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

[shawnrbu]

Felger on Sports Sunday says 2010 is Brady's best year. And, in doing so, he throws a few arrows at 2007.

"I don't care about 50 touchdowns. What does that get you? It's about winning. This is the year Brady went back to winning football."

It's obvious he is saying this because Moss was on the team all of 07. If the Patriots go all the way this year, then, fine, Felger can claim 2010 is Brady's best year because it's about winning. Saying it right now is dumb. The team went 14-2 this season. They didn't lose a game in the 07 regular season. It bugs him so much that Moss contributed to that three years ago.

 

[Rocco Graziosa]

Felger on Sports Sunday says 2010 is Brady's best year. And, in doing so, he throws a few arrows at 2007.

"I don't care about 50 touchdowns. What does that get you? It's about winning. This is the year Brady went back to winning football."

It's obvious he is saying this because Moss was on the team all of 07. If the Patriots go all the way this year, then, fine, Felger can claim 2010 is Brady's best year because it's about winning. Saying it right now is dumb. The team went 14-2 this season. They didn't lose a game in the 07 regular season. It bugs him so much that Moss contributed to that three years ago.

While this is fair, the Pats did finish the regular season stronger than 2007. And statistically they are remarkably similar as an offense. It remains to be seen if this translates into better playoff results but I like where they are at this time around without the added weight of perfection, and the reliance on the deep ball.

Man I wish I could just forget 2007 ever happened. So close yet so far..........

 

[wutang112878]

"I don't care about 50 touchdowns. What does that get you? It's about winning. This is the year Brady went back to winning football."

It's obvious he is saying this because Moss was on the team all of 07. If the Patriots go all the way this year, then, fine, Felger can claim 2010 is Brady's best year because it's about winning. Saying it right now is dumb. The team went 14-2 this season. They didn't lose a game in the 07 regular season. It bugs him so much that Moss contributed to that three years ago.

If he had cited 07 - 09 he would have had a valid point, we had an amazing offense but we didnt get win any Superbowls. Felger has a bias towards Moss, but his larger point is correct, with Randy ultimately we didnt win.

It however remains to be seen what we will do this year in the playoffs but the regular season has been promising.

 

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

Felger started it tonight and it's going to be his mantra all week - "Don't sleep on the Jets. They're A LOT better than people in Boston think. They're talented and have a real shot of a big upset. That said, I'm picking the Patriots". Then, come Monday after the game, if the Pats win he pulls the "I knew it" card and if they lose, it's "I told you!!! Sanchez is good! I saw this coming!".

 

[HomeBrew1901]

Felger started it tonight and it's going to be his mantra all week - "Don't sleep on the Jets. They're A LOT better than people in Boston think. They're talented and have a real shot of a big upset. That said, I'm picking the Patriots". Then, come Monday after the game, if the Pats win he pulls the "I knew it" card and if they lose, it's "I told you!!! Sanchez is good! I saw this coming!".

You're right he's been pulling this all season and it is a subtler "Ordway Flip Flop". However, any rational Patriots fan should probably be able to see where he is coming from. Should the Patriots win this game on Sunday, absolutely. I don't think that I am alone in that I won't be shocked if the Jets win because they come up with a game plan that confuses the defense and puts up points or is able to contain Brady.

 

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

You're right he's been pulling this all season and it is a subtler "Ordway Flip Flop". However, any rational Patriots fan should probably be able to see where he is coming from. Should the Patriots win this game on Sunday, absolutely. I don't think that I am alone in that I won't be shocked if the Jets win because they come up with a game plan that confuses the defense and puts up points or is able to contain Brady.

That's funny because I almost referenced Ordway in my post. And you're right, it's football, and anything can happen - tipped passes, fumbles - the Jets have a chance, event though I think it's a long shot. But if the Pats were to lose, Felger wouldn't mention that he picked the Jets. It would be vintage Felgie, taunting, "I told you so" for weeks. He picked the Sox to beat the Angels in the ALDS two years ago (and win the World Series) and as soon as Papelbon blew Game 3, it was nothing but how the Sox were flawed, ownership isn't committed to winning, and Theo needs to give long term deals for star players if they want to keep up with the rest of big market baseball.

 

[King Gimp]

On today's show, Felger and Mazz introduced Mike Flynn (Springfield native and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker)...

I don't know how he will be worked into the show, or what the local connection is (other than he is originally from an area which is out of TSH's range).

 

[Phenom]

Wiggie is great with these guys!

They really need a 3rd voice in there more often (besides Gasper). It really breaks the show up...and was well needed today. I couldn't endure another 4 uninterrupted hours of "the Jets are better than you think!!!!!"

 

[Oogies Loogies]

Wiggie is great with these guys!

They really need a 3rd voice in there more often (besides Gasper). It really breaks the show up...and was well needed today. I couldn't endure another 4 uninterrupted hours of "the Jets are better than you think!!!!!"

Agreed. The Sanchez ball-washing was getting particularly annoying. Thank God one of the first things out of Wiggie's mouth was "Sanchez is a bum," and he had stats to back it up, so it wasn't just East Boston tough guy talk.

Mazz, being the douche he is, practically laughed off Wiggie's comments about Cromartie (how what he said was disrespectful of not only Brady but the league). One caller suggested the problem with Cromartie taking a swipe at Brady was that Brady comes across as a pretty good guy. Felger and Mazz dismissed this as fanboy stuff, which is fine, but when Wiggie talked about Brady being a good guy, Mazz kept snickering before it turned into the predictable "What if someone said that about Jeter" argument.

 

[AquaNarc]

Adding a third mic is probably the only thing that could make me start listening to this show again.

 

[PBDWake]

Adding a third mic is probably the only thing that could make me start listening to this show again.

I'd settle for replacing Mazz. The reason I loved this show for a long time was that it provided a measured criticism to offset a lot of ballwashing on WEEI, and could admit when it was wrong. However, I feel like as the ratings have gone up, they've both taken it as a sign that turning up their schticks turns up the ratings. It might even be true. I'm not sure. All I know is that for the last few weeks, this show has been a shell of its former self, and there's nobody on the set to challenge Felger, which is exactly what he needs. Mazz is almost un-listen-to-able at this point.

 

[Rocco Graziosa]

If you don't like Bill Belichick being called arrogant, I suggest you stay away from this show. For about four months.

 

[teddykgb]

Felger is going to be crushed, he was giddy with anticipation of playing his takes post moss trade about how they were going to the AFCCG. And then to have Branch play the role of goat with a false start and a dropped pass on one of the final drives....yeah I agree Rocco he's probably going to ignore all that stuff and focus on the coach, I don't think he's ready to confront the failings of his binkie.

 

[mcpickl]

Kinda bummed, wanted to listen today since I think Felger is as good as anyone local on NFL, and immediately heard his message for the day, anyone in the media telling you the fake punt was anyones' fault but Belichicks' is feeding you propaganda.

So, in other words, Felger was listening to WEEI during the Bruins games, heard two former NFL players, including a long snapper, say after breaking down the film that it looked like the long snapper was the only guy who thought the fake was on, and Felger decides they're liars. I'm going to be the only guy in Boston telling the truth, and if you believe those guys you're dumb! PS, forget what I've been saying for months about the offense being better when it counts without Moss.

Aaaaand CLICK goes my radio.

 

[Dalton Jones]

I am avoiding all radio and television today. Especially Felger. Even when I agree with him he drives me crazy by pounding one theme home for hours on end. Obnoxious doesn't describe it.

 

[Quiddity]

For those that listened was there any acceptance from Felger that he may have gone a tad too far when he declared himself a god earlier in this season over the Moss and Branch thing? To his credit, he's been all over this "Jets are better than the Patriots now" thing for a couple of years now, and has shown to been right, but you would hope that he'd accept that he went a tad overboard on the Moss/Branch thing. I won't expect it. By the time I was able to turn it was all about how Spygate is a legitimate complaint and how long they should wait before letting Louie from the Cape call in for the first time in several months.

As for Mazz, after a season that has proved him to be so epically wrong after he declared the Pats a 7-9 team in the preseason, now we'll get months of him telling us how right he was.

I've enjoyed the show quite a bit for a while now and no chance in hell will I turn to the other station to hear from Smerlas and Ordway tell me that the 7+ minute drive in the 4th quarter was good play calling, but the absolute gleeful non-stop bashing of the Pats that these guys have wanted to do for months but couldn't due to their good performance is going to be a hard thing to swallow from now until the next Pats season begins.

 

[Harry Hooper]

As his parting line for today's show, Felger did quip something like "I wish Moss was still around so I could blame the loss on him."

 

[Phenom]

Wow...

Felger just called out Dennis & Callahan, Dale & Holley, Ordway, Borges, and ESPNBoston for what he calls "bias coverage" of this loss. He wasn't shy about naming names, either.

I don't really have much of a point, but Felger really seems to think that he's the only "unbiased" member in team, as he's now saying he can admit he was wrong about Randy Moss and can admit that Deion Branch had a bad game.

 

[Sparky Lyle]

Wow...

Felger just called out Dennis & Callahan, Dale & Holley, Ordway, Borges, and ESPNBoston for what he calls "bias coverage" of this loss. He wasn't shy about naming names, either.

I don't really have much of a point, but Felger really seems to think that he's the only "unbiased" member in team, as he's now saying he can admit he was wrong about Randy Moss and can admit that Deion Branch had a bad game.

He's great right now and I agree with everything he's saying.







And I got a brutal hangover today, not that that has anything to do with anything.

 

[AimingForYoko]

Wow...

Felger just called out Dennis & Callahan, Dale & Holley, Ordway, Borges, and ESPNBoston for what he calls "bias coverage" of this loss. He wasn't shy about naming names, either.

I don't really have much of a point, but Felger really seems to think that he's the only "unbiased" member in team, as he's now saying he can admit he was wrong about Randy Moss and can admit that Deion Branch had a bad game.

I tend to get serious insomnia at times (particularly when drunk). When this happens, D&C on Nesn are somewhat tolerable at 6 in am. This morning however...was brutal. Dennis talking about mics and Jim Nantz was absolutely friggin insane and it wouldn't stop. I switched to the damn ninja blender infomercial, I couldn't take his bullshit anymore.

The fact that Felger & Mazz just brought that up gave me a tiny, tiny bit of hope. And made me smile.

Side note: F is for Felger is cracking me up right now.

 

[JayMags71]

Felger just called out Dennis & Callahan, Dale & Holley, Ordway, Borges, and ESPNBoston for what he calls "bias coverage" of this loss.

What does that even mean? I'm still on sports media lockdown, so what is Felger saying that those guys aren't?

 

[Rocco Graziosa]

Wow...

Felger just called out Dennis & Callahan, Dale & Holley, Ordway, Borges, and ESPNBoston for what he calls "bias coverage" of this loss. He wasn't shy about naming names, either.

I don't really have much of a point, but Felger really seems to think that he's the only "unbiased" member in team, as he's now saying he can admit he was wrong about Randy Moss and can admit that Deion Branch had a bad game.

He's been great this week. I really thought all he was gonna do was shit all over Belichick for being "arrogant" all week, but thats not really been his angle.

I haven't even thought to cruise on over to Pom Pom Nation.

 

[AquaNarc]

Yeah can we get a summary of his media-rant here? Doesn't seem to be one of the audio clips on their site from today's show.

 

[shawnrbu]

What does that even mean? I'm still on sports media lockdown, so what is Felger saying that those guys aren't?

If the Patriots didn't trade down so much in recent drafts, they would have had enough high end talent to beat the Jets on Sunday.

Kidding, of course, but I wouldn't be surprised if he brought up trading down for "value" at least in passing. I've admittedly caught only a small sample of Felger this week, so I'm not really sure what angle he is taking that is apparently unique to the bulk of the media in this market.

 

[Phenom]

What does that even mean? I'm still on sports media lockdown, so what is Felger saying that those guys aren't?

It started on Monday when the Bruins were playing and Felger was preempted until 4:00 or so...he must've listened to "The Big Show" for a little bit because Fred and Steve were on and they defended the fake punt call saying that Patrick Chung completely made the decision himself and made a bad read on the defense, the long-snapper made a bad snap, etc.

So Felger opens up the show on Monday by making allusions to "ex-players" wanting to stay close to the game and wrongly blaming the fake punt on the players and not the coach who called it.

But then today, when discussing how some are excusing Brady's performance because of the stressed fracture in his foot, he lashed into "morning hosts who blame the coach because they interview the quarterback and afternoon hosts who blame the quarterback because they interview the coach." He also talked about how "some believe Phil Simms when he says Jim Nantz just overheard some chatter about Welker's benching prior to the game and went with it" (Simms was on D&H this week).

He made his usual cracks about Mike Reiss' close relationship with the Patriots, and how one of the lead stories on the game from ESPNBoston talked about "the perceived poor coaching decisions and perceived poor play." He also referenced Borges' column today about how "too much blame is now on Belichick and not enough blame is on the players just like previously Belichick received too much credit and the players didn't receive enough credit." This of course keeps with Borges' decade-long narrative of how Belichick is much less significant to the Patriots than people think.

Basically, Felger's point was that everyone overcomplicates things to just cover their own relationships and biases opposed to just saying the game was a debacle and everyone, even Deion Branch, is to blame.

(Oh my god...I swear I'm not some sort of weird shut-in. Really, I have a job and stuff)...

 

[shawnrbu]

Felger vs. Dale on right now.

Dale tells Felger "you are the best strawman arguer of all time."

 

[dcmissle]

I'm sure Felger has an extra hair across his ass because the his Jets lost. Particularly because he doesn't much like the Steelers, it has cost him a couple more weeks of BB baiting and Pats bashing.

 

[Gambler7]

I was impressed Dale didn't back down sitting right next to Felger, stuck to his points. And Felger pretty much just said he agreed with most of what he said and that's what his radio show is about. Pretty tame response.

 

[HomeBrew1901]

I was impressed Dale didn't back down sitting right next to Felger, stuck to his points. And Felger pretty much just said he agreed with most of what he said and that's what his radio show is about. Pretty tame response.

I didn't see the interview, but this is the one of the big things that has always driven me nuts about Felger. He has no problem criticizing anyone, and then when he has the chance to confront them about it on the air, he completely turtles.

 

[Phenom]

I'm surprised that TSH feels sending Felger and Mazz to the Super Bowl is worth the investment.

Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been a bad show today, but you would barely be able to tell these two were broadcasting on remote except for Felger throwing in a few jabs at Texas.

I'm not sure what would make the "experience" more worthwhile...certainly "grab ass" interviews with celebrities wouldn't. But am I the only one who wonders why TSH feels it's so essential to have a pair down at the Super Bowl when the Patriots aren't involved?

 

[Jackson]

I'm surprised that TSH feels sending Felger and Mazz to the Super Bowl is worth the investment.

Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been a bad show today, but you would barely be able to tell these two were broadcasting on remote except for Felger throwing in a few jabs at Texas.

I'm not sure what would make the "experience" more worthwhile...certainly "grab ass" interviews with celebrities wouldn't. But am I the only one who wonders why TSH feels it's so essential to have a pair down at the Super Bowl when the Patriots aren't involved?

I think it's simple - to show up WEEI which isn't sending anyone.

 

[Blacken]

If you had to work with Michael Felger, wouldn't you want him out of the office on a regular basis?

 

[Jackson]

If you had to work with Michael Felger, wouldn't you want him out of the office on a regular basis?

Good point....

 

[LoneWarrior1]

Good point....

The trip has been largely subsidized by a sponsorship from AT&T. I think that Coors also has some part of it as well. They have mentioned At&t multiple times this week. If you can get someone else to pay for it, why not?

 

[Andy Merchant]

I'm surprised that TSH feels sending Felger and Mazz to the Super Bowl is worth the investment.

Isn't hearing Felger call Dallas "The anus of this country" enough of a return on that investment?

 

[PC Drunken Friar]

I haven't listened...but aren't they in arlington?

 

[dcmissle]

Isn't hearing Felger call Dallas "The anus of this country" enough of a return on that investment?

Until he's confronted on the topic by, Randy Galloway for example, and promptly turtles.

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

Felger sucks. Mazz sucks. That show is miserable.

Every day is the same thing. Felger talks about himself, as if his inner monologue fucking matters. Yesterday's show was, "Last week, I was saying that if Ben R. won another Super Bowl, he'd have to be in the conversation with Brady and Manning for the best QB of the era. Now I'm thinking that he's already there. He's ALREADY THERE!".

No shit, Mike. So the fact that you were a shortsighted moron last week, and have now come around to the obvious conclusion a week late, that is the premise of your radio show? Eureka! Four hours of "Felger changed his mind!!" Who give a shit? I flip around, listen to tunes for an hour, come back and it's the same fucking thing. "He's already THERE!", blah blah blah. Felger is like a one-string banjo, and Mazz just sits there awkwardly agreeing like a lapdog. Troll radio contrarian-for-the-sake-of-being-contrarian fucking unlistenable garbage.

 

[HomeBrew1901]

Johnny, no one is forcing you to listen to this show.

All you do is come in here once a month or so to tell everyone that the show sucks and is unlistenable with absolutely no redeeming point to your post whatsoever. Felger and Mazz have been on for over a year and a half and is currently beating the Big Show in the ratings so obviously they are doing something right. It isn't perfect, but at this point you should know what you are going to get and you probably aren't going to like it, so turn your radio to something else or listen to your IPOD.

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

I like sports, so I tune into the local sports radio stations. Hey, I liked the show for a while, but it's deteriorated. Felger's ego has swollen immensely since the show began, and Mazz has gradually exposed himself as a pretty uninteresting guy who doesn't watch a whole lot of sports anymore. Mazz's opinion is essentially worthless, and Felger thinks he's Howard Stern. Inevitably, I'm going to tune in to see if anything's breaking in the sports world, but their leash is extremely short. One assclown comment and I'm out. Yesterday especially peeved me because I was commuting in yet another friggin snowstorm, and they cranked out yet another show about Felger during Super Bowl week. I can't be the only one that thinks this show has jumped the shark.

 

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

I can't be the only one that thinks this show has jumped the shark.

I think you make a lot of valid points. The show, to me, has really gone downhill the past six months or so. And you're right about Felger, he makes every point like he's the only one it town "shedding the light" on us vapid listeners. I see where Homebrew is coming from because it's not worth coming here and doing nothing but ripping them, but the quality of the show really sucks of late. I had such high hopes and really enjoyed it for a long time but, incredidbly, I find myself tuning into EEI more than ever if they've got a good guest sitting in.

I still think they would be the best served by replacing Mazz with a strong co-host who reigns Felger in from time to time. He's entertaining, funny, and opinionated, but when nobody is there to call him on his bullshit, it turns into troll radio. Unfortunately, with their success in the ratings, I don't see it happening.

 

[HomeBrew1901]

I both agree and disagree with you. I don't think it has jumped the shark at all, but they can go days where I have no interest in listening because it is Felger killing the same point over and over and over again and Mazz just agreeing with him.

I still don't have a problem with Felger even though he can be insufferable at times but Mazz brings absolutely nothing to the show but we've covered all of this before.

Personally I enjoyed yesterday's show because they were dumping on Rapistberger and Inner Peace on DVD for about the entire 45 minute drive home.

 

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

Personally I enjoyed yesterday's show because they were dumping on Rapistberger and Inner Peace on DVD for about the entire 45 minute drive home.

To be fair, I haven't been listening as much as I did in the past due to work and other reasons so I missed hearing this, which sounds awesome. All I caught was Felger going on and on about how "He's right there with Brady, whether you like it or not!". And I heard that last week...and on his Comcast show...and on Monday's show. Maybe I've just been catching some of the lesser segments.

As for Felger, to me he's like an electric guitar playing the National Anthem. When it's done right, it's tremendous and there's no other version I want to hear. But when it goes astray, it's painful to listen to.

 

[fairlee76]

I don't see how the show has jumped the shark as this has been the MO from the beginning. Felger bashes someone (Sheed, Moss, KG, Favre - similar to Mike Adams and his epic rants about Manny) while Tony chimes in with "yeah Mike!" I went from a regular listener the first few months to a very occasional listener of late. Still love Felger's rants but so much of what he claims as "fact not opinion" is shit that is obvious to any Boston sports fan with an inkling of what is going on in the local scene.

He is absolutely a contrarian for contrarianisms sake. Yeah, I realize that is not a word.

 

[Rocco Graziosa]

I'll echo Homebrew in that I don't think its changed all that much. When its good, it can be REALLY good, and when its bad its REALLY bad. When I turn the show on I know within about a minute if its a show I will enjoy. If its not, I don't get pissed, I just change the channel.

The downside of the show toppeling the Big Show is that I'm not sure they have much motivation for any change or improvement. Tony Mazz isn't going anywhere and as long as that stays the same the show will never reach the heights it could if they got someone to be a foil to Felger instead of a yes man. Boston's version of Mike Francessa would work, but I'm not sure that person even exists.

 

[Blacken]

The only person currently at TSH who I think could get Felger to take his head out of his own ass is Amendolara, but Mazz will not be moved for DA.

 

[Rocco Graziosa]

The only person currently at TSH who I think could get Felger to take his head out of his own ass is Amendolara, but Mazz will not be moved for DA.

Eh, Amendolara reminds me of a young Dale Arnold. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

 

[Phenom]

I still feel that Felger is the best sports talk show host in this market. The job of a sports talk show host is to stir conversation, and more times than not, that's what Felger does. Tell me another hosts who's opinions are talked about on other shows? I mean, this thread alone is proof of that...it's 93 pages and running.

But yeah, the show has been much more "hit or miss" lately than it once was, and we all know why. Felger does the show by himself. And he has flaws. For example, his hatred towards the NBA is humorous in doses, but it's ultimately ridiculous. I mean, he's paid to talk about sports, and openly admits to not paying attention to one of them. Felger just comes off as irresponsible whenever the conversation turns to basketball. I couldn't last through more than 2 minutes of his "Garnett is a fake tough guy" sermon on Monday.

If he was paired with a guy like Michael Holley, who loves basketball, then the dynamic would work a lot better. In fact, it would produce GREAT radio, as Felger does have some points about the ludicrousness nature of a lot of what the NBA does.

However, that's all a fantasy for now. There's really no reason for TSH to swap out Mazz for somebody else. If it ain't broke don't fix it, and right now the ratings are through the roof...

 

[Blacken]

Eh, Amendolara reminds me of a young Dale Arnold. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Amendolara's only downside, if you can call it one, is he doesn't cater to the meathead contingent that people(?) like Felger and Gresh epitomize. He's fantastic.

 

[Rocco Graziosa]

Amendolara's only downside, if you can call it one, is he doesn't cater to the meathead contingent that people(?) like Felger and Gresh epitomize. He's fantastic.

I admit I haven't listened much. When I have he'll be talking for like 10 minutes straight and I'm like "what is your point?". He didn't seem to have much of an opinion on whatever subject he was talking about. (hence the Arnold reference) But maybe I've just caught him on bad nights. But at any rate, one guy jabbering on for four hours isn't my speed so I'll probably never warm up to him.