - which says something about the on-air talent at the stations. Callahan responded well to Felger’s disinterest in joining Gerry’s daily radio sleep walking.
 

ramfan

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Credit to F&M. They opened today's show replaying their mutual splooge (from last week) as touting Andrew Luck as a mortal Luck to lead the Colts to the play-offs for the next 10 years. And Felger's trolling Pat's fans for preferring Brady to Luck, by constructing a false narrative regarding a non-existant Brady for Luck trade.
I strongly disagree. They didn't admit they were wrong, they knew other shows over the weekend and the midday were playing the audio and twitter was making fun of them. They knew it was coming and they tried to cut off the jokes. They tried to put their own spin on it .They made up an arbitrary rule that you can't make fun of their hot takes after 3 years, very thin skinned. It started when someone came up with audio of Felger calling Edelman a role player and calling him "Mr. August". He's been butt hurt of people correcting his opinions with audio ever since.

Felger- Edelman is Mr, August
Mazz- JD Martinez was a bad signing
J Stew - David Backes was a good signing
J Stew- Celtics should trade a Brooklyn pick or more for Melo
Mazz- Sony "sucks and blows"
All of them - Historic chapionship teams suck until we change our mind after they win
 

bankshot1

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I strongly disagree. They didn't admit they were wrong, they knew other shows over the weekend and the midday were playing the audio and twitter was making fun of them. They knew it was coming and they tried to cut off the jokes. They tried to put their own spin on it .They made up an arbitrary rule that you can't make fun of their hot takes after 3 years, very thin skinned. It started when someone came up with audio of Felger calling Edelman a role player and calling him "Mr. August". He's been butt hurt of people correcting his opinions with audio ever since.

Felger- Edelman is Mr, August
Mazz- JD Martinez was a bad signing
J Stew - David Backes was a good signing
J Stew- Celtics should trade a Brooklyn pick or more for Melo
Mazz- Sony "sucks and blows"
All of them - Historic chapionship teams suck until we change our mind after they win
I'm not a fan of F&M, but I listen to the hear the hot takes and think Felger is a talented but thin-skinned troll. Nonetheless they opened the Monday show owning up to their hot take gone ice-cold and mocked themselves. And I was highly critical in real time Felger's hot takes of Luck's lack of proper wiring and not possessing enough toughness in walking away from the game. A take he later amended. One sensed than rather walking away from the game, Felger would have preferred Luck taken a wheelchair. #footballtough
 

amRadio

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I'm not a fan of F&M, but I listen to the hear the hot takes and think Felger is a talented but thin-skinned troll. Nonetheless they opened the Monday show owning up to their hot take gone ice-cold and mocked themselves. And I was highly critical in real time Felger's hot takes of Luck's lack of proper wiring and not possessing enough toughness in walking away from the game. A take he later amended. One sensed than rather walking away from the game, Felger would have preferred Luck taken a wheelchair. #footballtough
They literally opened the show by making prolonged grunts that seemed to be aimed at making fun of the mentally challenged and Felger chirped up that they didn't care about fan criticism because they are on a "higher plane" than the fans. They didn't mock themselves, they mocked the callers in a very distasteful fashion. If anything they doubled down and Felger and his grunts/mocking voice is really bordering on poking fun at the mentally handicapped. I'm not trying to be that too-sensitive guy, but when you go on for that long with the grunting and intentionally jarbled speech it gets close to being offensive.
 

Mystic Merlin

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They literally opened the show by making prolonged grunts that seemed to be aimed at making fun of the mentally challenged and Felger chirped up that they didn't care about fan criticism because they are on a "higher plane" than the fans. They didn't mock themselves, they mocked the callers in a very distasteful fashion. If anything they doubled down and Felger and his grunts/mocking voice is really bordering on poking fun at the mentally handicapped. I'm not trying to be that too-sensitive guy, but when you go
on for that long with the grunting and intentionally jarbled speech it gets close to being offensive.
Yeah, it was mixed in tone to put it kindly.

BLAWHHHHHHHHHEEEEEHHHHH TAKE LUCK OVER BRADY HAWWWWWBLEEEEEHHHH MAZZ
 

bigq

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They literally opened the show by making prolonged grunts that seemed to be aimed at making fun of the mentally challenged and Felger chirped up that they didn't care about fan criticism because they are on a "higher plane" than the fans. They didn't mock themselves, they mocked the callers in a very distasteful fashion. If anything they doubled down and Felger and his grunts/mocking voice is really bordering on poking fun at the mentally handicapped. I'm not trying to be that too-sensitive guy, but when you go on for that long with the grunting and intentionally jarbled speech it gets close to being offensive.
I hadn’t considered it from that angle however it certainly made for terrible listening and I quickly turned it off.
 

HomeBrew1901

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They literally opened the show by making prolonged grunts that seemed to be aimed at making fun of the mentally challenged and Felger chirped up that they didn't care about fan criticism because they are on a "higher plane" than the fans. They didn't mock themselves, they mocked the callers in a very distasteful fashion. If anything they doubled down and Felger and his grunts/mocking voice is really bordering on poking fun at the mentally handicapped. I'm not trying to be that too-sensitive guy, but when you go on for that long with the grunting and intentionally jarbled speech it gets close to being offensive.
Unless you think they were making fun of someone with Tourettes then I have no idea what you're talking about and I don't think you even listened to the show. They mocked themselves constantly, especially Mazz, for saying that anyone that didn't think the Patriots should trade Brady for Luck if they had the option after he was drafted was a moron. Yes they poked fun at fans with the whole "Blaaaaeeaaah" thing didn't remotely sound like they were making fun of the mentally challenged.

YMMV
 

amRadio

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If you think they were mocking themselves then I have no idea what you're talking about and I don't think you even listened to the show.
 

54thMA

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So I tuned into this show here and there the past couple of days; they proceeded to claim the Patriots are relying too much on the run this year, the Steelers are going to shut down the running game and the Patriots will be in trouble, the Do your Job III program featured Josh as he's the only coach left, everyone else has "bailed" according to Mazz, then they referenced how the Patriots used the "Everyone hates us and picks against us" as a rallying cry once again and it's tired and boring and they need a new rallying cry. They also claimed Belichick got rid of younger players and kept veterans as they are easier to coach and he'd rather have veterans than younger guys.

These two are something else, I'll give them that.
 

HomeBrew1901

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The "Everyone hates us and never thought we had a chance" rallying cry is old and tired. It's hard to disagree with that, especially living out of state and trying to read the Blinded By The Lombardi's forum. It reminds me of the days when we used to make fun of and troll the old Yankees Forum (I can't recall the name). Felger had them play one of the lines from the video and it was ridiculous, the Chiefs didn't "NEED" help from the refs to move the ball down the field in that AFC Playoff game. I didn't see the Patriots Special they were referencing so it's possible that they took that line out of context.

They didn't claim Belichick got rid of younger players, they referenced an article a few days ago where it's speculated that Belichick has found a market inefficiency that works which is rather than take a chance on a young player with a lot of upside, Bill would rather have a proven veteran that knows the game for the same money because they are easier to coach and tend to pick up the system faster. I don't now why you'd have an issue with that. At Belichick's age, he'd rather coach guys that have been around the block rather than a rookie phenom that could flame out.

As for the running game, eh, it's a theory and gives them something to talk about over 4 hours. I'd rather hear the discuss that than Deflategate or some other silly controversy.
 

Hendu for Kutch

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Felger had them play one of the lines from the video and it was ridiculous, the Chiefs didn't "NEED" help from the refs to move the ball down the field in that AFC Playoff game. I didn't see the Patriots Special they were referencing so it's possible that they took that line out of context.
The Chiefs last TD drive to take the lead was what they were referring to, and they were completely correct on that. I watched the game about a week ago because I was bored and it was pretty infuriating even knowing the outcome.

1 10 KAN 32 Patrick Mahomes pass incomplete deep right intended for Sammy Watkins

2 10 KAN 32 Patrick Mahomes pass complete short middle to Travis Kelce for no gain (tackle by Stephon Gilmore). Travis Kelce fumbles (forced by Stephon Gilmore), recovered by Dont'a Hightower at KC-28 (tackle by Andrew Wylie). Penalty on J.C. Jackson: Defensive Holding, 5 yards (no play)
(Wierd, I never hear about THIS game-ending turnover that was undone by a totally unrelated penalty call)

1 10 KAN 37 Patrick Mahomes pass incomplete short left intended for Travis Kelce

2 10 KAN 37 Patrick Mahomes pass incomplete deep right intended for Sammy Watkins. Penalty on J.C. Jackson: Defensive Pass Interference, 23 yards (no play)

1 10 NWE 40 Patrick Mahomes pass incomplete deep left intended for Tyreek Hill (defended by Jonathan Jones)

2 10 NWE 40 Patrick Mahomes pass complete short left to Sammy Watkins for 38 yards (tackle by Devin McCourty)

1 2 NWE 2 Damien Williams up the middle for 2 yards, touchdown



Their gains were all either penalties or the direct result of the egregious non-call that sprang Watkins for the big play. The one so bad Belichick didn't even want to review the play in the DYJ special.
 

Granite Sox

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Referencing HfK's post above, the actual quote from the show was "At times... it seemed" like calls or rules were bent in KC's favor.

Felger reacted hysterically, mischaracterizing the narrative as the Patriots thinking all the calls went KC's way and blaming KC's entire ability to score on the officials. Not at all the same thing as "at times it seemed..."

I rarely get angry at these two bozos (it's usually just disgust), but yesterday Felger was particularly obnoxious and misleading. He absolutely hates any form of Patriots adulation and will manufacture narratives to frame such adulation as unwarranted and hypocritical. He has a real psychological problem with this. It's embarrassing and it actually pissed me off yesterday. So I stopped listening. :)

Besides, the whole point of DYJIII and America's Game is to fawn over the champions. The Eagles, Broncos, and Seahawks also received similar over-the-top praise in their specials. BECAUSE THEY WON.
 

dcmissle

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So the rallying cry is old and tired. Does it work? And if it does, is the responsibility to use something that works? Or is it, instead, to use something young and freshly worn in order to keep Felger and Mass entertained?

Geniuses at work.
 

tims4wins

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So the rallying cry is old and tired. Does it work? And if it does, is the responsibility to use something that works? Or is it, instead, to use something young and freshly worn in order to keep Felger and Mass entertained?

Geniuses at work.
Exactly.

But the thing is, it's mostly true. Maybe not in 2016, the Pats were favorites in every playoff game that year.

In 2014 though: "they're just not good any more"

And last year, see the Rob Parker screenshot over in BBtL: he had the Pats ranked as the 8th (i.e., worst) team in the divisional round. Nate Burleson said "Patriots, I'm not worried about you this year - it's just not your year, that's ok". Literally no one did believe in them. It can't be old and tired if it's still true.
 

ggreene

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And for that decade have they not been one of the highest rated sports shows (maybe in the country)? Somebody likes to listen to them on radio and watch them on TV. Old and tired is the Greg Hill show.
 

ggreene

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And taste is subjective. Good thing you can just change the station to something else. I don't mind Felger and Mazz or taking a contrarian view. There's already plenty of fanboy media in this market.
 

Ralphwiggum

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The problem with taking a contrarian view is that it ends up being disingenuous and/or just flat out factually incorrect when you are always trying to find that angle. DYJ and America’s Game are intentionally over the top Patriots porn. What’s the point of pointing out that they are over the top? Who does that appeal to other than non-Pats fans? It’s ok for Pats fans to take a few minutes to enjoy the fact that they won last year.
 

ggreene

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Aren't there plenty of other media basking in the glory of victory? I got no problem with one show taking a contrarian view. Let's face it, this is Felger's wheelhouse. He's not going to resist tweaking the "footy pajama wearing" Pats fanboy.
 

bankshot1

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Felger tries too hard for the hot take, controversy, and ratings, but that's his job, and like it or not, (me-mostly not) he's good at it. I listen to FAN in NYC, and to my knowledge there is no one in the biggest media market in this country as openly mocking and consistently condescending of their listeners, as Felger is. (for reference Francesa is never wrong, very opinated, and is very argumentative, but his knowledge and breadth is impressive, and he generally understands and plays to his audience's bias, there's a reason they love him) I think the cover of the general excellence and championships of "our" pro teams has given Felger cover to be an asshole.
 

amRadio

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Deleted. I'm basically saying verbatim what someone else wrote. Didn't read up until after posting.
 

ggreene

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I like the Gasper and Murray show on the weekends. I think Murray's annoying tendencies are tempered with Gasper. Actually I think Gasper is good for Felger as well. I wish they had him on more. I like Ted Johnson and Mike Flynn too. They both have some entertaining stories about football and good views on other sports. Problem is there is no place for them other then weekends or switch to WEEI which I have no idea if they can or not contractually.

Before Keefe left the Sports Hub I thought he was good with Adam Jones at night. Kind of an opposites thing.

The bottom line is that as long as the Sports Hub weekday crew (T+R, Z+B, F+M) continue with those ratings they are going nowhere.
 

steveluck7

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You may be right. I wasn’t thinking of the globe specifically.
Felger and Mazz both left newspaper (was Mass with the Globe?)
Michael Holley left a newspaper as well
 

Patriot_Reign

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Do any of you think 98.5 is going to tinker with a show that triples the competition across the street and crushes across the board?
 

NDame616

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I like the Gasper and Murray show on the weekends. I think Murray's annoying tendencies are tempered with Gasper. Actually I think Gasper is good for Felger as well. I wish they had him on more. I like Ted Johnson and Mike Flynn too. They both have some entertaining stories about football and good views on other sports. Problem is there is no place for them other then weekends or switch to WEEI which I have no idea if they can or not contractually.

Before Keefe left the Sports Hub I thought he was good with Adam Jones at night. Kind of an opposites thing.

The bottom line is that as long as the Sports Hub weekday crew (T+R, Z+B, F+M) continue with those ratings they are going nowhere.
I like Joe Murray. I thought he did great filling in for Wallach. The drinking/eating/smoking/betting personality fits better with T&R than Wallach

I hate Flynn. He's the epitome of word vomit. It's like TSH pays him per word.

I really hope Ted Johnson gets a major seat somewhere. Putting him next to Marshall Hook on weekends is very much below him. Dump Mazz and give me Felger and Johnson
 

Red Right Ankle

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Do any of you think 98.5 is going to tinker with a show that triples the competition across the street and crushes across the board?
Would be a deservingly Pats-esque move to recognize the success is Felger's and dump Mazz to try to get the show to an even higher level.
 

bankshot1

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I'm not a big Felger fan, but like an earlier sports radio radio duo of reknown, Mike needs a Mazz-dog. Felger needs someone a little more ballsy than mealy-mouthed yes-man Mazz to challenge his fabricated hot take BS.
 

54thMA

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Their take on that thorough ass kicking tonight and the AB signing tomorrow should be interesting.

Or the same old nonsense.
 

54thMA

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Felger already said the AB signing is ‘fucking ridiculous.’ More of the same will come.
I figured as much; thanks for the warning.

"This signing is going to poison the locker room, Brown is a cancer and he'll destroy the team like Moss did."

"You're absolutely right Mike!"
 

NortheasternPJ

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Felger is playing the THINK OF THE OTHER COACHES AND THE COACHING COMMUNITY card? Ugh. If i make it 30 min it'll be a miracle.
 

Mystic Merlin

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Felger is playing the THINK OF THE OTHER COACHES AND THE COACHING COMMUNITY card? Ugh. If i make it 30 min it'll be a miracle.
Lmfao

‘He’s not in the video game!!’ - Mazz suggesting that BB doesn’t care about fellow coaches because he doesn’t license his likeness and name to Madden.

Felger actually arguing that AB could fuck up the Patriots. I'm really surprised he's staking out that ground.
 

bankshot1

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I laughed when in response to Dungy's role model whine, Felger said, "I don't care about the kids"

But the hot takes seem to be locker-room cancer and Pat's tampering.

and he laid down the somewhat unspoken "19-0" unfinished business