First Take

First Take

ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Shae Cornette
Country USA
Genres Sports
Language EN
Episodes 200
Latest 02.10.2026

First Take is a sports debate show where Stephen A. Smith and guests engage in heated discussions about the day's top sports stories. The podcast features passionate arguments and diverse perspectives on trending topics in the sports world.

Episodes

  • Hour 2: Have the Cowboys Proven they are Better off without Micah? 02.10.2026 46m
    First Take resumes as Joey Porter Jr. is hoping to make his Cowboys debut on Sunday. How much will Porter actually improve this defense? Has Jerry Jones been able to make up for the loss of Micah Parsons through his trades? Next the crew looks ahead to week four of the NFL. Are the Browns legit contenders after their win against the Steelers? Could the Bills and Chiefs be on upset watch? Then Victor Wembanyama recently said he will not be promoting any betting sites. What do you think of Wemby taking a stand? Is this something that more NBA players should follow? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: How Bad is this Loss for the Steelers? 02.10.2026 48m
    First Take begins as Stephen A. sounds off on the Steelers after last night's poor performance. A loss to the Browns with some Rodgers controversy does not make for a good Thursday Night recipe. What's going on in Pittsburgh? Next the Eagles take on the Rams in a matchup that was supposed to be between two of the NFC's elite teams. Is this still the case? Who needs the win more? Then despite injuries piling up early yet again for San Fran, they are still 3-0. Brock Purdy has played some of the best football of his career so far. Is he the MVP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: If the Cowboys Falter, who Deserves the Most Blame? 01.10.2026 47m
    First Take resumes with more defense talk in Dallas. Jerry invested in this defense heavily in the offseason but it has yet to pan out. Is this yet another Jerry Jones blunder or is the coaching more to blame? Next there are some rumblings in New England that a rift might be forming between Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel. Might this be a reason for Maye's struggles so far this season? What do Drake and Vrabel have to do to point themselves back in the right direction? Then to Tampa Bay where some seats may be starting to get hot. With Tampa Bay potentially starting 0-4 and with Baker out with an injury, could we see the Bucs part ways with Todd Bowles this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: What does the Joey Porter Jr. Trade do for the Cowboys? 01.10.2026 47m
    First Take begins with breaking news in the NFL world as Steelers corner, Joey Porter Jr, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. How much can Porter realistically change this defense? Were they just one player away? Next the crew debates who you would rather have at QB right now, Joe Burrow or Trevor Lawrence. Evan Cohen, co-host of UnSportsmanLike on ESPN, says he wants Trevor... is that crazy? Then this past week Odell Beckham Jr was officially waved by the New York Giants. What would his career have looked like if not derailed by injuries? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Who is The Team to Beat in The NFC North? 30.09.2026 47m
    First Take resumes with the faltering NFC North! Predicted to be the best division in football, 3/4 teams have stumbled out of the gates (some due to injury). Now, 3 weeks in, which team looks the scariest? Then, a battle of 3-0 squads! The game of the week takes place in Las Vegas where Kirk battles Mahomes. How surprised would you be if the Raiders pulled off the upset? Next, Mad Dog is MADDD!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Should Cam Schlittler Be Anointed Mayor of Boston Immediately? 30.09.2026 46m
    First Take begins with Schlittler's dominance! He owns the Red Sox statistically more than any pitcher has ever owned another professional team! Is the Red Sox season about the end at the hands of the Yanks for a second straight year? Then, which floundering early season SB favorite needs a win more: Rams or Eagles? Next, Drake Maye panic button alert! Drake Maybe (thanks Skip) has lost his MVP ways of last season. He can't complete a deep pass, refuses to run, and looks like a shell of his former self! What happened? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Are the Eagles Still a Serious Threat in the NFC? 29.09.2026 47m
    First Take resumes as Chris Canty, co-host of UnSportsmanLike on ESPN, breaks down what led to the Eagles collapse last night. Does more blame fall on the Eagles offense or defense? Should we start to question the Hurts-Sirianni pairing? Next Jeff Passan joins the show as the MLB playoffs begin tonight. Aaron Judge was officially left off the Yankees roster. Was that the right move? Then its the end of week three in the NFL so you know what that means. It's time for Stephen A's top five NFL teams. Will the Chiefs stay at number one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Was Last Night a Bad Game or a Bad Sign for the Eagles? 29.09.2026 46m
    First Take begins as the Bears' 3rd string QB, Case Keenum, threw all over Philly and their defense as he led the Bears to a 27-7 win. What statement does this make for the Bears going forward? How much credit should we give to Ben Johnson? Then, yesterday was NBA media day and we got another LeBron moment. LeBron stated that he would have gone to the Knicks during this offseason if they did not win the championship. What does Stephen A. have to say about this? Next NHL legend, P.K. Subban, joins the show to break down some of the biggest storylines on the ice heading into opening night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Did Cleveland's Win Change the Way You View Deshaun Watson? 28.09.2026 47m
    First Take resumes back in Brazil as Dallas' defensive concerns continue. Lamar and the Ravens rushed for almost 200 yards as Dallas consistently could not set or keep an edge. Did the outcome of this game mean more for Dallas or the Ravens? Next the crew breaks down the biggest storylines from college football week 4. What statement did Florida make with their blowout win over Ole Miss? Is a 1-game suspension enough for USC's Desman Stephens for his hit on Dante Moore? Then Stephen A. had a sit down with NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell. You won't want to miss some of the questions Stephen A had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Are we More Disappointed in Dallas' Offense or Defense at the end of the Game? 28.09.2026 44m
    First Take begins with a battle in Brazil. Ravens Cowboys came down to the wire and it took a 57 yard field goal from Baltimore to take home the win. There were some late game issues with how the Cowboys played down the stretch. Is their offense or defense more to blame for the loss? Next to the AFC North where a faceoff between the Bengals and Steelers took place. Aaron Rodgers turned back the clock to throw three touchdowns and beat the undefeated Bengals. Is the Bengals defense starting to slide once again? Then real concern in New England as Drake Maye has yet another turnover riddled game. Have we lost all confidence in Drake Maye? What does he have to do to bounce back? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Are the Packers the Worst Team in the NFL? 25.09.2026 46m
    First Take resumes with more Packers problems. Could the Packers realistically be the worst team in the NFL right now? Are there any ways to fix the current roster this year? Will the return of Josh Jacobs change anything? Next, the NBA's top 100 list fully came out and there are a few surprises. LeBron James is ranked all the way at 18 while other vets like Curry and Durant are 12 and 13 respectively. After his monster season, Victor Wembanyama is ranked as the second best player in the league. What does Wemby have to do this year to take over that number one spot? Then the crew heads over to the AFC where there are four remaining 2-0 teams; Chiefs, Bills, Bengals and Raiders. Are the Chiefs the team to beat out of these four? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Is the Packers Season Over? 25.09.2026 48m
    First Take Begins with an old friend making his return. Skip Bayless is back and you won't want to miss is!! First we head to Green Bay where the Packers were straight up embarrassed by Michael Penix and the Falcons, suffering the worst home loss in the Matt Lafleur era. Is it already time to start thinking about next year for the Packers? Next there is a rumble in Rio brewing. The Ravens and Cowboys travel south to Brazil for their game this weekend. How can Dallas' defense stop Lamar and the Ravens rushing attack? Then the crew goes back to college for another ranked Texas matchup. Arch Manning travels to Tennessee where his Uncle created a legacy to take on the Volunteers. Do you trust Arch Manning to come through? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: What Would a 3-0 Start Mean for the Raiders? 24.09.2026 47m
    First Take resumes as the NFL travels to Brazil for the Ravens and the Cowboys to face off. Both these teams sit at 1-1 with disappointing loses. Who needs the win more? Who is more likely to win their division? Next the crew previews some of the most underrated storylines heading into week three of the NFL. Deshaun Watson makes his 2026 home debut in Cleveland. What should the Browns do if he plays poorly? The Raiders are looking to go 3-0. Are they for real? What would a Jets win over the Lions mean? Then there seems to be a clear top two teams in the AFC. Who should we be higher on, the Chiefs or Bills? What do both of these teams need to do to win the Super Bowl? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Are There More Questions About the Ravens or the Cowboys? 24.09.2026 47m
    First Take begins as Stephen A. is in Rio De Janeiro for the Cowboys Ravens matchup. With both these teams having shaky moments in games so far, who should we have more questions about? Will the Dallas rush defense crumble against Lamar Jackson? Next the crew moves to the NFC North where three of the teams sit at 1-1 after two weeks. Which of the North's .500 teams do we trust the most? Then the Rams take on the Broncos in a game that many people before the season marked as a potential Super Bowl preview. Is this still the case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Do the Bears Have a Chance Against the Eagles Without their Top 2 QBs? 23.09.2026 47m
    First Take resumes as the Giants aren't the only team with QB questions. The Bears will most likely be without Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent, who is now in concussion protocol, in their game against Philadelphia. Do the Bears have a chance this weekend? Next the Bengals are back and may be better than ever. The same Bengals offense we all know with a defense that is much improved makes the sky the limit for the Bengals this season. Then tune in to catch what Mad Dog is mad about this week, you won't want to miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Is the Giants Season Over Without Jaxson Dart? 23.09.2026 46m
    First Take begins with some GIANT questions in New York. Jaxson Dart's knee injury turned out to be a lot more serious than originally expected as he is in jeopardy of missing the rest of the season. Where do the Giants go at QB from here? Next, who had the more impressive week two bounce back, Rams or Broncos? Which team is in a better spot going forward? Then a preview of some of the biggest College Football games this weekend. Should Florida be favored over Ole Miss? Should we expect LSU to bounce back vs Texas A&M? Will Arch & Texas be able to survive Tennessee? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Did the Rams Put the NFC Back on Notice? 22.09.2026 46m
    First Take resumes as the Rams manhandled the Giants on Monday Night Football. They outgained New York 481 yards to 182 and had control of the game the entire night. Is this something we should expect, especially with New York playing their backup QB, or are the Rams who we thought they were before the season? Next Ole Miss plays another in another ranked matchup this weekend as they travel to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. Trinidad Chambliss is the front runner for the Heisman right now, but could he be an NFL starting QB? Then Stephen A gives his top five NFL teams after week two, you won't want to miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Can the Giants Keep their Season on Track Without Jaxson Dart? 22.09.2026 47m
    First Take begins with some trouble in Hollywood as another young QB goes down with an injury. Jaxson Dart left the game in the first quarter with a rumored MCL sprain. How long will he be out and how will this affect the Giants moving forward? Next the crew checks in on Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels after new injury news released. How long can either of these teams survive without their QB? Then Chris Canty, host of UnSportsmanLike on ESPN, breaks down some 2-0 teams. Are the Vikings and Raiders actually good? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 2: Are We More Confident or Concerned About the Eagles? 21.09.2026 46m
    First Take Resumes as Jalen Hurts led Philly to a game winning touchdown drive... but it was against the Titans. This is two straight weeks where the Eagles have struggled to put lesser teams away. Even though their 2-0, should we start to be worried about the Eagles? Next, Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss get their revenge against Lane and LSU. How does this loss change our view of Lane Kiffin? Then Todd Monken responds to the criticism the Browns have been getting with an all-time quote you won't want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
  • Hour 1: Can the Bears Stay Afloat Without Caleb Williams? 21.09.2026 47m
    First Take Begins with chaos in Chi-Town. Caleb Williams was carted off the field early in the 4th quarter with a hamstring injury. If Caleb is out long-term will the Bears be able to survive? Next, the Cowboys win their first game of the season but still looked shaky. Their defense struggled to stop the Commanders' rushing attack even after Jayden Daniels left the game with an elbow injury. Did their win restore our confidence in the Cowboys or does there still need to be improvement to be taken seriously in the NFC? Then CJ Stroud struggled as the Texans only scored six points. Is it time to start worrying about the Texans? How good does their defense need to be to carry the offense? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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