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First Take

ESPN

First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.

Location:

Bristol, CT

Description:

First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.

Twitter:

@podcenter

Language:

English

Contact:

ESPN Viewer Response ESPN Plaza Bristol, CT 06010 1-888-549-3776


Episodes
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Hour 2 How Much Confidence Do You Have in Drake Maye Going Forward?

2/11/2026
First Take resumes with the Drake Maye dilemma. He racked up the 3rd worst QBR in a playoff run ever (min. 3 starts). The dichotomy of him finishing second in MVP but leaving a terrible taste in our mouths with a mediocre playoffs has Jeff and Stephen A. befuddled! (0:00) Then, the NBA MVP is a prestigious award that should only be bestowed upon players who win games, AND put up big stats. Windy joins to make the case for SGA while Chiney picks Cade! (15:10) Next, Mad Dog is mad about Mike Vrabel's coaching and tanking in the NBA. (33:30) Trivia: Which two QBs finished with a worse QBR than Drake Maye in a single playoff run (Min. 3 playoff starts). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:46:56

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Hour 1: Is Wemby the Most Dominant Player in the NBA?

2/11/2026
First Take begins with Mad Dog, Chiney and Stephen A. in awe of Victor Wembanyama. Mad Dog compares him to a superstar from 50 years ago, and Stephen A. thinks the NBA is in trouble with all of these player absences. (0:00) Then, what's more likely: Seahawks win one Super Bowl, or start a dynastic run similar to the late 90's Yankees? (19:00) Next, the Knicks are too inconsistent, Pistons don't have enough scoring, Celtics are missing their superstar, Cavs employ James Harden, you don't trust the Raptors. Who is the team to beat in the East?? (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:27

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Hour 2: Who will be Next Year's Seahawks?

2/10/2026
First Take resumes with next year's out of nowhere NFL team. The Seahawks were 60-1 to win it all at the start of the season, and ended up in Disneyland with fresh rings! Could the Cowboys be next year's Seahawks? (0:00) Then, Jayson Tatum was assigned to the Maine Celtics, pointing to a potential return to play soon! If Tatum comes back, are the Celtics favorites in the east over the bully-ball Pistons and high-flying Knicks? (16:00) Next, Chris Canty gives us his Top 5 NFC QBs. (26:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:38

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Hour 1: Pistons-Hornets Brawl Takeaways

2/10/2026
First Take begins with The Buzz City Brawl! Punches thrown, four ejections, and incoming suspensions. Perk, M&M and Stephen A. break down everything from the craziest NBA fight in years! (0:00) Then, after a depressing loss to the Thunder with no Luka, LeBron called out his team's effort and roster building. "That's a championship team, we're not." Are the Lakers more of a dark horse contender, or fraudulent first round exit? (24:30) Next, after Drake Maye led his team to the Super Bowl in just his second year, are we ready to say the AFC runs through New England (again)? (41:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:32

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Hour 2: Which QB's Stock Changed More: Darnold or Maye?

2/9/2026
First Take resumes from Disneyland, and we're stock trading! Did Darnold or Maye raise their price this year, and should you sell high on either? (0:00) Then, we're already looking ahead to next season! The Patriots schedule drastically ramps up as they'll have to face numerous playoff teams. Do you expect them to reign supreme in the AFC again? (14:00). Next, a major argument on Sam Darnold's QB tier. Do you have him above Dak? (25:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:46:22

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Hour 1: Are You Surprised by Seahawks Dominance?

2/9/2026
First Take is live from Disneyland with ALL of the Super Bowl storylines. Find out if Stephen A. was surprised by the Seahawks dominance. (0:00) Then, Sam Darnold moved from bust, to champion in a matter of years. Should we look at him as an elite QB from now on? (23:55) And, do the Patriots coaches deserve most of the blame? (36:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:47:49

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Hour 2: Does Drake Maye Need to Play Well in the Super Bowl?

2/6/2026
First Take resumes with Drake Maye's future. What will the storylines be on Monday if he has another bad game? (0:00) Then, Deion Sanders dishes on Super Bowl picks, college football, and, of course, Shedeur Sanders! (9:50) Next, would Sam Darnold be considered elite with a Super Bowl win? (23:30) And, the crew finally makes their Super Bowl picks. (38:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:29

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Hour 1: Did the Voters Get MVP Right?

2/6/2026
First Take wraps up Super Bowl week from San Francisco. Matthew Stafford took home his first MVP after barely beating out Drake Maye! Did the voters get this one right? (0:00) Then, 3-time Super Bowl champ Emmitt Smith tells us how he prepped for the big game. (23:20) Next, we're still flustered by Tom Brady's comments. How can the GOAT not root for his former team? (41:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:45

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Hour 2: More Likely - Seahawks Blowout or Pats Win?

2/5/2026
First Take resumes with a Super Bowl preview. Mina Kimes joins to tell us how the Seahawks can blow out the Patriots, and how Drake Maye can exploit a hobbled Seahawks secondary! (0:00) Then, multisport legend Bo Jackson is PUMPED UP for the big game! (11:40) Next, another year passed without a Cowboys conference championship appearance. Has Dak Prescott's Super Bowl window closed? (22:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:57

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Hour 1: Is Drake Maye Playing with House Money?

2/5/2026
First Take is live from San Francisco with all of the Super Bowl and trade deadline coverage! Second year sensation Drake Maye has arrived. Is he playing with house money vs. the Seahawks? (0:00) Then, Maye or Stafford? Who deserves MVP? (24:20) Next, the tanking Wizards swooped in to grab Anthony Davis during pre-agency. Does this trade make sense? (38:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:08

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Hour 2: Should Pickens be Cowboys 1st Priority This Offseason?

2/4/2026
Live from San Francisco, First Take is on site at the Super Bowl; a place the Cowboys haven't been in 30 years! If they want to get back, should George Pickens be signed ASAP? (0:00) Next, is JSN the biggest x-factor in the Super Bowl. (12:00) Then, which QB is in a better position: Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow? (20:30) Trivia: What was the number 1 song the last time the Cowboys won the Super Bowl? Hint: George Pickens Mariah Carey'd the Cowboys offense this year! He turned them from Boyz II Men! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:39

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Hour 1: Did the Cavs Make a Mistake Trading for James Harden?

2/4/2026
First Take is live in San Fran with Mad Dog! Windy tells us exactly why James Harden requested a trade away from the surging Clippers. (0:00) Then, Darnold and Maye rode breakout seasons to lead their teams to Super Bowl LX. Cam Jordan tells us which QB is harder to game plan against. (22:00) Next, the Falcons hired a new GM who starts work with a tough decision: give Michael Penix Jr. one more shot, or move on. (38:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:26

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Hour 2: Shoulder Boulder

2/3/2026
The painful truth is here — Drake Maye’s shoulder is an issue, and we’re telling you exactly how much it changes the game as the clock ticks down to Super Sunday. Meanwhile — hold on now — Buffalo GM Brandon Beane is firing back at his critics, and trust me, the list is LONG. Wait until you hear this. AND while you were catching Z’s… the NBA drops a BOMBSHELL. A superstar on the move with just TWO days before the trade deadline. This show is just getting started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:03

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Hour 1: Questions

2/3/2026
Wake UP! The painful truth is out — Drake Maye has a shoulder issue, and we’re breaking down exactly what that means as we race toward Super Sunday. Meanwhile — oh, it’s spicy — Buffalo GM Brandon Beane is clapping back at his critics, and there are plenty of them. You do not want to miss what he had to say. AND while you were sleeping… BOOM — an NBA blockbuster! A superstar on the move with just two days left before the trade deadline. Let’s go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:34

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Hour 2: The Bowl in 6

2/2/2026
Justin Jefferson isn’t holding back. He says what everyone else is thinking, but the real question remains: what does JJ see when he looks at his football future — and is the league ready for it? On a historic anniversary, the stars were on the floor — and this morning, the takes are going to be loud. The players are in, the tension is real, and one MASSIVE question surrounds the Patriots — don’t worry, we’ve got answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:00

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Hour 1: Minnesota Mess

2/2/2026
It’s time for First Take. On a landmark anniversary, the stars were on the floor — and this morning, we’re not holding anything back. The players have arrived, the energy is building, but one HUGE question still hangs over the Patriots — and we’ve got the answer. Plus, Justin Jefferson steps up and says what everyone’s been thinking. The real debate? What does he believe about his own future in football — and should the league be paying attention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:07:08

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Hour 2: Coach Approach

1/30/2026
Second hour of First Take: Josh Allen reunites with Joe Brady as the Bills promote their MVP-winning OC to head coach, while the Ravens hire Jesse Minter and look ahead to his partnership with Lamar Jackson. Who is under more pressure to make it to the Super Bowl? In the NBA, the Timberwolves knock off the Thunder behind a strong night from Anthony Edwards, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. defends his WBO title against Shakur Stevenson in a high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden. All this and more from Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:18

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Hour 1: Bills Back Brady

1/30/2026
First Take starts now! The Bills name Joe Brady head coach, elevating their longtime OC as Buffalo looks to finally break through to a Super Bowl with Josh Allen. The Eagles continue their coordinator carousel, hiring former NFL QB Sean Mannion as their fifth OC in five years. Plus, with the NBA trade deadline looming, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo as a struggling Bucks team listens to serious trade offers. Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt have the answers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:37

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Hour 2: Giannis wants out

1/29/2026
LeBron and the Lakers returned to Cleveland in what could be his final trip home as a player. We have the latest from Shams Charania on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future as the trade deadline nears. Plus, a Super Bowl preview with the Patriots as underdogs against the Seahawks, and Jayson Tatum shares doubts about a potential return this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:01

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Hour 1: The Brons' In Cleavland

1/29/2026
LeBron James and the Lakers were in Cleveland last night to face the Cavs in what could be LeBron’s final return home as an NBA player. We’re joined by Shams Charania with the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future as trade buzz heats up ahead of the deadline, with several contenders reportedly in the mix. Plus, a look ahead to the Patriots as underdogs in the Super Bowl matchup with the Seahawks, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum opens up about his hesitation to return this season while recovering from injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:49:40